Aerosol dispensing device and method of manufacturing an aerosol dispensing device
By introducing snap-fit fingers and guide rib structures into the spray nozzle insert and actuator, the problem of difficult separation of POM nozzle inserts is solved, enabling efficient recovery of aerosol dispensing devices using PP materials, and improving recovery purity and usability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SRIGAON DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS GROUP LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
In existing aerosol dispensing devices, the POM spray nozzle insert is difficult to separate from the PP actuator during the recycling process, resulting in reduced purity of recycled PP and affecting usability.
A spray nozzle insert is designed with snap-fit fingers and a guide rib structure. The snap-fit fingers cooperate with the guide rib of the actuator to provide pretension and maintain the position of the nozzle insert in the actuator. The insert and actuator are made of PP material.
This ensures that the nozzle insert remains sealed even when the material is relaxed, preventing it from detaching and improving the recyclability and purity of the recovered aerosol dispensing device.
Smart Images
Figure CN116249591B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol dispensing device for use on an aerosol container, the aerosol dispensing device having a valve stem of an operable valve located at the top of the container. The aerosol dispensing device includes:
[0002] - An actuator adapted to operate a valve stem of a container and including a flow channel having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being adapted to engage with the valve stem of an aerosol container, wherein the actuator has a nozzle head at the outlet end of the flow channel, the nozzle head having a central post and a circumferential wall concentrically surrounding the central post, the central post and the circumferential wall defining an annular chamber therebetween, wherein the central post has a flat end surface, the outlet of the flow channel being located at the flat end surface;
[0003] - A spray nozzle insert comprising an end wall having a spray hole passing through the end wall, the end wall having an outer side and an inner side, wherein a cylindrical wall is connected to the inner side of the end wall and is arranged concentrically with the spray hole.
[0004] The spray nozzle insert is positioned in the actuator, wherein the cylindrical wall of the spray nozzle insert is located in the annular chamber of the nozzle head, and the flat end surface of the central column is adjacent to the inner side of the end wall of the spray nozzle insert. Background Technology
[0005] US 2009 / 0020621 discloses a plastic aerosol cap that includes an actuator having a spray nozzle insert positioned at the end of a flow channel.
[0006] Typically, actuators in existing aerosol dispensing devices are made of polypropylene (PP), while conventional spray nozzle inserts are made of polyoxymethylene (POM). POM is known for its strength, hardness, and rigidity. POM is a suitable plastic material for the specific application of spray nozzle inserts because it is dimensionally stable and does not easily loosen. Loosening of the material would cause the insert to become loose in the actuator, which is undesirable because the insert is subjected to high pressure from the aerosol during use.
[0007] Currently, the recycling of plastic materials is becoming increasingly important. While POM is well-suited for manufacturing shape-stable spray nozzle inserts, it poses a problem when aerosol dispensing heads must be recycled. Consumers find it difficult to remove the POM insert from the aerosol dispensing head. Therefore, when PP is recycled, the POM component remains within the PP, and it constitutes an impurity in the PP when the spray head is processed during recycling. This results in lower purity and consequently lower usability of the recycled PP. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aerosol dispensing head that is more suitable for recycling.
[0009] This objective is achieved by an aerosol dispensing head according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle insert has at least two snap-fit fingers located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall, the snap-fit fingers extending from the inner side of the end wall, wherein the actuator has at least two first guide ribs spaced apart from the outer side of the circumferential wall of the nozzle head, the at least two first guide ribs being configured to guide each snap-fit finger when the spray nozzle insert is positioned in the actuator, wherein the snap-fit finger has a snap-fit member that snaps behind the inward end of the first guide rib in the fully inserted state.
[0010] According to the invention, the snap-fit fingers are located at a certain distance from the cylindrical wall, such that when the snap-fit fingers are arranged in the snap-fit position, the end wall between the fingers and the cylindrical wall can be bent to a certain extent. This results in pretension in the end wall when the snap-fit member snaps behind the inward end of the first guide rib. This pretension has the effect that even if the plastic material of the spray nozzle insert loosens, the snap-fit fingers will still maintain sufficient tension to hold the insert in its position, particularly keeping the flat end surface of the central post of the nozzle head abutting the inner side of the end wall of the spray nozzle insert. Therefore, it is ensured that the insert is held in the actuator in a sealed manner, and that a good quality spray is generated by the insert and ejected through the orifice. Furthermore, it is also ensured that the insert will not be unintentionally ejected from the actuator.
[0011] Due to the configuration of the nozzle insert and actuator according to the invention, the insert does not necessarily have to be made of POM. Therefore, a material that exhibits some relaxation over time but provides better recyclability can be used to manufacture the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the insert, like the actuator, is made of PP.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential wall of the nozzle head defines a support surface that supports an annular region on the inner side of the end wall of the spray nozzle insert, adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the insert. The engagement of the support surface and the annular region on the inner side of the end wall provides a tight seal, preventing leakage of the dispensing medium from the nozzle head.
[0013] Preferably, the distance between the supporting surface and the inward end of the first guide rib is such that the spray nozzle insert has pretension when it is positioned in the actuator.
[0014] In another embodiment, the second guide rib is formed to be spaced apart from each of the first guide ribs, wherein, during assembly, the snap-fit member of the corresponding snap-fit finger moves through the channel formed by the first and second guide ribs, wherein, when the snap-fit member snaps behind the inward end of the first guide rib, the second guide rib locks the snap-fit member in the snap-fit state.
[0015] In a possible embodiment, the corresponding second guide rib is positioned inward from the corresponding first guide rib.
[0016] The second guide rib has a guide portion that is inclined relative to the insertion direction of the snap-on finger portion, and the guide portion applies force toward the head along the direction of the first rib.
[0017] In another embodiment, a second guide rib is formed on the nozzle head.
[0018] In one possible embodiment, the end wall of the spray nozzle insert has a generally rectangular shape, wherein snap-fit fingers extend from the two smaller sides of the opposite rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the snap-fit fingers have the same width as the smaller sides of the rectangular end wall.
[0019] In a possible embodiment, the inner side of the end wall of the insert is provided with a recessed vortex chamber and a recessed feed groove, the vortex chamber surrounding the spray hole and the feed groove extending from the cylindrical wall toward the vortex chamber.
[0020] The present invention also relates to an aerosol cap comprising an aerosol dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a cap body having a circumferential wall and an open bottom end disposed on and connected to an aerosol container, wherein an actuator is hingedly connected to the cap body. Preferably, the cap body and the actuator are integrally formed.
[0021] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an aerosol container provided with an aerosol dispensing device as defined above.
[0022] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a spray nozzle insert for use in an aerosol dispensing device as defined above.
[0023] The present invention also relates to a spray nozzle insert for positioning in an actuator of an aerosol dispensing device. The spray nozzle insert includes an end wall having a spray orifice passing through the end wall. The end wall has an outer side and an inner side, wherein a cylindrical wall is connected to the inner side of the end wall and is arranged concentrically with the spray orifice. The spray nozzle insert has at least two snap-fit fingers located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall. The snap-fit fingers extend from the inner side of the end wall and have snap-fit members for snapping into corresponding components in the actuator.
[0024] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an aerosol dispensing device, the method comprising the following steps:
[0025] - An actuator is provided, adapted to actuate a valve stem of a container, and includes a flow channel having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being adapted to engage with the valve stem of an aerosol container, wherein the actuator has a nozzle head at the outlet end of the flow channel, the nozzle head having a central post and a circumferential wall concentrically surrounding the central post, the central post and the circumferential wall defining an annular chamber therebetween, wherein the central post has a flat end surface, the outlet of the flow channel being located at the flat end surface, wherein the actuator has at least two first guide ribs spaced apart from the outer side of the circumferential wall of the nozzle head;
[0026] - A spray nozzle insert is provided, the spray nozzle insert including an end wall having a spray orifice through the end wall, the end wall having an outer side and an inner side, wherein a cylindrical wall is connected to the inner side of the end wall, the cylindrical wall being arranged concentrically with the spray orifice, wherein the spray nozzle insert has at least two snap-fit fingers located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall, the snap-fit fingers extending from the inner side of the end wall, wherein the snap-fit fingers have snap-fit members; and
[0027] - Position the spray nozzle insert in the actuator, wherein the cylindrical wall of the spray nozzle insert is located in the annular chamber of the nozzle head, the flat end surface of the central post is adjacent to the inner side of the end wall of the spray nozzle insert, and wherein each snap-fit finger is guided by a guide rib until the snap-fit member snaps onto the inward end of the guide rib.
[0028] In this method, the actuator is made of a suitable plastic material (preferably PP or PE) by injection molding. The spray nozzle insert is made separately of a suitable plastic material (preferably the same material as the actuator or at least recyclable) by injection molding. The actuator can be injection molded as part of the aerosol cap as described above. Attached Figure Description
[0029] The present invention will be further illustrated in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] Figure 1 A perspective front view of an embodiment of the aerosol cap according to the present invention is shown.
[0031] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view shows the installation on the container. Figure 1 aerosol cap,
[0032] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the aerosol spray cap from below.
[0033] Figure 3 It shows the use of Figure 1 A perspective view of the spray nozzle insert of the aerosol cap.
[0034] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another perspective view of the spray nozzle insert.
[0035] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 Front view of the spray nozzle insert.
[0036] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 Side view of the spray nozzle insert.
[0037] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 Another side view of the spray nozzle insert.
[0038] Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 Rear view of the spray nozzle insert.
[0039] Figure 9 Shown in bottom view Figure 3 How to position the insert in Figure 1 In the aerosol cap,
[0040] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 A bottom view of the aerosol cap, in which Figure 3 The insert is in place.
[0041] Figure 11 Detailed illustration Figure 3 How to position the insert in Figure 1 In the aerosol cap, and
[0042] Figure 12 Shown in cross-section Figure 3The insert in Figure 1 The position within the aerosol cap. Detailed Implementation
[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 1A The image shows an aerosol dispensing device, which is implemented as an aerosol cap 1 mounted on an aerosol container 100. Figure 2 The image shows the lid 1 as viewed from below when it is not placed on the container.
[0044] The aerosol container 100 is typically a generally cylindrical metal (usually aluminum) can with an opening at the top end of the can sealed by a valve cup 102. The valve cup is attached to the container by a crimp connection. The valve cup holds a valve assembly that includes a valve stem 101. The aerosol container may be an aerosol container containing a product to be dispensed (e.g., a fluid) and a propellant gas that mixes with the product to expel the product from the container when the valve of the valve assembly is opened. Other types of aerosol containers are also possible, such as valve-on-bag containers, in which the product to be dispensed (e.g., a fluid) is contained in a bag arranged within the container. The container surrounding the bag is pressurized with a compressed gas (e.g., air or nitrogen as a propellant). When the valve stem 101 is pushed in or laterally pushed, the valve stem is able to actuate the valve, causing the valve to open and the product (e.g., a fluid) to be expelled from the container through the propellant gas. The valve stem 101 is a tubular member through which the fluid will flow. The valve stem can be the stem of a so-called male valve (e.g.) Figure 1A (As shown), it can also be the stem of a mother valve, as is known to those skilled in the art. In many applications, the stem is connected to a spray nozzle that shapes the flowing fluid into a spray. The spray nozzle is typically included within an aerosol spray cap.
[0045] The aerosol cap 1 includes two main components: a cap body 2 and an actuator 3, which is movable relative to the cap body 2.
[0046] The cover body 2 includes a circumferential wall 4 that defines an open end 5 at the bottom end of the body 2. Near the open end 5, the circumferential wall 4 has a flange 6 (see...). Figure 2 (e.g., flange or other protrusions) can engage behind the ridge 103 of the container 100. The ridge of the container can be formed, for example, by a crimp connection to the valve disc 102 of the aerosol can 100. Once the cap body 2 is engaged with the aerosol container, the cap body 2 of this particular embodiment cannot be pulled out of the container again without using excessive force.
[0047] Actuator 3 includes a button 7 and a flow channel 8 (at least in the illustrated embodiment), which is integrally formed on the underside of button 7. Flow channel 8 has an inlet end 8A that is collinear with the central axis of the cover body 2 of the aerosol cap 1. In the illustrated embodiment, flow channel 8 has two adjacent, perpendicular portions 8B and 8C. Inlet end 8A, located at the end of portion 8B of flow channel 8, is adapted to connect to the valve stem 101 of the aerosol container. In use, when button 7 is pushed in, flow channel 8 is pushed toward the aerosol container, thereby pushing valve stem 101 in. This opens the valve, and the contents of pressurized aerosol container 100 are sprayed into flow channel 8 at inlet end 8A.
[0048] The flow channel 8 has an outlet end 8D. A nozzle head 9 is formed at the outlet end 8D, as shown in... Figures 9 to 12 As shown in the diagram, the nozzle head 9 has a central post 18 and a circumferential wall 19 concentrically surrounding the central post 18. The central post 18 and the circumferential wall 19 define an annular chamber 20 between them. The central post 18 has a flat end surface 21, at which the outlet of the flow channel 8 is located.
[0049] The spray nozzle insert 10 is positioned at the nozzle head 9 in the actuator 3. The spray nozzle insert 10 is... Figures 3 to 8 The details are shown below. The spray nozzle insert 10 includes an end wall 11 having a spray hole 12 passing through it. The end wall 11 has an outer side 11A and an inner side 11B. A cylindrical wall 13 is connected to the inner side 11B of the end wall 11 and is arranged concentrically with the spray hole 12.
[0050] The end wall 11 of the spray nozzle insert 10 has a generally rectangular shape, which is in Figure 5 and Figure 8 The middle part is the clearest view. The snap-fit finger 14 extends from the relatively smaller side of the rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the snap-fit finger 14 has the same width as the smaller side of the rectangular end wall 11.
[0051] The snap-fit fingers 14 are located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall 13. Each snap-fit finger 14 has a snap-fit member 15 that can hook behind complementary hook edges.
[0052] The actuator 3 has at least two first guide ribs 30 spaced apart from the outer side of the circumferential wall 19 of the nozzle head 9 and configured to guide each snap-fit finger 14 when the spray nozzle insert 10 is positioned in the actuator 3. Each snap-fit finger 14 has a snap-fit member 15 that snaps behind the inward end 31 of the first guide rib 30 in the fully inserted state. Thus, the inward end 31 of the first guide rib 30 is the aforementioned complementary hook edge.
[0053] The spray nozzle insert 10 is positioned within the actuator 3, wherein the cylindrical wall 13 of the spray nozzle insert 10 is located within the annular chamber 20 of the nozzle head 9, as shown in... Figure 12 The center column 18 has the flat end surface 21 that is adjacent to a portion of the inner side 11B of the end wall 11, which is located within the outline of the cylindrical wall 13.
[0054] As in Figure 8 As can be seen, a portion of the end wall 11 within the cylindrical wall 13 is provided with grooves 16 extending from the edge toward a vortex chamber 17 that surrounds the orifice 12 on the inner side of the end wall 11. The liquid flow from the aerosol container is broken down and converted into a spray at the vortex chamber 17. Note that such grooves 16 may be desirable for dispensing certain products, but there are also products for which grooves 16 are not necessary or unnecessary (e.g., deodorants containing particles). In some embodiments, the grooves can therefore be omitted. Furthermore, note that the grooves 16 in this example are straight and extend perpendicularly and parallel to each other. However, other groove shapes are also possible, such as curved grooves including spiral or vortex configurations.
[0055] The circumferential wall 19 of the nozzle head 9 defines a support surface 22 that supports an annular region 11C of the inner side 11B of the end wall of the spray nozzle insert 10, which is adjacent to the cylindrical wall 13. The distance between the support surface 22 and the inward end 31 of the guide rib 30 ensures that the spray nozzle insert 10 has pretension when positioned in the actuator 3.
[0056] The corresponding second guide rib 32 is formed to be spaced apart from the corresponding first guide rib 30. For example... Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the corresponding second guide rib 32 is located inside the corresponding first guide rib 30. The second guide rib 32 is adjacent to the rear side of the nozzle head 9 and connected to the lower side of the button 7, preferably integrally formed with the lower side of the button. During assembly, the snap-fit member 15 of the corresponding snap-fit finger 14 moves through the channel 33 (see...). Figure 9 and Figure 11The channel is formed by a first guide rib 30 and a second guide rib 32. The second guide rib 32 has a guide portion 34 that is inclined relative to the insertion direction indicated by arrow 40. The inclined guide portion 34 applies force towards the head 15 along the direction of the first rib 30. When the locking member 15 interlocks with the inward end 31 of the first guide rib 30, the second guide rib 32 locks the locking member 15 in place.
[0057] Polypropylene (PP) is a suitable material for manufacturing the cap body 2 and actuator 3 by injection molding. Preferably, the actuator and cap body are integrally formed, such that the actuator 3 is connected to the cap body 2 via a hinge member 35 (e.g., a film hinge or the like). The spray nozzle insert 10 is manufactured separately by injection molding, preferably also made of polypropylene (PP). In fact, the nozzle insert 10, cap body 2, and actuator 3 are all made of PP, which facilitates the recycling of the spray cap 1 because the material of the nozzle insert 10 is similar to or compatible with the materials of the actuator 3 and cap body 2, so the spray cap can be completely discarded into the plastic waste stream.
[0058] like Figures 3 to 8 The configuration of the nozzle insert 10 shown (particularly the snap-fit finger 14) is located at a certain distance from the cylindrical wall 13, allowing the end wall 11 to bend to a certain extent. When the snap-fit member 15 interlocks with the inward end 31 of the guide rib 30, this results in a pre-tension in the end wall 11, such as... Figure 12 As shown. This pretension has the effect that even when the plastic material (preferably PP) of the spray nozzle insert 10 loosens, the snap-fit fingers 14 will still be sufficiently tightened to hold the nozzle insert 10 in its position, particularly ensuring that the flat end surface 21 of the central post 18 of the nozzle head 9 is adjacent to the annular region 11C of the inner side 11B of the end wall 11 of the nozzle insert 10. Therefore, the nozzle insert 10 is held in a sealed manner within the actuator 3, and good spray is generated by the nozzle insert 10 and ejected through the orifice 12. Furthermore, it ensures that the insert 10 will not accidentally pop out of the actuator 3, especially by means of the second rib 32, which prevents the fingers 14 from deforming, causing the snap-fit member 15 to release its interlock with the edge 31 of the first rib 30.
[0059] Note that in the above embodiments, the aerosol dispensing device is implemented as a spray cap 1 having a cap body 2 and an actuator 3. It should be understood that this embodiment is considered a non-limiting example. For example, another embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention may also have only an actuator positioned on a valve stem of the aerosol container. Such a dispensing device with only an actuator is sometimes referred to in the art as a Minimal Breakup Unit (MBU). For example, an MBU is commonly used for aerosol containers containing paint.
[0060] Furthermore, note that in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described above, the components of the spray cap 1 are integrally formed by injection molding. However, there may also be embodiments in which multiple components are formed separately and then assembled together. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the flow channel 8 and the button 7 are integrally formed, but it is quite possible that the flow channel and the button are formed separately. The same applies to the cap body and the actuator. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the cap body and the actuator can be formed integrally, but they can also be formed separately.
Claims
1. An aerosol dispensing device arranged on an aerosol container (100), the aerosol container having a valve stem (101) of an operable valve located at the top of the container. The aerosol dispensing device includes: - An actuator (3) adapted to actuate the valve stem (101) of the container and comprising a flow channel (8) having an inlet end (8A) and an outlet end (8D), the inlet end being adapted to be coupled to the valve stem (101) of the aerosol container, wherein the actuator (3) has a nozzle head (9) at the outlet end (8D) of the flow channel (8), the nozzle head (9) having a central post (18) and a circumferential wall (19) concentrically surrounding the central post (18), the central post (18) and the circumferential wall (19) defining an annular chamber (20) between the central post (18) and the circumferential wall (19), wherein the central post (18) has a flat end surface (21), the outlet of the flow channel (8) being located at the flat end surface. - A spray nozzle insert (10) comprising an end wall (11) having a spray hole (12) through the end wall, the end wall (11) having an outer side (11A) and an inner side (11B), wherein a cylindrical wall (13) is connected to the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), the cylindrical wall being arranged concentrically with the spray hole (12). The spray nozzle insert (10) is positioned in the actuator (3), wherein the cylindrical wall (13) of the spray nozzle insert (10) is located in the annular chamber (20) of the nozzle head (9), and the flat end surface (21) of the central column (18) is adjacent to the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11) of the spray nozzle insert (10). The spray nozzle insert (10) is characterized in that it has at least two snap-fit fingers (14) located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall (13), the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) extending from the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), wherein the actuator (3) has at least two first guide ribs (30) spaced apart from the outer side of the circumferential wall (19) of the nozzle head (9), the at least two first guide ribs being configured to guide each of the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) when the spray nozzle insert (10) is positioned in the actuator (3), wherein each of the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) has a snap-fit member (15) that snaps behind the inner end (31) of the corresponding first guide rib in the at least two first guide ribs (30) in the fully inserted state.
2. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The circumferential wall (19) of the nozzle head (9) defines a support surface (22) that supports an annular region (11C) of the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11) of the spray nozzle insert (10), the annular region being adjacent to the cylindrical wall (13) of the insert (10).
3. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein, The distance between the support surface (22) and the inward end (31) of the first guide rib (30) is such that the spray nozzle insert (10) has pretension when the spray nozzle insert (10) is positioned in the actuator (3).
4. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The corresponding second guide rib (32) is formed spaced apart from the corresponding first guide rib (30), wherein, during assembly, the snap member (15) of the corresponding snap finger (14) of the at least two snap fingers (14) moves through the channel (33) formed by the first guide rib (30) and the second guide rib (32), wherein, when the snap member (15) snaps behind the inward end (31) of the first guide rib (30), the second guide rib (32) locks the snap member (15) in the snapped state.
5. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The corresponding second guide rib (32) is located inside the corresponding first guide rib (30).
6. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The corresponding second guide rib (32) has a guide portion (34) which has an inclined orientation relative to the insertion direction of the snap-on finger (14) and applies force to the snap-on member (15) along the direction of the first guide rib (30).
7. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The second guide rib (32) is formed on the nozzle head (9).
8. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spray nozzle insert (10) is made of polypropylene (PP).
9. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuator (3) is made of polypropylene (PP).
10. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The end wall (11) of the spray nozzle insert (10) has a generally rectangular shape, wherein the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) extend from the relatively smaller side of the rectangular shape.
11. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein, The at least two snap-fit fingers (14) have the same width as the smaller side of the rectangular end wall (11).
12. The aerosol dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inner side (11B) of the end wall (11) of the insert (10) is provided with a recessed vortex chamber (17) and a recessed feed groove (16), the vortex chamber surrounding the spray hole (12) and the feed groove extending from the cylindrical wall (13) toward the vortex chamber (17).
13. An aerosol cap (1), comprising an aerosol dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a cap body (2) having a circumferential wall (4) and an open bottom end (5), the open bottom end being disposed on and connected to the aerosol container (100), wherein, The actuator (3) is hinged to the cover body (2).
14. The aerosol cap according to claim 13, wherein, The cover body (2) and the actuator (3) are formed as one unit.
15. An aerosol container (100) provided with an aerosol dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
16. A spray nozzle insert (10) for use in an aerosol dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
17. A spray nozzle insert (10) positioned in the actuator (3) of an aerosol dispensing device, the spray nozzle insert (10) comprising an end wall (11) having a spray hole (12) through the end wall, the end wall (11) having an outer side (11A) and an inner side (11B), wherein, A cylindrical wall (13) is connected to the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), the cylindrical wall being arranged concentrically with the spray hole (12), and wherein, within the cylindrical wall (13), the inner side (11B) of the end wall of the insert (10) is provided with a recessed vortex chamber (17) surrounding the spray hole (12), characterized in that the spray nozzle insert (10) has at least two snap-fit fingers (14) located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall (13), the snap-fit fingers (14) extending from the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), wherein the snap-fit fingers (14) have snap-fit members (15) for snap-fit engagement with corresponding components in the actuator (3).
18. A method for manufacturing an aerosol dispensing device, the method comprising the following steps: - An actuator (3) is provided, the actuator being adapted to operate a valve stem (101) of an aerosol container, and including a flow channel (8) having an inlet end (8A) and an outlet end (8D), the inlet end being adapted to be connected to the valve stem (101) of the aerosol container, wherein the actuator (3) has a nozzle head (9) at the outlet end (8D) of the flow channel (8), the nozzle head (9) having a central post (18) and a circumferential wall (19), the circumferential wall... The actuator (3) is concentrically positioned around the central column (18), the central column (18) and the circumferential wall (19) defining an annular chamber (20) between the central column and the circumferential wall, wherein the central column (18) has a flat end surface (21), the outlet of the flow channel (8) is located at the flat end surface, wherein the actuator (3) has at least two first guide ribs (30), the at least two first guide ribs being spaced apart from the outer side of the circumferential wall (19) of the nozzle head (9); - A spray nozzle insert (10) is provided, the spray nozzle insert including an end wall (11) having a spray hole (12) through the end wall, the end wall (11) having an outer side (11A) and an inner side (11B), wherein a cylindrical wall (13) is connected to the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), the cylindrical wall being arranged concentrically with the spray hole (12), wherein the spray nozzle insert (10) has at least two snap-fit fingers (14) located at a radial distance from the outer side of the cylindrical wall (13), the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) extending from the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11), wherein each of the at least two snap-fit fingers (14) has a snap-fit member (15); and - Position the spray nozzle insert (10) in the actuator (3), wherein the cylindrical wall (19) of the spray nozzle insert (10) is located in the annular chamber (20) of the nozzle head (9), the flat end surface (21) of the central post (18) is adjacent to the inner side (11B) of the end wall (11) of the spray nozzle insert (10), and wherein each of at least two snap-fit fingers (14) is guided by a corresponding first guide rib of the at least two first guide ribs (30) until the snap-fit member (15) snaps onto the inward end (31) of the corresponding first guide rib (30).