Distribution head

Abstract

Dispensing head forming a housing (B1) in which a core (B2) and a nozzle (N) inserted in the housing (B1) are arranged around the core (B2), the nozzle (N) forming, with the core (B2), a swirl chamber (2, 3, 4) and at least one swirl channel (1), characterized in that the swirl chamber defines: - a main chamber (2) of larger diameter, into which the channels (1) open, - a compression chamber (3) of reduced diameter arranged downstream of the main chamber (2), and - an annular rim (22) connecting the main chamber (2) to the compression chamber (3), the annular rim (22) comprising at least one inclined curved ramp (23), which deflects the flow of liquid from the swirl channel (1) towards the core (B2) away from the compression chamber (3). « Figure for the abstract: figure 2 »

Description

Title of the invention: Distribution head

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing head comprising a body forming an insertion housing in which a core is arranged. The head also comprises a nozzle which is inserted into the housing around the core. The nozzle is often in the form of a small cup defining a front wall which bears against the core and a cylindrical wall which engages around the core. The nozzle forms a spray orifice. The nozzle also forms, with the core, a swirl chamber centered on the spray orifice and at least one swirl channel which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber. This is a conventional configuration for a dispensing head to be mounted on a pump or valve in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics, pharmacy, etc.

[0002] Document FR2952360A1 describes a distribution head, the nozzle of which forms two swirl channels which open tangentially into a cylindrical swirl chamber, which is then extended by a truncated cone-shaped compression chamber. The swirl channels, at the nozzle, each define a bottom wall and two side walls, namely a long side wall and a short side wall. The long side wall defines a downstream end which is tangent to the cylindrical internal wall of the swirl chamber. It can also be said that the cylindrical internal wall defines a circle and the long wall is tangent to this circle. It can be noted that the cylindrical internal wall of the swirl chamber is perfectly circular: it is interrupted only at the level where the swirl channels open into the swirl chamber.Therefore, the fluid flow from the swirl channels enters the swirl chamber following the cylindrical inner wall without any disturbance. Then, the swirl chamber defines a truncated cone-shaped part that leads directly to the spray orifice. The cylindrical part connects directly to the truncated cone-shaped part: we can also say that the maximum diameter of the truncated cone-shaped part is equal to the diameter of the cylindrical part.

[0003] It has long been known that the configuration of the swirl chamber, swirl channels, spray orifice and other elements of the nozzle and body influence the shape of the spray (length, opening), the duration of the spray (longer or shorter), the sharpness of the spray cone, the size of the droplets, etc. In short, on the quality of the spray. It is also known that turbulence inside the dispensing head also influences the quality of the spray. And this turbulence is generated by the configuration of the aforementioned elements.

[0004] The problem of the present invention is here due to a modification of the nature of the formulas to be sprayed. Among other things, it is necessary to be able to spray formulas without ethanol, which is more difficult. The nozzle must therefore have new design characteristics, making it possible to obtain a long-lasting spray, of the order of 0.3 sec, a beautiful cone and an angle of 60° (+ / - 10°).

[0005] To do this, the present invention proposes that the swirl chamber of the nozzle defines: - a main chamber of larger diameter, into which the swirl channels open, - a compression chamber of reduced diameter compared to that of the main chamber, the compression chamber being arranged downstream of the main chamber, and - an annular rim connecting the main chamber to the compression chamber, the annular rim comprising at least one inclined curved ramp, which deflects the flow of liquid from the swirl channel towards the core away from the compression chamber. In general, there are several swirl channels and therefore several ramps.

[0006] The ramp(s) act(s) in the manner of a deflector by giving an axial component to the liquid flow, which nevertheless remains swirling, but is returned upstream towards the core. Then, the flow will resume its direction downstream towards the compression chamber. This sort of half-turn in the liquid path will generate additional turbulence in the swirl chamber, which contributes to the good quality of the spray at the outlet of the spray orifice, in particular in terms of spray duration, sharpness of the cone and opening angle.

[0007] According to an interesting characteristic of the invention, the swirl channel can open into the main chamber at a curved inlet sector of the annular rim, the inclined curved ramp can then extend towards the core in the extension of the curved inlet sector of the annular rim. Advantageously, the inclined curved ramp comprises a lower end connected to the curved inlet sector and a higher end connected to a steep sector, which joins the or another curved inlet sector, depending on the number of swirl channels. In the case of a nozzle with a single swirl channel, the ramp starts from the single curved inlet sector to the single steep sector, which joins the single curved inlet sector. In the case of a nozzle with several swirl channels, the ramp starts from one curved inlet sector to the steep sector, which joins the next curved inlet sector.Preferably, the input curved sector is continuously connected to the low end. This means that there is no de . hook or step at the junction between the curved entry sector and the lower end of the ramp. A small connection radius can even be provided to eliminate any edges.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the main chamber, the compression chamber and the spray orifice extend along a longitudinal axis, the inlet curved sector extending perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. This implies that the ramp extends in the extension of the inlet curved sector, but with an inclination, that is to say with a direction which is transverse, but not perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the inlet curved sector can be inclined, advantageously with the same slope as the ramp. In this case, it could be said that the inclined curved ramp starts from the exit of the swirl channel and only stops at the steep sector, which would then be connected to the next ramp or the same ramp, depending on the number of swirl channels.

[0009] Advantageously, the inclined curved ramp defines a profile which can be chosen from a flat profile, a concave profile and a convex profile. In other words, the slope can be linear or flat, increasing or hollow or decreasing or curved.

[0010] Advantageously, the inclined curved ramp is connected to the steep sector by a sharp edge or a rounded edge.

[0011] Furthermore, the steep sector may extend substantially along this longitudinal axis. The steep sector may be in the form of a flat wall, which extends both radially and axially.

[0012] According to a successful embodiment, an end chamber is arranged between the compression chamber and the spray orifice, the end chamber defining a diameter which is smaller than that of the compression chamber, the compression chamber being connected to the end chamber by an annular shoulder, which is advantageously provided with at least one inclined curved ramp. The end chamber can be considered to be part of the compression chamber, which has a double-stage configuration. The possibility is reserved of reproducing the ramp configuration of the annular rim at the annular shoulder, in order to further increase the turbulence in the nozzle.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing head may comprise at least two swirl channels, each swirl channel of the nozzle defining a bottom wall and two side walls, namely a long side wall and a short side wall, the main chamber defining a peripheral wall, the long side wall being tangent to the peripheral wall.

[0014] The spirit of the invention lies in the fact that the swirl chamber of the nozzle forms or comprises one or more deflection walls (ramps) oriented towards the core, which thereby direct the flow from the swirl channel(s) not in a downstream direction, but in an upstream direction, with an axial component, towards the core away from the spray orifice. These ramps can be formed at any rim, shoulder, beach, annular plate located between the outlet of the swirl channels and the spray orifice. In the case of a three-stage swirl chamber with an annular rim and an annular shoulder, the ramps can be formed at both the rim and the shoulder or only at one of the two, preferably at the annular rim located at the outlet of the swirl channels.

[0015] The flow deviation generated by the ramps causes additional turbulence phenomena which improve or modify the characteristics of the spray, in particular in terms of spray duration, of the order of 0.3 sec, cone sharpness and opening angle, as mentioned above.

[0016] The invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the attached drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] In the figures:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a vertical cross-sectional view through a head of distribution according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a greatly enlarged sectional view of the nozzle of the head of distribution of [Fig.l],

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a plan view showing the interior of the nozzle of [Fig.2],

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view showing the interior of the nozzle of [Fig.2],

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the volume occupied by the fluid product in the nozzle of [Fig.2],

[0023] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is another perspective view of the volume occupied by the product fluid in the nozzle of [Fig.2], and

[0024] [Fig.7a] Figures 7a to 7f schematically illustrate different configurations possible for the annular edge of the nozzle.

[0025] [Fig.7b] cf [Fig.7a]

[0026] [Fig.7c] cf [Fig.7a]

[0027] [Fig.7d] cf [Fig.7a]

[0028] [Fig.7e] cf [Fig.7a]

[0029] [Fig.7f] cf [Fig.7a]

[0030] The dispensing head of the invention is intended to be mounted on the free end of a valve stem of a pump or a manual valve. By axially pressing on the head, the user actuates the pump or the valve, so as to dispense fluid product in metered or non-metered form. The dispensing head comprises two essential parts, namely a body B and a nozzle N. Both can be made by injection / molding of suitable plastic material, such as a polyolefin, and in particular polypropylene.

[0031] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the body B defines an insertion housing B1, in which extends a cylindrical core B2 with a flat front wall B21. Upstream, the receiving housing B1 is connected to a conduit B4, which itself is connected to a mounting sleeve B3. Thus, the fluid product coming from the valve stem of the pump or the valve flows through the body B of the dispensing head through the sleeve B3, the conduit B4 and into the receiving housing B1. This is a completely conventional characteristic for the body of a dispensing head in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery or even pharmacy.

[0032] The nozzle N is generally in the form of a small cup, which is engaged in the receiving housing B1 around the core B2. The function of the nozzle N is to condition the fluid product coming from the body B, so as to generate a swirl or vortex which emerges from the nozzle in the form of a spray or cloud of fine sprayed droplets. The nozzle N thus forms a spray orifice O and defines, together with the core B2, connecting passages N21, swirl channels 1, and a swirl chamber C.

[0033] The nozzle N will now be described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 2]. The nozzle N comprises a bottom wall N1 and a peripheral wall N2, which connect in such a way as to form a small cup. The bottom wall N1 is intended to come into contact with the front wall B21 of the core B2. As for the peripheral wall N2, it is intended to engage around the core B2 inside the housing BL. This peripheral wall N2 internally defines several connecting passages N21 in the form of small axial grooves. These axial grooves are completed by the peripheral wall of the core B2 to form the connecting passages N21. The bottom wall NI defines in hollow the swirl channels 1, which extend substantially radially. Again, these swirl channels 1 are in the form of grooves, which are completed by the front wall B21 of the core B2.The swirl channels 1 are respectively connected to the connecting passages N21. The swirl channels 1 open substantially tangentially into the swirl chamber C, which is completed by the front wall B21 of the core B2 of the body B. The swirl chamber C here comprises, from upstream to downstream, a main chamber 2, a compression chamber 3 and an end chamber 4. The main chamber 2 has the largest diameter: the swirl channels open tangentially into the main chamber 2. The compression chamber 3 is arranged downstream of the main chamber 2 and has a smaller diameter than that of the main chamber 2. Thus, an annular rim 22 connects the main chamber 2. to the compression chamber 3. According to the invention, the annular rim 22 comprises or forms at least one inclined curved ramp 23, which deflects the flow of liquid coming from a swirl channel 1 towards the core B2, away from the compression chamber 3. This annular rim 22, with its inclined curved ramp 23, will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The receiving housing B1, the core B2, the main chamber (2), the compression chamber (3) and the spray orifice (O) extend along a longitudinal axis (X), which is also the axis of the spray.

[0035] Optionally, the swirl chamber C may also form an end chamber 4, which is arranged between the compression chamber 3 and the spray orifice O. The end chamber 4 defines a diameter which is smaller than that of the compression chamber 3. The compression chamber 3 is connected to the end chamber 4 by an annular shoulder 34, which may advantageously be provided with at least one inclined curved ramp, similar or identical to the inclined curved ramp 23.

[0036] Thus, the flow of fluid product from a swirl channel 1 enters approximately tangentially into the main chamber 2, where it is deflected or directed by the inclined curved ramp 23, not downstream, but upstream, towards the front wall B21 of the core B2. This creates turbulence in the fluid product, which will then head downstream through the center of the main chamber 2 towards the compression chamber 3, the function of which is precisely to constrict the flow, hence the term "compression". The flow then encounters the annular shoulder 34 and its possible inclined curved ramp(s). Further additional turbulence is thus created. The flow of fluid product then reaches the terminal chamber 4, where it is further constricted or compressed.The flow is then directed inwards by a conical section 41, then finally engages in the spray orifice O and emerges in the form of a spray or cloud of fine sprayed droplets. This is the general configuration of the nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention. It should be remembered that the terminal chamber 4 is optional and that the compression chamber 3 could therefore be directly adjacent to the spray orifice O. An annular shoulder, possibly provided with at least one inclined curved ramp, could connect the compression chamber 3 to the spray orifice O.

[0037] Reference will now be made indifferently to Figures 3 to 6 to describe in detail the architecture of the annular rim 22 and the swirl channels 1.

[0038] At the nozzle N, each swirl channel 1 comprises a bottom wall 10 and two side walls 11 and 12. The side wall 11 is longer than the side wall 12. The side walls 11 and 12 are here straight and parallel. The long side wall 12 opens tangentially into the main chamber 2. Further in detail, the main chamber 2 defines a peripheral wall 21, of generally circular cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 21 is interrupted by the outlets of the swirl channels 1. The bottom of the main chamber 2 is formed by an annular rim 22, which defines an external annular edge 221, adjacent to the peripheral wall 21 and an internal annular edge 222, adjacent to the compression chamber 3.

[0039] Thus, the bottom wall 10 of a swirl channel 1 opens into the main chamber 2 at a curved inlet sector 24 of the annular rim 22. The junction between the bottom wall 10 and the curved inlet sector 24 is preferably smooth, without edges or discontinuities. The bottom wall 10 and the curved inlet sector 24 may extend in the same plane. This plane is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, but it may also be inclined.

[0040] The long side wall 12 is tangent to the peripheral wall 21: the junction between the long side wall 12 and the peripheral wall 21 is preferably smooth, without edges or discontinuities. The lower edge of the channel 1, forming the junction between the bottom wall 10 and the long side wall 12, connects to the external annular edge 221 of the annular rim 22, without breakage or discontinuity.

[0041] As for the inclined curved ramp 23, it extends in the extension of the inlet curved sector 24, with a slope comprising an axial component. Each inclined curved ramp 23 comprises a lower end 23a connected to the inlet curved sector 24 and a high end 23b connected to a steep sector 25, which joins the inlet curved sector 24 of the next swirl channel 1.

[0042] The lower end 23a is connected to the curved input sector 24 continuously, without any break. In the example of the figures, the curved input sector 24 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In this case, the curved input sector 24 can be connected to the lower end 23a at an angle. And when the curved input sector 24 is inclined, the lower end 23a can be connected without any edge or discontinuity. The inclined curved ramp 23 and the curved input sector 24 can have the same slope, so as to form a long continuous ramp.

[0043] Reference may be made to Figures 7a to 7f to describe different embodiments for the curved entry ramp 23 and the steep sector 25. In all figures, the curved entry sector 24 is planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0044] In [Fig.7a], the ramp 23 defines a constant slope, with a defined angle. The lower end 23a is connected at 234 to the curved input sector 24 by forming an angle, which is that of the slope of the ramp 23. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25v, which is vertical relative to the curved input sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25v forms a sharp edge 235v.

[0045] In [Fig.7b], the ramp 23 also defines a constant slope, with a defined angle. The lower end 23a is connected at 234 to the curved entry sector 24 by forming an angle, which is that of the slope of the ramp 23. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25i, which is inclined relative to the curved entry sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25i forms a rounded edge 235a.

[0046] In [Fig.7c], the ramp 23c is concave. The lower end 23a is connected to the curved input sector 24 without any discontinuity. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25i, which is inclined relative to the curved input sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25i forms a sharp edge 235v.

[0047] In [Fig.7d], the ramp 23c is also concave. The lower end 23a is connected to the curved input sector 24 without any discontinuity. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25v, which is vertical to the curved input sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25v forms a rounded edge 235a.

[0048] In [Fig.7e], the ramp 23v is convex. The lower end 23a is connected at 234 to the curved input sector 24 at a marked angle. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25i, which is inclined relative to the curved input sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25i forms a sharp edge 235v.

[0049] In [Fig.7e], the ramp 23v is convex. The lower end 23a is connected at 234 to the curved input sector 24 at a marked angle. The upper end 23b is connected to the steep sector 25i, which is inclined relative to the curved input sector 24. The junction between the upper end 23b and the connected steep sector 25i forms a rounded edge 235a.

[0050] It is understood from Figures 7a to 7f that various configurations of ramps, steep sectors and stops are possible. It must also be added that the ramp and its steep sector can extend over all or part of the annular rim 22 between two curved inlet sectors 24. It can also be said that the curved inlet sectors 24 can extend beyond the outlets of the swirl channels 1, up to the level of the peripheral wall 21.

[0051] For information purposes, the overall slope of the inclined curved ramp 23 may be of the order of 10 to 45°, advantageously of the order of 15 to 30° and preferably of the order of 20°.

[0052] In the example of the figures, the nozzle N comprises two swirl channels 1, but more swirl channels or only one can be provided, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Thanks to the invention, a dispensing head is provided whose particular nozzle- Particularly well suited to spraying ethanol-free formulas. The nozzle with its boom(s) provides a long-lasting spray, around 0.3 seconds, a nice, clean cone and an opening angle of around 60° (+ / - 10°).

Claims

Claims

1. Dispensing head comprising a body (B) forming an insertion housing (B1) in which a core (B2) is arranged and a nozzle (N) which is inserted into the insertion housing (B1) around the core (B2), the nozzle (N) forming a spray orifice (0), the nozzle (N) also forming, with the core (B2), a swirl chamber (C) centered on the spray orifice (0) and at least one swirl channel (1) which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber (2), characterized in that the swirl chamber (C) of the nozzle (N) defines: - a main chamber (2) of larger diameter, into which the swirl channels (1) open, - a compression chamber (3) of reduced diameter compared to that of the main chamber (2), the compression chamber (3) being arranged downstream of the main chamber (2),and - an annular rim (22) connecting the main chamber (2) to the compression chamber (3), the annular rim (22) comprising at least one inclined curved ramp (23; 23c; 23v), which deflects the flow of liquid from the swirl channel (1) towards the core (B2) away from the compression chamber (3).,

2. Dispensing head according to claim 1, in which the swirl channel (1) opens into the main chamber (2) at a curved inlet sector (24) of the annular rim (22), the inclined curved ramp (23; 23c; 23v) extending in the extension of the curved inlet sector (24) of the annular rim (22) towards the core (B2).

3. Dispensing head according to claim 2, in which the inclined curved ramp (23; 23c; 23v) comprises a low end (23a) connected to the inlet curved sector (24) and a high end (23b) connected to a steep sector (25), which joins the or another inlet curved sector (24), depending on the number of swirl channels (1).

4. A dispensing head according to claim 3, wherein the curved inlet sector (24) is continuously connected to the lower end (23a).

5. A dispensing head according to any preceding claim, wherein the main chamber (2), the com- pressure (3) and the spray orifice (0) extend along a longitudinal axis (X), the curved inlet sector (24) extending perpendicular to this longitudinal axis (X).

6. A dispensing head according to any preceding claim, wherein the inclined curved ramp (23; 23c; 23v) defines a profile which may be selected from a planar profile, a concave profile and a convex profile.

7. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inclined curved ramp (23; 23c; 23v) is connected to the steep sector (25) by a sharp edge (235v) or a rounded edge (235a).

8. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the main chamber (2), the compression chamber (3) and the spray orifice (0) extend along a longitudinal axis (X), the abrupt sector (25) extending substantially along this longitudinal axis (X).

9. A dispensing head according to any preceding claim, wherein an end chamber (4) is disposed between the compression chamber (3) and the spray orifice (0), the end chamber (4) defining a diameter which is smaller than that of the compression chamber (3), the compression chamber (3) being connected to the end chamber (4) by an annular shoulder (34), which is advantageously provided with at least one inclined curved ramp.

10. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two swirl channels (1), each swirl channel (1) of the nozzle (N) defining a bottom wall (10) and two side walls (11, 12), the main chamber (2) defining a peripheral wall (21), the long side wall (11) being tangent to the peripheral wall (21). * * *

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