FR3040601A1 - DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for spraying a product, in particular a cosmetic, makeup or care product, comprising: - a container containing the product, and - a dispensing head (3) comprising a body (5), and an end piece, in particular a diffuser (7), attached to the body, the body and the end piece (7) being configured to allow spraying of the product through outlets around a longitudinal axis (Y ) of the end piece, in particular in at least two different directions, which are in particular diametrically opposed. the dispensing head (3) comprising at least first (15) and second (16) chambers, in particular concentric, traversed successively by the flow of product before it exits through the outlet orifices, at least one opening between the first and second concentric chambers being angularly offset relative to at least one of the outlet ports.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for spraying a product. It may be a cosmetic product, makeup or care, for example a product for the hair or for the scalp, such as a lacquer, a volumizing product or styling ("styling" in English). The product can be a fluid or a gas. It can be dry, being for example a powder, a gel or a foam. It can be a shampoo or an alcoholic composition. The product can also be a product for the care of nasal passages for example. The product can still be a food or household product. Preferably, the product is cosmetic. The invention relates more particularly to the application of a product in a confined space, for example near the scalp in the mass of hair, or in the nasal cavity, or for a food application inside a dish. .

Application US 2002/0017575 discloses a spray device comprising one or more spray rods pierced by orifices permitting the diffusion of a product into the hair.

US Pat. No. 4,239,407 also discloses a wax spraying device comprising a cone-shaped distribution nozzle having orifices distributed on the conical wall of the nozzle.

US Pat. Nos. 7,234,651 and 6,155,675 relate to devices for distributing irrigation water to surrounding vegetation, in which water can exit at several points from the periphery of the nozzle.

US Pat. No. 7,497,635 relates to a device for spraying a cosmetic product, comprising a massage head of substantially spherical shape.

The application FR 2 827 528 relates to a dispensing head having two outlet nozzles which are convergent. The subject of the invention is, in a first aspect, a device for spraying a product, in particular a cosmetic, make-up or care product, comprising: a container containing the product, and a dispensing head comprising a body and an end piece, in particular a diffuser, attached to the body, the body and the diffuser being configured to allow the product to be sprayed by outlet orifices around a longitudinal axis Y of the end piece, in particular in at least two different directions, which are in particular diametrically opposed, the dispensing head comprising at least first and second chambers, in particular concentric chambers, traversed successively by the flow of product before its exit through the outlet orifices, at least one opening between the first and second concentric chambers being angularly shifted with respect to at least one of the exit. This angular offset must be understood as being an offset around the axis of the concentric chambers or the axis of the device, for example.

Thus, the product flow leaving the diffuser has in particular undergone at least two changes in direction of the flow in the diffuser, or at least three changes of direction. By "change of direction", it is to be understood that the flow of product passes from a first direction to a second direction, the two directions forming between them an angle of preference of greater than 60 °, or even greater than 90 °, better than 120 °, or even greater than 150 °. In an exemplary embodiment, the product flow undergoes at least one change of direction greater than 120 °, or even greater than 150 °, better of the order of 180 °.

The spraying device according to the invention allows a targeted diffusion, for example on the roots of the hair and allows a good spray at the base of the hair. Spraying the product in at least two different directions makes it possible to reach areas around the dispensing head and to expand the diffusion.

Changes in the direction of the product flow in the diffuser can create turbulence in the product stream, and thus contribute to reducing the size of the droplets or clusters of product. We can obtain a softer jet and create a pressure drop favoring the comfort of the application.

The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the diffusion of powders containing fine particles and avoids clogging of the dispensing orifices.

The outlets do not open directly into the first inner chamber.

The body and the end piece can define when assembled several outlet orifices around a longitudinal axis Y of the end piece, in particular in at least two different directions, which are in particular diametrically opposite. Alternatively, the dispensing orifices may be formed directly in the diffuser. They may be formed in a convex portion of the diffuser, for example of hemispherical shape.

By the use of the term "end piece", it is not excluded that the end piece may include an insert defining the end of the dispensing head.

The dispensing head may comprise two parts only, namely the body and the end piece, including the diffuser, mentioned above. The dispensing head may be devoid of a third separate part thereof.

The first and second chambers may be at least partially annular, in particular cylindrical. The at least partially annular first chamber may extend along the longitudinal axis Y and be inclined relative to a longitudinal axis X of the device of a non-zero angle γ. The at least partially annular second chamber may extend along the longitudinal axis Y and be inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis X of the device of a non-zero angle γ.

The concentric chambers may be at least partially annular or even annular. The dispensing head may include a first inner chamber and a second outer chamber. The inner and outer chambers can be separated by a separating skirt. This skirt can provide a seal for the rooms.

This separation skirt may be pierced with at least one opening, or even at least two openings, allowing the flow of product to pass. Thus, the product stream can be separated into at least two separate streams. The openings in the separating skirt may be evenly distributed around the periphery of the separating skirt. They can be for example diametrically opposed when there are two of them. Their number may be even, being in particular between 2 and 10, for example being 2, 4, 6 or 8. The openings may extend over the entire height of the separating skirt or only part of it. The height of the separation skirt may be between 0.2 and 6 mm, or even between 1 and 5 mm, being for example of the order of 1.9 or 4 mm

The second chamber may be surrounded by a peripheral skirt cooperating with the body so as to ensure the closure of the second chamber. The outlets may be evenly distributed around the perimeter of the peripheral skirt. For example, they are diametrically opposed when they are two in number. Their number can be even, being in particular between 2 and 10, being for example 2, 4, 6 or 8. They can be diametrically opposed two by two. Such an arrangement of the outlets may allow to lift the hair well and promote a distribution of the product all over the scalp.

The dispensing head may be configured to allow spraying of the product through outlet orifices in at least one direction transverse to a longitudinal axis Y, in particular in at least two different directions, which are in particular diametrically opposite,

The outlet orifices may be coplanar and arranged in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis X. The dispensing head may comprise in particular at least three coplanar outlet orifices, the directions of spraying being in particular at least 30 °, at least 60 ° or at least 90 ° from each other.

The outlets may extend the full height of the peripheral skirt or only a portion thereof. This height of the peripheral skirt may be between 0.2 and 8 mm, or even between 1 and 6 mm, being for example of the order of 1.9 or 5 mm.

The outlet orifices may be offset angularly with respect to the opening or openings of the separation skirt, each at an angle of between 0 and 180 °, more preferably between 20 and 90 °, more preferably between 30 and 80 °, for example order of 45 °.

The body may include an annular groove for receiving the peripheral skirt of the diffuser. The annular groove can provide a continuous flow and a good supply of orifices.

The body may have two continuous concentric annular ribs, between which may in particular engage the peripheral skirt of the diffuser, in which the outlet openings may be formed. Thus, the annular groove may be delimited by the two concentric ribs which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis Y of the body and configured to engage on both sides of the peripheral skirt. The ribs may abut against shoulders present respectively on the separation and peripheral skirts. The ribs have for example each a thickness e2 and e2 between 0.2 and 2 mm, or between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, better between 0.6 and 1 mm. The longitudinal axis Y of the diffuser may constitute an axis of symmetry of the diffuser.

The diffuser is preferably assembled with the body from above.

The diffuser may define the upper axial end of the dispensing head.

The end piece, in particular the diffuser may comprise an upper face of convex convex general shape towards the outside. The radius of curvature of this face may be generally between 0 and 20 mm, or between 2 and 10 mm, better between 3 and 9 mm, being for example of the order of 6 mm.

The upper face of the diffuser may include markers that provide information on the direction of exit of the jets. These landmarks are for example reliefs of generally triangular shape, the tip is oriented towards the edge of the upper face and to the peripheral skirt.

The upper face of the diffuser may have a central depression, circular contour. This central depression can accommodate a carrot injection, so as to avoid harming the skin.

The body and the diffuser may be assembled together in particular by welding, for example by ultrasound. They can still be assembled otherwise, for example by gluing. They are in this case molded separately before assembly. Alternatively, they are molded in one piece, being interconnected for example by a film hinge during molding.

The dispensing head may have a feed channel of the product from the container. For this purpose, the body has a central channel for allowing the flow of product from the container to the diffuser. The body can define a cannula traversed by said channel, this cannula being of longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the container.

The central channel of the body may comprise a vertical portion, extending in the longitudinal axis X of the device above the container, and an oblique portion, inclined at an angle γ relative to the vertical portion. The angle γ can be between 0 and 90 °, better between 5 and 40 °, or between 10 and 30 °, being for example of the order of 15 °. The oblique portion of the central channel may receive the diffuser. The annular groove and the aforementioned ribs of the body are disposed at one end of the body opposite an attachment portion of the dispensing head on the container.

The vertical portion of the central channel is intended to receive the stem of the dispensing valve of the container.

The diffuser can be full at its longitudinal axis. The end piece, in particular the diffuser may include a rod for attachment to the body, in particular by being inserted into the central channel of the body. The attachment may be by force insertion with or without at least one attachment relief, for example a harpoon, and / or snap. The rod may comprise for this purpose a fixing relief intended to cooperate with a corresponding relief of the body. The rod may in an exemplary embodiment have two partially annular notches, diametrically opposed as fixing reliefs. The body may comprise an annular groove for receiving an annular fixing bead protruding on the rod. The diffuser rod may have a harpoon shape.

The diffuser rod may be the sole means of fixing the diffuser on the body. The rod can be connected superiorly to a dome-shaped wall which defines the upper surface of generally convex shape mentioned above.

The diffuser rod may comprise at least one groove defining a product passage from the channel to the diffuser, better two diametrically opposite grooves each defining a product passage from the channel to the end piece, in particular the diffuser. Said grooves may be of outline in a portion of a circle in cross section. The grooves may extend between said notches mentioned above. This or these grooves are formed by a recess extending along the diffuser rod. Their number may be even, being in particular between 2 and 10, for example being 2, 4, 6 or 8.

Alternatively, the dispensing head may be devoid of such a rod. The end piece may for example be attached to the body by its periphery.

In a variant, the device comprises at least one orifice allowing the product to pass from the body to the diffuser. The device may comprise at least two orifices, which for example are two in number and diametrically opposed.

To allow the fitting of the diffuser on the body, a keying device can be used.

The device may be devoid of vortex channel nozzle, which simplifies its implementation. The dispensing orifices may preferably be direct outlet, without added nozzle. By inserting nozzle is meant a part having at least one outlet orifice and comprising a flat wall in which is provided the outlet opening, and a mounting skirt, which can be mounted on a center-post.

The container can be pressurized. The container may in particular be an aerosol system that delivers droplets of a product propelled by a propellant gas, liquefied or not, comprising an alcoholic or aqueous solution, as well as, for example, polymeric resins, forming the drying of fine bonds between the hair . The product may be mixed with the propellant or contained in a flexible bag surrounded by the propellant.

The container can be rechargeable or not.

The device may comprise a closure cap intended to cover the body and the diffuser.

The dispensing head may be arranged to allow the mounting of the protective cover and include, where appropriate, an on / off system to prohibit the actuation of the device for a certain position of the dispensing head relative to the container or for a certain position of a locking element of the dispensing head relative thereto.

Each jet leaving the diffuser can be oriented generally along an axis not parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the device, in particular obliquely, being for example inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device by an angle greater than 10 °, better than 20 °, still better than 30 °. The breath of the product exiting an orifice can be used to lift the hair, which favors the application of the product on the scalp by other outlets.

The outflow of each outlet orifice may be oriented perpendicular to the Y axis of the diffuser, the outlet orifices being for example coplanar and axes oriented perpendicularly to the Y axis of the diffuser.

Alternatively, the outflow of each exit port may be at an angle to the normal Y axis, so that all jets produce a resulting spray of substantially conical shape. This angle may be non-zero, between 5 and 180 °, better between 10 and 90 °, or between 20 and 80 °, better between 25 and 70 °, being for example of the order of 35 °.

The device may comprise at least three outlet ports, which are preferably non-aligned. The distance between the most distant exit orifices may be less than 25 mm, better still less than 20 mm, or even less than 15 mm, being for example of the order of 12 mm or 10 mm. The engagement of the distribution of the product can be done by tilting the body relative to the container. The body may for this purpose comprise a bearing surface for the finger of the user, defined by a wall which is for example connected by a hinge to the fixing portion on the container. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method, comprising the following steps: providing a device as described above, arranging at least a portion of the dispensing head, in particular the diffuser, under the hair. The invention also relates to the use of the device as described above for spraying a product at 360 °. The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a view of 2 is a longitudinal section of the dispensing head of the device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closing cap of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, - Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of Figure 3, according to IV-IV, - Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the body of the device of Figures 1 and 2, - Figure 7 is a sectional view. longitudinal view of the body of FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrammatic and partial perspective views of the diffuser of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 10 is a view from below according to the arrow X of FIGS. 9, - Figure 11 is a longitudinal section along XI-XI of Figures 8 to 10, FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of an alternative embodiment, FIGS. 13 and 14 are partial longitudinal sections respectively along XIII-XIII and XTV-XIV of FIG. 12; FIG. perspective view of the diffuser of Figures 12 to 14, - Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 13 of the diffuser taken alone, - Figure 17 is a view along the arrow XVII of the diffuser of Figures 12 to 16, - Figure 18 is a side view of the body of Figures 12 to 17, - Figure 19 is a view along the arrow XIX, - Figure 20 in a sectional view along XX-XX, and - Figure 21 is a view in section according to XXI-XXI.

FIGS. 1 to 11 show a device 1 for spraying a product comprising a container 2 containing the product to be sprayed, and a dispensing head 3 covering the container 2. The initial pressure in the container is for example between 1 and 12 bars at 20 ° C.

The container 2 may comprise a valve holder cup not shown, crimped on a body of the container or made otherwise.

The dispensing head 3 comprises a body 5 disposed on the container 2 and cooperating with a diffuser 7. A closure cap 9, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, is intended to cover the body 5 and the diffuser 7 in the absence use. The cover 9 comprises for example an annular relief 10 to allow its holding on the container 2 by snapping.

The body 5 and the diffuser 7 are configured to allow spraying of the product in at least two different directions, which are in the example described in number of four, equidistributed around the Y axis of the diffuser. For this purpose, the diffuser 7 has four outlets 12, visible in Figures 8 to 10, which will be detailed later.

During the spraying of the product, the flow of product from the container first circulates in a central channel 25 of the body 5, intended to allow the passage of the product from the container 2 to the diffuser 7. This central channel 25 comprises a straight portion 25a, extending in the longitudinal axis X of the device above the container, and an oblique portion 25b, extending along the Y axis of the diffuser 7, and which is inclined at an angle γ by relative to the right portion 25a. The angle γ is for example of the order of 20 to 30 °.

The diffuser 7 has a central rod 28 for attachment to the body 5 in the oblique portion 25b. Fixing is done by insertion force and snap. The central rod 28 has for this purpose a fixing relief 30 such as an annular bead intended to snap behind a corresponding relief of the body 5.

The central rod 28 has a shoulder 34 to ensure sealing.

Two longitudinal grooves 32 formed on the central rod 28 allow the product to pass from the body 5 to the diffuser 7. They are in the example described diametrically opposed. These grooves 32 are oriented along the Y axis of the diffuser. They may be of partially circular cross section.

In the diffuser 7, the product flow circulates in a first inner chamber 15 and a second outer chamber 16 concentric with the first.

The diffuser 7 has a separation skirt 18 between the first and second chambers 15 and 16. This separation skirt 18 is pierced with two openings 20 allowing the flow of product to pass. Thus, the latter is separated into four distinct currents, two opposing currents leaving each of the openings 20. The latter are evenly distributed around the periphery of the separation skirt 18, being diametrically opposed. Each opening 20 preferably extends over the entire height h2 of the separation skirt 18, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The height h2 of the separation skirt 18 is, for example, of the order of 2.5 or 4 mm.

The second chamber 16 is surrounded by a peripheral skirt 22 of the diffuser 7, cooperating with the body 5, so as to ensure the closure of the second chamber 16. The peripheral skirt 22 comprises the four outlet orifices 12 to ensure the exit of the produced to the outside. These outlet ports 12 are evenly distributed around the Y axis of the diffuser 7. They may each extend over the entire height h2 of the peripheral skirt or only a part thereof. This height h2 may be of the order of 1.9 or 5 mm.

The chambers 15 and 16 preferably have respective widths I1 and I2 of the order of 1.2 mm.

The outlet orifices 12 may comprise a lower portion in the form of a slot of constant width formed in the bottom of the skirt 22, and an upper portion of semicircular cross section, formed in the top of the skirt 22, extending to part of the shoulder 22a. The product leaves the device through the upper portion of the outlet orifices 12, the lower portion being masked and closed by the body 7.

The outlet orifices may each have a cross section of between 0.05 and 5 mm 2, better still between 0.1 and 2 mm 2, for example of the order of 1 mm 2.

The outlets may have any suitable geometric shape. In one embodiment, they may be of circular cross section.

The outlet orifices 12 are offset angularly with respect to the openings 20 of the separating skirt 18. They are, for example, each offset by an angle α of the order of 45 °, as illustrated in FIG.

The openings 20 are offset with respect to the longitudinal grooves 32. They are for example offset by an angle β of the order of 90 °, as also illustrated in FIG.

The body 5 comprises an annular groove 23 intended to receive the peripheral skirt 22 of the diffuser 7. This annular groove 23 is delimited by two concentric ribs 24a and 24b, configured to engage on both sides of the peripheral skirt 22. The two ribs 24a and 24b are continuous. They can bear against shoulders 22a and 18a present respectively on the separation skirts 18 and peripheral 22, when the body and the diffuser are assembled. They are preferably respective thicknesses e2 and e2 of the order of 0.7 mm. They are between them a difference d of the order of 1.25 mm. The rib 24b closes the lower portion of the outlet orifices 12.

The annular groove 23 and the ribs 24a and 24b are disposed at one end of the body, opposite a mounting skirt 27 of the body 5 on the container 2. The rest of the body, and in particular the central channel 25 of the body, is connected by a hinge 27a to the mounting skirt 27. The mounting skirt is preferably snap-fastened to the container, but may still be otherwise attached thereto.

The diffuser 7 has an upper face 35 of generally convex shape, the radius of curvature is for example of the order of 6 mm.

The upper face 35 of the diffuser 7 has markings in the form of reliefs 36, of generally triangular shape, the point of which is oriented towards the edge of the upper face 35 and towards the peripheral skirt 22 in the alignment of the outlet orifices 12. The upper end 35 of the diffuser 7 also has a central depression 37, circular contour, which houses the injection core.

The flow of product undergoes at least two changes of direction in the diffuser 7. The flow of product thus passes, as illustrated in FIG. 9, from a first direction A in the grooves 32 to a second direction B in the first chamber 15. , the two directions A and B forming an angle of 90 ° between them. The product flow then passes from the direction B to a direction C in the second chamber 16, with a change of direction of the order of 180 °, then takes a direction D which corresponds to the outlet of the product through an outlet orifice 12.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 12 to 21 an alternative embodiment. In this example, the outlet orifices 12 are formed in the diffuser 7 directly. They are formed in a domed portion of the diffuser 7, of hemispherical shape, having a radius of curvature of about 6 mm.

The orifices 12 are oriented outwardly each along an axis Z which forms an angle δ with the Y axis of the diffuser. The angle δ is less than 90 °, so that the resulting spray is conically shaped, with a distribution of the product all around the Y axis. The angle δ can be between 10 and 85 °, better between 20 and and 80 °, being for example between 30 and 75 °, or between 40 and 70 °. H may for example be of the order of 60 °.

The dispensing head of FIGS. 12 to 21 also differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 11 in the shape of the body 5. The latter comprises in this embodiment a cannula 25b traversed by said channel 25, this cannula being of longitudinal axis Y inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the container.

In addition, the mounting skirt 27 of the body 5 on the container 2 is connected to the rest of the body by a hinge 27a located with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the same side as the inclination of the axis Y, so that that the longitudinal axis Y of the cannula of a movable part of the body 5 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the container during the distribution of the product. The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

For example, the valve of the container may be triggered by depression and not by tilting.

The number of outlets can be changed, as well as their orientation.

The axes of the outlets, according to which the sprays are emitted, can be coplanar or not, or contained in the same cone of axis Y or not.

The shape of the body and how it is attached to the container can be changed. The body may not be bent, the Y axis of the diffuser being then coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the container.

In the example described, the mounting of the diffuser 7 on the body 5 is without coding. In a variant, a keying is used. The diffuser may comprise for this purpose any means, for example relief or mark, to ensure the proper positioning of the outlet ports relative to the body, particularly with respect to the bearing surface used to trigger the spray.

The diffuser may have, when viewed from the front, an outline other than circular.

The product to be sprayed can be a deodorant, in particular an alcohol-containing deodorant, an antiperspirant, a styling treatment, a shaving foam, among other possibilities.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1) for spraying a product, in particular a cosmetic, makeup or care product, comprising: - a container (2) containing the product, and - a dispensing head (3) comprising a body (5) ), and an end piece, in particular a diffuser (7), attached to the body, the body and the end piece (7) being configured to allow spraying of the product through outlets (12) around the a longitudinal axis (Y) of the end piece, in particular in at least two different directions, which are in particular diametrically opposite. the dispensing head (3) comprising at least first (15) and second (16) chambers, in particular concentric chambers, traversed successively by the flow of product before its exit through the outlet orifices (12), at least one opening (20) ) between the first and second concentric chambers being angularly offset from at least one of the outlet ports (12). 2. Device according to the preceding claim, the first (15) second (16) chambers being at least partially annular, in particular cylindrical. 3. Device according to the preceding claim, the first (15) at least partially annular chamber extending along the longitudinal axis (Y) and being inclined relative to a longitudinal axis (X) of the device of an angle (γ) not bad. 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the diffuser (7) having a separating skirt (18) separating the first (15) and second (16) chambers, this separating skirt (18) being pierced with minus two openings (20) allowing the passage of the product stream. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second chamber (16) is surrounded by a peripheral skirt (22) cooperating with the body (5) so as to ensure the closure of the second chamber (16). 6. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (5) has an annular groove (23) for receiving the peripheral skirt (22) of the diffuser (7). 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end piece, in particular the diffuser (7) has an upper face (35) of convex convex general shape outwardly. 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (5) comprises a central channel (25) for allowing the flow of product from the container (2) to the diffuser (7). 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end piece, in particular the diffuser (7) comprises a rod (28) for attachment to the body, in particular in the central channel (25) of the body defined in the preceding claim. 10. Device according to the preceding claim, the rod (28) having a harpoon shape. 11. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, the rod (28) having at least one longitudinal groove (32) for the passage of the product of the body towards the end piece, including the diffuser. 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the flow exiting an outlet orifice being oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the device. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the body having two concentric annular ribs (24a, 24b) continuous, between which can in particular be engaged a peripheral skirt (22) of the diffuser (7), in which can be formed the outlet ports (12). 14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the outlet orifices being of coplanar axes, in particular perpendicular to an axis (Y) of the diffuser.