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

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow restrictor (1a) for an outlet stem (8) intended to be placed, as an add-on, in a first channel of the outlet stem, in or near a free end (831) of said first channel. The flow restrictor (1a) - has a first wall (11a) extending axially along a principal axis (A) and dimensioned to be in contact with a wall (83) of the first channel extending axially; - is provided with at least one groove (111a) extending axially on said first wall (11a) of the flow restrictor; 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 (831) while leaving a passage only through the groove(s) (111a). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1c

Description

Title of the invention: Flow reducer for an outlet rod intended to actuate the valve of a pressure vessel Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a flow restrictor for the 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 the outlet stem and flow restrictor. Prior 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, firstly to open the valve and secondly to form 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 quantity of compressed gas from the pressurized container to the product exiting the valve.

[0004] To allow this simultaneous withdrawal of the product and the 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the product, while the second is in contact with the compressed gas, so that the product and the compressed gas are withdrawn independently of each other. It is common to use a male-type two-way valve whose valve consists of a seat extended by an outlet stem having two channels. These two channels are usually concentric, but there are also parallel, non-concentric channels placed side by side.

[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, 15 bar is not exceeded for safety reasons.

[0006] Furthermore, the amount of compressed gas to be added to the product exiting the valve depends on the product itself and the desired application (foam, taste size- aerosol cans, 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 allowing the quantity of compressed gas drawn to be adjusted according to the product and the desired application. Another objective is to allow the quantity of product to be drawn to be adjusted. Description of the invention

[0008] This objective is achieved with the outlet rod / flow reducer assembly of the invention. The outlet rod comprises at least one first channel - which extends axially along a main axis, - which has a first cross-section and an accessible free end, and - which is designed to extend a first channel of the valve. According to the invention, the outlet stem is provided with a flow reducer placed, as an added component, in the first channel. The flow reducer has a first wall that extends axially and is in contact with a wall extending axially from the first channel; - is equipped with at least one groove extending axially along said wall of the flow reducer; and - has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the segment of the first channel it occupies, so that the flow reducer blocks the first channel it occupies, leaving a passage only through the groove(s).

[0009] The outlet stem can be the stem of a male valve, better known as the stem. It can also be the outlet stem of a diffuser intended to extend the outlet stem of a male valve or to actuate the seat of a female valve.

[0010] The outlet stem may be single-way and therefore have only one central channel. The outlet stem may also be two-way in a two-way valve (two-way stem) or in a two-way diffuser. In the case of a two-way valve, the outlet stem has a second channel. The two channels are preferably concentric, in which case one of the channels is central and has a circular cross-section, and the other surrounds the first and has an annular cross-section. The two-way outlet stem may be equipped with a single flow restrictor placed in one of the two channels, preferably in the annular channel. It is also possible to equip the outlet stem with two flow restrictors, each placed in one of the channels.

[0011] In the case of a two-way diffuser stem, the outlet stem has a second channel, one of the channels being central and of circular cross-section, the other of the channels being concentric with the first, of larger diameter and forming, After mounting the diffuser on a valve, an annular channel. The outlet stem can be fitted with a single flow reducer placed in one of the two channels, preferably in the annular channel, or with two flow reducers each placed in one of the channels.

[0012] The invention also relates to a flow restrictor used alone. The flow restrictor is intended to be placed, as an add-on component, in a first channel of an outlet rod. The flow restrictor; - has a first wall which extends axially along a main axis and which is dimensioned to be in contact with a wall extending axially from the first channel; - 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 which it is intended to occupy, so as to be able to block the first channel leaving a passage only through the groove(s).

[0013] 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.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the flow restrictor for an annular canal has the form of a tubular cylindrical wall having an inner and an outer surface, the groove(s) being formed on the inner or outer face. 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 collar extending preferably outwards from that end and with a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer face of the annular canal into which the flow restrictor is inserted or for which it is intended. When the groove(s) are formed on the outer face of the cylindrical wall, each groove forms a recess in the upper face of the flow restrictor that ensures the continuity of the groove. This recess preferably forms a notch in the collar that is radially open outwards.

[0015] In a second embodiment, the flow reducer has the shape of a solid cylinder, the groove or grooves being made on the cylindrical surface of the flow reducer.

[0016] The cross-sectional area of ​​all the grooves defines the free passage allowed 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. In particular, the flow reducer can be equipped with one, two, three, four, six, or eight grooves, it being specified that other numbers are possible. The cross-sectional area of ​​each groove can be between 0.003 and 0.04 mm², from The preferred thickness should be between 0.005 mm² and 0.02 mm² for a compressed gas, and / or between 0.03 and 3.5 mm², preferably between 0.03 and 0.07 mm², for a non-gaseous product, such as the sample to be taken. The finest grooves can be produced by machining or laser cutting, particularly if they cannot be produced reproducibly by molding.

[0017] The grooves can take different forms. In particular, the bottom wall delimiting the bottom of the groove(s) can be single-sided, especially a concave face which, viewed in cross-section, is an arc of a circle, or a flat face (flat surface on the cylindrical face) when the groove(s) are made on the outer face of the tubular flow reducer or the outer face of the cylindrical flow reducer. This bottom wall can also be two-sided (triangular shape) or three-sided (trapezoidal or rectangular shape).

[0018] The invention also relates to the use of a flow reducer in the outlet stem of a male valve or a female valve diffuser or a two-way male valve, to control the outlet flow of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air.

[0019] 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 by passing 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

[0020] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the following figures which show: First embodiment [Fig. 1]: a two-way stem equipped with a flow reducer for an 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 of [Fig. 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 wall grooves (a) with a cross-section of 0.007 mm2 and (b) with a cross-section of 0.03 mm2; 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 of [Fig.6]; [Fig.8]: Perspective and cross-sectional views of a flow reducer with (a) two grooves with cylindrical bottom walls and (b) two grooves with rectangular bottom walls; [Fig.9]: Perspective views of a flow reducer with 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 grooves with rectangular bottom walls; [Fig. 10]: Perspective views of a flow reducer with two rectangular bottom wall grooves (a) with a cross-section of 0.007 mm2 and (b) with a cross-section of 0.03 mm2; Third embodiment [Fig.l 1]: 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 mm2, (b) a groove with a rectangular bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.007 mm2, and (c) a groove with a rectangular bottom wall and a cross-section of 0.03 mm2; [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 mm2; Other variants [Fig.l]4: 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.1]5: (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.l]6: a single-way stem equipped with a flow reducer for the central channel (a) in section, (b) in exploded perspective and (c) top view; [Fig.1]7: (a) a single-way diffuser equipped with a central flow reducer, 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 restrictor and an annular flow restrictor, (b) the annular flow restrictor, (c) the central flow restrictor, (d) an enlarged view of the restrictor of annular flow, and (e) an enlarged view at the level of the central flow reducer. Detailed description

[0021] The flow restrictor (la, 1b, le) of the invention is intended 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.

[0022] 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 any grooves and, where applicable, molding features, the flow restrictor exhibits a certain degree of rotational symmetry about this principal axis (A).

[0023] Three variant embodiments (a, b, le) are presented below. They have many common features. The first variant will be described in detail. The features common to all three variants are designated by the same reference followed by the letter a, b, or c. These common features will be described in detail only with reference to the first embodiment.

[0024] 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 (la, 1b, le) 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 stem in Figure 10a or 12b, we obtain a duct cross-section / groove cross-section ratio for the gas of 1 / 1000 for the annular channel and 2 / 1000 for the central channel and, considering the stem in Figure 12c for the product, of 5 / 1000 for the annular channel and 10 / 1000 for the annular channel.

[0025] The stem (8), whether single-way or double-way, is a standard 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 The central channel is open upwards 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 made in the first wall (81) of the stem, near the bottom wall (812). These first radial openings (812) connect the inside of the central channel (811) to the outside face of the stem.

[0026] The two-way stem (8) is further provided with a second cylindrical wall (83) concentric with the first (81), surrounding it so as 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.

[0027] Radial reinforcing ribs (84) can be provided in the lower part of the annular channel which connect the two cylindrical walls (81, 83).

[0028] The two channels (811, 831) are open upwards at their free end (81 Ix, 83 Ix) and are thus accessible for the introduction of the flow reducer, even when the stem is mounted in a valve, including when the valve is mounted on a housing and the housing is filled.

[0029] 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).

[0030] The diffuser (9), whether single-way or two-way, is a standard component. It is equipped with an outlet stem having an essentially 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), in particular in the well (912x), or in the cylindrical wall. This first opening (912) connects the inside of the central channel (911) with a conduit leading to the outlet of the diffuser, and in particular to a nozzle received in a nozzle housing (92).

[0031] The two-way diffuser (9) is further provided with a second cylindrical wall (93) concentric with the first (91). This second wall is wider than the first. 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 interior 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).

[0032] The two channels (911, 931) are open downwards at their free end (91 Ix, 93 Ix) and are thus accessible for the introduction of the flow reducer.

[0033] The flow restrictor can be used in the annular channel (931) and / or in the central channel (911) (see Figures 17 and 18). First embodiment

[0034] In a first embodiment, the flow restrictor (la) is designed to be introduced into the annular channel (831, 931). It is in the form of a tubular wall (lia) extending along the axial direction (A). When mounted in the channel, its shape is complementary to that of the section of the annular channel into which it enters. Its dimensions are chosen so as not to leave any play between its inner and outer faces and the faces of the annular channel corresponding to the outer face of the first cylindrical wall (81, 91) (and in particular the first wall (81) of the two-way 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 canal (831, 931), and / or its outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the annular canal so that it is forced into the annular canal.

[0035] At least one groove (11la) is made on the outer face of the tubular wall (lia). This groove extends axially over the entire length of said tubular wall, in other words over the entire height of the tubular wall.

[0036] To limit the introduction of the flow restrictor (la) into the annular channel (831) of the stem, and thus prevent it from descending to the openings (833) and blocking them, a flange (12a) projecting radially outwards from the upper end of the tubular wall (lia) can be provided. 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 equipped with this flange therefore has an opening corresponding to the top of the antlers. It is also possible, as in the examples presented here, to make in the collar a notch (121a) open radially outwards and opening into the upper end of the groove (111a).

[0037] 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 would block them.

[0038] 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 appears in [Fig. 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

[0039] The second embodiment (1b) differs from the first embodiment only by the presence of its groove(s) (111b) on the inner face of the tubular wall (11b).

[0040] 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 groove(s) are made on the face of the tubular wall that does not bear the collar. Third embodiment

[0041] In the third embodiment, the flow restrictor (the) is designed to be introduced into the central channel (811, 911) of the stem or the outlet stem of the diffuser. This flow restrictor (the) can be used in a single-way stem or diffuser having only one central 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.

[0042] The flow reducer (le) has the shape of a solid cylinder, the groove(s) (11 le) being formed on the cylindrical surface (1 le) of the flow reducer. The diameter of the cylinder is equal to or very slightly greater than the inside diameter of the first wall (81, 91) of the outlet stem of the stem (8) or the diffuser (9). It goes without saying that the cylinder might not be solid, but only closed at one of its ends, in particular its lower end.

[0043] As in the other two embodiments, a collar (see Figure 17b) can be provided to limit the penetration of the flow restrictor (le) into the central channel. Similarly, it may be necessary to provide an annular recess (112c) to ensure continuity between the groove (11le) and the second opening (933), thus avoiding the need to align the groove (11le) and the second opening (933) in cases similar to that shown in Figure 18a.

[0044] The rest of the description relates to the three embodiments.

[0045] 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 (1 lia, 111b, 11 le).

[0046] The number of grooves can vary according to requirements. Figures 4, 9, and 13 show, by way of non-limiting example, flow restrictors (la, 1b, le) having 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 grooves. There could be 5, 7, or more than 8.

[0047] Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove (111a, 111b, 111e) can vary according to requirements. Figures 5a, 10a and 12b show an example of a groove with a cross-section of 0.007 mm2 and Figures 5b, 10b, 12a and 12c show a groove with a cross-section of 0.03 mm2, it being specified that these values ​​do not constitute lower and upper limits, and that other values, in particular between these two values ​​cited by way of example, can be chosen according to requirements.

[0048] 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 demolding. This is especially evident in Figures 6a and 6b, where the cross-section is narrower at the bottom than at the top. The dimensions indicated in this application refer to the narrowest cross-section of each groove.

[0049] The groove(s) may correspond to a recess delimited by a bottom wall which, viewed in cross-section, is in the shape of a circular arc (Figure 3a, 5b, 8a, 12a), or to a recess whose bottom wall has three faces, preferably substantially right-angled, connected to each other, for example, by angles, which in the examples presented here are substantially right-angled. To simplify the following description, recessed grooves with a cross-section in the shape of a circular arc 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 making a simple flat area in the convex surface of the cylindrical wall as can be seen in figures 15a and 15b.

[0050] The groove(s) can be produced in various ways. For example, they can be obtained by molding. However, it can be difficult to produce very fine grooves by molding. Another solution is to produce them by machining or laser cutting, which makes it possible to obtain groove dimensions that are both very precise and very fine.

[0051] In all three embodiments, it is understood that when the flow reducer (la, 1b, le) is installed in the annular (831, 931) or central (811, 911) channel, it blocks it, leaving a passage for the fluid only at the level of the groove, or grooves when there are several.

[0052] To facilitate molding, a chamfer (13b) can be provided in a portion of the cylindrical wall (1a, 11b, 1le), 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.

[0053] To prevent the groove(s) (111a, 111b, 111e) from narrowing or even becoming blocked due to 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 use of additives such as sliding agents could also be considered. If the slot(s) are large enough and a slight deformation has only a negligible effect on the total section, softer materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can also be chosen.

[0054] The presence of the collar (12a, 12b) is not mandatory. It would be possible to omit it, as shown by way of example in Figure 15c.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The flow restrictor of the invention can be used with a bag valve, or even a double-bag (Bag in Bag) valve. In particular, it can be provided that the compressed gas is contained in one of the bags, and especially in the inner bag opening into the central conduit.

[0057] The flow reducer of the invention finds applications in the fields The following, 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).

[0058] The advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to use a standard stem (8) or diffuser (9) and to have only a set of flow restrictors (la, 1b, le) to choose 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 so as not to unnecessarily reduce the cross-sectional area available 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.

[0059] It is possible, if desirable, to use a flow reducer (la, 1b, le) in one channel only or in both channels.

[0060] The invention can also be applied to a two-way output rod in which the two ways are not concentric, but side by side.

[0061] List of references

[0062] 1 Flow reducer 11 Tubular wall 111 Groove 112 Annular void 12 Collar 13 Molding chamfer 8 Two-way stem 81 First cylindrical wall 811 Central canal 81 Ix Free accessible end of the central canal 812 First back wall 813 First openings 82 Cylindrical tenon 83 Second cylindrical wall 831 Annular canal 83 Ix 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 91 Ix Free accessible end of the central canal 912 First bottom wall 912x Well in the first bottom wall 913 First openings 92 Buzzard housing 93 Second cylindrical wall 931 Annular canal 93 Ix 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 diffuser, the reducer being intended to be placed, as an insert, in a first channel (811, 831, 911, 931) of the outlet stem, which flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) - has a first wall (11a, 11b, 1c) which extends axially along a main axis (A) and which is dimensioned to be in contact with an axially extending wall (81, 83, 91, 93) of the first channel; - is provided with at least one groove (111a, 111b, 1c) extending axially on said first wall (11a, 11b, 1c) 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) while leaving a passage only 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) has 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 (la) according to the preceding claim, 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 (la), this recess preferably forming in the collar a notch (121a) open radially towards the outside.

5. Flow reducer (le) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow reducer (le) has the shape of a preferably solid cylinder, the groove(s) (11 le) being made on the cylindrical surface (1 le) of the flow reducer.

6. Flow reducer (la, 1b, le) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flow reducer is provided with one, two, three, four, six or eight grooves.

7. Flow reducer (la, 1b, le) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cross-section of each groove is between 0.003 and 0.04 mm2 for a compressed gas, preferably between 0.005 mm2 and 0.02 mm2, and / or between 0.03 and 3.5 mm2 for a non-gaseous product, preferably between 0.03 and 0.07 mm2.

8. Flow reducer (1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the groove(s) are limited by a bottom wall, which bottom wall is - single-sided, in particular a concave side which, seen in cross-section, is in the shape of an arc of a circle, or a flat side when the groove(s) (11a, 11c) are made on the outer face of the tubular flow reducer (1a) or the outer face of the cylindrical flow reducer (1c); - double-sided; or - three-sided.

9. 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 (81 Ix, 83 Ix, 91 Ix, 93 Ix), and - being designed to extend a first path of the valve, characterized in that the output rod (8, 9) is provided with a flow reducer (la, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims, which reducer is placed, as an insert, in the first channel, - the first wall (11a, 11b, 1c) of the reducer is in contact with an axially extending wall (81, 83, 91, 93) of 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) leaving a passage only through the groove(s) (11a, 111b, 111c).;

10. Output stem (8) according to claim 9, characterized in that the output stem is the output stem of a valve for a male valve.

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

12. An outlet rod (8) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the outlet rod is the outlet rod of a two-way valve, the outlet 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).

13. An outlet rod according to claim 10 or 11, 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).

14. Use of a flow reducer according to one of claims 1 to 8 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 9 to 13 for controlling the outlet flow of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air.

15. A method for controlling the output flow rate of a compressed gas, preferably compressed air, from a pressure vessel, the compressed gas exiting the pressure vessel through a channel of an output 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 8 is introduced into the output channel of the output rod so as to limit the available passage in the channel to only the groove or grooves made in the flow reducer.

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