EP1016464A1 - Disassemblable dispensing head - Google Patents

Abstract

Dispenser nozzle (18) has body (20) with inlet conduit (30a to 30c) connected to stem (14) or valve (12), and component (22) with spray outlet (24) that can be removably linked to inlet conduit. Component (22) is movable in direction X different from spray direction Y to allow cleaning of inlet conduit.

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing head intended to equip a fluid dispenser, to be dispensed in the form of a jet or spray, as well as a distributor provided with such a distribution head.

Generally, a fluid distributor includes a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed, provided with an open end, to which is fixed a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, surmounted by a distribution. Such a distribution head must in particular perform two functions. On the one hand, it must allow the user to control the actuation of the dispensing member, for ejecting a dose of product from the reservoir. On the other hand, it must also allow the product leaving the tank to a dispensing orifice, such as a nozzle, via a supply pipe with which the dispensing head is fitted. Product distribution takes place then in the form of a more or less filiform jet, or else in the form of a cloud of fine droplets, called spray. The routing of the product to the dispensing orifice can also be made by simply pressing a compressible product tank. When the dispenser is fitted with a valve distribution, in addition to the product, the tank contains a gas under pressure to propel the fluid to be dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

In the conventional way, a distribution head for the distribution of the product, under in the form of a jet or a spray, comprises a body provided with a supply duct in communication with the product reservoir, this conduit leading to a dispensing nozzle provided with an outlet orifice, of small section. Usually, such a nozzle is an attached piece, fixed, during the manufacturing, on the dispensing head, in a non-removable manner.

However, when there is a blockage of the dispensing head by residues of product, it is practically impossible to unclog or clean the nozzle and / or the supply duct, without causing damage to the head distribution, detrimental to the subsequent operation of the distributor.

Such a plugging phenomenon can occur quite frequently, when the product is a solution or dispersion that dries easily in the open air. We finds such products among spray adhesives, paints, some cosmetic or dermo-pharmaceutical products, such as conditioning of hair and skin, such as hair sprays or anti-sun products.

By document US-A-3 961 756, we know a spray head comprising a nozzle screwed onto a free end of the supply duct of product. The rotation of the nozzle allows, by moving the nozzle along the outlet axis of the product jet, to modify the characteristics of the spray obtained. It is possible, also to dismantle this nozzle for cleaning, in the event of blockage. It is still difficult to access the supply conduits, in order to lead, when a blockage occurs. In addition, the readjustment after reassembly of the nozzle is difficult to perform, so obtaining a unchanged spray quality, after cleaning, is only possible after numerous adjustment operations. In addition, the nozzle described cannot, or at less difficult, to be obtained by molding, and must be machined from metal, which strike its cost price. Finally, the nozzle moving along the axis of the jet, it is imperative, in order to avoid that the nozzle is expelled under the pressure of the jet, to ensure fixing by a screw-type connection.

A cleanable dispensing head for fluid products is described, moreover, in document WO-A-96/31 412. This dispensing head includes a fixed part and a removable part, allowing access, in the event of blockage, to the dispensing orifice and at the end part of the product supply duct. The removable part is separable along a plane passing through the center of the orifice distribution. The fact of having a dispensing orifice whose edge of the contour makes part of two different rooms has a major drawback, which is all the more troublesome when the dispensing orifice is small. Indeed, when a spray nozzle, the diameter of which generally varies between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, is made in two molded parts, as in the case of WO-A-96/31 412, it is impossible to obtain a regular edge of the dispensing orifice, due, in particular, to the presence of an assembly joint. This results in a spray irregular and coarse. Therefore, it is impossible to get a spray cone regular, with a fine and homogeneous droplet size distribution.

Furthermore, document EP-A-0 726 096 describes a spray head in which the dispensing orifice is movable relative to a chamber annular vortex and conduits supplying it with product. This device has intended to vary the divergence characteristics of the spray obtained. Access to this vortex chamber and / or its supply ducts, in view of cleaning them, is not possible.

For other dispensing heads as described in documents US-A-2,989 251, US-A-3 319894, FR-A-2 698854, or EP-A-0 790 079, disassembly or even temporary opening of the dispensing head for cleaning the ducts is not planned,

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a head for easy to clean distribution without complicated disassembly.

Yet another object of the invention consists of a dispensing head, the assembly, after cleaning is easy to perform.

Another object of the invention consists of a dispensing head capable ensure the production of a regular jet or spray, in fine droplets of homogeneous distribution.

Yet another object of the invention consists of a dispensing head, simple to achieve by molding and therefore at an advantageous cost.

• un corps muni d'un conduit d'amenée en communication avec une tige de pompe ou de valve du distributeur,
• une pièce montée sur ledit corps, ladite pièce comportant un orifice de distribution pouvant être mis, de manière amovible, en communication avec le conduit d'amenée.

Thus, the invention relates to a dispensing head intended to equip a dispenser for a fluid product in the form of a jet or a spray, comprising

• a body provided with a supply conduit in communication with a pump or valve stem of the distributor,
• a part mounted on said body, said part comprising a dispensing orifice which can be put, in a removable manner, in communication with the supply duct.

According to the invention, said part is movable at will, relative to said body, in a direction other than the direction of exit of the jet or spray product, with a view to cleaning the supply duct. This provision has the advantage that the pressure exerted by the product on the internal wall of the moving part, surrounding said dispensing orifice can in no case modify the position of said orifice relative to said body. Furthermore, after repeated dismantling and reassembly of the distribution head, the quality of the jet or of the spray is not altered over time.

When the dispenser has a valve, the product can be routed to the valve by means of a propellant under pressure, acting directly or indirectly on the product contained in a tank, with which the distributor.

Advantageously, the supply duct, with regard to the distribution orifice, leads to a vortex chamber. This whirlpool room is suitable for imparting to the product flow, just before crossing the dispensing orifice, a converging spiral acceleration movement, which provides a bursting into particularly fine droplets of the product, after passing through said dispensing orifice. This effect is particularly useful, in particular, when using a precompression pump, or a distribution valve in combination with a compressed propellant, not soluble in the product.

According to a first embodiment, the movable part covers, at least partially, said body and may be entirely removable.

Preferably, said moving part is placed in position on the dispensing head (respectively removed from the dispensing head) following a movement along a longitudinal axis passing through the valve stem or pump.

According to this particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one portion of the supply duct is delimited partly by the body, and partly by said moving part. In other words, a portion of the supply duct is defined by a volume delimited between an external surface of said body and an internal surface of said removable part.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing orifice is located on a flat portion of the moving part, said flat portion defining the chamber swirling and cooperating with a flat portion of the body, so as to angularly position the removable part with respect to said body. It's a in another way, to ensure a constant and reproducible quality of the spray, after disassembly and reassembly of the distribution head.

According to another embodiment, the moving part is articulated with said body and is movable in a pivotal movement. In this case, advantageously, the moving part is articulated on the body using a film hinge. this allows to obtain the dispensing head, during its manufacture, in one piece, by a single molding operation.

According to one embodiment, the moving part can be in the form a bent "L" strip, one free end of which is articulated with said body, said orifice being formed in the strip, on one or the other of the two portions of the "L". Thus, the moving part can be formed by two portions, a first of which portion has said orifice, a free end of the first portion being adjoining said film hinge. The second portion of the "L" is in contact waterproof with the upper part of the body and delimits with the body part of the supply duct. In addition, the moving part can be provided with means latching, cooperating with complementary means carried by said body, which makes it possible to immobilize said moving part during actuation of the distribution head.

Advantageously, the dispensing head of the invention is shaped as a push button having a bearing surface, on which the user presses to cause the ejection of a dose of product.

The invention also relates to a dispenser, comprising a reservoir of product, surmounted by a pump or a valve, and equipped with a distribution as defined above.

To better understand the object of the invention, we will now describe title purely illustrative and not limiting, examples of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de distribution conforme à l'invention, équipé d'une tête de distribution, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe axiale, selon un plan II - II de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue agrandie en perspective éclatée, de la tête de distribution des figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue agrandie en perspective d'une tête de distribution, selon un second mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective d'une tête de distribution, selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue en coupe axiale d'une tête de distribution, selon un autre mode de réalisation.

In these drawings:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to the invention, equipped with a dispensing head, according to a first embodiment;
• Figure 2 is a partial view in axial section, along a plane II - II of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 shows an enlarged exploded perspective view of the dispensing head of Figures 1 and 2;
• FIG. 4 represents an enlarged perspective view of a dispensing head, according to a second embodiment;
• FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of a dispensing head, according to another embodiment;
• Figure 6 shows an axial sectional view of a dispensing head, according to another embodiment.

With reference, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference 1 designates a distribution assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention. The distribution assembly 1 comprises a cylindrical reservoir 2, of axis X, in which a liquid product P is conditioned, such as a hair spray. The tank is pressurized using a propellant gas G. As gas propellant, any gas usually used in the field of spraying, can be used, such as liquefiable gases or compressed gases. However, as will be seen below, the dispensing head of the invention is particularly well suited for spraying a fluid product using a compressed gas, generally not dissolved in said fluid.

The reservoir 2, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a cylindrical body, a closed bottom 4 and a rolled edge 6 defining a circular opening. In this opening is fixed, for example by crimping or expansion, a valve holder cup 8. The cup 8 forms in its centers a cylindrical cavity 10, in which a valve 12 is mounted. first end of the body has a rod 14 emerging towards the outside and crossing the center of the cup 8. The axis of the rod coincides with the X axis of the tank. Inside the tank, on a second end of the valve is mounted a dip tube 16, intended to convey the product P inside the valve. The valve used can be a push-in type valve, male or female, or a valve actuated by lateral tilting of the valve stem 14.

A dispensing head 18 is mounted on the free end of the valve stem 14, made in two parts 20, 22. The first part 20 forms the body of the head distribution. On the body is a second piece 22 having the shape of a cap and comprising a lateral skirt 22a, generally cylindrical, part of which is shaped as a flat 22b. The part 22 is mounted on the body of the head of distribution by a translational movement along the X axis. The second part 22 further comprises a flat top 22c serving as a bearing surface for actuation of the valve. The flat 22b has in its center an orifice opening 24, constituting a spray nozzle. Port 24 is a hole cylindrical, with a diameter of about 0.15 mm to about 1 mm. Advantageously, the depth of this orifice 24 is from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. Port 24 defines the section of the liquid jet or spray at this point.

The body 20 comprises a base 20a, comprising a cylindrical skirt 20b, folded back to form a tray 20c. On the plate 20c is arranged a portion generally cylindrical 21, the outside diameter of which is less than the diameter of the skirt 20b and corresponding substantially to the internal diameter of the skirt lateral 22a, with the clearance necessary near to ensure the axial displacement of the removable part 22 on the part 21 of the body 20. The cylindrical part comprises a flat 21a, able to come into sealing contact against the internal face of flat 22b of the removable part 22. In this way, precise angular positioning and reproducible nozzle 24 can be provided relative to the body 20. The top of the body is formed by a closed plate 21b.

The body 20 is provided with a routing system for bringing the fluid to distribute from the valve stem 14 to the nozzle 24. For this purpose, a conduit inlet 30 has a central tube 30a, one free end 31a fits tightly on the valve stem 14. The opposite end 31b of this tubing 30a opens into the center of the plate 21b on a radial groove 30b, extending to the periphery of the plate 21b. In continuation of the radial groove 30b, a channel 30c, hollowed out in the front face of the flat 21a, leads into a vortex chamber 32. This vortex chamber has a substantially cylindrical section and is also hollowed out in the front face of the flat 21a. The depth of the radial groove 30b and the channel 30c, on the order of about 0.4 mm to about 3 mm. The depth of the room swirl 32 is small, for example around 0.1 mm at about 1 mm. Thus, the tubing 30a, the radial groove 30b and the channel 30c define, in combination with the part 22, when the latter is mounted on the body of the distribution head, a supply conduit 30 for the delivery of the product which is delivered after actuation of the valve.

Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the bottom of the swirl chamber 32 carries profiles 34, the height of which corresponds to the depth of the chamber 32, these profiles being capable of imparting to the flow of product conveyed by the conduit of lead 30, a spiral movement, converging towards the center 32a, opposite the nozzle 24 (when the removable part 22 is mounted on the body 20). Indeed, the product P conveyed via the supply conduit 30 (consisting of portions 30a-30c). It enters a circular passage 32b of the vortex chamber, defined between the external edges of the profiles 34 and the external peripheral edge of the chamber 32. Between the profiles 34 are passages of decreasing section 32c, leading the fluid P towards the center 32a, while entraining this fluid in a vortex rotating around the axis Y of the nozzle 24. The axis Y of the product outlet is substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the assembly. By the converging section of the passages 32c, the speed of the product flow is accelerated, which promotes the bursting into fine droplets of the product, after passing through the nozzle 24. The use of such a vortex chamber is suitable, in particular, for spraying a product pressurized in the tank 2 by a propellant gas which is not soluble in the product, such as compressed gases (CO ₂ , nitrogen, compressed air).

The distribution of a dose of product P is carried out, in a conventional manner. In Indeed, the actuation of the dispensing valve can be carried out by simple pressure on the upper surface 22c of the dispensing head 18, when the valve is a push-in valve. In the case of a tilting valve lateral, the valve is actuated by pressing laterally on the distribution head.

When there is a blockage of the dispensing head, either at the nozzle 24, for example by residues of product dried after a period prolonged non-use of the dispenser, especially in the ducts it is necessary to clean the dispensing head. To this end, with the fingers of one hand, the user holds the base 20a of the body 20 in place. fingers of the other hand, he then grabs the removable part 22 and removes it, pulling axially along the X axis. The two separate parts can then be cleaned under the tap.

After rinsing and drying parts 20 and 22, the moving part is repositioned on the part 21 of the body 20. Thanks to the presence of the flats 21a and 22b, the angular positioning of the nozzle 24 relative to the chamber 32 is carried out correct way. It should be noted that the construction of the distribution head according to the invention makes it possible to have the nozzle in a perfectly reproducible position, after cleaning, because the pressure of the product exerted on the wall of the moving part surrounding the nozzle 24 cannot modify the position of the nozzle. In Indeed, the direction of thrust of the product P takes place along the exit axis Y of the product, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the workpiece 22 by relative to the body 20, namely perpendicular to the axis X.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a dispensing head 118, distinguishing itself from the first, in particular by making it in one piece.

The parts of the dispensing head 118 identical to the parts of the dispensing head distribution 18 described above or playing a similar role, carry the same reference numbers, increased by 100.

The dispensing head 118 has a base 120a, of general shape cylindrical, laterally provided with a flat 120b. The base 120a carries a plate 120c, surmounted by a portion 121, also generally cylindrical, but of smaller diameter than the diameter of the base 120a. Portion 121 is provided with a lateral flat 121a, arranged in the same plane as the flat 120b from base 120a. The portion 121 is provided with a flat top 121b.

In the central part of the flat 120b of the base 120a is made a film hinge 123, connecting the body 120 to a moving part 122, having substantially the shape of a band folded into an "L" shape. Thus, the film hinge 123 is adjoining a first parallelepipedal portion 122b of the "L", itself folded at right angles, to form the second portion 122a of the "L".

The flat part 121a of the body has a recess 125b, suitable for receiving, after pivoting of the moving part 122, the first portion 122b. Likewise, the apex 121b of the body 120 comprises a recess 125a, capable of receiving the second portion 122a of the moving part 122. Furthermore, the lateral edges 125c include latching means 138, capable of cooperating with complementary latching means 136, carried by the lateral edges 122d of the moving part 122.

Similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the body 120 includes a three-part supply duct 130a, 130b and 130c, opening into a swirl chamber 132. In this swirl chamber, profiles 134 are arranged so that the flow of product conveyed undergoes a movement swirling. In the closed position of the moving part 122, that is to say when this is correctly embedded in the recesses 125a, 125b, said conduit feeder conveys the product, passing through the vortex chamber, to a spray nozzle 124, produced in the first portion 122b of the part mobile 122.

In the event of blockage, to clean the dispensing head 118, the user pulls on the free end 122c of the moving part, to rotate the entire moving part 122 around the axis of the film hinge 123. Thus, the different parts of the supply duct (130a to 130c), as well as the chamber vortex and the nozzle orifice 124 become accessible. By rinsing, the dry product residue or particles that have caused clogging, may be removed.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a dispensing head 218, distinguishing from the embodiment of Figure 4, in particular by the conformation from the spray nozzle 224 which is located on a spout 240, emerging radially. This provision allows a particularly targeted application of the product in the place to be treated.

The parts of the distribution head 218 identical to the parts of the distribution head distribution 118 described above or playing a similar role, carry the reference numbers of figure 4, increased by 100. The description of these parts will only be partially resumed.

In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the spout 240 constitutes an extension of shape parallelepiped of the support of the vortex chamber 232, the face of which upper 225a comprises a portion of the supply duct 230b. So a free end of the spout 240 consists of a front face 225b, oriented parallel to the X axis which passes through the valve stem. In this front face 225b is hollowed out the vortex chamber 232 and a portion 230c of the supply duct.

A closing member 222, pivotally mounted on this front face, is articulated with an edge 242 of said front face 225b by a film hinge 223. The structure and operation of the closure member 222 are similar to the structure and operation of the moving part 122 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a dispensing head 318 comprising a system of “venturi” type spraying. The distribution head 318, differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4, in particular by making a double conduit, for separate supply of propellant and product to the spray nozzle 224. This arrangement allows a particularly fine spraying of the product.

The parts of the distribution head 318 identical to the parts of the distribution head distribution 118 described above or playing a similar role, carry the reference numbers of figure 4, increased by 200. The description of these parts will only be partially resumed.

According to Figure 6, the distribution valve 312 is provided with a control rod 314 comprising two separate conduits, concentrically. A first central duct 315a is formed by an inner tube 315 and intended to supplying propellant to the spray nozzle 324, via a channel inlet 315b. Near the spray nozzle 324, the supply channel leads to a reducer 350, intended to increase the gas pressure propellant before going through the spray nozzle, and sucking up the product liquid.

The liquid product is conveyed from the valve by an external conduit 314a of the valve stem. An axial channel 330a conducts the liquid in a portion of radial conduit 330b, opening via a portion 330c into the chamber vortex 332. In the center of this vortex chamber, a mixture of propellant and liquid is formed. This mixture is directed outside, under the action of pressure, through the spray nozzle 324. The chamber vortex 332 and the portions 330b and 330c are delimited towards the outside by a movable closure member 322. This closure member has a structure and functionality similar to that of locking devices 122 and 222 of FIGS. 4 and 5. Indeed, it has an “L” structure, one of which portion 322b is articulated on a flat surface 321a of the dispensing head 318, using a film hinge 323. On the portion 322b, the orifice of the spray nozzle 324. The free end of a second portion 332a comprises a fixing hook 336, able to cooperate, in the closed position, with a complementary cavity 338 produced on the side opposite to the nozzle 324. After disengagement of the fixing hook 336, the closing member 322 can be tilted in the direction of arrow F. The vortex chamber 332 and a part of the supply conduits 330b and 330c then become accessible, by view of their cleaning. For this purpose, if necessary, the reducer 350 can be also mounted removably.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of particular realization of the invention. It is obvious that variants may exist there. be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Thus, it is possible to provide a dispensing head comprising a part removable, provided with a spray nozzle and having two parallel edges, fixed on the upper face of the body, sliding in notches, like a drawer.

Alternatively, the nozzle may be located on a rectangular piece able to slide into guide means carried by the face in the flat part of a body, similar to the body 20 of the first embodiment previously described.

Whatever the embodiment, sealing means can be designed to ensure a good seal between, on the one hand the supply duct and respectively the vortex chamber, and on the other hand the moving part. Of such sealing means can be produced in the form of a bead or a bead / throat system.

Claims (13)

Dispensing head (18, 118) intended to equip a dispenser (1) of fluid product (P) in the form of a jet or a spray, comprising a body (20, 120) provided with a supply duct (30a to 30c; 130a to 130c) in communication with a rod (14) of the pump or of the valve (12) of the distributor, a part (22, 122) mounted on said body, said part comprising a dispensing orifice (24, 124) which can be put, in a removable manner, in communication with the supply duct, characterized in that said part (22, 122) is movable at will, relative to said body, in a direction (X) other than the direction of exit (Y) of the jet or spray of product, in order to effect cleaning the supply duct. Dispensing head (18, 118) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply duct, facing the distribution orifice (24, 124), opens onto a vortex chamber (32, 132). Dispensing head (18) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the removable part (22) covers, at least partially, said body (20). Dispensing head (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a portion (30b to 30c) of the supply duct is delimited both by the body (20) and by said part (22). Dispensing head (18) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the dispensing orifice is located on a flat portion (22b) of the moving part (22), said flat portion closing the chamber vortex (32) and cooperating with a flat portion (21a) of the body, so as to determine the angular position of the removable part (22) relative to said body (20). Dispensing head (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said part (22) is movable along an axis (X) passing through said rod (14). Dispensing head (118) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the moving part (122) is articulated with said body (120) and movable by pivoting. Dispensing head (118) according to claim 7, characterized in that said movable part (122) is articulated using a film hinge (123). Dispensing head (118) according to claim 8, characterized in that said moving part (122) is in the form of an "L" strip (122a, 122b), one end of which is articulated with said body, said orifice (124) being made, in one of the portions of said "L" strip. Dispensing head (118) according to claim 9, characterized in that said moving part (122) is formed by two portions, a first portion of which (122b) has said orifice (124), a free end of the first portion being attached to said film hinge, the second portion (122a) of the "L" being at contact with the upper part (125a) of the body, delimiting part of the duct inlet (130b). Dispensing head (118) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said moving part (122) is provided with latching means (136), cooperating with complementary means (138) carried by said body (120). Dispensing head (118) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is shaped as a push button. Distributor (1) comprising a reservoir (2) of product (P) and surmounted by a pump or valve (12), characterized in that it is equipped with a distribution (18, 118) according to any one of claims previous.

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