KR20200110150A - Spray heads for fluid products and their uses - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid spray head,
-A body 1 forming a housing 14 from which the core 16 extends;
-Comprising a nozzle 2 coupled to the housing 14 around the core 16 and forming a spray opening O representing the chamber outlet diameter D3 and the chamber outlet cross section S3,
-Between the core 16 and the nozzle 2; 2'from upstream to downstream:
A plurality of swirl channels (T) representing the channel length (L1); And
As a swirl chamber (C) showing the chamber inlet diameter (D2) and the chamber inlet cross section (S2), the swirl chamber (C) in which the dispenser orifice forms an outlet for the swirl chamber (C) is limited,
The spray head is characterized in that L1 is equal to 110% of L1> D2, preferably about 150% of D2.

Description

Spray heads for fluid products and their uses

The present invention is directed to a fluid spray head comprising a body defining a housing from which the core extends. The head also includes a nozzle coupled to the housing around the core to form a number of swirl channels between them, and a swirl chamber through which the swirl channels are opened. The nozzle also includes a dispenser orifice that forms the outlet of the swirl chamber. These spray head designs are entirely common in cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. The spray head is usually mounted on the free end of the valve rod of the pump or valve. In general, the spray head forms a push button that the user can press in the axial direction using a finger, usually an index finger.

In the prior art, there are many types of fluid spray heads with various properties, particularly related to the configuration, orientation, shape and ratio of the swirl channels, the swirl chamber and the dispenser orifice, and thus easy mounting, easy molding, and specific It can achieve various purposes, such as type of spray, long or short spray, etc. It is an object of the present invention to manufacture swirl channels, swirl chambers and spray orifices that serve to obtain a good quality spray for certain types of fluids, ie shear thinning fluids. However, the spray heads of the present invention can also be used with other types of fluids, while still achieving an acceptable or somehow good quality spray.

In the case of fluids, “shear thinning” means “more fluid” as the flow rate increases. More precisely, it means that the dynamic viscosity decreases as the shear rate increases. Another term used is "pseudoplasticity". Shear dilution should not be confused with thixotropy, which refers to a decrease in viscosity under the influence of shear stress.

The behavior of the fluid is shear dilution or pseudoplastic (an old term used in some cases) in the range of shear dilution, located after the first Newtonian plateau. The viscosity of the fluid decreases with increasing velocity gradient (shear dilution). The structure of the material is oriented/deformed by shear (eg, polymer chains are aligned along the direction of compression). At high shear rates (corresponding to the second Neutunian plateau), the material breaks. Structures that do not flow require more force to break. Compared to the atomic scale, most samples containing large articles are shear diluent. The majority (approximately 90%) of the material is shear diluent: polymers, weakly filled (dilute) emulsions, suspensions, shampoos, etc.

The cosmetic market demands require the use of more viscous formulations to ensure stability. This viscosity has reached a critical point that can be sucked with a conventional hand pump. Xanthan gum or gel has been identified as a new base material to solve this problem. This liquid is an excellent stabilizer, has a low viscosity, and exhibits shear dilution properties.

In order to obtain a spray, it is necessary to optimize the flow cross-sections of the nozzle so that the velocity of the fluid is as high as possible in order to be able to create fine droplets at the nozzle outlet.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to optimize the properties of the swirl channels, swirl chamber and/or dispenser orifice in order to obtain a uniform and balanced spray both in terms of three-dimensional space and droplet size. Regarding the spray shape, the minimum angle of the spray should be greater than 30°. At a distance of 20 centimeters (cm), the droplets should spread out sufficiently to prevent them from running or streaking.

To achieve this object, the present invention proposes a fluid spray head comprising:

-A body forming a connection sleeve configured to receive a valve rod of a dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, wherein the connection sleeve is connected to the housing through which the core defining the core side wall and the core front wall extends through a supply duct. main body;

-As a nozzle coupled to the housing around the core, the nozzle forms a spray orifice through which the fluid exits the spray head in the form of a spray, and the spray orifice represents the chamber outlet diameter (D3) and the chamber outlet cross section (S3). , Comprising the nozzle,

-Between the core and the nozzle from upstream to downstream:

A plurality of connection passages in fluid communication with the supply duct;

As a plurality of swirl channels each connected to the connection passage, each swirl channel has a channel length (L1), a channel inlet having a channel inlet section (S0) and a channel outlet having a channel outlet section (S1). Indicating, the plurality of swirl channels;

A swirl chamber that is open and exiting from the swirl channels, the swirl chamber defining a longitudinal axis of rotation (X), an axial length (L2), a chamber inlet diameter (D2), and a chamber inlet cross section (S2) through which the swirl channels are opened. ), and the swirl chamber in which the dispenser orifice forms an outlet for the swirl chamber is defined,

The spray head is characterized in that L1 is equal to 110% of L1 ≥ D2, and preferably L1 is equal to about 150% of D2.

In particular, it should be noted that the length of the swirl chambers must be correlated with the diameter of the swirl chamber to obtain a good spray.

Further, in another advantageous feature of the present invention, S3 is 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, preferably S3 is equal to about 42% of S2, and D3 is 54% ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2, preferably D3 is characterized as being equal to about 65% of D2.

Compared to a conventional nozzle configured to spray an alcohol solution, the outlet cross section S3 of the dispenser orifice is considerably larger. This is explained by the fact that xanthan gel has elastic properties: it absorbs energy when under stress and "expands" when it is released. This occurs while passing through the dispenser orifice of a conventional nozzle (= 0.3 mm diameter). During this "expansion", the droplets that have formed merge together to form a jet.

In particular: S3 is 0.2 square millimeters (mm ² ) ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm ² , preferably S3 is equal to about 0.33 mm ² , D3 is 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm, preferably D3 is about 0.65 mm. In addition, S2 is 0.5 mm ² ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm ² , preferably S2 is equal to about 0.785 mm ² , D2 is 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm, preferably D2 is equal to about 1 mm do.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the dispenser orifice may be cylindrical and exhibit an axial length L3 that is less than about 30% of D3. Thus, as L3 is 0, the dispenser orifice can be formed by an annular edge.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention: L2 is 80% of L2> D2, preferably L2 is equal to about 0.88 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the swirl chamber has a maximum diameter equal to D2 and has a frustoconical length L23 in the range of 30% to 60% of D2, preferably about half of D2. Includes parts. Preferably, the swirl chamber also comprises a cylindrical portion through which the swirl channels are opened, which cylindrical portion exhibits an axial length L22 equal to about 40% of D2. Thus, from upstream to downstream, the swirl chamber first defines a cylindrical portion of diameter D2, and then forms a truncated conical portion of diameter D2 to D3.

It is also possible to manufacture a swirl chamber that does not include a truncated conical part without departing from the scope of the present invention. The swirl chamber is then constituted only by a cylindrical portion that is connected to the dispenser orifice via a shoulder.

Regarding the swirl channels, S1 is 50% of S1 ≤ S0, preferably S1 = 33% of SO. Advantageously, S1 is about 0.07 mm ² and S 0 is equal to about 0.21 mm ² . This means that the channels have an overall shape that is triangular to a larger or smaller degree, with large inlets and small outlets.

Comparing the outlets of the swirl channels with the swirl chamber, the following relation is obtained: S1 ≤ 10% of S2.

In another advantageous aspect of the invention, the channel inlet forms a round wall. This allows fluid flowing through the connecting passage to be deflected into the swirl channels by sliding along the round wall in a manner that reduces disturbance and preserves laminar flow as much as possible. Round walls find very particular advantage with shear dilution fluids that are sensitive to large head losses and disturbances. By virtue of the round wall, the fluid can penetrate into the swirl channels substantially without any interference and without head loss due to a change in direction. Then, as a result of the section S1 being smaller than the section S0, the fluid in the swirl channels is accelerated.

In another advantageous aspect of the invention, the core sidewall is cylindrical and the core front wall is planar. Thus, the core does not have any particular orientation, and the nozzles can be coupled around the core without determining the orientation. Thus, easier mounting is achieved.

Thus, the present invention defines a spray head having a configuration that is very specific and finds the advantageous use of a shear dilution fluid containing, for example, a content of xanthan gum of about 1% or less.

The idea of the present invention is that the fluid flowing through the nozzle receives the fluctuations in the form of head loss as small as possible, causing the droplets to merge together to form a jet, absorbing too much energy causing too great expansion that hinders the formation of droplets. It lies in the fact that it does not. This applies in particular to shear dilution fluids as well as other types of fluids. The ratio of the length of the cross sections (or diameters) and/or the swirl channels of the dispenser orifice to the swirl chamber to the diameter of the swirl chamber constitutes properties that can be considered to have a direct effect on forming a good spray. Naturally, it is also possible for other characteristics of the nozzle to further improve the quality of the spray.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, showing two embodiments of the present invention as non-limiting examples.
In the drawings:
1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispenser head constituting a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a large-scale view of a portion of FIG. 1.
3 is a large-scale view of the nozzles of FIGS. 1 and 2.
4 is a rear view of a perspective view showing the inside of the nozzle of FIG. 3.
5 shows a fluid flow passage inside the nozzle.
6A and 6B are perspective views of the fluid flow passage of FIG. 5 when viewed from two different angles.
Fig. 7 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3 for a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 to explain the general structure of a fluid spray head constituting a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the dispenser head comprises a head body 1, which head body 1 is a connecting sleeve 11 engaged with the free end of a valve rod P1 of a dispenser unit P, which may be a pump or a valve. ) Can be seen to form. Preferably, this is a standard pump that delivers fluid through its valve rod P1 at a pressure in the range of about 3 bar to 6 bar. Above the connecting sleeve 11, the body 1 forms an axial space 12 extending substantially in line with the valve rod P1. Then, the body 1 forms a supply duct 13 extending horizontally, that is, vertically to the connecting sleeve 11. The supply duct 13 opens out to an annular housing 14, from which a core 16 defining a core side wall 16a and a core front wall 16b extends. The housing 14 opens laterally toward the main body 1. This design is entirely common for head bodies in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes and medicines.

The head also includes a nozzle 2 that is forcibly fitted into the housing 14 around the core 16. The nozzle 2 represents a cup of general shape with a dispenser wall 21 that opens out of the spray orifice O. The dispenser wall 21 is brought into abutting contact with the core front wall 16b. The nozzle 2 also includes a side fastener wall 22 which is coupled around the core 16. Thus, in the housing 14 there is an annular space 15 located between the outlet of the supply channel 13 and the free end edge of the side fastening wall 22. The side fastening wall 22 may form one or more barbs 23 for securing the nozzle to the housing 14.

Upstream from the dispenser orifice (O), the dispenser wall (21) is a plurality of swirl channels (T) supplied by a plurality of connection passages (P) formed both between the core (16) and the nozzle (2). ) To form a swirl chamber (C). The connection passages P are supplied by the annular space 15. This design is entirely common for nozzles in the perfume, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.

The spray head also comprises a covering hoop 3 in the form of a cap to which the core 1 is joined. The cover hoop 3 comprises a side skirt 31 perforated with a window 32 facing the dispenser wall 21 of the nozzle 2. The upper wall 30 of the cover hoop 3 forms a bearing surface for the user's fingers. Once again, this design is entirely common for cover hoops in the perfume, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.

Hereinafter, small features of the nozzle 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The dispenser orifice O represents the axial length or depth L3 measured along the axis X in FIG. 3 and the chamber outlet diameter D3 defining the chamber outlet cross section S3.

The swirl chamber (C) is centered on the dispenser orifice (O) along the longitudinal axis of rotation (X). The swirl chamber (C) represents a maximum chamber inlet diameter (D2) that defines a maximum chamber inlet cross section (S2). The outlet of the chamber is formed by a dispenser orifice (O), so that the minimum chamber outlet diameter is equal to D3. More specifically, the swirl chamber (C) comprises a cylindrical portion (C2) having a diameter of D2, and also comprises a truncated conical portion (C3) disposed between the cylindrical portion (C2) and the dispenser orifice (O), Accordingly, it can be seen that the maximum diameter of the truncated cylindrical portion C3 is the same as D2 and the minimum diameter is the same as D3. The axial length or depth of the cylindrical portion C2 is L22, and the axial length or depth of the truncated conical portion C3 is L23. Therefore, it can be said that L2 = L22 + L23.

In addition, in Fig. 4, it can be seen that the nozzle 2 includes three swirl channels T having a generally triangular configuration. The three swirl channels T are evenly arranged around the swirl chamber C. Each swirl channel T includes a channel inlet T0 defining a channel inlet cross section SO and a channel outlet T1 defining a channel outlet cross section S1. Each swirl channel T also defines a length L1 as can be seen in FIG. 4. Each swirl channel T includes two walls T2 and T3 extending substantially tangentially to the swirl chamber C. As a result, the two walls T2 and T3 are not parallel but, on the contrary, converge toward the swirl chamber to form a channel outlet T1 of cross section S1 between them. In conclusion, S0 is greater than S1. The other two walls (not referenced) of the swirl channel T are identical and parallel and are respectively formed by the front wall 16b of the core 16 and by the dispenser wall 21.

It should also be noted that the interior of the side fastening wall 22 forms three stiffeners 24 arranged between the three channel inlets T0. The function of the three stiffeners 24 is brought into contact with the side walls 16a of the core 16. Between the stiffeners 24, the nozzle 2 cooperates with the core 16 to form three connecting passages P. The connection passages P are in fluid flow communication with the channel inlet T0. To this end, the channel inlets T0 include round walls Ta, whereby the fluid passing through the connection passages P gradually flows into each of the swirl channels T along the round walls Ta. It can be noted that it is biased. Accordingly, the round walls Ta form a gentle slope that connects each connection passage P to each swirl channel T. They make it possible to pass smoothly from the axial direction (the direction of the connection passage P) to the radial direction (the direction of the swirl channels).

Sections S0, S1, S2 and S3 can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B showing the fluid flow passages, i.e. the volume occupied by the fluid between the core 16 and the nozzle 2 . In other words, the fluid flow passage corresponds to the volumes of the swirl chambers, the swirl chamber and the dispenser orifice O.

The cross-sections S2 and S3 extend perpendicular to the axis X, and are disposed parallel to each axial end of the swirl chamber C. The exit cross-sections S1 of the channels extend substantially tangential to the swirl chamber C and parallel to the axis X. Finally, the inlet sections S0 extend parallel to the sections S2 and S3, but are off-center with respect to the swirl chamber C. Considering that the section S0 and the section S2 are formed in the front wall 16b of the core 16, it can be said that the section S0 extends in the same plane as the section S2. It can also be said that the cross-sections SO and S1 extend in respective planes which are arranged perpendicular to each other.

Various lengths, cross sections and diameters are defined below:

S0: cross section of the inlet T0 of the swirl channel T;

S1: cross section of the outlet T1 of the swirl channel T;

S2: inlet cross section of the swirl chamber (C);

S3: cross section of the dispenser orifice O corresponding to the exit cross section of the swirl chamber C;

D2: Inlet diameter of swirl chamber (C);

D3: diameter of the dispenser orifice O corresponding to the outlet diameter of the swirl chamber C;

L1: length of the swirl channel (T);

L2: length of the swirl chamber (C);

L22: length of cylindrical portion C2 of swirl chamber C;

L23: length of truncated conical part C3 of swirl chamber C; And

L3: Length of the dispenser orifice (O).

The term "section" is to be understood as the largest cross section, the term "diameter" is to be understood as the largest diameter, and the term "length" is to be understood as the largest length. The term "about" means ±5% when referring to a percentage and ±10% when referring to a size.

In the present invention, various lengths, cross sections and diameters satisfy the following relationships R1 to R8:

R1: 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, preferably S3 is equal to about 42% of S2, and in terms of diameter this corresponds to: 54% of D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2 , Preferably D3 is equal to about 65% of D2;

R2: L1 ≥ 110% of D2, preferably L1 equals about 150% of D2;

R3: S1≦50% of SO, preferably S1=33% of SO;

R4: L2 ≥ 80% of D2;

R5: 30% of D2 <L23 <60% of D2, preferably L23 is equal to about half of D2;

R6: 30% of D2 <L22 <50% of D2, preferably L22 is equal to about 40% of D2.

R7: L3 <30% of D3; And

R8: S1 ≤ 10% of S2.

In order to obtain a quality spray, the relationship between R1 and R2, considered alone or in combination, is generally most important, but it has been found that other relationships that also affect the quality of the spray cannot be ignored. In some environments, R1 has a greater influence than R2, in other environments the opposite applies, and in certain configurations R1 and R2 have an equal effect.

R3's relationship turns out to be the third most influential in most environments. The relationship combination of R1 + R3 or R2 + R3 may be considered to have a particular effect on the quality of the spray.

In certain configurations, the same applies to R4, so the relational combination of R1 + R4 or R2 + R4 may be considered to have a particular effect on the quality of the spray.

The relationship between R5 and R6 corresponds to a preferred embodiment that gives the best results in terms of spray quality. However, as can be seen in Fig. 7, it is possible to make the swirl chamber C'without any truncated conical portions. Then, the swirl chamber C'is connected to the dispenser orifice through a shoulder C4.

The relationship of R7 suggests that L3 may be zero, and thus the dispenser orifice (O) may be formed by the annular edge.

In certain configurations, it cannot be excluded that one or more of the relationships of R1 to R9 have been found to be the most influential or important, and thus protection for each of the nine relationships taken individually may be sought.

A nozzle particularly suitable for spraying fluids containing about 0.5% xanthan gum or gel was made with the following dimensions (10% tolerance):

-S0 = 0.21 mm ² ;

-S1 = 0.07 mm ² ;

S2 = 0.785 mm ² , ie D2 = 1 mm;

S3 = 0.33 mm ² , ie D3 = 0.65 mm;

L1 = 1.46 mm;

L2 = 0.88 mm;

L22 = 0.38 mm;

L23 = 0.5 mm; And

L3 = 0.025 mm.

These values also take into account the standard dimensions for the housing 14 and the core 16 of a conventional head of perfume and cosmetics whose dimensions are generally 4.5 mm in diameter of the housing and about 2.8 mm in diameter of the core.

Several versions of the nozzle were tested to determine a range of values for S0, S1, S2, S3, L1, L2, L22, L23, and L3 that would result in an acceptable quality spray. The result was as follows:

· 0.15 mm ² ≤ S0 ≤ 0.28 mm ² ;

0.05 mm ² ≤ S1 ≤ 0.1 mm ² ;

0.5 mm ² ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm ² , ie 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm;

0.2 mm ² ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm ² , ie 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm;

1.4 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 1.8 mm;

0.7 mm <L2 <1.1 mm;

0.3 mm <L22 <0.5 mm;

0.3 mm <L23 <0.6 mm; And

· 0 mm ≤ L3 ≤ 0.3 mm.

Especially for D2 and D3, the following D2/D3 ratios were tested: 1/0.4-1/0.5-1/0.6-1/0.65,-1/0.7. Optimal spray was obtained with D2/D3 = 1/0.65. The ratio of 1/0.4 was insufficient, and the ratios of 1/0.5, 1/0.6 and 1/0.7 were found to be satisfactory.

In addition, several lengths L2 in the range of 0.4 mm to 1 mm were tested for D2 = 1 mm: when L2 <0.8 mm, the quality of the spray was degraded. The optimum value was 0.88 mm.

Any characteristic of S1, S2, D2 (D2), S3 (D3), L1, L2, L22, L23 and L3 and/or any of R1 to R8 in any situation, environment or configuration, and with the type of fluid It is obvious that it is impossible to determine in a general and universal way whether it is essential over others without. Nevertheless, in shear dilution fluids containing xanthan gum in a content of less than 1%, preferably less than 0.5%, for example, the influence of S2/S3 and/or L1/S2 has often proved to be crucial.

Claims (14)

As a fluid spray head,
-A body 1 forming a connecting sleeve 11 configured to receive a valve rod of a dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, wherein the connecting sleeve 11 is through a supply duct 13 and a core side wall 16a And the body (1), connected to the housing (14) from which the core (16) defining the core front wall (16b) extends;
-A nozzle (2; 2') coupled to the housing 14 around the core (16), the nozzle (2; 2') is a spray orifice (O) through which the fluid exits the spray head in the form of a spray. ), and the spray orifice (O) represents the chamber outlet diameter (D3) and the chamber outlet cross section (S3), the nozzle (2; 2'); and,
-Between the core (16) and the nozzle (2; 2') from upstream to downstream:
A plurality of connection passages (P) in fluid communication with the supply duct (13);
As a plurality of swirl channels (T) connected to the connection passages (P), each swirl channel (T) is a channel inlet having a channel length (L1) and a channel inlet cross section (S0) The plurality of swirl channels (T) representing a channel outlet (T1) having a (T0) and a channel outlet cross section (S1);
As a swirl chamber (C) that opens out from the swirl channels (T), the swirl chamber (C) defines a longitudinal rotation axis (X), an axial length (L2), and a chamber inlet diameter (D2) And a chamber inlet cross section (S2) through which the swirl channels (T) are opened, and wherein the dispenser orifice forms an outlet for the swirl chamber (C); the swirl chamber (C); In the spray head,
A spray head, characterized in that L1 is equal to 110% of L1> D2, preferably about 150% of D2. The method of claim 1,
S3 is equal to 30% of S2 ≤ S3 ≤ 55% of S2, preferably equal to about 42% of S2, such that D3 is 54% of D2 ≤ D3 ≤ 74% of D2, preferably about 65% of D2 Same as, spray head. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
S2 is 0.5 mm ² ≤ S2 ≤ 1.13 mm ² , preferably equal to about 0.785 mm ^2, such that D ² is equal to 0.8 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 1.2 mm, preferably about 1 mm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
S3 is equal to 0.2 mm ² ≤ S3 ≤ 0.38 mm ² , preferably about 0.33 mm ² , such that D3 is equal to 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 0.7 mm, preferably about 0.65 mm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The dispenser orifice (O) is cylindrical and exhibits an axial length (L3) that is less than about 30% of D3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
L2 is equal to 80% of L2> D2, preferably about 0.88 mm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The swirl chamber (C) has a maximum diameter equal to D2 and a frustoconical portion (C3) providing an axial length (L23) in the range of 30% to 60% of D2, preferably about half of D2. Including, spray head. The method of claim 7,
The swirl chamber (C) includes a cylindrical portion (C2) in which the swirl channels (T) are opened, and the cylindrical portion (C2) has an axial length (L22) equal to about 40% of D2. head. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
S1 is the spray head, wherein S1 ≤ 50% of S0, preferably S1 = 33% of SO. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
S1 is approximately 0.07 mm ² and S0 is approximately equal to 0.21 mm ² , spray head. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Spray head with S1 ≤ 10% of S2. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The channel inlet (T0) forms a round wall (Ta), and accordingly, the fluid passing through the connection passages (P) is gradually deflected to each of the swirl channels (T) along the round walls (Ta). Being, spray head. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The spray head, wherein the core side wall (16a) is cylindrical and the core front wall (16b) is planar. 14. A method of using the spray head according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for spraying shear thinning fluids containing, for example xanthan gum.

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