JP2011515285A - Aerosol sprayer - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol dispenser includes a dispensing head (1) adapted to attach to an aerosol container (2). The dispensing head (1) includes an enablement mechanism (8) and a docking mechanism (9) and the container (2) includes an enablement projection (3) and a docking projection (10). The docking mechanism (9) releasably engages the docking projection (10) to attach the dispensing head (1) to the container (2) such that the enablement projection (3) engages the enablement mechanism (8) to place the aerosol dispenser into an operable condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to an aerosol sprayer, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an aerosol sprayer that can be selectively activated to automatically spray an aerosol.

  Various forms of aerosol spreaders are known. For example, WO 95/19304 reports an automatic aerosol sprayer that sprays a fluid material (eg, insect repellent, air freshener, or deodorant) supplied in a fluid. Generally, such a spreader is formed of at least two parts, a spreader head and a refill container containing a flowable substance.

  Once activated, such an aerosol dispenser intermittently releases a flowable substance as a jet of steam until it is shut down, decharged, or free of flowable material.

  However, once this spraying mechanism is activated, it is periodically activated regardless of whether the refill container is attached to the spraying head or not. This can occur if an activation means (eg, a switch or button) is accidentally pressed. As a result, the spraying mechanism wears out over time, necessitating replacement of the entire unit, not just the refill container.

International Publication No. 95/19304 Pamphlet

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol dispenser that overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the above disadvantages or at least provides a useful option for the general population.

  Other objects of the invention may become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only.

  In a broad sense, one aspect of the present invention includes a spray head suitable for coupling with a pressurized container, the pressurized container having an annulus that is ready to activate an automatic aerosol dispenser. (Collar) is fitted.

In a broad sense, one aspect of the present invention comprises a pressurized container that is attached to a spraying head and discharges pressurized contents, the container comprising:
A spout head coupling projection extending from the top surface of the container, and when the spray head is connected to the container and activated, the contents can be discharged and discharged under the control of the spray head;
Extending from the top of the container and ready for operation, or when the spray head is activated by other control inputs, the contents of the container can be sprayed from the container via the spray head, An execution projection intended and operable to activate the execution mechanism of the spreading head;
Is provided.

  In one embodiment, the connecting protrusion protrudes from the top surface of the container and meshes with a complementary opening in the connecting mechanism of the dispensing head. This complementary opening of the coupling mechanism preferably includes threading. More preferably, the connecting projection includes a valve.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion at least partially surrounds the connection protrusion. This execution protrusion preferably completely surrounds the connection protrusion. More preferably, the execution protrusion surrounds the connection protrusion in a curved shape.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion is integrally formed with the valve cap.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion is fitted on the top surface of the pressurized container. The execution protrusion is preferably fixed at a predetermined position by a connection protrusion. More preferably, the execution protrusion is fixed on the top surface of the pressurized container by a connection protrusion.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism contacts the execution protrusion either directly or indirectly when the pressurized container is fully connected to the dispensing head. It is preferable that the dispersal head is ready for operation as the execution mechanism is moved by this connection. More preferably, the execution mechanism is a cam and, when moved, activates a switch to enable the spray head.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism switch is connected directly or indirectly to the printed circuit board, and the cam is moved after the pressurization vessel is coupled, thereby causing the execution mechanism switch to move in the lateral direction. Move the spraying head to the on position. The cam is preferably biased downward. More preferably, the cam is biased downward by a spring.

  In one embodiment, the dispensing head is activated by a switch, button, or lever that is separate from the execution mechanism. This spreading head is preferably activated by a switch.

  Broadly speaking, one aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing head comprising an assembly mechanism, a combination having a coupling mechanism and a fluid passage provided through the coupling mechanism to allow controlled release of the flowable substance. Or as a kit. The pressurized container can be connected within the connection mechanism or can be connected into the connection mechanism, and when activated, releases the flowable material from the container. The spraying head and the container have an interlocking mechanism that starts from the connecting projection of the container and interlocks with the spraying head. By this interlocking, the fluid substance is sprayed directly from the container or other control input to the spraying head. To release the flowable material from the container from the spraying head.

  In one embodiment, the connecting protrusion of the container is connected in a complementary manner with the spreading head. The pressurized container connection protrusion and the spray head connection mechanism are preferably connected by a complementary screw connection.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion from the top surface of the pressurized container meshes with the corresponding mechanism of the spreading head. This execution protrusion preferably partially or completely surrounds the connecting protrusion and directly or indirectly contacts the execution mechanism of the spreading head. More preferably, the execution protrusion moves the spray head execution mechanism upward when the pressurized container is connected to the spray head.

  In one embodiment, the pressurized container is coupled to the spray head, thereby bringing the interlocking mechanism of the spray head and the pressurized container into contact, and the assembly is ready for operation.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism is a movable switch. This switch is moved upwards by an execution protrusion of the pressurized container when the spraying head is connected to the pressurized container. This execution mechanism is preferably biased downward (preferably by a spring). More preferably, this execution mechanism comprises a cam and a switch.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism is a cam and an activatable switch. When the cam is moved by connecting the pressurized container to the spraying head, the execution projection moves the cam upward, thereby moving the switch laterally and the assembly is ready for operation. The switch preferably comprises a movable member connected to the printed circuit board. More preferably, the cam contacts the switch when moved upward and moves the switch laterally.

  In a broad sense, one aspect of the present invention comprises a complementary pressure vessel coupling mechanism. This coupling mechanism can pass the fluid released from the coupled container under the control of the spraying head. The pressurized container is provided with at least one execution mechanism, which is curved so as to surround the connection mechanism of the container, which is dependent on interlocking with the part of the spraying head.

In a broad sense, one embodiment of the present invention is:
1. Starting or coupling a sprinkling head comprising a coupling mechanism, a fluid passage and an execution mechanism, and a pressurized container containing a flowable material and comprising a coupling protrusion and an execution protrusion;
2. When the spray head and the pressurized container are connected, the execution protrusion directly or indirectly contacts the execution mechanism, whereby the execution mechanism moves upward;
3. Moving the execution mechanism upwards to activate the switch to bring the spreading head into an operable state; and
4). The spreading head is activated to release flowable material from the spreading head through the fluid passageway;
A method of directing a flowable material from a pressurized container into the environment.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism is a cam that activates the switch. The cam preferably moves the switch laterally. More preferably, the cam directly contacts the execution protrusion. In one embodiment, the spray head and the pressurized container are connected using threading.

  In one embodiment, the switch connected to the printed circuit board moves laterally as the cam moves upward. As the switch moves, the spray head is ready for operation. In one embodiment, the pressurized container only activates the spreading head when fully connected to the spreading head. Preferably, complete connection is provided when the pressure vessel is fully screwed into the spreading head via the connection protrusion and the connection mechanism.

  In one embodiment, the cam is biased downward. This bias is preferably adjusted by a spring action.

  Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and”, “or”, or both.

  As used herein, “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular of that noun.

  As used herein, the term “comprising” means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting a description in this specification that includes this word, there must be all the mechanisms that follow the word in each description, but there may be other mechanisms. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” should be interpreted similarly.

  In addition, the present invention broadly includes portions, elements, and features mentioned or shown individually or collectively in the present specification of this application and any two of these portions, elements, or features. It may be considered to consist of any or all combinations of the foregoing, and has been described herein with reference to specific integers having equivalents known in the art to which this invention pertains. However, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if individually described.

  The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings.

1 is an isometric view of a prior art pressurized container. FIG. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a pressurized container. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of one embodiment of a spray head coupled to one embodiment of a pressurized container. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the spreading head of FIG. 2 in connection with another embodiment of a pressurized container. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the spraying head of FIG. 2 in connection with a further embodiment of a pressurized container. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a spraying head in connection with the pressurized container of FIG. 2. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an execution mechanism and an execution protrusion in an inoperable state. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an execution mechanism and execution protrusions in an operable state.

  A spray head 1 suitable for coupling with a pressurized container 2 will be described broadly. The pressurization container 2 is fitted with an annular execution protrusion 3 that makes the spraying head 1 ready to be activated.

A pressurized container 2 that is attached to the spraying head 1 and discharges the pressurized content will be described herein. This container 2 is
Spreading from the top surface 6 of the container 2 and when the spraying head 1 is connected to the pressurized container 2 and activated, the contents pass through and can be discharged under the control of the spraying head 1 A head coupling protrusion 10;
When the spraying head 1 is extended from the top surface 6 of the pressurized container 2 and is in an operable state, or when the spraying head 1 is activated by another control input, the contents of the container 2 are passed through the spraying head 1. An execution protrusion 3 intended and operable to activate the execution mechanism 8 of the spraying head 1 so that it can be sprayed from
Is provided.

  In one embodiment, the connection protrusion 10 protrudes from the top surface 6 of the container 2 and meshes with a complementary connection mechanism 9 of the spray head 1. This complementary coupling mechanism 9 is preferably threaded. More preferably, the coupling mechanism 9 includes a valve 4.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion 3 at least partially surrounds the connection protrusion 10. The execution protrusion 3 preferably completely surrounds the connection protrusion 10. More preferably, the execution protrusion 3 surrounds the connection protrusion 10 in a curved shape.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion 3 is fitted on the top surface 6 of the pressurized container 2. The execution protrusion 3 is preferably fixed at a predetermined position by the connection protrusion 10. The execution protrusion 3 is more preferably fixed on the top surface 6 of the pressurized container 2 by the connection protrusion 10.

  In one embodiment, the execution protrusion 3 is formed integrally with the valve cap 16.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism 8 contacts the execution protrusion 3 directly or indirectly when the pressurized container 2 is fully connected to the spreading head 1. It is preferable that the dispersal head 1 be in an operable state by moving the execution mechanism 8 by this connection. More preferably, the execution mechanism 8 includes a cam 5 and, when moved, activates the switch 11 to bring the spraying head 1 into an operable state.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism switch 11 is connected to the printed circuit board 12 directly or indirectly, and the execution mechanism switch 11 is moved by the cam 5 moving after the pressurized container 2 is coupled. 11 is moved laterally to bring the spraying head 1 into an operable state. The cam 5 is preferably biased downward. More preferably, the cam 5 is biased downward by a spring (not shown).

  In one embodiment, the spray head 1 is activated by a switch, button, lever 13 or the like separate from that of the execution mechanism 8. The spreading head 1 is preferably activated by a switch 13.

  An assembly, combination or kit including a dispensing head 1 having a coupling mechanism 9 and a fluid passage provided therethrough to allow controlled release of a flowable substance is described herein. . The pressurized container 2 is connected in the connecting mechanism 9 or can be connected in the connecting mechanism 9, and when activated, releases the fluid substance from the container 2. The spraying head 1 and the container 2 have an interlocking mechanism that starts from the connecting projection 10 and interlocks with the spraying head 1. By this interlocking, the fluid substance from the container 2 is sprayed directly, or The flowable substance from the container 2 is discharged from the spraying head 1 by another control input.

  In one embodiment, the connection protrusion 10 is connected to the spraying head 1 in a complementary manner. The pressure vessel connectable protrusion 10 and the spray head connecting mechanism 9 are preferably connected by complementary screw connection.

  In one embodiment, the interlocking mechanism includes an execution protrusion 3 that extends from the top surface 6 of the pressurized container 2 and meshes with the spraying head 1. This execution protrusion 3 preferably partially or completely surrounds the connection protrusion 10 which directly or indirectly contacts the connection mechanism 9 of the spreading head 1. More preferably, the execution protrusion 3 moves the execution mechanism 8 upward when the pressurized container 2 is connected to the spraying head 1.

  In one embodiment, when the pressurized container 2 is connected to the spraying head 1, the interlocking mechanism of the spraying head 1 and the pressurized container 2 comes into contact, and the assembly is ready for operation.

  In one embodiment, the spray head execution mechanism 8 is a movable switch that is moved upward by the execution protrusion 3 of the pressurized container 2 when the spray head 1 is connected to the pressurized container 2. This execution mechanism 8 is preferably biased downward (preferably by a spring). More preferably, the execution mechanism 8 includes a cam 5 and a switch 11.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism 8 of the spray head 1 is a cam 5 and a startable switch 11. When the cam 5 is moved by connecting the pressurized container 2 to the spraying head 1, the cam 5 is moved upward by the execution protrusion 3, whereby the switch 11 is moved laterally and the assembly is ready for operation. Become. The switch 11 preferably comprises a movable member connected to the printed circuit board 12. More preferably, the cam 5 contacts the switch 11 when moved upward and moves the switch 11 laterally.

  A connecting projection 10 of the pressurized container 2 that allows the fluid released from the connected container to be controlled under the control of the spraying head 1 will be described herein. The spreading head 1 includes at least one coupling mechanism 9. The pressurized container 2 relies on interlocking with the part of the spraying head 1 by a curved part surrounding the connectable mechanism 10.

1. A spraying head 1 comprising a coupling mechanism 9, a fluid passage (not shown) and an execution mechanism 8 and a pressurized container 2 containing a flowable material and comprising a connection projection 10 and an execution projection 3 are started or connected. Steps,
2. When the spraying head 1 and the pressurized container 2 are connected, the execution protrusion 3 directly or indirectly contacts the execution mechanism 8, whereby the execution mechanism 8 moves upward;
3. Moving the execution mechanism 8 upward to activate the switch 11 to bring the spraying head 1 into an operable state;
4). Starting the spraying head 1 to release the flowable material from the spraying head 1 via the fluid passageway;
A method for directing a flowable material from the pressurized container 2 into the environment is provided herein.

  In one embodiment, the execution mechanism 8 includes a cam 5 that activates the switch 11. The cam 5 preferably moves the switch 11 laterally. More preferably, the cam 5 directly contacts the execution protrusion 3. In one embodiment, the spray head 1 and the pressurized container 2 are connected using threading.

  In one embodiment, when the cam 5 moves upward, the switch 11 connected to the printed circuit board 12 moves laterally. When the switch 11 moves in the lateral direction, the spraying head 1 becomes operable.

  In one embodiment, the pressurized container 2 only activates the spray head 1 when fully connected to the spray head 1. When the pressurized container 2 is completely screwed onto the spraying head 1 via the connection projection 10 and the connection mechanism 9, it is preferable that a complete connection is provided.

  In one embodiment, the cam 5 is biased downward. This bias is preferably adjusted by a spring action.

  One of the advantages of the present invention is that the pressurized container 2 in which the execution protrusions 3 are not fitted reliably cannot start the spraying head 1. In addition, this ensures that the spraying head 1 operates only when the pressurized container 2 is correctly fitted, and if the pressurized container 2 is not attached, the spraying head 1 operates carelessly and wastefully. Instead, the spray head 1 can be protected from chemical reaction or mechanical damage by using only the specially configured pressurized container 2 having the execution protrusion 3 in combination with the spray head 1.

  FIG. 2 shows a spraying head 1 and a pressurized container 2 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the pressurized container 2 includes an annular execution protrusion 3 disposed on the upper surface 6 thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, this execution protrusion 3 can be arranged around the container valve 4. Of course, an annular portion is shown to activate the execution mechanism 8, but other mechanisms may be used. For example, it may be a partial envelopment or upright, a ramp, or a protrusion.

  FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the spraying head 1 fitted and coupled to the pressurized container 2 including the execution protrusion 3. FIG. 2 further shows the execution mechanism 8 of the spraying head 1.

  This execution mechanism 8 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 as a cam operation. However, it should be understood that this is only one embodiment in which the invention can be practiced. Another execution mechanism 8 includes an execution protrusion 3 that directly activates the switch 11 by contacting the switch 11 or by attaching the switch 11 directly to the execution protrusion 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the execution mechanism 8 includes a cam 5 that is biased to a lower position by a spring, for example. The cam 5 moves upward when the pressurized container 2 is attached to the spraying head 1. As one of the attachment methods, threading is used. When the cam 5 moves upward, the switch 11 moves in the lateral direction. The cam 5 is designed to move the switch 11 in the on state when moved upward. When the switch 11 is moved inward, the electric circuit board 12 is activated to supply power to the automatic sprayer electromagnetic valve 14, and then the contents of the container 2 pass through the spray nozzle 15 by the electromagnetic valve 14. Flowing into the atmosphere as a spray or mist.

  FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cap 16 fitted on the top of the pressurized container 2. The cap 16 incorporates a similar execution protrusion 3 in its design that activates the execution mechanism 8 to activate the spraying head 1.

  FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the execution protrusion 3 is integrally formed with the container 2. This execution protrusion 3 also activates the execution mechanism 8 to bring the spraying head 1 into an operable state.

  FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another switch mechanism, by which the cam 5 is moved vertically upwards with respect to the switch 11, thereby bringing the spraying head 1 into an operable state.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram clearly illustrating the influence of the operation of the execution protrusion 3 on the execution mechanism 8. In FIG. 6A, the pressurized container 2 is not completely screwed to the spraying head 1, and the execution protrusion 3 does not activate the switch 11. In FIG. 6B, the pressurized container 2 is completely screwed into the spraying head 1, and the execution protrusion 3 is moved upward to activate the switch 11.

  Each pressurized container 2 has an opening through which a flowable material can pass. In one embodiment, the valve 4 of the pressurized container 2 is fitted outside the opening and is fixed on the pressurized container 2 by a compression process.

  Once the spraying head 1 is activated, the spraying procedure can be repeated automatically so that the flowable material can flow continuously from the pressurized container 2 into the spraying head 1.

The present invention provides the user with several advantages that may be independent of each other or parallel:
1. This automatic spreader does not work without the container 2. Without the present invention, the automatic dispenser can continue to operate with the container 2 uncoupled, providing no benefit to the user. Therefore, battery energy is used unnecessarily, and the spreading mechanism is worn out excessively and unnecessarily.
2. In order to operate this sprayer, it is also necessary to screw the container 2 correctly and completely into the spraying head 1. If the container 2 is not completely screwed onto the spraying head 1, it may be fitted in error and leak its contents into the environment.
3. The present invention limits the ability of unapproved aerosol containers to fit into this automatic aerosol dispenser. The contents of unapproved aerosol containers can damage or affect the correct operation and / or performance of this automatic aerosol dispenser.
4). The present invention is low cost and easily fits into an aerosol container during a filling operation.

  In the above description, reference has been made to elements or complete bodies having known equivalents, but such equivalents are included as if individually described.

  Although the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

  Aerosol dispensers have been presented that operate only when a properly configured aerosol container is fully loaded. This aerosol spreader will remain inoperable without an aerosol container, thus using less energy and limiting excessive wear on the spray mechanism.

  Many modifications to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and teach the best mode of carrying out the invention. Exclusive rights to all modifications within the scope of the appended claims are expressly reserved. Patents, published patents and patent applications, and other references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (14)

A spreading head (1) comprising an execution mechanism (8) and a coupling mechanism (9);
A container (2) comprising an execution protrusion (3) and a connection protrusion (10);
An aerosol sprayer comprising:
When the connecting mechanism (9) is releasably engaged with the connecting protrusion (10) and the spraying head (1) is attached to the container (2), the execution protrusion (3) is moved to the execution mechanism (8). ) To make the aerosol sprayer ready for operation,
Aerosol spreader. The execution mechanism (8) comprises a cam (5) biased downward, a switch (11), and a control circuit (12);
The aerosol sprayer according to claim 1, wherein when the spray head (1) is attached to the container (2), the cam (5) is moved upward to engage the switch (11).   The aerosol spreader according to claim 2, wherein the cam (5) is moved upward to engage the switch (11) in a lateral direction, thereby enabling the aerosol spreader.   The aerosol spreader according to claim 2, wherein the cam (5) is moved upward to engage the switch (11) in a longitudinal direction, thereby enabling the aerosol spreader.   The aerosol spreader according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting projection (10) comprises a valve (4).   6. The spray head (1) further comprises a solenoid valve (14) configured to be in fluid communication with the valve (4) when the spray head (1) is attached to the container (2). The aerosol sprayer as described in 1.   The aerosol sprayer according to claim 6, wherein the spray head (1) further comprises a manual switch (13) for actuating the solenoid valve (14).   The aerosol spreader according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the execution protrusion (3) comprises a cap (16) attached to the container (2).   9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the connection protrusion is at least partially surrounded by the execution protrusion and includes threading for attachment to a corresponding threading of the connection mechanism. The aerosol sprayer according to claim 1. A spraying head (1) comprising an execution mechanism (8) and a coupling mechanism (9), including a downwardly biased cam (5), a switch (11) and a control circuit (12);
An aerosol sprayer comprising:
The coupling mechanism (9) is configured to releasably engage with a coupling protrusion (10) on the container (2) to attach the spray head (1) to the container (2). The execution protrusion (3) on the container (2) moves the cam (5) upward,
Aerosol spreader.   11. The aerosol spreader according to claim 10, wherein the cam (5) is moved upward to engage the switch (11) to enable the aerosol spreader.   12. The aerosol disperser according to claim 11, wherein the cam (5) is configured to move away from the switch (11) when the container (2) is removed. Aerosol spreader.   The aerosol sprayer according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the container (2).   14. Aerosol spreader according to claim 13, wherein the connecting projection (10) comprises a valve (4) and is at least partially surrounded by the execution projection (3).

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