MXPA06002763A - Apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid includes a conduit having a passage (20) therethrough extending between first and second passage ends. First and second offset ribs (29) each extend partially into the passage. The passage tapers throughout a full length of the passage from the first end to the second end.

Description

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ying a product using a device has been known for some time. Frequently, it is desirable or necessary that the product leaving the apparatus be dispersed in an optimum y pattern in surrounding environments in terms of particle size and distribution. Various patents describe ying apparatuses incorporating turbulence characteristics, such as spiral chambers. U.S. Patent No. 2,989,251, to Abplanalp and co-inventors, discloses a nkler cap and a circumferential valve stem. The valve stem has an outer surface and an inner surface that define a central channel. A notch is arranged on the outer surface. The nkler cap fits over the valve stem and a nkler hole in the nkler cap is aligned with the notch. The product contains active ingredients in solid particles arranged in a liquid pressurized vehicle that flows from the central channel, through the notch, and finally leaves the y orifice aligned in the surrounding environment. The shape of the notch promotes the formation of eddies in the product and the uniform distribution of the solid constituents of the product. U.S. Patent No. 3,942,725, to Green, discloses a head and a nkler rod. A cap of the nkler head includes a vortex-forming chamber and tangential channels in communication therewith. The product that comes out of the y head is agitated before it is discharged from the yer head. U.S. Patent No. 4, 036,439 to Green discloses a y head fitted on a valve stem. The y head has a cavity in which an insert is placed. With reference to Figure 7 thereof, the product flows upwards through the valve stem and then transversely through passageways arranged around a central projection and also around the wall portions 50 and 51 extending through of the path for the flow. The flow around the central projection and the wall portions 50, 51, causes the product to be agitated by turbulence. U.S. Patent No. 3,433,419 to Evesque, discloses a valve button having a turbulence chamber. U.S. Patent No. 3,008,654 to Abplanalp and co-inventors discloses a yer button having a path for tortuous spiral flow, and further discloses male and female molding members used to make the yer button. While these are patents that describe various turbulence characteristics for the disintegration of product flowing through them, numerous patents thereof describe a separately manufactured y insert, and / or a larger number of tangential channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid includes a conduit having a passage therethrough. The passageway extends between the first and second ends of the conduit. Each of the first and second compensation supports extends partially in the passageway. The passage narrows through the entire length of the passageway from the first end to the second end. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a mold core for forming the apparatus that induces turbulence in a fluid, includes a region of decreasing section, which tapers from a first end to a second end. The region of decreasing section has a longitudinal dimension, and a transverse dimension. A first and a second notch are positioned at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. The notches are eccentric along the longitudinal and transverse dimensions. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing the apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid, includes the step of providing a mold core having a decreasing section region tapering from a first end to a second end. The region of decreasing section has a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension. A first and a second notch are positioned at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. The notches are eccentric along the longitudinal and transverse dimensions. A passageway is molded from the core for mold. The passageway extends between the first and second ends of the passage, and includes first and second compensation supports that extend partially into the passageway. The passage narrows through the total length of the conduit from the first end to the second end. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is an isometric view illustrating a container and cover cap embodying the present invention; Figure 1 B is a fragmented isometric view showing a sprinkler button adapted to fit over a valve stem; Figures 2 and 3 are sectional fragmentary views illustrating parts of the conduit placed inside the cover lid or the sprinkler button of Figures 1 A and 1 B: Figures 4A and 4B are elevational views of a core for mold of according to the present invention, used to form a passageway for the fluid in the activator: Figure 4-C is a plan view of the mold core of Figures 4A and 4B; Figures 5A and 5B are fragmentary elevational views of the mold core, illustrating the dimensions of the mold core notches: Figures 6A and 6B are views similar to Figures 4A and 4B. which further illustrate the dimensions of the core for mold: Figure 6C is a view similar to Figure 6B, but illustrating an opposite side; Figure 6D is a view similar to Figure 6C but illustrating the narrowing of a cylindrical region of the mold core; Figures 7 and 8 are elevation views of the front and back parts of the cover lid of Figure 1 A; and Figure 9 is a sectional view of the cover cap, taken generally along lines 9-9 of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Figures 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 show an activator 12 incorporating an apparatus 14 for inducing turbulence in a fluid, while Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a core for mold 15 used to form a passageway for the fluid through the apparatus 14.

With reference to Figure 2, a conduit for the fluid 17 includes a first conduit portion 20 therethrough, which extends between the first and second ends of the passageway 23, 26. While not visible in Figures 2 and 3, each sub-part of the passage 20a, 20b, narrows through the total length thereof. Preferably, although not necessarily, each narrowing of these is substantially uniform over the entire length of sub-part 20a, 20b, i.e., the constrictions are linear. Furthermore, as can be noted in greater detail hereinafter, the constrictions cause the transverse sizes of the sub-parts 20a, 20b to decrease in direction from the first end 23 towards the second end 26. The narrowing of the part of the passageway 20 is illustrated more clearly in Figures 4A and 4B, which show that the mold core 1 5 tapers from one end 15a to one end 15b. The core for mold 15 can be narrowed in any appropriate manner. However, examples of approximate, non-limiting narrowing values are provided in Table 1 below, for narrowing angles A, B, C, D and E, of the core for mold 15. One or more surface regions of the core for mold 15 may not be of decreasing section. For example, a surface 28a (Figure 4B) of the core for mold 15 could be non-decreasing, while a surface 28b opposite it is of decreasing cross-section. The narrowing of the part of the conduit 20 from the end 23 to the end 26 increases the flow velocity of the product traveling through it, which facilitates the mixing of the product. A plurality of compensating supports 29 extends partially in the part of the conduit 20, thus providing a tortuous and turbulent path for the product flowing through the part of the passageway 20. An additional part of the passageway or mixing chamber can be provided. in communication with the part of the passageway 20. The mixing chamber 30 can be defined in part by an inclined surface 31, which can improve turbulence in the mixing chamber 30. The activator 12 can include a cover cap 33 (Figure 1 A) for a container 36 of the aerosol product. The product may be any of a wide variety of products such as an air freshener, an insect control agent, a paint, a hair spray, a cleaning agent, a polishing agent, a fragrance, or other products stored in a container. A typical product could include an appropriate aerosol formulation, which can include any conventional or non-conventional emulsion, suspension, or active ingredient solution. The product may or may not be maintained under pressure within a body 37 of the container 36 by an appropriate propellant. Suitable propellants may include a hydrocarbon propellant or other compressible propellants, as well as non-compressible propellants such as carbon dioxide. The product is ejected from a valve stem 38 by pressing a button 33a of the cover cap, thereby tilting or sinking the valve stem 38 (depending on the design of the valve stem 38) to open a valve (not shown). ) placed inside the body 37 of the container. Alternatively, as can be seen in Fig. 1B, the trigger 12 may include a spray button 43 fitted to the rod 38 of the valve of the container 36. In any case, the activator 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The activator 12 may be designed for a container that does not include the valve stem 38, but instead includes a female-type receiving valve (not shown, but known in the mare). In this case, the activator 12 will transport an appropriate insertion tube that engages with the female-type receiving valve to supply the product to the activator 12. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the sub-part 20a forms a receptacle 45 placed at the first end 23 of the passageway, wherein the receptacle 45 receives the rod 38 of the valve. The receptacle 45 includes a frusto-conical tapered surface 46, which facilitates the insertion of the valve stem 38 into the receptacle 45. The passageway portions 20 and 30 extend in a first direction, and a second part 47 of the passageway extends from part 20 of the passageway in a second direction. As shown, the second part 47 of the passageway is substantially perpendicular to the first part 20 of the passageway. However, the part of passageway 47 may be collinear with part 20 of the passage or extend from part 20 of the passageway at any angle. Considering this, the angle could vary depending on the type of product. For some products (e.g., cleaners) it may be desirable to spray in a direction substantially transverse to the valve stem 38, while for other products (e.g., air fresheners, it may be desirable to spray in a substantially collinear direction with the shank of the valve 38 for spraying product up into the air.The second part 47 of the passageway terminates in an outlet orifice 51 from which the product is finally dispensed or sprayed into the surrounding environment.It should be noted that the second part 47 of the The passageway could be omitted, and the first part 20 of the passageway could be provided with an appropriate exit hole (not shown). It should also be taken into account that the second part 47 of the passageway could be provided with the supports 29 instead of the part 20 of the passageway, or in addition to it.The second part 47 of the passageway could be of decreasing section also in place of part 20 of the passage, or in addition to her. This could require the use of a mold core similar or identical to the mold core 15, to form the part 47 of the passageway. However, decrease the section of the second part 47 of the passageway so that the passageway portion 47 increases in size towards the exit orifice 51., it could be undesirable for some types of products (depending on the desired spray pattern) because this narrowing could unduly slow the flow rate, creating particles or droplets larger than desired. Achieving an optimum spray pattern by providing turbulence in the first part 20 of the passageway was a surprising and unexpected result because it was uncertain whether the turbulence in part 20 of the passageway would keep the product in an optimum spray pattern as the product flowed to through the second part of the passage 47 and finally out of the exit hole 51. Figures 4 to 6 show a plurality of notches 60 forming the supports 29. The core for mold 15 includes a region of decreasing section 61 which narrows from end 15a to end 15b. Figure 4A shows that the decreasing section region 61 has a longitudinal dimension L and a transverse dimension T. The notches 60 are arranged at an intermediate location with respect to the ends 15a, 15b. The notches 60 are eccentric along the longitudinal dimension. The notches 60 are also eccentric along the transverse dimension, and more specifically, the notches 60 are shown positioned on opposite sides of the mold core 15. Accordingly, the supports 29 are off-center in both the longitudinal and dimensional dimensions. cross section of part 20 of the passageway. The notches 60 may have any appropriate size. For example, as seen in Figure 5A and in the Table 1 below, the notches 60 can have a depth dimension F equal to about 0.21 mm and a dimension with length G equal to about 0.51 mm. the product flowing through the part 20 of the passageway flows around the supports 29 in a zigzag manner. The product flowing around the soporles 29 preferably travels or zigzags from one side of the first part 20 of the passageway to the other side at least twice, and preferably more than twice, any active ingredient disposed within the product, is mixed by turbulence to optimally provide a substantially homogeneous mixture with droplets or particles having a sufficiently consistent size. Optimally, the volume of product leaving the outlet orifice 51 is substantially homogeneous with a minimum of localized regions of different particle concentration and / or particle size. Localized concentrated regions can be a disadvantage in terms of waste and inefficient distribution of the product in surrounding environments, or excessive humidity of the sprayed volume. The part of the passageway 20 may have a circular or non-circular cross section. Preferably, the part 20 is of substantially rectangular cross-section. Thus, the core 15 generally has a rectangular shape with opposite narrow side walls 65 (FIG. 4) and opposed wide side walls 66 (FIG. 5). With respect to this, it is believed that the rectangular shape of the passageway portion 20 allows the passageway portion 20 to flex as the core 15 is removed there more than a square passageway would, thereby that the extraction of the core 15 from the passageway for fluid 17 is facilitated. The decreasing section profile of the core 15 also facilitates the extraction thereof from the passageway for the fluid 17, after the molding process, the profile of decreasing section is especially advantageous, considering that the core 1 5 pushes against the supports 29 as that nucleus 15 is extracted from part 20 of the passageway. As can be seen in Figures 5A and 5B, each of the notches 60 defines a depression 73 with a tapered edge 76, and a tapered edge 78. The tapered edge 76 is positioned at the upper end of each notch. 60 (as seen in Figure 4), which facilitates removal of core 15 from the passageway for fluid 17. Depression 73 could include any suitable radius of curvature R, such as 0.1 mm. Each of the edges 76, 78 has a radius of curvature substantially equal to about 0. However, any of the edges 76, 78 could include a radius of curvature greater than 0. With particular reference to FIG. 5B, the notches 60 may be separated by any appropriate distance Z, and preferably, Z is approximately 1.52 mm. The notches 60 may be spaced apart by any appropriate distance from a longitudinal centerline c of the mold core 15, such as the distances or dimensions AC, AD, AE, AF, AG, AH and Al shown in Table 1 below. . Referring again to FIG. 5A, the tapered edge 76 is defined in part by a notch surface 79 defining an angle I with a horizontal axis 80 passing through the edge 76. The angle I could fall within any appropriate range of values, but preferably is approximately 60.22 °. An angle H is defined by a notch surface 81 and a horizontal axis 82 that passes through the edge 78. the angle H may be equal to about 13 °. With reference to Figure 6C, the core 15 further includes an inclined surface 83 that forms the inclined surface 31 of the mixing chamber 30. The inclined surface 83 can define an angle X relative to a horizontal axis of approximately 30 °, the axis 85 passes through the longitudinal center line C at a tip 86 of the core 15. Alternatively, the angle X could be 28.47 °. The decreasing section profile and decreasing section edges 76 of the notches 60 allow the core to be removed for mold 15, which otherwise could be difficult or impossible, and therefore avoids the need to insert a separate turbulence member. in the portions of the passageway 20, 47, as an additional assembly step. As is known in the art generally, because the second part 47 of the passageway branches off from the first part 20 of the passageway at an angle, the use of multiple mold cores and the removal thereof in different directions can be somewhat complicated, which is one reason why turbulence inserts have been used frequently instead of complicated mold parts in prior art devices. While the present invention avoids the need for a turbulence insert, one could optionally provide an insert in one of the portions 10, 30, 47 of the passageway.

With reference to Figure 6D, the core 15 includes a region 90 of decreasing section forming the decreasing frustoconical surface 46, and a cylindrical region 93 of circular cross section forming a cylindrical sealing region 97 (Figures 2, 3) that extends 3 between the points 98, 99 of the passageway 17. The sealing region 97 is circular, so that the sealing region 97 seals the rod of the circular valve in an effective, fluid-tight manner, while the part 20 of the passageway is substantially rectangular, to better facilitate the extraction of the core 15. The cylindrical region 93 may be of decreasing section. For example, Figure 6D shows the lines 100, 101, which extend collinearly from diametrically opposite surfaces 102, 103, respectively, of the region 93. As shown, the lines 100, 101, can define a taper angle. about 3 ° relative to the center line C. As can be seen in figure 3, a third part 104 of the passageway between the part 20 of the passage and the part 47 of the passageway can be provided. The third part 104 of the passageway is shown with a smaller or restricted transverse size relative to the portions 20, 47 of the passageway. The restriction increases the flow velocity in the third part 104 of the passageway, and also increases the product pressure within the portions of the passage 20, 30. The third part 104 of the passageway may alternatively have a larger transverse size than the portions of the passageway. catwalk 20, 47, wherein a decrease in flow velocity is desired for a given product. As will become apparent, the size of the third part of the passage 104 can be varied to increase the flow rate as desired for a given product. In addition, the degree of tapering or narrowing of the part 20 of the passage can be varied depending on the type of product and the flow rate desired for it. A major advantage of the activator 12 is that making the part of the passageway 1 0 with the mold core 15 allows the passage part 20 to be formed into a single operation unit without the need for other complicated mold parts. The core for mold 15 is relatively simple in construction. Table 1 below includes sample dimensions for an example according to the present invention. The following dimensions should not be construed as limiting, and are merely examples. (All dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise specified).

TABLE 1 With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, a dimension line 120 extending collinearly from a surface 123 of the mold core 15 defines an angle of inclination A of approximately 2.79 ° relative to the center line C. A line 126 which is collineally extending from a surface 129, opposite the surface 123, defines an angle B of about 2.78 ° relative to the center line C. A line 130 extending colineally from a surface 133 defines an angle D of about 1.5 °. . A line 136 extending colineally from a surface 139 defines an angle E of about 1.14 °. With reference to Figure 4C, a radius R2 is equal to approximately 1.96 mm, which is equal to one half of dimension J. The dimension BA (Figures 4C and 6A) defined between the lines of dimension 170, is equal to approximately 1.21 mm. Alternatively, the dimension BA could be equal to approximately 2.24 mm.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY In operation, a user sinks the activator 12, which sinks and / or tilts the valve stem 38 seated within the receptacle 45, thereby opening a valve (not shown) placed within the body of the container 20, and allowing the produced flow through the valve stem 38. The product flows around the alternately staggered supports 29 in a zigzag pattern through the part of the passageway 20., the mixing chamber 30, the optional part 104 of the passage (if present), the second part 47 of the passageway, and exit through the exit hole 51 0 As the product flows around the supports 29, the product mix as described above on account of the turbulence provided there. A method for manufacturing the apparatus 14 includes the steps of providing the mold core 15, molding the passageway 17 with the mold core 15, and removing the mold core 15 from the passageway 17. the tapered section of the mold core 15 , as well as the rounded edges 76 of the notches 60, facilitate removal of the mold core 15 from the passageway part 20. As described above, the activator 12 can be used with a vessel including a female valve arrangement of receiver type with preference to the valve rod 38. As also described above, the passageway portion 47 could be provided with one or more features of the passage portion 20 instead of or in addition thereto. It should be noted that while the preceding embodiments are described in connection with an aerosol container of pressurized product, the activator 12 can also be of a type of pump wherein when the activator 12 sinks, it pumps air into the container body 20, thereby pressurizing the product therein, and forcing the product to flow out of the container body 20 and through the activator 12. Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description should be interpreted as merely exemplary of the inventive concepts taught herein, and is presented in order to enable those skilled in the art to develop and use the invention, and teach the best way to bring it to cape. The exclusive rights for all modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid, comprising: a conduit having a passageway therethrough, extending between the first and second ends of the passageway; and first and second compensation supports that each extend partially in the passageway; characterized in that the passage is of decreasing section through the total length of the passage from the first end to the second end.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, incorporated in an activator for an aerosol container.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further characterized in that the activator comprises a cover cap fitted to a product container. The apparatus of claim 2, further characterized in that the activator comprises a sprinkler button fitted to a valve stem of a product container. The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the first end of the passage has a first transverse size, and the second end of the passage has a second transverse size different from the first transverse size. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further characterized in that the first end of the passage is an inlet end for fluid, and the end end of the passage is an outlet end for fluid. The apparatus of claim 5, further characterized in that the first end of the passage is an outlet end for fluid and the second end of the passage is an inlet end for fluid. The apparatus of claim 5, further characterized in that the first transverse size is larger than the second transverse size. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the supports are eccentric along a longitudinal dimension of the passageway. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further characterized in that the product flows through the passageway around the supports in a zigzag manner. The apparatus of claim 2, further characterized in that the activator includes a receptacle that receives a valve stem extending from a container, and wherein the activation of the valve stem supplies the product to the passageway. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further characterized in that the receptacle is disposed at the first end of the passageway. The apparatus of claim 2, further characterized in that the passage comprises a first part of the passageway extending in a first direction, and the apparatus further comprises a second part of the passage extending from the first part of the passageway in a second direction. address. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further characterized in that the second direction is transverse to the first direction. The apparatus of claim 15, further characterized in that the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 17. The apparatus of claim 14, further characterized in that the second part of the passage terminates in an exit orifice. 18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a third part of the intermediate passageway between the first and second passage parts. The apparatus of claim 18, further characterized in that the third part of the passage is narrower in cross-sectional size than the first and second portions of the passageway. 20. The apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that at least a portion of the passage is of non-circular cross-section. The apparatus of claim 20, further characterized in that a part of the passageway is of substantially rectangular cross-section. 22. A mold core for forming an apparatus that induces turbulence in a fluid, comprising: a region of decreasing section tapering from a first end to a second end, characterized in that the region of decreasing section has a longitudinal dimension and a transversal dimension; and first and second intermediate notches between the first and second ends, characterized in that the notches are eccentric along the longitudinal and transverse dimensions. 23. The mold core of claim 22, further characterized in that the apparatus is incorporated in an activator for an aerosol container. 2

4. The mold core of claim 22, further characterized in that at least a portion of the decreasing section region is of noncircular cross section. The mold core of claim 24, further characterized in that the at least one part is of substantially rectangular cross section. 26. The mold core of claim 22, further characterized in that each of the notches defines first and second edges and a central depression therebetween, and further characterized in that the first edge is rounded. 27. A method for manufacturing an apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mold core having a region of decreasing section, tapering from a first end to a second end, characterized in that the region of decreasing section has a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, and first and second intermediate notches between the first and second ends, further characterized in that the grooves are eccentric along the longitudinal and transverse dimensions; and molding a passageway from the mold core, further characterized in that the passage extends between the first and second ends of the passage, and includes first and second compensation supports, each of which extends partially into the passage, further characterized because the passage narrows through the entire length of the passage from the first end to the second end. 28. The mold core of claim 27, further characterized in that at least a part of the decreasing section region is of noncircular cross section. 29. The mold core of claim 28, further characterized in that at least one part is rectangular in cross section. 30. The mold core of claim 27, further characterized in that each of the notches defines a first and a second edge and a central depression therebetween, and further characterized in that the first edge is rounded. SUMMARY An apparatus for inducing turbulence in a fluid includes a conduit having a passageway (20) therethrough, which extends between the first and second ends of the passageway. The first and second compensation supports (29) each extend partially in the passageway. The passage narrows through the entire length of the passageway from the first end to the second end.