MECHANICAL BREAK ACTUATOR WITH DISRUPTIVE VORTEX CHAMBER

Abstract

A one-piece actuator for a valve includes a ramp structure that provides a linear inclined passage communicating with the valve, a chamber that generates a vortex and communicates with the ramp structure, and a nozzle that communicates with the chamber to dispense and mechanically separate the product from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. The ramp structure is angled from 20 to 60 degrees with respect to the chamber.

Description

MECHANICAL BREAK ACTUATOR WITH DISRUPTIVE VORTEX CHAMBER BACKGROUND Field of dissemination This disclosure relates to a mechanical rupture valve (MBU) actuator for a pressurized dispenser. More specifically, this description relates to such an MBU actuator having a disruptive vortex chamber that atomizes a product during dispensing and delivers a disruptive rupture aerosol herein referred to as DBU. Description of the related technique Many types of fluid pump actuators have been developed to dispense products as either a fluid spray, a fluid stream, or both. A fluid spray pattern is generally produced by mechanically breaking up the dispensed product before it is discharged through the orifice. Mechanical breakage is important for generating a uniform spray pattern. The DBU achieves this same result by replacing the two- or more-piece construction of an MBU structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION This description provides an actuator for a pressurized product in operational communication with the discharge end of a valve. The actuator disrupts the product and generates a vortex-shaped swirling spray pattern. The present description provides an actuator of this type that has an improved mechanical break. This disclosure also provides such an actuator that has a uniform spray pattern that is even improved over conventional uniform spray patterns. The present description also provides an actuator having a disruptive vortex chamber coupled with an output positioned therein that assists the DBU of the product. A one-piece actuator for a valve includes a ramp structure that provides a linear inclined passage communicating with the valve, a chamber structure that generates a vortex and communicates with the ramp structure, and a nozzle that communicates with the chamber to dispense and mechanically separate the product from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. The ramp structure is angled from 20 to 60 degrees with respect to the chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of this disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, explain the principles of this disclosure. As shown throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers designate identical or corresponding parts. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disruptive interruption (DBU) valve actuator as described herein. Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a disruptive vortex chamber of the DBU valve actuator from Figure 1. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the disruptive vortex chamber in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a side view of the disruptive vortex chamber in Figure 2. Figure 5 is another perspective view of the disruptive vortex chamber from Figure 2. Figure 6 is another perspective view of the disruptive vortex chamber from Figure 2. Figure 7 is a top view of the disruptive vortex chamber in Figure 2. Figure 8 is a front view of the disruptive vortex chamber from Figure 2. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a disruptive vortex chamber for a vertical valve actuator. Figure 10 is another perspective view of the disruptive vortex chamber from Figure 9. Figure 11 is a vertical valve actuator. Figure 12 is a DBU valve actuator that has a round nozzle. Figure 13 is a top view of a DBU showing ramp angles. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a DBU valve actuator that has an extended ramp. Figure 15 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has an extended ramp. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a DBU valve actuator that has a small chamber. Figure 17 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has a small chamber. Figure 18 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has a centerline compensation ramp. Figure 19 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has a tapered ramp. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a DBU valve actuator that has a diverter. Figure 21 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has a diverter. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a DBU valve actuator having a flow channel. Figure 23 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator having a flow channel. Figure 24 is a perspective view of a DBU valve actuator that has a qq Lcnn / eznz / B / YiAi switch. Figure 25 is a top view of a DBU valve actuator that has a switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, a DBU actuator is shown according to the present description and is generally referred to by part number (10), hereinafter referred to as actuator (10). The actuator (10) has a unique disruptive vortex chamber that atomizes a product during dispensing. The actuator (10) is mounted on a valve stem of a dispenser or a container for a pressurized product. The reciprocating motion of the actuator (10) and a valve stem operatively connected along a central axis, shown as the z-axis in Figure 1, causes the valve to actuate and thus the product to be dispensed from the container. With reference to Figure 1, the actuator (10) has an outer wall (12) arranged around a central vertical axis z. The wall (12) is cylindrical, as shown. The wall (12) has an opening (14) oriented virtually perpendicular, and preferably perpendicular, to the z-axis through which the product is dispensed from the container. A tubular channel (16) is arranged along the z-axis. The channel (16) communicates with the opening (14) in the wall (12) via a structure (100). The tubular channel (16) has a bushing (18) at its lower end for operational cooperation with a valve stem (not shown). Referring to Figure 2, an internal structure (100) of the actuator (10) is shown, which includes a ramp (120), a chamber (150), and a nozzle (180). Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the internal structure (100) is arranged in the tubular channel (16) so that, when actuated, the product flows from the valve into the tubular channel (16), up the ramp (120), through the chamber (150), through the nozzle (180) and finally through the opening (14). Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ramp (120) is an inclined linear passage that has an entrance section (122) and an exit section (124), in relation to the flow of product from the container. The inlet section (122) has a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet section (124). Therefore, as the product flows from the inlet section (122) to the outlet section (124), the velocity increases. In some examples, the cross-sectional areas between the inlet section (122) and the outlet section (124) are in a ratio of 1:1.18 or less. The ramp (120) is shown to have a tubular shape. However, the ramp (120) may, in other embodiments, have a different shape. Referring to Figure 4, the ramp (120) rises at an angle (126) with respect to an xy plane. The ramp (120) is arranged at an angle (128) with respect to an xz plane. The angle (126) can be from 15° to 40°, more preferably from 20° to 30°, and most preferably from 25° to 30°. The angle (128) can be from 5° to 35°, more preferably from 10° to 25°, and most preferably from 15° to 20°. qq Lcnn / eznz / B / YiAi Advantageously, the ramp (120) accelerates the product's velocity as it flows into chamber (150) due to vortex flow. Without limitation, angles (126) and (128) are believed to initiate vortex flow. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the chamber (150) has a wall structure (152) that defines an interior volume (154), an inlet (156) connected to the outlet section (124) of the ramp (120) and an outlet (158) connected to the nozzle (180). The chamber (150) is a disruptive vortex chamber. That is, the chamber (150) has certain internal geometries that combine to generate a disruptive vortex within it, which aids in the product's DBU (Disruptive Breakdown Unit). These internal geometries include an opening (160), a flat surface (162), a curvilinear surface (164), a curved surface (166), and an outlet hole (168). The ramp (120) directs the product flow through the opening (160) to strike the flat surface (162). The ramp (120) is wider than 0.5 mm. The opening (160) is sized so as not to restrict the flow. Referring to Figure 7, the flat surface (162) deflects the product flow towards and around the curved surface (164), as shown by arrow (170). The curved surface (164) directs some of the product forward into the chamber (150), as shown by arrow (172), while some of the product strikes the curved surface (166), as shown by arrow (174). The curved surface (166) deflects the product flow toward the flat surface (162), as shown by the arrow (176). This product flow collides with the product represented by the arrows (170) and (172). Therefore, the product flows in a swirling pattern toward a sharp outlet orifice (168). Advantageously, the curvilinear surface (164) creates a double-flow chamber that facilitates vortex generation and the DBU. This results in eddies. The chamber structure (150) creates low P zones (182), (184), (186) to facilitate the generation of eddy currents. An eddy current is a violent swirling motion caused by the position and direction of the turbulent flow. The products exit the chamber (150) through the nozzle (180) shown in Figure 8. The nozzle (180) has a rectangular wall structure (192) and two offset flat openings (200) and (300). The opening (200) is larger than the opening (300) as can be seen in both Figures 7 and 8. As will be discussed later, the nozzle (180) can alternatively have a round or oval shape. It has been found from the present description that certain products or formulations achieve a more complete and robust mechanical break with a round or oval shape, while other products or formulations achieve a more complete and robust mechanical break with a rectangular shape. In particular, the viscosity of the product or formulation and the shape will affect the mechanical break. For example, high-viscosity olive oil will achieve greater mechanical break with a square or rectangular nozzle. qq Lcnn / eznz / e / YiAi The nozzle (180) can have an orifice area of ​​0.2 to 0.45 mm. The opening (200) and the opening (300) have offset edges (210), (212), (214), (216) and (310), (312), (314), (316), respectively. Between the openings (200) and (300), an interior volume of the nozzle (180) includes the walls (204) and (206). In some forms, the walls (204) are parallel, while the walls (206) are angled. The angle of the walls (206) is from 50° to 50°, preferably from 25° to 40°, and more preferably from 30° to 35°. In other modalities, the walls (204) have an angle of 5° to 35°, preferably 10° to 25°, and more preferably 15° to 20°. Whereas, in these modalities, the walls (206) have an angle of 5° to 50°, preferably 25° to 40°, and more preferably 30° to 35°. The opening (200) and the opening (300) are offset by a distance of at least 0.15 mm to 0.40 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.35 mm, and more preferably 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm. Unlike traditional actuators that have a centrally arranged nozzle, the nozzle (180) is offset parallel to an axis normal to the z-axis. Referring to Figure 9, a vertical disruptive vortex chamber, chamber (950), is shown. Similar to chamber (150), chamber (950) has certain internal geometries that combine to generate a perturbing vortex that aids in the DBU of the product. With reference also to Figure 10, these internal geometries include an opening (960), a curvilinear surface (962), a curvilinear surface (964), a flat surface (966), a flat surface (968), a curvilinear surface (970), a flat surface (972) and an outlet hole (974). The camera (950) cooperates with an actuator such as actuator (10), namely actuator (910), shown in Figure 11. However, actuator (910) has a vertical opening (914). Referring back to Figures 9 and 10, as indicated by the arrow (976), the ramp (120) directs the product flow through an opening (960) to strike a curved surface (962). The opening (960) is sized so as not to restrict the flow. Here, the ramp (120) is shown connected to the tubular channel (16). As shown by arrow (978), the curved surface (962) diverts a portion of the product flow toward the curved surface (964). As shown by arrow (980), the curved surface (962) diverts a portion of the product flow toward the flat surface (966). The curved surface (964) diverts the product flow towards the flat surface (968) and the curved surface (970), as shown by the arrow (982). The flat surface (966) also diverts the product flow towards the flat surface (968) and the curved surface (970), as shown by the arrow (984). The product flows indicated by arrows (982) and (984) collide with and are deflected from the curved surface (970), as represented by arrow (986). This collision of product flows and the additional deflection facilitate the generation of vortices and the DBU. Therefore, the product flows in a swirling pattern toward a sharp outlet orifice (974), as shown by arrows (988) and (990). The products exit the chamber (950) through the nozzle (180). As can be seen, configured with the chamber (950), the nozzle (180) is offset parallel to an axis parallel to the z-axis. qq Lcnn / eznz / B / YiAi Returning to Figure 11, the actuator (910) includes a finger pad (902) that tilts the nozzle (180) vertically when pressed down. Advantageously, the nozzle (180) can be oriented relative to the chamber (950) and the opening (914) so ​​that the spray pattern is directed away from the user or completely vertical during operation. This orientation avoids the very common problem of a user getting wet before learning to compensate by tilting the container. The actuator (910) is a front hinge actuator. A rear hinge actuator would have a reversed orientation. Referring to Figure 12, structure (1100) is shown. Structure (1100) is the same as structure (100) except as indicated below. The structure (1100) has a nozzle (1180) that is round or oval. The nozzle (1180) is connected to the chamber (150) by a duct (1182). The duct (1182) can be arranged normal or perpendicular to a z-axis. Alternatively, as shown, the duct (1182) can be inclined at an angle (1184) that is greater than approximately 0° to 30° with respect to the perpendicular. Referring to Figure 13, structure (1100) is shown again. The ramp (120) is arranged at an angle (1120). The angle (1120) can be from 20° to 60°, preferably from 28° to 50°, more preferably from 28° to 40°, and most preferably from 28° to 34°, including the sub-intervals in between. An angle of approximately 30° has been found to be particularly effective. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a top and perspective view of the structure (1100) is shown. Here, the ramp (120) extends to the outer edge (1156) of the chamber (150). Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a top view and a perspective view of structure (1200) are shown, respectively. Structure (1200) is the same as structure (100) except as noted below. The structure (1200) includes a chamber (1250) that is smaller than the chamber (150). Specifically, the chamber (1250) has a curved surface (1262) and a flat surface (126)4 that are smaller than the curved surface (162) and the flat surface (164) shown in Figure 5. In other words, the chamber (150) in Figure 13 has a diameter that is approximately the same size as the valve diameter, while the chamber (1250) has a smaller diameter than the valve diameter. Referring to Figure 18, a top view of structure (1300) is shown. Structure (1300) is the same as structure (100) except as noted below. Structure (1300) includes a ramp (1320) instead of ramp (120). Unlike ramp (120), ramp (1320) has a centerline (1322) that is offset and does not intersect the z-axis. Referring to Figure 19, a top view of structure (1400) is shown. Structure (1400) is the same as structure (100) except as noted below. Structure (1400) includes a ramp (1420) instead of ramp (120). Ramp (1420) is approximately 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm wide. Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the structure (1100) with the chamber (150) containing a diverter (1130) is shown. The diverter (1130) is a structure that interrupts and redirects the flow of the product in two or more directions. Advantageously, the diverter (1130) further enhances the mechanical fragmentation of the product by creating additional colliding flow paths. Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the structure (1100) with the chamber (150) containing a flow channel (1140) is shown. The flow channel (1140) is a structure that creates an additional flow path within the chamber (150). Advantageously, the flow channel (1140) further enhances the mechanical breakdown of the product through this additional flow path. Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the structure (1100) with the chamber (150) containing a switch (1150) is shown. The switch (1150) is a structure that restricts or obstructs the flow of the product, thereby forcing additional circulation and further mechanical fragmentation of the product. Advantageously, the switch (1150) further enhances the mechanical fragmentation of the product by creating additional colliding flow paths. An actuator as described herein is molded as a single-piece structure and is made of recyclable material. Because an actuator as described herein allows for better product fragmentation, there is less waste. Therefore, an actuator as described herein is environmentally friendly. A variety of products such as paints, insecticides, hairsprays and various household products may be dispensed from pressurized aerosol dispensers with an actuator according to this disclosure. Although this description has been written with reference to one or more exemplary modalities, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made, and equivalent elements can be substituted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended not to be limited to the particular modalities disclosed herein, but to include all aspects that fall within the scope of a fair reading of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A one-piece actuator for a valve, the actuator comprising: a ramp structure providing a linear inclined passage communicating with the valve; a vortex-generating chamber communicating with the ramp structure; and a nozzle communicating with the chamber for dispensing and mechanically breaking up the product upon actuation, wherein the ramp structure has an angle of 20 to 60 degrees with respect to the front face of the chamber.

3. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the ramp structure is tubular.

4. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the ramp structure is raised at an angle of 15° to 40°.

5. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is round and is displaced from the chamber by a duct.

6. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is oriented at an angle relative to a central axis.

7. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is rectangular.

8. The actuator according to claim 7, wherein the nozzle has two offset rectangular flat openings, one of which is larger than the other.

9. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle has an opening having an area of ​​approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.45 mm.

10. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the ramp structure has an angle of approximately 28° to approximately 34° with respect to the camera.

11. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises qq Lcnn / eznz / B / YiAi two or more low pressure zones.

12. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the ramp structure forms an angle of approximately 30° with respect to the camera.

13. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a diverter.

14. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a flow channel.

15. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a switch.

16. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the valve.

17. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the chamber has a diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter of the valve.

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