Multifunctional aerosol valve assembly

Abstract

An aerosol container includes a body (100) comprising an outer chamber (110a) and an inner chamber (120a) positioned within the outer chamber (110a), the inner chamber (120a) having a partition (121) separating it from the outer chamber (110a) and an opening; a piercing member (300) for rupturing the partition (121); and an aerosol valve assembly (200) for closing the opening of the inner chamber (120a) and comprising any one or a combination of a content filling mechanism, a gas discharge mechanism, a rupturing mechanism, and a content dispensing mechanism. Upon activation of the aerosol valve assembly (200), the content filling mechanism enables a content filling passage to be formed to allow external content to be added into the body (100), the gas discharge mechanism enables a gas discharge passage to be formed to allow unwanted or excess gas to be released out of the container, the rupturing mechanism acts on the piercing member (300) to rupture the partition (121) to allow the contents within the inner chamber (120a) and the outer chamber (110a) to coalesce to form a coalesced content, and the content dispensing mechanism enables a content dispensing passage to be formed to dispense the content out of the body (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol valve assembly for an aerosol container. More specifically, this invention relates to an aerosol valve assembly that can support the filling of contents, degassing from the aerosol container, coalescence of contents, and dispensing of contents. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol containers typically comprise a metal container body and an aerosol valve assembly, wherein the body stores contents such as a payload and propellant, and the aerosol valve assembly provides a "gate" for the contents to enter or leave the aerosol container. The payload can be, but is not limited to, a single-component coating or a multi-component coating. In the case of a multi-component coating, all components are preferably coalesced or mixed prior to dispensing. The propellant can be, but is not limited to, compressed air or hydrocarbons. The propellant is stored in the aerosol can at high pressure such that when the aerosol valve assembly is actuated by an actuator, pressure is applied to dispensing the payload through a nozzle.

[0003] The aerosol valve assembly is mounted on the main body via a support for the mounting cup. The aerosol valve assembly also includes a housing, a resilient element such as a spring, and a washer. A rod is used to form a path within the aerosol valve assembly. When the actuator of the aerosol container is pressed, the resilient element is compressed, the rod moves downward away from the washer, and the contents are dispensed due to the pressure difference. When the actuator is not pressed, the resilient element is decompressed, the rod moves upward back to the upward position, thereby preventing the contents from being dispensed.

[0004] Aerosol valve assemblies can be either convex or concave. In a convex aerosol valve assembly, the rod is integrated within it and protrudes outward from the housing and mounting cup. In a concave aerosol valve assembly, the rod is integrated with the actuator and is inserted into the housing of the aerosol valve assembly.

[0005] During the manufacturing process of aerosol containers, especially in the stages of crimping and filling the contents via the aerosol valve assembly, the stem of a convex aerosol valve is prone to bending or breaking. This renders the aerosol container unusable. Therefore, a concave aerosol valve is preferred because it reduces the failure rate during manufacturing.

[0006] Several patents exist in the prior art related to aerosol valve assemblies. One of them is US3074601, which discloses a concave aerosol valve assembly that includes a removable dispensing tip on its actuator. This dispensing tip is interchangeable with another similar tip to discharge the contents of the container in the form of a flow, spray, or foam, depending on the nature of the product in the container.

[0007] Another patent, US3613960, discloses an aerosol container with a concave valve assembly that allows for refilling of the contents. The aerosol container can be filled to a predetermined level by a payload and propellant, and includes a cylindrical housing having a first annular disc connected to one end and a second annular disc connected to the other end. A first valve cover is connected to the first annular disc and has a bidirectional dual-purpose valve positioned therein for receiving and dispensing liquid. A second valve cover is connected to a second annular disc and has a second dual-purpose valve positioned therein for dispensing excess gas. A nozzle head can be added to the dual-purpose valve, allowing the valve to be used to spray liquid.

[0008] Nevertheless, the aforementioned patented technologies related to concave aerosol valve assemblies lack versatility. The valve assembly in US3074601 can only dispense contents, while US3613960 requires the use of two separate valve assemblies at both ends of the aerosol container to allow for refilling, dispensing, and degassing of the container. Furthermore, neither of these prior art technologies is configured for integration into an aerosol container containing a multi-component payload.

[0009] The aforementioned patents do not disclose a solution for a universal aerosol valve assembly capable of supporting contents filling, degassing from the aerosol container, contents coalescence, and contents dispensing. Therefore, a concave aerosol valve assembly capable of supporting these functions is desirable, particularly for aerosol containers with multi-component payloads. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an aerosol valve assembly, preferably concave, that supports the filling of contents, degassing of the aerosol container, coalescence of contents, and dispensing of contents, particularly for aerosol containers containing multi-component payloads. To achieve this objective, the aerosol valve assembly is configured to accommodate a removable component that allows the aerosol valve assembly to actuate a contents filling mechanism, a gas venting mechanism for degassing the container, a rupture mechanism for coalescing contents, a contents dispensing mechanism, or any combination thereof.

[0011] Advantageously, the aerosol valve assembly of the present invention can prevent damage to the rod during further aerosol container manufacturing processes, while also being compatible with aerosol containers having multi-component payloads. The most significant improvement of the present invention is that the same aerosol valve assembly can be used for filling, dispensing, degassing, and component coalescence processes.

[0012] This invention aims to provide an aerosol container, comprising: a body including an outer chamber and an inner chamber positioned within the outer chamber, the inner chamber having a partition and an opening separating it from the outer chamber; a piercing member for rupturing the partition; and an aerosol valve assembly for closing the opening of the inner chamber and including any one or a combination of a contents filling mechanism, a gas venting mechanism, a rupture mechanism, and a contents dispensing mechanism. Upon activation of the aerosol valve assembly, the contents filling mechanism enables the formation of a contents filling channel to allow the addition of external contents into the body; the gas venting mechanism enables the formation of a gas venting channel to allow unwanted or excess gas to be released outside the body; the rupture mechanism acts on the piercing member to rupture the partition, thereby allowing the contents in the inner and outer chambers to coalesce to form coalesced contents; and the contents dispensing mechanism enables the formation of a contents dispensing channel to dispense contents outside the body.

[0013] Preferably, the aerosol valve assembly of the aerosol container includes: a mounting cup mounted on an opening of an inner chamber and having a hole; a valve body positioned within the inner chamber and adjacent to the hole of the mounting cup; and a valve core housed within the valve body, having a cap portion, a valve shaft connected to the cap portion, and an inlet formed between the cap portion and the valve shaft, wherein the valve shaft is movable within the valve core to expose or close the inlet.

[0014] Preferably, the aerosol container further includes: a detachable component inserted into the hole of the mounting cup, which is a content filling device with a content filling start lever, a gas venting device with a venting start lever, a content filling and gas venting device with both content filling and venting start levers, a rupture device with a rupture start lever, a content dispensing device with a content dispensing start lever, or any combination thereof.

[0015] Preferably, the contents filling mechanism includes a valve shaft and a valve core with a cover portion configured to receive a contents filling rod passing through it for supplying external contents into the valve core, while simultaneously actuating the valve shaft to expose the valve core's inlet for guiding the external contents through the valve core and into the inner chamber.

[0016] Preferably, the contents filling channel includes a contents filling device, a valve core, a channel formed by an immersion tube connected to the valve core within a piercing member, and an inner chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the gas emission mechanism includes a valve shaft and a valve core with a cover portion configured to receive an emission actuation rod for moving the valve core away from the orifice of the mounting cup to create a gap between the valve core and the orifice, thereby allowing unwanted or excess gas to be discharged from the body of the aerosol container through the gas emission device.

[0018] Preferably, the gas discharge passage includes one or both of the following combinations: an inner chamber, a valve body, and a discharge conduit within the gas discharge device; and an inner chamber, a passage formed between the piercing member and the valve body, a valve core, and a discharge conduit within the gas discharge device.

[0019] Preferably, the contents filling mechanism and the gas venting mechanism are configured to operate simultaneously when the contents filling and venting actuation lever activates the aerosol valve assembly. This allows external contents to be supplied from the lever through the cap portion, while simultaneously moving the valve shaft to expose the valve core inlet for guiding external contents into the valve core, and moving the valve core away from the orifice of the mounting cup to create a gap between the valve core and the orifice, thereby allowing unwanted or excess gas to be discharged from the body of the aerosol container through the contents filling and gas venting device.

[0020] Preferably, the rupture mechanism includes a valve core and a valve housing, the valve housing being located in a groove formed at one end of the piercing member, the piercing member being slidable along the valve housing such that when the rupture actuating rod actuates the valve assembly, the valve core is pushed to displace the piercing member toward the separator, thereby causing the separator to rupture.

[0021] Preferably, the aerosol container further includes an immersion tube that forms a channel inside the piercing member, the immersion tube moving with the piercing member to reach the outer chamber when the separator ruptures.

[0022] Preferably, the valve core is configured to return substantially or completely to its original position within the valve housing when the rupture actuation rod is removed, which disconnects the valve core from the channel of the puncture member, thereby creating a cavity within the puncture member by covering the groove with the valve housing.

[0023] Preferably, the contents dispensing mechanism includes a valve housing and a valve core with a cap portion configured to receive a contents dispensing actuating rod that displaces the valve core away from the orifice of the mounting cup, thereby creating a gap between the valve core and the orifice to allow contents to be dispensed outside the aerosol container via the contents dispensing device. Also preferably, the piercing member has a groove formed at one end, the groove being covered by the valve housing to form a cavity within the piercing member, and the piercing member has an immersion tube forming a channel within the piercing member.

[0024] Preferably, the contents dispensing channel includes the body of the aerosol container, a channel within the piercing member, a cavity in the piercing member, a valve housing, a conduit between the valve core's cap portion and the contents dispensing actuating rod, and a contents dispensing device. Also preferably, the contents dispensing actuating rod is sized to fix the position of the valve core during the gap formation.

[0025] The present invention also aims to provide an aerosol valve assembly for the body of an aerosol container, the aerosol valve assembly comprising any one or a combination of a contents filling mechanism, a gas venting mechanism, a bursting mechanism, and a contents dispensing mechanism. When the aerosol valve assembly is activated, the contents filling mechanism enables the formation of a contents filling channel to allow the addition of external contents into the body of the aerosol container; the gas venting mechanism enables the formation of a gas venting channel to allow unwanted or excess gas to be released outside the body of the aerosol container; the bursting mechanism allows the contents within the body of the aerosol container to coalesce to form aggregated contents; and the contents dispensing mechanism enables the formation of a contents dispensing channel to dispense contents outside the body of the aerosol container.

[0026] Preferably, the aerosol valve assembly includes: a mounting cup mounted on an opening in the body of the aerosol container and having a hole; a valve housing positioned within the body of the aerosol container and adjacent to the hole in the mounting cup; and a valve core housed within the valve housing, having a cap portion, a valve shaft connected to the cap portion, and an inlet formed between the cap portion and the valve shaft, wherein the valve shaft is movable within the valve core to expose or close the inlet.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention is highly suitable for achieving the stated objectives and obtaining the stated objectives and advantages, as well as those inherent thereto. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, and the invention, its construction and operation, and its many advantages will be readily understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly in an inert state, sealed by a sealing lock device.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged image focuses on the aerosol valve assembly on the aerosol container.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly in the activated state, allowing the contents filling mechanism and gas emission mechanism to operate.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The enlarged view focuses on the aerosol valve assembly on the aerosol container to show the contents filling path and gas emission path.

[0033] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly in a non-activated state, where the rupture mechanism is still not operated.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly in the activated state, allowing the rupture mechanism to operate.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The enlarged view focuses on the aerosol valve assembly on the aerosol container to show the position of the component after the rupture mechanism is activated.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly in an activated state that allows the contents dispensing mechanism to operate.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The enlarged view focuses on the aerosol valve assembly on the aerosol container to show the contents dispensing path. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This invention relates to an aerosol valve assembly for an aerosol container. More specifically, the invention relates to an aerosol valve assembly that can support the filling of contents, degassing from the aerosol container, coalescence of contents, and dispensing of contents, particularly for aerosol containers containing multi-component payloads. The invention can also be presented in different embodiments having common elements.

[0039] According to the concept of the invention, the aerosol container is preferably configured to accommodate a multi-component payload, having a body with an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The aerosol container also has an aerosol valve assembly that closes the opening of the inner chamber and is configured to receive a removable component that allows the aerosol valve assembly to activate a contents filling mechanism for filling the contents, a gas venting mechanism for degassing the aerosol container, a rupture mechanism for coalescing the contents, a contents dispensing mechanism for dispensing the contents, or any combination thereof.

[0040] Here, in the context of this invention, it should be understood that the term "contents" can refer to an aqueous or gaseous fluid, which may include a payload and a propellant. The payload may be a multi-component having one or more coatings, or any kind of coloring liquid or fluid, adhesive composition, polyurethane enamel, or any kind of compound associated with a coloring application. It should be determined that the aerosol valve assembly will be used for an aerosol container having a two-component payload or a two-component payload. These two components are preferably a resin component and a hardener component. Preferably, the resin component is stored in the outer chamber of the aerosol container, and the hardener component is stored in the inner chamber of the aerosol container. As for the propellant, it may be, but is not limited to, compressed air, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, etc.

[0041] It will be understood here that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0042] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as “upper” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the components in use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are flipped, an element described as “upper” to another element or feature would be oriented as “lower” to that element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “upper” can include both above and below orientations. Devices may be oriented in other ways, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these drawings show a symmetrical longitudinal cross-section of the aerosol container. Therefore, the labeled aerosol container assembly and the processes occurring therein should also be reflected and applied to its unlabeled counterpart.

[0044] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol container including a main body 100 and an aerosol valve assembly 200 is shown. Figure 2 This illustration focuses specifically on the aerosol valve assembly 200 and its related components.

[0045] from Figure 1It can also be seen that the main body 100 is preferably cylindrical, having a hollow outer compartment 110, the inner wall of which forms an outer cavity 110a. Preferably, the outer compartment 110 is made of a metallic material with sufficient strength to withstand the pressure applied by the propellant. The upper portion of the outer compartment 110 is conical and includes an opening that allows for the reception of a hollow inner compartment 120, the opening of which is supported by the edge of the opening. Preferably, the inner compartment 120 is pre-filled with contents, particularly the payload and propellant as a resin component, before being received within the outer compartment 110. Compared to the outer compartment 110, the inner compartment 120 is substantially smaller in diameter and volume, and its inner wall forms an inner cavity 120a. The bottom end of the inner compartment 120 is divided into a partition 121, which is preferably made of a thin or soft material that is easily punctured or perforated. It can be, but is not limited to, rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), etc.

[0046] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the aerosol valve assembly 200 also includes a mounting cup 201 and a valve body 210. The mounting cup 201 seals the opening of the inner compartment 120 by a crimping process, thereby forming a leak-proof space in the inner chamber 120a and the outer chamber 110a. Directly below the aerosol valve assembly 200 is a piercing member 300. When it is necessary to aggregate the contents of the inner chamber 120a and the outer chamber 110a by mixing, the piercing member 300 will rupture the separator 121 of the inner compartment 120, allowing the contents of the inner chamber 120a to flow into the outer chamber 110a and aggregate. One or more stirring balls 111 may be included in the outer compartment 110 to assist in this process.

[0047] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the aerosol valve assembly 200 is located on a groove 310 formed in the upper portion of the piercing member 300. Preferably, the aerosol valve assembly 200 is slidable along the wall of the groove 310, and its conduit is connected to a channel 320 of the piercing member 300, which may be formed by an immersion tube 321. Alternatively, the immersion tube 321 may be absent, and the channel 320 may be integrated as part of the piercing member 300. The lower portion of the piercing member 300 also includes one or more protrusions 330 that will allow the piercing member 300 to rupture the partition 121 of the inner compartment 120 when it is necessary to coalesce the contents as a payload component.

[0048] from Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen in the full view of the aerosol valve assembly 200, the mounting cup 201 has another hole 201a. Adjacent to the hole 201a and within the inner compartment 120 is a valve housing 210 connected to the hole 201a, with a first gasket seal 202 between the valve housing 210 and the hole 201a. The valve housing 210 has a hollow cylindrical body that houses the main components of the valve of the aerosol container and contains a tubular valve core 220 fitted within a first elastic member 211, which can be a spring or any form of elastic device. This structure allows the valve core 220 to move vertically within the valve housing 210. The valve housing 210 has an inwardly projecting annular base at its lower end, with the first elastic member 211 located on the annular base, and a third gasket seal 212 between the first elastic member 211 and the annular base. In addition, the side hole 213 is provided around the middle part of the valve body 210 and is slightly higher than the groove 310.

[0049] from Figure 2 The valve core 220 itself has a hollow cylindrical body, but with different diameters at its upper and lower ends to present a shape similar to a tapered sleeve. The valve core 220 also includes a cover portion 221 and a valve shaft 222 disposed therein, with a second gasket seal 223 between the cover portion 221 and the valve shaft 222. The valve shaft 222 is tubular and is fitted within a second elastic member 224 inside the valve core 220. The second elastic member 224, similar to the first elastic member 211, is also a spring. This configuration allows the valve shaft 222 to move vertically within the valve core 220. When the valve shaft 222 moves vertically downwards, an inlet is formed between the valve shaft 222 and the second gasket seal 223, allowing external contents (preferably as a load of the hardener component) to flow into the body 100. Furthermore, the cover portion 221 is configured to affect the movement of the entire valve core 220 or only the valve shaft 222 within the valve core 220. This is because the cover portion 221 has an annular base that protrudes inward from its bottom end. Finally, near the bottom end of the valve core 220, which has a smaller diameter, there is a region on the outer wall of the valve core 220 where a recessed portion 225 is formed.

[0050] from Figure 1 and Figure 2The aerosol container is in an inert state suitable for storage after manufacturing. To achieve this state, a fastening device 500 needs to be secured to the top of the aerosol container, specifically to the top of the mounting cup 201 of the aerosol valve assembly 200. The fastening device 500 does not have any type of rod that would cause a change in the position of the entire valve core 220 or only the valve shaft 222 within the valve core 220. Because the resilient members 211, 224 of the aerosol valve assembly 200 actively push the components of the aerosol valve assembly 200 against the gasket seals 202, 223, no contents will leak from the aerosol container. The fastening device 500 also protects the orifice 201a of the aerosol valve assembly 200 from damage by any foreign objects, particularly rod-shaped objects, which could cause accidental displacement of the components of the aerosol valve assembly 200.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The contents filling mechanism (I) and the gas venting mechanism (II) relating to the aerosol valve assembly 200 and the contents filling and gas venting device 410 will now be described in detail. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly 200 is shown, which is activated by an attached contents filling and gas emission device 410. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view shows the flow of external contents (preferably a payload as a hardener component) into the aerosol container and excess gas leaving the aerosol container when the device 410 activates the aerosol valve assembly 200. Although the contents filling mechanism (I) and the gas venting mechanism (II) described herein operate simultaneously, it is not limited to this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the contents filling mechanism (I) and the gas venting mechanism (II) can operate independently of each other by using either the contents filling device or the gas venting device separately.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a content filling and gas emission device 410 with a content filling and emission start lever 411. This device 410 allows simultaneous operation of the content filling mechanism (I) and the gas emission mechanism (II). Preferably, the content filling and gas emission device 410 is part of the filling tank T. The aerosol container may be located in an aerosol container production line where components (e.g., hardener components) are filled into the inner chamber 120a. Preferably, prior to activation, the content filling and emission start lever 411 is positioned directly above the hole 201a of the mounting cup 201 of the aerosol valve assembly 200, the hole 201a leading to the valve housing 210 within the aerosol container.

[0053] Reference Figure 3When the hole 201a of the mounting cup 201 is penetrated by the actuating rod 411 of the contents filling and gas venting device 410, the aerosol valve assembly 200 is activated. This allows the contents filling mechanism (I) and the gas venting mechanism (II) to operate. Preferably, the actuating rod 411 is tapered or telescopically extended because its body has a different diameter to allow it to vertically displace the valve core 220 and the valve shaft 222 within the valve core 220.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 The thinner portion of the actuating lever 411 causes the valve shaft 222 of the valve core 220 to shift vertically, thereby creating a gap between the valve shaft 222 and the second gasket seal 223. Thus, the contents filling and gas discharge device 410, according to the contents filling mechanism (I), provides the inflow of external contents (preferably as a load of the hardener component) into the aerosol container.

[0055] Similarly, refer to Figure 4 The thicker portion of the actuating lever 411 causes the valve core 220 to shift vertically until its bottom portion protrudes slightly outward from the valve housing 210, thus creating a gap between the first gasket seal 202 and the upper portion of the cover portion 221 of the valve core 220. The length of the actuating lever 411 is configured such that it does not cause the valve core 220 to shift vertically until it displaces the piercing member 300 to rupture the separator 121. Furthermore, when the actuating lever 411 causes the valve core 220 to shift vertically, its recessed portion 225 protrudes slightly from the valve housing. Thus, the contents filling and gas venting device 410 provides degassing of the aerosol container according to the gas venting mechanism (II).

[0056] Figure 4 The formed flow channels are further illustrated. Specifically, Figure 4 Two flow channels are shown: a contents filling channel (path indicated by the arrow "→") and a gas discharge channel (path indicated by the arrow ""). The components involved in the contents filling channel constitute the contents filling mechanism (I), while the components involved in the gas discharge channel constitute the gas discharge mechanism (II).

[0057] about Figure 4 The contents filling channel shown is a channel used by external contents from tank L to fill the inner chamber 120a. The path of the contents filling channel begins at the gap formed between valve shaft 222 and the second gasket seal 223. Next, the external contents flow through the inner wall of valve core 220 (because valve core 220 is hollow) and reach the bottom portion of valve core 220. Finally, the external contents flow through the channel 320 of the piercing member 300, so that they fill the vicinity of the inner chamber 120a. This completes the description of the contents filling mechanism (I).

[0058] about Figure 4 The gas discharge channel shown is a passage through which excess gas present in the inner chamber 120a can exit the aerosol container. This creates a pseudo-vacuum environment within the inner chamber 120a, with virtually no gas that could cause oxidation of the external contents filling the inner chamber 120a. The path of the gas discharge channel begins at the gap formed between the mounting cup 201 and the piercing member 300, whereby excess gas enters. Next, the excess gas travels through the wall of the recess 310 of the piercing member 300 and the outer wall of the valve housing 210. Subsequently, the excess gas enters the valve housing 210 through the recessed portion 225 of the valve core (since the recessed portion 225 also protrudes). Thereafter, the excess gas travels within the valve housing 210 of the aerosol container, passing through the inner wall of the valve housing 210 and the outer wall of the valve core 220. Furthermore, the presence of the side hole 213 further enhances the gas discharge mechanism (II) by allowing the discharge of excess gas through a direct path into the valve housing 210. The excess gas then travels upwards until it reaches the gap between the first gasket seal 202 and the upper end of the cover portion 221 of the valve core 220. Once the excess gas reaches this area, it exits the aerosol container through the discharge conduit 412, which is connected to the actuating rod 411. Finally, the discharge conduit 412 leads the excess gas out to the environment where it will be discharged. This completes the description of the gas discharge mechanism (II).

[0059] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The rupture mechanism (III) involving the aerosol valve assembly 200 and the rupture device 420 will now be described. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown of the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly 200 in a non-activated state, but ready to be attached to the rupture device 420. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown of the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly 200 in the activated state, attached to the rupture device 420. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged view showing the positions of the components of the aerosol valve assembly 200 when it is in the activated state.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 The diagram shows a fracturing device 420 with a fracturing initiation lever 421. This device 420 allows operation of the fracturing mechanism (III). Preferably, in... Figure 5 Prior to activation, the rupture activation lever 421 is positioned directly above the hole 201a in the mounting cup 201 of the aerosol valve assembly 200, which leads to the valve housing 210 within the aerosol container. (See reference...) Figure 6When the hole 201a of the mounting cup 201 is penetrated by the actuating rod 421 of the rupture device 420, the aerosol valve assembly 200 is activated. This allows the rupture mechanism (III) to operate. Preferably, the actuating rod 421 is not tapered and has a constant diameter. The diameter of the actuating rod 421 is large enough that it at least slightly surrounds the annular base of the cap portion 221 of the valve core 220. This allows the actuating rod 421 to displace the valve core 220 only vertically.

[0061] Reference Figure 7 The rupture trigger 421 forces the entire valve core 220 downward. The trigger 421 is long enough to allow the valve core 220 to protrude from the valve housing 210 and provide vertical displacement for the piercing member 300 (since the aerosol valve assembly 200 is located within the recess 310). This causes the protrusion 330 to rupture the partition 121 of the inner compartment 120, causing the contents of the inner chamber 120a to coalesce or mix with the contents of the outer chamber 110a. Specifically, the hardener component in the inner chamber 120a coalesces or mixes with the resin component and propellant in the outer chamber 110a. This forms coalesced contents. When the piercing member 300 pierces the partition 121, the impregnation tube 321 reaches the base of the outer compartment 110. Thus, the description of the rupture mechanism (III) is complete.

[0062] When the rupture device 420 is removed from the aerosol container (not shown), the valve core 210 retracts into its valve housing due to the first elastic member 211 and re-emerges with... Figure 2 Similar location. However, the piercing component 300 will undergo permanent positional changes within the aerosol container. Figure 2 Unlike other aerosol containers, the valve housing 210 will no longer be located on the groove 310 of the piercing member 300. Since the piercing member 300 has been permanently displaced downwards, the groove 310 forms a cavity 310a.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The contents dispensing mechanism (IV) relating to the aerosol valve assembly 200 and the contents dispensing device 430 will now be described. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view is shown of the aerosol container and aerosol valve assembly 200 in the activated state, attached to the contents dispensing device 430. Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An enlarged view showing the flow of contents leaving the aerosol container when the device 430 is in the activated state.

[0064] Reference Figure 8The diagram illustrates a content dispensing device 430 with a content dispensing actuation lever 431. This device 430 allows operation of the content dispensing mechanism (IV). Preferably, the content dispensing device 430 is similar to a conventional aerosol container nozzle, including a nozzle 432 and a conduit leading to the nozzle. Preferably, prior to activation, the actuation lever 431 is positioned directly above an orifice 201a in the mounting cup 201 of the aerosol valve assembly 200, the orifice 201a leading to the valve housing 210 within the aerosol container.

[0065] Reference Figure 9 When the hole 201a of the mounting cup 201 is penetrated by the actuating rod 431 of the contents dispensing device 430, the aerosol valve assembly 200 is activated. This allows the contents dispensing mechanism (IV) to operate. Preferably, the actuating rod 431 is not tapered and has a constant diameter. The diameter of the actuating rod 431 is large enough that it at least slightly surrounds the annular base of the cap portion 221 of the valve core 220. This allows the actuating rod 431 to displace the valve core 220 only vertically.

[0066] Similarly, refer to Figure 9 Specifically, the contents dispensing actuation lever 431 causes the valve core 220 itself to shift vertically until its bottom portion protrudes outward from the valve housing 210, exposing the recessed portion 225 of the valve core 220. The actuation lever 431 also leaves a gap between the first gasket seal 202 and the upper portion of the cap portion 221 of the valve core 220. Thus, the contents dispensing device 430 provides degassing of the aerosol container according to the contents dispensing mechanism (IV).

[0067] Figure 9 The formed flow channels are further illustrated. Specifically, in... Figure 9 The diagram shows a flow channel that serves as a content dispensing channel (the path indicated by the arrow "→"). The components involved in the content dispensing channel constitute the content dispensing mechanism (IV).

[0068] about Figure 9 The contents dispensing channel shown is a channel through which the aggregated contents within the aerosol container are dispensed into the environment via nozzle 432. According to... Figure 8In the shown startup state, a pressure difference is created between the environment and the pressurized interior of the aerosol container due to the presence of propellant. Thus, the path of the contents distribution channel begins at the bottom portion of the immersion tube 321, which is now located at the base of the inner compartment 120, where the coalesced contents are drawn in. Next, the coalesced contents travel upwards along the channel 320 of the immersion tube 321 to reach the cavity 310a. Subsequently, the coalesced contents enter the valve housing 210 through the recess 225 of the valve core 220. Then, the coalesced contents travel through the inner wall of the valve housing 210 and the outer wall of the valve core 220. During this process, propellant can enter the valve housing through the side port 213 to further mix with the coalesced contents or undergo secondary mixing.

[0069] Once the coalesced contents reach the gap formed between the first gasket seal 202 and the upper portion of the cap portion 221 of the valve core 220, the coalesced contents are then forced through a conduit formed between the outer wall of the contents dispensing actuation rod 431 and the wall of the cap portion 221 to reach the inlet of the actuation rod 431. Finally, the coalesced contents reach the nozzle 432 through the conduit of the contents dispensing device 430 for dispensing into the environment. Further mixing or secondary mixing between the coalesced contents and the propellant that has entered through the side orifice 213 can provide uniform dispensing of the coalesced contents for better jetting results. This completes the description of the contents dispensing mechanism (IV).

[0070] The aerosol valve assembly 200 of the aerosol container of the present invention allows the aerosol container to be refilled in the future after its contents have been used up. However, when the rupture mechanism (III) is actuated, the positional configuration of the internal components of the aerosol container undergoes an irreversible change, so the aerosol container can only be refilled with contents, for example, as a payload for a single-component coating.

[0071] Ultimately, the present invention provides an aerosol container compatible with multi-component payloads, capable of supporting the use of the same aerosol valve assembly 200 for filling, degassing, coalescence, and dispensing of contents. The aerosol valve assembly provides means for initiating a contents filling mechanism, a gas venting mechanism, a bursting mechanism, a contents dispensing mechanism, or any combination thereof.

[0072] This disclosure includes the contents contained in the appended claims and the foregoing description. Although the invention has been described in detail with a certain degree of specificity in its preferred form, it should be understood that the disclosure of the preferred form is by way of example only, and various changes can be made to the details of the construction and the combination and arrangement of components without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol container, comprising: The body (100) includes an outer chamber (110a) and an inner chamber (120a) located within the outer chamber (110a), the inner chamber (120a) having a partition (121) separating it from the outer chamber (110a) and the inner chamber (120a) also having an opening; A piercing member (300) is used to rupture the separator (121); as well as Aerosol valve assembly (200) for closing the opening of the inner chamber (120a) and having at least both a contents filling mechanism and a gas venting mechanism, or either or a combination of a rupture mechanism and a contents dispensing mechanism; When the aerosol valve assembly (200) is activated, The contents filling mechanism enables the formation of contents filling channels to allow external contents to be added to the body (100); The gas emission mechanism enables the formation of a gas emission channel when external contents are added to the body (100) to allow unwanted or excess gas to be released outside the body (100); The rupture mechanism acts on the piercing member (300) to rupture the separator (121), thereby allowing the contents within the inner chamber (120a) and the outer chamber (110a) to coalesce to form aggregated contents; and The content distribution mechanism enables the formation of content distribution channels to distribute the content outside the body (100); The aerosol valve assembly (200) includes: The mounting cup (201) is mounted on the opening of the inner chamber (120a) and has a hole (201a). A valve housing (210) is positioned within the inner chamber (120a) and adjacent to the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201); A valve core (220), which is housed within the valve housing (210), has a cover portion (221), a valve shaft (222), and an inlet formed between the cover portion (221) and the valve shaft (222), wherein the valve shaft (222) is movable within the valve core (220) to expose or close the inlet; Also includes: At least one detachable component is inserted into the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201), which is... Content filling mechanism with content filling rod, Gas emission mechanism (410) with emission start lever (411). A rupture mechanism (420) with a rupture initiation rod (421), or A content dispensing mechanism (430) with a content dispensing start lever (431); The contents filling channel includes the contents filling mechanism, the valve core (220), the channel (320) formed by the dip tube (321) in the piercing member (300) connected to the valve core (220), and the inner chamber (120a).

2. The aerosol container of claim 1, wherein the contents filling mechanism comprises the valve shaft (222) and a valve core (220) having a cover portion (221), the cover portion (221) being configured to receive the contents filling rod passing through therethrough for supplying the external contents into the valve core (220) while pushing the valve shaft (222) to expose the inlet of the valve core (220) for guiding the external contents through the valve core (220) and into the inner chamber (120a).

3. The aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein the gas emission mechanism comprises the valve shaft (222) and a valve core (220) having the cover portion (221), the cover portion (221) being configured to receive the emission actuation rod for moving the valve core (220) away from the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201) to form a gap between the valve core (220) and the hole (201a), thereby allowing the unwanted or excess gas to be discharged from the body (100) of the aerosol container through the gas emission mechanism.

4. The aerosol container according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the gas emission channel comprises one or both of the following combinations: a combination of the inner chamber (120a), the valve housing (210) and the emission conduit within the gas emission mechanism, and a combination of the inner chamber (120a), the channel formed between the piercing member (300) and the valve housing (210), the valve core (220) and the emission conduit of the gas emission mechanism.

5. The aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein the contents filling mechanism and the gas venting mechanism are configured to operate simultaneously when the contents filling rod and the venting actuation rod (411) actuate the aerosol valve assembly (200), which allows the external contents to be supplied from the rod (411) through the cap portion (221), while moving the valve shaft (222) to expose the inlet of the valve core (220) for guiding the external contents into the valve core (220), and moving the valve core (220) away from the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201) to form a gap between the valve core (220) and the hole (201a), thereby allowing the unwanted or excess gas to be discharged from the body (100) of the aerosol container through the contents filling mechanism and the gas venting mechanism (410).

6. The aerosol container according to claim 1, wherein the rupture mechanism comprises the valve core (220) and the valve housing (210), the valve housing (210) being located in a groove (310) formed at one end of the piercing member (300), the piercing member (300) being slidable along the valve housing (210) such that when the rupture actuation rod (421) actuates the valve assembly, the valve core (220) is pushed to displace the piercing member (300) toward the separator (121), thereby causing the separator (121) to rupture.

7. The aerosol container according to claim 6 further includes an immersion tube (321) forming a channel (320) inside the piercing member (300), the immersion tube (321) moving with the piercing member (300) to reach the outer chamber (110a) when the separator (121) ruptures.

8. The aerosol container of claim 7, wherein the valve core (220) is configured to substantially or completely return to its original position within the valve housing (210) upon removal of the rupture initiation lever (421), thereby disconnecting the valve core (220) from the channel (320) of the piercing member (300) and thereby forming a cavity (310a) within the piercing member (300) by covering the groove (310) with the valve housing (210).

9. The aerosol container of claim 1, wherein the contents dispensing mechanism comprises the valve housing (210) and the valve core (220) having the cap portion (221), the cap portion (221) being configured to receive the contents dispensing actuation rod (431) which displaces the valve core (220) away from the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201) to leave a gap between the valve core (220) and the hole (201a) to allow contents to be dispensed outside the aerosol container through the contents dispensing mechanism (430).

10. The aerosol container according to claim 9, wherein the piercing member (300) has a groove (310) formed at one end, the groove (310) being covered by the valve housing (210) to form a cavity (310a) within the piercing member (300), and the piercing member (300) having an immersion tube (321) forming a channel (320) within the piercing member (300).

11. The aerosol container according to claim 10, wherein the contents dispensing channel comprises the body (100) of the aerosol container, the channel (320) within the piercing member (300), the cavity (310a) of the piercing member (300), the valve housing (210), the conduit between the cap portion (221) of the valve core (220) and the contents dispensing actuation rod (431), and the contents dispensing mechanism (430).

12. The aerosol container according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the contents dispensing actuation lever (431) is sized to fix the position of the valve core (220) during the formation of the gap.

13. An aerosol valve assembly (200) for use in the body of an aerosol container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the aerosol valve assembly (200) including a separator (121). It has at least a contents filling mechanism, a gas venting mechanism, and a rupture mechanism, or a contents dispensing mechanism; in, When the aerosol valve assembly (200) is activated, The contents filling mechanism enables the formation of contents filling channels to allow external contents to be added into the body of the aerosol container; The gas emission mechanism enables the formation of a gas emission channel when external contents are added to the body, allowing unwanted or excess gas to be released outside the body of the aerosol container. The rupture mechanism enables the separator (121) to rupture, allowing the contents within the body of the aerosol container to coalesce and form aggregated contents; and The contents dispensing mechanism enables the formation of contents dispensing channels to dispense the contents into and out of the body of the aerosol container.

14. The aerosol valve assembly (200) according to claim 13, comprising: The mounting cup (201) is mounted on the opening of the body of the aerosol container and has a hole (201a). A valve housing (210) is positioned within the body of the aerosol container and adjacent to the hole (201a) of the mounting cup (201); The valve core (220), which is housed within the valve housing (210), has a cover portion (221), a valve shaft (222), and an inlet formed between the cover portion (221) and the valve shaft (222), wherein the valve shaft (222) is movable within the valve core (220) to expose or close the inlet.

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