Diffuser outlet duct

Abstract

Diffuser outlet duct for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, equipped with: a passage (10) between a first end (21) and a second end (22), said first end (21) being configured to collaborate with the valve of the pressurized container, said second end (22) being configured for expelling the product contained in the pressurized container; wherein said passage (10) is defined by a first section (23), a second section (24), and a junction connecting the first section (23) and the second section (24), said first section (23) beginning at the first end (21) and terminating at the junction, said second section (24) beginning at the junction and terminating at the second end (22); wherein the first section (23) extends over a first length (l1), and the second section (24) extends over a second length (l2), said second length (l2) being less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE

[0001] The invention relates to an outlet conduit for a pressure vessel diffuser equipped with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, and a diffuser equipped with such an outlet conduit. ÉTAT DE LA TECHNIQUE

[0002] Generally, a diffuser consists of two main components with distinct functions, both molded from a single material. These two components are the outlet conduit, which carries the product from the pressure vessel out of the valve and dispenses it, and the base body, which protects the outlet conduit and includes elements to actuate it and release the product. The diffuser can be molded as a single piece or have components molded from a single material, optionally in two different colors, and mechanically snapped together. Only the diffuser's outlet conduit is in direct contact with the product inside the vessel. Therefore, the material used for the outlet conduit is limited by the specific product contained within the pressure vessel.This constraint regarding the manufacturing material then imposes costs on the production of the diffuser. Therefore, there is a need for a diffuser and outlet duct with better optimized costs.

[0003] Diffusers already exist whose components are initially separate before assembly and then assembled. p. ex. These diffusers are manufactured mechanically, by bonding or thermal welding, or by two-material injection molding, and their design considers both the base body and the outlet duct. However, the components of these diffusers are most often designed with the optimization variable of improving the diffusion of the product contained in the pressurized container. The issue of optimizing the volume of material composing the outlet duct, the cost of which is generally dictated by the chosen material, is rarely, if ever, considered. Therefore, it is necessary to have a diffuser and outlet duct that optimize material volumes to limit additional costs.

[0004] EP3251753A1 discloses a liquid dispenser with a discharge head having a discharge opening for discharging the liquid into the surrounding atmosphere and an outlet channel that connects a liquid reservoir to the discharge opening. WO2018 / 086831A1 discloses a self-closing dispensing head for a pressure vessel, comprising a dispensing valve for dispensing substances, including viscous, self-foaming, and / or gel-like products. EXPOSÉ DE L'INVENTION

[0005] The objective of the invention is to provide an outlet conduit and diffuser whose various functional portions are optimized in order to reduce the volumes of materials used to manufacture them economically, while preserving simple use and a certain adaptability to different types of products contained in a pressure vessel.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an outlet conduit is provided for a pressure vessel diffuser equipped with a valve, particularly for an aerosol generator, according to claim 1. The outlet conduit has a passage between a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. The passage is defined by a first section, a second section, and a junction connecting the first and second sections. The first section begins at the first end and terminates at the junction, and the second section begins at the junction and terminates at the second end. The first section extends over a first length l1 and the second section extends over a second length l2. The second length l2is less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

[0007] In a typical embodiment, the junction can be defined by a change in the general direction of the second section relative to the first section. Additionally, or alternatively, the junction can be defined by a section whose passage diameter decreases from a maximum diameter at the first section to a minimum diameter at the second section.

[0008] The embodiments of the invention are based inter alia The invention is based on the inventive idea that certain portions of the outlet duct provide essential functions for the proper operation of the diffuser, and that these portions can be identified and isolated or assembled into blocks to better optimize the total volume of material used in the manufacture of the outlet duct. Indeed, one of the essential roles of the outlet duct is to ensure passage between the valve of the pressure vessel on one side, and the end for the product outlet from the outlet duct on the other. Therefore, the various elementary portions of the outlet duct can be identified as being entirely contained between two ends, the first end cooperating with the valve of the pressure vessel, and the second end for the product outlet.

[0009] Between these two ends, the passage is subdivided into at least two sections connected by a junction. The first section is configured to cooperate, via its first end, with the pressure vessel valve. The valve itself can be either male or female. The first section may also be equipped with an extraction chamber configured to extract the product from the pressure vessel when the pressure vessel valve is actuation.

[0010] The second section, ending at the second end, is configured for product discharge. Depending on the product contained, the internal lateral dimensions of the passage in this second section can be adapted according to the nature of the product, the material of the discharge conduit, and the rheological properties of the product, in order to obtain the desired extraction quality. p. ex. An aerosol, predetermined. To convey the product to the second end and define the trajectory and shape of the product's projection with sufficient precision, it is necessary not to exceed a certain length for this second section. By imposing dimensional constraints on this second section so that its length is sufficient to define the product's projection properties, the volume of material used for the outlet duct can be optimized. The internal lateral dimensions of the second section's passage can always be adapted according to the product to maintain a degree of adaptability to different products.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the junction has a second shoulder of the passage. This second shoulder defines a reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage between the first and second sections.

[0012] In this way, the junction extends over a minimal length and is reduced to its purely functional aspect; that is, reducing the passage to generate an increase in the pressure applied to the product to project it in a predetermined shape and at a predetermined distance from the second end. Thus, the overall dimensions of the outlet duct are further reduced to optimize the volume of material used.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the second section is substantially straight for at least 80%, preferably for at least 90%, more preferably for at least 95%, most preferably for 100%, of the second length l2.

[0014] In this way, the vast majority of the length of the second section can be configured to define the trajectory of the product projection. Thus, the longitudinal extension of the second section of the outlet duct can be advantageously reduced to optimize the volume of material used to manufacture the outlet duct.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first end is substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1 and the second end is substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2. An angle of inclination α is formed between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 is between 94° and 105°, preferably between 96° and 103°, more preferably between 98° and 100°.

[0016] In this way, when the pressure vessel valve is actuation via the outlet conduit, the second longitudinal axis A2 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the pressure vessel at the end of the valve actuation stroke, during product ejection. Indeed, the first longitudinal axis A1 The first end is generally coaxial with the valve axis. When the valve is actuation, the outlet conduit may undergo a displacement substantially coaxial with the axis of the pressure vessel and in the direction of the pressure vessel. At the same time, the outlet conduit may undergo a rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the valve axis due to the bending of certain components of the outlet conduit and valve assembly. To compensate for this rotation, and thus produce a product projection with a trajectory substantially perpendicular to the pressure vessel, the axisA2 can be oriented at an angle α greater than 90° with respect to the axis A1 By limiting the range of the angle of inclination α , the length of the second section of the outlet duct can be reduced, as well as possibly the dimensions of diffuser elements adapted to the movement of the outlet duct when the valve is actuation.

[0017] According to the invention, the first section comprises a coupling section extending over a third length l3. The coupling section is defined by the portion of the passage between the first end and a first shoulder of the passage that acts as a stop for a nozzle of the pressure vessel valve. The third length l3 is less than 6mm, preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm.

[0018] In this way, the length of the first section can be reduced. During the assembly of the outlet pipe and the valve, the first end of the outlet pipe is configured to cooperate with the pressure vessel valve. The first end can be inserted into the valve, or the valve can be inserted into the first end, depending on whether the valve is female or male, respectively. Insertion can be stopped by a stop formed by the first shoulder against which the valve nozzle comes to rest, for example, during the assembly of the outlet pipe and the valve. This section between the first end and the stop used for insertion defines the coupling section. The longitudinal extension of this coupling section can be subjected to dimensional constraints to ensure the mechanical stability of the outlet pipe and valve assembly.Thus, the volume of material used to form the first section of the outlet duct can be optimized.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet duct is provided with a tenon configured to be fixed to a base body of the diffuser. The tenon is provided at the junction and is substantially aligned with the first section.

[0020] In a typical embodiment, the first and second sections can extend along two axes inclined relative to each other, and the tenon can be provided at the top of the first section and extend substantially coaxially with the first longitudinal axis. A1 of the first section.

[0021] In this way, the outlet duct is equipped with a fastening means and can be manufactured independently of the rest of the diffuser. Since the outlet duct and the diffuser's base body can be manufactured separately, the materials chosen may or may not be compatible. In a typical embodiment, the outlet duct can be made from standardized, pre-manufactured variants. This would then only require the design of a single diffuser component, the base body, which would allow for greater logistical flexibility and reduced costs.

[0022] The outlet duct can be secured to the base body using the outlet duct's tenon, which is inserted or joined to a connection portion of the base body in such a way that it cannot detach on its own. The inserted tenon can join the outlet duct and the base body mechanically, welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat-bonded. The outlet duct's tenon thus facilitates the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body and, by connecting it to a dedicated connection portion, facilitates the positioning of the outlet duct relative to the base body.

[0023] It should also be noted that, due to the presence of the tenon between the outlet and the base body, these two main components of the diffuser can be made from different materials. Thus, the outlet and the base body can also be manufactured with different textures. p. ex. a "soft touch" base body, and / or different colors. The outlet conduit material may be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel, while the base body material will not need to meet this requirement, but may be chosen for its mechanical properties or its environmental and / or economic value. p.ex. a recycled material. For example, if the diffuser is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct must be food grade, while that of the base body not being in contact with the product will not need to be.

[0024] Depending on the method of attaching the outlet duct and the connection portion of the base body used to attach the outlet duct to the base body, the materials chosen may or may not be compatible. Among the possible materials for the base body are polymer materials (PE, PP, PLA, PHA, PBS), whether new or recycled, derived from petroleum or natural resources, biodegradable or not, and even compostable or not. They may contain mineral fillers, p.ex. Basalt glass, and reinforced with mineral or plant fibers. Non-polymer materials, such as lignin-based materials, can also be considered. p.ex. Cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For the outlet conduit, examples include, but are not limited to, polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals. p.ex. aluminium, steel, especially stainless steel.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the tenon comprises a shank, a third shoulder, and a cap, connected to the outlet conduit by the shank and the third shoulder. The shank terminates opposite the cap at the third shoulder.

[0026] In this way, the tenon can be configured to be fixed to a connection hole in the base body and includes a portion, the cap, that retains the outlet conduit to the base body without requiring any additional attachment to the base body. Specifically, the third shoulder and the cap can be configured so that, when the outlet conduit is attached to the base body, a transverse extension of the third shoulder is greater than the corresponding transverse extension of the connection hole, and a transverse extension of the cap is greater than the corresponding transverse extension of the connection hole. The stem can be configured to pass through the connection hole. By press-fitting the outlet conduit to the base body, the cap and the third shoulder can be positioned on either side of a portion of the connection hole, and the outlet conduit will be fixed to the base body.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the tenon shank extends over a length l T less than 0.95mm, preferably less than 0.85mm, more preferably less than 0.75mm.

[0028] In this way, the dimensions of the stem are limited longitudinally, and at the same time the thickness of the part on which the tenon attaches.

[0029] In a typical embodiment, the tenon is configured to be fixed to a finger joint of the base body. Additionally or alternatively, the average thickness of the finger joint or the rest of the base body corresponds to the longitudinal extension. l T of the tenon stem.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the hat can be sized so that, when hung, the upper surface of the hat is flush with the upper surface of the finger cot.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet conduit is provided with a hollow compartment between the tenon and the passage.

[0032] In this way, the distance between the outlet channel and the corresponding tenon mounting portion of the base body can be varied, and the outlet channel can be adapted to different base body variants simply by adjusting the dimensions of the hollow compartment. Furthermore, by using a hollow compartment, the volume of material used for the outlet channel can be limited without compromising the compartment's structural properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow compartment is parallelepiped-shaped to achieve a simple and structurally rigid form. The hollow compartment can be part of the tenon's third shoulder.

[0033] According to the invention, the second section is an inner duct. The inner duct may be surrounded by an outer duct. The inner and outer ducts define a substantially annular housing. The housing is configured to cooperate with a nozzle.

[0034] In this way, the outlet duct can simply be adapted to different products and / or generate different types of projections by adding a nozzle, while preserving the dimensions of the outlet duct.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the second end is housed inside the outer conduit. A fourth length l4 between the second end and one end of the outer conduit is less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

[0036] In this way, dimensional constraints are imposed on the inner and outer conduits to limit the volume of material used for the outer conduit. The outer conduit can be designed to have the dimensions necessary for the insertion and retention of the nozzle within the housing defined by the inner conduit. The nozzle can be secured in the housing at the second end by mechanical means, welding, chemical bonding, and / or heat bonding. The nozzle can be made of a material similar to or different from the material of the outlet conduit, provided it is compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, a diffuser for a pressurized container equipped with a valve, particularly for an aerosol generator, is provided according to claim 11. The diffuser has a base body and an outlet conduit. The base body has a finger grip for the user to press to actuate the valve and an outlet opening for the discharge of the product contained in the container. The outlet conduit is attached to the base body such that the second end of the outlet conduit is substantially opposite the outlet opening of the base body. The outlet conduit has characteristics and advantages similar to any of the embodiments described above.

[0038] The outlet duct can be attached to the base body in such a way that it cannot detach itself. The outlet duct and the base body can be mechanically joined, welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat-bonded together. Mechanical fastening, for example, can be achieved using an additional fastener such as a screw or rivet configured to retain the outlet duct to a wall of the base body. In another exemplary embodiment, mechanical fastening can be achieved by press-fitting between a connection means for the outlet duct and a connecting portion of the base body. p. ex. a connection hole. In yet another exemplary embodiment, mechanical fastening can be achieved by snapping the outlet conduit and the base body together with force. This mechanical fastening may or may not be supplemented by gluing, heat-sealing, or welding.

[0039] In a typical embodiment, the outlet conduit may be available in a small number of so-called standard variants, p.ex. A variant with a nozzle and a variant without a nozzle will be available, and the designs of the base body variations can be adapted to accommodate standard outlet duct variants. Furthermore, the dimensions of the outlet duct can be optimized to use as little material as possible. The base body material itself can be different from that of the outlet duct, and / or recycled, and / or derived from renewable resources, and / or economically advantageous.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a through-hole connecting an external surface of the finger joint and an internal surface of the finger joint. The outlet conduit has a tenon as described previously, configured to be attached to the diffuser's base body. The tenon can be located at the junction between the first and second sections and can be substantially aligned with the first section of the outlet conduit. The tenon can be secured through the connection hole in the base body to attach the outlet conduit to the base body.

[0041] In this way, the outlet conduit can be directly connected to the finger joint so that the pressure from the finger joint is efficiently relayed to the valve via the outlet conduit for valve actuation. The movements of the outlet conduit can therefore be mechanically correlated to the movements of the finger joint.

[0042] The finger joint of a diffuser can be defined as the part of the diffuser that is directly displaced by the pressure of a user's finger on a portion of the finger joint's external surface. The movement of the finger joint generally causes, mechanically, the displacement of the outlet and the actuation of the pressure vessel's valve.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the finger cot can be elastically connected to the rest of the base body, p. ex. by means of a tab, and the outlet conduit can be directly joined to the finger joint via the tenon inserted into the through-hole. The movements of the outlet conduit will thus correspond to the movements of the finger joint. In other embodiments, the finger joint can be separated from the base body and inserted either in a vertical translational movement or in a tilting movement around a support.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the second end of the outlet conduit is floating relative to the base body. The minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole on the external surface of the finger joint, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening on the external surface of the base body, is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

[0045] In this way, since the second end is floating, there are fewer coupling parts to fabricate between the outlet conduit and the base body, which requires less material.

[0046] In a typical embodiment, the base body consists of a wall forming a cavity. The wall of the base body includes a convex front surface viewed from the direction of the product outlet at the second end of the outlet conduit, in the attached state. The convex front surface includes an outlet opening corresponding to the second end of the outlet conduit, in the attached state. By using a convex front surface, the base body can be better adapted for use with an outlet conduit of compact dimensions, particularly with an outlet conduit whose second cross-section is subject to dimensional constraints. Thus, the outlet opening in the convex front surface of the base body is brought closer to the valve axis, and the longitudinal dimensions of the outlet conduit can be minimized.

[0047] By adding an extra constraint to the design of the base body in relation to the connection holes and the outlet opening, the use of a reduced-dimension outlet duct is ensured. This results in a more economical use of material for manufacturing the diffuser.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the basic body has a minimum thickness of less than 0.8mm, preferably less than 0.7mm, more preferably less than 0.6mm.

[0049] In this way, the volume of material used to manufacture the base body is reduced. Preferably, the majority of the base body wall has a thickness of less than 0.8 mm, preferably less than 0.7 mm, and even more preferably less than 0.6 mm. Structural elements, p. ex. Ribs can be added to an internal surface of the base body to maintain some rigidity of the front body during transport, storage, assembly, and use. BRÈVES DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0050] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing examples of embodiments of the invention. Identical numbers refer to identical features in all drawings. Figures 1A-1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve, and the pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2A et 2B illustrate a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of an outlet duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a diffuser and outlet duct according to the invention. DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE DE L'INVENTION

[0051] THE Figures 1A-1B The illustrations show an exploded perspective view and a longitudinal perspective view of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve, and the pressure vessel itself, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The invention relates to an outlet conduit 1120 and a diffuser 1100 for a pressure vessel 1020, particularly for aerosol generators, foam generators, and systems for dispensing gels, creams, pastes, or liquids, etc. The diffuser 1100 is intended to actuate the valve 1030 of the vessel in order to draw at least a portion of the contents of the pressure vessel 1020 and dispense it, for example, as an aerosol or foam. Pressure vessels 1020 generally consist of a casing 1021 with a neck closed by a valve 1030 mounted on a valve cup 1035. Sometimes the valve cup 1035 is fixed to the casing 1021 by means of a dome 1022.When the 1030 valve is of the male type, a 1031 nozzle, or stem, protrudes from the 1030 valve.

[0052] The diffuser 1100 comprises a base body 1110 and an outlet conduit 1120. The base body 1110 may have a cavity formed by an outer wall 1111 of the base body or arranged within a substantially solid body. The outlet conduit 1120 may be housed wholly or partially within the cavity formed by the outer wall 1111. The outer wall 1111 may include concave and / or convex portions. The base body 1110, when equipped with a cavity formed by the outer wall 1111 of the base body, may have a minimum thickness, optionally the majority of its thickness, of less than 0.8 mm, preferably less than 0.7 mm, and more preferably less than 0.6 mm.

[0053] Pressure vessels 1020 generally have a cylindrical end to which the base body 1110 is attached. The nozzle 1031, or stem, of a male-type valve projects from this end and is centered with respect to it. The nozzle 1031, the main body of the valve 1030, and the cylindrical end of the pressure vessel 1020 are aligned along an axis A. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 1111 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about the axis A when attached to the vessel.

[0054] The basic body 1110 can be fitted with a mounting ring 1112 for attaching it either directly to the pressure vessel, particularly to the housing or valve, or via a ferrule. This mounting ring 1112 can be fitted with fastening means around its entire periphery or evenly spaced. These fastening means can be designed to cooperate with additional fastening means on the housing 1021 or the valve 1030 of the pressure vessel, or on the ferrule 1023. In particular, the series of evenly spaced grooves of the Fig.1B can snap behind a rolled edge 1024 at the interface between the housing 1021 and the valve cup 1035 or between the housing 1021 and the dome 1022 on which the valve cup 1035 is fixed. Other means of fixing can be considered, such as a continuous rib, a thread for screwing, an extra thickness of material for welding, glue for bonding, etc.

[0055] The wall 1111 of the base body can be pierced with a finger hole 1113 in which the finger 1130 is placed. The finger 1130 can be fixed to the rest of the base body 1110 by a tab 1131 which acts as a hinge so that when pressure is exerted on the finger 1130 inwards towards the base body 1110, i.e. towards the valve 1030 when the diffuser 1100 is fixed to the pressure vessel 1020, the finger 1130 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tab 1131. In the example of the Figs.1A-1B , the finger joint 1130 and the corresponding opening of the finger joint 1113 are placed towards the top of the base body 1110. In other embodiments, the finger joint 1130 can be separated from the base body 1110 and be pushed in either in a vertical translational movement or in a tilting movement around a support.

[0056] An outlet opening 1114 can be made in the wall 1111 of the base body. The outlet opening 1114 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 1120 passes through it. The adjectives "front" and "rear" refer to this exit of the product through the outlet opening 1114, the product exiting through a front portion of the diffuser 1100 and the rear portion opposite it. In the example of the Figs.1A-1B , the finger joint 1130 is fixed to the rest of the base body 1110 by the tab 1131 located at the rear of the finger joint 1130. In another exemplary embodiment, the finger joint can be fixed by a tab located at the front of the finger joint.

[0057] The basic body 1110 may include a connection portion, p. ex. a connection hole, configured to be connected to the outlet conduit 1120 in such a way that the outlet conduit 1120 and the base body 1110 are fixed together. In the example of the Figs.1A-1B The connection hole 1140 is through-hole between an external surface of the base body 1110 and an internal surface of the base body 1110, and is configured to facilitate the attachment of the outlet conduit 1120 so that the outlet conduit 1120 can be hung from the base body 1110. The outlet conduit 1120 can be hung from the base body 1110 by mechanically joining them, by gluing, welding, and / or heat gluing.

[0058] In the example of Figs.1A-1B The connection hole 1140 is located in the longitudinal cutting plane of the base body 1110, on a front part of the finger joint 1130. The minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole 1140 on the external surface of the finger joint 1130, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening 1114 on the external surface of the base body 1110, may be less than 12mm, preferably less than 10mm, more preferably less than 8mm, less than 8mm in the present example.

[0059] Due to the presence of a connecting portion allowing attachment between the outlet duct 1120 and the base body 1110, these two elements of the diffuser 1100 can be manufactured from different materials. The material of the outlet duct 1120 can be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel, while the material of the base body 1110 will not need to meet this requirement, but can be chosen for its mechanical properties or its environmental and / or economic value. p.ex. a recycled material. For example, if the diffuser 1100 is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct 1120 can be food grade, while that of the base body 1110, not being in contact with the product, does not need to be.

[0060] Depending on the fastening methods used to attach the outlet duct 1120 to the base body 1110, the materials chosen may or may not be compatible. Among the materials that could be considered for the base body 1110 are polymer materials (PE, PP, PLA, PHA, PBS), whether new or recycled, derived from petroleum or natural resources, biodegradable or not, and even compostable or not. They may contain mineral fillers, p.ex. Basalt glass, and reinforced with mineral or plant fibers. Non-polymer materials, such as lignin-based materials, can also be considered. p.ex. cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For outlet duct 1120, examples include, but are not limited to, polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals, p.ex. aluminium, steel, especially stainless steel.

[0061] A more detailed description of outlet duct 1120 can be found below with reference to Figs.2A-2B .

[0062] THE Figures 2A et 2B They illustrate a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of an outlet duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The outlet duct 1120, intended to be placed in a base body of the diffuser, has a passage 10 between a first end 21 and a second end 22.

[0063] The first end 21 of the outlet conduit is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 22 of the outlet conduit is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 1120 is attached to the base body, the second end 22 can be oriented to correspond with an outlet opening in the base body. The second end 22 can be configured to be fixed or floating relative to the outlet opening of the base body; floating in this example.

[0064] The outlet conduit 1120 has means at its first end 21 for actuating the valve. If the valve is a female type, the first end 21 may include a stem for entering the valve to actuate it. If the valve is a male type, the first end 21 may be flared to facilitate the insertion of the nozzle when assembling the outlet conduit 1120 onto the pressure vessel.

[0065] According to the invention, the outlet conduit 1120 is divided into at least a first section 23, a second section 24, and a junction connecting the first section 23 to the second section 24. The first section 23 is configured to cooperate, via its first end 21, with the valve of the pressure vessel. The valve itself may be of the male or female type. The first section 23 may also be provided with an extraction chamber configured to extract the product from the pressure vessel when the pressure vessel valve is actuation.

[0066] The second section 24, ending in the second end 22, is configured for product discharge. The second end 22 of the discharge conduit can be fitted with a nozzle to modify the product projection properties. Depending on the product contained, the internal lateral dimensions of the passage 10 in this second section 24 can be adapted according to the nature of the product, the material of the discharge conduit, and the rheological properties of the product, in order to obtain a specific extraction quality. p. ex. an aerosol, predetermined.

[0067] The first section 23 includes a coupling section 231 extending over a third length l3. The coupling section 231 is defined by the portion of the passage 10 between the first end 21 and a first shoulder of the passage forming a stop for a nozzle of the pressure vessel valve. The third length l3is less than 6mm, preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm, less than 5mm in the present example.

[0068] The first section 23 and the second section 24 can be aligned or inclined relative to each other, inclined in the Figs.2A-2B The first end 21 can be substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1 The second end 22 can be substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2 The first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 form an angle of inclination α between the first section 23 and the second section 24.

[0069] The angle of inclination α between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2can be between 94° and 105°, preferably between 96° and 103°, and more preferably between 98° and 100°. In this example, the angle of inclination α is approximately equal to 99° to compensate for a rotation of the outlet conduit 1120 around an axis perpendicular to the pressure vessel when the valve is actuation. Thus, the trajectory of the projected product can be approximately perpendicular to the pressure vessel.

[0070] The first section 23 extends over an initial length l1 and the second section 24 extends over a second length l2. The second length l2 may be less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm, less than 8mm in the Figs.2A-2B The second section 24 may be substantially straight for at least 80%, preferably for at least 90%, more preferably for at least 95%, most preferably for 100%, of the second length l2 in order to define the trajectory of the product projected by the outlet conduit 1120 as desired, over 100% of l2 in the present example.

[0071] The junction connecting the first section 23 and the second section 24 can be defined by a change in the general direction of the second section 24 with respect to the first section 23. Additionally or alternatively, the junction can be defined by a section whose passage diameter 10 decreases from a maximum diameter at the level of the first section 23, to a minimum diameter at the level of the second section 24.

[0072] In the example of Figs.2A-2B The junction presents a second shoulder of the passage. This second shoulder of passage 10 defines an immediate reduction in the lateral dimension of passage 10 between the first section 23 and the second section 24. The junction can therefore advantageously be of zero length. In another embodiment, see Fig.3 , the junction may include a gradual reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage 10 between the first section 23 and the second section 24.

[0073] To allow the nozzle to be installed, the second section 24 is provided on the side of the second end 22 with a nozzle housing 241. In the example of the Figs.2A-2B The second section 24 is an inner duct surrounded by an outer duct 243. The annular space 241 between the inner duct 24 and the outer duct 243 constitutes the nozzle housing 241. A fourth length l4between the second end 22 and one end of the outer conduit 243 may be less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

[0074] In this example, the length l4 is less than 2.2 mm and is suitable for inserting and retaining the nozzle in the housing 241 defined with the inner conduit 24. The nozzle can be fixed in the housing 241 at the end of the second end 22 mechanically, welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat-sealed. The nozzle can be made of a material similar to or different from the material of the outlet conduit 1120, provided it is compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel. If the diffuser is not equipped with a nozzle, the outer conduit 243 can be omitted.

[0075] To attach the 1120 outlet conduit to the base body, the 1120 outlet conduit may include a 25mm tenon. In the example of Figs.2A-2B , the tenon 25 is joined to the top of the first section 23 of the outlet conduit and extends, in the attached state of the outlet conduit 1120 to the base body, coaxially to the first longitudinal axis A1 In another embodiment, the tenon 25 can be provided at the joint and extend substantially aligned with the first section 23. In yet another embodiment, the tenon 25 can extend obliquely with respect to the first longitudinal axis. A1 .

[0076] The tenon 25 of the outlet conduit can be inserted into or joined to a connecting portion of the base body in such a way that it cannot detach itself. The inserted tenon 25 can join the outlet conduit 1120 to the base body mechanically, by welding, chemical bonding, and / or heat bonding. The tenon 25 of the outlet conduit will therefore facilitate the attachment of the outlet conduit 1120 to the base body and, by its connection to a dedicated connecting portion, will facilitate the positioning of the outlet conduit 1120 relative to the base body.

[0077] To attach the outlet conduit 1120 to the base body in the embodiment of Figs.2A-2B The tenon 25 has a portion configured to cooperate with a complementary connection portion, a connection hole, made in a finger joint of the base body. The tenon 25 is intended to be snapped into a connection hole of the finger joint to mechanically join the outlet conduit 1120 to the base body.

[0078] The tenon 25 may include a substantially cylindrical rod 251 that can be fixed by its first end to the outlet conduit 1120, said rod 251 having at its second end a cap 252 with a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the rod 251.

[0079] The junction between the stem 251 and the rest of the outlet conduit 1120 can form a third shoulder 253 at a distance from the cap 252. In this case, the tenon 251, 252, 253 comprises a cylinder in which an annular groove is formed. The apex of the cylinder corresponds to the cap 252. The annular groove forms the stem 251. The stem 251 of the tenon can extend over a length l T less than 0.95 mm, preferably less than 0.85 mm, and more preferably less than 0.75 mm. In this example, the tenon shank 251 extends 0.75 mm to match the wall thickness forming the finger joint of the base body.

[0080] The portion of the cylinder opposite the cap 252 corresponds to the third shoulder 253. The tenon 25 can be joined to the outlet conduit 1120 by a hollow compartment 26. In this example, the hollow compartment 26 is parallelepiped-shaped to provide a simple and structurally rigid form. The hollow compartment 26 can serve as the third shoulder 253.

[0081] There Figure 3 The figure shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a diffuser and outlet duct according to the invention. The diffuser 3000 comprises a base body 1110 and an outlet duct 300.

[0082] The basic body 1110 may include an outer wall 1110. The outer wall may form a cavity, and the outlet conduit 300 may be housed wholly or partially within the cavity formed by the outer wall 1111, entirely in the present example. The outer wall 1111 may include concave and / or convex portions.

[0083] The 3000 diffuser is a pressure vessel diffuser. The pressure vessel may include a cylindrical end. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 1111 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about an axis A when attached to the vessel. The base body 1110 may be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel by means of a retaining ring 1112. In this example, the retaining ring 1112 has a series of grooves evenly spaced around the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 1111 of the base body. The retaining ring 1112 may be adapted to snap into place behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

[0084] The base body 1110 may have a finger joint 1130 intended to be pressed by the user to actuate a valve of the pressure vessel. The outer wall 1111 of the base body may have a finger joint opening into which the finger joint 1130 is inserted. The finger joint 1130 may be attached to the rest of the base body 1110 by a tab 1131 on the rear of the finger joint 1130, which acts as a hinge so that the finger joint 1130 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tab 1131.

[0085] An outlet opening 1114 can be made in the outer wall 1111 of the base body. The outlet opening 1114 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 300 passes through it. In the embodiment of the Fig.3, the finger opening is located on a lateral part of the outer wall 1111 and the outlet opening 1114 on a superior surface of the outer wall 1111 of the base body, substantially in alignment with axis A.

[0086] The basic body 1110 includes a connecting hole 1140. In this example, there is a connecting hole 1140 provided at the finger joint 1130. The connecting hole 1140 can be through-hole between an external surface of the finger joint 1130 and an internal surface of the finger joint 1130 and can extend substantially perpendicularly to axis A. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple variations of the connecting holes 1140 can be implemented by varying, for example, the number, dimensions, positioning, or profile of the connecting holes.

[0087] The connection hole 1140 can be configured to cooperate with a means of connecting the outlet conduit 300, such as a tenon 325, for example. In this example, the outlet conduit 300 may include a tenon extending substantially perpendicularly to axis A and intended to be inserted into the corresponding connection hole 1140 so that the outlet conduit 300 is attached to the base body 1110. The outlet conduit 300 can be held by the tenon 325 inserted into the corresponding connection hole 1140 by interlocking, gluing, heat-sealing, welding, etc.

[0088] The outlet conduit 300, located in the base body 1110, has a passage 10 between a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 322 is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 300 is attached to the base body 1110, the second end 322 is oriented to correspond with the outlet opening 1114. The second end 322 may be free to move relative to the outlet opening 1114.

[0089] The outlet conduit 320 can be subdivided into a first substantially straight section 323 of length l1, a second section 324 in length l2 aligned with respect to the first section 323 and substantially coaxial with axis A, and a junction of length l J connecting the first section 323 and the second section 324. The second section 324 includes a simple conduit forming a passage 10 and the outlet conduit 300 is not equipped to receive a nozzle in this example.

[0090] The first section 323 can begin at the first end 321 and end at the junction. The first section 323, the second section 324, and the junction can form the passage 10 between the first end 321 and the second end 322. In this example, the second section 324 has a diameter that is substantially equal in length. l2 The junction begins with a gradual increase in this diameter and ends at a second shoulder. The first section 323 can begin at the shoulder of the junction and end at the first end 321.

[0091] The first section 323 may include a coupling section 323' extending over a third length. The coupling section 323' may be defined as the portion of the passage 10 between the first end 321 and a first shoulder of the passage forming a stop for a nozzle of the pressure vessel valve.

[0092] The second length l2 The first length may be less than 10 mm, preferably less than 9 mm, and more preferably less than 8 mm. The third length may be less than 6 mm, preferably less than 5.5 mm, and more preferably less than 5 mm. A fourth length l4 between the second end 322 and an end of the external conduit may be less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

[0093] Although the principles of the invention have been set forth above in relation to specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is merely by way of example and does not constitute a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the claims attached below.

Claims

1. An outlet duct of a diffuser for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, said outlet duct being provided with: - a passage (10) between a first end (21) and a second end (22), said first end (21) being configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressurized container, said second end (22) being configured for the release of the product contained in the pressurized container; - wherein said passage (10) is defined by a first section (23), a second section (24), and a junction connecting the first section (23) and the second section (24), said first section (23) starting at the first end (21) and ending at the junction, said second section (24) starting at the junction and ending at the second end (22); - wherein the first section (23) extends over a first length l1 and the second section (24) extends over a second length l2, said second length l2 being less than 10 mm, preferably less than 9 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm. - wherein the first section (23) comprises a coupling section (231) extending over a third length l3, said coupling section (231) being defined by the part of the passage (10) between the first end (21) and a shoulder of the passage (10) forming a stop for a flow restrictor of the valve of the pressurized container; characterized in that - the third length l3 is less than 6 mm; - wherein the second section (24) is an inner duct (242), said inner duct (242) being surrounded by an outer duct (243); - wherein the inner duct (242) and the outer duct (243) define a substantially annular housing (241), said housing (241) being configured to cooperate with a nozzle.

2. The outlet duct according to claim 1, wherein the junction comprises a second shoulder of the passage (10), said second shoulder of the passage (10) defining a reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage (10) between the first section (23) and the second section (24).

3. The outlet duct according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the second section (24) is substantially straight over at least 80%, preferably over at least 90%, more preferably over at least 95%, most preferably over 100%, of the second length l2.

4. The outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the first end (21) is substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1; - wherein the second end (22) is substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2; and - wherein an angle α formed between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 is between 94° and 105°, preferably between 96° and 103°, more preferably between 98° and 100°.

5. The outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the third length l3 is less than 5.5 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm.

6. The outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outlet duct is provided with a lug (25) configured to be attached to a base body of the diffuser, said lug (25) being provided at the junction and being substantially aligned with the first section (23).

7. The outlet duct according to the preceding claim, wherein the lug (25) comprises a rod (251), a third shoulder (253), and a cap (252) connected to the outlet duct by the rod (251) and the third shoulder (253), said rod (521) ending, opposite the cap, with the third shoulder (253).

8. The outlet duct according to the preceding claim, wherein the rod (251) of the lug (25) extends over less than 0.95 mm, preferably less than 0.85 mm, more preferably less than 0.75 mm.

9. The outlet duct according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the outlet duct is provided with a hollow compartment (26) between the lug (25) and the passage (10).

10. The outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (22) is housed inside the outer duct (243), and wherein a fourth length l4 between the second end (22) and one end of the outer duct (243) is less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 2.4 mm, more preferably less than 2.3 mm, most preferably less than 2.2 mm.

11. A diffuser for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, especially for an aerosol generator, which diffuser (1100) is provided with: - a base body (1110) having a finger tab (1130) to be depressed by the user to actuate the valve (1030), and having an outlet opening (1114) for releasing the product contained in the container (1020); - an outlet duct (1120) according to any one of the preceding claims, said outlet duct (1120) being attached to the base body (1110) such that the second end (22) of the outlet duct is substantially facing the outlet opening (1114) of the base body.

12. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to the preceding claim, - wherein the base body (1110) is provided with a connecting hole being a through-hole (1140) between an outer surface of the finger tab (1130) and an inner surface of the finger tab (1130), - wherein the outlet duct (1120) is according to one of claims 6 to 9, - wherein the lug (25) is attached via the connecting hole (1140) of the base body to fix the outlet duct (1120) to the base body (1120).

13. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to the preceding claim, - wherein the second end of the outlet duct (22) is floating in relation to the base body (1110); - wherein the minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connecting hole (1140) on the outer surface of the finger tab (1130), and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening (1114) on the outer surface of the base body (1110), is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

14. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the base body (1110) has a minimum thickness of less than 0.8 mm, preferably less than 0.7 mm, more preferably less than 0.6 mm.

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