JP6549216B2 - Multiple inlet multi spray fluid cup nozzle with shared interaction area and spray generation method - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of co-owned co-pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 037,913, filed August 15, 2014, entitled "Multi-Inlet Multi-Sprayed Fluid Cup Nozzle With Shared Interaction Region And Spray Generation Method". Priority is claimed, and the full disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also related to the following co-owned patent applications:
(A) A method and fluid cup apparatus for generating a 2D or 3D spray pattern of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 476,845, filed April 19, 2011,
(B) "Cupled fluid circuit, nozzle assembly and method" (WO 2012/145537), PCT Application No. PCT / US12 / 34293, filed April 19, 2012;
(C) "Cupled fluid circuit, nozzle assembly and method" of US application Ser. No. 13 / 816,661, filed Feb. 12, 2013,
(D) U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 229,496, filed on Mar. 28, 2014, "Cupped nozzle assembly with integral filter structure",
(E) PCT Application No. PCT / US14 / 32286, "Cupled nozzle assembly with integral filter structure and registration function" filed on March 29, 2014 (WO 2014/160992). The entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to a portable or disposable liquid or fluid product dispenser and nozzle assembly adapted to be used with a liquid or fluid product sprayer, in particular to select from multiple inlets to multiple outlets through the shared interaction chamber The present invention relates to a sprayer comprising a nozzle assembly configured to dispense or produce a spray that sprays the fluid or liquid product being dispensed in a desired spray pattern.

  Often, cleaning fluids, hair sprays, skin care products and other liquid products are dispensed from disposable pressure or manual sprayers capable of producing a generally conical spray pattern or linear flow. Some dispensers or sprayers have perforated cups with discharge holes that dispense or apply the product upon start up of the sprayer. For example, the manual sprayer of US Pat. No. 6,793,156 to Dobbs, et al. Shows an improved apertured cup mounted within the discharge path of a hand held portable sprayer. The cup is held in place on the cylindrical side wall which is pressed into the wall of the circular hole. The Dobbs perforated cup includes a "rotation mechanism" in the form of a rotating chamber in which rotation or tangential flow flows, wherein the rotating mechanism is formed on the inner surface of the circular base wall of the perforated cup. Manually starting the sprayer causes the liquid product to build up pressure as it passes through the contracted discharge path and rotational mechanism prior to passing through the discharge holes in the form of a conventional conical spray. If the liquid product is prone to condensation or clogging, the spray is often not constant and often inadequate, especially when spraying the product first or when "starting up".

  If no rotation mechanism is provided, or if the function of the rotation mechanism is disabled (e.g. because of a product jam), the liquid is ejected from the discharge hole in the form of a stream. A typical perforated cup is molded with a cylindrical skirted wall, and an annular retaining ball projects radially from the side of the cup near the front or distal end. Usually, the perforated cup is pressed into the cylindrical bore at the rear end of the discharge passage by the close frictional engagement of the cylindrical side wall of the cup and the cylindrical bore wall. The annular retaining ball is designed to project into the opposite cylindrical portion of the pump sprayer body to not only retain the perforated cup in place within the bore but also seal between the bored cup and the bore of the discharge passage Play a role. A rotation mechanism function is formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the perforated cup to provide a vortex cup which functions to swirl the fluid or liquid product and break it up into a generally conical spray pattern.

  A manually pumped trigger sprayer is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,114,052 to Tiramani, et al., Which emits radiation slots that swirl pressurized liquid to produce spray from nozzle holes. Or, a trigger sprayer with a molded spray cap nozzle with a groove is disclosed.

  Other spray heads or spray nozzles used in connection with disposable manual sprayers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,439 to Green and U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,741 to Laidler, et al. It is incorporated into a propellant pressurization package comprising an aerosol dispenser as described. These spray head or nozzle assemblies all include a vortex system or chamber working with a distribution hole that discharges fluid from the dispenser member. Recesses, grooves or channels defining the vortex flow system cooperate with the nozzle to capture liquid or fluid to be distributed as vortex before being discharged through the distribution holes. Generally, the vortex system consists of one or more tangential vortex grooves, depressions, passages or passages that open into the vortex chamber just in the center of the distribution hole, and the pressurized fluid is swirled and discharged through the distribution hole. Green, U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,439, describes a cup-shaped insert with a discharge hole that fits over the entire grooved projection, and a vortex void is defined between the projection and the cup-shaped insert. Ru. Such vortices only work when the liquid product flows uniformly, but if the liquid product is prone to condensation or clogging, especially when the product is first sprayed or when the "start" the spray is not constant and not It is often enough.

  These nozzle assemblies or spray head structures with swirl chambers are configured to continuously generate a substantially conical atomized spray of fluid or liquid over the entire spray pattern, and the drop diameter is controlled poorly only It produces mostly "fine" or nearly mist-like drops. Other spray patterns (e.g., generally linear thin ovals) are also possible, but with limited control over the spray pattern. None of these prior art vortex chamber nozzles can produce an oscillating spray of liquid or provide precise spray drop size control or spray pattern control. With some consumer products packaged in aerosol sprayers and trigger sprayers, it is desirable to provide a precise liquid product spray pattern that is customized.

  Oscillating fluid spray has many advantages over conventional continuous spray and can be configured to produce an oscillating spray of liquid, with precise spray droplet size for the selected liquid or fluid Or you can control the spray pattern precisely customized. Although applicants have received the approach of liquid product manufacturers who want to provide these benefits, the prior art fluid nozzle assembly is not configured to be incorporated into a disposable manual sprayer.

  The highly durable and accurate applicant's prior art fluid circulation nozzle structure incorporates a planar fluid circulation or insert into a water resistant housing having a void that receives and orients the fluid insert and seals the flow passage. Thus, a fluid nozzle is configured. A good example of a nozzle assembly equipped with a fluid transducer as used in the automotive industry is disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,290 (see, for example, FIG. 3), and how to form a planar fluid circulation. Indicates whether the track insert is housed and oriented in the housing.

  The fluid circuit that produces the spray can be very effective in a disposable manual sprayer, but to fit the fluid circuit and fluid circuit nozzle assembly of the prior art to the above devices, currently commercially available disposables The need to change the design and manufacturing process of the manual sprayer makes it too expensive to manufacture at commercially reasonable costs. Disposable sprayers of fluid products must be easy to use and the effort to start must always be small. As a separate issue, product vendors are aware of the need to (a) control the spray with a selected drop size range (eg, Dv 50 of 20 pm to 180 pm) and (b) maintain a compact package space. ing. Also, fluid product vendors create foam sprays (with selected foam "dense") without the addition of an external foam "engine" or venturi function by causing air to be trapped directly at the nozzle outlet throat I want to provide a means. The addition of an external foam engine is a common method of foaming the spray of consumer products, but the external foam engine is costly and the addition of parts also increases the complexity of the assembly.

  Thus, there is a need for a commercially reasonable disposable hand-operated manual sprayer or nozzle assembly and spray generation method that overcomes the problems of the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,052 U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,439 U.S. Patent No. 7,926,741 U.S. Patent No. 7,267,290 U.S. Patent No. 7,478,764

  Thus, the object of the present invention is commercially reasonably cheap adapted to be used with an optional fluid circuit structure which provides the advantages of the spray pattern selected for a given liquid or fluid product SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above problems by providing a disposable manual cup-like nozzle assembly and a corresponding spray generation method. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention maintain the selected drop size range (e.g., Dv50 of 20pm to 180pm) by dividing the flow rate of the two fluid transducers in the same package space while maintaining the spray It is possible to reduce the effort of the designer / manufacturer to start. Thus, in the present invention, multiple inlets are combined with multiple or large outlets to create highly viscous 1 to 80 cps viscosity fluids (such as cooking oil, lotions, or paints) with little spray start effort or low BOV And can be jetted with an aerosol supply pressure. Also, the features of the present invention can provide benefits to products that can be delivered by a bag of an aerosol or valve (BOV) delivery system by producing small drops at high flow rates. The present invention also provides a mechanism for capturing air directly at the nozzle outlet throat and producing a foam spray (with a selected foam "density") without the addition of an external foam "engine" or venturi function. Do. Such an external foam engine is currently the common method of foaming sprays of consumer products, but adds cost and parts.

  In accordance with the present invention, the conformal cup-like fluid vibrator spray nozzle is designed to produce one or more vibrating sprays and has a substantially open proximal end and a substantially closed distal end wall defining one or more central holes. Configured as a cylindrical cup. Embodiments of the multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like fluid oscillator generate fluid sprays selected from a plurality (e.g., 2 to 8) fluid product inlets configured as an interaction pair, and a common interaction chamber or A fluid spray is configured to be delivered to the area and defined within the fluid nozzle shape. The nozzles are optionally configured with a selected number (e.g., 1 to 4) of outlets that define the spray coverage pattern and distribution, the outlet shapes being such that the spray from each outlet is an individual vibrating spray stream It is selected to be directed to avoid interaction with the outside, prevent drop impact, and maintain the selected drop size produced by the oscillating spray at each outlet. Optionally, the outlet is located in the interaction area and can have a specific shape that causes the interaction area and / or the external vibrating spray stream to trap air and produce a foam spray of the fluid product.

  The nozzle cup feature or fluid passage defining shape is preferably mounted directly to the cup-like member and then mounted to the actuator of the fluid product dispensing package. Thus, there is no need to make the assembly from the fluid circuit defining insert contained within the housing cavity. The present invention provides a novel cup with multiple inlets and multiple outlets fluid circulation that functions like a planar fluid circulation, but optionally has the vibration induction function of the fluid circulation configured in the cup-like member. Do. The multi-inlet multi-outlet cup is effective for both manual pumping trigger sprayers and propellant filled aerosol sprayers and can be configured to produce different sprays in response to different liquid or fluid products. The multi-inlet multi-outlet cup can be configured to emit a plurality of desired spray patterns (e.g., a 3D rectangular oscillating pattern of uniform drops). The multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like nozzle reliably overcomes the problem of spraying difficult-to-operate liquid products. Optionally, the fluid dynamic mechanism of the fluid oscillator structure generating the vibration is co-owned US Pat. Nos. 7,267,290 and 7,478,764 (Gopalan, which describes the operation of a planar mushroom-type fluid circuit). et al) and the concept is similar to that shown and described, and all of these patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup oscillator is press-fit into the cylindrical bore of the actuator at the end of the discharge passage to obtain the cylindrical sidewall of the cup and the cylindrical bore wall of the actuator Are configured to be closely frictionally engaged with each other. An optional annular retaining ball on the cup projects into the opposing cylindrical groove or recess retaining portion of the actuator or pump sprayer body to not only retain the fluid cup in place within the bore, but also the fluid cup and the bore of the discharge passage. Act as a seal between the A fluid transducer function or shape is formed on the inner surface of the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup to function to produce one or more oscillating sprays of drops of uniform selected dimensions with a selected spray pattern I will provide a.

  The multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit of the present invention is preferably molded as a conformal integral cup-like member. There are several desirable consumer applications for customizing sprays, such as aerosol sprayers and trigger sprayers. While fluid spray is very effective in these cases, adapting a typical commercial aerosol sprayer and trigger sprayer to a standard fluidic transducer structure will overwhelm the product manufacturing process of current aerosol sprayers and trigger sprayers. To make the sprayer more expensive. The multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup structure of the present invention conforms to the actuator stems used in typical aerosol sprayers and trigger sprayers, thereby replacing the "eddy-flow cup" on the prior art actuator stems The advantages of using a multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid oscillator nozzle assembly are obtained with few changes to the parts. According to the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup and method of the present invention, vendors of liquid products and fluids sold in commercially available aerosol sprayers and trigger sprayers can provide sprays that are very specifically tailored or customized.

  A typical nozzle assembly or spray head includes a lumen or conduit that dispenses or sprays pressurized liquid product or fluid from a valve, pump, or actuator assembly that draws fluid from a disposable or portable container to produce an outlet spray. The spray head includes an actuator body and a distally projecting sealing post with a post peripheral wall terminating in a distal or outer surface. The actuator body includes a fluid passage in communication with the lumen.

  According to the invention, the cup-shaped multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit is mounted on the actuator body member and incorporates a peripheral wall extending proximally to the bore of the actuator body radially outward of the sealing post. The peripheral wall carries a distal radial wall comprising an inner surface opposite the sealing post distal surface or outer surface, and a chamber having an interaction area between the peripheral wall and the distal wall of the body sealing post and the cup-like fluid circuit. To define a fluid passage. Because the chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the actuator body that defines the fluid circulation transducer inlet, pressurized fluid from the actuator assembly can enter the chamber and interaction area of the fluid passage. The fluid cup structure has a fluid inlet on the inside of the proximally projecting cylindrical sidewall of the cup, and in one example, the fluid inlet is generally annular and has a constant cross section. However, the fluid inlet of the fluid cup may be tapered, or may even include discontinuous steps (e.g., the inner diameter may decrease sharply or gradually), which may increase the instability of the pressurized fluid. Good.

  The cup-like inner surface of the distal wall of the fluid circuit has a multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid shape or supports an insert carrying, thus defining the operating function or shape of the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid oscillator in the chamber Configured It should be emphasized that any fluid transducer shape may be used to define the interaction area to produce a vibrating spray of fluid droplets, but for illustrative purposes, having selected exemplary shapes, etc. The square cup-shaped fluid vibrator will be described in detail.

  According to an embodiment of the conformal cup-shaped multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid oscillator of the present invention, the chamber of the conformal fluid cup includes a first power nozzle (inlet) pair and a second power nozzle (inlet) pair, Each power nozzle is configured to accelerate movement of passing pressurized inlet fluid to the power nozzle shape to form a jet of fluid flowing into the interaction area of the chamber. The fluid jets collide with each other at a selected jet impact angle (e.g. 180 degrees, i.e. the jets collide from opposite sides) in the interaction area, creating an oscillating vortex in the interaction area. An interaction region of the fluid passage is in fluid communication with one or more discharge holes or outlets defined in the distal wall of the fluid circuit, and the oscillating vortex has a selected spray pattern having a selected spray width and spray thickness. A vibrating spray-like droplet having a substantially uniform fluid droplet diameter is ejected or ejected from the ejection hole.

  Preferably, the power nozzle is a venturi or tapered channel or groove on the inner surface of the distal wall of the cup-like fluid circuit and terminates in a common generally rectangular or box-like interaction area defined on the inner surface. The structure of the interaction area influences the spray pattern.

  The cup-like fluid circuit power nozzle, interaction area, outlet can be fitted with a disc or pancake-like insert fitted in the cup, but is preferably molded directly on the inner wall of the cup. When molded from plastic as an integral cup-like multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit, the fluid cup is easily and economically attached to the actuator sealing post, and the sealing post is usually generally flat and fluid impermeable It has a certain distal or outer surface. The sealing post is then sealingly engaged with the distal wall inner surface of the cup-like fluid circuit at a flat surface. The peripheral wall of the sealing post and the peripheral wall of the cup-like fluid circuit are coaxial and radially spaced apart to define an annular fluid passage between the peripheral walls. Although these peripheral walls are substantially parallel to each other, the annular space may be tapered to gradually increase the flow velocity and to generate fluid flow instability and vibration.

  As a multi-inlet, multi-outlet fluid circuit item for sale or delivery, the conformal unitary fluid circuit has a distally projecting sealing post and a lumen, and is pressurized from a disposable or portable container A liquid product or fluid is dispensed or sprayed and configured to be easily and economically incorporated into a nozzle assembly or aerosol spray head actuator body that produces a vibrating spray of fluid droplets. As noted above, the fluid circuit item includes a cup-like multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit member having a distally or axially extending peripheral wall and a radially extending distal wall; The distal wall has an inner surface defining a fluid circulation function and an open proximal end configured to receive the sealing post of the actuator. The circumferential wall and the distal radial wall of the cup-like member have an inner surface that forms at least one fluid passage and chamber when the cup-like member is mounted to the sealing post of the actuator body. The chamber is configured to define a plurality of fluid circulation transducer paths or power nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid passage at the inlet end and in fluid communication with the common interaction area at the outlet end, such that the cup-like member is an actuator Mounted on the body's sealing post, when pressurized fluid is introduced (e.g., by depressing the aerosol spray button and releasing the propellant), the pressurized fluid enters the chamber and interaction area of the fluid passage At least one oscillating vortex can be generated in the interaction area.

  The distal wall of the cup-like member includes at least one discharge hole, and in the exemplary configuration of the present invention, the plurality of discharge holes are in fluid communication with the interaction area of the chamber to provide a plurality of fluid spray outputs. The inner chamber has a multi-inlet, multi-outlet cup-like member attached to the actuator body sealing post, and the fluidic transducer inlet of the chamber is in fluid communication with the plurality of power nozzles when pressurized fluid is introduced through the actuator body. Configured such that the power nozzles accelerate movement of passing pressurized fluid to form a jet of fluid flowing into the interaction region of the chamber, the jets interacting with each other at a selected jet impingement angle. Collide with each other to generate oscillating vortices in the interaction region. As mentioned above, the interaction region of the chamber is in fluid communication with the one or more discharge holes defined in the distal wall of the fluid circuit, and the oscillating vortex flows out of the discharge holes as a substantially uniform oscillating spray of fluid droplets, Each spray has a selected spray width and spray thickness.

  According to the method of the present invention, a liquid product manufacturer that manufactures or assembles a portable or disposable pressurized package that sprays or dispenses liquid products, materials, or fluids firstly produces a standard seal that projects distally. Obtain or manufacture an equiangular multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup circuit for incorporation into an aerosol spray head actuator body that typically includes a stop post. The actuator body has a lumen that dispenses or sprays a pressurized liquid product or fluid from a disposable or portable container to produce a spray of fluid droplets. The conformal multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit as described above having a distally or axially extending peripheral wall and a distal radial or end wall incorporating fluid circulation function on the inner surface including. The cup-like member has an open proximal end configured to receive the actuator sealing post. The circumferential wall and the distal radial wall of the cup-like member have an inner surface defining a fluid passage including a chamber with a plurality of fluid circulation inlets in fluid communication with the interaction region.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the method of assembly, the product manufacturer or assembler then comprises a sealing post projecting in a distal direction in the center of the body portion to resiliently move the multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like member. Provide or obtain an actuator body that is housed and held in the The next step is to insert a sealing post into the open proximal end of the cup-like member and engage the actuator body and the sealing post to create a chamber, multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circulation transducer, interaction area And enclose and seal a fluid passage including an inlet or power nozzle in fluid communication therewith. By performing a test spray, when pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluid passage, the pressurized fluid enters the chamber and the interaction area and generates at least one oscillating flow vortex in the interaction region of the fluid passage It can prove that.

  In a preferred embodiment of the assembly method, the manufacturing step comprises a distal radiating wall having an inner surface function molded by molding a cup-shaped member of plastic material to form a conformal multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid circuit As a result of providing the corner unitary integral cup-shaped fluid circulation path member, it is provided to provide a vibration induction shape in which the inner surface of the cup-shaped member is directly molded on the inner wall portion of the cup.

  The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of particular embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional elevation view of an aerosol sprayer having a typical valve actuator and vortex cup nozzle assembly according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of a standard vortex cup used with an aerosol sprayer and a trigger sprayer according to the prior art.

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a typical actuator and nozzle assembly including the standard vortex cup shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B used with an aerosol sprayer according to the prior art.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a prior art spray nozzle insert for a dispenser having an actuator cap.

FIG. 1E is a perspective plan view of a prior art fluid shape with operational features that can be emulated by the cup-like fluid transducer nozzle assembly of the present invention. FIG. 1F is a perspective plan view of a prior art fluid shape with operational features that can be emulated by the cup-like fluid transducer nozzle assembly of the present invention. FIG. 1G is a perspective plan view of a prior art fluid shape with operational features that can be emulated by the cup-like fluid transducer nozzle assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of a multiple inlet single outlet fluid cup vibrator spray nozzle member according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the vibration induced shape or feature of a selected fluid vibrator.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the inner surface and the inner fluid shape of the distal wall of the multi-inlet single outlet fluid cup. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the inner surface of the distal wall of the multiple inlet single outlet fluid cup and the inner fluid shape.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view, orthogonal to one another, of the conformal integral cup-like member embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to the present invention mounted or mounted to the sealing post member of the actuator body in a dispenser actuator. Shown is a fluid cup. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view, orthogonal to one another, of the conformal integral cup-like member embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to the present invention, mounted or mounted to the sealing post member of the actuator body in a dispenser actuator. Shown is a fluid cup.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the cup-like member of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes providing a multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like fluid transducer dispenser or nozzle assembly member according to the present invention . FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the cup-like member of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes providing a multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like fluid transducer dispenser or nozzle assembly member according to the present invention .

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the embodiment of the conformal integral cup-like member of FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the fluid flow pattern in the fluid configuration of the same embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment of the conformal integrated cup-like member of FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the fluid flow pattern in the fluid configuration of the same embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of the conformal integral cup-like member of FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the fluid flow pattern in the fluid configuration of the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of the multiple inlet multiple outlet fluid cup dispenser member in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of the multiple inlet multiple outlet fluid cup dispenser member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of a multiple inlet multiple outlet fluid cup dispenser member in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of the multiple inlet multiple outlet fluid cup dispenser member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of another embodiment of an isometrically integrated cup-shaped member configured to be used to generate a foam spray according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a plan view of another embodiment of an isometrically-integrated cup-shaped member configured to be used to generate a foam spray according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a plan view of another embodiment of an isometrically integrated cup-shaped member configured to be used to generate a foam spray according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of a multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup dispenser member utilizing a pair of inlet power nozzles in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention showing the inner and inner fluid shapes of a multi-inlet, multi-outlet fluid cup dispenser member utilizing a pair of inlet power nozzles in accordance with the present invention.

  FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 1 C, 1 D show typical features of aerosol spray actuators and vortex cup nozzles according to the prior art, which figures are provided herein for adding background and context. With particular reference to FIG. 1A, a typical portable disposable propellant pressurized aerosol package 20 has a container 22 enclosing a liquid product 24 and an actuator 30 controlling a valve 32, the valve comprising Mounted within the neck 36 and within the valve cup 34 supported by the container flange 38. The actuator 30 is pressed to open the valve to pass pressurized liquid through a rotating cup equipped with the nozzle 40 to produce an aerosol spray 42. FIG. 1B shows the internal workings of the rotating cup 44 used with a typical nozzle 40, the four lumens 46, 48, 50, 52 being four tangential directions as indicated by the arrows in the lumens. Targeted to produce a stream, these streams enter the rotating chamber 60, and the continuously rotating liquid streams combine, from the central discharge passage 62 as a substantially continuous spray 42 containing drops of various sizes. Although emitted, these drops contain "fine" or tiny fluid drops that many users find useless.

  FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of the exemplary actuator and nozzle assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which includes a standard swirl cup 44 used with an aerosol sprayer, and covers the outer and inner surfaces of the actuator and the like. Are shown. The vortex cup 44 is attached to a nozzle or actuator (e.g., 40) and can be used with a manual pump trigger sprayer as well as an aerosol sprayer (e.g., 20) as shown. This is a simple structure that does not require an insert and a separate housing.

  FIG. 1D shows another fluid dispenser nozzle assembly 70 in which a nozzle insert 72 is used with a tubular fluid dispenser actuator 74 surrounding a post 76. The insert 72 includes an axially extending wall 78 that frictionally engages the inner surface of the actuator 74 and surrounds the central post 76 and is radially spaced from the central post 76 to form an annular shape. An outlet passage 80 is defined. Fluid flows from the dispenser container into the passage 80 and around the central projection 82 and the tab 84, as shown by the arrow 86, into the transition area 88 having the shoulder 90 and discharged out of the nozzle outlet 92 .

  The fluid cup oscillator of the present invention enhances the above concept shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, but replaces the “rotational” shape of the vortex cup 44 with the fluid shape, allowing for oscillating fluid spray instead of vortex spray. Provide the structure and method of As mentioned above, the vortex spray is usually circular and consists of droplets of various sizes and velocities, but the fluid spray has a flat, rectangular or square cross section and is characterized by a constant diameter and velocity. Thus, the spray from the nozzle assembly made according to the present invention is improved or customized for different applications while retaining the advantages of the simple and economical constructional features of the conventional "vortex" cup .

  The geometry of the fluid circuit similar to Applicant's split throat design and suitable for improvement with the present invention is shown at 100 in FIGS. 1E-1G, and the functional features are given in applicant's US Pat. No. 8,172,162. Further described in the specification, the above patent is incorporated herein by reference. Applicants have developed a fluid cup configured to incorporate a structure similar to the inlet 102 for receiving fluid 104 from the container via an actuator, the fluid passing through the structure similar to the power nozzles 106, 108, 110. Flow to the common operating area 112 and exit the outlet. However, it is understood that various fluid circuit shapes can be adapted as used in the cup-like member of the present invention, the fluid circuit shapes exemplified herein being examples and explaining appropriate terms Provided for the purpose of

  Reference is now made to FIGS. 2-19, which are structural features newly developed by the applicant in the exemplary embodiment of the conformal multi-inlet single-inlet or (preferably) multi-outlet fluid cup oscillator of the present invention, and FIGS. Fig. 2 illustrates the assembly and use of the components of the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid transducer dispenser according to the invention. The shape of the multi-inlet multi-outlet conformal cup-like fluid circuit mimics the applicant's widely recognized planar fluid shape structure, but one or more desired vibrating sprays from the conformal structure such as a fluid cup It is designed to generate and is described herein. According to the present invention, a fluid vibrator cup nozzle for producing a fluid spray comprises a plurality of inlets (e.g. 2 to 6 inlets) for supply to a common interaction area of the fluid nozzle shape. The fluid cup nozzle with multiple inlets and shared interaction areas has fluid product supply paths in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid from the source (e.g., distribution valve / trigger sprayer container 22), each of which is a supply path And in fluid communication with a plurality of inlet nozzles or power nozzles in the fluid circulation dispenser assembly. The inlets (or power nozzles) are all in fluid communication with the common interaction area and define a lumen for supplying fluid to the common interaction area to produce a bistable oscillating jet of fluid product, at least one, preferably The jets are discharged as a distributed spray from a plurality of outlets.

  2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B show a multi-inlet single outlet conformal cup-like dispenser nozzle member or fluid cup 130, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the fluid cup, and FIGS. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the fluid cup in a direction of viewing, wherein the fluid transducer shape is generally shown as 132 and is molded into the interior of the transverse distal wall 134 as part of the fluid cup. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views orthogonal to one another of the variant of fluid cup 130 along lines 5A-5A and 5B-5B of FIG. 4, each showing a portion of a dispenser actuator carrying an insert. Including. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line SB-SB of FIG. 4 and a plane taken along line 5A-5A is a line 5B-5B. Cross or perpendicular to the plane along The fluid cup 130 is preferably configured as an integral injection molded plastic fluid cup-like equiangular nozzle member that does not require a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. The working function 132 of the fluidic vibrator is preferably molded directly on the inner surface of the cup and the cup is easy to actuator body 136 of the type normally provided with a cylindrical post 138 projecting in the distal direction, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. It is configured to be worn on.

  The novel fluid circuit 132 provides an embodiment of a multi-inlet single outlet fluid cup having a shared interaction area 140, which is an oscillation of the fluid circuit molded in place in the cup-like member. It forms part of the induction shape. Once mounted on the sealing post 138 of the actuator 136, a complete and effective fluid transducer nozzle is provided. The interaction area 140 of the integrated multi-inlet single-outlet fluid cup transducer insert 130 has an elongated outlet or outlet 142 proximate to the shared interaction area 140. Fluid circulation 132 is fluid flow from actuator 136 through first and second cup sidewall passages 146 defining a distally projecting lumen, as shown by arrow 144 in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The cup sidewall channel surrounds the post 138 in fluid communication with the opposing tapered venturi-like power nozzles 150, 152, 154, 156 (see FIGS. 2-4 and 5B). The distal fluid flow 144 flows from the power nozzles 150, 152, 154, 156 into the shared interaction area 140, and the fluid flowing from each power nozzle 150, 152, 154, 156 is defined on the inner surface of the distal end wall 134 It communicates with and interacts with the fluid flow flowing from the other power nozzles in the common interaction area 140 being The end wall 134 can be circular, planar or disc-shaped and includes on its inner surface a molded groove or recess defining four inlets or power nozzles 150, 152, 154, 156 of the vibration-inducing shape 132.

  The fluid circulation path 132 is preferably defined in the distal end wall 134 and is surrounded by the side walls 160, 162 downstream of the generally cylindrical side walls 160, 162 and the inner surface of the annular actuator 136 when the cup member 130 is inserted. Frictionally engage and secure the conformal integral cup 130 at the dispenser outlet. While the conformal integral cup-shaped member 130 is shown in FIGS. 2-5B to incorporate a pair of opposing side walls, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B, it may be possible to use a single substantially cylindrical side wall 159 It is understood that there can be, or more than two side walls can be provided. The side wall or sidewall defines an open proximal end 170 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the cup member that receives fluid from the fluid source of the dispenser actuator, and the cylindrical sidewall 59 of the cup member is distal and elongated slot shaped Ending in a closed distal end or distal wall 134 generally centered on the distal outlet, outlet aperture or throat 142 of the outlet port, the outlet aperture or outlet 142 is distally aimed and the fluid spray Orient 174 distally from the mouth. The integral fluid cup transducer member 130 is optionally provided with first and second parallel opposing generally planar "wrench flats" (shown in the drawings) defined in the distally projecting cylindrical side walls 160, 162. Is included.

  As mentioned above, the shared interaction chamber 140 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5B is in fluid communication with multiple (eg, four) tapered inlet passages or power nozzles (eg, 150, 152, 154, 156) (For example, the pressurized fluid 144 being sprayed is in fluid communication with the sealing post 138 in the distal direction to be in fluid communication with the fluid passage 170P of the actuator body through the plurality of (eg, two distally projecting lumens 146) And directed towards the entire shared interaction chamber 140. The power nozzle has a plurality of proximally projecting inlet defining walls or mesas 164, 166, 168, 170 (FIG. 3) are defined in the distal wall 134 within the member 130. More specifically, the inwardly projecting portion or mesa 17 And 164 are mutually spaced apart to define the first power nozzle 150, the portions 164 and 166 define the power nozzle 152, and the portions or mesas 166 and 168 define the power nozzle 154, the portions or portions Mesas 168 and 170 define a power nozzle 156. Portions or mesas are spaced from one another to define tapered nozzle sidewalls defining a lumen of decreasing cross-sectional area (inwardly tapering) Provides a venturi effect that accelerates and directs the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 140 through the nozzle.

  Thus, the shared multi-inlet interaction chamber 140 is in fluid communication with a plurality of inlet or power nozzles 150, 152, 154, 156 defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member as lumens between the spaced mesas. As communicated, when pressurized with the fluid product, the first power nozzle fluid stream is combined with the second power nozzle fluid stream, the third power nozzle fluid stream, and the fourth power nozzle fluid stream, A plurality of unstable fluid vortices are created in the shared interaction chamber 140. Unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber 140 collide with the fluid jets coming from the power nozzle fluid stream, and the oscillating escape fluid flows out of the discharge holes 142 as a spray of fluid droplets in the selected spray pattern 174 Generate

  In the fluid cup embodiment 130 of FIGS. 2-5B, the applicant has surprisingly surprisingly improved the exemplary four way vortex cup spray device 44 as described and illustrated above. The successor conformal integrated cup-like member 130 described above and shown in these figures is a four-way shared interaction zone fluid oscillator, which generates moving vortices in the interaction chamber 140, and which is the applicant's other fluid circuit. It is configured to operate in the same manner as the operating principle of shape. This results in a powerful, easily variable spray pattern 174 in a selected drop size range (e.g., Dv 50 of 20 [mu] m to 180 [mu] m).

  6 and 7 show another preferred embodiment of the conformal integral cup-like member 200. FIG. The present embodiment provides a multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like nozzle insert or member 200, which is preferably configured as an integral injection molded plastic fluid cup-like equiangular nozzle that does not require a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. The functional features of this embodiment preferably include a fluid transducer shape 202 that is molded directly to the inner surface of the member, and the conformal integral cup-shaped member 200 as described with reference to FIGS. , Configured to be easily mounted to an actuator body 136 having a sealing post 138. The multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup embodiment 200 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is novel with the shared interaction area 204 as part of the vibration-inducing shape 202 of the fluid circuit being molded into place in the cup-like member 200. Providing a complete fluid circulation structure, and once mounted on the actuator seal post 138, provides a complete and effective fluid transducer nozzle. The integral multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup transducer 200 has adjacent first and second outlet holes or outlets 210, 212 in fluid communication with the shared interaction area 204. The tapered venturi-like power nozzles 214, 216, 218, 220 are in fluid communication with the fluid 144 supplied from the dispenser actuator (see FIG. 5B) and the shared interaction area 204 and mutually with the inner surface of the distal end wall 230. In fluid communication with End wall 230 is circular, planar, or disc-shaped, has a molded inner surface including grooves or indentations defined between the proximally extending portions or mesas, and is generally within cylindrical sidewall portions 232 and 234. The four inlet vibratory induction power nozzles 214, 216, 218, 220 of the molded fluid circuit configuration 210 located are formed.

  The side wall may be a single continuous substantially cylindrical or annular wall, as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. The distal end may be defined closed by the distal end wall 230 as shown. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the distal end wall 230 incorporates first and second longitudinally spaced, aligned outlet aperture or throats 210 and 212. These ports are defined to be offset from the power nozzle inlets, the ports 210 spaced radially outward of the nozzles 214 and 220, and the ports 212 spaced radially outward of the nozzles 216 and 218, The port is sized and positioned relative to the nozzle and the interaction chamber 204 to discharge the fluid product distally in a first and second spaced apart vibrating spray.

  The power nozzles 214, 216, 218, 220 are defined by proximally extending or inwardly projecting molded mesas 240, 242, 244, 246 formed in the end wall, the mesas 246 and 240 In operation, power nozzles 214 are formed, mesas 240 and 242 form power nozzles 216, mesas 242 and 244 form power nozzles 218, and mesas 244 and 246 form power nozzles 220.

  As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the invention shown in FIGS. 2-7, and in particular the preferred multiple outlet embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the spray generation method of the present invention, is similar in cross-section to the chamber 140 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Provides a spray head nozzle structure 200 that includes a lumen to a common interaction chamber 240, which is a pumped or pressurized liquid that is withdrawn from the transportable container through a valve, pump, or other actuator assembly The product or fluid is dispensed or sprayed to produce a spray of fluid droplets. The actuator body has a distally projecting sealing post 138 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) with a post peripheral wall terminating in a distal or outer surface (242 in FIG. 5A), the actuator in the post peripheral wall The body cooperates with the insert to provide a fluid passage 246 in communication with the lumen. A cup-shaped multi-inlet-hole-defining member such as shown at 130 or 200 is mounted on the actuator body 136 and has a peripheral wall 159 or wall 160, 162 or 232, 234 which radiates the sealing post Extending proximally to the bore of the actuator body outside the direction, form a passageway 146. The conformal integral cup-like member 200 distally has an inner surface 244 opposite the distal or outer surface 242 of the sealing post and terminates in a transverse circular end wall defining a fluid passage 240. The fluid passage is in communication with the shared interaction chamber (204) by a plurality of inlet power nozzles, the interaction chamber being distal and at least one, preferably a plurality of discharge holes defined in the distal or end wall. The termination is (for example, 210, 212).

  Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 which illustrate moving fluid vortices that allow the operation of the multi-outlet embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 and corresponding embodiments thereof, multiple conformal integral cups 200 are provided. The first power nozzle fluid flow shown at 250 in FIG. 8 by accelerating the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 204 having an inlet defining wall, portion or mesa projecting proximally of the The first proximally projecting inlet defining wall 246 and the second proximally projecting inlet defining wall 244 are spaced apart from one another to provide A power nozzle lumen 220 (arrow "1" in FIG. 7) is defined. Also, the inner surface of the distal wall of the cup-like member 200 is spaced apart from one another in the chamber into a third proximally projecting inlet defining wall or mesa 242 and a second proximally projecting inlet Defining a defined wall portion 244 to accelerate the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 204 to provide a second power nozzle fluid flow shown at 252 in the fluid flow diagram of FIG. Two tapered power nozzle bores 218 (arrow "2" in FIG. 7) are defined between the walls.

  The inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall of the preferred multiple outlet embodiment of FIGS. 6-10 is preferably spaced apart from one another in the chamber and a fourth proximally projecting inlet defining wall or mesa 240 A third proximal flow port is configured to define a first proximally projecting inlet defining wall 246 and accelerates the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 204 to a fluid flow diagram shown in FIG. A third tapered power nozzle lumen 214 (arrow "3" in FIG. 7) is defined between the walls to provide power nozzle fluid flow. Also, a fourth proximally projecting inlet defining wall or mesa 240 is spaced apart from the third proximally projecting inlet defining wall 242 and flows into the shared interaction chamber 204. A fourth power nozzle lumen 216 (arrow "4" in FIG. 7) is defined between the walls to accelerate the hydraulic fluid to provide a fourth power nozzle fluid flow 256 (FIG. 8). The shared interaction chamber 204 is in fluid communication with the first, second, third, and fourth power nozzles 214, 216, 218, 220 defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member so that the nozzle assembly lumen is added. Having received the hydraulic fluid product, the first power nozzle fluid flow 250 is combined with the second power nozzle fluid flow 252, the third power nozzle fluid flow 254, and the fourth power nozzle fluid flow 256, as shown in FIG. A plurality of unstable fluid vortices, as indicated by nine and nineteen winding arrows 260, are created in the shared interaction chamber. Unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber 204 collide with the first, second, third, and fourth power nozzle fluid flows, and the shape and number of holes, fluid characteristics, other known in fluid technology, etc. To generate a vibrating escape fluid flow which is expelled from the fluid discharge holes 210 and 212 as a spray of fluid droplets with a spray pattern determined by the factor of.

  As shown in FIGS. 8-10, fluid streams flowing into the interaction chamber from the plurality of power nozzles interact to create and move vortices 260 that destabilize the fluid flow pattern, thereby entering the fluid jets. Are pushed from side to side in the interaction chamber 204 to produce an oscillatory flow. Thus, for example, first the fluid 250 flows into the chamber 204 to create a vortex while the oppositely entering fluid jets 254 strike the stream 250 and are deflected to the offset outlet 210. Figures 8, 9, 10 show the change of the vortices during the oscillation cycle, and the invading fluid jets continue to flow from the power nozzles 214, 216, 218, 220 into the shared interaction area, as shown in figure 9. As shown in FIG. 10, a dimension is reached that begins to push the incoming jet 250 back to the outlet 210, and then the cycle is repeated itself to finally produce a fluid flow 254 that again reaches the outlet 210. The opposing inlet jets 252, 256 interact in the same manner, first moving one jet and then the other jet to the corresponding offset outlet 212. Vibration is maintained while each pair of jets instantaneously interact with the other pair in the common interaction area.

  Figures 8-10 show how the vortices of the incoming jets operate under conditions similar to those observed with a single spray fluid cup. However, as the vortices are created at the outer wall of the shared interaction area, the vortices push the jet (or) into the central or shared part of the interaction area where the jets begin to interact with adjacent pairs of jets. At this point, the jets begin to generate larger internal vortices in the shared interaction area. FIG. 9 shows the flow of instants where large central vortices cause the internal jets to move away from one another and back into the corresponding jet of pairs. Then, as the bistable vibration continues, the vortices periodically increase and decrease to ensure that the bistable fluid oscillator function is provided. As the flow vibrates internally, it creates a drip stream of selected dimensions that periodically escapes into the atmosphere in the distal direction through the nozzle outlet or outlet holes 210, 212.

  The cup-shaped multi-inlet-defining wall or mesas 240, 242, 244, 246 are preferably molded directly on the inner surface of the cup and configured to be economically mounted to the sealing post 138 of a typical dispenser. A cup-shaped multi-inlet member 200 is provided. The distal or outer surface 242 of the sealing post has a generally flat, fluid impermeable outer surface in sealing engagement with the inwardly projecting walls or mesas 240, 242, 244, 246 of the cup-like member; Once incorporated, it provides a substantially fluid tight closed lumen or fluid passage. The peripheral wall of the distally projecting sealing post and the peripheral wall of the cup-like fluid circuit are axially spaced apart and substantially aligned with the distal projecting central axis of the sealing post 138 At least one fluid passage 232, 234 with a laterally projecting lumen or passage is defined. The resulting nozzle assembly is optionally configured for use with a manual pump in a trigger sprayer structure (not shown), or configured with a propellant pressurized aerosol container with a valve actuator as shown in FIG. 1A. Ru. The nozzle assembly preferably has a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the shared interaction area and the shape to entrap air in the shared interaction area and / or the external oscillating spray stream (the selected foam's "density" To produce foam sprays of fluid products.

  A three outlet embodiment of the conformal integrated cup-like member according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 to provide a multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like nozzle member or insert 300. Also, the present embodiment is preferably configured as a fluid cup-shaped conformal nozzle member made of one-piece injection molded plastic and does not require a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. The working function or shape 302 of the fluidic vibrator is preferably molded directly to the inner surface of the cup and configured to be easily attached to the actuator body 136, as in the above-described embodiment of the present invention. The multi-inlet single-outlet fluid cup embodiment 300 provides a fluid circuit similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and is a part of the vibration-inducing shape 302 of the fluid circuit molded in place in the cup-like member. Because it has a shared interaction area 304, once mounted on the actuator sealing post 138, it provides a complete and effective fluid transducer nozzle as described above.

The integrated multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup transducer 300 has first, second, third outlet holes or outlets 306, 308, 310 in fluid communication with the distal end of the shared interaction area 304.
The opposing tapered venturi shaped power nozzles 312, 314, 316, 318 and the shared interaction area 304 are within the shaped inner surface 320 of the circular, planar or disc shaped distal end wall 322 of the conformal integral cup shaped member 300. Fluid communication with each other. The inner surface includes a groove or recess-defining mesa between the four power nozzle inlets or passages of the vibration-inducing shape 302 disposed within the generally cylindrical sidewall portions 330 and 332. As in the prior embodiment, these side walls define an open proximal end for engagement with the dispenser actuator to fluidly exit the outlet through the fluid circulation feature 304 at the distal end of the insert 300 Orient. In the illustrated embodiment, the three outlet holes or ports 306, 308, 310 are longitudinally aligned along the length of the interaction area 304, and the end ports 306 and 310 correspond to corresponding opposed nozzle pairs 312, 318 and 314, 316. Because each of the central ports 308 is offset from the nozzle pair at the center between the nozzle pairs, the fluid is firstly, secondly, and thirdly spaced from each other. In the distal direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the distal inner surface 320 of the cup-like insert defines a fluid chamber having a plurality of proximally projecting nozzle inlet defining mesas or walls 340, 342, 344, 346. A first proximally projecting inlet defining wall portion 340 and a second proximal direction configured and configured to accelerate pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 304 to provide a first power nozzle fluid flow. The inlet defining walls 346 projecting from each other are spaced apart from one another to define a first power nozzle lumen 318 (arrow "1" in FIG. 12) between the walls. Also, the inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall is spaced apart from one another in the chamber into a third proximally projecting inlet defining wall portion 344 and a second proximally projecting inlet defining wall portion 346 And a second power nozzle lumen 316 (arrow "2" in FIG. 12) that accelerates the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 304 to provide a second power nozzle fluid flow. Is defined between the two walls.

  Further, the inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall is preferably spaced apart into the fluid chamber with a fourth proximally projecting inlet defining mesa or wall portion 342 and a first proximally projecting inlet defining A third power nozzle lumen 312 (shown in FIG. 3) is configured to define the mesa or wall 340 and accelerates the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 304 to provide a third power nozzle fluid flow. Twelve arrows "3") are defined between the walls. Also, a fourth proximally projecting inlet defining mesa or wall 342 is spaced apart from the third proximally projecting inlet defining mesa or wall 344 and is in the shared interaction chamber 304 A fourth power nozzle lumen 314 (arrow "4" in FIG. 12) is defined between the walls to accelerate the incoming pressurized fluid to provide a third power nozzle fluid flow.

  Thus, the shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication with the power nozzle defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member so that when pressurized with the fluid product, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, the first power nozzle The fluid flow is combined with the second power nozzle fluid flow, the third power nozzle fluid flow, and the fourth power nozzle fluid flow to create a plurality of unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber. As described above with respect to these figures, the unstable fluid vortices in the common interaction chamber collide with the incoming power nozzle fluid flow and offset discharge holes 306, 308 as sprays of fluid droplets in a selected spray pattern, 1. Generate a vibrating escape fluid stream that is expelled from 310.

  The other three outlet embodiment shown as 400 in FIGS. 13 and 14 is preferably configured as a single piece injection molded plastic fluid cup-shaped conformal nozzle or insert member that does not require a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. An inlet multi-outlet cup-like nozzle member is provided. The working function or shape 410 of the fluidic vibrator is preferably molded directly on the inner surface of the cup and configured to be easily attached to the actuator body, as in the above-described embodiment of the present invention. The multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup embodiment 400 provides the same novel fluid circuit as the prior embodiment, and shares a common mutual as part of the vibration-inducing shape 410 of the fluid circuit molded in place in the cup-like member. The active area 420 is included and, once mounted on the actuator sealing post, a complete and effective fluid transducer nozzle is provided.

  In this embodiment, the integrated multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup transducer insert 400 is coupled to the first interaction area 420 with first, second, third and fourth opposed tapered venturi shaped power nozzles 421, 422, 423, Have 424. First, second and third outlet holes or outlets 430, 432, 434 extend through the distal end wall and are in fluid communication between the outer surface of the insert and the shared interaction area 420 and along the area 420 And spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The outlet holes or outlets have different shapes from the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 because they produce different vibrating spray patterns, the number, shape, spacing, location of the outlets for the interaction area, the desired outlet spray pattern It is understood that one can choose to provide.

  In this case, the outermost ports 430 and 434 are generally aligned with the corresponding opposing nozzles 421, 424 and 422, 423. That is, the centers of the ports are aligned with the axis of the corresponding nozzle, and the central port 432 is elongated extending between the outermost ports and offset from all of the inlet power nozzles. The molded inner surface of the circular, planar, or disc-shaped end wall 440 includes groove or recess-defining shaped mesas spaced to provide the four inlet power nozzles 421-424 of the path vibration-inducing shape 410. , Disposed in generally cylindrical sidewall portions 442 and 444 to define an open proximal end for receiving fluid from the dispenser as described above.

  A plurality of proximally projecting inlet-defining mesas or walls are spaced apart from one another and are pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 420 as described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 Power nozzle lumens 424, 423, 421, 422 (respectively, arrows "1", "2", "3", "4" in FIG. 14) to provide power nozzle fluid flow. Define between the parts. As mentioned above, the shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication with the power nozzle defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member so that when pressurized with the fluid product, the first power nozzle fluid flow is the second The power nozzle fluid flow, the third power nozzle fluid flow, and the fourth power nozzle fluid flow are combined to create a plurality of unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber. Unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber collide with the first, second, third, and fourth power nozzle fluid streams and, as described with respect to FIGS. 8-10, the fluid drops in the selected spray pattern To generate an oscillating escape fluid flow which is expelled from the discharge holes 430, 432, 434 as a spray of water.

A modification of the above embodiment for generating a foam spray entrapped air is shown in FIG. 15 (corresponding to the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, 5B). In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the nozzle member 130 is configured to produce a tacky foam release at the open position “A”. Referring now to FIG. 15, the outlet 142 is disposed in the cup end wall defining the shared interaction area and has a particular shape selected to cause air to be trapped in the interaction area 140 and the oscillating spray flow is By discharging from the outlet 142, a foam spray (not shown) can be generated.
Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 (corresponding to FIGS. 11 and 12 and FIGS. 13 and 14 respectively), also in these embodiments, the nozzle produces tacky foam emission at the opening or position “A”. Configured Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, one of the plurality of outlet or discharge holes is disposed in the cup end wall defining the shared interaction area, and the inner fluid shape is the interaction area (eg, 304, 420) may be configured to trap air, and a vibrating spray stream may be generated from the outlet (e.g., 306, 308, 310 or 430, 432, 434) to produce a foam spray.

  The atmosphere can be captured at location "A" (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17) through the dedicated outlet or outlet, or, as shown in FIG. 15, the localized low pressure in the interaction chamber. It can be carried out in a large outlet area which draws air into the area. The atmosphere capture openings can be sized and configured to control the spray pattern and control the amount of air trapped in the oscillating spray flow for a particular fluid product. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, entrapment of air in the fluid stream can reduce the effective viscosity of the fluid. Thus, by adding the air capture function shown in FIGS. 15-17, the nozzle and dispensing system (aerosol, BOV, or trigger sprayer) maintain the desired flow rate and flow distribution while the fluid with higher viscosity (eg, It can be sprayed (in the range of 1-80 cps). The exact shape of the opening or area "A" is not essential, but the open area of the lumen is important. The larger the opening "A", the larger the bubble, and the smaller the open cross-sectional area, the smaller the bubble. The aperture A can be circular, rectangular, oval or the like. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, the large slot-like openings 142 produce the largest bubbles according to the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  For the exemplary embodiment of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, the foam is smaller than the soap foam. Surface bubbling moves the fluid vortices moving within the vacuum low pressure area of the fluid interaction area to the ambient air or atmosphere which is drawn proximally into the interaction area at the low pressure or release bore lumen closest to the vacuum area. Is achieved by exposure to By drawing the atmosphere proximally into the fluid vortex, the atmosphere can be drawn into the interaction area and mixed with the exiting oscillating spray stream / jet. The size and shape of the openings "A" define both the amount and distribution of foam. The larger the opening "A", the larger the bubble, and the shape of the opening "A" also conveys the foamed shape within the spray distribution. Spray foaming is probably not only beneficial to the manufacturer but also helps to increase the "cohesion" and prevents the spraying fluid from flowing down the vertical surface of the distal target that is sprayed by the user. Usually, the fluid product will run down (instead of adhering to the target surface to be sprayed), as the user may not want or bother. This problem is typical of conventional swirl nozzles (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. However, such problems are not observed when the product is sprayed from the fluid nozzle of the present invention (FIGS. 15A-15C). The properties of the liquid product have an effect on the foam performance Liquid with a surfactant (addition) produces foam The foam generation performance is related to the surface tension of the liquid (low numbers produce foam) Water is considered to have a high surface tension: liquid products suitable for spraying using a foaming nozzle as shown in FIGS. The desired foam is produced.

  Applicants do not necessarily have to follow the conventional understanding of fluid nozzle function relationships and the related shape ratios have been optimized, as the applicants do not necessarily follow the fluid shape for the shared interaction area function described and illustrated in these embodiments. If found, it does not appear to predict. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10, the two outlets or spray outlets are illustrated as being offset outwardly from the centerline of the opposing power nozzle, and the implementation of FIGS. In form, three outlets are provided and it is the central port that is offset. In the case of a conventional single outlet outlet (with a pair of power nozzle inlets) this offset is preferably avoided. However, Applicants have found that the offset outlet works very well for multi-inlet, multi-outlet, shared interaction area fluid vibrator cup nozzles and the offset outlet provides an additional spray optimization opportunity. The advantages of the offset outlet are equally obvious for any number of inlet nozzles.

Referring now to FIG. 18, another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the multi-inlet multi-outlet cup-like nozzle member or insert 450 is fluid under pressure into a common interaction chamber 458 containing two outlets 460 and 462 Incorporate a fluid shape 452 having two opposing tapered venturi-like power inlet nozzles 454 and 456 to supply the. Also, the present embodiment is preferably configured as a one-piece injection molded plastic fluid cup-shaped conformal nozzle member that does not require a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. The working function or shape 458 of the fluidic vibrator is preferably molded directly on the inner surface of the cup, as in the prior embodiment, so that the cup is easily mounted to the actuator body across the sealing post 138 as described above Configured The multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup embodiment 450 provides a novel fluid circuit having a shared interaction area 458 forming part of the fluid flow circuit vibration induction shape 452 and is molded in place within the cup-like member Thus, once mounted to the actuator seal post 138, a complete and effective fluid transducer nozzle is provided.

  The first outlet 460 and the second outlet 462 of the integral multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup oscillator 450 are aligned along the common axis of the fluid inlet power nozzles 454, 456 and adjacent to the shared interaction area 458 Fluid communication. The first and second opposing tapered venturi shaped inlets or power nozzles 454 and 456 and the shared interaction area 458 are in fluid communication with one another on the inner surface of the distal end wall 464 of the insert. The molded inner surfaces of the circular, planar, or disk-shaped end walls 464 are spaced from one another and are groove or recess-defining mesas 470 that are shaped to create two inlet power nozzles of the vibration-inducing shape 452 and And 472 and located on the generally cylindrical side walls 474 and 476. The sidewall defines an open proximal end that contains the fluid to be sprayed. The closed distal end of the insert includes laterally spaced apart and aligned distal outlets or throats 460 and 464. As in the prior embodiment, these outlets are sized, shaped and positioned to spray the fluid product distally in the form of first and second mutually spaced vibrating sprays.

  The inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall is configured to define a plurality of proximally projecting inlet-defining mesas or walls, which flow into the shared interaction chamber 458 (from the left as shown in FIG. 18) The first proximally projecting inlet defining wall portion 470 and the second proximally projecting inlet defining wall portion 472 are mutually configured to accelerate hydraulic fluid to provide a first power nozzle fluid flow. Spaced to define a first power nozzle lumen 456 between the walls. The first and second proximally projecting inlet defining wall portions 470, 472 are also configured to provide a second power nozzle fluid flow to accelerate the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 458 to provide a second power nozzle fluid flow. Power nozzle lumen 454 is defined between the walls. The shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication with the first and second power nozzles defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member so that when pressurized with the fluid product, the first power nozzle fluid flow is second Coupled with the power nozzle fluid flow, it creates a plurality of unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber 458. Unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber collide with the first and second power nozzle fluid streams and are expelled distally from the discharge holes 460, 462 as sprays of fluid droplets in a selected spray pattern Generate an oscillating escape fluid flow.

  Another embodiment of a two-outlet two-power nozzle is shown in FIG. 19 and preferably configured as an integral injection molded plastic fluid cup-shaped equiangular nozzle member without the need for a multi-piece insert and a housing assembly. A cup-like nozzle member or insert 500 is provided. The insert preferably incorporates the working function or shape 502 of the fluidic vibrator directly molded on the inner surface of the cup, the cup being configured to be easily attached to the actuator body. The embodiment 500 of the multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup shown in FIG. 19 is novel with the shared interaction area 504 as part of the fluid circulation path vibration-inducing shape 502 molded in place in the cup-like nozzle member or insert. Providing the fluid circulation, once mounted on the sealing post of the actuator, a complete and effective fluid oscillator nozzle is provided. Integral multi-inlet multi-outlet fluid cup oscillator 500 has first and second spaced apart outlets 506 and 508, the outlet having an interaction area 504 and a pair of opposed power nozzle fluid inlets Aligned along a transverse axis 510 transverse to the longitudinal axes 520 of 522 and 524. The outlets are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft 520 so they are offset from the power nozzle and in fluid communication with the adjacent shared interaction area 504.

  The first and second opposing tapered venturi shaped power nozzles 522, 524 and the shared interaction area 504 are in fluid communication with one another within the inner surface of the distal end wall 530 of the insert 500. The molded inner surface of the circular, planar or disk shaped end wall 530 includes groove or recess defining mesas 532 and 534 shaped to form two power nozzle inlets in the path vibration induction shape 502 and has a generally cylindrical sidewall Disposed within portions 540 and 542 to define an open proximal end for receiving the fluid to be sprayed. The closed distal end wall of the insert 500 includes laterally spaced and aligned outlets 506, 508, which are spaced apart in a first and second mutually spaced oscillatory manner. The size, shape, and position are set to spray the fluid product in the lateral direction.

The inner wall of the cup-like member or insert 500 is configured to define a plurality of proximally projecting inlet defining mesas or walls 532, 534, as described above with respect to the prior embodiments, (shown in FIG. These mesas or walls are spaced apart from one another to accelerate the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 504 from the left) and to provide the first power nozzle fluid flow. Power nozzle lumen 524 is defined between the walls.
Also, the first and second proximally projecting inlet defining walls 532, 534 accelerate the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber 504 (from the left as shown in FIG. 19) to provide a second A second power nozzle lumen 522 is defined between the walls to provide power nozzle fluid flow. The shared interaction chamber 504 is in fluid communication with the first and second power nozzles defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member so that when pressurized with the fluid product, the first power nozzle fluid flow is Coupled with the two power nozzle fluid streams, a plurality of unstable fluid vortices are created in the shared interaction chamber 504. Unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber collide with the first and second power nozzle fluid flows and are expelled distally from the discharge holes 506, 508 as a spray of fluid droplets in a selected spray pattern Generate an oscillating escape fluid flow.

  Generally, as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 show, a multi-inlet, multi-outlet spray nozzle insert according to the invention with multiple (e.g., 2 to 4) outlets is combined with a pair of power nozzle inlets. It can be used. The number, position and shape of the outlets define the outlet spray coverage pattern, drop size, spray distribution. The shape of each discharge hole or outlet is selected to prevent the interaction of the oscillating spray flow with the outside and to maintain the drop diameter produced by the oscillation of the fluid nozzle. The fluid cup member 500 shown in FIG. 19 is similar to the applicant's multiple spray design shown in FIGS. 1E-1G and described in US Pat. No. 8,172,162 in some respects. And the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

  Having described preferred embodiments of the novel and advanced nozzle assembly and method, it is believed that other modifications and variations will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that all such changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the claims which form part of the description of the present invention.

Claims (19)

A nozzle assembly, a lumen or conduit for dispensing or spraying a pumped or pressurized liquid product or fluid drawn from a portable container from a valve, pump, or actuator assembly to produce a spray of fluid droplets or a foam spray; Including
(A) an actuator body (136) comprising a distally projecting sealing post (138) having a post peripheral wall terminating in a distal or outer surface (242) , the fluid passageway communicating with the lumen An actuator body including
(B) A cup-shaped multi-inlet-hole defining member (130, 200, 300, 400, 450, 500) mounted on the actuator body, close to the hole of the actuator body radially outside the sealing post A sealing post of the body and the distal radial wall (134, 230, 464) including an inner surface facing the distal surface or outer surface of the sealing post; A fluid passage is defined between the peripheral wall (159) of the cup-like member and the distal wall including a shared interaction chamber (140, 204, 304, 420, 458) , said fluid passage being distally A cup-like member terminating in a first discharge hole (142) defined in the lateral wall;
(C) the shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the actuator body to define a plurality of inlet lumens (150, 152, 154, 156) such that the pressurized fluid shares the fluid passage Can enter the interaction chamber,
(D) The inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall is configured to define a plurality of proximally projecting inlet defining walls or mesas in the chamber and the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber for providing a first power nozzle fluid flow to accelerate, the inlet defining a mesa projecting an inlet defining a mesa (160, 260) projecting into the first proximal direction in a second proximal direction (162, 262 ) defines a first power nozzle bore are spaced from each other between both wall portions,
(E) Also, the inner surface of the cup-like member distal wall is spaced apart from each other in the chamber and a third proximally projecting inlet-defining mesa (164, 264) and the second proximal Between the mesas so as to define a directionally projecting inlet defining mesa (162, 262) and to accelerate the pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber to provide a second power nozzle fluid flow To define a second power nozzle lumen,
(F) Also, the inner surface of the cup-shaped member distal wall is spaced apart from each other in the chamber and a fourth proximally projecting inlet-defining mesa (166, 266) and the first proximal Configured to define a directionally projecting inlet defining mesa (160, 260) to accelerate pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber (120, 220) to provide a third power nozzle fluid flow To define a third power nozzle lumen between the mesas,
(G) Also, said fourth proximally projecting inlet defining mesa (166, 266) is spaced from said third proximally projecting inlet defining mesa (164, 264) Defining a fourth power nozzle lumen between the mesas to accelerate pressurized fluid flowing into the shared interaction chamber to provide a fourth power nozzle fluid flow;
(H) the shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication with the first, second, third and fourth power nozzles defined in the distal wall of the cup-like member, and the first power nozzle fluid flow Combined with the second power nozzle fluid flow, the third power nozzle fluid flow, and the fourth power nozzle fluid flow to create a plurality of unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber;
(I) unstable fluid vortices in the shared interaction chamber collide with the first, second, third, fourth power nozzle fluid flow to (a) select in selected spray pattern Producing a vibrating escape fluid flow discharged from the first outlet hole or discharge hole as a spray of a fluid droplet in the droplet diameter range or (b) a foam spray,
The oscillating vortices are generated in the interaction area of the fluid passage by the opposing jets,
Nozzle assembly. The cup-shaped multi-inlet-hole defining member (100, 200) wall is molded directly to the inner surface of the cup, and the cup-shaped multi-inlet-hole defining member (100, 200) is economically attached to the sealing post The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly is configured. A substantially flat, fluid-impervious outer surface wherein the distal surface or outer surface of the sealing post is in flat surface sealing engagement with the inwardly projecting wall or mesa (160, 162, 164, 166) of the cup-like member The nozzle assembly of claim 2, comprising:   First and second peripheral walls of the sealing post projecting in the distal direction and a peripheral wall of the cup-like fluid circulation passage are axially spaced apart and substantially aligned with the central axis of the sealing post The nozzle assembly of claim 3, wherein the fluid passage is defined as a distally projecting lumen.   The nozzle assembly of claim 1 configured with a manual pump in a trigger sprayer configuration.   The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, comprising a propellant pressurized aerosol container having a valve actuator.   The distal end wall of the cup further comprises a second outlet hole or outlet in fluid communication with the shared interaction area to trap air in the shared interaction area and / or the external oscillating spray flow to create a fluid product of The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly has a shape that produces a foam spray. A distally projecting sealing post (138) and a lumen (170P) that dispenses or sprays a pressurized liquid product or fluid from the transportable container to produce a vibrating spray-like discharge stream of fluid droplets; A single-piece fluid circuit configured to be easily and economically incorporated into a trigger spray nozzle assembly or an aerosol spray head actuator body comprising:
(A) a cup-like fluid having a proximally extending peripheral wall, an inner surface defining a function, and a distal radial wall comprising an open proximal end configured to receive the sealing post of the actuator Equipped with a circulation path member,
(B) the peripheral wall and the distal radial wall of the cup-shaped member have an inner surface which forms a fluid passage including a chamber when the cup-shaped member is mounted on the sealing post of the main body;
(C) the cup-like member is mounted on the sealing post of the body, since the chamber is configured to define a fluid circulation transducer inlet in fluid communication with the shared interaction chamber defining an interaction area When pressurized fluid is introduced through the actuator body, the pressurized fluid enters the chamber and interaction area of the fluid passage to cause at least one oscillating vortex in the interaction region of the fluid passage. Can be generated
(D) the distal wall of the cup-like member includes the first discharge hole in fluid communication with the interaction region of the chamber;
The oscillating vortex is generated in the interaction area of the fluid passage by opposing jets,
Single integrated fluid circulation path.   In the chamber, when the cup-shaped member is attached to the sealing post of the main body and pressurized fluid is introduced through the actuator main body, a fluid vibrator inlet of the chamber is connected to the first power nozzle and the first power nozzle Configured to be in fluid communication with a first power nozzle pair comprising two power nozzles, said first power nozzle accelerating movement of said first nozzle to pass pressurized fluid to said chamber; The second power nozzle is configured to form a first jet of fluid flowing into the interaction area, and the second power nozzle accelerates the movement of passing the pressurized fluid through the second nozzle to interact with the chamber. A first jet and a second jet are arranged to form a second jet of fluid flowing into the area, wherein the first jet and the second jet collide with each other at a selected jet impingement angle and within the interaction area of the fluid passage Generating a Douzuryu, simple integrated hydrodynamic circuit of claim 8.   The cup-like member is mounted on the sealing post of the body and the interaction area of the chamber is defined in the distal wall of the fluid circuit when pressurized fluid is introduced through the actuator body. A chamber in fluid communication with a discharge aperture, wherein the chamber is configured to be discharged from the discharge aperture as a vibrating spray of substantially uniform fluid drop with a selected spray pattern of selected spray width and spray thickness. The unitary fluid circulation path according to claim 9.   11. The unitary fluid circulation circuit of claim 10, wherein the first and second power nozzles comprise venturis or tapered channels or grooves on the inner surface of the distal wall. The unitary fluid circulation circuit according to claim 11, wherein the first and second power nozzles terminate in a substantially rectangular or box-like interaction area defined on the inner surface of the distal wall.   The unitary fluid circulation circuit according to claim 12, wherein the first and second power nozzles terminate in a generally sandglass interaction area defined on an inner surface of the distal wall.   11. The device of claim 10, wherein the selected jet impingement angle is 180 degrees, the chamber is mounted with the cup-like member in a sealing post of the body and pressurized fluid is introduced through the actuator body. Monolithic integrated fluid circulation as described.   11. The unitary fluid circulation circuit of claim 10, wherein the nozzle assembly is configured with a manual pump in a trigger sprayer configuration.   11. The unitary fluid circulation circuit of claim 10, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a propellant pressurized aerosol container having a valve actuator. An integrated cup-shaped nozzle vibrating spray generating member (130, 200, 300, 400, 450, 500) having a generally cylindrical side wall, the distal end terminating in a generally circular closed end wall (134) , at least vibration Internally formed with a fluid circuit shape defining a shared interaction chamber (140) in fluid communication with a first discharge aperture (142) directed to radiate spray (174) or foam release in a distal direction Define
The shared interaction chamber in fluid communication, to generate a first power nozzle lumen, second power nozzle bore, the third power nozzle bore, move Douzu from the fourth power nozzle bore,
The power nozzle lumens are each aimed at opposing power nozzle lumens along opposing power nozzle flow axes to provide an interactive pair of power nozzle flows that generate moving vortices within the shared interaction chamber An integrated cup-shaped nozzle vibrating spray generating member configured to: The shared interaction chamber (140 or 204) is in fluid communication with a second discharge aperture that is aimed to emit a vibrating spray (174) or a foam release in a distal direction;
The shared interaction chamber is in fluid communication to move the vortex moving from the first power nozzle lumen, the second power nozzle lumen, the third power nozzle lumen, and the fourth power nozzle lumen. 18. The integral cup of claim 17 configured to produce and produce (a) first and second separate non-recombined vibratory sprays (174) or (b) a foam release. Nozzle vibration spray generating member.   The integrated cup-shaped nozzle vibrating spray generating member according to claim 17, wherein the power nozzle of the first interaction pair is configured with an opposing power nozzle flow axis aimed at the first discharge hole. .

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