EP1688368A1 - Dispensing head for a fluid product - Google Patents

Abstract

The head has a connecting sleeve (24) to receive a fluid product outlet (4) of a dispensing unit e.g. pump, where the sleeve extends along axis (X). An outlet channel (27) extends along another axis (Y) and defines an axial opening (29). The channel (27) is partially blocked by a cap (3) connected fixedly in the channel in the manner to define a distribution orifice (35) of constant section.

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser head intended to be mounted on or associated with a fluid dispenser member such as a valve or a pump. The dispensing head is more particularly suitable for dispensing the fluid product in the form of foam. Such a dispensing head may especially find application in the most diverse fields, such as that of body products (shaving foam), pharmacy, food products, etc. However, the dispensing head of the present invention can also be used to dispense other types of fluid that are not necessarily foaming.

Foam dispensing heads generally have a design capable of promoting the formation of foam. For this, the dispensing head must generate the maximum turbulence in the fluid product. It is well known that turbulence promotes the formation of foam by increasing the quality of the mixture of the fluid with a gas, which may be air.

An object of the present invention is to define a dispensing head which makes it possible to generate a maximum of turbulence. Another goal is to achieve a dispensing head that is easily moldable. Yet another goal is to achieve a dispensing head with a minimum of parts, the assembly is simple.

To achieve these aims, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser head, in particular in the form of foam, intended to be associated with a fluid dispenser member, such as a valve or a pump, said head comprising a connecting sleeve adapted to receive a fluid product outlet of the dispensing member, the sleeve extending along a first axis X, and an outlet channel which extends along an axis Y and which defines an axial opening, characterized in that the channel is partially obstructed by a plug fixedly attached to said channel so as to define a constant section dispensing orifice. The plug effectively and simply reduces its section of the axial opening thus defining a dispensing orifice whose passage cross section does not change over time, since the cap is fixed, unlike a valve.

Advantageously, the plug comprises a foot engaged in the outlet channel and a pellet which partially obstructs the opening of the outlet channel so as to define an annular distribution orifice which extends around the pellet which is advantageously inclined relative to Advantageously, the pellet forms an inner face that extends transversely to the Y axis and against which the fluid product knocks before being distributed through the dispensing orifice. The plug is easily axially insertable into the outlet channel of the head. Although its pellet can be inclined, its foot extends perfectly axially in the outlet channel. The fact that the fluid product abuts against the inner face of the pellet further promotes the generation of turbulence.

According to another aspect of the invention, the Y axis of the output channel is distinct from the X axis, so that the output channel is offset relative to the connecting sleeve. The X and Y axes can be parallel, but offset, or be inclined or intersecting.

Advantageously, the connecting sleeve connects the outlet channel through a connecting conduit which extends along a third axis Z which is parallel to the axis Y, but offset with respect thereto, so that the sleeve, the channel, and the duct all extend along distinct axes X, Y and Z, respectively. The three axes can be parallel. With three fluid product passage sections staggered relative to each other, the fluid product is forced to flow through a very sinuous path or baffle, which promotes the generation of turbulence. In addition, when the sleeve, the channel and the duct all extend axially, the dispensing head is easily moldable and demoldable. A mold consisting solely of two mold parts is sufficient to mold the dispensing head of the invention.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the sleeve forms an internal housing which is centered on the axis X, this housing being intended to receive the outlet of the dispensing member, this housing being extended by an airlock which is also centered on the X axis, this airlock communicating with the connecting conduit through a side window. Thus, the fluid product that comes out the dispensing member knocks against the plugged or blind end of the airlock, and is thus forced to flow through the side window that gives into the connecting pipe. Advantageously, the conduit comprises a blind lower end and the lock comprises a blind upper end.

According to another aspect of the invention, the conduit comprises an open upper end which opens axially into the outlet channel. Thus, it is possible to mold the connecting conduit with a pin that extends through the output channel. Advantageously, the Z axis passes through the outlet channel over its entire axial length.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the dispensing head comprises a ring provided with fastening means for fixing the ring to a fluid reservoir, and a pusher forming a bearing surface on which it is possible to press for move the pusher relative to the ring, the pusher also forming the connecting sleeve and a projecting tip which defines internally the connecting conduit and the outlet channel, this end being capped by the cap. Advantageously, the pusher comprises a peripheral ring which is connected to the ring by at least one bridge of material, the ring forming a protruding collar which surrounds the ring concentrically, so that the lower end of the ring is situated axially in position. below the top edge of the collar. The protruding collar thus masks a portion of the crown: this makes it possible to dispense with precise positioning of the pusher in the ring.

The X, Y and Z axes are axes of symmetry, which pass longitudinally in the center of the sleeve, channel, and duct, respectively. The sleeve, the airlock, the duct and the channel have a generally or substantially cylindrical shape and the X, Y and Z axes constitute cylinders generating axes. Even in the case where the sleeve, the airlock, the duct and / or the channel do not have a substantially or mainly cylindrical configuration, it is always possible to define a longitudinal axis of greater symmetry. The X, Y and Z axes can also be heard in this direction.

The plug, as well as the offset between the sleeve, the channel and the duct, contribute to generate turbulence in the fluid before distribution, which is particularly advantageous for foam dispensers.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the invention.

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale verticale à travers une tête de distribution de l'invention avant assemblage,
• La figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 pour la tête de distribution à l'état monté.

In the figures:

• FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing head of the invention before assembly,
• Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 for the dispensing head in the mounted state.

The dispensing head used to illustrate the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises three constituent elements, namely a fixing ring 1, a pusher distributor 2 and a plug 3. The ring 1 and the pusher 2 can be realized in one piece, so that they form a single piece. They can therefore be molded in one and the same mold. The ring 1, the pusher 2 and the cap 3 can be made by injection-molding of suitable plastic material. The ring 1 and the pusher 2 can be made with different plastic materials or with the same plastic of different colors. It is the same for the cap 3 which can be made of a different plastic material or different color from that of the ring 1 and the pusher 2.

The fixing ring 1 has a very generally cylindrical shape and thus has a symmetry of revolution with respect to a central axis X. The ring which defines in its lower part a fixing skirt 11, and in its upper part, a projecting flange 12 The fixing skirt 11 defines fastening means, for example in the form of an internal snap-fitting housing, into which the upper part of a tank can be housed. One can of course consider different fixing skirts, using different fastening techniques, such as screwing, gluing or crimping. In a very general manner, the fixing ring 1 is used for fixing the dispensing head on a fixed element of the dispenser, that is to say an element which is integral directly or indirectly with the fluid reservoir or d a fixed part of a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve. Therefore, the fixing ring 1 can also be adapted to engage a fixed part of a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve. One can even imagine that the fixing ring 1 is made integrally with a portion of the reservoir and / or the dispenser member.

The distributor pusher 2 comprises a ring 21 which defines the maximum diameter of the pusher 2. The ring 21 has a symmetry of revolution about an axis which is coincident with the axis X which is the axis of symmetry of the ring. The ring 21 is engaged inside the projecting collar 12 of the ring 1, and is connected, at its lower end, to the inner wall of the collar 12, by at least one bridge of material 22. In practice there are several bridges of matter, usually two, which have different functions. A bridge of resistant material serves as a hinge or articulation, while the other material bridge is brittle and serves as a first-use security. In general, these two material bridges can be arranged diametrically opposite. In the figures, there is a material bridge 22 located on the left side of the head. This bridge material can for example extend over a small portion of the periphery of the ring 21, and serve as hinge or articulation. On the right side, we could have represented another bridge of brittle material, which serves as security of first use. It is of course possible to provide several bridges of material to perform the hinge function and several material bridges to achieve the first-use safety function. It is also possible to provide only one (or more) bridge (s) of material serving as hinge or hinge and to do without bridge brittle material serving as a first-use security. In any case, it may be noted that the ring 21 penetrates inside the projecting flange 22, so that its lower end is located axially well below the free upper end of the flange 12. Thus, it does not is not absolutely necessary that the ring 21 is positioned with extreme precision inside the collar 12. The lower edge of the ring 21, which serves as a visual reference for the plate of the pusher 2 relative to the ring 1, is indeed not visible, since masked by the collar 12.

Beyond the ring 21, the distributor pusher 2 has a completely asymmetrical and eccentric configuration. The pusher defines a bearing surface 23, which is arranged on the right part of the head when one looks at FIGS. 1 and 2, and a projecting tip 28 which is offset on the left part of the head when one FIGS. 1 and 2. The bearing surface 23 serves to affix one or more fingers of the user's hand, in order to exert a substantially axial thrust downwards to move the distributor pusher 2 relative to the ring 1. The displacement of the pusher 2 relative to the ring 1 is effected here by a tilting of the pusher 2 to the right when we look at the figures, since the pusher 2 is connected to the ring 1 by the material bridge 22 forming a hinge and located on the left side of the head by looking at FIGS. 1 and 2. The off-centering of the end piece 28 relative to the ring 21 and the ring 1 makes it possible to release a larger area 23. The tip 28 protrudes axially upward, apart ir of the ring 21, and from the bearing surface 23. The tip 28 comprises a substantially vertical wall, which extends in the X axis and an opposite wall completely eccentric which forms an exponential slope. At its upper end, the tip 28 forms an opening 29 which is inclined.

The dispensing plunger 2 internally forms a connection sleeve 24 which defines a receiving housing 241 for a fluid outlet 4 forming part of a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve. In practice, this dispensing outlet 4 is constituted by the upper end of the actuating rod of a pump or the valve stem of a valve. The connecting sleeve 24 also forms an inlet lock chamber 25 which extends in the extension of the receiving housing 241. The housing 241, as well as the inlet lock chamber 25 extend centrally with respect to the axis X.

On the other hand, the distributor pusher 2 forms a connecting pipe 26 which extends centrally with respect to another axis Z which is inclined or parallel to the axis X, but which is offset with respect thereto. . In the figures, the X and Z axes are parallel. The connecting pipe 26 has a substantially cylindrical configuration, and the Z axis is the generatrix of the cylinder. The connecting conduit 26 has a closed or blind lower end, and an open upper end. The connecting conduit 26 communicates with the lock 25 through a side window 256. The upper end of the entry lock 25 is closed or blind. Thus, the entry lock 25 and the connecting conduit 26 are offset axially with respect to each other: the fluid product from the outlet 4 is thus projected against the blind upper wall of the entry lock chamber 25, this forces the fluid to flow through the window 256 and bump against the wall of the connecting pipe 26, then to be reoriented upwards, since the lower end of the conduit 26 is blind. This tortuous passage forms a flow path of fluid product, which promotes turbulence and thus improves the quality of the foam.

The dispensing plunger 2 also forms an outlet channel 27, which extends centrally with respect to another Y axis, which is parallel to the Z axis, but which is offset with respect thereto. In the figures, the three axes X, Y and Z are parallel, but it is also conceivable that the Y and Z axes are parallel, but inclined with respect to the axis X. The outlet channel 27 has a substantially cylindrical configuration with the Y axis forming the generator of the cylinder. There are thus three passage sections that are offset relative to each other. The connecting duct 26 communicates directly in the outlet channel 27. It may even be noted that the axis of symmetry Z of the duct 26 passes through the outlet channel 27 over its entire length. Specifically, the right wall of the duct 26 and the channel 27 are both formed by the axial central vertical wall of the nozzle 28. In contrast, the left wall of the channel 27 is eccentric to the left relative to the wall Thus, the cross section of the channel 27 is greater than the cross section of the conduit 26. The upper end of the outlet channel 27 is formed by the opening 29 of the nozzle 28. This opening 29 extends inclined relative to the axis Y, without being perpendicular to the axis Y. The opening 29 makes an angle of about 45 ° with respect to the Y axis. The opening 29 may also be perpendicular to the Y axis.

The tip 28 thus defines a very sinuous fluid passage formed with three distinct passage sectors, which extend along distinct offset parallel axes. This greatly favors the generation of turbulence, which is conducive to the formation of a good quality foam.

The plug 3 is attached in the channel 27 and fixed in place. To do this, the cap 3 comprises a fixing foot 31 and a sealing pad 34. The foot 31 is intended to be inserted into force inside the outlet channel 27. The cap is thus fixedly mounted in the channel . The foot 31 forms a plurality of vertical radial ribs 32 which extend all around the foot. These ribs 32 are intended to engage tightly with the inner wall of the outlet channel 27. To promote the attachment of these ribs 32 within the channel 27, there is provided one or more attachment ribs 33 which come bite in the inner wall of the channel 27. It is advantageous to use a harder material for the plug 3 than for the pusher 2. Once engaged within the channel 27, as can be seen in Figure 2, the vertical radial ribs 32 define between them several passages of fluid product which make it possible to reach the pellet 34. The horizontal transverse section of the foot 31 of the cap 3 may, for example, have a star shape with several branches formed by the ribs 32. shutter pad 34 connects the foot 31 at an angle of about 45 °. The pellet 34 comprises a lower inner face 341 and an upper outer face 342. The ribs 32 are connected at their upper ends to the lower face 341. Once in place in the outlet channel 27, the foot 31 is entirely received inside the channel 27, while the pellet 34 is perfectly housed inside the edge formed by the opening 29. There remains however a gap between the pellet 34 and the edge of the opening 29, which constitutes a annular peripheral dispensing orifice 35. This dispensing orifice 35 is in direct communication with the passages formed between the ribs 32. The pellet 34 is substantially completely housed inside the edge formed by the opening 29. Because the plug is fixedly mounted in the channel 27, the section of the dispensing orifice is constant, although it may not be uniform.

The ribs 32 of the foot 31, by dividing the outlet channel 27 into several axial passages also contribute to the generation of turbulence. It is the same for the lower inner face 341 of the pellet 34 against which the fluid is forced to come knock after having passed through the radial passages formed by the ribs 32. Then, the fluid already heavily foamed is forced to escape through the dispensing orifice which is formed only by a relatively small gap.

Thus, when a user presses the surface 23, the pusher 2 pivots off its axis by pivoting at the material bridge 22 which serves as hinge or hinge. This tilting has the effect of moving the outlet 4 of the dispensing member and thus triggering the dispensing of the fluid product which is initially stored in a reservoir, and fed by the dispensing member. The fluid arrives in the airlock 25 where it knocks the upper blind end, forcing it to flow through the window 256 and through the connecting conduit 26. From there, the fluid can flow upwardly directly in the outlet channel 27. The fluid product is then forced to divide to flow through the plurality of axial passages formed by the ribs 32 of the foot 31 of the cap 3. The fluid product then reaches up to at the lower face 341 of the pellet 34 where it is forced to escape through the dispensing orifice 35. Thanks to this particularly sinuous flow path, the fluid product undergoes a lot of turbulence, which has the effect of 'increase the quality of the foam.

Claims (11)

Fluid dispenser head, in particular in the form of foam, intended to be associated with a fluid dispenser member, such as a valve or a pump, said head comprising: a connecting sleeve (24) adapted to receive a fluid product outlet (4) from the dispensing member, the sleeve extending along a first axis X, and an outlet channel (27) extending along a Y axis and defining an axial opening (29), characterized in that the channel (27) is partially obstructed by a plug (3) fixedly attached in said channel so as to define a dispensing orifice (35) of constant section. Dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the plug (3) comprises a foot (31) fixedly engaged in the outlet channel (28) and a pellet (34) which partially obstructs the opening (29) of the output so as to define an annular distribution orifice (35) which extends around the chip, which is advantageously inclined with respect to the axis Y. Dispensing head according to claim 2, wherein the wafer (34) forms an inner face (341) which extends transversely to the Y axis and against which the fluid product knocks before being dispensed through the orifice. distribution. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Y axis of the output channel is separate from the X axis, so that the output channel is offset from the connecting sleeve. Dispensing head according to claim 4, wherein the connecting sleeve (24) connects the outlet channel through a connecting conduit (26) which extends along a third axis Z which is parallel to the Y axis, but offset by relative to it, so that the sleeve, the channel, and the conduit all extend along distinct axes X, Y, and Z, respectively. Dispensing head according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve (24) forms an inner housing (241) which is centered on the axis X, this housing being intended to receive the outlet (4) of the dispenser member, housing being extended by an airlock (25), which is also centered on the axis X, the airlock communicating with the connecting conduit (26) through a side window (256). Dispensing head according to claim 6, wherein the conduit (26) comprises a blind lower end and the lock (25) comprises a blind upper end. Dispensing head according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the conduit (26) comprises an open upper end which opens axially into the outlet channel (27). Dispensing head according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the Z axis passes through the outlet channel over its entire axial length. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a ring (1) provided with fastening means (11) for fixing the ring to a reservoir of fluid, and a pusher (2) forming a bearing surface (23) on which can be pressed to move the pusher relative to the ring (1), the pusher also forming the connecting sleeve (2 ') and a protruding end (28). ) which defines internally the connecting pipe (26) and the outlet channel (27), this nozzle being capped by the plug (3). Dispensing head according to claim 10, wherein the pusher (2) comprises a peripheral ring (21) which is connected to the ring (1) by at least one material bridge (22), the ring forming a protruding flange (12). ) which surrounds the ring concentrically, so that the lower end of the ring is located axially below the upper edge of the collar.

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