Spraying head

Abstract

The invention relates to a spraying head (T1), comprising: - a head body (1) forming a housing (10) defining an insertion opening (101) and an inner wall (103) through which a central spray hole (132) extends, - a nozzle (2) inserted into the housing (10) and comprising a central inner duct (20) and an outer wall (23) in which a central cavity (232) and a plurality of swirl channels (24) opening tangentially into the central cavity (232) are recessed, the outer wall (23) defining an inner peripheral edge (231) which surrounds the central cavity (232) and an outer peripheral edge (230), the swirl channels (24) connecting the outer peripheral edge (230) to the inner peripheral edge (231), characterised in that at least the inner peripheral edge (231) is not in contact with the inner wall (103), such that a gap (G) is defined therebetween, and in that the inner wall (103) is surrounded by an annular shoulder (104) which projects towards the nozzle (2), with at least one outer portion (23e) of the outer wall (23) bearing axially against this annular shoulder (104).

Description

Spray head

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray head intended to be associated with a distribution element, such as a pump or a valve.

[0002] In the prior art, spray heads are already known comprising: - a head body forming a housing defining an insertion opening and an internal wall through which a central spray orifice passes, - a nozzle, substantially in the form of a tube, engaged axially in the housing of the head body by the insertion opening, the nozzle comprising an inlet giving into a central internal conduit and an external wall defining a central cavity centered on the central spray orifice and several swirl channels opening substantially tangentially into the central cavity and communicating with the central internal conduit, the external wall defining an internal peripheral edge which surrounds the central cavity and an external peripheral edge, the swirl channels connecting the external peripheral edge to the internal peripheral edge.

[0003] In this conventional spray head, the outer wall of the nozzle, which is inserted into the housing first, is pushed until it makes axial contact against the inner wall of the housing, thus forming the swirl chamber and swirl channels. The inner wall can be said to complete or seal the central cavity and swirl channels.

[0004] However, it has been observed that the axial pressure of the inner wall against the inner wall is not always constant and, in cases of excess, can lead to a defect in the vortex chamber, specifically axial crushing. This axial crushing has also been found to lead to an opening of the spray angle, which, in certain medical applications, is entirely undesirable, since, on the contrary, a closed spray is necessary to target a specific area of ​​the nasal cavity, particularly the olfactory zone.

[0005] Thus, to guarantee the dimensional integrity of the central cavity, the invention proposes that at least its inner peripheral edge, which is adjacent to the central cavity, remains out of contact with the inner wall, so that a gap is defined between them. This gap ensures that the periphery of the central cavity will not be affected by any deformation stresses that might be exerted at a distance from the central cavity. Of course, the nozzle still bears axially in the body housing, but this axial support occurs at a point other than the central cavity and its immediate periphery. This implies that at the exit of the swirl channels, the two walls are already separated from each other.

[0006] In addition to maintaining a narrow or tight spray angle, the non-contact between these two walls also allows the inner wall to be profiled to give it an additional function: for example, spiral grooves can be used to increase the swirling effect.

[0007] The invention also provides that the inner wall is surrounded by an annular shoulder which protrudes towards the nozzle, at least an external part or zone of the outer wall bearing axially against this annular shoulder.

[0008] Advantageously, the annular shoulder defines an internal border that lies radially between the internal and external peripheral borders. This internal border of the shoulder encircles the internal peripheral border of the external wall, leaving a ring between them. The internal border of the shoulder cannot be confused with either the internal or external peripheral border.

[0009] Advantageously, the external wall defines an internal part or zone located radially inside the internal edge of the annular shoulder, this internal part including the internal peripheral edge, and the external part of the wall or external zone is located radially outside the internal edge of the annular shoulder, this external part including the external peripheral edge.

[0010] Advantageously, the outer peripheral edge can define an outer diameter and the inner edge can define a diameter, the diameter of the inner edge corresponding to 0.5 to 0.7 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge.

[0011] Advantageously, the inner peripheral edge can define an inner diameter and the inner edge can define a diameter, the diameter of the inner edge corresponding to 1.3 to 1.7 times the diameter of the inner peripheral edge.

[0012] Advantageously, the outer peripheral edge can define a diameter of 2.4 mm, the inner peripheral edge can define a diameter of 1 mm and the inner edge can define a diameter of 1.4 to 1.6 mm.

[0013] We can deduce that the inner edge of the annular shoulder is located at a distance from the two peripheral edges.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular shoulder can define a substantially flat annular section and a connecting section linking the inner wall to the substantially flat annular section, the outer part of the outer wall bearing axially against the substantially flat annular section.

[0015] Alternatively, the inner wall can be frustoconical and bordered by a flat annular surface that bears axially against an external portion of the outer wall. This frustoconical wall can help direct the vortex flow towards the spray orifice, in a funnel-like fashion.

[0016] According to a second embodiment, the housing can form a re-entrant shoulder between the insertion opening and the inner wall, the nozzle forming an outward shoulder between the inlet and the outer wall, the outward shoulder bearing axially against the re-entrant shoulder, the outer wall being out of contact with the inner wall, so that a gap is defined between them. Advantageously, the gap extends over the entire length of the swirl channels. Advantageously, the re-entrant shoulder is closer to the insertion opening than to the inner wall. Preferably, there is no axial contact between the outer and inner walls.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the swirl channels can define outlets in the internal cavity, which interrupt the inner peripheral edge of the outer wall, these swirl channel outlets communicating axially directly with the central internal duct. This feature also helps to maintain a closed or narrow spray angle.

[0018] The invention also defines a fluid product dispenser comprising a distribution element, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on a fluid product reservoir, and a spray head, as defined above, mounted on the distribution element.

[0019] The spray head of the invention finds a preferred application as a nasal spray, but it can be used in other pharmaceutical or other fields, such as cosmetics and perfumery.

[0020] The spirit of the invention lies in the fact of moving the axial support of the nozzle in the housing of the body outside the swirl chamber, in order to preserve it from any deformation.

[0021] The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of non-limiting example, several embodiments of the invention.

[0022] In the figures:

[0023] This is a cross-sectional view through a spray head according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] This is a highly enlarged view of the spray head of the,

[0025] This is an even more highly enlarged view of the upper part of the spray head.

[0026] This is an even more highly enlarged view of the upper part of the spray head nozzle.

[0027] This is a view similar to that of the one for a second embodiment of the invention,

[0028] This is a view similar to that of the third embodiment of the invention,

[0029] This is a view similar to that of the fourth embodiment of the invention, and

[0030] This is a highly enlarged view of the upper part of the spray head in the figure.

[0031] As shown, it is clearly visible that the T1 dispensing head is designed here for nasal application, allowing a fluid product to be sprayed into the nasal cavity through a nostril. This particular application should not be considered limiting to the invention: other shapes of spray heads, designed for other applications, can be conceived without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] The spray head T1 comprises, firstly, a head body 1, which can be made in one piece by injection / molding of a suitable plastic material. The head body 1 includes an axial sleeve 11 which forms at its lower end a connecting sleeve 111 and which extends at its upper end to form a disc 13 pierced by a central spray orifice 132.

[0033] The sheath 11 and the disc 13 internally define a housing 10 defining an insertion opening 101, an internal wall 102 of substantially cylindrical shape and an upper internal wall 103 of substantially flat shape, which forms the lower face of the disc 13. The opposite upper face of the disc 13 forms a diffusion cone 131 centered on the spray orifice 132.

[0034] Thus, the housing 10 can have a relatively simple configuration, practically tubular in shape, along a longitudinal axis X, with an open lower end and a closed upper end with a spray orifice 132.

[0035] The head body 1 also forms an outer casing 14 which extends into an annular flange 15 which serves as a pusher: the user can thus use their index and middle fingers to press on the annular flange 15.

[0036] The spray head T1 also includes a nozzle 2, which can also be made as a single unit by injection molding of a suitable plastic material. The nozzle 2 has a substantially tubular shape along the X-axis, so that it can be axially engaged inside the housing 10 through the insertion opening 101. The nozzle 2 thus forms a tubular body 21 defining internally a central internal channel 20 with an inlet 201 that opens into the insertion opening 101 of the head body 1. The central internal channel 20 extends inside the tubular body 21 to a plug 22 which axially closes it.

[0037] Externally, the nozzle 2 forms an outer wall 23, which is opposite the inlet 201. This is visible in Figures 2 and 3. This outer wall 23 forms a central cavity 232 and three swirl channels 24. The outer wall 32 defines an outer peripheral edge 230 and an inner peripheral edge 231. The three swirl channels 24 divide the outer wall 23 into three identical sectors, each defining an outer peripheral edge segment 230 and an inner peripheral edge segment 231. Alternatively, the three swirl channels 24 can be said to connect the outer peripheral edge 230 to the inner peripheral edge 231. The central cavity 232 defines a bottom, advantageously flat, and side wall segments, which connect the bottom to the outer wall 23 at the level of the inner peripheral edge 231.The central cavity 232 is thus delimited by the internal peripheral edge 231, which is interrupted by the outlets 241 of the swirling channels 24.

[0038] The vortex channels 24 advantageously open tangentially into the central cavity 232. This is more visible in the figure. A vortex system consisting of a central chamber C fed by tangential channels is a perfectly classic design.

[0039] In this first embodiment, the swirl channels 24 extend axially below the central cavity 232, around the plug 22, and even below the plug 22 so as to reach the central internal conduit 20. More precisely, the swirl channels 24 communicate directly with a frustoconical portion of the central internal conduit 20 through windows 25. Since the frustoconical portion is precisely frustoconical, the windows 25 extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 2.

[0040] It can be observed that the channels 24 define outlets 241 in the central cavity 232, these outlets 241 extending axially above the inclined windows 25. Thus, the channels 24, at their outlets 241, communicate axially and directly with the central internal conduit 20 through the inclined windows 25. Alternatively, the bottom of the central cavity 232 defines external edges, which plunge axially into the central internal conduit 20 through the inclined windows 25. Thus, the outlets 241 are located axially above the central internal conduit 20.

[0041] In this first embodiment of the invention, the inner wall 103, which is pierced by the distributor orifice 132, is surrounded by an annular shoulder or rim 104, which projects towards the nozzle 2. This annular shoulder 104 defines a substantially flat annular section 105 and a substantially cylindrical connecting section 107 which join at an outer annular edge 106. The connecting section 107 links the inner wall 103 to the annular section 105. The outer periphery of the annular section 105 joins the cylindrical inner wall 102 of the housing 10.

[0042] According to the invention, the annular shoulder 104 comes into contact or bears axially against the outer wall 23 of the nozzle 2, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. Only an outer portion 23e of the outer wall 23 comes into contact with the annular shoulder 104, while an inner portion 23i of the outer wall 23 is separated from the inner wall 103 by a gap G. In Figure 3, the inner annular edge 106 of the annular shoulder 104 is shown as a dashed line. Inside this inner annular edge 106, the outer wall 23 defines its inner portion 23i, and outside this inner annular edge 106, the outer wall 23 defines its outer portion 23e. The inner peripheral edge 231 is part of the inner part 23i, while the outer peripheral edge 230 is part of the outer part 23e.

[0043] It is clearly visible that the annular inner edge 106 intersects the three swirl channels 24, such that these channels 24 are closed by the annular shoulder 104 in their external portions and open in their internal portions. The central cavity 232 and the internal portions of the channels 24 communicate directly with the gap G. Alternatively, the gap G can be said to separate the central cavity 232 from the distributor orifice 132.

[0044] The fluid product that is forced through the central internal conduit 20 passes through the windows and enters axially into the swirling channels 24. From there, the majority of the fluid product is introduced tangentially into the swirling chamber C, but a minor portion of the fluid product passes from the channels 24 directly into the gap G. The fluid product set into swirling in chamber C passes through the gap G to reach the distribution orifice 132, at the outlet of which it is sprayed with a relatively closed spray angle.

[0045] Generally, the spray forms an elliptical spot on developing paper. The spray angle is measured by the length Dmax of the major axis and the length Dmin of the minor axis of the ellipse. For a standard head, Dmax is approximately 45 mm to 60 mm and Dmin is approximately 40 mm to 50 mm. In comparison, the head of the invention has a Dmax of 24 mm and a Dmin of 19 mm.

[0046] In the figure, we see a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first only with respect to the swirl channels. Indeed, instead of channels 24 that communicate directly axially with the central conduit 20, the swirl channels 24' are of a completely conventional type, with an axial depth that is identical or similar to that of the central cavity 232. These channels 24' communicate with the central conduit 20 via axial conduits 26 and lateral windows 25'. This conventional design aims to demonstrate that the invention, which resides in the annular shoulder 104, is also applicable to a distribution head T2, which has a conventional configuration.

[0047] Figure 1 represents a T3 distribution head, which can be considered a variant of the first embodiment, since only the inner wall and the annular shoulder have been modified. Instead of the flat inner wall 103 and a projecting shoulder 104, Figure 1 employs a frustoconical inner wall 103' surrounded by an annular surface 104', which serves the same bearing surface function as the projecting shoulder 104. The gap G' narrows outwards and terminates where the annular surface 104' comes into contact with the outer wall 23. Due to its frustoconical shape, the inner wall 103' directs the fluid towards the distribution orifice 132. The inner wall 103' may have a profile that performs a specific function.

[0048] Figures 7 and 8 show a T4 nozzle head according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous ones in the positioning of the axial stop of the nozzle within the housing. In fact, this axial stop is not located at the top of the nozzle, but along its height, and even closer to the inlet 201 of the central conduit 20. The 2" nozzle forms an outward shoulder 14 between the inlet 201 and the outer wall 23, and the 10" housing forms an inward shoulder 27 between the insertion opening 101 and the inner wall 103". The outward shoulder 14 bears axially against the inward shoulder 27. The outer wall 23 of the 2" nozzle is out of contact with the inner wall 103, so that a gap G is defined between them. We can clearly see on the lacquer the gap G'' completely separates the walls 23 and 103'' and extends over the entire wall 103'', which is flat.

[0049] In all embodiments, the inner peripheral edge, which delimits the central cavity and thus the vortex chamber, is out of contact with the inner wall 103, so that a gap is defined between them. By way of example, the axial thickness of the gap can be on the order of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, for example 0.1 mm.

[0050] The inner edge 106 is located approximately midway between the two inner peripheral edges 231 and outer peripheral edges 230. It can be noted that the inner edge 106 is located slightly closer to the inner peripheral edge 231 than to the outer peripheral edge 230. If we consider the radial distance between the two inner peripheral edges 231 and outer peripheral edges 230, that is to say the difference in radii of the two inner peripheral edges 231 and outer peripheral edges 230, we can say that the inner edge 106 can be located in a range from half this radial distance to one third of this radial distance relative to the inner peripheral edge 231 or two-thirds of this radial distance relative to the outer peripheral edge 230.

[0051] In a non-limiting example, the diameter of the outer peripheral edge 230 is 2.4 mm and the diameter of the inner peripheral edge 231 is 1 mm, so the radial distance previously defined is 0.7 mm, corresponding to (2.4 – 1) / 2. In this case, the diameter of the inner edge 106 can be on the order of 1.4 to 1.6 mm. The diameter of the inner edge 106 is equal to 0.58 to 0.66 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge 230. This range can be generalized to 0.5 to 0.7 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge 230. The inner edge 106 can also be defined in relation to the inner peripheral edge 231. The diameter of the inner edge 106 is equal to 1.4 to 1.6 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge 231. This range can be generalized to 1.3 to 1.7 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge 231.

[0052] The dispensing head of the invention can be mounted on a dispensing unit, which can be a pump or a valve, itself mounted on a fluid reservoir. The dispensing unit comprises a valve stem that can be axially moved back and forth against a return spring. The pressurized fluid in the dispensing unit is delivered through this valve stem. The spray head of the invention is mounted on the free end of the valve stem. This is a very common design for a fluid dispenser in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, perfumery, and food industries.

[0053] In these embodiments, which correspond to nasal use, the housing and the central internal conduit are of considerable length. Other embodiments with a shorter, or even significantly shorter, housing and conduit are easily conceivable. Furthermore, the embodiments used to illustrate the invention include three swirling channels, but this number can easily be reduced to two or even one, or conversely, increased to four or more.

[0054] The present invention is particularly applicable to the distribution of brain-targeting substances, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, psychedelics, substances suitable for the treatment of various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and motor disorders, antiepileptics, analgesics, relaxants, substances for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, substances for vaccinations and immunizations, such as, for example: Insulin, Oxytocin, Dopamine, Dopamine Agonists and Antagonists, L-DOPA, Epinephrine, Endomorphines, Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Migranal, Zolmitriptan, Zomig), Fentanyl, Ketamine, Midazolam, Morphine, Naloxone (Narcan), Esketamine, Levomethadyl acetate, Loperamide, Meperidine, Methadone, Tramadol, Diazepam, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-MeO-DMT, Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine, Tacrine, Amantadine, Apomorphine, Baclofen, Benzodiazepines, BenztropineBromocriptine, Carbidopa, Cyclobenzaprine, Dantrolene, Entacapone, Haloperidol, Pergolide, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Selegiline (Deprenyl), Trihexyphenidyl, Rasagiline (Azilect); Ladostigil, Rotigotine (Neupro), Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), COMT inhibitors, Acetazolamide, Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Ethosuximide, Felbamate, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Lorazepam; Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone, Tiagabine, Topiramate; Valproic acid, Vigabatrin, Fluticasone, Mometasone, Fluticasone Furoate, Budesonide, Beclomethasone, Azelastine, Tixocortol, Triamcinolone Acetonide, Ipratropium Bromide, Prednisolone, Ciclesonide, Flunisolide, Levocabastine, Olopatadine, Anthrax vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Tetanus vaccine, Coronavirus vaccine, Influenza vaccine (FluMist, NasalFent), Lactose, Maltitol, Trehalose, Sucralose, Sucrose, Isomalt, Maltose, Maltodextrin.

[0055] Thanks to the invention, a spray head is obtained which guarantees the integrity of the vortex chamber and a tighter spray angle.

Claims

Spray head (T1; T2; T3; T4) intended to be associated with a distribution device, such as a pump or a valve, the spray head (T1; T2; T3; T4) comprising: - a head body (1; 1'; 1'') forming a housing (10; 10'') defining an insertion opening (101) and an internal wall (103; 103'; 103'') through which a central spray orifice (132) passes, - a nozzle (2; 2'; 2''), of substantially tubular shape, axially engaged in the housing (10; 10'') of the head body (1; 1'; 1'') by the insertion opening (101), the nozzle (2; 2'; 2'') comprising an inlet (201) leading into a central internal conduit (20) and an external wall (23) in which are defined in relief a central cavity (232) centered on the central spray orifice (132) and several swirling channels (24;24') opening tangentially into the central cavity (232) and communicating with the central internal conduit (20), the external wall (23) defining an internal peripheral edge (231) which surrounds the central cavity (232) and an external peripheral edge (230), the swirl channels (24; 24') connecting the external peripheral edge (230) to the internal peripheral edge (231), at least the internal peripheral edge (231) being out of contact with the internal wall (103; 103'; 103''), so that a gap (G; G'; G'') is defined between them, characterized in that the internal wall (103) is surrounded by an annular shoulder (104) which projects towards the nozzle (2), at least an external part (23e) of the external wall (23) bearing axially against this annular shoulder (104).; Spray head according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall (23) defines an inner part (23i) located radially inside the inner edge (106) of the annular shoulder (104), this inner part (23i) including the inner peripheral edge (231), the outer part (23e) of the outer wall (23) being located radially outside the inner edge (106) of the annular shoulder (104), this outer part (23e) including the outer peripheral edge (230). Spray head according to claim 1 or 2, the annular shoulder (104) defines an internal edge (106) which is located radially between the two peripheral internal (231) and external (230) edges. Spray head according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer peripheral edge (230) defines an outer diameter and the inner edge (106) defines a diameter, the diameter of the inner edge (106) corresponding to 0.5 to 0.7 times the diameter of the outer peripheral edge (230). Spray head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner peripheral edge (231) defines an outer diameter and the inner edge (106) defines a diameter, the diameter of the inner edge (106) corresponding to 1.3 to 1.7 times the diameter of the inner peripheral edge (231). Spray head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer peripheral edge (230) defines a diameter of 2.4 mm, the inner peripheral edge (231) defines a diameter of 1 mm and the inner edge (106) defines a diameter of 1.4 to 1.6 mm. Spray head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular shoulder (104) defines a substantially flat annular section (105) and a connecting section (107) linking the inner wall (103) to the annular section (105), the outer part (23e) of the outer wall (23) bearing axially against the substantially flat annular section (105). Spray head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the swirl channels (24) define outlets (241) in the internal cavity (232), which interrupt the internal peripheral edge (231) of the external wall (23), these outlets (241) of swirl channels (24) communicating axially directly with the central internal conduit (20). Spray head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (103') is frustoconical and bordered by a flat annular area (104') which bears axially with an external part of the outer wall (23). Fluid product dispenser comprising a distribution element, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on a fluid product reservoir, and a spray head (T1; T2; T3; T4), according to any one of the preceding claims, mounted on the distribution element.

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