Flow restrictor for an output rod for actuating the valve of a pressurized container

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow restrictor (1a) for an output rod (8), intended to be placed, as an insert, in a first channel of the output rod, in or near a free end (831) of said first channel. The flow restrictor (1a) - has a first wall (11a) which extends axially along a main axis (A) and which is dimensioned to be in contact with a wall (83) of the first, axially extending channel; - is provided with at least one groove (111a) extending axially on said first wall (11a) of the flow restrictor; and - has a cross section complementing the cross section of the segment of the first channel that it is intended to occupy, so as to be able to plug the first channel (831) while leaving a passage through the groove or grooves (111a).

Description

Description Flow restrictor for an outlet stem used to actuate the valve of a pressure vessel technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a flow reducer for an outlet stem of a pressure vessel valve of the male valve type or of a diffuser intended to actuate the valve of a pressure vessel, and an assembly of outlet stem and flow reducer, as well as the use of such a reducer and a method for controlling the outlet flow of a compressed gas from a pressure vessel. State of the art

[0002] Pressure vessels, such as aerosol generators, are commonly used. They consist of a body with a neck closed by a valve mounted on a cup. The valve has a valve stem which, in the case of male valves, extends into an outlet stem. This valve with the outlet stem is generally called the stem. A diffuser is placed on the outlet stem to open the valve and to produce an aerosol or foam, for example. When the valve is female, the diffuser has an outlet stem that extends into the valve to open it; this stem is commonly called the seat.

[0003] The current trend is to use a compressed gas, particularly compressed air, as a propellant. However, to obtain a good quality aerosol or foam, it is often necessary to add a certain amount of compressed gas from the pressurized container to the product exiting the valve.

[0004] To allow for the simultaneous withdrawal of the product and compressed gas, a two-way valve is used. The first channel is in contact with the product, while the second is in contact with the compressed gas, so that the product and compressed gas are withdrawn independently of each other. A male-type two-way valve is commonly used, consisting of a seat extended by an outlet stem with two channels. These two channels are usually concentric, but parallel, non-concentric channels placed side by side also exist.

[0005] The pressure inside the container decreases as the product is dispensed, partly due to the decreasing volume of the product being dispensed, and partly due to the compressed gas consumed to improve the quality of the aerosol or foam. However, the pressure inside the container is limited by the characteristics of the casing and the valve connection to the casing. Generally, this pressure is not exceeded by 15 bar for safety reasons.

[0006] Furthermore, the amount of compressed gas to add to the product coming out of the valve depends on the product itself and the desired application (foam, aerosol droplet size, etc.).

[0007] The objective of the invention is therefore to provide a device that allows the use of a standard valve and / or diffuser while enabling the quantity of compressed gas dispensed to be adjusted according to the product and the desired application. Another objective is to allow the quantity of product dispensed to be adjusted. Description of the invention

[0008] This objective is achieved with a flow restrictor for the outlet stem of a male valve or diffuser. The restrictor is designed to be placed, as an add-on component, in a first channel of the outlet stem, which flow restrictor - has a first wall which extends axially along a main axis and which is dimensioned to be in contact with a wall of the first channel which extends axially; - is equipped with at least one groove extending axially along said first wall of the flow reducer; and - has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the segment of the first channel that it is intended to occupy, so as to be able to block the first channel while leaving a passage through the groove(s).

[0009] The flow reducer can take different forms depending on whether it is intended for a central channel with a circular cross-section or for an annular channel.

[0010] In a first embodiment, the flow restrictor is designed for an annular canal and has the form of a cylindrical tubular wall having an inner and an outer surface. The groove(s) are formed on the inner or outer face of the tubular wall. To prevent the flow restrictor from being inserted too deeply into the annular canal, the flow restrictor may have, at one end of its cylindrical wall, a flange extending outwards from that end and with a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer face of the annular canal for which it is intended. The flange may have a chamfer formed on its outer upper edge, that is, on the outer edge opposite the first wall of the flow restrictor.When the groove(s) are machined on the outer face of the cylindrical wall, each groove forms a recess in the upper face of the flow restrictor, ensuring the groove's continuity. This recess preferably forms a notch in the flange, open radially outwards. The outer surface of the tubular cylindrical wall can be subdivided into a lower and an upper part. The diameter of the lower part is smaller than the diameter of the upper part and preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the channel for which the flow restrictor is intended. The diameter of the upper part is preferably substantially the same as, or very slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the channel for which the flow restrictor is intended, to allow for forced insertion without damaging the first wall of the channel.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the flow reducer has the shape of a solid cylinder or a cylinder of which at least one cross-section is solid, the groove(s) being made on the external cylindrical surface of the flow reducer.

[0012] The flow reducer can be equipped with two, three, four, six or eight grooves.

[0013] The cross-sectional area of ​​all the grooves defines the free passage for the fluid to be drawn (propellant gas or product to be drawn) to pass through the outlet stem. This cross-sectional area can be adapted to the user's needs. This adaptation can be achieved by varying the cross-sectional area of ​​each groove and / or by varying their number. Specifically, the flow reducer can be equipped with one, two, three, four, six, or eight grooves, although other numbers are possible. The cross-sectional area of ​​each groove can be between 0.003 and 0.04 mm². 2 for a compressed gas, preferably between 0.005 mm 2 and 0.02 mm 2 , and / or between 0.03 and 0.8 mm 2 for a non-gaseous product, preferably between 0.03 and 0.07 mm 2such as the product to be sampled. The finest grooves can be made by machining or laser cutting, especially if they cannot be produced reproducibly by molding.

[0014] The grooves can take various forms. In particular, the bottom wall defining the bottom of the groove(s) can be single-sided, specifically a concave face which, viewed in cross-section, resembles an arc, or flat (a flat surface on the cylindrical face) when the groove(s) are made on the outer face of the tubular or cylindrical flow reducer. This bottom wall can also be two-sided (triangular shape) or three-sided (trapezoidal or rectangular shape).

[0015] The invention also relates to an outlet stem for actuating the valve of a pressure vessel. The outlet stem comprises at least one first channel extending axially along a principal axis (A), - having a first cross-section and an accessible free end, and - being designed to extend a first channel of the valve. According to the invention, the outlet stem is provided with a flow restrictor according to the invention, which restrictor is placed, as an added component, in the first channel, - the first wall of the reducer is in contact with a wall extending axially from the first channel; - the cross-section of the reducer is complementary to the cross-section of the segment of the first channel that it occupies, so that the flow reducer blocks the first channel while leaving a passage through the groove(s).

[0016] The outlet stem can be the stem of a male valve, more commonly known as the stem. It can also be the outlet stem of a diffuser designed to extend the outlet stem of a male valve or to actuate the seat of a female valve.

[0017] The outlet stem can be single-way, meaning it has only one central channel. Alternatively, the outlet stem can be two-way, as in a two-way valve (two-way stem) or a two-way diffuser. In this case, the outlet stem may have a second channel, one of which is central and circular in cross-section. The other channel surrounds the first and has an annular cross-section. The outlet stem may be equipped with a single flow restrictor located in one of the two channels, preferably the annular channel, or with two flow restrictors, each located in one of the channels.

[0018] The outlet stem can be the outlet stem of a two-way diffuser. The outlet stem has a second channel. One of the channels is central and circular in cross-section. The other channel is concentric with the first, has a larger diameter, and, after the diffuser is mounted on a valve, forms an annular channel. The outlet stem can be fitted with a single flow restrictor placed in one of the two channels, preferably in the annular channel, or with two flow restrictors, each placed in one of the channels.

[0019] The invention also relates to the use of a flow reducer in the outlet stem of a male valve or female valve diffuser or two-way male valve, to control the outlet flow of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the outlet flow rate of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air, from a pressure vessel. The compressed gas exits the pressure vessel through a channel in an outlet stem when the valve of the pressure vessel is open. A flow restrictor according to the invention is introduced into the outlet channel of the outlet stem so as to limit the available passage in the channel to the groove(s) formed in the flow restrictor. Brief description of the figures

[0021] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the following figures which show: First method of implementation Fig. 1: a two-way stem equipped with a flow reducer for annular channel with a groove placed outside the flow reducer (a) in section, (b) in enlarged view, (c) in exploded perspective and (d) in top view; Fig. 2: a perspective view of the flow reducer in figure 1; Fig. 3: Perspective views of a flow reducer with (a) two grooves with cylindrical bottom wall and (b) two grooves with rectangular bottom wall; Fig. 4: Perspective views of a flow reducer with 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 grooves with a circular arc bottom wall; Fig. 5: Perspective views of a flow reducer with two cylindrical bottom-walled grooves (a) with a cross-section of 0.007 mm 2 and (b) a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2 ; Second embodiment Fig. 6: a two-way stem equipped with a flow reducer for annular channel with a groove placed inside (a) in section, (b) in enlarged view (c) in exploded perspective and (d) in top view; Fig. 7: a perspective view of the flow reducer in figure 6; Fig. 8: Perspective and cross-sectional views of a flow reducer with (a) two grooves with cylindrical bottom wall and (b) two grooves with rectangular bottom wall; Fig. 9: Perspective views of a flow reducer with 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 grooves with rectangular bottom wall; Fig. 10: Perspective views of a flow reducer with two rectangular bottom-walled grooves (a) with a cross-section of 0.007 mm 2 And (b) with a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2 ; Third mode of implementation Fig. 11: a two-way stem equipped with a flow reducer for the central channel (a) in section, (b) in enlarged view, (c) in exploded perspective and (d) in top view; Fig. 12: A perspective view of a flow reducer having (a) a groove with a cylindrical bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2(b) a groove with a rectangular bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.007 mm 2 , and (c) a groove with a rectangular bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2 ; Fig. 13: Perspective views of a flow reducer having 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 grooves with a rectangular bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2 ; Other variations Fig. 14: a two-way stem equipped with an annular flow reducer and a central flow reducer (a) in section, (b) in exploded view and (c) top view; Fig. 15: (a) an annular channel flow reducer with two flat-shaped grooves, (b) a central channel flow reducer with two flat-shaped grooves, and (c) an annular channel flow reducer with a rectangular groove without a collar; Fig. 16: A single-channel stem equipped with a central channel flow restrictor (a) in cross-section, (b) in exploded perspective and (c) top view; Fig. 17: (a) a single-way diffuser equipped with a central flow restrictor, and (b) the central flow reducer; Fig. 18: (a) a view of the outlet stem of a two-way diffuser equipped with a central flow reducer and an annular flow reducer, (b) the annular flow reducer, (c) the central flow reducer, (d) an enlarged view at the annular flow reducer, and (e) an enlarged view at the central flow reducer. Detailed description

[0022] The flow restrictor (1a, 1b, 1c) of the invention is designed to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the outlet channel carrying a fluid contained in a pressure vessel closed by a valve (the propellant gas or the product to be drawn) from the valve inlet to the outlet of the valve stem and / or from the outlet of the valve stem to the outlet of the diffuser. It is an add-on component independent of the valve and the diffuser.

[0023] The flow restrictor is shown in the figures so as to be placed at the outlet end of the stem of a male-type valve (a valve commonly referred to as a stem) or at the inlet end of the outlet stem of a diffuser. Spatial references such as "upper" / "lower" or "top" / "bottom," etc., refer to the flow restrictor as shown in Figures 1a, 6a, or 10a. Furthermore, the flow restrictor and the outlet stem extend along a principal axis (A). The spatial references "axial" and "radial" refer to this principal axis. Disregarding grooves and any molding features, the flow restrictor exhibits a degree of rotational symmetry about this principal axis (A).

[0024] Three variant embodiments (1a, 1b, 1c) are presented below. They have many common features. The first variant will be described in detail. The characteristics common to all three variants are designated by the same reference followed by the letter a, b, or c. These common characteristics will be described in detail only using the first embodiment.

[0025] The invention is described in more detail (see Figures 1, 6, 11, and 14) below using the example of a two-way stem (8) for a male-type valve, the flow restrictor (1a, 1b, 1c) being placed in the upper free end of the annular channel, generally intended for the passage of compressed gas, or of the central channel, generally intended for the product to be dispensed. The flow restrictor can also be used in a single-way stem (see Figure 16) or in the outlet stem of a diffuser (see Figures 17 and 18). The flow restrictor serves to considerably reduce the flow rate of the fluid passing through this channel. As an example, using the restrictor of Figure 10a or 12b, a groove area / conduit area ratio of 1 / 1000 is obtained for the gas with the annular channel and 2 / 1000 with the central channel. The flow restrictors also have a cross-sectional area much smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the access openings (813, 833) to the channels (811, 831). The following table shows the ratio of groove cross-sectional area to opening cross-sectional area. A conventional two-way stem (8), such as that shown in Figures 11c or 14b, is generally intended to draw liquid through the openings (813) leading into the central channel (811) and propellant gas through the openings (833) leading into the annular channel (831). Typically, there are two openings (813) with a diameter of 0.8 mm for the liquid, and two sets of two openings (833) with a diameter of 0.6 mm for the gas. Therefore, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the two openings (813) for the liquid is approximately 1.0 mm². 2 and that of the four openings (833) for gas is approximately 1.1 mm 2By modifying the number and cross-section of the grooves in the flow reducers, the ratio of groove cross-section to opening cross-section can be varied according to requirements. Based on the values ​​indicated previously, the following tables are obtained: [Table 1]: Groove / opening ratio (833) for gases Number of grooves [Table 2]: Groove / opening ratio (813) for liquids Number of grooves

[0026] The stem (8), whether single-way or double-way, is a common component. It has an essentially cylindrical external shape and features a first cylindrical wall (81) forming a central channel (811) with a circular cross-section. The central channel is open at its top and closed at its lower end by a first bottom wall (812). The lower end of the stem (8) terminates in a cylindrical tenon (82) designed to engage with the valve's return spring. One or more first radial openings (813), here two, are formed in the first wall (81) of the stem, near the bottom wall (812). These first radial openings (812) connect the interior of the central channel (811) to the outer face of the stem.

[0027] The two-way stem (8) is further provided with a second cylindrical wall (83) concentric with the first (81), surrounding it to form an annular channel (831), concentric with the central channel (811). This annular channel (831) is open upwards and closed at its lower end by a second bottom wall (832). The second bottom wall of the annular channel is positioned such that the first radial openings (813) do not pass through said annular channel. One or more second radial openings (833), here two sets of two second openings, pass through the second cylindrical wall (83) so as to bring the inside of the annular channel (831) into contact with the outside of the stem.

[0028] Radial reinforcing ribs (84) can be provided in the lower part of the annular canal which connect the two cylindrical walls (81, 83).

[0029] Both channels (811, 831) are open upwards at their free end (811x, 831x) and are thus accessible for the introduction of the flow reducer, and this is true even when the stem is mounted in a valve, including when the valve is mounted on a housing and the housing is filled.

[0030] The flow reducer can be used in the annular channel (831) and / or in the central channel (811) (see figures 1, 6, 11 and 14).

[0031] The diffuser (9), whether single-way or two-way, is a common component. It is equipped with an outlet stem having a predominantly cylindrical external shape. The outlet stem has a first cylindrical wall (91) forming a central channel (911) with a circular cross-section. The central channel is open at the bottom and closed at its upper end by a first bottom wall (912). This bottom wall may have a well (912x). A first opening (913) is made in the first bottom wall (912), specifically in the well (912x), or in the cylindrical wall. This first opening (912) connects the inside of the central channel (911) to a conduit leading to the diffuser outlet, and in particular to a nozzle housed in a nozzle recess (92).

[0032] The two-way diffuser (9) is further provided with a second cylindrical wall (93) concentric with the first (91). The diameter of this second wall (93) is larger than that of the first cylindrical wall (91). It forms an annular channel (931), concentric with the central channel (911), either because it surrounds the first cylindrical wall (91), or after the introduction of a two-way stem as shown in Figure 18a. This annular channel (931) is open downwards and closed at its upper end by a second bottom wall (932). The second bottom wall of the annular channel is positioned such that the first opening (913) does not pass through said annular channel.A second opening (933) is placed in the second bottom wall (932) or the second cylindrical wall (91) so as to bring the inside of the annular channel (931) into contact with a second conduit leading to the outlet of the diffuser, and in particular to a nozzle received in a nozzle housing (92).

[0033] The two channels (911, 931) are open downwards at their free end (911x, 931x) and are thus accessible for the introduction of the flow reducer.

[0034] The flow reducer can be used in the annular channel (931) and / or in the central channel (911) (see figures 17 and 18). First method of implementation

[0035] In a first embodiment, the flow restrictor (1a) is designed to be introduced into the annular canal (831, 931). It is in the form of a tubular wall (11a) extending along the axial direction (A). When installed in the canal, its shape is complementary to that of the section of the annular canal into which it enters. Its dimensions are chosen to eliminate any play between its inner and outer faces and the faces of the annular canal corresponding to the outer face of the first cylindrical wall (81, 91) (and in particular the first wall (81) of the two-way in-stem). introduced into the diffuser) and to the inner face of the second cylindrical wall (83, 93). For example, the inner diameter of the flow restrictor may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the annular channel (831, 931), and / or its outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the annular channel so that it is forced into the annular channel. However, the outer diameter must not be too large, as this could break the second cylindrical wall (83, 93), or deform it so that the diffuser, or the filling head, can no longer be properly positioned. For demolding purposes, the annular channel has a slight taper, that is, it is very slightly flared upwards.To avoid excessive friction during the forced insertion of the flow restrictor into the annular canal, it is preferable that the outer surface of the cylindrical wall (11a) be subdivided into a lower portion (11a') and an upper portion (11a”). The outer diameter of the lower portion (11a') is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular canal. Conversely, the outer diameter of the upper portion (11a”) is approximately the same as, or very slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the annular canal. The inner diameter of the cylindrical wall (11a) is preferably the same as, or very slightly smaller than, the inner diameter of the annular canal. These measures ensure that the flow restrictor is securely held within the canal.

[0036] At least one groove (111a) is made on the outer face of the tubular wall (11a). This groove extends axially over the entire length of said tubular wall, in other words over the entire height of the tubular wall.

[0037] To limit the insertion of the flow restrictor (1a) into the annular channel (831) of the stem, and thus prevent it from descending to the openings (833) and blocking them, a flange (12a) can be provided, projecting radially outwards from the upper end of the tubular wall (11a). This flange is designed to bear against the upper edge of the second cylindrical wall (83), opposite the second bottom wall (832). For example, the diameter of the outer edge of this flange can be sufficiently larger than the inner diameter of the second tubular wall (83) so that the flange cannot be inserted into the annular channel, even by forcing the flow restrictor into the channel. The front face of the flow restrictor fitted with this flange therefore has an opening corresponding to the top of the groove.It is also possible, as in the examples shown here, to create a notch (121a) in the collar, opening radially outwards and into the upper end of the groove (111a). This collar offers other advantages. It at least partially covers the upper edge of the second tubular wall (83). This tubular wall is relatively fragile due to its thinness. It can break when the filling head or a diffuser comes into contact with it. The collar therefore protects its upper edge. Ideally, the collar covers the entire upper part of the second tubular wall (83). To achieve this, the outer diameter of the collar (12a) is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second wall. tubular wall (83). Furthermore, it is advantageous to chamfer the upper face of the flange as shown in Figure 2. This chamfer (12a') on the outer upper edge of the flange increases the service life of the filling head seal. Indeed, this seal tends to wear prematurely when the upper face of the flange has a sharp edge. In addition, the lower face of the flange is preferably flat so that it cooperates with the upper edge of the second tubular wall at the free end (831x) of the annular channel, thus ensuring a seal between the flow restrictor and the outer face of the annular channel.This measure may be necessary when the dimensions of the tubular wall (11a) of the flow restrictor, and in particular those of the upper section (11a”), are indeed complementary to the dimensions of the inner face of the second tubular wall (83), but do not reliably ensure a seal, if only due to molding tolerances. In this way, the flow restrictor (1a) blocks the annular channel (83), leaving a passage only through the groove(s) (111a). The product can therefore only pass through the recess in the collar, specifically the notch (121a). Finally, the collar allows the flow restrictor to be correctly oriented during its insertion into the stem, eliminating the risk of the larger-diameter upper part (12a”) entering the annular conduit first and potentially breaking the second tubular wall (83).

[0038] In the case of a stem reducer, the axial extension (or height) of the part of the flow reducer that is introduced into the annular channel must be less than the distance separating the top of the openings (833) giving access to the annular channel and the upper free end of the second cylindrical wall (83) opposite the second bottom wall (832), otherwise the flow reducer would be in front of these openings and block them.

[0039] In the case of a diffuser reducer, it is preferable, to allow access to the first opening (913), to provide an annular recess on the outer edge of the upper end of the flow reducer. This annular recess is shown in Figure 18(b) as a circular chamfer (112a). Thanks to this annular recess, it is not necessary to align the slot (111) with the first opening (913). To avoid having two different ends and therefore a different orientation for inserting the flow reducer into the annular channel, it is preferable to make this circular recess on both ends of the flow reducer. Second embodiment

[0040] The second embodiment (1 b) differs from the first embodiment only by the presence of its groove or grooves (111 b) on the inner face of the tubular wall (11b).

[0041] In this second embodiment as well, it is possible to provide for the presence of a circular recess or a collar (12b). The presence of a notch is not necessary in this embodiment since the or The grooves are made on the side of the tubular wall that does not bear the collar. Third mode of implementation

[0042] In the third embodiment, the flow restrictor (1c) is designed to be introduced into the center channel (811, 911) of the stem or the outlet stem of the diffuser. This flow restrictor (1c) can be used in a single-way stem or diffuser having only one center channel, as shown by way of example in Figures 16 and 17, or in a two-way stem or diffuser, as shown in Figures 14 and 18.

[0043] The flow restrictor (1c) is in the form of a solid cylinder, with the groove(s) (11c) formed on the cylindrical surface (11c) of the flow restrictor. The diameter of the cylinder is equal to, or very slightly larger than, the inside diameter of the first wall (81, 91) of the outlet stem (8) or diffuser (9). It is understood that the cylinder might not be solid, but only closed, for example, at one of its ends, particularly its lower end. The flow restrictor (1c) may include a tubular wall whose central opening is not, however, through-walled, as it is closed by a transverse wall that may be at one end or between the ends. In other words, the flow restrictor (1c) is in the form of a cylinder with at least one solid cross-section.

[0044] As in the other two embodiments, a collar (see Figure 17b) can be used to limit the penetration of the flow restrictor (1c) into the central channel. Similarly, an annular recess (112c) may be necessary to ensure continuity between the groove (111c) and the second opening (933), thus avoiding the need to align the groove (111c) and the second opening (933) in cases similar to that shown in Figure 18a.

[0045] The rest of the description concerns the three modes of implementation.

[0046] Depending on the desired flow rate of the fluid taken, in particular the flow rate of the compressed gas taken to improve the quality of the aerosol or foam, the total available cross-section can be varied by varying the number and / or dimensions of the cross-section of the grooves (111a, 111b, 111c).

[0047] The number of grooves can vary depending on the requirements. Figures 4, 9, and 13 show, as a non-limiting example, flow restrictors (1a, 1b, 1c) with 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 grooves. There could be 5, 7, or more than 8 grooves.

[0048] Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove (111a, 111b, 111c) can vary depending on the requirements. Figures 5a, 10a, and 12b show an example of a groove with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.007 mm 2 Figures 5b, 10b, 12a and 12c show a groove having a cross-section of 0.03 mm 2 , it being specified that these values ​​do not constitute limits in- lower and upper, and that other values, particularly between these two values ​​cited as examples, can be chosen according to needs.

[0049] The cross-section of a groove can be constant along its entire length. It can also be designed to decrease or increase from one end to the other, particularly to facilitate mold removal. This is especially evident in Figures 6a and 6b, where the cross-section is narrower at the bottom than at the top. The dimensions given in this application refer to the narrowest cross-section of each groove.

[0050] The groove(s) can correspond to a recess delimited by a bottom wall which, viewed in cross-section, is an arc of a circle (Figures 3a, 5b, 8a, 12a), or to a recess whose bottom wall has three faces, preferably nearly straight, connected to each other, for example, by angles, which in the examples presented here are nearly right angles. To simplify the following description, recessed grooves with an arc-shaped cross-section will be called cylindrical grooves, and the other grooves will be called rectangular grooves. A third simple solution applicable to the first and third embodiments consists of creating a simple flat surface in the convex face of the cylindrical wall, as shown in Figures 15a and 15b.

[0051] The groove(s) can be created in various ways. For example, they can be produced by molding. However, it can be difficult to create very fine grooves by molding. Another solution is to create them by machining or laser cutting, which allows for very precise and very fine groove dimensions.

[0052] In all three embodiments, it is understood that when the flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) is installed in the annular (831, 931) or central (811, 911) channel, it blocks it, leaving a passage for the fluid only at the groove, or grooves when there are several.

[0053] To facilitate molding, a chamfer (13b) can be provided in a portion of the cylindrical wall (11a, 11b, 11c), as can be seen in the example of the second embodiment (1b) in Figure 8b, for example. This chamfer must not extend over the entire height of the flow reducer, otherwise it would itself constitute a groove.

[0054] To prevent the groove(s) (111a, 111b, 111c) from narrowing or even becoming blocked due to the deformation of the flow restrictor forced into its channel (811, 911, 831, 931), it is preferable to manufacture it from a relatively hard material. For example, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a copolyester such as polyethylene butylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) could be chosen; these materials being virgin or recycled. The hardness could, for example, be between 60 and 100 Shore D, and in particular between 85 and 95 Shore D. The use of additives of the type Sliding agents can also be considered. If the slot(s) are sufficiently large and slight deformation has only a negligible effect on the overall cross-section, softer materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can also be chosen. In certain applications, particularly with POM, it may be advantageous to use the same material for both the stem and the flow restrictor.

[0055] The presence of the collar (12a, 12b) is not mandatory. It could be omitted, as shown as an example in figure 15c.

[0056] Among the compressed gases that can be used with the flow reducer of the invention, examples include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, mixtures of these gases, or more generally any compressed gas compatible with the intended application.

[0057] The flow restrictor of the invention can be used with a bag-in-bag valve, or even a double-bag valve. In particular, it can be provided that the compressed gas is contained in one of the bags, and specifically in the inner bag opening into the central conduit.

[0058] The flow reducer of the invention finds applications in the following fields, without being exhaustive: cosmetic products for body care and hygiene (mists, deodorants, antiperspirants), sun products (protective sprays, after-sun), food products (olive oil, release spray for pastry), household products (air freshener, dusting spray and / or wax for furniture), pharmaceutical products (nasal spray), technical products (paints, varnishes), products for the automotive industry (touch-up paints, rim / brake cleaner).

[0059] The advantage of the present invention is that it allows the use of a standard stem (8) or diffuser (9) and requires only a set of flow restrictors (1a, 1b, 1c) to be selected according to the products used and the intended applications. The flow restrictor can be sold separately. It can be installed in the stem before the stem is mounted in the valve, or after the stem is mounted in the valve, but before the valve is mounted on the housing. If the container is to be filled via the stem, it is preferable to place the flow restrictor in the stem after packaging to avoid unnecessarily reducing the available cross-sectional area for filling. If the flow restrictor is to be placed in the diffuser, this can be done as a manufacturing step of the diffuser, or subsequently, for example, before the diffuser is mounted on the valve.

[0060] It is possible, if desired, to use a flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) in one channel only or in both channels.

[0061] The invention can also be applied to a two-way output rod in which the two ways are not concentric, but side by side. List of references

[0062] 1 Flow restrictor 11 Tubular wall 111 Groove 112 Annular hollow 12 Collar 13 Molding chamfer 8 Two-way stem 81 First cylindrical wall 811 Central Canal 811x Accessible free end of the central channel 812 First bottom wall 813 First openings 82 Cylindrical tenon 83 Second cylindrical wall 831 Annular canal 831x Accessible free end of the annular canal 832 Second bottom wall 833 Second Openings 84 Reinforcing ribs 9 Diffuser 91 First cylindrical wall 911 Central Canal 911x Accessible free end of the central channel 912 First bottom wall 912x Well in the first bottom wall 913 First openings 92 Buzzard housing 93 Second cylindrical wall 931 Annular canal 931x Accessible free end of the annular canal 932 Second bottom wall 933 Second Openings

Claims

Claims 1. Flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) for an outlet stem (8, 9) of a male valve or a stem of a diffuser, the reducer being intended to be placed, as an insert, in a first channel (811, 831, 911, 931) of the outlet stem, characterized in that the flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) - has a first wall (11a, 11b, 11c) which extends axially along a main axis (A) and which is dimensioned to be in contact with a wall (81, 83, 91, 93) of the first axially extending channel; - is provided with at least one groove (111a, 111b, 111c) extending axially on said first wall (11a, 11b, 11c) of the flow reducer; and - has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the segment of the first channel that it is intended to occupy, so as to be able to plug the first channel (811, 831, 911, 931) by leaving a passage through the groove(s) (111a, 111b, 111c).

2. Flow reducer (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flow reducer (1a, 1b) is intended for an annular channel (831, 931) delimited by the first wall (83, 81) and a second wall (81, 83), the flow reducer having the shape of a tubular cylindrical wall (11a, 11b) having an inner surface and an outer surface, the groove(s) being made on the inner face or the outer face.

3. Flow reducer (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flow reducer has at one of the ends of its cylindrical wall a collar (12a) extending from this end towards the outside and of diameter greater than the diameter of the external face of the annular channel (831) for which it is intended.

4. Flow reducer (1a, 1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collar (12a) is provided with a chamfer (12a') made on the outer upper edge of the collar and / or in that the collar covers the entire upper face of the outer wall (83) which delimits the annular channel.

5. Flow reducer (1a) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the groove(s) (111a) are made on the outer face of the cylindrical wall and each groove (111a) forms a recess in the upper face of the flow reducer (1a), this recess preferably forming a notch (121a) in the collar which is open radially outwards.

6. Flow reducer (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the outer surface of the tubular cylindrical wall (11a, 11b) is subdivided into a lower part (11a', 11b') and an upper part (11a”, 11b”), the diameter of the lower part (11a', 11b') being smaller than the diameter of the upper part (11a”, 11b”) and preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the channel for which the flow reducer is intended, the diameter of the upper part (11a”) being preferably substantially identical to or very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the channel for which the flow reducer is intended to allow forced insertion without damaging the first wall (83, 93) of the channel for which the flow reducer is intended.

7. Flow reducer (1c) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow reducer (1c) has the shape of a solid cylinder or of which at least one cross-section is solid, the groove(s) (111c) being produced on the cylindrical surface (11c) of the flow reducer.

8. Flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flow reducer is provided with two, three, four, six or eight grooves.

9. Flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cross section of each groove is between 0.003 and 0.04 mm 2 for compressed gas, preferably between 0.005 mm 2 and 0.02 mm 2 , and / or between 0.03 and 0.8 mm 2 for a non-gaseous product, preferably between 0.03 and 0.07 mm 2 .

10. Flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the groove(s) are limited by a bottom wall, which bottom wall is - to a face, in particular a concave face which, seen in cross-section, is in the shape of an arc of a circle, or a flat face when the groove(s) (111a, 111c) are made on the outer face of the tubular flow reducer (1a) or the outer face of the cylindrical flow reducer (1c); - two-sided; or - three-sided.

11. Output rod (8, 9) for actuating the valve of a pressure vessel, which output rod comprises at least one first channel (811, 831, 911, 931) - extending axially along a main axis (A), - having a first cross-section and an accessible free end (811x, 831x, 911x, 931x), and - being designed to extend a first path of the valve, characterized in that the outlet rod (8, 9) is provided with a flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims, which reducer is placed, as an added part, in the first channel, - the first wall (11a, 11b, 11c) of the reducer is in contact with a wall (81, 83, 91, 93) extending axially from the first channel; - the cross-section of the reducer is complementary to the cross-section of the segment of the first channel that it occupies, so that the flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) blocks the first channel (811, 831, 911, 931) by leaving a passage through the groove(s) (111a, 111b, 111c).

12. Output rod (8) according to claim 11, characterized in that the output rod is the output rod of a valve for a male valve.

13. Outlet rod (8) according to claim 11, characterized in that the outlet rod is the outlet rod of a diffuser (9) intended either to extend the outlet rod of a male type valve, or to actuate the seat of a female type valve.

14. Output rod (8) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the output rod is the output rod of a two-way valve, the output rod being provided with a second channel, one (811) of the channels being central and of circular cross-section, the other (831) of the channels surrounding the first (811) and being of annular cross-section, the outlet rod being provided with a single flow reducer placed in one of the two channels (811, 831), preferably in the annular channel (831), or with two flow reducers each placed in one of the channels (811, 831).

15. Outlet rod according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the outlet rod is the outlet rod of a two-way diffuser (9), the outlet rod being provided with a second channel, one (911) of the channels being central and of circular cross-section, the other (931) of the channels being concentric with the first (911), of larger diameter and forming, after mounting the diffuser on a valve, an annular channel, the outlet rod being provided with a single flow reducer placed in one of the two channels (911, 931), preferably in the annular channel (931), or with two flow reducers each placed in one of the channels (811, 831, 911, 931).

16. Use of a flow reducer according to one of claims 1 to 10 in the outlet stem of a valve for a male valve or the outlet stem of a diffuser for a female valve or for a valve for a two-way male valve, according to one of claims 11 to 15 for controlling the outlet flow of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air.

17. Method for controlling the outlet flow rate of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air, from a pressure vessel, the compressed gas leaving the pressure vessel through a channel of an outlet rod (8, 9) when the valve of the pressure vessel is open, characterized in that a flow reducer according to one of claims 1 to 10 is introduced into the outlet channel of the outlet rod so as to limit the available passage in the channel to the only groove or grooves made in the flow reducer.

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