Spray head and device for dispensing fluid products comprising such a head

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray head (10) for a device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising: a body (18) provided with a spray hole (11); a central channel (12) connected to the spray hole (11) via a spray profile (13), the spray profile (13) comprising a vortex chamber (19), the vortex chamber (19) being arranged directly upstream of the spray hole (11), characterized in that the spray profile (13) comprises at least two curved channels (14, 15, 16) extending from the central channel (12) to the vortex chamber (19), each curved channel (14, 15, 16) being non-radially connected to the vortex chamber (19) to form a spray leaving the spray hole (11), each curved channel (14, 15, 16) having a convex shape diverging laterally outward from the central channel (12) and then returning laterally inward toward the vortex chamber (19) from an inflection point (140, 150, 160).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a spray head, a method for manufacturing the same and a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising such a head.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a spray head formed as a single piece. Background Art

[0003] Typically, an insert is fitted into the spray head in order to create a spray profile upstream from the spray orifice.

[0004] This type of device may present certain disadvantages. This means that, depending on the manufacturing method, at least two parts need to be manufactured and then an assembly step is also necessary. In addition, due to the manufacturing tolerances of the parts to be assembled (spray head and insert), the spray profile is not always strictly the same and the performance of the spray is not always reproducible.

[0005] Documents WO2008015409 and WO8905195 describe prior art devices. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a spray head for a device for dispensing a fluid product which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0007] More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a spray head having a spray profile made in one piece.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a spray head which can be produced in a single manufacturing step.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a spray head which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a spray head for a device for dispensing fluid products, the spray head comprising: a body, the body being provided with a spray hole; a central channel, connected to the spray hole via a spray profile, the spray profile comprising a vortex chamber, the vortex chamber being arranged directly upstream of the spray hole, the spray profile comprising at least two curved channels extending from the central channel to the vortex chamber, each curved channel being non-radially connected to the vortex chamber to form a spray leaving the spray hole, each curved channel having a convex shape diverging laterally outward and axially upward from the central channel, and then returning laterally inward toward the vortex chamber from an inflection point.

[0011] Advantageously, the spray head is of nose type, the central channel extends axially, and the spray holes are axially oriented.

[0012] Advantageously, the at least two curved channels open into the vortex chamber while being regularly distributed on the periphery of the vortex chamber.

[0013] Advantageously, each curved channel is rounded in shape without any sharp corners.

[0014] Advantageously, the cross-section of each curved channel gradually decreases between the central channel and the vortex chamber.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least two curved passages are substantially identical in shape, size and curvature between the central passage and the vortex chamber.

[0016] In a variation, the at least two curved passages differ in shape, size and / or curvature between the central passage and the vortex chamber.

[0017] Advantageously, the spray profile comprises two curved channels.

[0018] Advantageously, the spray profile comprises three curved channels.

[0019] The present invention also provides a device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising: an actuating part; a liquid reservoir for containing the fluid product; a spray head provided with a spray hole; and a dispenser device for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid product through the spray hole during actuation, wherein the spray head is manufactured as described above.

[0020] Advantageously, the reservoir contains a single dose of fluid product to be dispensed during a single actuation of the device.

[0021] In a variant, the reservoir contains at least two doses of fluid product to be dispensed during several consecutive actuations of the device.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuation portion comprises two lateral pressing elements mounted to pivot on the spray head, each lateral pressing element comprising a respective cam portion, each cam portion comprising a respective cam surface cooperating with the reservoir to move the reservoir axially upwards when the device is actuated.

[0023] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the nozzle as described above, wherein the method manufactures the nozzle by additive printing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a nasal product dispenser device in an advantageous embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is a detailed schematic perspective view of a spray head according to a first advantageous embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is with Figure 2 Similar views to the views in;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cross section of the nozzle in ;

[0029] Figure 5 is with Figure 3 A similar view to that in which a second advantageous embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 is with Figure 4 A similar view to that in Figure 5 The cross section of the nozzle in ;

[0031] Figure 7 is a transparent schematic perspective view of a spray head according to a third advantageous embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic side view of the middle nozzle;

[0033] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the middle head.

[0034] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 a transparent schematic perspective view of the middle nozzle; and

[0035] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 Schematic partial perspective view of the nozzle in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are relative to the orifice. The terms "axial" and "radial" are relative to the longitudinal center axis of the device. The terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" refer to the Figure 1 Device shown in upright position.

[0037] Figure 1 An example of a nasal product dispenser device to which the present invention is applied is shown. In this example, the device is a single-dose device, in which all doses of the fluid product are dispensed in a single actuation. It should be observed that the present invention may also be applicable to other types of devices, such as two- or more-dose type devices, which contain two or more doses of fluid products to be dispensed during two or more consecutive actuations of the device.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an actuating part 1, a spray head 10 comprising a body 18 provided with a spray hole 11, a reservoir 20 containing a fluid product to be dispensed, and a dispenser device 30 for dispensing a dose of the fluid product when the device is actuated.

[0039] In this embodiment, the nasal spray head 10 comprises a central channel 12 connected to the orifice 11 by a spray profile 13. The orifice 11 is used to dispense a dose of fluid product from the spray head 10 when the device is actuated by the user. A cannula 120 is arranged at the distal end of the central channel 12.

[0040] The reservoir 20 is connected to the spray head 10 in any suitable manner. Figure 1 In the example shown, the reservoir 20 contains a single dose of fluid product dispensed in a single actuation of the device. Typically, as shown, the reservoir 20 can be formed by a hollow and blind body comprising a single proximal opening.

[0041] In another embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the reservoir need not be formed by a hollow and blind body comprising only one opening, but can be formed by a hollow cylinder open axially at both ends. The cylinder is thus closed at the proximal end by a first stopper and at the distal end by a second stopper, the volume defined between the two stoppers containing the fluid to be dispensed.

[0042] In another variant not shown, the reservoir 20 may be a syringe to which the spray tip is attached by any suitable means, such as a standard twist fastener of the Luer lock type. Figures 7 to 11 In an embodiment, the spray tip 10 includes threads suitable for attachment to a Luer lock type syringe fastener.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, which shows a single dose, the dispensing device 30 comprises a plug / piston. This plug / piston 30 closes the reservoir in a sealed manner before actuation and is adapted to be perforated by the cannula 120 at the beginning of actuation to connect the reservoir 20 to the orifice 11. Continued actuation moves the plug / piston in the reservoir 20, thus causing the fluid product to be discharged through the cannula 120 to the orifice 11. In a multi-dose device, the dispenser device may comprise a pump or a metering valve.

[0044] In this embodiment, the actuation portion 1 comprises two lateral pressing elements 2, 3, which also support the user's fingers during actuation. The two lateral pressing elements 2, 3 are mounted to pivot on the spray head 10. Each lateral pressing element 2, 3 comprises a respective cam portion 21, 31, which is connected to each other to allow the lateral pressing element to pivot, for example via a lug (not shown) in the cam portion 21, which slides in a groove 35 in the cam portion 31. Each cam portion 21, 31 comprises a respective cam surface 22, 32, which cooperates with the reservoir 20, in particular with the radially outer distal edge of the reservoir 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 During actuation, the user compresses the lateral pressing elements 2, 3 towards each other, which causes them to pivot and the cam surfaces 22, 32 then push the reservoir 20 axially upwards to dispense a dose of the fluid product.

[0045] Thus, the illustrated embodiment shows lateral actuation of the device, but it will be appreciated that the invention is also applicable to conventional axial type actuation.

[0046] According to the present invention, the nozzle head 10 is manufactured in a single piece by additive printing.

[0047] This makes it possible to produce spray profiles 13 having complex shapes and which are difficult or even impossible to produce by molding and / or assembly.

[0048] According to the invention, the spray profile 13 comprises at least two curved channels 14 , 15 , 16 which extend from the central channel 12 to a swirl chamber 19 which is arranged directly upstream of the spray opening 11 . Figures 2 to 4 A first embodiment is shown with two curved channels 14, 15, Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second embodiment is shown with three curved channels 14, 15, 16, Figures 7 to 11 A third embodiment is shown having three curved channels 14, 15, 16. Spray profiles 13 having more than three curved channels, for example four, are conceivable.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, which shows a nasal spray tip, the central channel 12 is axial and the spray holes 11 are also axial.

[0050] It should be observed that the invention is also applicable to devices comprising an oral dispenser head having radially oriented orifices.

[0051] Each curved passage 14 , 15 , 16 is connected to the vortex chamber 19 in a non-radial manner, so that a vortex is generated in the vortex chamber 19 that leaves the curved passage, thereby forming a spray at the outlet of the spray hole 11 .

[0052] Preferably, at least two curved channels 14, 15, 16 are regularly distributed on the periphery of the vortex chamber 19 and open into the vortex chamber 19. Figures 2 to 4 In the embodiment, the two curved channels 14, 15 open into the vortex chamber 19 diametrically opposite to each other and Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figures 7 to 11 In the embodiment of the invention, three curved channels 14, 15, 16 open into the vortex chamber 19 while being spaced 120° apart from each other. However, in a variant, it is conceivable to open the curved channels into the vortex chamber while being distributed in a non-uniform manner, in particular if the dimensions of the various curved channels are different.

[0053] As shown in the figure, specifically, Figure 2 , 3 , 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11, each curved channel 14, 15, 16 is convex in shape, diverging laterally outward and axially upward from the central channel 12, and then returning laterally inward from the inflection point 140, 150, 160 toward the vortex chamber 19. The inflection point 140, 150, 160 advantageously forms the radially outermost portion of the curved channel 14, 15, 16.

[0054] exist Figures 7 to 11 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , each of the inflection points 140, 150, 160 is formed in an upper axial portion of an axial portion of a channel 141, 151, 161 that extends substantially axially over a majority of the height of the spray head 10. Thus, as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, especially in Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.10 In the embodiment, the three curved channels 14, 15, 16 move laterally away from the central channel 12 and then extend parallel to each other over the axial portion of the channels 141, 151, 161 until the vicinity of the vortex chamber 19 to finally return laterally towards the interior in a non-radial manner.

[0055] Advantageously, each curved channel 14, 15, 16 is rounded in shape without any sharp corners. This can in particular limit the pressure drop, so that the fluid from the curved channel penetrates into the vortex chamber 19 with maximum energy, thus producing a high-quality spray at the outlet of the spray hole 11.

[0056] Advantageously, the cross section of each curved channel 14, 15, 16 tapers between the central channel 12 and the vortex chamber 19. This makes it possible in particular to accelerate the fluids flowing in the curved channels, optimizing their speed when they open towards the vortex chamber 19.

[0057] Advantageously, the at least two curved channels 14, 15, 16 are substantially identical in shape, size and curvature between the central channel 12 and the vortex chamber 19. However, in a variant, it is possible to envisage making curved channels with different shapes, sizes, in particular lengths and cross-sections, and different curvatures, so as to generate different flow velocities in each curved channel. This, in conjunction with the uneven distribution of the curved channels around the vortex chamber, can make it possible to generate a spray of any desired shape.

[0058] As mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied to devices of the double-dose type. In this structure, the contents of the reservoir will be dispensed during two consecutive actuations. Document WO2014 / 147329 describes an example of a double-dose device. More generally, the present invention is applicable to all types of single-dose, double-dose or multi-dose devices.

[0059] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the spray head 10 is manufactured by additive printing or 3D printing. This manufacturing method makes it possible to produce complex single-piece shapes, such as a spray head 10 comprising a spray profile 13 with curved channels 14, 15, 16, as a single piece, without the need to assemble one or more inserts, and with fully reproducible performance from one spray head to another.

[0060] The present invention provides several advantages, in particular:

[0061] It improves the reproducibility of the spray, and each nozzle has the same spray profile;

[0062] Avoiding the need to assemble two or more separately manufactured parts, eliminating manufacturing steps and assembly steps;

[0063] This makes it possible to produce any complex shape desired by using additive printing;

[0064] Due to the optimized geometry of the spray profile, it is possible to optimize the spray properties.

[0065] Of course, other variant embodiments can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spray head (10) for a device for dispensing a fluid product, the spray head (10) include: A body (18) provided with a nozzle hole (11); a central channel (12) connected to the nozzle hole (11) via a jet profile (13), the jet profile (13) comprising a vortex chamber (19), the vortex chamber (19) being arranged directly upstream of the nozzle hole (11), characterized in that the nozzle head (10) is made in a single piece by additive printing, and the jet profile (13) comprises at least two curved channels (14, 15, 16) extending from the central channel (12) to the vortex chamber (19), each curved channel (14, 15, 16) being non-radially connected to the vortex chamber (19) to form a spray leaving the nozzle hole (11), each curved channel (14, 15, 16) having a convex shape diverging laterally outward from the central channel (12) and then returning laterally inward from an inflection point (140, 150, 160) towards the vortex chamber (19).

2. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1, in, The spray head is nose-shaped, the central channel (12) extends axially, and the spray holes (11) are axially oriented.

3. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The at least two curved channels (14, 15, 16) open into the vortex chamber (19) while being regularly distributed on the periphery of the vortex chamber (19).

4. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, Each curved channel (14, 15, 16) is rounded in shape without any sharp corners.

5. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The cross section of each curved channel (14, 15, 16) gradually decreases between the central channel (12) and the vortex chamber (19).

6. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The at least two curved passages (14, 15, 16) are substantially identical in shape, size and curvature between the central passage (12) and the vortex chamber (19).

7. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The at least two curved passages (14, 15, 16) have different shapes, sizes and / or curvatures between the central passage (12) and the vortex chamber (19).

8. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The spray profile (13) comprises two curved channels (14, 15).

9. The nozzle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The spray profile (13) comprises three curved channels (14, 15, 16).

10. A device for dispensing a fluid product, include: An actuating portion (1); a reservoir (20) containing a fluid product; A nozzle having a spray hole (11); and dispenser means (30) for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid product through the spray orifice (11) during actuation, characterized in that the spray head (10) is a spray head (10) made according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The device according to claim 10, in, The reservoir (20) contains a single dose of fluid product to be dispensed during a single actuation of the device.

12. The device according to claim 10, in, The reservoir (20) contains at least two doses of fluid product to be dispensed during a plurality of consecutive actuations of the device.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in, The actuating portion (1) comprises two lateral pressing elements (2, 3), which are mounted to pivot on the spray head (10), each lateral pressing element (2, 3) comprising a respective cam portion (21, 31), each cam portion (21, 31) comprising a respective cam surface (22, 32), the cam surface (22, 32) cooperating with the reservoir (20) to move the reservoir (20) axially upward when the device is actuated.

14. A method for manufacturing a spray head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that The method comprises manufacturing the nozzle (10) by additive printing.

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