DE202014001479U1 - Aerosol pressure vessel and integrated system for producing an aerosol pressure vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol pressure container (1) comprising a wall (2), characterized in that the wall consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an intrinsic viscosity in a range from 0.92 to 1.20.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to aerosol pressure vessels and to an integrated system for filling an aerosol pressure vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, aerosol pressure vessels are known. Usually, aerosols, such as deodorants, hair sprays, shaving foams, etc., are filled into aerosol pressure vessels and discharged through a valve through a propellant. Known aerosol pressure vessels are predominantly made of aluminum or tinplate.

Also known from the prior art aerosol pressure vessel made of plastic. For example, shows the DE 20 2007 016 867 U1 a drug-filled pressure vessel with a dispensing valve made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Further describes DE 201 14 821 U1 a pressure vessel made of plastic, in which a valve is used, which is connected via a metallic collar with the neck of the pressure vessel.

In addition revealed US 7,303,082 B2 an aerosol pressure vessel that may be made of plastic such as PET or other materials. The pressure vessel comprises reinforcing structures in the neck area in order to avoid deformations of the bottle in this area.

Also generally valves or dispensing systems for aerosol pressure vessels are known. In conventional aerosol cans, for example, a gaseous, gelatinous, self-foaming, present as a fluid or powder active ingredient is taken up in an aerosol pressure vessel and mixed there with a propellant. The filling is usually done by the valve.

Furthermore, valve bag pressure vessel systems (so-called "back-to-valve" systems) are also known. In this case, usually the drug is in a bag which is coupled to the valve. The area surrounding the bag inside the aerosol pressure vessel is then filled via the valve from the outside with a propellant, for example a suitable compressed gas such as propane, butane, carbon dioxide or the like, or compositions of these gases.

In both systems, delivery of the active agent upon actuation of the valve member is via a fluid conduit communicating with either the interior of the pressure vessel or the interior of the bag to a discharge port in the valve.

Known plastic aerosol pressure vessels have the disadvantage that they do not have sufficient pressure resistance for high pressures and no sufficient temperature resistance for high temperatures.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to increase the pressure resistance and temperature resistance of an aerosol pressure vessel made of plastic and to enable its cost-effective production.

In a first aspect, therefore, the invention provides an aerosol pressure vessel having a wall in which the wall of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity is in a range of 0.92 to 1.2.

An aerosol pressure vessel is manufactured by preparing at least one preform from granules of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity in a range of 0.92 to 1.20 and blowing the preform into an aerosol pressure vessel.

In a second aspect, the invention features an integrated system for producing an aerosol pressure vessel, comprising: an injection molding apparatus for producing preforms of granules of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity in a range of 0.92 to 1.20 a blowing device for shaping the preforms into an aerosol pressure vessel, a closure device for closing the aerosol pressure vessel with a valve, and a pressure device for printing on the aerosol pressure vessel and / or for printing an enclosure for the aerosol vessel, which are subsequently in a wrapping device is at least partially connected to the surface of the aerosol pressure vessel.

Further aspects and features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the accompanying drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG

1 a perspective view of an aerosol pressure vessel of a Embodiment according to the present invention illustrates

2 a perspective view of a preform for an aerosol pressure vessel of an embodiment according to the present invention illustrated;

3 a side view of the aerosol pressure vessel of the embodiment of 1 represents;

4 a sectional view of the aerosol pressure vessel according to the embodiment of 3 represents;

5 a side view of a section of the bottom portion of the aerosol pressure vessel according to the embodiment of 4 represents;

6 a plan view of a cross-sectional view of the detail of 5 a bottom portion of an aerosol pressure vessel; and

7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an integrated system for producing an aerosol pressure vessel according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In 1 an embodiment of an aerosol pressure vessel in accordance with the present invention is shown. Before a detailed description first follows general explanations to the embodiments and their advantages.

Aerosol pressure vessel generally means pressure vessels which are designed for receiving and delivering an aerosol, that is to say a mixture of a liquid, gaseous, gel-like, self-foaming or similar active substance, for example cosmetics of all kinds, in a gaseous propellant.

The aerosol pressure vessel according to the invention is provided both as an aerosol pressure vessel, in the interior of which the ingredients are mixed with the propellant gas, as well as for the previously described back-on-valve dispensing systems, in which a bag is arranged inside the pressure cell, the is connected to a valve element.

In this case, back-on-valve delivery systems have various advantages, since in particular no flammable propellant gases, but environmentally friendly substances such as air or nitrogen can be used as a propellant. In addition, the active ingredients are safe and hygienic stored in the bag. By sealing the durability of the active ingredients or ingredients can be increased.

The intrinsic viscosity, also known as intrinsic viscosity or Staudinger index, shows a substance constant and is related to the molecular weight and the molecular length. The higher this value, the longer the molecules in the respective PET composition and the higher the quality of the respective PET.

The viscosity of PET in a dissolved state is measured by so-called viscometers on the basis of the flow behavior. In this case, for a defined amount of the liquid, the flow rate through a fixed volume, usually in a capillary, measured, for example via a flow sensor. The following formula is used to determine the intrinsic viscosity:

C indicates the concentration of the solute in g / ml. η ₀ represents the viscosity of the pure solvent and η _sp the specific viscosity. With the Staudinger index the extrapolation of the concentration c of a dilute solution to 0 is obtained. For many polymers, including PET, there are approximate relationships based on the measurement at a given concentration.

Studies and experiments have shown that with a viscosity value in the range of 0.92 to 1.2 sufficient pressure and temperature resistance of the aerosol pressure vessel is obtained to withstand higher pressures up to 13 bar and higher temperatures, especially due to the between the long molecules acting intermolecular forces.

Furthermore, in the case of the inventive use of PET with the above intrinsic viscosity, it is possible to ensure that the PET distribution is uniform when producing a so-called preform made of granules and an aerosol pressure vessel produced therefrom. Air pockets are almost impossible. In addition, even wall thicknesses in the range of up to achieve These factors provide sufficient load capacity of the respective aerosol pressure vessel.

Moreover, the use of PET of the above intrinsic viscosity has revealed that this PET is more resistant to chemicals, especially in a cosmetic or blowing agent, thus reducing the risk of softening of the PET material of the aerosol pressure vessel. Also have inventive higher temperature resistance at temperatures up to and above 60 °. Such temperatures are easily reached if an aerosol pressure vessel should be in the sun. It is also with the aerosol pressure vessel according to the invention and the use of the corresponding PET possible to ensure a consistent bottle quality, so that produced aerosol pressure vessels meet requirements for legally required bursting and drop tests and splinter behavior.

Overall, the use of PET aerosol pressure vessels with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.92 to 1.20 offers numerous climate and energy efficiency benefits over conventional metal cans.

Inventive aerosol pressure vessels can be produced with a lower energy consumption than conventional tinplate and aluminum cans. In addition, PET is relatively easy and inexpensive to recycle. Furthermore, the use of PET also reduces dependence on scarce resources. Already today there are various approaches to produce PET from renewable raw materials. Overall, when comparing the emission load between an aluminum and a PET container, the emission load is about 75% lower with respect to greenhouse-active substances such as CO ₂ , acidifying substances, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides.

Until now, PET bottles in the beverage industry have been bottled on an industrial scale. The intrinsic viscosity of PET beverage bottles is 0.84. In this case, usually no propellant is required and the requirements of the temperature and pressure resistance are low.

For aerosol pressure vessels delivering high pressure aerosols, safety requirements are of particular importance. It has been found that the aerosol container according to the invention ensures a corresponding pressure resistance, so that the legally prescribed safety regulations for aerosol pressure vessels can be maintained. In combination with other features such as wall thickness, bottle shape, etc., the pressure resistance can be further improved.

Currently, the legal requirements for plastic aerosol cans are 220 ml and a maximum pressure of 2.7 bar. The use of PET with the above intrinsic viscosity enables a larger edge volume and withstands pressures up to 13 bar. As a result, it is also possible to increase the product range for the active substances to be transported in the aerosol pressure vessel. In addition, there is currently a proposal from the European Aerosol Association (FEA) to adapt the volume pressure limit guideline for plastic aerosol containers.

By known means can be easily blow out of a preform a corresponding aerosol pressure vessel. When producing at least one inventive fuse in the wall may be formed.

In addition, the integrated system for producing and filling the aerosol pressure vessel offers various advantages over the production of conventional tinplate and aluminum cans. This reduces the logistics chain and thus the production costs. The focus here is on the savings in investment costs, since the required devices are reduced in size. It is also possible to provide shorter production times and to serve customers faster. In contrast, tinplate and aluminum cans require a long order lead time, so that a high stock of storage is required for each customer.

In particular, it is possible to provide an integrated production plant for the production and filling of the PET compressed gas containers in one place, namely at the location of the bottle filling. This is not possible for metal cans for technical reasons, since they must first be made of sheet metal or metal ores, the required production facilities have large dimensions.

Also, an automation of the individual manufacturing steps is possible according to the invention. For this purpose, the individual manufacturing steps can be coupled to each other, so that, for example, a coupling of the blowing device with the closure device and the printing device for printing the aerosol pressure vessel or a Sleevers can be done. For example, the individual devices can be connected to each other via conveyor belts with corresponding retention areas for possible production delays.

With the printing device of the aerosol pressure vessel can be printed directly or alternatively a wrapper in the form of a so-called Sleevers be printed. In the latter case, an aerosol pressure vessel is then transferred to a sleever machine which draws the sleeve or sheath over the aerosol pressure vessel and thermally or by other suitable means attached thereto.

A conveying device, for example a conveyor belt, can be designed between the printing device and the sleevering machine such that the individual aerosol pressurized gas containers are moved at a sufficient distance from the sleeper machine. The wrapping or sleeving takes place at high temperatures, the sleever is glued or thermally bonded to a PET compressed gas container. The heating process is to be carried out so long that the attachment of the sleeve to the PET compressed gas container is ensured and, on the other hand, material fatigue due to the heat is avoided. Also, queues or sumps for aerosol canister blown gas can be provided to ensure continuous cycling.

Overall, the system according to the invention provides high energy and emission-reducing benefits in industrial use. In particular, emissions can be reduced by eliminating the need to transport empty aerosol pressure vessels to a can producer and another bottling site, but to fill them directly on site. Also, the production of the preform made of PET granules can be integrated into this system, for example by adding an additional injection molding machine.

Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the material requirement, the energy requirement and the CO ₂ emissions decrease. Also, PET bottles preforms have a lower volume and weight than conventional metal cans. From an economic point of view, such an integrated system offers the advantages of reducing transport costs by shortening the value chain.

Furthermore, the flexibility increases with the bottler. For example, the labels or envelopes can be exchanged with simple means, or the bottle sizes or pressure vessel sizes can also be changed. In addition, this system offers the customer the advantage that stockpiling can be reduced and the capital released is released.

Also, the aerosol pressure container may comprise a valve element which closes the aerosol container to the outside and is designed to dispense dosed on actuation of the valve element in the interior of the aerosol pressure vessel active substance and propellant to the outside. The valve element can be integrated in a lid area. The lid area is then coupled to the aerosol pressure vessel, for example, crimped, glued, welded or otherwise suitably connected.

With appropriate design of the valve element or the associated spray heads as a replacement insert can be adapted to various agents, such as foam, aerosol or gel, allow and guarantee tightness of the aerosol container. In addition, the containers via the valve heads by simple means to fill mechanically and if necessary inexpensively exchangeable.

Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element may be arranged between the valve element and the aerosol pressure vessel. In this case, for example, known seals made of elastic materials or similar can be used, for example, introduced before or during coupling or connection of valve element and aerosol pressure vessel in the opening, glued or otherwise suitable introduced.

Furthermore, the aerosol pressure vessel according to the invention may comprise at least one safety impression. This can be designed to compensate in a pressure-tight closed state of the aerosol pressure vessel, a pressure increase in the interior of the aerosol pressure vessel by molding out the Sicherungsseinformung to the outside.

As described above, the factors of pressure and temperature in a range between 55 and 60 ° and among other things lead to an increase in pressure. At least one securing recess formed in the wall of the aerosol pressure vessel is advantageously designed to increase the volume of the aerosol pressure vessel in the event of a spontaneous or slowly increasing pressure increase. For this purpose, the at least one fuse from the outside of the container is removed from the container. Due to the increase in surface area and volume, the pressure inside the aerosol pressure vessel is reduced. In combination with the intrinsic viscosity of the PET material, this provides a safety advantage for the use of aerosol pressurized gas containers of the invention.

The at least one securing recess may be formed at a suitable location in the wall of the aerosol pressure container, for example in the body portion. If several Sicherungsseinformungen are provided here, the haptics of the aerosol pressure vessel can be improved because the container is more handy. Also can be at several Sicherungsseinformungen reduce their size compared to a Sicherungsseinformungen.

The at least one securing impression can also be formed in the bottom of the aerosol pressure container. Advantageously, it offers in this positioning an increased stability of the aerosol pressure vessel. Moreover, in this case it is barely perceptible from the outside. It is also possible to stabilize one or more aerosol pressure vessels during transport with such a depression in the base region, for example via corresponding inserts or packaging.

In addition, the at least one securing molding can be offset from the edge region of the aerosol pressure vessel via at least one completely or partially circumferential step and in the Connection to the central axis of the aerosol pressure vessel to be designed frusto-conical running. Such a geometry of the security molding can be accomplished with simple means when blowing out the preform on the form. In the case of a spontaneous or constant pressure increase, the at least one stage can act as a limitation of the molding area of the securing recess. The frusto-conical configuration allows the deployment of a defined volume to counteract an increase in pressure.

In addition, following the frusto-conical configuration, a circumferential annular bead may be provided which extends around a central axis of the aerosol pressure vessel, wherein a flat recessed surface may be formed in the interior of the bead. The bead acts as an additional stabilizing or securing element to ensure a defined indentation of the securing indentation. The flat recessed surface acts as a further stabilizing factor.

The aerosol pressure vessel according to the invention may also comprise, in addition to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an additional plastic component.

A second component allows, for example, a color design of the aerosol pressure vessel. In addition, for example, a second component allows reinforcement in the opening or bottom area to make the aerosol pressure vessel more stable. For example, the second component may also be a plastic.

It is also possible to form, for example, the second component as insert or coating in the case of a two-component system, so that the inner region of a container can achieve a higher resistance to chemicals. The second component may be used integrally with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to make the aerosol pressure vessel or may be post-combined with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In the integral production, for example, both components can be mixed together or layered, for example, introduced in changing sections in the preform. Alternatively, certain areas can be strengthened.

The system for producing and filling the aerosol pressure vessel may also comprise a filling device for filling the aerosol pressure vessel with an active substance and a propellant filling device for introducing a propellant for expelling the active substance when the valve element is actuated. The filling device and the Treibmitteleinfüllvorrichtung may be formed separated or combined with each other.

Referring to 1 this shows a perspective view of an aerosol compressed gas container according to the invention 1 with a wall 2 , The wall 2 surrounds the compressed gas tank completely or limits it to the outside. The wall 2 divided into a neck section 3 , a body section 11 and a bottom section 15 ,

The neck portion comprises two annular formations 5 and 7 and a circumferential recess disposed therebetween 9 , These elements are designed to insert a valve element (not shown here) into the opening 21 insert and connect with the neck area suitable or crimping, about crimping, bonding or welding.

The body section 11 includes a recess 13 which has its lowest point substantially in the central region of the body portion. The indentation 13 allows safe handling of the aerosol-compressed gas tank 1 ,

The bottom section 15 includes a stand area on its underside 17 which extends annularly around the aerosol-compressed gas container. This ensures a high stability of the aerosol-compressed gas container 1 ,

2 shows a so-called preforming 19 prepared from granules of a PET having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.92 to 1.20. The shape of the preform 19 is partially adapted to the shape of the finished aerosol-compressed gas container. In particular, the neck section 3 largely covers the dimensions and dimensions of the finished container. The body area 11 and the bottom section 15 be blown in a further processing step on a blow molding machine in a known manner, so that they in 1 take the form shown.

3 shows the in 1 shown aerosol-compressed gas container according to the invention in a side view and 4 a cross-sectional view of the same of the aerosol-compressed gas container 1 , The aerosol-compressed gas container is made of a PET material with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.92 to 1.20 and rotationally symmetrical about its central axis 23 educated.

In the opening 21 is a valve element 22 used, which protrudes with its upper portion with the discharge opening from the compressed gas-aerosol container and the aerosol-compressed gas container fluid-tight. In addition, a not shown Seal between opening 21 and valve element 22 be used or arranged.

In the bottom section 15 is a fuse 24 formed. The indentation 24 includes the circulating stand area 17 and a subsequent first stage 25 and a subsequent second stage 27 , Afterwards, the fuse insertion takes place 24 in a conical section 29 to the central axis 23 , At the top of the conical section 29 is a circumferential bead 31 molded or integral with the fuse 24 educated. The bead 31 serves to increase the safety impression. Inside the bead 31 is a recessed flat surface 33 educated.

5 shows an enlarged view of the section 4 and 6 a top view of this section.

The fuse element 24 is designed for a spontaneous or continuous increase in pressure in the aerosol pressure vessel over a defined extent addition to the outside - in the present case down from the aerosol pressure vessel 1 - form. The circulating steps 25 and 27 on the one hand act as a reinforcement of the stand area 17 and on the other hand, as a limitation of the shape of the fuse. This will ensure that the fuse impression 24 is formed outwardly only to a defined extent. About the shaping is an increase in volume, which also causes a reduction in pressure inside the aerosol pressure vessel. This is particularly important in case of solar radiation and / or elevated temperatures, for example, when storing the aerosol pressure vessel in the car or other places that are exposed to high temperature fluctuations of importance.

7 shows a schematic representation of an integrated system for producing an aerosol pressure vessel. Here is an injection molding device 41 for the production of preforms from pellets of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity in a range from 0.92 to 1.20. Alternatively, preforms 19 also be delivered. The preforms 19 become a blowing device 43 for molding into an aerosol pressure vessel 1 fed. Subsequently, the aerosol pressure vessels are automated or manually a closure device 45 for closing the aerosol pressure vessel supplied with a valve. Thereafter, the aerosol pressure vessels are automated or manually either a printing device 47 supplied for printing the aerosol pressure vessel and / or a printing device 47 for printing an envelope for the aerosol container, which is subsequently in a wrapping device 49 is at least partially connected to the surface of the aerosol pressure vessel.

Then enter the aerosol pressure vessel either from the printing device 47 or from the wrapping device 49 to a filling device 51 for filling the aerosol pressure vessel 1 with an active ingredient, and a Treibmitteleinfüllvorrichtung 53 for filling a propellant. filling device 51 and propellant filling device 53 can also be coupled with each other.

Further embodiments and variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Pressurized aerosol container

2

wall

3

neck section

5

ring

7

ring

9

deepening

11

body part

13

indentation

15

bottom section

17

stand area

19

Preformling

21

opening

22

valve element

23

central axis

24

Sicherungseinformung

25

step

27

step

29

Conical section

31

bead

33

Plane area

35

Focus

37

Indentation / recess

41

injection molding machine

43

blower

45

closure device

47

printing device

49

wrapping device

51

filling device

53

Treibmitteleinfüllvorrichtung

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202007016867 U1 [0003]
• DE 20114821 U1 [0003]
• US 7303082 B2 [0004]

Claims (11)

Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) comprising a wall ( 2 ), characterized in that the wall of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity is in a range of 0.92 to 1.20. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 1 further comprising a valve element ( 22 ) containing the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) is closed to the outside and is designed upon actuation of the valve element ( 22 ) inside the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) delivered drug and propellant metered out to the outside. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 2, further comprising a sealing element which is disposed between valve element ( 22 ) and aerosol pressure vessels ( 1 ) is arranged. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one in the wall ( 2 ) trained security impression ( 24 ) which is designed to be in the pressure-tight closed state of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) an increase in pressure inside the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) by forming the securing impression ( 24 ) to balance outwards. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the securing impression ( 24 ) in the bottom of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) is formed. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the securing impression ( 24 ) over at least one completely or partially circulating stage ( 25 . 27 ) from the edge of the bottom of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) and after the central axis ( 23 ) of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) is formed frusto-conical running out. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 6, in which the securing embossing, following the frusto-conical configuration, has an annular bead ( 33 ) which surround the central axis ( 23 ) of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ), wherein inside the bead ( 33 ) a flat recessed surface ( 3 ) is trained. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wall ( 2 ) in addition to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) comprises an additional plastic component. Aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the additional component is integral with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for the preparation of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) is used or is subsequently combined with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Integrated system for producing an aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - an injection molding apparatus ( 41 ) for the production of preforms from granules of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having an intrinsic viscosity in a range from 0.92 to 1.20, - a blowing device ( 43 ) for shaping the preforms into an aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ), - closure device ( 45 ) for closing the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) with a valve ( 22 ), and - a printing device ( 47 ) for printing the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) and / or for printing an enclosure for the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ), which are then connected to the surface of the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) in a wrapping apparatus ( 49 ) is at least partially connected. System for producing the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) according to claim 10 further comprising - a filling device ( 51 ) for filling the aerosol pressure vessel ( 1 ) with an active ingredient, and - a propellant filling device ( 53 ) for introducing a propellant for expelling the active substance when the valve element is actuated ( 22 ).

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