EP2910491A1 - Spray head for a liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

A spray cap (10) for a liquid container (26), comprising a frame element (11), a spray element (13) with at least one liquid channel (21) and an actuating element (12), frame element (11), spray element (13) and actuating element (11). 12) are integrally formed, wherein a material of the actuating element (12) has a lower modulus of elasticity than a material of the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13).

Description

The invention relates to a spray head for a liquid container, comprising a frame element, a spray element with at least one liquid channel and an actuating element according to claim 1, the production of a spray head according to claim 8 and a liquid container, in particular aerosol can according to claim 10.

A generic spray head is for example from the EP 1 118 554 A1 known. The EP 1 118 554 A1 describes an aerosol container with spray head (also referred to as "spray can"). The essential components of the spray head of the EP 1 118 554 A1 are a hood shell part integrally molded with a spray element and a separate, substantially disc-shaped actuator. The spray head includes a valve tube to spray liquid from the aerosol container via a nozzle. Overall, the spray head according to EP 1 118 554 A1 as comparatively less stable and user-friendly. In addition, there are several components, which complicates production and operation.

According to the prior art (eg EP 1 118 554 A1 ) A gap between the spray element and the actuator is provided. This gap is perceived as disturbing in aesthetic and operational terms.

The DE 698 00 746 T2 describes an output unit with a protective element comprising an annular frame which is closed by a flexible membrane. The protective element is placed on an upper end of a cylindrical body having an outlet channel and an outlet nozzle. Also the structure of DE 698 00 746 T2 is perceived as comparatively complicated and prone to failure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a spray head, which allows a stable yet pleasant operation for the ejection of a spray.

This object is achieved by a spray head according to claim 1, a manufacturing method according to claim 8 and a liquid container, in particular aerosol can according to claim 10.

In particular, the object is achieved by a spray head for a liquid container, comprising a frame member, a spray element with at least one liquid channel and an actuating element, wherein frame element, spray element and actuator are integrally formed, wherein a material of the actuating element has a lower modulus of elasticity (modulus of elasticity) as a material of the frame element and / or spray element.

A key aspect of the invention is therefore that frame, spray and actuator are formed in one piece and at the same time the actuator has a comparatively low modulus of elasticity (modulus of elasticity). It is particularly preferred (also independent of the modulus of elasticity), if a flexural rigidity of the actuating element (at least in sections) is less than a bending stiffness of the frame and / or spray element. A general aspect - which is hereby independently disclosed and claimed - according to the invention is to form at all a one-piece element comprising frame, spray and actuator (possibly also independent of the modulus of elasticity), preferably the material of the actuating element of the Material of the frame and / or Sprühelementes different. In any case, a resilient spray head is created, which can be operated in a pleasant manner and without much effort, in particular due to the adapted E-modules.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the actuating element and spray element or frame element are flush with each other, so no gap is formed between the two elements. As a result, improved optical and haptic properties are achieved over the prior art.

A "one-piece" design should preferably mean that the respective elements are connected to one another in a material-locking manner (for example by soldering, welding, gluing and / or vulcanization, in particular by injection molding). So the connection should not just be (only) positive or non-positive.

The "modulus of elasticity" is a material property and therefore may vary within a single element when composed of different materials. In such a case, the material with the lowest modulus of elasticity should preferably be used in each case for comparison between the actuating element on the one hand and the frame element and / or spray element on the other hand. Further preferably, it is ensured (in the presence of different materials within an element) that a mean modulus of elasticity of the actuating element is less than a mean modulus of elasticity of the frame and / or spray element. The "averaging" is preferably weighted with the "weight" (so that, for example, for an element comprising a material A with a weight X and a material B with a weight Y, the following applies: mean modulus of elasticity = (A * X + B * Y) / X + Y).

An E-modulus of the frame and / or spray element may be 600 to 1400 N / mm ² , preferably 800 to 1200 N / mm ² (measured at a temperature of 23 ° C). The modulus of elasticity of the actuator is preferably 50 to 400 N / mm ² , more preferably 100 to 300 N / mm ² (each measured at a temperature of 23 ° C).

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is molded onto the frame element and / or spray element, in particular molded and / or welded. By such a configuration, a particularly stable (by mutual anchoring of the material one of the individual elements) and yet pleasant to handle spray head is realized.

In a specific embodiment, the actuating element is designed as an elastic membrane or comprises such. This allows easy operation of the spraying mechanism.

The elastic membrane (or the actuating element in general) can be slipped over the frame member in sections, which is a stable and easy to produce connection.

An average wall thickness of the actuating element is preferably smaller than an average wall thickness of the frame and / or spray element. As a result, the actuation via the actuating element is further simplified.

The frame element or the spray element may have an outlet nozzle (in particular integrally formed). Frame element, spray element and outlet nozzle are particularly preferably part of a common (preferably monolithic) body. This achieves a stable overall construction.

Frame and spray element preferably form a monolithic unit (possibly including outlet nozzle). A "monolithic" unit is to be understood as a unit which has no connecting surfaces, that is to say it is "continuous". Alternatively or additionally, frame element and spray element (at least in sections) may be made of the same material. Such a measure also improves the robustness of frame and spray element.

• Bereitstellen eines Rahmenelementes;
• Bereitstellen eines Sprühelementes mit mindestens einem Flüssigkeitskanal;
• Anformen eines Betätigungselementes an das Rahmen- und/oder Sprühelement,

wobei ein Material des Betätigungselementes einen höheren E-Modul aufweist, als ein Material des Rahmen- und/oder Sprühelementes.The above object is achieved independently by a method for producing a spray head (in particular of the type described above) comprising the steps:

• Providing a frame element;
• Providing a spray element with at least one fluid channel;
• Molding an actuating element to the frame and / or spray element,

wherein a material of the actuating element has a higher modulus of elasticity than a material of the frame and / or spray element.

With regard to the advantages, reference is made to the comments on the spray head described above. A further development of the method provides for the actuating element to be sprayed onto the frame element and / or spray element (plastic injection molding).

The frame member and / or the spray element may be made of polypropylene or polyethylene. The actuator may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., comprising rubber). The elastomer is preferably injection-moldable. In a specific embodiment, the elastomer comprises an (injection-moldable) plastic component, e.g. Polypropylene component in which (vulcanized) rubber particles are embedded.

The above object is further achieved independently by a liquid container comprising a valve mechanism (through which liquid ejection can take place) and a spray head of the type described above and / or produced by the method described above. As an alternative or in addition to a valve mechanism, a pump mechanism (via which a liquid discharge can take place) can also be present.

The frame element is preferably designed as a hollow cylinder or comprises a hollow cylinder section. The liquid channel of the spray element preferably comprises two portions facing each other at an angle (of, for example, 70 ° to 110 °) to redirect liquid from a spray can to eject laterally. A first section of the channel may be arranged (substantially) parallel to a cylinder axis of the frame element, a second section (approximately) in a 70 ° to 110 ° angle. The spray element may preferably comprise an actuating plate. The actuating plate in turn can be connected in a specific embodiment with the actuating element (preferably by injection molding of the actuating element).

Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

In the following, the invention will also be described with regard to further features and advantages on the basis of exemplary embodiments, which will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schrägansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Sprühkopfes;

Fig. 2

eine weitere Schrägansicht des Sprühkopfes gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schrägansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungselementes;

Fig. 4

eine weitere schematische Schrägansicht des Betätigungselementes gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

ein erfindungsgemäßes Rahmenelement mit einem Sprühelement in einer ersten schematischen Ansicht;

Fig. 6

eine zweite schematische Ansicht des Rahmenelementes und Sprühelementes gemäß Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

einen schematischen Schnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Sprühkopfes mit einem abschnittsweise dargestellten Flüssigkeitsbehälter in einer ersten Stellung; und

Fig. 8

der Sprühkopf mit dem abschnittsweise dargestellten Flüssigkeitsbehälter gemäß Fig. 7 in einer zweiten Stellung.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a schematic oblique view of an embodiment of the spray head according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a further oblique view of the spray head according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a schematic oblique view of an actuating element according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a further schematic oblique view of the actuating element according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a frame element according to the invention with a spray element in a first schematic view;

Fig. 6

a second schematic view of the frame member and spray element according to Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

a schematic section of a spray head according to the invention with a liquid container shown in sections in a first position; and

Fig. 8

the spray head with the liquid container shown in sections according to Fig. 7 in a second position.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

The Figures 1 and 2 show in various oblique views a spray head 10 with a frame member 11 and an actuator 12. The actuator 12 is shown again in the individual FIGS. 3 and 4 , The spray head without the actuator 12 is in the FIGS. 5 and 6 shown. In FIGS. 5 and 6 One also recognizes a spray element 13 which is (preferably) designed as a monolithic unit with the frame element 11.

The frame member 11 is partially formed as a hollow cylinder and has a circumferential wall 14 which protrudes on a collar 15 upwards (in the mounted state). At a side facing away from the collar 15 edge of the wall 14 projects a tongue 16 (in the installed position upwards) from. The tongue 16 comprises a recess 17 in which a nozzle 18 (outlet nozzle 18) is arranged. Integral with the tongue 17 (and thus the frame 11), the spray element 13 is connected. In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle 18 may be an integral part of the frame member 11 and the spray element 13, respectively. In the present case, however, the nozzle 18 is formed as a separate component.

The spray element 13 comprises an actuating plate 19 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and a web 20 which is connected to the tongue 17 of the frame member 11 (integral). In the installed position below the actuating plate 19, a liquid channel 21 is arranged (see also FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The liquid channel 21 has a vertical portion 22 (in the installation position) and a horizontal portion 23 (in the installation position). As in the FIGS. 5 and 6 (and also 7 and 8) can be taken, the horizontal portion 23 is not necessarily arranged exactly horizontally, but may have a slight deviation from the horizontal (for example, ± 20 °). At the end of the horizontal section 23 of the liquid channel 21 is (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) the nozzle 18.

A (lower) end 24 of the liquid channel 21 (see Fig. 7 ) connects to a valve mechanism 25 of a liquid container 26. This can be realized by downward movement of the actuator plate 19 due to a downward movement of the actuating element 12, an opening operation and thus an ejection of liquid (spraying; Fig. 8 ). Actuator 12 and actuator plate 19 are dimensioned such that the actuator 12 is supported only partially by the actuator plate 19 and in particular a free-floating section 27 (see. Fig. 8 ) remains, which is not in contact with the actuating plate 19. By this freely floating section 27, the actuating element 12 (the actuating membrane 12) are bent in sections, wherein due to the Elasticity of the actuating element 12, the original position (by snapping back) is taken again (see. Fig. 7 ).

Like that FIGS. 3 and 4 can be removed, the actuating element 12 (the actuating diaphragm 12) has a cap shape (essentially). Furthermore, a recess 28 is formed, which corresponds to the tongue 16 of the frame member 11. As a result, a total completed to the outside spray head is realized.

Inside the frame member 11 are ribs 29 (see FIGS. 6 . 7 and 8 ) educated. By these ribs 29, the connection of the frame member 11 is improved with the actuating element 12 by molding. Overall, therefore, an extremely reliable connection between the frame member 11 and actuator 12 is realized. In the actuator plate 19 holes 30 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) educated. The holes 30 serve a reliable connection between the actuating element 12 and spray element 13 by injection molding of the actuating element 12th

The ribs 29 can generally be replaced by any desired projections or recesses. Likewise, the holes 30 can be replaced by any shaped projections or recesses.

It should be noted at this point that all the above-described parts taken alone and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Variations thereof are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

spray nozzle

11

frame element

12

actuator

13

spraying

14

wall

15

collar

16

tongue

17

recess

18

exhaust nozzle

19

operating plate

20

web

21

liquid channel

22

vertical section of the liquid channel

23

horizontal section of the fluid channel

24

lower end of the liquid channel

25

valve mechanism

26

liquid container

27

free floating section

28

recess

29

rib

30

hole

Claims (10)

A spray head (10) for a liquid container (26), comprising a frame element (11), a spray element (13) with at least one liquid channel (21) and an actuating element (12),
characterized in that
Frame element (11), spray element (13) and actuating element (12) are integrally formed, wherein a material of the actuating element (12) has a lower modulus of elasticity than a material of the frame member (11) and / or spray element (13). Spray head (10) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the actuating element (12) and the frame element (11) or spray element (13) flush with each other and / or that the actuating element (12) to the frame member (11) and / or spray element (13) integrally formed, in particular molded and / or welded is. Spray head (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the actuating element (12) comprises or consists of an elastic part, in particular an elastic membrane. Spray head (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13) is at least partially made of polyethylene and / or polypropylene and / or
characterized in that
the actuating element (12) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer at least in sections. Spray head (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
an average wall thickness of the actuating element (10) is smaller than an average wall thickness of the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13). Spray head (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the frame element (11) or spray element (13) has a, in particular integrally formed, outlet nozzle (18). Spray head (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
Frame element (11) and spray element (13) form a monolithic unit and / or at least partially made of the same material. Method for producing a spray head (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Providing a frame element (11), Providing a spray element (13) with at least one liquid channel (21), - molding an actuating element (12) on the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13), wherein a material of the actuating element (12) has a higher modulus of elasticity than a material of the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13). Method according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the actuating element (12) is injection-molded or welded onto the frame element (11) and / or spray element (13) and the elements are thereby joined together. Liquid container (26) comprising a valve mechanism (25) and a spray head (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or produced according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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