EP3579980B1 - Spray head for a fluid product and use of such a head - Google Patents

Spray head for a fluid product and use of such a head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3579980B1
EP3579980B1 EP18709667.2A EP18709667A EP3579980B1 EP 3579980 B1 EP3579980 B1 EP 3579980B1 EP 18709667 A EP18709667 A EP 18709667A EP 3579980 B1 EP3579980 B1 EP 3579980B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
spray head
approximately
equal
head according
swirl
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3579980A1 (en
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stéphane Beranger
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Aptar France SAS
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Aptar France SAS
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/34—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
    • B05B1/3405—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl
    • B05B1/341—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet
    • B05B1/3421—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber
    • B05B1/3431—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber the channels being formed at the interface of cooperating elements, e.g. by means of grooves
    • B05B1/3436—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber the channels being formed at the interface of cooperating elements, e.g. by means of grooves the interface being a plane perpendicular to the outlet axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid product spray head which comprises a body forming a housing in which a core extends.
  • the head also comprises a nozzle engaged in the housing around the core so as to form between them several swirl channels as well as a swirl chamber into which the swirl channels emerge.
  • the nozzle also includes a dispensing orifice which forms the outlet of the swirl chamber.
  • Such a spray head design is quite conventional in the fields of cosmetics, pharmacy or even perfumery.
  • the spray head is usually mounted on the free end of the valve stem of a pump or valve. In general, the spray head forms a push button on which the user can press axially using a finger, typically the index finger.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide swirl channels, a swirl chamber and a spray orifice which make it possible to obtain a spray of optimum quality for a particular type of fluid product, namely shear-thinning fluid products.
  • the spray head of the present invention can also be used with other types of fluid product, always with a spray of acceptable or even optimum quality.
  • Rheofluidification refers to the fact, for a fluid product, of “becoming more fluid” when the flow speed increases. More precisely, it refers to the fact that the dynamic viscosity decreases when the rate of shear increases. Also referred to defatting shear thinning or shear (shear thinning English) or pseudo-plasticity. Shear thinning should not be confused with thixotropy, which designates the decrease in viscosity under the effect of shear stress.
  • the behavior of a fluid product is shear thinning or “pseudoplastic” (an old name sometimes encountered) in the shear thinning domain, located after the 1st Newtonian plateau.
  • the viscosity of the fluid decreases (fluidization) with the increase of the speed gradient.
  • the structure of the material is oriented / deformed by shearing (example: alignment of the chains of a polymer according to the direction of the stress). At high shear rates (corresponding to the second Newtonian plateau), there is destructuring of the material. A structure that does not flow requires a greater effort to be deconstructed.
  • Most samples containing large objects compared to the atomic scale are shear thinners. The majority (around 90%) of the substances are shear thinners: polymers, low-load emulsions, suspensions, shampoo, etc.
  • the object of the present invention is to optimize the characteristics of the swirl channels, of the swirl chamber and / or of the dispensing orifice in order to obtain a homogeneous and balanced spray, both in space and in terms. of droplet sizes.
  • the minimum angle of spray must be greater than 30 °.
  • the droplets at a distance of 20 cm must be sufficiently distributed so as not to form runs.
  • the outlet section S3 of the dispensing orifice is considerably larger. This is explained by the fact that xanthan gel has elastic properties: when it is stressed, it absorbs energy to "expand” when it is released. This is the effect that occurs when passing the distribution orifice of conventional nozzles ( ⁇ 0.3 mm in diameter). During this “expansion”, the forming droplets stick together to form a jet. Pat elsewhere, it has also been noticed that the length of the swirl channels L1 must also be correlated with the diameter of the swirl chamber, which itself correlates with the diameter of the dispensing orifice.
  • 0.2 mm 2 ⁇ S3 ⁇ 0.38 mm 2 and preferably S3 is equal to approximately 0.33 mm 2 , so that 0.5 mm ⁇ D3 ⁇ 0.7 mm, and preferably D3 is equal to about 0.65 mm.
  • 0.5 mm 2 ⁇ S2 ⁇ 1.13 mm 2 and preferably S2 is equal to approximately 0.785 mm 2 , so that 0.8 mm ⁇ D2 ⁇ 1.2 mm, and preferably D2 is equal to approximately 1 mm.
  • L1 ⁇ 1.1 mm, and preferably L1 is equal to approximately 1.5 mm.
  • the dispensing orifice may be cylindrical and has an axial length L3 which is less than approximately 30% of D3. It is thus possible for the dispensing orifice to be formed by an annular ridge, so that L3 is zero.
  • the swirl chamber comprises a frustoconical part whose maximum diameter is equal to D2 and which has an axial length L23 which is between 30% and 60% of D2, and preferably at approximately half of D2.
  • the swirl chamber also comprises a cylindrical part at the level of which the swirl channels open out, this cylindrical part having an axial length L22 which is equal to approximately 40% of D2. So the swirl chamber defines, from upstream to downstream, first a cylindrical part of diameter D2, then a frustoconical part at which the diameter passes from D2 to D3.
  • the swirl chamber which does not include a frustoconical part.
  • the swirl chamber consists only of a cylindrical part which is connected to the dispensing orifice by a shoulder.
  • S1 is equal to approximately 0.07 mm 2 and S0 is equal to approximately 0.21 mm 2 . This means that the channels have a more or less triangular overall configuration with a large inlet and a small outlet.
  • the channel inlet forms a rounded wall.
  • This rounded wall finds a very particular advantage with shear-thinning fluid products which are sensitive to high pressure drops and to disturbances. With this rounded wall, the fluid product can penetrate into the swirl channels substantially without disturbance and without pressure losses due to the modification of the orientation. The fluid in the swirl channels is then accelerated, because the section S1 is smaller than the section S0.
  • the core side wall is cylindrical and the core front wall is planar.
  • the core has no orientation, and the nozzle can be engaged around the core without taking care of its orientation. Easier assembly is thus obtained.
  • the present invention thus defines a spray head having a very particular configuration, which finds a privileged use with shear-thinning fluid products, which for example contain xanthan gum with a content of the order of 1% or less.
  • the spirit of the invention lies in the fact that the fluid which circulates through the nozzle undergoes the least possible variation in pressure drops, in order to avoid too great an absorption of energy which then induces an excessive expansion. which disrupts the formation of droplets which then tend to stick together to form a jet. This is particularly the case for shear-thinning fluid products, but also for other types of fluid product.
  • the section ratio (or diameter) of the dispensing orifice and the swirl chamber and / or the length of the swirl channels to the diameter of the swirl chamber are characteristics that can be considered directly influencing for the formation of a spray of optimal quality.
  • the other characteristics of the nozzle make it possible to further improve the quality of the spray.
  • the dispensing head comprises a head body 1 which forms a connecting sleeve 11 in which is engaged the free end of a valve stem P1 of a dispensing unit P, which may be a pump or a valve.
  • a dispensing unit P which may be a pump or a valve.
  • it is a standard pump which delivers fluid product through its valve stem P1 with a pressure of the order of 3 to 6 bars.
  • the body 1 forms an axial space 12 which extends substantially in the extension of the valve stem P1.
  • the body 1 then forms a supply duct 13 which extends horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the connection sleeve 11.
  • This supply duct 13 opens into an annular housing 14 in which a core extends. 16 which defines a core side wall 16a and a core front wall 16b.
  • the housing 14 opens laterally into the body 1. This is a completely conventional design for a head body in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery or even pharmacy.
  • the head also comprises a nozzle 2 which is forcibly engaged in the housing 14 around the core 16.
  • the nozzle 2 has the general shape of a cup with a distribution wall 21 into which opens a spray orifice O.
  • the distribution wall 21 comes into abutting contact with the front core wall 16b.
  • the nozzle 2 also comprises a lateral fixing wall 22 which is engaged around the core 16.
  • the lateral fixing wall 22 can also form one or more spear catch (s) 23 to ensure the fixing of the nozzle in the housing 14.
  • the distribution wall 21 forms upstream of the distribution orifice O a swirl chamber C which is supplied by several swirl channels T, themselves supplied by several connecting passages P, all formed between the core 16 and the nozzle 2.
  • the connecting passages P are supplied by the annular space 15. This is a completely conventional design for a nozzle in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.
  • the spray head also comprises a covering hoop 3 which is in the form of a cover in which the core 1 is engaged.
  • the covering hoop 3 comprises a side skirt 31 which is pierced with a window 32 at the bottom. sight of the distribution wall 21 of the nozzle 2.
  • the upper wall 30 of the covering band 3 forms a bearing surface for a finger of a user. Again, this is a completely classic design for a covering band in the field of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.
  • the distribution orifice O has a chamber outlet diameter D3 which defines a chamber outlet section S3, as well as an axial depth or length L3 measured along the X axis of the figure 3 .
  • the swirl chamber C is centered on the distribution orifice O along the longitudinal axis of revolution X.
  • the swirl chamber C has a maximum chamber inlet diameter D2 defining a maximum chamber inlet section S2 .
  • the outlet of the chamber is formed by the dispensing orifice O, so that the minimum diameter of the outlet of the chamber is equal to D3.
  • the swirl chamber C comprises a cylindrical portion C2 whose diameter is D2 and a frustoconical portion C3 disposed between the cylindrical portion C2 and the dispensing orifice O, so that the maximum diameter of the cylindrical part C3 is equal to D2 and its minimum diameter is equal to D3.
  • the nozzle 2 comprises three swirl channels T which have a generally triangular configuration.
  • the three swirl channels T are equiangularly arranged around the swirl chamber C.
  • Each swirl channel T includes a T0 channel inlet defining an S0 channel inlet section and a T1 channel outlet defining a section. output channel S1.
  • Each swirl channel T also defines a length L1, as seen on the figure 4 .
  • Each swirl channel T includes two walls T2 and T3 which extend substantially tangentially to the swirl chamber C. As a result, the two walls T2 and T3 are not parallel, but on the contrary converge towards the swirl chamber. , where they form between them the output of channel T1 of section S1. Therefore, S0 is greater than S1.
  • the other two walls (not referenced) of the swirl channel T are identical, parallel and respectively formed by the front wall 16b of the core 16 and the distribution wall 21.
  • the fixing side wall 22 internally forms three reinforcements 24 which are arranged between the three channel inlets T0. These three reinforcements 24 have the function of coming into contact with the side wall 16a of the core 16. Between the reinforcements 24, the nozzle 2 forms with the core 16 the three connecting passages P. These connecting passages P are in fluid communication. with T0 channel inputs.
  • the channel inlets T0 comprise a rounded wall Ta, so that the fluid which travels in the connecting passages P is gradually deflected along the rounded walls Ta in the respective swirl channels T
  • These rounded walls Ta thus form smooth ramps which respectively connect each connecting passage P to a swirl channel T. They make it possible to pass without breaking an axial orientation (that of the connecting passages P) to a radial orientation (that of the swirl channels).
  • Sections S2 and S3 extend perpendicular to the X axis and are arranged parallel to each axial end of the swirl chamber C.
  • the outlet section S1 of the channels extends parallel to the X axis substantially tangential to the swirl chamber C.
  • the inlet section S0 extends parallel to the sections S2 and S3, but eccentrically with respect to the swirl chamber C.
  • the section S0 extends in the same plane as the section S3, given that they are defined at the level of the front wall 16b of the core 16. It can also be said that the sections S0 and S1 extend in respective planes arranged perpendicularly one by one. compared to each other.
  • section should be understood as the maximum section
  • diameter should be understood as the maximum diameter
  • length should be understood as the maximum length.
  • approximately means ⁇ 5% when it comes to percentage and ⁇ 10% when it comes to magnitude.
  • the R3 relationship has proven to be the third most influential relationship in most cases.
  • the conjunction of the relations R1 + R3 or R2 + R3 can therefore also be considered as particularly influential on the quality of the spray.
  • the relation R7 implies that L3 can be zero, so that the dispensing orifice O can be formed by an annular ridge.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une tête de pulvérisation de produit fluide qui comprend un corps formant un logement dans lequel s'étend un noyau. La tête comprend également un gicleur engagé dans le logement autour du noyau de manière à former entre eux plusieurs canaux de tourbillonnement ainsi qu'une chambre de tourbillonnement dans laquelle débouchent les canaux de tourbillonnement. Le gicleur comprend également un orifice de distribution qui forme la sortie de la chambre de tourbillonnement. Une telle conception de tête de pulvérisation est tout à fait conventionnelle dans les domaines de la cosmétique, de la pharmacie ou encore de la parfumerie. La tête de pulvérisation est en général montée sur l'extrémité libre de la tige de soupape d'une pompe ou d'une valve. En général, la tête de pulvérisation forme un bouton de poussoir sur lequel l'utilisateur peut appuyer axialement à l'aide d'un doigt, typiquement l'index.The present invention relates to a fluid product spray head which comprises a body forming a housing in which a core extends. The head also comprises a nozzle engaged in the housing around the core so as to form between them several swirl channels as well as a swirl chamber into which the swirl channels emerge. The nozzle also includes a dispensing orifice which forms the outlet of the swirl chamber. Such a spray head design is quite conventional in the fields of cosmetics, pharmacy or even perfumery. The spray head is usually mounted on the free end of the valve stem of a pump or valve. In general, the spray head forms a push button on which the user can press axially using a finger, typically the index finger.

Il existe dans l'art antérieur toute sorte de têtes de pulvérisation de produit fluide avec des caractéristiques diverses, notamment liées à la configuration, l'orientation, la formation, les proportions, des canaux de tourbillonnement, de la chambre de tourbillonnement et de l'orifice de distribution, pour atteindre des buts variés, tels qu'un montage aisé, un moulage aisé, un type particulier de spray, une durée de spray allongée ou réduite, etc., voir par exemple le document WO 2016/022409 .In the prior art, there are all kinds of fluid spray heads with various characteristics, in particular related to the configuration, orientation, formation, proportions, swirl channels, the swirl chamber and the swirl chamber. 'distribution orifice, to achieve various purposes, such as easy assembly, easy molding, a particular type of spray, extended or reduced spray duration, etc., see for example the document WO 2016/022409 .

Le but de la présente invention est de réaliser des canaux de tourbillonnement, une chambre de tourbillonnement et un orifice de pulvérisation qui permettent d'obtenir un spray de qualité optimale pour un type particulier de produit fluide, à savoir les produits fluides rhéofluidifiants. Toutefois, la tête de pulvérisation de la présente invention peut également être mise en œuvre avec d'autres types de produit fluide avec toujours un spray de qualité admissible, voire optimale.The aim of the present invention is to provide swirl channels, a swirl chamber and a spray orifice which make it possible to obtain a spray of optimum quality for a particular type of fluid product, namely shear-thinning fluid products. However, the spray head of the present invention can also be used with other types of fluid product, always with a spray of acceptable or even optimum quality.

La rhéofluidification désigne le fait, pour un produit fluide, de « devenir plus fluide » lorsque la vitesse d'écoulement augmente. Plus précisément, cela désigne le fait que la viscosité dynamique diminue lorsque le taux de cisaillement augmente. On parle aussi de désépaississement au cisaillement ou d'amincissement au cisaillement (shear thinning en anglais) ou encore de pseudo-plasticité. Il ne faut pas confondre la rhéofluidification avec la thixotropie, qui désigne la diminution de la viscosité sous l'effet de la contrainte de cisaillement.Rheofluidification refers to the fact, for a fluid product, of “becoming more fluid” when the flow speed increases. More precisely, it refers to the fact that the dynamic viscosity decreases when the rate of shear increases. Also referred to defatting shear thinning or shear (shear thinning English) or pseudo-plasticity. Shear thinning should not be confused with thixotropy, which designates the decrease in viscosity under the effect of shear stress.

Le comportement d'un produit fluide est rhéofluidifiant (shear thinning en anglais) ou « pseudoplastique » (ancienne appellation parfois rencontrée) dans le domaine rhéofluidifiant, situé après le 1er plateau newtonien. La viscosité du fluide décroît (fluidification) avec l'augmentation du gradient de vitesse. La structure de la matière est orientée/déformée par le cisaillement (exemple: alignement des chaînes d'un polymère suivant la direction de la contrainte). Aux forts taux de cisaillement (correspondant au second plateau newtonien), il y a déstructuration de la matière. Une structure qui ne s'écoule pas nécessite un effort plus important pour être déstructurée. La plupart des échantillons contenant des objets de grande taille par rapport à l'échelle atomique sont rhéofluidifiants. La majorité (environ 90 %) des substances sont rhéofluidifiantes : polymères, émulsions peu chargées, suspensions, shampooing, etc.The behavior of a fluid product is shear thinning or “pseudoplastic” (an old name sometimes encountered) in the shear thinning domain, located after the 1st Newtonian plateau. The viscosity of the fluid decreases (fluidization) with the increase of the speed gradient. The structure of the material is oriented / deformed by shearing (example: alignment of the chains of a polymer according to the direction of the stress). At high shear rates (corresponding to the second Newtonian plateau), there is destructuring of the material. A structure that does not flow requires a greater effort to be deconstructed. Most samples containing large objects compared to the atomic scale are shear thinners. The majority (around 90%) of the substances are shear thinners: polymers, low-load emulsions, suspensions, shampoo, etc.

Les besoins du marché cosmétique nécessitent l'utilisation de formulations de plus en plus visqueuses afin d'assurer leur stabilité. Cette viscosité atteint une limite critique pour être aspirée avec les pompes manuelles classiques. Le gel ou gomme de xanthane a été identifié comme une nouvelle base pour résoudre ce problème. Excellent stabilisant, ce liquide peu visqueux présente des caractéristiques rhéofluidifiantes.The needs of the cosmetics market require the use of increasingly viscous formulations in order to ensure their stability. This viscosity reaches a critical limit to be aspirated with conventional manual pumps. Xanthan gel or gum has been identified as a new base to solve this problem. Excellent stabilizer, this low viscosity liquid has shear thinning characteristics.

Pour obtenir un spray, il est nécessaire d'optimiser les sections de passage du gicleur, afin que la vitesse du produit fluide soit la plus élevée possible pour permettre de générer de fines gouttelettes en sortie de gicleur.To obtain a spray, it is necessary to optimize the passage sections of the nozzle, so that the speed of the fluid is as high as possible to allow the generation of fine droplets at the nozzle outlet.

Ainsi, la présente invention a pour objectif d'optimiser les caractéristiques des canaux de tourbillonnement, de la chambre de tourbillonnement et/ou de l'orifice de distribution pour obtenir une pulvérisation homogène et équilibrée, aussi bien dans l'espace qu'en termes de tailles de gouttelettes. Concernant la forme du spray, l'angle minimum du spray doit être supérieur à 30°. Les gouttelettes à une distance de 20 cm doivent être suffisamment réparties pour ne pas former de coulures.Thus, the object of the present invention is to optimize the characteristics of the swirl channels, of the swirl chamber and / or of the dispensing orifice in order to obtain a homogeneous and balanced spray, both in space and in terms. of droplet sizes. Regarding the shape of the spray, the minimum angle of spray must be greater than 30 °. The droplets at a distance of 20 cm must be sufficiently distributed so as not to form runs.

Pour atteindre ce but, la présente invention propose une tête de pulvérisation de produit fluide comprenant :

  • un corps formant un manchon de raccordement adapté à recevoir une tige de soupape d'un organe de distribution, tel qu'une pompe ou une valve, le manchon de raccordement étant relié par un conduit d'alimentation à un logement dans lequel s'étend un noyau définissant une paroi latérale de noyau et une paroi frontale de noyau,
  • un gicleur engagé dans le logement autour du noyau, le gicleur formant un orifice de pulvérisation à travers lequel le produit fluide sort de la tête de pulvérisation sous la forme d'un spray, l'orifice de pulvérisation présentant un diamètre de sortie de chambre D3 une section de sortie de chambre S3,
  • le noyau (16) et le gicleur définissant entre eux d'amont en aval :
    • plusieurs passages de liaison en communication de fluide avec le conduit d'alimentation,
    • plusieurs canaux de tourbillonnement respectivement reliés aux passages de liaison, chaque canal de tourbillonnement présentant une longueur de canal L1, une entrée de canal ayant une section d'entrée de canal S0 et une sortie de canal ayant une section de sortie de canal S1,
    • une chambre de tourbillonnement dans laquelle débouchent les canaux de tourbillonnement, la chambre de tourbillonnement définissant un axe longitudinal de révolution X et présentant une longueur axiale L2, un diamètre d'entrée de chambre D2 et une section d'entrée de chambre S2 au niveau où débouchent les canaux de tourbillonnement, l'orifice de distribution formant une sortie pour la chambre de tourbillonnement,
caractérisée en ce que 30% de S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% de S2, et de préférence S3 est égale à environ 42% de S2, de sorte que 54% de D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% de D2, et de préférence D3 est égale à environ 65% de D2, et en ce que L1 ≥ 110 % de D2, et de préférence L1 est égale à environ 150% de D2.To achieve this goal, the present invention provides a fluid product spray head comprising:
  • a body forming a connection sleeve adapted to receive a valve stem of a distribution member, such as a pump or a valve, the connection sleeve being connected by a supply duct to a housing in which extends a core defining a core side wall and a core front wall,
  • a nozzle engaged in the housing around the core, the nozzle forming a spray orifice through which the fluid exits the spray head in the form of a spray, the spray orifice having a chamber outlet diameter D3 a chamber outlet section S3,
  • the core (16) and the nozzle defining between them from upstream to downstream:
    • several connecting passages in fluid communication with the supply duct,
    • a plurality of swirl channels respectively connected to the connecting passages, each swirl channel having a channel length L1, a channel inlet having a channel inlet section S0 and a channel outlet having a channel outlet section S1,
    • a swirl chamber into which the swirl channels emerge, the swirl chamber defining a longitudinal axis of revolution X and having an axial length L2, a chamber inlet diameter D2 and a chamber inlet section S2 at the level where open the swirl channels, the distribution orifice forming an outlet for the swirl chamber,
characterized in that 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, and preferably S3 is equal to about 42% of S2, such that 54% of D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2, and preferably D3 is equal at about 65% of D2, and in that L1 ≥ 110% of D2, and preferably L1 is equal to about 150% of D2.

Par rapport à un gicleur conventionnel adapté à la pulvérisation de solutions alcooliques, la section de sortie S3 de l'orifice de distribution est considérablement plus grande. Ceci s'explique par le fait que le gel de xanthane possède des propriétés élastiques : lorsqu'il est contraint, il absorbe l'énergie pour « s'expanser » lorsqu'il est libéré. C'est l'effet qui se produit lors du passage de l'orifice de distribution des gicleurs classiques (≈0,3 mm de diamètre). Lors de cette « expansion », les gouttelettes en formation se recollent entre elles pour former un jet. Pat ailleurs, on a également remarqué que la longueur des canaux de tourbillonnement L1 doit également être corrélée avec le diamètre de la chambre de tourbillonnement, qui est lui-même corrélé au diamètre de l'orifice de distribution.Compared to a conventional nozzle suitable for spraying alcoholic solutions, the outlet section S3 of the dispensing orifice is considerably larger. This is explained by the fact that xanthan gel has elastic properties: when it is stressed, it absorbs energy to "expand" when it is released. This is the effect that occurs when passing the distribution orifice of conventional nozzles (≈0.3 mm in diameter). During this “expansion”, the forming droplets stick together to form a jet. Pat elsewhere, it has also been noticed that the length of the swirl channels L1 must also be correlated with the diameter of the swirl chamber, which itself correlates with the diameter of the dispensing orifice.

Avantageusement : 0,2 mm2 ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm2, et de préférence S3 est égale à environ 0,33 mm2, de sorte que 0,5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0,7 mm, et de préférence D3 est égal à environ 0,65 mm. D'autre part : 0.5 mm2 ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm2, et de préférence S2 est égale à environ 0,785 mm2, de sorte que 0,8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1,2 mm, et de préférence D2 est égal à environ 1 mm. Enfin, L1 ≥ 1,1 mm, et de préférence L1 est égal à environ 1,5 mm.Advantageously: 0.2 mm 2 ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm 2 , and preferably S3 is equal to approximately 0.33 mm 2 , so that 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm, and preferably D3 is equal to about 0.65 mm. On the other hand: 0.5 mm 2 ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm 2 , and preferably S2 is equal to approximately 0.785 mm 2 , so that 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm, and preferably D2 is equal to approximately 1 mm. Finally, L1 ≥ 1.1 mm, and preferably L1 is equal to approximately 1.5 mm.

Selon une autre caractéristique intéressante de l'invention, l'orifice de distribution peut être cylindrique et présente une longueur axiale L3 qui est inférieure à environ 30% de D3. Il est ainsi possible que l'orifice de distribution soit formé par une arête annulaire, de sorte que L3 soit nulle.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the dispensing orifice may be cylindrical and has an axial length L3 which is less than approximately 30% of D3. It is thus possible for the dispensing orifice to be formed by an annular ridge, so that L3 is zero.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention : L2 ≥ 80% de D2, et de préférence L2 est égal à environ 0,88 mm.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention: L2 ≥ 80% of D2, and preferably L2 is equal to approximately 0.88 mm.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, la chambre de tourbillonnement comprend une partie tronconique dont le diamètre maximal est égal à D2 et qui présente une longueur axiale L23 qui est comprise entre 30% et 60% de D2, et de préférence à environ la moitié de D2. De préférence, la chambre de tourbillonnement comprend également une partie cylindrique au niveau de laquelle débouchent les canaux de tourbillonnement, cette partie cylindrique présentant une longueur axiale L22 qui est égale à environ 40% de D2. Ainsi, la chambre de tourbillonnement définit, d'amont en aval, d'abord une partie cylindrique de diamètre D2, puis une partie tronconique au niveau de laquelle le diamètre passe de D2 à D3.According to an advantageous embodiment, the swirl chamber comprises a frustoconical part whose maximum diameter is equal to D2 and which has an axial length L23 which is between 30% and 60% of D2, and preferably at approximately half of D2. Preferably, the swirl chamber also comprises a cylindrical part at the level of which the swirl channels open out, this cylindrical part having an axial length L22 which is equal to approximately 40% of D2. So the swirl chamber defines, from upstream to downstream, first a cylindrical part of diameter D2, then a frustoconical part at which the diameter passes from D2 to D3.

Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, il est également possible de réaliser une chambre de tourbillonnement qui ne comprend pas de partie tronconique. Dans ce cas, la chambre de tourbillonnement est uniquement constituée d'une partie cylindrique qui se raccorde à l'orifice de distribution par un épaulement.Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to produce a swirl chamber which does not include a frustoconical part. In this case, the swirl chamber consists only of a cylindrical part which is connected to the dispensing orifice by a shoulder.

Concernant les canaux de tourbillonnement, S1 ≤ 50% de S0, et de préférence S1 = 33% de S0. Avantageusement, S1 est égale à environ 0,07 mm2 et S0 est égale à environ 0,21 mm2. Cela signifie que les canaux ont une configuration globale plus ou moins triangulaire avec une grande entrée et une petite sortie.Regarding the vortex channels, S1 ≤ 50% of S0, and preferably S1 = 33% of S0. Advantageously, S1 is equal to approximately 0.07 mm 2 and S0 is equal to approximately 0.21 mm 2 . This means that the channels have a more or less triangular overall configuration with a large inlet and a small outlet.

Lorsque l'on corrèle la sortie des canaux de tourbillonnement à la chambre de tourbillonnement, on obtient la relation suivante : S1 ≤ 10% de S2.When we correlate the output of the swirl channels to the swirl chamber, the following relationship is obtained: S1 ≤ 10% of S2.

Selon un autre aspect avantageux de l'invention, l'entrée de canal forme une paroi arrondie. Cela permet au produit fluide qui circule dans les passages de liaison d'être dévié dans les canaux de tourbillonnement en glissant le long de la paroi arrondie, de manière à diminuer les perturbations et conserver au maximum un écoulement laminaire. Cette paroi arrondie trouve un avantage tout particulier avec les produits fluides rhéofluidifiants qui sont sensibles aux fortes pertes de charge et aux perturbations. Avec cette paroi arrondie, le produit fluide peut pénétrer dans les canaux de tourbillonnement sensiblement sans perturbations et sans pertes de charge dues à la modification de l'orientation. Le produit fluide dans les canaux de tourbillonnement est alors accéléré, du fait que la section S1 est plus petite que la section S0.According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the channel inlet forms a rounded wall. This allows the fluid which circulates in the connecting passages to be deflected in the swirl channels by sliding along the rounded wall, so as to reduce the disturbances and to preserve as much as possible a laminar flow. This rounded wall finds a very particular advantage with shear-thinning fluid products which are sensitive to high pressure drops and to disturbances. With this rounded wall, the fluid product can penetrate into the swirl channels substantially without disturbance and without pressure losses due to the modification of the orientation. The fluid in the swirl channels is then accelerated, because the section S1 is smaller than the section S0.

Selon un autre aspect avantageux de l'invention, la paroi latérale de noyau est cylindrique et la paroi frontale de noyau est plane. Ainsi, le noyau n'a pas d'orientation, et le gicleur peut être engagé autour du noyau sans veiller à son orientation. Un montage plus facile est ainsi obtenu.According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the core side wall is cylindrical and the core front wall is planar. Thus, the core has no orientation, and the nozzle can be engaged around the core without taking care of its orientation. Easier assembly is thus obtained.

La présente invention définit ainsi une tête de pulvérisation ayant une configuration bien particulière, qui trouve une utilisation privilégiée avec des produits fluides rhéofluidifiant, qui contiennent par exemple de la gomme de xanthane avec une teneur de l'ordre de 1% ou moins.The present invention thus defines a spray head having a very particular configuration, which finds a privileged use with shear-thinning fluid products, which for example contain xanthan gum with a content of the order of 1% or less.

L'esprit de l'invention réside dans le fait que le produit fluide qui circule à travers le gicleur subisse le moins de variation de pertes de charge possibles, afin d'éviter une absorption trop importante d'énergie qui induit ensuite une expansion trop forte qui perturbe la formation des gouttelettes qui ont alors tendance à se recoller entre elles pour former un jet. Ceci est notamment le cas pour les produit fluides rhéofluidifiants, mais également pour d'autres types de produit fluide. Le rapport de section (ou de diamètre) de l'orifice de distribution et de la chambre de tourbillonnement et/ou la longueur des canaux de tourbillonnement par rapport au diamètre de la chambre de tourbillonnement constitue des caractéristiques que l'on peut considérer comme directement influentes pour la formation d'un spray de qualité optimale. Bien entendu, les autres caractéristiques du gicleur permettent encore d'améliorer davantage la qualité du spray.The spirit of the invention lies in the fact that the fluid which circulates through the nozzle undergoes the least possible variation in pressure drops, in order to avoid too great an absorption of energy which then induces an excessive expansion. which disrupts the formation of droplets which then tend to stick together to form a jet. This is particularly the case for shear-thinning fluid products, but also for other types of fluid product. The section ratio (or diameter) of the dispensing orifice and the swirl chamber and / or the length of the swirl channels to the diameter of the swirl chamber are characteristics that can be considered directly influencing for the formation of a spray of optimal quality. Of course, the other characteristics of the nozzle make it possible to further improve the quality of the spray.

L'invention sera maintenant décrite plus en détail en référence aux dessins joints, donnant à titre d'exemples non limitatif, deux modes de réalisation de l'invention.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of nonlimiting examples, two embodiments of the invention.

Sur les figures :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale verticale à travers une tête de distribution selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • La figure 2 est une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 1,
  • La figure 3 est une vue encore plus agrandie du gicleur des figures 1 et 2,
  • La figure 4 est une vue en perspective de derrière montrant l'intérieur du gicleur de la figure 3,
  • La figure 5 représente la veine de produit fluide à l'intérieur du gicleur,
  • Les figures 6a et 6b sont des représentations en transparence de la veine de produit fluide de la figure 5 sous deux angles de vue différents, et
  • La figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 3 pour un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
In the figures:
  • The figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing head according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • The figure 2 is an enlarged view of part of the figure 1 ,
  • The figure 3 is an even larger view of the nozzle of the figures 1 and 2 ,
  • The figure 4 is a perspective view from behind showing the inside of the nozzle of the figure 3 ,
  • The figure 5 represents the stream of fluid inside the nozzle,
  • The figures 6a and 6b are transparent representations of the fluid stream of the figure 5 from two different angles of view, and
  • The figure 7 is a view similar to figure 3 for a second embodiment of the invention.

On se référera tout d'abord aux figures 1 et 2 pour décrire de manière générale la structure d'une tête de pulvérisation de produit fluide selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. Sur la figure 1, on peut voir que la tête de distribution comprend un corps de tête 1 qui forme une manchon de raccordement 11 dans lequel est engagée l'extrémité libre d'une tige de soupape P1 d'une unité de distribution P, qui peut être une pompe ou une valve. De préférence, il s'agit d'une pompe standard qui délivre du produit fluide à travers sa tige de soupape P1 avec une pression de l'ordre de 3 à 6 bars. Au-dessus du manchon de raccordement 11, le corps 1 forme un espace axial 12 qui s'étend sensiblement dans le prolongement de la tige de soupape P1. Le corps 1 forme ensuite un conduit d'alimentation 13 qui s'étend horizontalement, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement au manchon de raccordement 11. Ce conduit d'alimentation 13 débouche dans un logement annulaire 14 dans lequel s'étend un noyau 16 qui définit une paroi latérale de noyau 16a et une paroi frontale de noyau 16b. Le logement 14 débouche latéralement dans le corps 1. Il s'agit là d'une conception tout à fait classique pour un corps de tête dans les domaines de la cosmétique, de la parfumerie ou encore de la pharmacie.We will first of all refer to figures 1 and 2 to generally describe the structure of a fluid product spray head according to a first embodiment of the invention. On the figure 1 , it can be seen that the dispensing head comprises a head body 1 which forms a connecting sleeve 11 in which is engaged the free end of a valve stem P1 of a dispensing unit P, which may be a pump or a valve. Preferably, it is a standard pump which delivers fluid product through its valve stem P1 with a pressure of the order of 3 to 6 bars. Above the connection sleeve 11, the body 1 forms an axial space 12 which extends substantially in the extension of the valve stem P1. The body 1 then forms a supply duct 13 which extends horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the connection sleeve 11. This supply duct 13 opens into an annular housing 14 in which a core extends. 16 which defines a core side wall 16a and a core front wall 16b. The housing 14 opens laterally into the body 1. This is a completely conventional design for a head body in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery or even pharmacy.

La tête comprend également un gicleur 2 qui est engagé en force dans le logement 14 autour du noyau 16. Le gicleur 2 présente une forme générale de godet avec une paroi de distribution 21 dans laquelle débouche un orifice de pulvérisation O. La paroi de distribution 21 vient en contact de butée avec la paroi frontale de noyau 16b. Le gicleur 2 comprend également une paroi latérale de fixation 22 qui est engagée autour du noyau 16. Ainsi, il subsiste dans le logement 14 un espace annulaire 15 situé entre la sortie du canal d'alimentation 13 et le bord d'extrémité libre de la paroi latérale de fixation 22. La paroi latérale de fixation 22 peut aussi former un ou plusieurs cran(s) de harponnage 23 pour assurer la fixation du gicleur dans le logement 14.The head also comprises a nozzle 2 which is forcibly engaged in the housing 14 around the core 16. The nozzle 2 has the general shape of a cup with a distribution wall 21 into which opens a spray orifice O. The distribution wall 21 comes into abutting contact with the front core wall 16b. The nozzle 2 also comprises a lateral fixing wall 22 which is engaged around the core 16. Thus, there remains in the housing 14 an annular space 15 located between the outlet of the supply channel 13 and the free end edge of the. lateral fixing wall 22. The lateral fixing wall 22 can also form one or more spear catch (s) 23 to ensure the fixing of the nozzle in the housing 14.

La paroi de distribution 21 forme en amont de l'orifice de distribution O une chambre de tourbillonnement C qui est alimentée par plusieurs canaux de tourbillonnement T, eux-mêmes alimentés par plusieurs passages de liaison P, tous formés entre le noyau 16 et le gicleur 2. Les passages de liaison P sont alimentés par l'espace annulaire 15. Il s'agit là d'une conception out à fait classique pour un gicleur dans les domaines de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou encore de la pharmacie.The distribution wall 21 forms upstream of the distribution orifice O a swirl chamber C which is supplied by several swirl channels T, themselves supplied by several connecting passages P, all formed between the core 16 and the nozzle 2. The connecting passages P are supplied by the annular space 15. This is a completely conventional design for a nozzle in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.

La tête de pulvérisation comprend également une frette d'habillage 3 qui se présente sous la forme d'un capot dans lequel est engagé le noyau 1. La frette d'habillage 3 comprend une jupe latérale 31 qui est percée d'une fenêtre 32 au regard de la paroi de distribution 21 du gicleur 2. La paroi supérieure 30 de la frette d'habillage 3 forme une surface d'appui pour un doigt d'un utilisateur. A nouveau, il s'agit d'une conception tout à fait classique pour une frette d'habillage dans le domaine de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique ou encore de la pharmacie.The spray head also comprises a covering hoop 3 which is in the form of a cover in which the core 1 is engaged. The covering hoop 3 comprises a side skirt 31 which is pierced with a window 32 at the bottom. sight of the distribution wall 21 of the nozzle 2. The upper wall 30 of the covering band 3 forms a bearing surface for a finger of a user. Again, this is a completely classic design for a covering band in the field of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.

On se référera maintenant aux figures 3 et 4 pour décrire en détail les caractéristiques fines du gicleur 2. L'orifice de distribution O présente un diamètre de sortie de chambre D3 qui définit une section de sortie de chambre S3, ainsi qu'une profondeur ou longueur axiale L3 mesurée selon l'axe X de la figure 3.We will now refer to figures 3 and 4 to describe in detail the fine characteristics of the nozzle 2. The distribution orifice O has a chamber outlet diameter D3 which defines a chamber outlet section S3, as well as an axial depth or length L3 measured along the X axis of the figure 3 .

La chambre de tourbillonnement C est centrée sur l'orifice de distribution O le long de l'axe longitudinal de révolution X. La chambre de tourbillonnement C présente un diamètre maximal d'entrée de chambre D2 définissant une section maximale d'entrée de chambre S2. La sortie de la chambre est formée par l'orifice de distribution O, de sorte que le diamètre minimal de sortie de chambre est égal à D3. Plus en détail, on peut voir que la chambre de tourbillonnement C comprend une partie cylindrique C2 dont le diamètre est D2 et une partie tronconique C3 disposée entre la partie cylindrique C2 et l'orifice de distribution O, de sorte que le diamètre maximal de la partie cylindrique C3 est égal à D2 et son diamètre minimal est égal à D3. La longueur ou profondeur axial de la partie cylindrique C2 est L22 et la longueur ou profondeur axiale de la partie tronconique C3 est L23. On peut ainsi dire que L2 = L22 + L23.The swirl chamber C is centered on the distribution orifice O along the longitudinal axis of revolution X. The swirl chamber C has a maximum chamber inlet diameter D2 defining a maximum chamber inlet section S2 . The outlet of the chamber is formed by the dispensing orifice O, so that the minimum diameter of the outlet of the chamber is equal to D3. In more detail, it can be seen that the swirl chamber C comprises a cylindrical portion C2 whose diameter is D2 and a frustoconical portion C3 disposed between the cylindrical portion C2 and the dispensing orifice O, so that the maximum diameter of the cylindrical part C3 is equal to D2 and its minimum diameter is equal to D3. The axial length or depth of the cylindrical part C2 is L22 and the length or axial depth of the frustoconical part C3 is L23. We can thus say that L2 = L22 + L23.

Par ailleurs, on peut voir sur la figure 4 que le gicleur 2 comprend trois canaux de tourbillonnement T qui présentent une configuration générale triangulaire. Les trois canaux de tourbillonnement T sont disposés de manière équi-angulaire autour de la chambre de tourbillonnement C. Chaque canal de tourbillonnement T comprend une entrée de canal T0 définissant une section d'entrée de canal S0 et une sortie de canal T1 définissant une section de sortie de canal S1. Chaque canal de tourbillonnement T définit également une longueur L1, tel que visible sur la figure 4. Chaque canal de tourbillonnement T comprend deux parois T2 et T3 qui s'étendent de manière sensiblement tangentielle à la chambre de tourbillonnement C. De ce fait, les deux parois T2 et T3 ne sont pas parallèles, mais au contraire convergentes vers la chambre de tourbillonnement, où elles forment entre elles la sortie de canal T1 de section S1. Par conséquent, S0 est supérieure à S1. Les deux autres parois (non référencées) du canal de tourbillonnement T sont identiques, parallèles et respectivement formées par la paroi frontale 16b du noyau 16 et la paroi de distribution 21.Moreover, one can see on the figure 4 that the nozzle 2 comprises three swirl channels T which have a generally triangular configuration. The three swirl channels T are equiangularly arranged around the swirl chamber C. Each swirl channel T includes a T0 channel inlet defining an S0 channel inlet section and a T1 channel outlet defining a section. output channel S1. Each swirl channel T also defines a length L1, as seen on the figure 4 . Each swirl channel T includes two walls T2 and T3 which extend substantially tangentially to the swirl chamber C. As a result, the two walls T2 and T3 are not parallel, but on the contrary converge towards the swirl chamber. , where they form between them the output of channel T1 of section S1. Therefore, S0 is greater than S1. The other two walls (not referenced) of the swirl channel T are identical, parallel and respectively formed by the front wall 16b of the core 16 and the distribution wall 21.

On peut également remarquer que la paroi latérale de fixation 22 forme intérieurement trois renforts 24 qui sont disposés entre les trois entrées de canal T0. Ces trois renforts 24 ont pour fonction de venir en contact avec la paroi latérale 16a du noyau 16. Entre les renforts 24, le gicleur 2 forme avec le noyau 16 les trois passages de liaison P. Ces passages de liaison P sont en communication de fluide avec les entrées de canal T0. On peut à cet effet remarquer que les entrées de canal T0 comprennent une paroi arrondie Ta, de sorte que le produit fluide qui chemine dans les passages de liaison P est dévié de manière progressive le long des parois arrondies Ta dans les canaux de tourbillonnement respectifs T. Ces parois arrondies Ta forment ainsi des rampes douces qui relient respectivement chaque passage de liaison P à un canal de tourbillonnement T. Elles permettent de passer sans rupture d'une orientation axiale (celle des passages de liaison P) à une orientation radiale (celle des canaux de tourbillonnement).It can also be noted that the fixing side wall 22 internally forms three reinforcements 24 which are arranged between the three channel inlets T0. These three reinforcements 24 have the function of coming into contact with the side wall 16a of the core 16. Between the reinforcements 24, the nozzle 2 forms with the core 16 the three connecting passages P. These connecting passages P are in fluid communication. with T0 channel inputs. To this end, it can be noted that the channel inlets T0 comprise a rounded wall Ta, so that the fluid which travels in the connecting passages P is gradually deflected along the rounded walls Ta in the respective swirl channels T These rounded walls Ta thus form smooth ramps which respectively connect each connecting passage P to a swirl channel T. They make it possible to pass without breaking an axial orientation (that of the connecting passages P) to a radial orientation (that of the swirl channels).

Les sections S0, S1, S2 et S3 sont plus clairement visibles sur les figures 5, 6a et 6b, qui représentent des veines de fluide, c'est-à-dire le volume qu'occupe le produit fluide entre le noyau 16 et le gicleur 2. En d'autres termes, la veine de fluide correspond aux volumes des canaux de tourbillonnement, de la chambre de tourbillonnement et de l'orifice de distribution O.S0, S1, S2 and S3 sections are more clearly visible on the figures 5, 6a and 6b , which represent fluid streams, that is to say the volume that the fluid occupies between the core 16 and the nozzle 2. In other words, the fluid stream corresponds to the volumes of the swirl channels, of the swirl chamber and of the distribution orifice O.

Les sections S2 et S3 s'étendent perpendiculairement à l'axe X et sont disposées de manière parallèle à chaque extrémité axiale de la chambre de tourbillonnement C. La section de sortie S1 des canaux s'étend parallèlement à l'axe X de manière sensiblement tangentielle à la chambre de tourbillonnement C. Enfin, la section d'entrée S0 s'étend parallèlement aux sections S2 et S3, mais de manière excentrée par rapport à la chambre de tourbillonnement C. On peut même dire que la section S0 s'étend dans le même plan que la section S3, étant donné qu'elles sont définies au niveau de la paroi frontale 16b du noyau 16. On peut également dire que les sections S0 et S1 s'étendent dans des plans respectifs disposés perpendiculairement l'un par rapport à l'autre.Sections S2 and S3 extend perpendicular to the X axis and are arranged parallel to each axial end of the swirl chamber C. The outlet section S1 of the channels extends parallel to the X axis substantially tangential to the swirl chamber C. Finally, the inlet section S0 extends parallel to the sections S2 and S3, but eccentrically with respect to the swirl chamber C. We can even say that the section S0 extends in the same plane as the section S3, given that they are defined at the level of the front wall 16b of the core 16. It can also be said that the sections S0 and S1 extend in respective planes arranged perpendicularly one by one. compared to each other.

Sont maintenant définis les différentes longueurs, sections et diamètres :

  • S0 section de l'entrée T0 du canal de tourbillonnement T,
  • S1 : section de la sortie T1 du canal de tourbillonnement T,
  • S2 : section d'entrée de la chambre de tourbillonnement C,
  • S3 : section de l'orifice de distribution O correspondant à la section de sortie de la chambre de tourbillonnement C,
  • D2 : diamètre d'entrée de la chambre tourbillonnement C,
  • D3 : diamètre de l'orifice de distribution O correspondant au diamètre de sortie de la chambre tourbillonnement C,
  • L1 : longueur du canal de tourbillonnement T,
  • L2 : longueur de la chambre tourbillonnement C,
  • L22 : longueur de la partie cylindrique C2 de la chambre tourbillonnement C,
  • L23 : longueur de la partie tronconique C3 de la chambre tourbillonnement C,
  • L3 : longueur de l'orifice de distribution O.
The different lengths, sections and diameters are now defined:
  • S0 section of input T0 of swirl channel T,
  • S1: section of the output T1 of the swirl channel T,
  • S2: inlet section of the swirl chamber C,
  • S3: section of the distribution orifice O corresponding to the outlet section of the swirl chamber C,
  • D2: inlet diameter of the swirl chamber C,
  • D3: diameter of the distribution orifice O corresponding to the outlet diameter of the swirl chamber C,
  • L1: length of the swirl channel T,
  • L2: length of the swirl chamber C,
  • L22: length of the cylindrical part C2 of the swirl chamber C,
  • L23: length of the frustoconical part C3 of the swirl chamber C,
  • L3: length of the dispensing orifice O.

Le terme « section » doit être compris comme la section maximale, le terme « diamètre » doit être compris comme le diamètre maximale le terme « longueur » doit être compris comme la longueur maximale. Le terme « environ » signifie ± 5% quand il s'agit de pourcentage et ± 10% quand il s'agit de grandeur.The term "section" should be understood as the maximum section, the term "diameter" should be understood as the maximum diameter, the term "length" should be understood as the maximum length. The term "approximately" means ± 5% when it comes to percentage and ± 10% when it comes to magnitude.

Selon l'invention, ces différentes longueurs, sections et diamètres répondent aux relations R1 à R8 suivantes :

  • R1 : 30% de S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% de S2, et de préférence S3 est égale à environ 42% de S2, ce qui correspond en terme de diamètre à : 54% de D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% de D2, et de préférence D3 est égale à environ 65% de D2,
  • R2 : L1 ≥ 110% de D2, et de préférence L1 est égale à environ 150% de D2,
  • R3 : S1 ≤ 50% de S0, et de préférence S1 = 33% de S0,
  • R4 : L2 ≥ 80% de D2,
  • R5 : 30% de D2 ≤ L23 ≤ 60% de D2, et de préférence L23 est égale à environ la moitié de D2,
  • R6 : 30% de D2 ≤ L22 ≤ 50% de D2, et de préférence L22 est égale à environ 40% de D2,
  • R7 : L3 < 30% de D3.
  • R8 : S1 ≤ 10% de S2,
According to the invention, these different lengths, sections and diameters correspond to the following relationships R1 to R8:
  • R1: 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, and preferably S3 is equal to approximately 42% of S2, which corresponds in terms of diameter to: 54% of D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2, and of preferably D3 is equal to approximately 65% of D2,
  • R2: L1 ≥ 110% of D2, and preferably L1 is equal to approximately 150% of D2,
  • R3: S1 ≤ 50% of S0, and preferably S1 = 33% of S0,
  • R4: L2 ≥ 80% of D2,
  • R5: 30% of D2 ≤ L23 ≤ 60% of D2, and preferably L23 is equal to approximately half of D2,
  • R6: 30% of D2 ≤ L22 ≤ 50% of D2, and preferably L22 is equal to approximately 40% of D2,
  • R7: L3 <30% of D3.
  • R8: S1 ≤ 10% of S2,

Pour obtenir une qualité de spray optimale, il s'est avéré que les relations R1 et R2, considérées isolément ou cumulativement, sont souvent prépondérantes, sans pour autant négliger les autres relations, qui ont aussi un effet sur la qualité du spray. Dans certains cas, R1 est plus influent que R2, et dans d'autres cas, c'est le contraire, et dans certaines applications R1 et R2 sont à égalité.To obtain optimum spray quality, it has turned out that the relations R1 and R2, considered individually or cumulatively, are often preponderant, without neglecting the other relations, which also have an effect on the quality of the spray. In some cases R1 is more influential than R2, and in other cases it is the opposite, and in some applications R1 and R2 are tied.

La relation R3 s'est avérée comme étant la troisième relation la plus influente dans la plupart des cas. La conjonction des relations R1 + R3 ou R2 + R3 peut donc aussi être considérée comme particulièrement influente sur la qualité du spray.The R3 relationship has proven to be the third most influential relationship in most cases. The conjunction of the relations R1 + R3 or R2 + R3 can therefore also be considered as particularly influential on the quality of the spray.

Il en est de même pour R4 dans certaines applications, de sorte que la conjonction des relations R1 + R4 ou R2 + R4 peut donc aussi être considérée comme particulièrement influente sur la qualité du spray.The same is true for R4 in certain applications, so that the conjunction of the relations R1 + R4 or R2 + R4 can therefore also be considered as particularly influential on the quality of the spray.

Les relations R5 et R6 correspondent à un mode de réalisation préféré qui donne les meilleurs résultats en termes de qualité du spray. Il est cependant possible de réaliser une chambre de tourbillonnement C' sans partie tronconique, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 7. Dans ce cas, la chambre de tourbillonnement C' se raccorde à l'orifice de distribution par un épaulement C4.The relationships R5 and R6 correspond to a preferred embodiment which gives the best results in terms of the quality of the spray. It is however possible to produce a swirl chamber C 'without a frustoconical part, as can be seen on the figure 7 . In this case, the swirl chamber C 'is connected to the dispensing orifice by a shoulder C4.

La relation R7 implique que L3 peut être nulle, de sorte que l'orifice de distribution O peut être formé par une arête annulaire.The relation R7 implies that L3 can be zero, so that the dispensing orifice O can be formed by an annular ridge.

Il ne peut être exclu dans certaines applications que l'une ou l'autre des relations R1 à R9 s'avère être la plus influente ou prépondérante, de sorte qu'une protection pourrait être recherchée pour chacune des 9 relations prises individuellement.It cannot be excluded in certain applications that one or the other of the relations R1 to R9 turns out to be the most influential or preponderant, so that protection could be sought for each of the 9 relations taken individually.

Un gicleur particulièrement bien adapté à la pulvérisation d'un produit fluide contenant environ 0,5% de gel ou gomme de xanthane a été réalisé avec les dimensions suivantes (avec une tolérance de 10%):

  • S0 = 0,21 mm2,
  • S1 = 0,07 mm2,
  • S2 = 0,785 mm2, soit D2 = 1 mm,
  • S3 = 0,33 mm2, soit D3 = 0,65 mm,
  • L1 = 1,46 mm,
  • L2 = 0,88 mm,
  • L22 = 0,38 mm,
  • L23 = 0,5 mm, et
  • L3 = 0.025 mm.
A nozzle particularly well suited to the spraying of a fluid product containing approximately 0.5% of xanthan gel or gum was produced with the following dimensions (with a tolerance of 10%):
  • S0 = 0.21 mm 2 ,
  • S1 = 0.07 mm 2 ,
  • S2 = 0.785 mm 2 , or D2 = 1 mm,
  • S3 = 0.33 mm 2 , or D3 = 0.65 mm,
  • L1 = 1.46 mm,
  • L2 = 0.88 mm,
  • L22 = 0.38mm,
  • L23 = 0.5 mm, and
  • L3 = 0.025 mm.

Ces valeurs tiennent également compte des dimensions standard pour le logement 14 et le noyau 16 d'une tête conventionnelle dans la parfumerie ou la cosmétique, qui sont en général de l'ordre de 4,5 mm de diamètre pour le logement et 2,8 mm pour le noyau.These values also take into account the standard dimensions for the housing 14 and the core 16 of a conventional head in perfumery or cosmetics, which are generally of the order of 4.5 mm in diameter for the housing and 2.8 mm for the core.

Plusieurs versions de gicleur ont été testées afin de déterminer les plages de valeurs pour S0, S1, S2, S3, L1, L2, L22, L23 et L3 permettant d'obtenir un spray de qualité acceptable. Voici les résultats :

  • 0,15 mm2 ≤ S0 ≤ 0,28 mm2,
  • 0,05 mm2 ≤ S1 ≤ 0,1 mm2,
  • 0.5 mm2 ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm2, de sorte que 0,8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1,2 mm,
  • 0,2 mm2 ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm2, de sorte que 0,5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0,7 mm,
  • 1.1 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 2.2 mm,
  • 0,7 mm ≤ L2 ≤ 1,1 mm,
  • 0,3 mm ≤ L22 ≤ 0,5 mm,
  • 0,3 mm ≤ L23 ≤ 0,6 mm,
  • 0 mm ≤ L3 ≤ 0,3 mm.
Several nozzle versions were tested in order to determine the ranges of values for S0, S1, S2, S3, L1, L2, L22, L23 and L3 allowing to obtain a spray of acceptable quality. Here are the results :
  • 0.15 mm 2 ≤ S0 ≤ 0.28 mm 2 ,
  • 0.05 mm 2 ≤ S1 ≤ 0.1 mm 2 ,
  • 0.5 mm 2 ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm 2 , so that 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm,
  • 0.2 mm 2 ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm 2 , so that 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm,
  • 1.1 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 2.2 mm,
  • 0.7 mm ≤ L2 ≤ 1.1 mm,
  • 0.3 mm ≤ L22 ≤ 0.5 mm,
  • 0.3 mm ≤ L23 ≤ 0.6 mm,
  • 0 mm ≤ L3 ≤ 0.3 mm.

Concernant plus particulièrement D2 et D3, les rapports suivants de D2/D3 ont été testés : 1/0,4 - 1/0,5 - 1/0,6 - 1/0,65, 1/0,7. Le meilleur spray a été obtenu avec D2/D3 = 1/0,65. Le rapport 1/0,4 s'est révélé insuffisant et les rapports 1/0,5, 1/0,6 et 1/0,7 se sont révélés satisfaisants.Concerning more particularly D2 and D3, the following ratios of D2 / D3 were tested: 1 / 0.4 - 1 / 0.5 - 1 / 0.6 - 1 / 0.65, 1 / 0.7. The best spray was obtained with D2 / D3 = 1 / 0.65. The 1 / 0.4 ratio was found to be insufficient and the 1 / 0.5, 1 / 0.6 and 1 / 0.7 ratios were found to be satisfactory.

Plusieurs longueurs L2 allant de 0,4 mm à 1 mm ont également été testées avec D2 = 1mm: lorsque L2 < 0,8 mm, le spray se dégrade. La valeur optimale était de 0,88 mm.Several lengths L2 ranging from 0.4 mm to 1 mm were also tested with D2 = 1mm: when L2 <0.8 mm, the spray degrades. The optimum value was 0.88 mm.

Il est clair qu'il n'est pas possible de déterminer de manière générale et universelle laquelle des caractéristiques S0, S1, S2 (D2), S3 (D3), L1, L2, L22, L23 et L3 et/ou laquelle des relations R1 à R8 est essentielle par rapport aux autres, et ceci dans n'importe quelle situation, cas ou application, et quel que soit le type de produit fluide. Néanmoins, avec un produit fluide rhéofluidifiant contenant par exemple de la gomme de xanthane, avec une teneur inférieure à 1%, et de préférence inférieure à 0,5%, l'influence de S2/S3 et/ou L1/S2 s'avère souvent décisive.It is clear that it is not possible to determine in a general and universal way which of the characteristics S0, S1, S2 (D2), S3 (D3), L1, L2, L22, L23 and L3 and / or which of the relations R1 to R8 is essential compared to the others, and this in any situation, case or application, and whatever the type of fluid. However, with a shear-thinning fluid product containing for example xanthan gum, with a content of less than 1%, and preferably less than 0.5%, the influence of S2 / S3 and / or L1 / S2 is found to be often decisive.

Claims (14)

  1. A fluid spray head comprising:
    • a body (1) forming a connection sleeve (11) that is adapted to receive a valve rod of a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, the connection sleeve (11) being connected via a feed duct (13), to a housing (14) in which there extends a core (16) that defines a core side wall (16a) and a core front wall (16b),
    • a nozzle (2; 2') engaged in the housing (14) around the core (16), the nozzle (2; 2') forming a spray orifice (O) through which the fluid leaves the spray head in the form of a spray, the spray orifice (O) presenting a chamber outlet diameter D3 and a chamber outlet section S3,
    • the core (16) and the nozzle (2; 2') defining between them, from upstream to downstream:
    • a plurality of connection passages (P) in fluid communication with the feed duct (13),
    • a plurality of swirl channels (T) respectively connected to the connection passages (P), each swirl channel (T) presenting a channel length L1, a channel inlet (T0) having a channel inlet section S0 and a channel outlet (T1) having a channel outlet section S1,
    • a swirl chamber (C) into which the swirl channels (T) open out, the swirl chamber (C) defining a longitudinal axis of revolution X and presenting an axial length L2, a chamber inlet diameter D2and a chamber inlet section S2 where the swirl channels (T) open out, the spray orifice (O) forming an outlet for the swirl chamber (C),
    the spray head being characterized in that:
    • 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, and preferably S3 is equal to approximately 42% of S2, such that 54% of D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2, and preferably D3 is equal to approximately 65% of D2, and
    • L1 ≥ 110% of D2, and preferably L1 is equal to approximately 150% of D2.
  2. A spray head according to claim 1, wherein 0.5 mm2 ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm2, and preferably S2 is equal to approximately 0.785 mm2, such that 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm, and preferably D2 is equal to approximately 1 mm.
  3. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein 0.2 mm2 ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm2, and preferably S3 is equal to approximately 0.33 mm2, such that 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm, and preferably D3 is equal to approximately 0.65 mm.
  4. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein L1 ≥ 1.1 mm, and preferably L1 is equal to approximately 1.5 mm.
  5. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser orifice (O) is cylindrical and presents an axial length L3 that is less than approximately 30% of D3.
  6. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein L2 ≥ 80% of D2, and preferably L2 is equal to approximately 0.88 mm.
  7. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the swirl chamber (C) includes a frustoconical portion (C3) having a maximum diameter that is equal to D2 and that presents an axial length L23 that lies in the range 30% to 60% of D2, and preferably is approximately half of D2.
  8. A spray head according to claim 7, wherein the swirl chamber (C) also includes a cylindrical portion (C2) into which the swirl channels (T) open out, the cylindrical portion (C2) presenting an axial length L22 that is equal to approximately 40% of D2.
  9. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein S1 ≤ 50% of S0, and preferably S1 = 33% of S0.
  10. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein S1 is equal to approximately 0.07 mm2 and S0 is equal to approximately 0.21 mm2.
  11. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein S1 ≤ 10% of S2.
  12. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel inlet (T0) forms a rounded wall (Ta), so that the fluid passing through the connection passages (P) is deflected in progressive manner along the rounded walls (Ta) into the respective swirl channels (T).
  13. A spray head according to any preceding claim, wherein the core side wall (16a) is cylindrical and the core front wall (16b) is plane.
  14. The use of a spray head according to any preceding claim, so as to spray a shear thinning fluid that, by way of example contains xanthan gum.
EP18709667.2A 2017-02-09 2018-02-13 Spray head for a fluid product and use of such a head Active EP3579980B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1751091A FR3062581B1 (en) 2017-02-09 2017-02-09 FLUID PRODUCT SPRAY HEAD AND USE OF SUCH A HEAD.
PCT/FR2018/050348 WO2018146434A1 (en) 2017-02-09 2018-02-13 Spray head for a fluid product and use of such a head

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EP3579980A1 EP3579980A1 (en) 2019-12-18
EP3579980B1 true EP3579980B1 (en) 2020-12-16

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EP (1) EP3579980B1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2018146434A1 (en)

Citations (3)

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FR2708908A1 (en) 1993-08-11 1995-02-17 Oreal Push-button with a spray nozzle intended for mounting on a dispenser and dispenser fitted with such a push-button
WO1997013584A1 (en) 1995-10-13 1997-04-17 The Procter & Gamble Company High pressure swirl atomizer
US20090020621A1 (en) 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Aerosol dispenser assembly haveing voc-free propellant and dispensing mechanism therefor

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FR2708908A1 (en) 1993-08-11 1995-02-17 Oreal Push-button with a spray nozzle intended for mounting on a dispenser and dispenser fitted with such a push-button
WO1997013584A1 (en) 1995-10-13 1997-04-17 The Procter & Gamble Company High pressure swirl atomizer
US20090020621A1 (en) 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Aerosol dispenser assembly haveing voc-free propellant and dispensing mechanism therefor

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KR20200110149A (en) 2020-09-23
FR3062581B1 (en) 2021-09-24
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CN110382120A (en) 2019-10-25
US20210291205A1 (en) 2021-09-23
FR3062581A1 (en) 2018-08-10

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