VALVE ASSEMBLY AND OUTLET DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement for dispensing a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1, a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid according to the preamble of claim 8 and a method for producing a valve arrangement according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of aerosol containers, i.e., containers containing a pressurized fluid that can be released or sprayed as an aerosol. Such containers can be used in particular for hygiene, care, and cosmetic products, for example, deodorants or hairsprays.

[0003] In principle, however, the present invention is versatile and can be used in any technical field in which a (metered) release of a fluid from a container takes place.

[0004] WO 89 / 08062 A2 discloses an aerosol container whose opening is closed by a valve disc with a dispensing valve. The aerosol container is made of plastic. The valve disc and a dispensing valve housing are molded in one piece from plastic. A plastic cap is attached to the valve housing and welded to the outer opening edge of the valve housing.

[0005] EP 2 894 114 A1 discloses a valve assembly for aerosol containers comprising a valve disk, a valve element, and a valve housing for the valve element. A cover is arranged on the top side of the valve disk, which closes a mounting opening in the valve housing and is attached to the valve disk, for example, by a welded connection. The valve disk and the cover are made of plastic.

[0006] EP 2 832 661 A1 discloses an aerosol container whose container opening is closed by a valve plate with a dispensing valve, the valve plate being made of plastic. A dimensionally stable extension is formed on the inside of the valve plate, forming a receiving space for a valve housing of the dispensing valve. The extension and the valve housing are connected by at least one separate securing element.

[0007] WO 2016 / 202754 A1 relates to a valve assembly for an aerosol container. A valve disk and a valve housing of the valve assembly are formed as a one-piece component into which a spring, a seal, and a valve element are inserted from the outer side facing away from the container and secured to the valve disk by a substantially disc-like retaining ring. The retaining ring is axially ultrasonically welded to the valve disk.

[0008] WO 2017 / 021038 A1 relates to a valve assembly and a container for dispensing a fluid. A valve disk of the valve assembly is made of semicrystalline polyester. It can generally be joined to a container by friction welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding, with a collar of the valve disk enclosing an edge of the container.

[0009] WO 03 / 062092 A1 relates to a valve for dispensing foaming agents from pressure vessels. The valve is mounted on a valve plate. A leaf spring presses a sealing element against a sealing disc on the valve plate to seal the valve.

[0010] US 5,573,043 A relates to a valve disk for a pressurized dispenser, wherein a sealing connection between the valve disk and a pressure vessel is established by welding, in particular friction or ultrasonic welding. A valve assembly is attached to the valve disk via a pair of interlocking sleeves.

[0011] US 2012 / 292338 A1 relates to aerosol dispensers and their manufacture. The dispenser comprises a pressurized container with a valve disc, the valve disc having an opening for receiving a valve assembly and a fluid bag or fluid line.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to enable a flexible use of a conventional valve and / or a simple and cost-effective production of a valve assembly or dispensing device.

[0013] The above object is achieved by a valve arrangement according to claim 1, a dispensing device according to claim 8, or a method according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0014] In particular, the present invention provides a particularly simple way for a known or conventional valve to be selectively used with different valve plates, which may be made of plastic or metal, without the need to adapt the valve itself. This enables simple and cost-effective production and assembly. Furthermore, the flexibility in manufacturing a valve assembly or dispensing device is increased, since different parts, especially valve plates, can be used with the same standard valve.

[0015] A proposed valve arrangement is designed to dispense a fluid, in particular from a container. The valve arrangement has a valve plate for attaching the valve arrangement to an associated container. Furthermore, the valve arrangement has a valve housing and a fastening part for attaching the valve housing to the valve plate. Preferably, the fastening part is a separate component from the valve housing. This enables the use of a standard valve with different valve plates.

[0016] Preferably, the valve disk, the fastening part, the valve housing, a valve element of the valve assembly, and / or a spring of the valve assembly and / or the valve assembly as a whole are made of plastic, in particular PET. This enables cost-effective production.

[0017] It is preferred that the valve housing be positively connected to the valve element, the seal, and optionally to the return element to form a valve. In particular, the valve housing, the valve element, the seal, and optionally the return element are connectable or joinable to one another in such a way that they remain connected during normal use or without external influences and do not fall apart, so that the valve can be inserted into the valve disk as a whole or as a preassembled component and connected to it. This, in particular, facilitates assembly.

[0018] In the proposed valve arrangement, the fastening part is laser welded or ultrasonically welded to the valve plate.

[0019] The fastening part has a first cylindrical or conical section and a second section projecting radially therefrom. This allows a contact surface to be formed between the valve disk and the fastening part that is easily accessible for a laser beam.

[0020] The first section is inserted into a receiving space of the valve plate and the second section rests on an underside of the valve plate.

[0021] The valve housing is clamped without any play between the valve plate and the fastening part.

[0022] The fastening part preferably has a welding area. The welding area is arranged in particular on the second section. The welding area preferably has a triangular or rectangular cross-section.

[0023] It is particularly preferred that the valve disk be made of a laser-absorbing and / or dark, in particular black, material, and that the fastening part be made of a transparent, in particular laser-transparent, material. This enables laser welding and / or ultrasonic welding of the fastening part to the valve disk in a simple manner.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid. The dispensing device comprises a container and a proposed valve assembly with a valve disk attached to the container.

[0025] Preferably, the valve disk is friction welded and / or radially welded to the container.

[0026] Preferably, the valve plate is axially flush with the container.

[0027] Preferably, the valve assembly, in particular the valve disk, and / or the container are made of plastic, in particular PET. This enables cost-effective production.

[0028] The valve plate preferably has a coupling device designed for the rotationally fixed coupling of the valve plate to a tool or holder for friction welding the valve plate to the container. The coupling device is preferably formed by or comprises coupling elements, preferably arranged on the upper side of the valve plate, preferably radially extending. The coupling elements are particularly preferably arranged in a particularly annular recess in the valve plate. This enables reliable coupling in a simple manner.

[0029] The container preferably has a coupling section designed for rotationally fixed coupling to a tool or holder for or during friction welding of the valve disk to the container. The coupling section is arranged in particular in or on a neck region of the container.

[0030] Preferably, the coupling section comprises or is formed by one or more coupling elements projecting radially from the container. This enables a reliable coupling in a simple manner.

[0031] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for producing a valve arrangement, wherein the fastening part is laser-welded or ultrasonically welded to the valve disk.

[0032] The valve is first inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the valve plate, and then the fastening part is inserted or inserted into the receptacle, so that the valve is arranged, in particular clamped, between the valve plate and the fastening part, and the fastening part rests against the valve plate. Preferably, the valve plate is then irradiated with a laser beam through the fastening part, so that the valve plate and the fastening part are welded together.

[0033] In a preferred, unclaimed method for producing a dispensing device, the valve disk is friction welded to the container so that the valve disk is radially welded to the container and / or axially flush.

[0034] Further aspects, features, advantages, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The first and second embodiments are not subject to the wording of the claims, but are considered to facilitate understanding of the invention. All features of the first and second embodiments can also be implemented in embodiments that fall within the wording of the claims, provided they do not contradict them. It shows: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a dispensing device according to a first embodiment not according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a section of the dispensing device of Fig. 1in the assembled state; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a fastening part according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a valve disk according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 an exploded view of a dispensing device according to a second embodiment not according to the invention; Fig. 6 a section of the dispensing device of Fig. 5in the assembled state; Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a fastening part according to the second embodiment; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a valve disk according to the second embodiment; Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of a fastening part according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9B shows a perspective view of a fastening part according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 shows a section of the dispensing device according to the third and fourth embodiments; Fig. 11 shows a section of a container of the dispensing device in the region of a coupling element; and Fig. 12 shows a section of the dispensing device according to Fig. 10 with additional tools indicated.

[0035] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar components and devices, whereby the same or corresponding advantages and properties can result, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0036] Fig. 1 and 2 show a dispensing device 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the dispensing device 1 according to the first embodiment in a fully assembled state.

[0037] The dispensing device 1 comprises a valve assembly 2 and a container 3. The valve assembly 2 is preferably arranged or can be arranged at least partially in an opening 3A of the container 3. In particular, in the (fully assembled) dispensing device 1, the container 3 or its opening 3A is closed or sealed by the valve assembly 2.

[0038] The valve arrangement 2 has a valve 4 and a valve plate 8.

[0039] The valve 4 comprises a valve housing 5, a movable valve element 6, and preferably a return element 7. In the illustrated example, the return element 7 is preferably designed as a compression spring and / or a helical spring.

[0040] However, deviating from the illustrated example, the return element 7 can also have any other geometric shape through which an (elastic) return force or spring force can be realized. The return element 7 can be made of plastic or metal.

[0041] The valve element 6 is preferably movable within the valve housing 5 or axially relative to the valve housing 5. Preferably, the valve element 6 is biased by the return element 7 into a position in which the valve element 6 closes the valve 4 or in which the valve 4 is closed.

[0042] In the present invention, an "axial" direction or movement is understood to mean a direction or movement that runs along or parallel to a main dispensing direction or central or longitudinal axis L of the dispensing device 1. Analogously, the term "radial" preferably also refers to the axis L.

[0043] The section through valve housing 5 runs in the figures to the left of the axis L in a different plane than to the right of the axis L, namely between two of the ribs arranged on the outside of the valve housing, which can be seen in the figures, instead of through one of the ribs. This makes it particularly clear in Fig. 2 the path of the fluid during filling of the dispensing device 1, which will be explained later, is more clearly visible.

[0044] The valve plate 8 is preferably designed or provided for receiving or holding the valve 4 and / or for fastening the valve 4 to the container 3.

[0045] The valve plate 8 preferably has a receptacle 9 for receiving the valve 4. The receptacle 9 preferably has a centrally arranged opening or perforation 9A.

[0046] Preferably, the container 3 or its opening 3A is or is closed and / or sealed in a fluid and / or gas-tight manner by means of the valve plate 8.

[0047] Furthermore, the valve assembly 2 or the valve 4 preferably has a seal 10 for sealing the valve 4 against the valve plate 8. The seal 10 is preferably ring-shaped and / or disc-shaped.

[0048] The seal 10 is preferably deformable and / or preferably consists of a flexible and / or elastically deformable material.

[0049] Preferably, the valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the seal 10, and optionally the return element 7 can be connected or joined together so that the valve 4 can be pre-assembled. In particular, the thus pre-assembled valve 4 forms a coherent assembly that can be inserted as a whole into the valve plate 8. In other words, the valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the seal 10, and the return element 7 can preferably be joined or pre-assembled such that the valve 4 can be handled as a coherent valve 4 during assembly of the valve arrangement 2 or the dispensing device 1, in particular without the parts separating from one another during assembly. This is conducive to simple handling, since the number of individual components to be handled during assembly is reduced.

[0050] The valve assembly 2 preferably has a (separately manufactured) fastening part 11 for fastening the valve 4 or valve housing 5 to the valve plate 8. The fastening part 11 is preferably connectable or connected to the valve plate 8 in a materially bonded manner.

[0051] The valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the return element 7, the valve plate 8, the seal 10 and the fastening part 11 preferably form structurally separate or separately manufactured components.

[0052] Preferably, the valve plate 8, the fastening part 11, the valve arrangement 2, the valve 4, the valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the return element 7 and / or the container 3 are made of plastic, in particular PET or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0053] Preferably, the container 3 or the dispensing device 1, particularly after assembly of the valve assembly 2, can be filled with a fluid F. Preferably, the dispensing device 1 or the container 3 is filled with a compressed gas or propellant gas G in addition to the fluid F, so that the fluid F is pressurized in the container 3 or the dispensing device 1. Preferably, an overpressure caused by the propellant gas G prevails in the dispensing device 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 can have further means for dispensing the fluid F, not shown in the figures, in particular in the form of a nozzle, a spray head or the like. This enables in particular the (controlled) dispensing of the fluid F in a desired dispensing form, for example as a foam or spray or aerosol, and / or the generation of a desired dispensing form.

[0055] The valve 4 is preferably openable and closable, in particular by a movement of the valve element 6 relative and / or axially to the valve housing 5.

[0056] To dispense the fluid F, the valve element 6 is preferably pressed or moved into the valve housing 5 against the force of the return element 7 or the spring, preferably, for example, by means of a dispensing or spray head (not shown), which can be attached to or connected to the free end of the valve element 6, so that the valve 4 opens. The pressure of the propellant gas G then expels the fluid F from the container 3 through the valve 4.

[0057] Preferably, a supply line or riser line 12 is provided which is arranged or connected to the valve 4 or valve housing 5, through which the fluid F can initially rise during dispensing in order to be dispensed via the valve 4 in the usual position of use with the container 3 pointing downwards.

[0058] During discharge, the fluid F passes from the riser 12 into an interior space 5B of the valve housing 5. When the valve element 6 is pressed down, a transverse channel or radially extending channel 6A of the valve element 6 is preferably released, which is sealed by the seal 10 when the valve 4 is closed. After passing through the channel 6A, the fluid F exits the top of the valve element 6. The path of the fluid F during discharge is shown on the right side in Fig. 2 indicated by an arrow.

[0059] The valve 4, in particular the valve housing 5, is preferably held or fastened to the valve plate 8 by means of the fastening part 11.

[0060] The valve plate 8 preferably has an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the valve plate 8 is the side that is associated with the interior of the container 3 or, after assembly, faces the interior of the container 3. Fig. 1 and 2 The lower side or underside of the valve plate 8 is the inside. The outside of the valve plate 8 is the side of the valve plate 8 facing away from the interior of the container 3. In the Fig. 1 and 2 the upper side or top of the valve plate 8 is the outside.

[0061] In Fig. 3 the fastening part 11 according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0062] The fastening part 11 is preferably ring-shaped and / or at least substantially cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical or sleeve-shaped.

[0063] The fastening part 11 preferably has a coupling section 13. The coupling section 13 is preferably designed for the rotationally fixed coupling of the fastening part 11 to a head or tool (not shown) during assembly. The head is preferably designed to complement the fastening part 11 or the coupling section 13.

[0064] The coupling portion 13 is preferably arranged or formed on a cylindrical portion or region of the fastening part 11.

[0065] Particularly preferably, the coupling section 13 is arranged and / or formed on an end face or on an axial end of the fastening part 11 or of the cylindrical section, as shown in particular in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0066] The coupling section 13 preferably has or is formed by one or more axially extending projections or recesses 14.

[0067] In the example shown in Fig. 3 the recesses 14 are preferably elongated or formed as axially extending incisions or cutouts.

[0068] The cutouts or recesses 14 are preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the fastening part 11. In the example shown in Fig. 3 The fastening part 11 or the coupling section 13 has six recesses 14. However, other solutions are also possible here.

[0069] To assemble the valve assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, the valve 4 with the valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the return element 7, and the seal 10 is preferably arranged in the associated receptacle 9 of the valve plate 8, in particular inserted into the receptacle 9 from the inside or underside of the valve plate 8. Before, at the same time, or after this, the fastening part 11 is preferably pushed over the valve 4 or valve housing 5.

[0070] Subsequently, the valve 4 or valve housing 5 or fastening part 11 is secured or fastened to the valve plate 8, preferably by materially bonding, in particular welding, particularly preferably friction welding, the fastening part 11 to the valve plate 8.

[0071] Friction welding occurs when the two components to be joined are pressed against each other while rotating them at high speed relative to each other. Due to the high rotation speed, the friction causes the components to be joined to heat up so much that the components melt, molten, or plasticize at least at their contact surface, thereby forming a material bond. Preferably, the components to be welded are of the same type or made of the same or a similar material. However, friction welding can also be used to weld components made of different materials, such as metal and plastic parts.

[0072] Particularly preferably, the fastening part 11 is welded radially to the valve plate 8. In particular, the weld seam or welded joint forms a connection that extends radially between the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8 or a portion of the valve plate 8 or runs radially or radially connects the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8 to one another.

[0073] The weld seam or welded joint is preferably ring-shaped and / or circumferential, in particular with respect to the axis L.

[0074] The fastening part 11 preferably has a welding area 15.

[0075] The welding region 15 is preferably arranged on an outer side or peripheral surface of the fastening part 11 or a cylindrical section of the fastening part 11, at least in the first embodiment.

[0076] The welding region 15 is preferably ring-shaped or bead-shaped and / or the welding region 15 surrounds the fastening part 11, in particular completely. In particular, the welding region 15 is formed like an annular groove and / or the welding region 15 forms a thickening of the fastening part 11. The welding region 15 preferably protrudes radially from the fastening part 11 or the welding region 15 protrudes radially from the fastening part 11.

[0077] The welding area 15 preferably forms a shoulder, a step or a projection on the outside of the fastening part 11.

[0078] The welding area 15 is designed in particular to be melted or plasticized during welding or friction welding, so that the material connection or welded connection of the fastening part 11 with the valve plate 8 is created.

[0079] In the present invention, "plasticizing" is understood in particular to mean a process in which a material, in particular plastic or metal, is converted, preferably by heating, into a state in which it is plastically deformable.

[0080] The welding area 15 is preferably designed to be as large as possible.

[0081] In particular, the welding region 15 has an extension E of at least 3 mm, preferably about 5 mm or more, in the axial direction or axially or parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0082] Preferably, the welding area 15 is arranged centrally in the axial direction and / or spaced apart from the axial end sides of the fastening part 11. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0083] In Fig. 4 the valve plate 8 according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0084] The valve plate 8 or the receptacle 9 preferably has a receiving space 16 for receiving the valve 4 or the valve housing 5. The receiving space 16 is arranged in particular centrally or centrally and / or symmetrically to the axis L on the valve plate 8.

[0085] In the example shown in Fig. 4 The receiving space 16 is arranged on the inside of the valve plate 8. The receiving space 16 is preferably at least substantially cylindrical.

[0086] The receptacle 9 is preferably formed by the receptacle space 16 and / or a wall of the valve plate 8 forming or delimiting the receptacle space 16. The wall of the valve plate 8 preferably has a cylindrical, in particular axially extending, wall section 16A and a circular disk-like wall section 16B extending transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L, which axially delimits or closes off the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16. The wall sections 16A, 16B are also referred to below for short as sections 16A, 16B. Preferably, the cylindrical section 16A delimits the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16 laterally, or the cylindrical section 16A forms a lateral surface of the receptacle space 16 or the receptacle 9.

[0087] The circular disk-like section 16B of the wall preferably has a central opening or perforation 9A for passing the valve element 6 outwards or for pressing the valve element 6 in from the outside.

[0088] The opening or perforation 9A for the valve element 6 has a smaller diameter than the receiving space 16, so that the section 16B holds or can hold the valve 4 or the valve housing 5 and the seal 10 in a form-fitting axial manner in the receptacle 9 or the receiving space 16.

[0089] Preferably, the fastening part 11, in particular together with the valve 4 or valve housing 5, is arranged in the receiving space 16, in particular radially between the valve housing 5 and the section 16A of the valve plate 8, as shown in particular in Fig. 2 recognizable.

[0090] The outer diameter of the fastening part 11 or welding area 15 and the (inner) diameter of the receiving space 16 are preferably matched to one another in such a way that the outer diameter of the fastening part 11 or welding area 15 is somewhat larger, in particular by at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, than the associated (inner) diameter of the receiving space 16 or section 16A, so that the fastening part 11 can be friction welded to the receiving space 16 or section 16A of the valve plate 8.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the fastening part 11 can preferably not be axially inserted into the receiving space 16 without deformation, or not completely, or not up to its assembly position. Preferably, the welding region 15 protrudes radially from the fastening part 11, so that the fastening part 11 can be axially inserted a short distance into the receiving space 16 and / or centered in the receiving space 16 initially or before the friction welding process begins, until the shoulder formed by the welding region 15 comes into contact with the section 16A.

[0092] The "too large" diameter of the fastening part 11 has the effect, in particular, that when the fastening part 11 rotates or when the fastening part 11 is friction-welded to the valve plate 8 while the fastening part 11 is moved axially into its assembly position, the welding area 15 is melted or plasticized by frictional heat, so that the fastening part 11 is deformed at least in the welding area 15 and can be fully inserted into the receiving space 16, wherein the fastening part 11 is integrally connected to the valve plate 8.

[0093] Reverse solutions are also possible, in which, instead of the fastening part 11, the receiving space 16 or the section 16A has the welding area 15, particularly on an inner side. The previous explanations preferably apply in reverse or analogously in this case.

[0094] Preferably, the valve 4 or valve housing 5 is held axially in the valve plate 8 on the one hand by the fastening part 11 and on the other hand by the section 16B of the valve plate 8 in a form-fitting manner.

[0095] Preferably, the valve housing 5, in particular on the outside, has or forms a widened portion or shoulder 5A. The shoulder 5A preferably protrudes radially from the valve housing 5. Preferably, the shoulder 5A is formed by one or more elements or ribs that protrude or protrude radially from an at least substantially cylindrical portion of the valve housing 5.

[0096] The valve housing 5 is preferably axially supported by the shoulder 5A on the fastening part 11, or vice versa. The shoulder 5A preferably forms a stop for the fastening part 11.

[0097] Preferably, in the fully assembled dispensing device 1 or valve arrangement 2, the fastening part 11 rests firmly on the valve housing 5 and the valve housing 5 rests firmly on the valve plate 8, so that the valve housing 5 is held (at least axially) firmly or immovably between the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11.

[0098] Radially, the valve housing 5 is preferably held firmly or immovably or positively in the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16 in that the ribs which have or form the shoulder 5A bear radially against the section 16A or its inner side.

[0099] The valve plate 8 preferably has a coupling device 17. The coupling device 17 is preferably designed for the rotationally fixed coupling of the valve plate 8 to a tool or holder 27, so that the valve plate 8 can be held and / or rotated, in particular in a form-fitting manner, during friction welding with the tool or holder 27.

[0100] The coupling device 17 is preferably arranged on the outside of the valve plate 8.

[0101] Particularly preferably, the valve plate 8 has an annular space 18 coaxial with the axis L. The coupling device 17 is preferably formed or arranged in the annular space 18.

[0102] On the circumferential side, the annular space 18 is preferably limited by the (wall) section 16A.

[0103] Particularly preferably, the coupling device 17 is formed by or comprises radially extending webs, ribs, or coupling elements 17A. The coupling elements 17A are preferably arranged or formed on the outside of the valve plate 8, in particular in the annular space 18.

[0104] In the example shown in Fig. 4 the coupling elements 17A are formed by walls or wall elements extending radially in the annular space 18, preferably wherein the coupling elements 17A divide the annular space into sectors.

[0105] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the valve plate 8 in the dispensing device 1 is preferably friction-welded to the container 3.

[0106] Preferably, the valve disk 8 has a collar 19 on an outer edge. However, embodiments without a collar 19 are also possible, which will be explained later, particularly with reference to Fig. 10 and 12is still being discussed.

[0107] Preferably, the collar 19 forms an annular groove open downwards or in the direction of the container 3 for receiving the edge 3C of the container 3.

[0108] Preferably, the valve plate 8 is friction-welded in the region of the collar 19 to a wall forming or delimiting the opening 3A of the container 3. The collar 19 preferably surrounds the wall forming the opening 3A.

[0109] A seal or a sealing ring may also be provided, which is preferably arranged in the collar 19 before the valve plate 8 is welded to the container 3, in particular to ensure a tight closure of the container 3.

[0110] The container 3 preferably has a coupling portion 20. The coupling portion 20 is arranged in particular in a neck region 3B of the container 3 surrounding and / or forming the opening 3A.

[0111] The coupling section 20 is preferably designed for the rotationally fixed coupling of the container 3 with a tool or holder 28 for or during friction welding of the valve disk 8 to the container 3. This is particularly Figs. 11 and 12 shown.

[0112] Preferably, the coupling section 20 is formed by or comprises one or more coupling elements 20A projecting radially from the container 3 or the neck region 3B. The coupling elements 20A can be arranged evenly distributed on the neck region 3B or container 3. It is also possible for the coupling section to comprise only one coupling element 20A extending collar-like around the container 3 or the opening 3A.

[0113] In the neck region 3B, the wall of the container 3 is preferably thicker or reinforced.

[0114] Preferably, a step or a projection is formed in the neck region 3B of the container 3 and / or the collar 19 of the valve plate 8, which allows easy centering or arrangement or initial guidance of the valve plate 8 in the opening 3A before friction welding.

[0115] The weld seam or welded joint formed during friction welding between the container 3 or the neck region 3B and the valve plate 8 preferably has an axial extension of at least 3 mm, in particular 5 mm or more. This ensures a secure attachment of the valve plate 8 to the container 3.

[0116] The propellant gas is preferably introduced under high pressure into the (fully assembled and preferably already filled with the fluid F) dispensing device 1, in which the fastening part 11 is firmly connected to the valve plate 8 and the valve plate 8 is firmly connected to the container 3. Due to the high pressure, the propellant gas G deforms the seal 10, so that a gap forms between the seal 10 and the section 16B. The propellant gas G can now first pass between the valve element 6 and the section 16B and then through the gap between the seal 10 and the section 16B. The propellant gas G then passes through channels 5C, which are formed between the ribs of the valve housing 5, which form the shoulder 5A, and the section 16A, past the valve housing 5 and the fastening part 11 into the interior of the container 3. The path of the propellant gas G when filling the dispensing device 1 is shown in Fig. 2 indicated by an arrow on the left side.

[0117] In the following, a second embodiment of the dispensing device 1 or valve arrangement 2 is explained in particular.

[0118] The Fig. 5 and 6 show a dispensing device 1 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 7 and 8 the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8 are shown according to the second embodiment.

[0119] Preferably, in the following, only differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are primarily discussed, so that the previous explanations and features apply to the second embodiment in particular correspondingly or additionally, unless explicitly stated otherwise, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0120] Preferably, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by a different design of the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8.

[0121] The fastening part 11 is preferably cap-shaped. In particular, a hollow cylindrical, sleeve-like, or ring-like section of the fastening part 11 is adjoined at the end by an end wall 21 extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis L.

[0122] The end wall 21 preferably has an opening 22 for the valve 4 or valve element 6, which is preferably arranged centrally or centrally.

[0123] In the example shown in Fig. 7 The coupling section 13 has recesses 14 in the form of elongated or axially extending radial indentations in the outer edge of the fastening part 11 or its cylindrical section, or is formed by them. However, other solutions are also conceivable here, for example, radial projections.

[0124] The recesses 14 or indentations are preferably arranged symmetrically on the fastening part 11. In the illustration according to Fig. 7 The fastening part 11 or the coupling section 13 has six recesses 14. However, other solutions are also possible here.

[0125] Preferably, in the second embodiment, the fastening part 11 is arranged on the outside of the valve plate 8.

[0126] To assemble the valve assembly 2 according to the second embodiment, the valve 4 with the valve housing 5, the valve element 6, the return element 7, and the seal 10 is preferably arranged in the associated receptacle 9 of the valve plate 8, in particular inserted into the receptacle from the outside or top side of the valve plate 8. Before, at the same time, or after this, the fastening part 11 is preferably pushed over the valve 4 or valve housing 5.

[0127] Subsequently, the valve 4 or valve housing 5 is preferably secured or fastened to the valve plate 8. The securing or fastening of the valve 4 or valve housing 5 to the valve plate 8 is preferably carried out by a material-to-material connection, in particular welding, of the fastening part 11 to the valve plate 8.

[0128] Particularly preferably, the fastening part 11 is friction welded to the valve plate 8.

[0129] The valve plate 8 according to the second embodiment differs from the valve plate 8 according to the first embodiment preferably (mainly) in the design or construction of the receptacle 9 and / or the receptacle space 16.

[0130] Preferably, the receptacle 9 or the receiving space 16 is at least substantially cylindrical. However, in contrast to the first embodiment, the receiving space 16 or the receptacle 9 is preferably not delimited on one side by a (wall) section 16B of the valve disk 8 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis L. In the second embodiment, the function of section 16B is preferably assumed by the cover surface 21 of the fastening part 11.

[0131] Preferably, a support surface 23 or a projection is formed or arranged in the receptacle 9 or the receiving space 16. Due to the support surface 23, the diameter of the receiving space 16 is preferably reduced in the region of the support surface 23.

[0132] The support surface 23 can be formed by several individual elements arranged in the receiving space 16. Preferably, the support surface 23 is designed as a one-piece circumferential ring or axial stop for the shoulder 5A of the valve housing 5.

[0133] The support surface 23 is preferably designed to hold the valve 4 or valve housing 5 in an axially positive manner in the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16 or to prevent the valve 4 or valve housing 5 from slipping through the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16.

[0134] The support surface 23 is preferably designed to bear against the shoulder 5A of the valve housing 5 or is associated with the shoulder 5A of the valve housing 5. The support surface 23 preferably forms a stop.

[0135] In the second embodiment, the support surface 23 preferably at least partially assumes the function of the fastening part 11 in the first embodiment, which holds the valve housing 5 in a form-fitting manner by supporting it on the shoulder 5A of the valve housing 5 in the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the fastening part 11 preferably has the welding region 15 on an inner side or on an inner edge of the cylindrical portion. The welding region 15 preferably protrudes radially inward from the fastening part 11 or cylindrical portion. Preferably, the welding region 15 in the fastening part 11 according to the second embodiment is not arranged or formed axially offset or displaced relative to the coupling portion 13 on the fastening part 11.

[0137] In the fastening part 11 according to the second embodiment, the welding region 15 is preferably arranged on an inner side or inner surface of the fastening part 11 or a cylindrical section of the fastening part 11.

[0138] The inner side of the fastening part 11 is preferably welded to the wall section 16A, which forms the inner boundary or an inner wall of the annular space 18.

[0139] The inner diameter of the fastening part 11 or welding area 15 and the (outer) diameter of the section 16A are preferably matched to one another in such a way that the inner diameter of the fastening part 11 or welding area 15 is somewhat smaller, in particular by at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, than the (outer) diameter of the section 16A, so that the fastening part 11 can be friction welded to the section 16A. The fastening part 11 can therefore preferably not be pushed over the section 16A or the receiving space 16 without deformation. The "too small" diameter of the fastening part 11 has the particular effect that when the fastening part 11 rotates or when the fastening part 11 is friction welded to the valve plate 8, the welding area 15 is melted or cracked due to frictional heat.is plasticized, so that the fastening part 11 is deformable at least in the welding area 15 and can be pushed over the receiving space 16, wherein the fastening part 11 is connected in a materially bonded manner to the valve plate 8 or its wall section 16A.

[0140] In the second embodiment, a reverse arrangement is also possible, in which the welding area 15 is arranged on the outside of the section 16A instead of on the inside of the fastening part 11.

[0141] In the following, a third and fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in particular with reference to Fig. 9A, 9B , 10 , 11 and 12explained. In particular, differences from the first and second embodiments are primarily explained. Unless deviations or differences between the embodiments are explained, the above explanations preferably also apply to the third and fourth embodiments described below.

[0142] In contrast to the previously explained embodiments, in the third and fourth embodiments, the fastening part 11 is laser welded or ultrasonically welded to the valve plate 8 instead of friction welded.

[0143] The fastening part 11 according to the third or fourth embodiment has a first section 24 and a second section 25.

[0144] The first section 24 is cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical. However, the first section 24 can also be slightly conical. In this way, a clamping effect can be achieved when the fastening part 11 or the first section 24 is inserted into the receiving space 16 of the valve plate 8.

[0145] The second section 25 protrudes radially from the first section 24. Preferably, the second section 25 is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the first section 24.

[0146] The second section 25 is preferably arranged at an axial end of the fastening part 11.

[0147] The second section 25 is preferably flange- or collar-like.

[0148] Preferably, the second section 25 is designed to bear against the lower or radially extending boundary surface of the annular space 18 of the valve disk 8.

[0149] The fastening part 11, in particular the second section 25, preferably has the welding region 15. In particular, the welding region 15 is ring-shaped and / or arranged coaxially with the first section 24. In principle, however, it is possible for the welding region 15 to be formed by several non-contiguous, in particular small-area and / or point-like, elevations, so that no continuous weld seam 26 is formed during welding, but only point-like weld connections.

[0150] According to the Fig. 9A In the embodiment shown, the welding area 15 is rectangular in cross section. However, the welding area 15 can also be rectangular, as in particular in Fig. 9 B shown, have a triangular cross-section. In principle, however, other shapes of the cross-section of the welding area 15 are also possible, for example rounded, in particular semicircular, or other cross-sections.

[0151] The welding area 15 is designed in particular to plasticize during laser welding or ultrasonic welding and thus to form a weld seam 26 between the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8. It is particularly possible for the fastening part 11 welded to the valve plate 8 not to lie fully against the valve plate 8, but preferably only in the area of ​​the weld seam 26. This makes it possible to compensate for unevenness and / or tolerances of the valve plate 8 and / or the fastening part 11. This reliably ensures that, in particular, the seal 10 is firmly clamped and the valve housing 5 sits in the valve plate 8 without play and is clamped between the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11 without play.

[0152] The welding area 15 preferably forms a raised portion or a material excess of the second section 25. The (axial) thickness or height of the welding area 15 is preferably more than 0.2 mm and / or less than 1.2 mm, in particular approximately 0.8 mm. This preferably compensates for unevenness of the valve plate 8 and / or the fastening part 11 and / or axial tolerances.

[0153] To produce or connect the valve arrangement 2, the valve 4 is first inserted into the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16, in particular from the inside of the valve plate 8. Subsequently, the fastening part 11 is also inserted into the receptacle 9 or the receptacle space 16, so that the valve 4 is arranged between the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11, in particular clamped therebetween.

[0154] The valve plate 8, the valve 4 or valve housing 5 and the fastening part 11 are preferably dimensioned or matched to one another in such a way that the second section 25 or the welding area 15 rests against an underside of the valve plate 8, in particular flatly, when the fastening part 11 is completely inserted into the receptacle 9 or the receiving space 16 and since the valve 4 is clamped between the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11.

[0155] Preferably, the valve disk 8 is made of a laser-absorbing and / or dark, in particular black, material, and the fastening part 11 or at least the second section 25 is made of a transparent, in particular laser-transparent, material, so that the valve disk 8 can be irradiated with a laser through the fastening part 11 to create the welded connection with the fastening part 11. The laser beam can therefore preferably pass through the fastening part 11 without being absorbed.

[0156] To connect or weld the valve plate 8 to the fastening part 11, a laser transmission welding process or an ultrasonic welding process is preferably used.

[0157] Preferably, the valve plate 8 or its inner side is irradiated with a laser through the fastening part 11. If the valve plate 8 is made of a laser-absorbing material, the material is heated as a result. Preferably, the laser beam passes through the welding area 15 and / or the laser beam is directed onto the welding area 15. Due to the absorption in the valve plate 8, the material of the valve plate 8 is heated and thus melted or plasticized. This occurs in particular in the immediate vicinity of or at the contact surface with the welding area 15. Heat conduction processes preferably also heat up and thus melt or plasticize the welding area 15, so that a weld seam 26 is created between the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11 and the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11 are firmly bonded to one another.

[0158] For laser welding and / or ultrasonic welding, the valve plate 8 and the fastening part 11 are preferably each made of a plastic, in particular PET.

[0159] Preferably, a high-power diode laser, preferably with a wavelength of more than 900 nm and / or less than 1100 nm, or a solid-state laser, in particular a fiber laser or Nd:YAG laser, preferably with a wavelength of more than 1060 nm and / or less than 1090 nm, is used for laser welding.

[0160] The valve disk is laser welded or ultrasonically welded to the fastening part 11 and the valve arrangement 2 thus provided is particularly preferably friction welded to the container 3, as described above.

[0161] It is also possible for the valve disk 8 to be designed without a collar or to have no collar 19 for the edge 3C of the container 3. This is particularly the case in the Fig. 10 and 12In this case, the valve disk 8 is preferably (axially) flush with the container 3 or the edge 3C of the container.

[0162] To connect, in particular friction weld, the container 3 with the valve plate 8 or the (pre-assembled) valve arrangement 2, the valve plate 8 or the valve arrangement 2 is first inserted into the container 3.

[0163] The valve plate 8 can be inserted in a defined position or rotational position relative to the container 3.

[0164] When connecting the valve assembly 2 to the container 3, the valve assembly 2 is preferably held with a first holder or tool 27 and the container 3 is preferably held with a second holder or tool 28. This is shown schematically in the Figs. 11 and 12 shown.

[0165] According to the Fig. 11In the embodiment shown, the coupling element 20A is designed as a collar or radially protruding element surrounding the container 3 or the opening 3A. Preferably, the coupling element 20A has one or more engagement elements, in particular opposing engagement elements, which are designed to engage with the holder 28. In the illustrated example, the engagement elements are formed by recesses.

[0166] For friction welding, the container 3 and the valve assembly 2 are moved axially toward each other and simultaneously rotated relative to each other about the axis L. In particular, one of the parts, preferably the container 3, is held in a fixed position and the other part, preferably the valve assembly 2, is rotated relative thereto about the axis L.

[0167] The valve plate 8 is preferably held and / or turned or rotated by means of a tool 27 which positively engages the valve plate 8 or its coupling device 17 and / or holds or grips the valve plate 8 at the coupling elements 17A.

[0168] During friction welding, the valve plate 8 and the container 3 are preferably moved axially toward each other until the valve plate 8 has reached a defined end position or axial position relative to the container 3. For this purpose, the valve plate 8 is preferably designed without a collar or the valve plate 8 does not have a collar 19.

[0169] Preferably, the valve disk 8 is axially flush with the container 3 or its edge 3C in the end position or defined axial position. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0170] A flush seal allows for a simple and reliable inspection of the established connection between the container 3 and the valve plate 8 or the valve assembly 2, since the flush seal or defined seating of the valve plate 8 indicates a correct or flawless connection. In particular, it is an indication of a faulty connection or welded joint if, after the connection has been established, the (collarless) valve plate 8 is not axially flush with the edge 3C of the container.

[0171] Alternatively or additionally, a defined number of revolutions, for example, exactly 12 revolutions, are performed during friction welding of the container 3 to the valve plate 8. This ensures an efficient, fast, and reproducible connection or welding of the valve assembly 2 to the container 3.

[0172] When the container 3 is friction welded to the valve plate 8, a particularly ring-like and / or radial welding surface 29 is preferably created. The welding surface is particularly the area in which the material of the container 3 and / or the valve plate 8 is plasticized during friction welding and thus forms the material-locking connection or weld.

[0173] The width of the welding surface 29 or the extension of the welding surface 29 in the radial direction is preferably more than 0.1 mm and / or less than 0.5 mm, in particular approximately 0.3 mm. The length of the weld seam 29 or the extension of the weld seam 29 in the axial direction is preferably more than 0.5 mm, in particular more than 1 mm, and / or less than 2 mm, in particular less than 1.5 mm.

[0174] During operation, the dispensing device 1 preferably has a dispensing head (not shown in the figures) for dispensing the fluid F.

[0175] In the Fig. 10 and 12 In the embodiment shown, the edge 3C is preferably thickened and collar- or flange-like. The edge 3C protrudes, in particular, radially from the neck region 3B.

[0176] This makes it possible to arrange the dispensing head directly on the edge 3C of the container 3, for example by means of a snap-in connection with the edge 3C.

[0177] Preferably, the dispensing head is positively connected to or attached to the edge 3C. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing head can be supported on the edge 3C and / or the valve plate 8, particularly if the valve plate 8 is flush with the edge 3C.

[0178] According to a further embodiment not shown in the figures, the coupling element 20A can be omitted or formed by the (thickened) edge 3C. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a coupling element 20A in addition to the edge 3C. The edge 3C then preferably has the features described above for the coupling element 20A. List of reference symbols:

[0179] 1 Dispensing device 2 Valve arrangement 3 Container 3A Opening 3B Neck area 3CRim 4 Valve 5 Valve housing 5A Shoulder 5B Interior 5C Channel 6 Valve element 6A Channel 7 Reset element 8 Valve plate 9 Receptacle 9A Opening 10 Seal 11 Fastening part 12 Riser 13 Coupling section (fastening part) 14 Recess 15 Welding area 16 Receptacle space 16A (Wall) section 16B (Wall) section 17 Coupling device 17A Coupling element (valve plate) 18 Annular space 19 Collar 20 Coupling section (container) 20A Coupling element (container) 21 End wall 22 Opening 23 Stop 24 First section 25 Second section 26Weld seam 27Tool / holder 28Tool / holder 29Welding surface EXtension FFluid GPropellant LAxes

Claims

1. Valve arrangement (2) for dispensing a fluid (F), the valve arrangement (2) having a valve plate (8) for fixing the valve arrangement (2) to a container (3), a valve housing (5) and a fixing part (11) for fixing the valve housing (5) to the valve plate (8), wherein the valve plate (8) has a receiving space (16) for receiving the valve housing (5), wherein the fixing part (11) is laser-welded or ultrasonically welded with the valve plate (8), and wherein the fixing part (11) has a first cylindrical or conical portion (24) which is inserted into the receiving space (16), and has a second collar- or flange-like portion (25) which projects radially from the first portion (24) and lies against an underside of the valve plate (8), characterized in that the valve housing (5) is clamped between the valve plate (8) and the fixing part (11) without play.

2. Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing part (11) is axially welded with the valve plate (8).

3. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing part (11), in particular the second portion (25), has a welding region (15).

4. Valve arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the welding region (15) has a triangular or rectangular cross-section before the welding.

5. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve plate (8) is made of a dark and / or laser-absorbing material and the fixing part (11) is made of a transparent, in particular laser-transparent, material.

6. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve plate (8), the fixing part (11), the valve housing (5), a valve element (6) of the valve arrangement (2) and / or a reset element (7) of the valve arrangement (2) consist of plastic, in particular PET.

7. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (5) can be pre-assembled with a valve element (6), a seal (10) and optionally a reset element (7) in a form-fitting manner to form a valve (4).

8. Dispensing apparatus for dispensing a fluid (F), the dispensing apparatus (1) having a container (3) and a valve arrangement (2) with a valve plate (8) fixed to the container (3), characterized, in that the valve arrangement (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the valve plate (8) is radially friction-welded with the container (3).

10. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the valve plate (8) is axially flush with the container (3) and / or is designed collarless.

11. Method for producing a valve arrangement (2) for dispensing a fluid (F), the valve arrangement (2) having a valve plate (8) for fixing the valve arrangement (2) to a container (3), a valve (4) with a valve housing (5) and a valve element (6), and a fixing part (11) separate from the valve housing (5) for fixing the valve housing (5) to the valve plate (8), wherein the fixing part (11) is laser-welded or ultrasonically welded with the valve plate (8), characterized, in that first the valve (4) is inserted into an associated receptacle (9) of the valve plate (8) and then the fixing part (11) is inserted into the receptacle (9) so that the valve (4) is arranged between the valve plate (8) and the fixing part (11) and the fixing part (11) lies against the valve plate (8).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that a valve arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is produced.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the valve (4) is inserted from an inner side of the valve plate (8) into an associated receptacle (9) of the valve plate (8) and the fixing part (11) is welded with the valve plate (8) on the inner side of the valve plate (8).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the valve plate (8) is irradiated by a laser beam through the fixing part (11) so that the valve plate (8) and the fixing part (11) are welded together.

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the valve (4) is clamped between the valve plate (8) and the fixing part (11) without play.