Filling head for a device for dispensing a fluid product having a valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling head for a device having a valve (100) comprising a valve shutter (120), said head having: - a body (50) having a receiving space (55), - a control member (10) that slides in the body (50) between rest and filling positions, said member (10) having a channel (15) that opens into the receiving space (55), - a ring (30) that is fixed to the member (10) and cooperates with a spring (7) disposed between the ring (30) and the body (50), and - a plate (70) that is fixed to the body (50) and has a housing (71) for receiving the valve (100), such that, in the filling position, the valve shutter (120) opens into the receiving space (55), wherein, in the filling position, the receiving space (55) is sealed off, having a first seal (4) between the control member (10) and the body (50), a second seal (5) between the body (50) and the receiving plate (70), and a third seal (6) between the receiving plate (70) and the valve shutter (120), said third seal (6) cooperating with an external lateral wall of the valve shutter (120).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling head of a fluid product distribution device comprising a valve, in particular a metering valve.

[0002] So-called metering valves, in which a precise dose of fluid product is distributed with each actuation of the valve, are well known in the prior art, and are generally assembled on a tank containing the fluid product and a propellant gas used to expel the dose.

[0003] Filling the reservoir of a fluid dispensing device with a valve, particularly a metering valve, is generally accomplished using a filling device that sends a pressurized flow of fluid through the valve's spigot. To achieve this, the valve's spigot is inserted into a filling head that actuates the valve, moving it to its dispensing position and injecting the fluid through the valve's outlet. In the case of a metering valve, the fluid passes through the spigot and enters the metering chamber, and from there into the reservoir, deforming the chamber seal. Typically, the filling pressure is between 5 and 10 bar, which is sufficient to deform the chamber seal, which typically deforms at a pressure of 2 to 3 bar.

[0004] One drawback of this type of filling head is the variability of the valve position during filling. The fully actuated position of the valve in a metering valve, also known as bottom dead center, can be defined by the tightly wound valve spring, with significant potential for variation. While this doesn't pose a problem when using the valve to dispense doses of fluid product, since the dose dispensing occurs before the valve reaches its end position, this uncertainty in the valve position can cause issues during the filling process. This is further exacerbated when the seal between the valve and the filling head is located on the upper axial edge of the valve, as compression of the seal at this point can also contribute to variability in the final valve position during filling.

[0005] Another disadvantage of filling heads is related to the stress exerted by the filling head on the valve body, which can generate valve malfunctions, for example in the event of deformation of the valve body.

[0006] Documents US3234707 and US4917156 describe prior art devices.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a filling head for a fluid product dispensing device comprising a valve that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] The present invention thus aims to provide such a filling head which improves the reliability of filling.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide such a filling head which eliminates indeterminacy and variability in the filling position.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide such a filling head which limits the stresses on the valve body during filling.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide such a filling head which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and of reliable operation.

[0012] The present invention therefore relates to a filling head for a fluid product dispensing device comprising a valve mounted on a reservoir by means of a fastening element, said valve comprising a valve having an axial outlet orifice sliding in a valve body, said filling head comprising: a body comprising a receiving space, a control member mounted to slide axially within said body between a rest position and a filling position, said control member comprising a filling channel through which, in the filling position, the pressurized fluid product is supplied to said valve to fill said tank, said filling channel comprising an outlet orifice opening into said receiving space, an upper plate through which said control member passes and which is fixed to said body, a support ring fixed to said control member and cooperating with a first spring disposed between said support ring and said body, a receiving plate fixed to said body and having a housing for receiving said valve, such that in the filling position, the axial outlet orifice of said valve opens into said receiving space, in which, in the filling position, said receiving space is sealed, having a first sealing gasket between said control member and said body, a second sealing gasket between said body and said receiving plate, and a third sealing gasket between said receiving plate and said valve, said third gasket cooperating with an external side wall of said valve, and valve ejection means for ejecting said valve from said housing after filling, said ejection means comprising: an ejector cylinder disposed in said body, at least one ejector axially movable in said body between an ejection position and a filling position, each ejector being disposed between said ejector cylinder and said support plate, each ejector having an enlarged head and a rod extending axially downwards from said enlarged head, said rod passing through said body and said receiving plate to protrude into said housing in the ejection position, and a second spring disposed between said ejector sleeve and said upper plate and urging said at least one ejector towards its ejection position.

[0013] Advantageously, said first seal is a dynamic seal formed by an O-ring or quad-lobe seal assembled in a groove or channel of said control member.

[0014] Advantageously, said second seal is a static seal formed by an O-ring or quadrilobe seal wedged between said body and said receiving plate.

[0015] Advantageously, said third seal is a dynamic seal formed by an O-ring or quadrilobe seal disposed in a suitable recess of said receiving plate.

[0016] Advantageously, in the filling position, said filling head forms only two contact zones with said valve, the first contact zone being made between said control member and said valve and the second contact zone being made between said support plate or an element connected to said support plate and a radially external part of said fastening element.

[0017] Advantageously, three ejectors spaced 120° apart are planned.

[0018] Advantageously, said receiving space is formed in a hollow cylindrical sleeve of the body in which said control member slides axially in a sealed manner between its rest and filling positions.

[0019] The present invention also relates to an assembly consisting of a filling head as described above and a fluid product distribution device comprising a valve mounted on a reservoir by means of a fastening element.

[0020] Advantageously, said valve comprises a valve having an axial outlet orifice sliding in a valve body, in which, in the filling position, said valve is disposed in said receiving space of said body and said fixing element is disposed in said housing of said receiving plate.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and on which There figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metering valve according to an advantageous embodiment, in the valve's rest position, and in the valve's upright filling and storage position. figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of a filling head according to an advantageous embodiment, The figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filling head of the figure 2 , at the beginning of the filling cycle before valve insertion, The figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , after insertion of the valve and before filling, The figure 5 is a view similar to that of the figure 4 , currently being filled, The figure 6 is a view similar to that of the figure 5 , after filling, and The figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 6 , after ejection of the valve.

[0022] In the description below, the terms "top", "bottom", "lower", "upper" and "vertical" refer to the upright position shown on the figures 3 à 7 and the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the central longitudinal axis X of the valve.

[0023] There figure 1 Figure 100 represents a valve in the upright filling position, that is, the position in which the valve is located above the reservoir 200, of which only the neck 201 is shown schematically. The valve 100 shown in this example is a metering valve.

[0024] The 100 metering valve shown on the figure 1 comprises a valve body 110 extending along a central longitudinal axis X. Inside said valve body 110, a valve 120 slides between a rest position, which is that shown in the figure 1 , and a distribution position, in which the valve 120 is pushed axially downwards into the valve body 110.

[0025] This valve 100 is mounted on a reservoir 200 adapted to hold fluid and a propellant gas by means of a fastening element 130, which may be a crimp, screw, or snap-on cap, with an interposed neck seal 140. Optionally, a ring 150 may be mounted around the valve body 110, particularly to reduce dead volume in the inverted operating position and / or to limit contact between the fluid and the neck seal 140. This ring 150 may be of any shape, and the example of the figure 1 This is not a limiting list. Generally, the 200 tank is intended to contain the fluid product and the propellant gas, in particular a formulation consisting of one or more active ingredient(s) in suspension and / or solution in a liquefied propellant gas, as well as possibly excipients. The propellant gas advantageously comprises an HFA gas, for example HFA 134a and / or HFA 227. Preferably, the propellant gas comprises HFA-152a. Alternatively, other non-harmful gases, such as HFO1234ze, may be used.

[0026] The valve 120 is forced towards its rest position by a spring 160, which is disposed in the valve body 110 and which cooperates on one side with this valve body 110, and on the other side with the valve 120, preferably with a radial collar 129 of the valve 120. A metering chamber 170 is defined inside the valve body 110, said valve 120 sliding inside said metering chamber 170 to allow the distribution of the contents of the latter when the valve is actuated.

[0027] Advantageously, the valve 120 is made in a single, monobloc piece, comprising an upper part (also called the valve top) and a lower part (also called the valve bottom). The upper part has a central axial channel 122 with an axial outlet 121 and a radial inlet channel 123, which is located in the metering chamber 170 when the valve 120 is in the dispensing position. The lower part has an internal axial channel 125 with a radial outlet channel 124. The lower part also has the flange 129 on its outer surface.

[0028] The internal axial channel 125 connects the dosing chamber 170 to the reservoir 200, allowing the dosing chamber 170 to be filled before each use. This filling occurs when the device is in its inverted operating position, with the valve 100 located below the reservoir 200.

[0029] In the example of the figure 1 When valve 120 is in its rest position, the dosing chamber 170 is connected to the reservoir via the internal axial channel 125 of valve 120. In this rest position, the dosing chamber 170 therefore remains connected to the reservoir and can empty by gravity in the upright position. figure 1 The valve shown on the figure 1 It is therefore a valve of the non-priming type. However, the invention is also applicable to other types of valves, in particular valves of the retention type.

[0030] The valve body 110 comprises a cylindrical portion 115 in which the spring 160 is located and in which the flange 129 slides between the rest and distribution positions. In the position of the figure 1 This cylindrical portion 115 is the lower part of the valve body 110. This cylindrical portion 115 has one or more longitudinal openings 111, such as slots, extending laterally within said cylindrical portion 115 of the valve body, over a portion of the axial height of the valve body in the direction of the longitudinal central axis. These openings 111 allow the dosing chamber 170 to be filled before each actuation, when, in the inverted operating position (with the valve positioned below the reservoir), the valve 120 is in its rest position.

[0031] The dosing chamber 170 is defined between two annular seals, an upper seal or valve seal 171 and a lower seal or chamber seal 172, in a well-known manner. This dosing chamber 170 is filled with a dose of fluid product from the reservoir before each actuation, when the user returns the device to the inverted position.

[0032] The volume of the dosing chamber 170 is defined by means of a chamber insert 175, which is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a cylindrical wall having a radial thickness that varies according to the desired volume. This volume can advantageously vary between 25 and 75 µl.

[0033] On its inner radial edge, the chamber seal 172 advantageously features a radial sealing lip 173 to improve the dynamic seal with the valve 120 during its movement when the valve is actuation. This deformable lip 173 extends radially inward and axially downward. This design ensures a perfect seal when the valve 120 moves in one direction and then the other during actuation. Furthermore, this radial sealing lip allows for easy filling of the tank through the valve without risk of damaging the lower seal 172, as will be described below.

[0034] THE figures 2 à 7 describe a filling head of a filling device according to an advantageous embodiment.

[0035] This filling head comprises the following elements: a control member 10, a top plate 20, a support ring 30, an ejector cylinder 40, a body 50, at least one ejector 60 and a receiving plate 70.

[0036] In the example of the figure 2 , there are three ejectors 60, advantageously arranged at 120° to each other, but any number of ejectors is possible.

[0037] First fastening means 1 are provided for fixing the control member 10 to the motor (not shown) of the filling device, second fastening means 2 are provided for fixing the upper plate 20 to the body 50, and third fastening means 3 are provided for fixing the receiving plate 70 to the body 50. These different fastening means can be formed respectively by one or more screws, or similar.

[0038] A first seal 4 is provided on the control member 10 to cooperate with a portion of the body 50 when the control member 10 moves relative to the body 50. This first seal 4 is a dynamic seal and can be formed by an O-ring or quadrilobe seal assembled in a suitable groove 13 of the control member 10. A second seal 5 is provided between the body 50 and the receiving plate 70. This second seal 5 is a static seal and can be formed by an O-ring or quadrilobe seal wedged between the body 50 and the receiving plate 70. A third seal 6 is provided between the receiving plate 70 and the valve 120. This third seal 6 is a dynamic seal and can be formed by an O-ring or quadrilobe seal disposed in a suitable recess in the receiving plate 70 to cooperate with an external side wall of the valve 120.

[0039] A first spring 7 is provided between the support ring 30, fixed to the control member 10, and the body 50. A second spring 8 may optionally be provided between the upper plate 20 and the ejector cylinder 40.

[0040] A centering pin 9 can be provided between the body 50 and the receiving plate 70.

[0041] The assembly of the filling head of the figure 2 can be achieved in the following way.

[0042] The receiving plate 70 is fixed to the body 50 by the third fixing means 3 after positioning of the centering pin 9 and the second and third seals 5 and 6.

[0043] According to the invention, the filling head includes means for ejecting the valve after filling. Each ejector 60 is advantageously inserted from above into the body 50. Each ejector 60 comprises an enlarged head 61 and a rod 62 extending axially downward from said head. The rod 62 passes through the body 50 and the receiving plate 70 via suitable openings, while the head is axially retained by a shoulder 72 of the receiving plate 70. In the rest position, each ejector is thus positioned with the enlarged head 62 abutting the respective shoulder 72 and the rod 62 extending into a recess 71 of the receiving plate 70.

[0044] The ejector cylinder 40 is then inserted into the body 50 from the top, with the bottom wall of said ejector cylinder 40 cooperating with the enlarged head of each ejector 60.

[0045] The first and second springs 7 and 8 are inserted into the body 50 from above, with the first spring 7 bearing directly against an internal part of the body 50 and the second spring 8 bearing against the bottom wall of the ejector cylinder 40. In the example shown, the two springs 7 and 8 are concentric, with the first spring 7 radially inside the second spring 8. Other configurations are possible. As explained below, the second spring 8 is optional.

[0046] The control member 10 comprises an axial rod portion 11 which has a mounting profile 12, for example a snap-fit ​​profile or a screw-fit profile, for receiving the support ring 30, and a groove or channel 13 for receiving the first seal 4. The upper plate 20 has a hole in its center and is positioned around the axial rod portion 11 of the control member. The support ring 30 is inserted from below into the lower part of the upper plate 20 to snap or screw onto the mounting profile 12 of the axial rod portion 11.

[0047] This assembly is then fixed to the body 50 by means of the second fixing means 2, with the first spring 7 cooperating with the support ring 30 and the second spring 8 cooperating with the upper plate 20.

[0048] At least one ejector 60 and the ejector cylinder 40 are axially movable in the body 50 between an ejection position and a filling position, in which each ejector 60 is moved axially upwards in the body 50, causing the ejector cylinder 40 to move axially upwards and thereby compressing the second spring 8.

[0049] The control member 10 includes a filling channel 15, which extends axially to the center of the axial rod portion 11, and whose lower axial end, which includes an outlet orifice 16, opens into a receiving space 55 of the body 50 defined by a hollow cylindrical sleeve 54 of the body 50.

[0050] The control member 10 is therefore axially movable within the body 50 between its rest position and its filling position. During this axial movement, the first seal 4 cooperates in a watertight manner with the hollow axial sleeve 54 to maintain the receiving space 55 watertight. Furthermore, when the control member 10 moves towards its filling position, the first spring 7 is compressed, and at the end of the filling process, returns the control member 10 to its rest position.

[0051] The operation of the filling head of the figure 2 is illustrated on the figures 3 à 7 .

[0052] This filling head is a so-called press-fit head, meaning that the pressure it exerts on the valve is applied on one side to the valve 120 and on the other side to the radially external part of the fixing element 130, i.e., the part that cooperates with the reservoir 200 via the neck seal 140. Therefore, there are no stresses exerted by the filling head on the radially internal part of the fixing element 130, i.e., the part that cooperates with the valve body 110 via the valve seal 171. Nor are there any stresses exerted by the control member 10 on the valve body 110 via the valve 120 beyond what is permitted by the spring setting 160 of the valve.

[0053] Furthermore, unlike existing filling heads, the seal between the head and the valve is not achieved by means of a gasket positioned axially above the radially superior edge of the valve, which defines the valve's outlet orifice 121, but rather on a lateral side of the valve. Thus, as visible on the figures 3 et 4 When the valve is inserted into the filling head, the top of the valve enters the receiving space 55 via an axial opening in the receiving plate 70 aligned with an axial opening in the body 50, with the third seal 6 cooperating tightly with the external side wall of the valve, as visible in the figures 5 et 6 .

[0054] During this insertion of the valve into the head, at least one ejector 60, which at rest protrudes into a recess 71 formed in the receiving plate 70, is pushed upwards by the valve's fixing element 130, as visible in the figures 3 et 4 , which also moves the ejector cylinder 40 and compresses the second spring 8.

[0055] When the valve 120 reaches the receiving space 55 of the body, abutting the lower edge of the axial stem portion 11 of the control member 10, the filling process can begin. Advantageously, the outlet 16 of the filling channel 15 forms a small projection that can slightly penetrate the axial outlet 121 of the valve 120. As visible in the figure 5 The control member 10 is moved axially downwards, which moves the valve 120 to its filling position. The pressurized fluid can then be injected through the filling channel 15 of the control member, passing into the valve 120 and then to the reservoir 200. During this pressurized filling, the sealing of the receiving space 55 is ensured by the first seal 4 between the control member 10 and the body 50, by the second seal 5 between the body 50 and the receiving plate 70, and by the third seal 6 between the receiving plate 70 and the valve 120.

[0056] At the end of the filling process, the first spring 7 returns the control member 10 to its rest position, as illustrated in the figure 6 , and at least one ejector 60 ejects the valve from the housing 71 of the receiving plate 70, via the ejector cylinder 40 and the second spring 8, as illustrated in the figure 7 .

[0057] It should be noted that the ejection means, in this case the ejectors 60 and their associated components, namely the ejector sleeve 40 and the second spring 8, are not mandatory for the proper functioning of the filling head. One advantage of using such ejection means is to ensure good separation between the valve and the head. Indeed, due to the seal on one side wall of the valve 120, there is some resistance to the valve being withdrawn from the housing 71 of the receiving plate 70, and the use of ejectors 60 can be advantageous.

[0058] One advantage of the filling head described above is the improved control of the valve's position during filling. This control is less prone to variability thanks to, firstly, the absence of an axially positioned seal between the upper edge of the valve 120 and the lower edge of the axial stem portion 11 of the control member 10; secondly, the absence of contact between the filling head and the radially internal portion of the fixing element 130; and also the fact that the valve spring 160 is not brought into a tight coiled position during filling. The only contact between the head and the fixing element is provided solely on the radially external portion of the fixing element. This eliminates the variability associated with a valve seal and, moreover, protects the valve body, and in particular the metering chamber, from any stress during filling.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by the example shown. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art may make any useful modifications to it without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A filling head for a device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a valve (100) mounted on a reservoir (200) by means of a securing element (130), said valve (100) comprising a valve shutter (120) provided with an axial outlet orifice (121) sliding in a valve body (110), said filling head comprising: - a body (50) comprising a receiving space (55), - a control member (10) mounted so as to slide axially in said body (50) between a rest position and a filling position, said control member (10) comprising a filling channel (15) through which, in the filling position, the pressurized fluid product is fed to said valve (100) in order to fill said reservoir (200), said filling channel (15) comprising an outlet orifice (16) opening into said receiving space (55), - an upper plate (20) through which said control member (10) passes and which is secured to said body (50), - a supporting ring (30) secured to said control member (10) and cooperating with a first spring (7) disposed between said supporting ring (30) and said body (50), - a receiving plate (70) secured to said body (50) and comprising a housing (71) for receiving said valve (100) such that, in the filling position, the axial outlet orifice (121) of said valve shutter (120) opens into said receiving space (55), in which, in the filling position, said receiving space (55) has a seal comprising a first gasket (4) between said control member (10) and said body (50), a second gasket (5) between said body (50) and said receiving plate (70), and a third gasket (6) between said receiving plate (70) and said valve shutter (120), said third gasket (6) cooperating with an outer side wall of said valve shutter (120), and - valve ejection means (60, 40, 8) for ejecting said valve (100) from said housing (71) after filling, characterized in that said ejection means comprise: - an ejector cylinder (40) disposed in said body (50), - at least one ejector (60) which is axially displaceably disposed in said body (50) between an ejection position and a filling position, each ejector (60) being disposed between said ejector cylinder (40) and said support plate (70), each ejector (60) comprising an enlarged head (61) and a stem (62) extending axially downwards from said enlarged head (61), said stem (62) passing through said body (50) and said receiving plate (70) in order to project into said housing (71) in the ejection position, and - a second spring (8) disposed between said ejector sleeve (40) and said upper plate (20) and urging said at least one ejector towards its ejection position.

2. The head as claimed in claim 1, in which said first gasket (4) is a dynamic gasket formed by an O-ring gasket or X-ring gasket assembled in a groove or recess (13) of said control member.

3. The head as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which said second gasket (5) is a static gasket formed by an O-ring gasket or X-ring gasket wedged between said body (50) and said receiving plate (70).

4. The head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said third gasket (6) is a dynamic gasket formed by an O-ring gasket or X-ring gasket disposed in a suitable recess of said receiving plate (70).

5. The head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the filling position, said filling head forms only two zones of contact with said valve (100), the first zone of contact being produced between said control member (10) and said valve shutter (120) and the second zone of contact being produced between said support plate (70) or an element (60) connected to said support plate and a radially outer portion of said securing element (130).

6. The head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which three ejectors (60) are provided, spaced apart by 120°.

7. The head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said receiving space (55) is formed in a hollow cylindrical sleeve (54) of the body (50) in which said control member (10) slides axially in a sealed manner between its rest and filling positions.

8. An assembly formed by a filling head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a valve (100) mounted on a reservoir (200) by means of a securing element (130).

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which said valve (100) comprises a valve shutter (120) provided with an axial outlet orifice (121) sliding in a valve body (110), in which, in the filling position, said valve shutter (120) is disposed in said receiving space (55) of said body (50) and said securing element (130) is disposed in said housing (71) of said receiving plate (70).

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