Aerosol cap and aerosol product

Abstract

The aerosol cap (1) includes a nozzle (3) and an arrival distance extension structure (4) that extends the arrival distance of the contents. The arrival distance extension structure (4) has a confluence space (46) formed on the downstream side of the nozzle (3), and an outside air introduction path (43) that guides air outside the nozzle (3) to the confluence space (46).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol cap mounted on an aerosol container and an aerosol product including the aerosol cap. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for aerosol products such as insecticides, attempts have been made to optimize the spraying characteristics by improving the internal shape of the spray nozzle, the shape of the nozzle opening, etc. However, the improvement in the spraying characteristics achieved only by improving the shape of the inside of the nozzle, the nozzle opening, etc. is limited.

[0003] Regarding this point, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure including a mixing chamber for mixing external air with a liquid sprayed in a mist form from a first ejection port. According to the structure of Patent Document 1, for an aerosol using nitrogen, the spray can be made finer.

[0004] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-169759 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention However, an aerosol container having a structure in which a compressed gas such as nitrogen is used as a propellant to atomize the content is suitable for uses such as gently spraying at a relatively short distance from the spray opening, and is generally used for cosmetics and the like. It can be considered that the invention of Patent Document 1 was also made for such uses.

[0006] On the other hand, for example, in the case of an insecticide aerosol, a strong and stable spraying force is required, so a liquefied gas is generally used as a propellant. In the case of using a liquefied gas as a propellant, a structure for making the spray finer as in Patent Document 1 is not required.

[0007] Regarding such an insecticide aerosol, etc., sometimes in order to drive away pests at a certain distance, it is desired to make the content reach a farther place. In this case, requirements are imposed on the reach of the content and the momentum at the time of spraying the content. Therefore, for such uses, a structure capable of increasing the reach of the content and enhancing the momentum at the time of spraying the content is required.

[0008] The present disclosure has been completed in order to solve the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide an aerosol cap and an aerosol product capable of increasing the reach of the content and enhancing the momentum at the time of spraying the content.

[0009] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem To achieve the above object, an aspect of the present disclosure is premised on an aerosol cap that is mounted on an aerosol container containing a content, the content at least including a propellant, and the propellant including a liquefied gas. The aerosol cap includes a nozzle and a reach extension structure. The nozzle ejects the content, and the reach extension structure extends the reach of the content ejected from the nozzle. The reach extension structure has a confluence space and an external air introduction path. The confluence space is formed on the downstream side of the downstream end of the ejection direction of the nozzle, and the external air introduction path is formed to extend from the upstream side of the downstream end of the nozzle to the confluence space outside the nozzle, and the external air introduction path guides the air outside the nozzle to the confluence space.

[0010] According to this structure, the content flows through the nozzle and reaches the confluence space. On the other hand, the air (external air) outside the nozzle flows through the external air introduction path and reaches the confluence space. Since in the confluence space, the content is ejected strongly under the action of the propellant, the external air in the external air introduction path is pulled into the confluence space by this momentum and merges with the content. As a result, the momentum of the content ejected from the aerosol cap is enhanced, and thus the reach of the content is extended compared to the case where external air is not mixed.

[0011] Preferably, the external air introduction path is configured to introduce the external air into the confluence space in a direction substantially parallel to the ejection direction of the content. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for atomizing a spray by introducing external air in a direction intersecting the ejection direction of the content. However, it can be conceived that if this structure is applied to an aerosol cap using a liquefied gas, air flow disorder will occur and the momentum of the spray will be weakened. By introducing external air in a direction substantially parallel to the ejection direction of the content as in the present invention, the effect of suppressing air flow disorder and enhancing the spray momentum can be well obtained.

[0012] The nozzle according to other aspects of the present disclosure may also be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, it may also be configured that the reach extension structure includes an outer cylinder portion that at least covers the outer periphery of the downstream end of the ejection direction of the nozzle, and the external air introduction path is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion. Thereby, the external air introduction path formed between the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion can be formed in a desired shape over the entire circumference.

[0013] Alternatively, it can also be configured such that the upstream end in the air flow direction of the outer cylinder portion is located at the middle portion of the jet direction of the nozzle and is open at this middle portion. In this case, the external air introduction path can be formed to extend along the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle to the downstream end in the jet direction of the nozzle, so as to smoothly form the air flow of the external air flowing into the confluence space.

[0014] Alternatively, it can also be configured such that on the cross section passing through the downstream end in the jet direction of the nozzle and orthogonal to the jet direction, the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion is less than 12 times the cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle. That is to say, if the diameter of the outer cylinder portion is too large relative to the nozzle, the speed of the introduced external air cannot be increased, and the effect of extending the reach distance of the content cannot be obtained. By making the cross-sectional area of the outer cylinder portion within the above range relative to the cross-sectional area of the nozzle, the effect of sufficiently extending the reach distance of the content can be obtained.

[0015] In addition, the present disclosure also relates to an aerosol product, which includes an aerosol container equipped with the aerosol cap.

[0016] Effects of the Invention As described above, since it is configured to introduce external air into the confluence space formed on the downstream side of the nozzle, for the content ejected from an aerosol containing a liquefied gas as a propellant, the reach distance of the content can be increased, and the momentum when the content is ejected can be enhanced. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a side view of the aerosol product according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a front view of the aerosol cap.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol cap.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state after disassembling the aerosol cap.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol caps according to Examples 1 to 7.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol cap according to the comparative example.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol caps according to Examples 8 to 10.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the simulation results of the flow rates of the comparative example and Example 1.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the simulation results of the flow velocity near the nozzle tip related to the comparative example.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the simulation results of the flow velocity near the nozzle tip related to Example 1 and Example 5. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is essentially only an example, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application objects, or its uses.

[0028] Figure 1 An aerosol product A related to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol product A includes an aerosol container 100 and an aerosol cap 1 attached to the aerosol container 100. In the present embodiment, an example in which the aerosol product A is composed of the aerosol container 100 and the aerosol cap 1 will be described, but the aerosol product A may also include other components. The aerosol cap 1 may also be referred to as an aerosol container cap, etc.

[0029] The aerosol product A is configured to be able to spray the contents in the aerosol container 100 in a mist form to a certain distance. The reach distance of the contents ejected from the aerosol product A can be set by the structure of the valve mechanism 101a described later, the diameter of the nozzle 3, the composition of the propellant, and the structure of the reach distance extension structure 4, etc. The reach distance of the contents ejected from the aerosol product A can be 0.5 m or more, preferably 1 m or more, and more preferably 3 m or more. It should be noted that the reach distance mentioned here means: the horizontal distance of the range where the spray can be visually confirmed when the aerosol product A is sprayed horizontally under windless conditions.

[0030] Before describing the aerosol cap 1, the aerosol container 100 will be described first. The aerosol container 100 has a known structure, which includes a container body 101 with a relatively long longitudinal length for storing the aerosol stock solution and a propellant for ejecting the aerosol stock solution as contents, and a valve mechanism 101a and a valve stem (ejection tube) 102 provided on the upper part of the container body 101. The container body 101 is a pressure-resistant container formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the valve stem 102 is provided at approximately the center of the upper wall portion of the container body 101. The lower end portion of the valve stem 102 can communicate with the inside of the container body 101 via the valve mechanism 101a. The valve stem 102 is urged upward by the valve mechanism 101a so as to protrude upward from the upper wall portion of the container body 101, and can be pressed downward (inside the container body 101).

[0031] In a state where the valve stem 102 is pressed downward, the valve mechanism 101a opens, and the valve stem 102 communicates with the inside of the container body 101, and the content is ejected under the pressure of the propellant. When the external force acting downward on the valve stem 102 is released, the valve stem 102 returns to its original position under the biasing force of the valve mechanism 101a, and thus the valve mechanism 101a becomes a closed state.

[0032] The aerosol stock solution stored in the container body 101 can contain various components. There is no particular limitation on the components, and for example, insecticides, pest repellents, deodorants, fungicides, herbicides, fragrances, antiperspirants, sunscreen ingredients, coatings, waterproof agents, etc. can be cited. It can also be a medicament that uses only one of these components or a mixture of any two or more of them. It should be noted that since one of the purposes of the present invention is to extend the reach of the content, it is particularly suitable for components that have a need to spray from a relatively far position. As such a component, an insecticide can be cited. A solvent, a synergist, etc. can also be contained in the aerosol stock solution.

[0033] The propellant stored in the container body 101 contains a liquefied gas. Regarding the liquefied gas as the propellant, even if the content decreases as the aerosol product A is used, the jetting force of the liquefied gas does not decrease. In this regard, the liquefied gas is superior to the compressed gas. In addition, when a compressed gas is used as the propellant, a structure for atomizing the spray (for example, Patent Document 1) needs to be provided on the aerosol cap, but such a structure is not required when a liquefied gas is used as the propellant. As the liquefied gas, for example, it is generally liquefied petroleum gas, dimethyl ether (DME), etc., but is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be a fluorinated liquefied gas such as hydrofluoroolefin or other refrigerant gases, and any one of the groups composed of them can be used as the propellant, or any two or more of them can be mixed and used as the propellant.

[0034] It should be noted that the content stored in the container body 101 can also omit the aerosol stock solution and only have the propellant. In this case, for example, it can be used as a cooling aerosol utilizing the cooling effect, which is achieved by a part of the liquefied gas contained in the propellant being ejected while remaining in a liquid state and vaporizing after adhering to the object.

[0035] The aerosol cap 1 is installed on the upper part of the aerosol container 100. The aerosol cap 1 includes a connecting pipe portion 2 connected to the valve stem 102, a nozzle 3 for ejecting the content, and a reach distance extension structure 4 for extending the reach distance of the content ejected from the nozzle 3. However, as other components, it may also include a cover, an operation button, an operation lever, a decorative component, etc. Either the connecting pipe portion 2 and the operation button can be integrated, or the connecting pipe portion 2 and the cover can be integrated. In addition, the aerosol cap 1 may also have a fitting portion that fits into the upper part of the aerosol container 100, etc.

[0036] The connecting pipe portion 2 is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the connecting pipe portion 2 is fitted to the outside of the upper end portion of the valve stem 102. A connecting passage 2a extending in the vertical direction from the valve stem 102 to the nozzle 3 is formed inside the connecting pipe portion 2. The upstream end (lower end) of the connecting passage 2a is connected to the upper end of the valve stem 102 in an airtight state.

[0037] The nozzle 3 is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the horizontal direction from the upper side portion of the connecting pipe portion 2. More specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the nozzle 3 is in the shape of a circular cylinder. As Figure 1 shown, the outer diameter of the nozzle 3 is the same diameter from the base end (the upstream end in the ejection direction) to the front end (the downstream end in the ejection direction). In addition, the inner diameter of the nozzle 3 is also the same diameter from the base end to the front end.

[0038] The diameter of the nozzle 3 is not particularly limited, but if the diameter is too small, the momentum of the spray will be weakened, so it is not suitable for the present invention. Therefore, the inner diameter of the front end of the nozzle 3 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and further preferably 1.0 mm or more. In addition, if the diameter of the nozzle is too large, the spray characteristics will also deteriorate, so the inner diameter of the front end of the nozzle 3 is preferably 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 5.0 mm or less.

[0039] The base end of the nozzle 3 is integrated with the upper part of the connecting pipe portion 2. A flow passage 3a for the content to flow through is formed inside the nozzle 3. The upstream end of the flow passage 3a is connected to the downstream end of the connecting passage 2a. The connecting pipe portion 2 and the nozzle 3 can be integrally formed of, for example, a resin material, or can be integrated by separately forming the connecting pipe portion 2 and the nozzle 3 as independent components and then joining them together.

[0040] In this example, since the connecting pipe portion 2 extends in the vertical direction and the nozzle 3 extends in the horizontal direction, the connecting passage 2a and the flow passage 3a intersect at a substantially right angle. However, it is not limited thereto, and the nozzle 3 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the connecting pipe portion 2. For example, it may be in the following forms: a form in which the nozzle 3 is inclined upward such that the position is higher toward the downstream side in the ejection direction, or a form in which the nozzle 3 is inclined downward such that the position is lower toward the downstream side in the ejection direction.

[0041] In addition, in this example, the downstream side of the nozzle 3 is configured as an open end, but it may also be configured as follows: for example, a nozzle head that blocks the downstream end of the nozzle 3 is provided, and the content is ejected through ejection holes formed in the nozzle head. In this case, the ejection holes formed in the nozzle head may be one or more.

[0042] As also Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the reach extension structure 4 includes an outer cylinder part 40. The outer cylinder part 40 is formed of a component independent of the nozzle 3. The outer cylinder part 40 is formed to cover at least the outer periphery of the downstream end in the ejection direction of the nozzle 3. The outer cylinder part 40 is cylindrical as a whole, and the outer cylinder part 40 is positioned relative to the nozzle 3 such that the axis of the outer cylinder part 40 coincides with the axis of the nozzle 3. The dimension in the axial direction of the outer cylinder part 40 is set shorter than the dimension in the axial direction of the nozzle 3. In a state where the outer cylinder part 40 is positioned relative to the nozzle 3, the proximal end (the upstream end with respect to the ejection direction of the nozzle 3) of the outer cylinder part 40 is located on the front end side with respect to the proximal end of the nozzle 3, that is, in the middle part in the ejection direction of the nozzle 3, and the proximal end of the outer cylinder part 40 is open at this middle part.

[0043] In addition, the outer cylinder part 40 is arranged such that, in a state where the outer cylinder part 40 is positioned relative to the nozzle 3, the front end (the downstream end with respect to the ejection direction of the nozzle 3) of the outer cylinder part 40 protrudes more downstream in the ejection direction than the front end of the nozzle 3.

[0044] In this example, the outer cylinder part 40 is formed by combining a first component 41 and a second component 42. Hereinafter, the description is based on this structure, but the structure of the outer cylinder part 40 is not limited thereto. For example, the outer cylinder part 40 may also be an integrally formed product. In addition, the outer cylinder part 40 does not have to be formed separately from the nozzle 3, and a part or all of the outer cylinder part 40 may also be integrally formed with the nozzle 3.

[0045] Both the first component 41 and the second component 42 are cylindrical. The inner diameter of the first component 41 is set larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle 3, and an external air introduction path 43 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the first component 41.

[0046] The inner diameter of the first component 41 is set such that the inner diameter of the part closer to the front end side than the middle part in the axial direction is larger than the inner diameter of the part closer to the proximal end side than the middle part in the axial direction. Thus, a stepped part 41a is formed in the middle part in the axial direction of the inner peripheral surface of the first component 41. The proximal end of the second component 42 is fitted into the stepped part 41a of the first component 41. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the first component 41 and the second component 42 in the axial direction can be determined.

[0047] The outer diameter of the second component 42 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the portion of the first component 41 on the front end side relative to the middle portion in the axial direction. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the second component 42 and the first component 41 in the radial direction can be determined. In this state, the axis of the first component 41 coincides with the axis of the second component 42.

[0048] The front end of the second component 42 protrudes from the front end of the first component 41 in the axial direction (downstream side in the injection direction), and also protrudes from the front end of the nozzle 3 in the downstream side in the injection direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the second component 42, a plurality of support portions 44 for supporting the outer cylinder portion 40 on the nozzle 3 are provided. The support portions 44 protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the second component 42 toward the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 3, and are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the nozzle 3. Since the front end faces of the protruding directions of all the support portions 44 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 3, the relative positional relationship between the outer cylinder portion 40 and the nozzle 3 in the radial direction can be determined. In this embodiment, three support portions 44 are provided, and the three support portions 44 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, but it is not limited thereto. The support portions 44 may also be two, or may be four or more. In addition, the support portions 44 may be arranged at unequal intervals.

[0049] On the inner peripheral surface of the second component 42, a plurality of positioning protrusions 45 are provided on the front end side relative to the support portions 44. The positioning protrusions 45 protrude more radially inward than the support portions 44, and the front end surface of the nozzle 3 is in contact with the end surface on the upstream side in the injection direction of the positioning protrusions 45. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the outer cylinder portion 40 and the nozzle 3 in the axial direction can be determined. The protruding amount of the positioning protrusions 45 is set such that when observing the nozzle 3 from the front end side, the positioning protrusions 45 do not overlap with the front end opening of the nozzle 3. The number and position of the positioning protrusions 45 can be the same as the number and position of the support portions 44.

[0050] It should be noted that since the support portions 44 and the positioning protrusions 45 are structures for fixing the relative position of the outer cylinder portion 40 with respect to the nozzle 3, the support portions 44 and the positioning protrusions 45 can be omitted in the case of additionally providing a mechanism for fixing the relative position of the outer cylinder portion 40.

[0051] On the downstream side of the downstream end of the injection direction of nozzle 3, a confluence space 46 is formed by the internal space of the second member 42 of the outer cylinder portion 40. This confluence space 46 and the external air introduction path 43 constitute a part of the reach extension structure 4. The external air introduction path 43 is formed to extend from a position upstream of the downstream end of nozzle 3 to the confluence space 46 on the outside of nozzle 3, and this external air introduction path 43 is a passage for guiding the air outside nozzle 3 to the confluence space 46. In this example, since the external air introduction path 43 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of nozzle 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the first member 41, the external air introduction path 43 extends along the outer peripheral surface of nozzle 3 to the downstream end of the injection direction of this nozzle 3 and communicates with the confluence space 46.

[0052] The length of the confluence space 46 in the axial direction is not particularly limited, and its lower limit can be, for example, 1.0 mm or more, or can be 2.0 mm or more. In addition, the upper limit of the length of the confluence space 46 in the axial direction can be 50.0 mm or less, preferably 10.0 mm or less.

[0053] On the cross-section passing through the downstream end of the injection direction of nozzle 3 and orthogonal to the injection direction, the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 40 is set to be less than 12 times the cross-sectional area of the opening of nozzle 3 (the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of nozzle 3). In this example, the cross-section passing through the downstream end of the injection direction of nozzle 3 and orthogonal to the injection direction corresponds to the cross-section in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the second member 42, so the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the second member 42 is less than 12 times the cross-sectional area of the opening of nozzle 3. The reason for setting the cross-sectional area in this way will be described later.

[0054] In the above structure, when the aerosol cap 1 is pressed, the content in the container body 101 is ejected from the front end of nozzle 3 toward the confluence space 46 under the action of the pressure of the propellant. As a result, an air current flowing toward the front end of the outer cylinder portion 40 is generated in the confluence space 46, and thus, under the action of this air current, the air (external air) in the external air introduction path 43 is drawn into the confluence space 46. As a result, the content ejected from nozzle 3 and the external air introduced through the external air introduction path 43 are confluent in the confluence space 46 and are ejected from the front end of the outer cylinder portion 40. Therefore, compared with the case where external air is not mixed, the ejection momentum is enhanced, and thus the reach of the content can be extended.

[0055] In addition, the external air introduction path 43 is configured in a cross-section passing through the axis of nozzle 3 (for example Figure 5)(It is) parallel to the axis of the nozzle 3 above. Therefore, the outside air introduced via the outside air introduction path 43 is introduced into the confluence space 46 in a direction substantially parallel to the content ejected from the nozzle 3. Thereby, the air flow disorder when the content and the outside air merge in the confluence space 46 can be suppressed to a minimum, and thus the reach distance of the content can be further extended. In other words, the outside air introduction path 43 is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding the nozzle 3. Therefore, the outside air introduced via the outside air introduction path 43 is introduced into the confluence space 46 so as to surround the content ejected from the nozzle 3 from the radially outer side. Thereby, the material flow of the content is ejected from the front end of the outer cylinder part 40 in a state surrounded by the air flow of the outside air, so that the flow of the content is not easily disordered after ejection, and the reach distance of the content can be further extended.

[0056] However, the structure of the outside air introduction path 43 is not limited to this and can be appropriately changed. For example, the outside air introduction path 43 may be formed to be slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the nozzle 3 in a cross-section passing through the axis of the nozzle 3. If the angle formed by the outside air introduction path 43 and the axis of the nozzle 3 is very small, the air flow will not be greatly disordered when the content and the outside air merge in the confluence space 46. In particular, if the outside air introduction path 43 is formed to be inclined in a cross-section passing through the axis of the nozzle 3 such that the outside air flowing in the outside air introduction path 43 gradually approaches the axis of the nozzle 3 as it advances downstream, the content and the outside air will merge smoothly, which is therefore preferable. In this case, in a cross-section passing through the axis of the nozzle 3, the angle formed by the extension line of the outside air introduction path 43 and the axis of the nozzle 3 is preferably 10° or less, more preferably 5° or less.

[0057] In addition, the outside air introduction path 43 is not limited to the cylindrical shape surrounding the nozzle 3. For example, it may be composed of a plurality of pipelines formed substantially parallel to the nozzle 3.

[0058] Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0059] (Reach distance confirmation test) A description will be given of a test for confirming the reach distance of the content when the aerosol cap 1 configured as described above is used. In the aerosol container 100, kerosene (lamp oil) as the aerosol stock solution and liquefied petroleum gas as the propellant are stored as the content. The liquid volume ratio of the aerosol stock solution to the propellant, that is, the so-called liquid-gas ratio, is set to 3:7. It should be noted that the kerosene contained in the aerosol stock solution is one of the solvents commonly used in insecticide aerosols and the like. Even if an effective amount of an insecticide, a pest repellent, a deodorant, a fungicide, an aromatic agent, etc. is mixed into the aerosol stock solution, the same test results as in this test can be obtained.

[0060] In addition, the propellant is not limited to liquefied petroleum gas, and the same test results can be obtained when the propellant is dimethyl ether, when it is a mixture of liquefied petroleum gas and dimethyl ether, or when a fluorine-based liquefied gas or the like is mixed. In addition, regarding the liquid-gas ratio, the same test results can be obtained as long as it is between 2:8 and 4:6. It should be noted that when outside the range of the above liquid-gas ratio, slightly different results from this test may occur, but still the effect of the present invention of extending the reach distance can be obtained. That is to say, the present invention is established within a very wide range of liquid-gas ratios. In addition, as described above, the aerosol stock solution can also be omitted, that is, the liquid-gas ratio can also be 0:10.

[0061] The test site is a windless constant temperature room with sufficient space, and the temperature is set to 25°C. A platform with a height of 90 cm (the height from the ground of the windless constant temperature room is 90 cm) is set in the windless constant temperature room, and aerosol products respectively equipped with the aerosol caps of Examples 1 to 7 and the comparative example are placed on this platform, and spraying operations are carried out with these aerosol products respectively.

[0062] In addition, in the windless constant temperature room, a mark is set at a height of 1 m from the ground. This mark is set at distances of 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m, and 5 m from the aerosol cap respectively. The fog ejected from the aerosol cap is visually confirmed, and whether the fog passes the set mark is evaluated by video shooting. The aerosol caps of Examples 1 to 7 and the comparative example are each tested three times, and the average reach distance is calculated.

[0063] Figure 5It is a longitudinal sectional view of the nozzle 3 and the reach distance extension structure 4 related to Embodiments 1 to 7. In Embodiments 1 to 7, the outer diameter of the nozzle 3 is 4.6 mm, the inner diameter of the nozzle 3 is 3.0 mm, the length L1 along the axis of the external air introduction path 43 is 15 mm, and the length L2 along the axis of the confluence space 46 is 3.5 mm. The diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 1 is 6.0 mm, the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 2 is 6.3 mm, the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 3 is 6.6 mm, the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 4 is 7.0 mm, the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 5 is 8.0 mm, the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 6 is 10.0 mm, and the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 in Embodiment 7 is 12.0 mm.

[0064] On the other hand, the nozzle 30 related to the comparative example is shown in Figure 6 . This nozzle 30 is a straight tubular shape with an outer diameter of 4.6 mm and an inner diameter of 3.0 mm, and does not have a reach distance extension structure. The length of the nozzle 30 in the comparative example is the same as the length of the nozzle 3 in Embodiments 1 to 7.

[0065] The average reach distance in Embodiment 1 is 3.7 m, the average reach distance in Embodiment 2 is 3.3 m, the average reach distance in Embodiment 3 is 4.0 m, the average reach distance in Embodiment 4 is 3.3 m, the average reach distance in Embodiment 5 is 3.3 m, the average reach distance in Embodiment 6 is 3.3 m, and the average reach distance in Embodiment 7 is 2.7 m. In contrast, the average reach distance in the comparative example is 2.3 m. In this way, by providing the reach distance extension structure 4, the reach distance of the content becomes longer compared to the case where it is not provided (comparative example). In particular, by making the diameter D1 of the confluence space 46 10.0 mm or less, the average reach distance can be ensured to be 3 m or more.

[0066] As described above, when the diameter D1 is 10.0 mm (Embodiment 6), the cross-sectional area (the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 40) of the confluence space 46 in the cross-section passing through the front end of the nozzle 3 and orthogonal to the axis of the nozzle 3 is 78.5 mm 2 . In addition, the cross-sectional area (the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle 3) of the opening of the nozzle 3 with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm used in the embodiment is 7.06 mm 2 . Since it is known that fluid force acts on the cross-sectional area, it can be considered that there is a correlation between the extension effect of the reach distance of the fluid and the above cross-sectional area. Here, in Embodiment 6, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 40 to the cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle 3 is calculated, which is 78.5 mm 2 ÷7.06 mm 2≒ 11.1. At this time, as described above, the effect of extending the reach distance can be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, it can be said that when the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 40 is less than 12 times the cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle 3, the effect of extending the reach distance is particularly good.

[0067] Next, Examples 8 to 10 will be described. Cross-sectional views of the aerosol cap 1 according to Examples 8 to 10 are shown in Figure 7 . Examples 8 to 10 are examples in which a "diameter-expanded portion" is provided at the downstream end in the ejection direction of the confluence space 46. That is, in Examples 8 to 10, the diameter D1 of the downstream end portion of the confluence space 46 is enlarged so as to be larger than the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43. Specifically, in Example 8, the diameter D1 of the downstream end portion of the confluence space 46 is 8.0 mm, and the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43 is 6.0 mm; in Example 9, the diameter D1 of the downstream end portion of the confluence space 46 is 9.0 mm, and the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43 is 7.0 mm; in Example 10, the diameter D1 of the downstream end portion of the confluence space 46 is 10.0 mm, and the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43 is 8.0 mm.

[0068] The average reach distance of Example 8 is 3.7 m, the average reach distance of Example 9 is 3.0 m, and the average reach distance of Example 10 is 3.0 m, all of which are 3.0 m or more. From this, it can be seen that the reach distance of the content is longer than that of the comparative example.

[0069] From the above, it can be seen that although there are slight differences depending on the presence or absence of the "diameter-expanded portion", the effect of extending the reach distance can be obtained whether or not there is a "diameter-expanded portion".

[0070] Next, a case where a "diameter-reduced portion" is provided at the downstream end in the ejection direction of the confluence space 46, that is, a case where the diameter D1 of the downstream end portion of the confluence space 46 is reduced so as to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43 will be described (illustration is omitted). That is, from the viewpoint of enhancing the ejection momentum of the content, the following structure is sometimes used: for example, in a general nozzle for compressed air or liquid, the diameter of the downstream end portion is reduced to throttle, thereby increasing the flow velocity. In the present invention, it is also conceivable to enhance the ejection momentum by providing a "diameter-reduced portion" at the downstream end in the ejection direction of the confluence space 46, thereby further extending the reach distance. However, in the case of having a diameter-reduced portion, it is necessary to configure a structure that does not generate dripping. That is, for an aerosol in which a large amount of aerosol stock solution is added, if a diameter-reduced portion with a significantly reduced diameter is provided, the content may collide with the diameter-reduced portion to form droplets, resulting in a "dripping" phenomenon.

[0071] Regarding this point, with the liquid-gas ratio (3:7) of this embodiment, a spraying test was actually conducted using an aerosol cap provided with a reduced-diameter portion. As a result, the content collided with the reduced-diameter portion to form droplets, thus causing the "dripping" phenomenon. Therefore, it is not practical as an aerosol product. Based on the above content, regarding the liquid-gas ratio of this embodiment, from the perspective of preventing "dripping", it is preferably that the diameter D1 of the downstream end of the confluence space 46 is equal to or greater than the diameter D2 of the external air introduction path 43.

[0072] On the other hand, the following tendency can be confirmed: reducing the addition ratio of the aerosol stock solution and increasing the addition ratio of the propellant makes "dripping" less likely to occur. In particular, in the case where only the propellant is used and the aerosol stock solution is omitted, "dripping" does not occur even if a reduced-diameter portion is provided, and the spraying characteristics are also good. Thus, when the addition ratio of the aerosol stock solution is low, a reduced-diameter portion can be formed to the extent that dripping does not occur. When designing a reduced-diameter portion considering no dripping, the content can be sprayed strongly to a distant place. The liquid-gas ratio when setting the reduced-diameter portion is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in the range of 2:8 to 0:10.

[0073] (Simulation results) Next, the results of the simulation using CFD analysis will be described. Figure 8 The simulation results of the flow rates when spraying the contents of the comparative example and Example 1 are shown. In the figure, the white quadrilateral object on the left is the aerosol container 100. In the comparative example, a three-dimensional model with a nozzle 30 installed on the upper part of the aerosol container 100 as Figure 6 shown was prepared, while in Example 1, a three-dimensional model with a nozzle 3 installed on the upper part of the aerosol container 100 as Figure 5 shown was prepared, and the simulation was performed.

[0074] In the figure, the whiter the part, the faster the flow rate. In Example 1, compared with the comparative example, the white part extends more neatly, from which it can be seen that the spraying flow of Example 1 has less turbulence. In addition, in Example 1, compared with the comparative example, the white part extends to a farther place, from which it can be seen that Example 1 can spray strongly to a farther place.

[0075] Figure 9 The simulation results of the flow rate near the front end of the nozzle 30 related to the comparative example are shown. On the other hand, Figure 10Shows the simulation results of the flow velocity near the front end of the nozzle 3 involved in Example 1 and Example 5. It can be seen that in Example 1 and Example 5, air flow is generated in the external air introduction path 43, that is, the external air flows toward the confluence space 4. It can also be seen that after the content ejected from the nozzle 3 is mixed with the external air, the flow of the content does not undergo significant disorder. It should be noted that in Example 1, the flow velocity of the external air in the external air introduction path 43 is faster than that in Example 5.

[0076] Based on the above simulation results, it can be inferred that the effect of extending the reach distance of the content brought about by the aerosol cap 1 of this embodiment is the result of the combined action of the effect of suppressing the disorder of the jet flow and the effect of enhancing the jet momentum.

[0077] (Function and effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, the content flows through the nozzle 3 of the aerosol cap 1 and reaches the confluence space 46. On the other hand, the air (external air) outside the nozzle 3 flows through the external air introduction path 43 and reaches the confluence space 46. Since in the confluence space 46, the content is ejected powerfully under the action of the propellant, the external air in the external air introduction path 43 is drawn into the confluence space 46 by this momentum and merges with the content and the propellant. As a result, the momentum of the content ejected from the aerosol cap 1 is enhanced, and thus the reach distance of the content is extended compared with the case where external air is not mixed.

[0078] In addition, the external air introduction path 43 of this embodiment introduces the external air into the confluence space 46 in a direction substantially parallel to the ejection direction of the content. Thereby, the effects of suppressing air flow disorder and enhancing the spray momentum can be well obtained.

[0079] An insecticidal component may also be included in the content. As the insecticidal component, for example, pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, neonicotinoids, essential oils, etc. can be cited. Examples of pyrethroids are d-T80-amine pyrethroid, d-T80-benzylfuroate, cyfluthrin, β-cyfluthrin, tetramethrin, flumethrin, phenothrin, cyphenothrin, isoprothiolane, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, profluthrin, empenthrin, cycloprothrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, metofluthrin, amine pyrethroid, ethofenprox, bifenthrin, silafluofen, allethrin, propargite, cyhalothrin, pyrethrin, etc. Organophosphates are acephate, fenitrothion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, fenthion, etc. Carbamates are carbaryl, propoxur, etc. Essential oils are peppermint oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, orange oil, anise oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil, hinoki oil, aomori cypress oil, patchouli oil, sandalwood oil, camphor oil, jasmine oil, neroli oil, bergamot oil, petitgrain oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, copaiba oil, ginger oil, citral, L-menthol, citronellyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, terpineol, nonanol, cis-jasmone, limonene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, α-pinene, p-menthane-3,8-diol, eugenol, menthyl acetate, thymol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, etc. Neonicotinoids are acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, etc. In addition, oxadiazine, fipronil, sulfoxaflor, and broflanilide, etc. can also be cited. Further, a solvent for dissolving the insecticidal component may also be included in the content. As the solvent, for example, hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, alcohols, fluorides, water, etc. can be cited. Hydrocarbons are xylene, toluene, alkylnaphthalene, phenylxylene ethane, kerosene (lamp oil), light oil, hexane, cyclohexane, etc. Ethers are diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc. Esters are isopropyl myristate, etc. Alcohols are ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc. Fluorides are hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), etc. Water is tap water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, filtered water, sterilized water, groundwater, etc.

[0080] (Insecticidal Test Example 1) As the test insects for Insecticidal Test Example 1, female adults of Musca domestica were used. 10 test insects were used for each test. The test site was a room of 16 tatami mats in size (about 25.92 square meters) in a windless state, with the temperature adjusted to 26°C ± 1°C and the humidity adjusted to 50% ± 20%.

[0081] As the aerosol cap, the same aerosol cap as that used in the reach distance confirmation test was used. As the test agent, the active ingredient was d-T80-pyrethrum at 0.1 w / w% relative to the aerosol stock solution. The aerosol stock solution was kerosene (lamp oil), and the propellant was LPG 0.28. The liquid-gas ratio of the test agent was 3:7 (volume ratio).

[0082] The test insects were placed in a glass ring with a diameter of 90 mm, and the glass ring was covered with a nylon net and a rubber band to prevent the test insects from escaping. The glass ring containing the test insects was set at a position 3 m away from the spray nozzle of the aerosol spraying device. It should be noted that the glass ring was set in such a way that the test insects were at the same height as the spray nozzle. The height of the glass ring from the ground at this time was approximately 1.1 m. When spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the spraying time for one time was 3 seconds. Within a specified time starting immediately after spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the number of knockdown (overturned) test insects was counted. The same test was repeated four times, and the KT50 (50% knockdown time) was calculated based on the results. The results are shown in Table 1. The "inlet diameter" refers to the opening diameter at the upstream end of the first component 41. The outer cylinder part 40 is supported relative to the nozzle 3 by three support parts 44.

[0083]

Table 1

[0084] (Insecticidal test example 2) The test insects in insecticidal test example 2 were the same as those in insecticidal test example 1. 10 test insects were used for each test. The test site was inside a 40-foot high-cube container for transportation (internal dimensions: depth 12.0 m × width 2.3 m × height 2.7 m) under a windless condition, with the temperature adjusted to 30°C ± 1°C and the humidity adjusted to 60% ± 10%.

[0085] As the aerosol cap, the same aerosol cap as that used in the reach distance confirmation test was used. As the test agent, the active ingredients were d-T80-pyrethrum at 4 w / w% relative to the aerosol stock solution and β-cyfluthrin at 0.5 w / w% relative to the aerosol stock solution. The aerosol stock solution consisted of kerosene (lamp oil) and three other trace components, and the propellant was LPG 0.40. The liquid-gas ratio of the test agent was 3:7 (volume ratio).

[0086] The test insects were placed in a glass ring with a diameter of 90 mm, and a nylon net and a rubber band were used to cover the glass ring to prevent the test insects from escaping. The glass ring with the test insects was set at a position 6 m away from the ejection port of the aerosol spraying device. It should be noted that the glass ring was set in such a way that the test insects were at the same height as the spraying port. At this time, the height of the glass ring from the ground was about 1.1 m. When spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the spraying time for one time was 2 seconds. Within a specified time immediately after spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the number of knocked-down test insects was counted. The same test was repeated five times, and the KT50 was calculated based on the results. The results are shown in Table 2. The outer cylinder part 40 is supported relative to the nozzle 3 by three support parts 44.

[0087]

Table 2

[0088] (Insecticidal test example 3) As the test insects in Insecticidal test example 3, female adults of Vespa simillima were used. One test insect was used for each test. The test site was inside a 40-foot high-cube container for transportation (internal dimensions: depth 12.0 m × width 2.3 m × height 2.7 m) under a windless condition, and the temperature was adjusted to 30°C ± 1°C and the humidity was adjusted to 60% ± 10%.

[0089] As the aerosol cap, the same aerosol cap as that in the reach distance confirmation test was used. As the test agent, the active ingredients were d-T80-pyrethrum at 4 w / w% relative to the aerosol stock solution and β-cyfluthrin at 0.5 w / w% relative to the aerosol stock solution. The aerosol stock solution consisted of kerosene (lamp oil) and three other trace components, and the propellant was LPG 0.40. The liquid-gas ratio of the test agent was 3:7 (volume ratio).

[0090] The test insects were placed in a glass ring with a diameter of 90 mm, and a wire mesh cover and tape were used to cover the glass ring to prevent the test insects from escaping. The glass ring with the test insects was set at a position 6 m away from the ejection port of the aerosol spraying device. It should be noted that the glass ring was set in such a way that the test insects were at the same height as the spraying port. At this time, the height of the glass ring from the ground was about 1.1 m. When spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the spraying time for one time was 2 seconds. Starting immediately after spraying the test agent from the aerosol spraying device, the time until the test insects were knocked down was measured. The same test was repeated five times, and the average knockdown time was calculated based on the results. The results are shown in Table 3. The outer cylinder part 40 is supported relative to the nozzle 3 by three support parts 44.

[0091]

Table 3

[0092] In this way, the aerosol cap and the aerosol product can be effective in repelling flying pests such as houseflies and wasps. Being effective against houseflies and wasps means being effective against flying pests such as mosquitoes, horseflies, and moths. In addition, the distance from the target pest is not limited to 3 m or 6 m, and the repelling effect can be achieved as long as it is between a short distance of about 30 cm and a long distance of about 6 m. In addition, the propellant is not limited to LPG0.28 and LPG0.40, and the same repelling effect can be obtained by using other propellants (such as dimethyl ether). The active ingredient is not limited to d-T80-pyrethrins, and other active ingredients can also be used. Using other active ingredients can also achieve the repelling effect between a short distance of about 30 cm and a long distance of about 6 m. In addition, the concentration of the active ingredient is not limited to 0.1%, and the repelling effect can be achieved between a short distance of about 30 cm and a long distance of about 6 m as long as it is in the range of, for example, 0.01% or more and 5% or less. In addition, the solvent is not limited to kerosene, and a solvent capable of dissolving the active ingredient can also be used. Using other solvents can also achieve the repelling effect between a short distance of about 30 cm and a long distance of about 6 m.

[0093] The above embodiments are only examples in all aspects and should not be construed in a limiting sense. In addition, modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the patent claim are within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] Industrial Applicability In summary, the aerosol cap and the aerosol product according to the present disclosure can be applied to the spraying of agents such as insecticides and pest repellents.

[0095] Symbol Description 1 Aerosol cap 3 Nozzle 4 Reach distance extension structure 40 Outer cylinder part 43 Confluence space 44 Support part 46 External air introduction path 100 Aerosol container A Aerosol product.

Claims

1. An aerosol cap, characterized in that, the aerosol cap is mounted on an aerosol container for storing a content, the content at least includes a propellant, and the propellant includes a liquefied gas, the aerosol cap includes a nozzle and a reach extension structure, the nozzle sprays the content, the reach extension structure extends the reach of the content sprayed from the nozzle, the reach extension structure has a confluence space and an external air introduction path. The confluence space is formed on the downstream side of the downstream end of the spraying direction of the nozzle. The external air introduction path is formed to extend from a position upstream of the downstream end of the nozzle to the confluence space on the outer side of the nozzle, and the external air introduction path guides the air outside the nozzle to the confluence space.

2. The aerosol cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, the external air introduction path is configured to introduce external air into the confluence space in a direction substantially parallel to the spraying direction of the content.

3. The aerosol cap according to claim 2, characterized in that, the nozzle is formed in a cylindrical shape, the reach extension structure includes an outer cylinder portion that at least covers the outer periphery of the downstream end of the spraying direction of the nozzle, the external air introduction path is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion.

4. The aerosol cap according to claim 3, characterized in that, the upstream end of the air flow direction of the outer cylinder portion is located at the middle portion of the spraying direction of the nozzle and is open at the middle portion, the external air introduction path extends along the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle to the downstream end of the spraying direction of the nozzle.

5. The aerosol cap according to claim 3, characterized in that, in a cross-section passing through the downstream end of the spraying direction of the nozzle and orthogonal to the spraying direction, the cross-sectional area of the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion is less than 12 times the cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle.

6. An aerosol product, characterized in that, the aerosol product includes the aerosol cap according to claim 1 and an aerosol container on which the aerosol cap is mounted.

7. The aerosol product according to claim 6, characterized in that, the content includes an insecticidal ingredient.

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