WO2009037224A1 - Spray head for a fluid substance - Google Patents

Spray head for a fluid substance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009037224A1
WO2009037224A1 PCT/EP2008/062238 EP2008062238W WO2009037224A1 WO 2009037224 A1 WO2009037224 A1 WO 2009037224A1 EP 2008062238 W EP2008062238 W EP 2008062238W WO 2009037224 A1 WO2009037224 A1 WO 2009037224A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
zone
capillary
liquid
cannula
spray head
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2008/062238
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michel BAUFUMÉ
Original Assignee
Baufume Michel
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Baufume Michel filed Critical Baufume Michel
Publication of WO2009037224A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009037224A1/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/34Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
    • B05B1/3405Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl
    • B05B1/341Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet
    • B05B1/3421Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber
    • B05B1/3431Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber the channels being formed at the interface of cooperating elements, e.g. by means of grooves
    • B05B1/3436Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with channels emerging substantially tangentially in the swirl chamber the channels being formed at the interface of cooperating elements, e.g. by means of grooves the interface being a plane perpendicular to the outlet axis
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
    • B65D83/205Actuator caps, or peripheral actuator skirts, attachable to the aerosol container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/28Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
    • B65D83/30Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods
    • B65D83/303Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods using extension tubes located in or at the outlet duct of the nozzle assembly
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/75Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
    • B65D83/753Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by details or accessories associated with outlets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and a vector liquid capable of evaporating.
  • a spray head which comprises a body for receiving said liquid which communicates with a cannula for conveying it to a spray nozzle.
  • the nozzle consists of an orifice of small diameter relative to that of the cannula which brings the liquid.
  • FR-A-2 833 930 describes a fluid dispensing bottle whose evacuation is caused by deformation of the wall of the container.
  • the actuation of the bottle creates a biphasic spray, by mixing a liquid and a gas present together in the container.
  • the bottle has a spray head which is an axial extension of the body of the bottle.
  • This head is occupied by a piece of porous material, itself connected to a dip tube.
  • a groove abuts the base of this piece, at the end of the dip tube.
  • the liquid to be sprayed is contained in a container pressurized by a gas, the assembly being commonly called "bomb". In a number of cases, it is desirable not to mix the liquid to be sprayed with the propellant.
  • One of the solutions employed for this purpose is to have an impervious and flexible pouch inside the container.
  • the liquid is introduced inside the bag during manufacturing operations.
  • the bag is sealingly connected to the tubing which conducts the liquid towards the spray nozzle.
  • the pressurized gas fills the space between the inside of the container and the outside of the flexible and impervious bag containing the liquid to be sprayed. It compresses the liquid in the pocket.
  • a valve placed in Out of the pocket allows to release the liquid which will thus be expelled through the nozzle via the junction tubing.
  • the liquid expulsion pressure is provided by a user operated pump.
  • the principle of spraying is to expel a liquid through a nozzle called orifice, whose diameter is small in front of the other dimensions of the circuit used by the fluid, thanks to the pressure difference that prevails on both sides. other of this orifice.
  • the jet is then resolved into droplets that are distributed in the environment.
  • This vector liquid consists inter alia in adapting the viscosity of the product to obtain a fine spray, which will distribute the active ingredient homogeneously in a large volume.
  • the downstream fluid circuit and in particular the nozzle forming the distal end, is filled with product.
  • the product is then in contact with the atmosphere, which will cause its drying, and then clogging.
  • the product can be brought into contact with the atmosphere at its distal end and this is naturally the most frequent case. It can also be performed by its proximal end, in cases where the tip carrying the nozzle is disassembled, for example to be stored in the package of the bomb between two uses. In some cases, the air-product contact may be minimized by the use of a watertight cap and removable end placed at the distal end, the proximal end remaining as for it fitted on the bottle.
  • the chronological monitoring of the evaporation of seawater shows that the removal of the liquid is not uniform throughout the cannula or tip.
  • the water preferentially withdraws smooth zones and / or whose geometry comprises the largest radii of curvature. Conversely, it will appear to adhere to the wall and gather in areas of small radius of curvature or rough (it should be noted that in fact a rough area corresponds to a multitude of micro-zones with small radii of curvature).
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of such a phenomenon.
  • a cylindrical tube 1 with a diameter of the order of 1 to 2 mm one of the two ends is constituted by a nozzle 10 of even smaller diameter (for example 0.2 to 0, 4 mm).
  • the crystals formed clog the nozzle 10 and possibly the adjacent inner portion of the tube 1, depending on the dimensions of this tube and the volume of initial seawater .
  • the present invention aims to solve these problems by proposing a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and a liquid vector that can evaporate which, even after several uses, does not become clogged at its spray nozzle that is to say within which there is no "capillary pumping", namely phenomenon of transfer and accumulation of active substance causing clogging.
  • the present invention relates to a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and an evaporable liquid vector, which comprises a receiving body of said product which communicates with a cannula for the delivery of this product. ci until a spray nozzle, its inner surface defining a channel for conveying said fluid product to said nozzle.
  • said cannula contains at least one capillary retention zone, that is to say at least one zone in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel, the liquid present is retained on place, without migration to said nozzle in particular by capillarity.
  • the aim here is to control the distribution of the deposition of active material which takes place during the evaporation of the vector liquid, so that said deposition takes place over a large part, or even over the entire length. of the cannula, instead of concentrating at the level of the nozzle and its immediate vicinity.
  • the volume of this active material is less than that of the mixture that it initially formed with the carrier liquid (and even often very low), the deposit will be in the form of a thin layer. There can therefore be more than a small reduction in the passage section of the nozzle or any part of the cannula previously prone to clogging.
  • the active material distributed in a thin layer on the walls is likely to be reincorporated, during a subsequent spraying, into the "new" liquid that will circulate, thus avoiding any progressive accumulation of the deposit.
  • the "new” liquid is in fact at nominal concentration, in principle well below the saturation limit, which gives it a potential for redissolving the active ingredient.
  • said capillary retention zone is constituted by at least a part of the internal surface of said channel
  • a stem closed at its ends is fitted into said cannula, the outer and respectively inner surfaces of said rod and cannula delimiting said delivery channel, and at least a part of the external surface of said rod and / or of the internal surface of said cannula located opposite the stem, forms at least one capillary retention zone.
  • said capillary retention zone is a porous and / or hydrophilic and / or rough zone and / or formed of concave surfaces with a small radius of curvature and / or parallel surfaces forming projections separated in pairs by a small air gap; only a portion of the outer surface of said rod and / or of the inner surface of said cannula forms at least one capillary retaining zone, and at least one other part of said surface forms a capillary migration zone, ie an area in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel, the liquid initially present on said surface portion moves up to to the adjoining retention zone, as evaporation of the vector liquid; between two capillary retention zones extends a capillary migration zone;
  • said retention and capillary migration zones have an annular shape with a longitudinal axis (X-X ');
  • capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove
  • capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove and which passes through said annular zones
  • said capillary migration zone is an area of low wettability, in particular a non-porous and / or hydrophobic and / or smooth zone and / or formed of convex surfaces of large radius of curvature;
  • said body comprises a mobile and / or deformable member, able to be actuated during a spraying command, this member being resiliently returned to its rest position at the end of the spraying command, so as to generate a flow of suction of the liquid remaining in said cannula.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view, in section along a longitudinal median plane, of a first embodiment of this head
  • FIG. 4 is a top view, also in section along a longitudinal median plane, of the distal end of the cannula of said head;
  • FIG. 5 is a partial view, in longitudinal section, of said cannula, more particularly for showing an embodiment of the rod that it contains;
  • - Figure 6 is a view similar to the previous, to show another embodiment of the rod;
  • - Figure 7 is an end view of yet another embodiment of this rod;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the rod;
  • FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rod of FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a view similar to Figure 3 of an alternative embodiment of the head.
  • FIG 2 attached is shown very schematically a spray kit 2 formed of a pressure vessel 3 of trade at the top of which is connected a spray head 4 according to the invention.
  • This head is provided with a cannula 40 forming a projection.
  • Figure 3 provides a better understanding of the structure of the head 4. This is preferably made of plastic. It extends along a generally vertical Y-Y 'axis in the use position.
  • this head is open downwards. It comprises a first peripheral cylindrical wall 41 intended to facilitate its centering when it is put in place on a container such as that of FIG. 2. It also comprises a second "internal" cylindrical wall.
  • the cannula 40 is in one piece with the head 4 and extends along an axis
  • the head and the cannula could consist of separate parts, connectable to one another.
  • the distal end of the cannula is shaped into a small diameter nozzle 401.
  • a rod 5 with closed ends. It has dimensions such that its outer surface 50 defines with the inner surface 400 of the cannula 40 a liquid flow channel 6 to be sprayed.
  • FIG. 4 more particularly illustrates the distal end of the cannula and stem.
  • the rod 5 is provided with pins 51 which extend radially and which are intended to keep it centered on the axis X-X ', while keeping a spacing unchanged between it and the longitudinal wall 402 of the cannula 40.
  • spikes are advantageously distributed in several groups along the longitudinal extent of the rod and regularly separated angularly.
  • the rod abuts against an annular wall 407 projecting inwardly of the cannula and which is in one piece with the distal end wall 403 in which is formed an axial channel forming the nozzle 401.
  • channels 405 which open at a tangential incidence in a cylindrical turbulence chamber 406 delimited by the wall 407, the rod 5 and the wall 403.
  • This room communicates with the nozzle 401.
  • the orifice of the nozzle 401, the grooves 405 and the turbulence chamber 406 spontaneously constitute a capillary retention zone which "pumps", during the evaporation of the vector liquid, the salt contained in the duct 6 and can become clogged, especially at the orifice 401.
  • At least a portion of the outer surface 50 of said rod 5 and / or of the inner surface 400 of the cannula 40 situated opposite the rod forms at least one capillary retaining zone; to say at least one zone in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel 6, the liquid present on said surface is retained on the spot, without migration towards said nozzle 401, during the evaporation phase.
  • the capillary retention zones will make it possible to retain the liquid product during the evaporation of the vector liquid.
  • Migration areas capillary have the opposite properties, namely that the liquid product is difficult to hang on.
  • the product initially present with regard to the capillary migration zones will migrate, thanks to the capillary pumping phenomenon, into the capillary retention zones.
  • the active material will be distributed among all the retention zones, without accumulating in the nozzle and the butcher.
  • capillary retention zones Various means make it possible to produce the capillary retention zones.
  • materials whose surface is hydrophilic either spontaneously, by coating or by modification of the surface, for example by cold plasma of a carefully chosen gas.
  • hydrophilic material It is also possible to make inserts of hydrophilic material. Another way is to organize the geometry of the area so as to place areas promoting capillarity, in application of the law of Jurin.
  • porous or microstructured materials it is possible, for example, to use zones with a concave surface with a small radius of curvature, or an association of parallel surfaces separated by a small gap.
  • porous or microstructured materials Conversely, the capillary migration zones will be of low wettability and preferably consist of hydrophobic materials, by nature, coating or treatment. The surfaces will preferably be convex or with a small radius of curvature.
  • the porous ceramic rod because of its good capillary properties, retains the saline water initially contained in line 6 and prevents it from going to supply salt to the capillary retention zone constituted by the nozzle 401, the grooves 405 and the turbulence chamber 406. It can even pump, at least partially, the water initially contained in these regions.
  • the groove or grooves will constitute channels completely free of any crystallization, which will guarantee, during a subsequent spraying, the free passage to the incoming liquid.
  • An equivalent arrangement may be formed by producing the longitudinal grooves, not in the rod 5 but in the inner wall 400 of the cannula 40.
  • the ceramic constituting the rod 5 may be replaced by a bundle of agglomerated fibers, which has good capillary properties.
  • Such products are commonly used in writing instruments such as felts or ball markers.
  • a polymer rod 5 made by injection part of the surface of which is roughened, and more precisely microstructured according to the so-called “diamond point" profile.
  • the overall outer diameter of this rod provides a small clearance but sufficient to engage the rod in the cannula 40 without difficulty during assembly of the device.
  • the structure thus produced will create a plurality of micro-retention zones in the spaces between each point and the wall 402 of the cannula 40.
  • An improvement in the "performance" of this rod is when two capillary retention zones 51 are separated by a capillary migration zone 52, which, like zones 51, has an annular extent.
  • the zones 52 are recessed with respect to the zones 51, which further improves their capillary migration properties.
  • the geometry of these grooves will give them capillary cutting properties.
  • the capillary migration zones will isolate from one another the capillary retention zones 51, themselves constituted by micro-retaining zones with diamond points. Within a first zone 51 and isolated from the rest of the rod, the deposition of active material will be concentrated around the diamond tips.
  • This process will thus progress from zone 51 to zone 51, without there being any transfer of active ingredient from one zone to another by capillary pumping.
  • This arrangement can be advantageously combined with the longitudinal grooves previously described.
  • FIG. 1 Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 1
  • rod 5 for example made of polymer and made by injection, of different shape.
  • This rod here comprises an axial shaft 53 of small diameter from which radially extend disks 510 separated from each other by air gaps 511 of low value.
  • disks are divided into several groups, each group constituting a zone 51 of capillary retention. They are separated two by two by a zone devoid of disks, which constitutes a capillary migration zone 52.
  • the diameter of the disks 510 is smaller than the internal diameter of the cannula 40, and spikes or other equivalent devices can keep them centered in this cannula.
  • the discs 510 are sufficiently close together to develop an important capillarity effect: they constitute capillary retention zones.
  • the flow of liquid flows in the area between the cannula 40 and the outside of the disks 510, because of the game that has been reserved.
  • This game also allows the easy implementation of the rod in the cannula.
  • Said rod can be made in one piece, or reconstituted during assembly by stacking blocks of disks to reach the desired length.
  • each elementary disc 510 has a notch or cutout 54 extending from the shaft 53 to its peripheral rim.
  • notch or cutout 54 extending from the shaft 53 to its peripheral rim.
  • it has the shape of an angular sector.
  • the notches 54 of all the disks are preferably aligned. They constitute secondary capillary migration means.
  • the radial clearance between the disks and the cannula can be made as small as desirable (taking into account the constraints associated with mounting), since the flow is effected by said longitudinal channel.
  • the head 4 shown very schematically is devoid of rod 5.
  • the turbulence chamber and other means that normally equip the nozzle 401 have not been represented here.
  • capillary retaining zones 404 and capillary migration 403 are formed in the inner wall of the cannula 40.
  • the advantages of the head according to the invention are further improved if, after spraying, the liquid is in the distal zone of the cannula 40, defined as going from the orifice of the nozzle to the first capillary migration zone that precedes it, is sucked.
  • FIGS 3 and 10 illustrate embodiments of the spray head that incorporate such means.
  • This is a movable member which is formed in the upper part of the body 4 and on which it comes to support when performing a spray.
  • the wall of the body is made in whole or in part of a material and / or a geometry that makes the mobile member deformable when pressed to trigger the spray, and which creates a springback when released support.
  • the movable member 44 may also be constituted by a insert or insert having functionally equivalent properties.
  • the head is made by bimaterial injection, a rigid material being used for the body 4, a thermoplastic elastomer being used for the spring return member 44/44 '.
  • the valve closes first and interrupts the feed of the fluid head from the container. Then, the springback creates an increase in the internal volume of the body 4, which causes an aspiration to transmitting to the nozzle 401.
  • the device must be dimensioned such that the volume variation created by the springback is at least equal to the volume of the distal zone between the orifice of the nozzle 401 and the first migration zone. capillary that precedes it. Under these conditions, at the end of the spraying, the liquid is sucked upstream of the distal portion of the cannula where the nozzle is located. This distal part remains isolated and can no longer be supplied with liquid by capillarity before the next spraying. She can not get stuck. In all cases, it is therefore necessary to have provided at least one capillary migration zone in the cannula portion located upstream of the nozzle, in order to isolate the latter after the end of the suction phase.
  • the invention described here thus makes it possible to avoid clogging of the head by avoiding the concentration of active material during the evaporation of the vector liquid in a critical zone such as the orifice of small diameter of the nozzle and, moreover, by limiting or reducing the volume of liquid initially present in this critical zone, by re-aspiration at the end of the spraying.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spray head for a fluid substance containing an active material and a carrier liquid that can evaporate, which head comprises a body (4) for receiving said substance that communicates with a canula (40) for conveying said substance to a spray nozzle (401), the internal surface of which defines a channel for conveying said liquid to said nozzle (401). Said canula (40) includes at least one capillary retention zone (51), i.e. at least one zone in which, in the absence of intentional flow of liquid in the channel (6), the liquid present is held in place, without migrating towards said nozzle (401), in particular by capillary effect.

Description

TETE DE PULVERISATION D'UN PRODUIT FLUIDE HEAD FOR SPRAYING A FLUID PRODUCT
La présente invention est relative à une tête de pulvérisation d'un produit fluide contenant une matière active et un liquide vecteur susceptible de s'évaporer.The present invention relates to a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and a vector liquid capable of evaporating.
Elle concerne plus particulièrement une tête de pulvérisation qui comporte un corps de réception dudit liquide qui communique avec une canule d'acheminement de celui-ci jusqu'à une buse de pulvérisation.It relates more particularly to a spray head which comprises a body for receiving said liquid which communicates with a cannula for conveying it to a spray nozzle.
L'un des systèmes les plus couramment utilisés pour pulvériser un liquide consiste à faire passer celui-ci au travers d'une buse, à la sortie de laquelle le jet se résout en fines gouttelettes. La buse est constituée d'un orifice de diamètre faible par rapport à celui de la canule qui lui amène le liquide.One of the most commonly used systems for spraying a liquid is to pass it through a nozzle, the outlet of which the jet resolves into fine droplets. The nozzle consists of an orifice of small diameter relative to that of the cannula which brings the liquid.
On décrit dans le FR-A-2 833 930 un flacon distributeur de produit fluide dont l'évacuation est provoquée par déformation de la paroi du récipient.FR-A-2 833 930 describes a fluid dispensing bottle whose evacuation is caused by deformation of the wall of the container.
L'actionnement du flacon crée un jet pulvérisé biphasique, par mélange d'un liquide et d'un gaz présents ensemble dans le récipient. Le flacon comporte une tête de pulvérisation qui est un prolongement axial du corps du flacon.The actuation of the bottle creates a biphasic spray, by mixing a liquid and a gas present together in the container. The bottle has a spray head which is an axial extension of the body of the bottle.
La partie interne de cette tête est occupée par une pièce en matière poreuse, elle-même reliée à un tube plongeur. Une rainure jouxte la base de cette pièce, à l'extrémité du tube plongeur. Ainsi, même si le flacon est utilisé tête en bas, on peut alimenter en liquide la pièce en matière poreuse.The inner part of this head is occupied by a piece of porous material, itself connected to a dip tube. A groove abuts the base of this piece, at the end of the dip tube. Thus, even if the bottle is used upside down, the piece of porous material can be supplied with liquid.
Pour nombre d'applications courantes, le liquide à pulvériser est contenu dans un récipient pressurisé par un gaz, l'ensemble étant communément appelé « bombe ». Dans un certain nombre de cas, il est souhaitable de ne pas mélanger le liquide à pulvériser avec le gaz propulseur.For many common applications, the liquid to be sprayed is contained in a container pressurized by a gas, the assembly being commonly called "bomb". In a number of cases, it is desirable not to mix the liquid to be sprayed with the propellant.
L'une des solutions employées dans ce but consiste à disposer une poche imperméable et souple à l'intérieur du récipient. Le liquide est introduit à l'intérieur de la poche au cours des opérations de fabrication. La poche est reliée de façon étanche à la tubulure qui conduit le liquide en direction de la buse de pulvérisation. Le gaz sous pression remplit l'espace compris entre l'intérieur du récipient et l'extérieur de la poche souple et imperméable contenant le liquide à pulvériser. Il comprime donc le liquide contenu dans la poche. Une valve placée en sortie de la poche permet de libérer le liquide qui va ainsi se trouver expulsé à travers la buse via la tubulure de jonction.One of the solutions employed for this purpose is to have an impervious and flexible pouch inside the container. The liquid is introduced inside the bag during manufacturing operations. The bag is sealingly connected to the tubing which conducts the liquid towards the spray nozzle. The pressurized gas fills the space between the inside of the container and the outside of the flexible and impervious bag containing the liquid to be sprayed. It compresses the liquid in the pocket. A valve placed in Out of the pocket allows to release the liquid which will thus be expelled through the nozzle via the junction tubing.
Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, la pression d'expulsion du liquide est fournie par une pompe actionnée par l'utilisateur. Dans tous les cas, le principe de la pulvérisation consiste à expulser un liquide à travers un orifice appelé buse, dont le diamètre est faible devant les autres dimensions du circuit emprunté par le fluide, grâce à la différence de pression qui règne de part et d'autre de cet orifice. Le jet se résout alors en gouttelettes qui se répartissent dans l'environnement.In other embodiments, the liquid expulsion pressure is provided by a user operated pump. In all cases, the principle of spraying is to expel a liquid through a nozzle called orifice, whose diameter is small in front of the other dimensions of the circuit used by the fluid, thanks to the pressure difference that prevails on both sides. other of this orifice. The jet is then resolved into droplets that are distributed in the environment.
Le même principe peut être utilisé pour distribuer des liquides visqueux, des crèmes, des gels ou des mousses. Mais dans ce type d'application, il n'y a souvent pas de pulvérisation à proprement parler.The same principle can be used to dispense viscous liquids, creams, gels or foams. But in this type of application, there is often no spray proper.
L'une des difficultés auxquelles peuvent se trouver confrontés les utilisateurs de ces bombes provient du bouchage de la buse.One of the difficulties that can be faced by the users of these bombs comes from the clogging of the nozzle.
De telles situations se rencontrent notamment après une certaine durée de non-utilisation. La première utilisation ne pose pas généralement pas ce genre de difficulté, si le produit est resté confiné dans la bombe pendant le temps de stockage et n'est pas encore passé à travers la buse. L'une des causes de bouchage rencontrées tient au séchage du produit contenu dans la bombe. C'est en particulier le cas lorsque ledit produit est constitué d'une matière active diluée, dissoute ou mise en suspension dans un liquide vecteur.Such situations occur in particular after a certain period of non-use. The first use does not usually pose this kind of difficulty, if the product has remained confined in the bomb during the storage time and has not yet passed through the nozzle. One of the causes of clogging encountered is the drying of the product contained in the bomb. This is particularly the case when said product consists of a diluted active ingredient, dissolved or suspended in a vector liquid.
Le rôle de ce liquide vecteur consiste entre autre à adapter la viscosité du produit pour obtenir une pulvérisation fine, qui répartira la matière active de manière homogène dans un large volume.The role of this vector liquid consists inter alia in adapting the viscosity of the product to obtain a fine spray, which will distribute the active ingredient homogeneously in a large volume.
Après avoir actionné la valve, le circuit de fluide situé en aval, et en particulier la buse qui en constitue l'extrémité distale, est rempli de produit. Le produit se trouve alors au contact de l'atmosphère, ce qui va causer son séchage, puis le bouchage.After actuating the valve, the downstream fluid circuit, and in particular the nozzle forming the distal end, is filled with product. The product is then in contact with the atmosphere, which will cause its drying, and then clogging.
Selon les modes d'utilisation, la mise en contact du produit avec l'atmosphère peut s'effectuer à son extrémité distale et c'est le cas naturellement le plus fréquent. Elle peut s'effectuer également par son extrémité proximale, dans les cas où l'embout portant la buse est démonté, par exemple pour être rangé dans l'emballage de la bombe entre deux utilisations. Dans certains cas, le contact entre l'air et le produit peut être minimisé par l'utilisation d'un capuchon étanche et amovible placé à l'extrémité distale, l'extrémité proximale restant quant à elle emmanchée sur le flacon.Depending on the modes of use, the product can be brought into contact with the atmosphere at its distal end and this is naturally the most frequent case. It can also be performed by its proximal end, in cases where the tip carrying the nozzle is disassembled, for example to be stored in the package of the bomb between two uses. In some cases, the air-product contact may be minimized by the use of a watertight cap and removable end placed at the distal end, the proximal end remaining as for it fitted on the bottle.
On rencontre l'une de ces situations notamment dans le cas des bombes remplies de liquides salins, tels que l'eau de mer utilisée à des fins thérapeutiques.One of these situations is encountered in the case of bombs filled with saline liquids, such as seawater used for therapeutic purposes.
Elle est généralement diluée de telle sorte que l'on se trouve au voisinage de l'isotonicité. On l'utilise en particulier pour des pulvérisations nasales ou auriculaires, en adaptant à la bombe une canule ou un embout dont l'extrémité comporte une buse de pulvérisation. Pour ce type d'application, des durées très variables peuvent s'étendre entre deux utilisations, et l'on constate que l'on peut effectivement arriver au bouchage.It is generally diluted so that one is in the vicinity of the isotonicity. It is used in particular for nasal or ear sprays, by adapting to the bomb a cannula or a nozzle whose end comprises a spray nozzle. For this type of application, very variable durations can extend between two uses, and it is found that one can actually arrive at clogging.
Une étude en microscopie révèle que le bouchage provient de la cristallisation du sel provenant de l'eau de mer, laquelle se produit en particulier au niveau de la buse et dans la zone adjacente.A microscopic study reveals that corking comes from the crystallization of salt from seawater, which occurs especially at the nozzle and in the adjacent area.
Le suivi chronologique de l'évaporation de l'eau de mer montre que le retrait du liquide n'est pas uniforme dans l'ensemble de la canule ou de l'embout. L'eau se retire préférentiellement des zones lisses et/ou dont la géométrie comporte les plus grands rayons de courbure. Inversement, elle va sembler adhérer à la paroi et se rassembler dans les zones à faible rayon de courbure ou rugueuses (on notera qu'en fait une zone rugueuse correspond à une multitude de micro-zones comportant de faibles rayons de courbure).The chronological monitoring of the evaporation of seawater shows that the removal of the liquid is not uniform throughout the cannula or tip. The water preferentially withdraws smooth zones and / or whose geometry comprises the largest radii of curvature. Conversely, it will appear to adhere to the wall and gather in areas of small radius of curvature or rough (it should be noted that in fact a rough area corresponds to a multitude of micro-zones with small radii of curvature).
Un tel phénomène se rencontre dans bien d'autres circonstances et a pour origine la tension superficielle. La figure 1 annexée est une illustration d'un tel phénomène.Such a phenomenon is found in many other circumstances and originates in surface tension. The appended FIG. 1 is an illustration of such a phenomenon.
On y a représenté un tube cylindrique 1 d'un diamètre de l'ordre de 1 à 2 mm, dont l'une des deux extrémités est constituée d'une buse 10 de diamètre encore plus faible (par exemple 0,2 à 0,4 mm).There is shown a cylindrical tube 1 with a diameter of the order of 1 to 2 mm, one of the two ends is constituted by a nozzle 10 of even smaller diameter (for example 0.2 to 0, 4 mm).
On le remplit d'eau de mer, puis on le dispose sur une surface plane à l'air libre pour suivre le phénomène d'évaporation.It is filled with seawater and then placed on a flat surface in the open air to follow the phenomenon of evaporation.
On constate que le liquide reste « accroché » au niveau de la buse 10 de faible diamètre. Par contre, le front F de liquide initial recule à partir de l'autre extrémité du tube, de plus fort diamètre, jusqu'à venir s'approcher de la buse, dans une position repérée F' sur la figure. L'eau de mer se concentre progressivement en sel jusqu'à atteindre la cristallisation du sel. Si l'on part d'eau de mer sans modifier sa concentration par dilution, la saturation arrive après évaporation d'environ 90% du volume initial, et la cristallisation commence alors. Lorsque toute l'eau est évaporée, les cristaux de sel représentent une fraction volumique égale à 1,4% du volume d'eau de mer initialIt is found that the liquid remains "hooked" at the nozzle 10 of small diameter. On the other hand, the front F of the initial liquid moves back from the other end of the tube, of greater diameter, until it comes near the nozzle, in a position marked F 'in the figure. Seawater is gradually concentrated in salt until the crystallization of salt. If you start from seawater without changing its concentration dilution, saturation occurs after evaporation of about 90% of the initial volume, and crystallization then begins. When all the water is evaporated, the salt crystals represent a volume fraction equal to 1.4% of the volume of initial seawater
(le volume apparent peut être plus élevé s'il existe des vides entre les cristaux) Les cristaux formés bouchent la buse 10 et éventuellement la partie adjacente interne du tube 1, selon les dimensions de ce tube et le volume d'eau de mer initial.(the apparent volume may be higher if there are gaps between the crystals) The crystals formed clog the nozzle 10 and possibly the adjacent inner portion of the tube 1, depending on the dimensions of this tube and the volume of initial seawater .
Si l'on transpose le phénomène analysé ici à ce qui se produit dans l'embout ou la canule de pulvérisation d'une bombe, il apparaît que la buse va être bouchée par les cristaux de sel issus de la totalité du volume d'eau de mer présent initialement dans l'embout ou la canule, en aval de la valve.If we transpose the phenomenon analyzed here to what happens in the nozzle or cannula spray a bomb, it appears that the nozzle will be blocked by the salt crystals from the entire volume of water initially present in the tip or cannula, downstream of the valve.
Tout se passe comme si la buse, par ses propriétés de capillarité, pompait au cours de l'évaporation tout le sel disponible dans l'eau de mer remplissant initialement l'embout ou la canule. Bien entendu, la même analyse vaut dans les cas où il ne s'agit pas d'eau de mer pure, mais dont la concentration a été ajustée, par exemple pour approcher l'isotonicité.Everything happens as if the nozzle, by its capillary properties, pumped during the evaporation all the salt available in the seawater initially filling the nozzle or the cannula. Of course, the same analysis applies in cases where it is not pure sea water, but whose concentration has been adjusted, for example to approach isotonicity.
Il en va de même pour toute solution saline aqueuse et plus généralement pour toute matière en solution ou en suspension dans un liquide autre que de l'eau et susceptible de s'évaporer.The same goes for any aqueous saline solution and more generally for any material in solution or in suspension in a liquid other than water and likely to evaporate.
La présente invention vise à résoudre ces problèmes en proposant une tête de pulvérisation d'un produit fluide contenant une matière active et un liquide vecteur susceptible de s'évaporer qui, même après plusieurs utilisations, ne se bouche pas au niveau de sa buse de pulvérisation, c'est à dire au sein de laquelle on n'observe pas de "pompage capillaire", à savoir de phénomène de transfert et d'accumulation de matière active provoquant le bouchage.The present invention aims to solve these problems by proposing a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and a liquid vector that can evaporate which, even after several uses, does not become clogged at its spray nozzle that is to say within which there is no "capillary pumping", namely phenomenon of transfer and accumulation of active substance causing clogging.
Ainsi, la présente invention se rapporte à une tête de pulvérisation d'un produit fluide contenant une matière active et un liquide vecteur susceptible de s'évaporer, qui comporte un corps de réception dudit produit qui communique avec une canule d'acheminement de celui-ci jusqu'à une buse de pulvérisation, sa surface interne délimitant un canal d'acheminement dudit produit fluide jusqu'à ladite buse. Elle se caractérise essentiellement par le fait que ladite canule renferme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire, c'est à dire au moins une zone dans laquelle, en l'absence de flux volontaire de liquide dans le canal, le liquide présent est retenu sur place, sans migration vers ladite buse notamment par capillarité. On ne cherche donc pas, comme on pourrait s'y attendre, à déboucher périodiquement le canal de passage du liquide au travers de la buse.Thus, the present invention relates to a spray head of a fluid product containing an active material and an evaporable liquid vector, which comprises a receiving body of said product which communicates with a cannula for the delivery of this product. ci until a spray nozzle, its inner surface defining a channel for conveying said fluid product to said nozzle. It is essentially characterized by the fact that said cannula contains at least one capillary retention zone, that is to say at least one zone in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel, the liquid present is retained on place, without migration to said nozzle in particular by capillarity. We do not seek, as one would expect, to periodically open the channel of passage of the liquid through the nozzle.
Au contraire, on cherche ici à contrôler la répartition du dépôt de matière active qui s'effectue au cours de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur, de sorte que ledit dépôt s'effectue sur une grande partie, voire même sur la totalité de la longueur de la canule, au lieu de se concentrer au niveau de la buse et son voisinage immédiat.On the contrary, the aim here is to control the distribution of the deposition of active material which takes place during the evaporation of the vector liquid, so that said deposition takes place over a large part, or even over the entire length. of the cannula, instead of concentrating at the level of the nozzle and its immediate vicinity.
Le volume de cette matière active étant inférieur à celui du mélange qu'elle formait initialement avec le liquide vecteur (et même souvent très inférieur), le dépôt s'effectuera sous forme d'une couche de faible épaisseur. Il ne pourra donc plus y avoir qu'une faible réduction de la section de passage de la buse ou d'une quelconque partie de la canule précédemment sujette au bouchage.The volume of this active material is less than that of the mixture that it initially formed with the carrier liquid (and even often very low), the deposit will be in the form of a thin layer. There can therefore be more than a small reduction in the passage section of the nozzle or any part of the cannula previously prone to clogging.
De plus, la matière active répartie en mince couche sur les parois est susceptible d'être réincorporée, lors d'une pulvérisation ultérieure, dans le liquide "neuf" qui circulera, évitant ainsi toute accumulation progressive du dépôt. Le liquide "neuf" se trouve en effet à concentration nominale, en principe largement inférieure à la limite de saturation, ce qui lui confère un potentiel de redissolution de matière active.In addition, the active material distributed in a thin layer on the walls is likely to be reincorporated, during a subsequent spraying, into the "new" liquid that will circulate, thus avoiding any progressive accumulation of the deposit. The "new" liquid is in fact at nominal concentration, in principle well below the saturation limit, which gives it a potential for redissolving the active ingredient.
Pour obtenir un tel résultat, plusieurs moyens peuvent être mis en œuvre, seuls ou en combinaison. Ils ont pour caractéristique commune de répartir le dépôt de matière active sur une multitude de petites zones ou de façon continue sur toute la surface.To obtain such a result, several means can be implemented, alone or in combination. They have the common feature of distributing the deposit of active material on a multitude of small areas or continuously over the entire surface.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses et non limitatives :According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features:
- ladite zone de retenue capillaire est constituée par au moins une partie de la surface interne dudit canal ;said capillary retention zone is constituted by at least a part of the internal surface of said channel;
- une tige fermée à ses extrémités est emmanchée dans ladite canule, les surfaces externe, respectivement interne desdites tige et canule délimitant ledit canal d'acheminement, et au moins une partie de la surface externe de ladite tige et/ou de la surface interne de ladite canule située en regard de la tige, forme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire.a stem closed at its ends is fitted into said cannula, the outer and respectively inner surfaces of said rod and cannula delimiting said delivery channel, and at least a part of the external surface of said rod and / or of the internal surface of said cannula located opposite the stem, forms at least one capillary retention zone.
- ladite zone de retenue capillaire est une zone poreuse et/ou hydrophile et/ou rugueuse et/ou formée de surfaces concaves de faible rayon de courbure et/ou de surfaces parallèles formant saillies, séparées deux à deux par un faible entrefer ; - seulement une partie de la surface externe de ladite tige et/ou de la surface interne de ladite canule forme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire, et au moins une autre partie de ladite surface forme une zone de migration capillaire, c'est à dire une zone dans laquelle, en l'absence de flux volontaire de liquide dans le canal, le liquide initialement présent sur ladite partie de surface se déplace jusqu'à la zone de retenue attenante, au fur et à mesure de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur ; - entre deux zones de retenue capillaire s'étend une zone de migration capillaire ;said capillary retention zone is a porous and / or hydrophilic and / or rough zone and / or formed of concave surfaces with a small radius of curvature and / or parallel surfaces forming projections separated in pairs by a small air gap; only a portion of the outer surface of said rod and / or of the inner surface of said cannula forms at least one capillary retaining zone, and at least one other part of said surface forms a capillary migration zone, ie an area in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel, the liquid initially present on said surface portion moves up to to the adjoining retention zone, as evaporation of the vector liquid; between two capillary retention zones extends a capillary migration zone;
- lesdites zones de retenue et de migration capillaire ont une forme annulaire d'axe longitudinal (X-X') ;said retention and capillary migration zones have an annular shape with a longitudinal axis (X-X ');
- elle comporte au moins une zone de migration capillaire qui a la forme d'une gorge longitudinale ;it comprises at least one capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove;
- elle comporte au moins une zone additionnelle de migration capillaire qui a la forme d'une gorge longitudinale et qui traverse lesdites zones de forme annulaire ;it comprises at least one additional capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove and which passes through said annular zones;
- ladite zone de migration capillaire est une zone de failble mouillabilité, notamment une zone non poreuse et/ou hydrophobe et/ou lisse et/ou formée de surfaces convexes de grand rayon de courbure ;said capillary migration zone is an area of low wettability, in particular a non-porous and / or hydrophobic and / or smooth zone and / or formed of convex surfaces of large radius of curvature;
- ledit corps comporte un organe mobile et/ou déformable, apte à être actionné lors d'une commande de pulvérisation, cet organe étant rappelé élastiquement dans sa position de repos à la fin de la commande de pulvérisation, de manière à générer un flux d'aspiration du liquide restant dans ladite canule.said body comprises a mobile and / or deformable member, able to be actuated during a spraying command, this member being resiliently returned to its rest position at the end of the spraying command, so as to generate a flow of suction of the liquid remaining in said cannula.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel. Cette description sera donnée en références aux dessins annexés dans lesquels : - la figure 2 est une vue générale, de côté, d'un récipient pourvu d'une tête de pulvérisation conforme à la présente invention ;Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 2 is a general view, from the side, of a container provided with a spray head according to the present invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue de côté, en coupe, selon un plan médian longitudinal, d'une première forme de réalisation de cette tête ;- Figure 3 is a side view, in section along a longitudinal median plane, of a first embodiment of this head;
- la figure 4 est une vue de dessus, également en coupe selon un plan médian longitudinal, de l'extrémité distale de la canule de ladite tête ;- Figure 4 is a top view, also in section along a longitudinal median plane, of the distal end of the cannula of said head;
- la figure 5 est une vue partielle, en coupe longitudinale, de ladite canule, plus particulièrement destinée à montrer une forme de réalisation de la tige qu'elle renferme ;- Figure 5 is a partial view, in longitudinal section, of said cannula, more particularly for showing an embodiment of the rod that it contains;
- la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la précédente, destinée à montrer une autre forme de réalisation de la tige ; - la figure 7 est une vue en bout d'encore un autre mode de réalisation de cette tige ;- Figure 6 is a view similar to the previous, to show another embodiment of the rod; - Figure 7 is an end view of yet another embodiment of this rod;
- la figure 8 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une forme de réalisation additionnelle de la tige ; - la figure 9 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la tige de la figureFigure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the rod; FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rod of FIG.
8 ;8;
- la figure 10 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 d'une variante de réalisation de la tête.- Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 3 of an alternative embodiment of the head.
A la figure 2 annexée est représenté très schématiquement un kit de pulvérisation 2 formé d'un récipient sous pression 3 du commerce au sommet de laquelle est connectée une tête 4 de pulvérisation conforme à l'invention. Cette tête est pourvue d'une canule 40 formant saillie. La figure 3 permet de mieux comprendre la structure de la tête 4. Celle-ci est de préférence réalisée en matière plastique. Elle s'étend selon un axe Y-Y' généralement vertical en position d'utilisation.In Figure 2 attached is shown very schematically a spray kit 2 formed of a pressure vessel 3 of trade at the top of which is connected a spray head 4 according to the invention. This head is provided with a cannula 40 forming a projection. Figure 3 provides a better understanding of the structure of the head 4. This is preferably made of plastic. It extends along a generally vertical Y-Y 'axis in the use position.
De manière connue, cette tête est ouverte vers le bas. Elle comporte une première paroi cylindrique périphérique 41 destinée à faciliter son centrage lors de sa mise en place sur un récipient tel que celui de la figure 2. Elle comporte également une deuxième paroi cylindrique "interne"In a known manner, this head is open downwards. It comprises a first peripheral cylindrical wall 41 intended to facilitate its centering when it is put in place on a container such as that of FIG. 2. It also comprises a second "internal" cylindrical wall.
42 et coaxiale à la précédente, qui est destinée à être connectée à un embout distributeur du liquide contenu dans le récipient.42 and coaxial with the previous one, which is intended to be connected to a dispensing nozzle of the liquid contained in the container.
Le conduit délimité par cette paroi 42 débouche sur l'espace interneThe duct delimited by this wall 42 opens on the internal space
43 de la tête 4. La canule 40 est d'une pièce avec la tête 4 et s'étend selon une axe43 of the head 4. The cannula 40 is in one piece with the head 4 and extends along an axis
X-X' perpendiculaire à l'axe Y-Y'. Elle communique avec l'espace 43. Dans une forme de réalisation différente et non représentée, la tête et la canule pourraient consister en des pièces distinctes, raccordables l'une à l'autre.X-X 'perpendicular to the Y-axis'. It communicates with the space 43. In a different embodiment and not shown, the head and the cannula could consist of separate parts, connectable to one another.
L'extrémité distale de la canule est conformée en une buse 401 de petit diamètre. Dans cette canule est logée une tige 5 à extrémités fermées. Elle présente des dimensions telles que sa surface externe 50 délimite avec la surface interne 400 de la canule 40 un canal 6 d'écoulement de liquide à pulvériser.The distal end of the cannula is shaped into a small diameter nozzle 401. In this cannula is housed a rod 5 with closed ends. It has dimensions such that its outer surface 50 defines with the inner surface 400 of the cannula 40 a liquid flow channel 6 to be sprayed.
On se reportera maintenant à la figure 4 qui illustre plus particulièrement l'extrémité distale de la canule et de la tige. La tige 5 est pourvue de picots 51 qui s'étendent radialement et qui sont destinés à la maintenir centrée sur l'axe X-X', tout en gardant un écartement inchangé entre elle et la paroi longitudinale 402 de la canule 40.Referring now to Figure 4 which more particularly illustrates the distal end of the cannula and stem. The rod 5 is provided with pins 51 which extend radially and which are intended to keep it centered on the axis X-X ', while keeping a spacing unchanged between it and the longitudinal wall 402 of the cannula 40.
Ces picots sont avantageusement répartis en plusieurs groupes le long de l'étendue longitudinale de la tige et régulièrement séparés angulairement.These spikes are advantageously distributed in several groups along the longitudinal extent of the rod and regularly separated angularly.
La tige vient en butée contre un muret annulaire 407 qui fait saillie vers l'intérieur de la canule et qui est d'une seule pièce avec la paroi d'extrémité distale 403 dans laquelle est formée un canal axial formant la buse 401.The rod abuts against an annular wall 407 projecting inwardly of the cannula and which is in one piece with the distal end wall 403 in which is formed an axial channel forming the nozzle 401.
Dans la partie supérieure de ce muret sont formés des canaux 405 qui débouchent sous une incidence tangentielle dans une chambre de turbulence cylindrique 406 délimitée par le muret 407, la tige 5 et la paroi 403.In the upper part of this wall are formed channels 405 which open at a tangential incidence in a cylindrical turbulence chamber 406 delimited by the wall 407, the rod 5 and the wall 403.
Cette chambre communique avec la buse 401.This room communicates with the nozzle 401.
Une telle structure est connue de l'état de la technique.Such a structure is known from the state of the art.
On a représenté par des flèches le cheminement d'un liquide à travers la canule. Ce liquide est distribué uniformément dans le canal 6 et s'engouffre dans les rainures 405. Il arrive, sous la forme de flux tourbillonnants, dans la chambreArrows show the path of a liquid through the cannula. This liquid is distributed uniformly in the channel 6 and rushes into the grooves 405. It arrives, in the form of swirling flows, in the chamber
406 et est distribué à l'extérieur par la buse 401 en un jet de forme généralement conique.406 and is distributed externally by the nozzle 401 in a generally conical shaped jet.
Quand la pulvérisation a cessé, il subsiste bien entendu du liquide à l'intérieur de la canule 40.When the spraying has ceased, there is of course still liquid inside the cannula 40.
Dans une telle structure et conformément à l'état de la technique, l'orifice de la buse 401, les rainures 405 et la chambre de turbulence 406 constituent spontanément une zone de retenue capillaire qui "pompe", au cours de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur, le sel contenu dans le conduit 6 et peut se boucher, tout particulièrement au niveau de l'orifice 401.In such a structure and in accordance with the state of the art, the orifice of the nozzle 401, the grooves 405 and the turbulence chamber 406 spontaneously constitute a capillary retention zone which "pumps", during the evaporation of the vector liquid, the salt contained in the duct 6 and can become clogged, especially at the orifice 401.
Conformément à l'invention, au moins une partie de la surface externe 50 de ladite tige 5 et/ou de la surface interne 400 de la canule 40 située en regards de la tige, forme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire, c'est à dire au moins une zone dans laquelle, en l'absence de flux volontaire de liquide dans le canal 6, le liquide présent sur ladite surface est retenu sur place, sans migration vers ladite buse 401, pendant la phase d'évaporation.According to the invention, at least a portion of the outer surface 50 of said rod 5 and / or of the inner surface 400 of the cannula 40 situated opposite the rod, forms at least one capillary retaining zone; to say at least one zone in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel 6, the liquid present on said surface is retained on the spot, without migration towards said nozzle 401, during the evaporation phase.
Préférentiellement, on aura affaire à une ou plusieurs zones de retenue capillaire, séparées par des zones dites zones de migration capillaire.Preferably, one will deal with one or more capillary retention zones, separated by zones called capillary migration zones.
Les zones de retenue capillaire vont permettre de retenir le produit liquide au cours de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur. Les zones de migration capillaire présentent les propriétés inverses, à savoir que le produit liquide s'y accroche difficilement.The capillary retention zones will make it possible to retain the liquid product during the evaporation of the vector liquid. Migration areas capillary have the opposite properties, namely that the liquid product is difficult to hang on.
Il en résulte que le produit initialement contenu dans la canule et dont le volume va se réduire du fait de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur, va progressivement se cantonner dans les zones de retenue capillaire.As a result, the product initially contained in the cannula and whose volume will be reduced due to the evaporation of the carrier liquid, will gradually be confined to the capillary retention zones.
Le produit initialement présent au regard des les zones de migration capillaire migrera, grâce au phénomène de pompage capillaire, dans les zones de retenue capillaire.The product initially present with regard to the capillary migration zones will migrate, thanks to the capillary pumping phenomenon, into the capillary retention zones.
Ce phénomène progressera ainsi jusqu'à ce que les zones de migration capillaire "se vident" complètement au profit des zones de retenue capillaire. Le produit se trouvera alors "fragmenté" et réparti entre toutes les zones de retenue capillaire.This phenomenon will progress thus until the capillary migration zones "empty" completely in favor of the capillary retention zones. The product will then be "fragmented" and distributed among all the capillary retention zones.
A partir de ce moment, aucun transfert de produit liquide ne sera plus possible entre les zones de retenue, puisque les zones de migration ne contiendront plus de produit et que le pompage capillaire suppose une continuité liquidienne. Les zones de retenue seront donc isolées les unes des autres.From this moment, no transfer of liquid product will be possible between the retaining zones, since migration zones will no longer contain product and capillary pumping assumes fluid continuity. The holding areas will therefore be isolated from each other.
A la fin du séchage, la matière active sera ainsi répartie entre toutes les zones de retenue, sans s'accumuler dans la buse et la boucher.At the end of the drying, the active material will be distributed among all the retention zones, without accumulating in the nozzle and the butcher.
Divers moyens permettent de réaliser les zones de retenue capillaire. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, on peut utiliser des matériaux dont la surface est hydrophile, soit spontanément, soit par revêtement, soit par modification de la surface, par exemple par plasma froid d'un gaz judicieusement choisi.Various means make it possible to produce the capillary retention zones. By way of nonlimiting example, it is possible to use materials whose surface is hydrophilic, either spontaneously, by coating or by modification of the surface, for example by cold plasma of a carefully chosen gas.
On peut aussi réaliser des inserts en matériau hydrophile. Un autre moyen consiste à organiser la géométrie de la zone de façon à y placer des zones favorisant la capillarité, en application de la loi de Jurin. A titre non limitatif, on peut par exemple faire usage de zones à surface concave, dotées d'un faible rayon de courbure, ou d'une association de surfaces parallèles séparées par un faible entrefer. On peut également mettre en œuvre des matériaux poreux ou microstructurés. A l'inverse, les zones de migration capillaire seront de faible mouillabilité et préférentiellement constituées de matériaux hydrophobes, par nature, revêtement ou traitement. Les surfaces seront préférentiellement convexes ou à faible rayon de courbure.It is also possible to make inserts of hydrophilic material. Another way is to organize the geometry of the area so as to place areas promoting capillarity, in application of the law of Jurin. By way of nonlimiting example, it is possible, for example, to use zones with a concave surface with a small radius of curvature, or an association of parallel surfaces separated by a small gap. It is also possible to use porous or microstructured materials. Conversely, the capillary migration zones will be of low wettability and preferably consist of hydrophobic materials, by nature, coating or treatment. The surfaces will preferably be convex or with a small radius of curvature.
Ainsi, selon l'invention, on peut remplacer la tige 6 insérée dans la canule 40, réalisée à l'origine en polyéthylène difficilement mouillable, par une tige en céramique poreuse de mêmes dimensions. Au cours du séchage qui suit la pulvérisation et en supposant que l'on ait affaire à de l'eau salée, la tige en céramique poreuse, du fait de ses bonnes propriétés capillaires, retient l'eau salée contenue initialement dans le conduit 6 et l'empêche ainsi d'aller alimenter en sel la zone de retenue capillaire constituée par la buse 401, les rainures 405 et la chambre de turbulence 406. Elle peut même pomper, au moins partiellement, l'eau contenue initialement dans ces régions. Il en résulte que le sel va se répartir sur la surface externe 50 de la tige poreuse 5 ainsi que dans son volume, en n'empiétant pratiquement pas sur le volume cylindrique coaxial 6 existant entre la canule 40 et la tige 5. Le débit du fluide circulant dans ce volume cylindrique ne se trouve donc pas sensiblement modifié.Thus, according to the invention, one can replace the rod 6 inserted into the cannula 40, originally made of polyethylene difficult to wettable, by a porous ceramic rod of the same dimensions. During drying after spraying and assuming that salt water is present, the porous ceramic rod, because of its good capillary properties, retains the saline water initially contained in line 6 and prevents it from going to supply salt to the capillary retention zone constituted by the nozzle 401, the grooves 405 and the turbulence chamber 406. It can even pump, at least partially, the water initially contained in these regions. It follows that the salt will be distributed on the outer surface 50 of the porous rod 5 and in its volume, practically not impinging on the coaxial cylindrical volume 6 existing between the cannula 40 and the rod 5. The flow of Fluid circulating in this cylindrical volume is therefore not substantially modified.
Dans une forme de réalisation non représentée, on peut réaliser une ou des rainures longitudinales selon des génératrices de la tige 5, en les dimensionnant de telle sorte qu'elles jouent le rôle de zone de migration capillaire. Dans ces conditions, au cours du phénomène de séchage, le liquide contenu dans les rainures disparaîtra en premier, au profit du reste de la tige, et ce bien avant que le liquide atteigne le seuil de saturation.In one embodiment not shown, one can realize one or longitudinal grooves along the generatrices of the rod 5, sizing them so that they play the role of capillary migration zone. Under these conditions, during the drying process, the liquid contained in the grooves will disappear first, in favor of the rest of the rod, and well before the liquid reaches the saturation threshold.
De ce fait, la ou les rainures constitueront des canaux entièrement libres de toute cristallisation, qui garantiront, lors d'une pulvérisation ultérieure, le libre passage au liquide qui arrive. Une disposition équivalente peut être constituée en réalisant les rainures longitudinales, non pas dans la tige 5 mais dans la paroi interne 400 de la canule 40.As a result, the groove or grooves will constitute channels completely free of any crystallization, which will guarantee, during a subsequent spraying, the free passage to the incoming liquid. An equivalent arrangement may be formed by producing the longitudinal grooves, not in the rod 5 but in the inner wall 400 of the cannula 40.
Selon une variante, la céramique constituant la tige 5 peut être remplacée par un faisceau de fibres agglomérées, qui présente de bonnes propriétés capillaires. De tels produits sont utilisés couramment dans les instruments d'écriture tels feutres ou feutres à bille.Alternatively, the ceramic constituting the rod 5 may be replaced by a bundle of agglomerated fibers, which has good capillary properties. Such products are commonly used in writing instruments such as felts or ball markers.
Dans la forme de réalisation de la figure 5, on fait usage d'une tige 5 en polymère, réalisée par injection, dont une partie de la surface est rendue rugueuse, et plus précisément microstructurée selon le profil dit « en pointes de diamant ».In the embodiment of FIG. 5, use is made of a polymer rod 5 made by injection, part of the surface of which is roughened, and more precisely microstructured according to the so-called "diamond point" profile.
Le diamètre externe hors tout de cette tige ménage un jeu faible mais suffisant pour pouvoir engager la tige dans la canule 40 sans difficulté lors de l'assemblage du dispositif. La structure ainsi réalisée va créer une pluralité de micro-zones de retenue dans les espaces compris entre chaque pointe et la paroi 402 de la canule 40. Une amélioration des "performances" de cette tige est quand deux zones de retenue capillaire 51 sont séparées par une zone de migration capillaire 52, qui comme les zones 51, a une étendue annulaire.The overall outer diameter of this rod provides a small clearance but sufficient to engage the rod in the cannula 40 without difficulty during assembly of the device. The structure thus produced will create a plurality of micro-retention zones in the spaces between each point and the wall 402 of the cannula 40. An improvement in the "performance" of this rod is when two capillary retention zones 51 are separated by a capillary migration zone 52, which, like zones 51, has an annular extent.
Comme montré sur la figure 5, les zones 52 sont en retrait par rapport aux zones 51, ce qui améliore encore leurs propriétés de migration capillaire. La géométrie de ces saignées leur conférera des propriétés de coupure capillaire.As shown in FIG. 5, the zones 52 are recessed with respect to the zones 51, which further improves their capillary migration properties. The geometry of these grooves will give them capillary cutting properties.
Lors de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur, les zones de migration capillaire isoleront les unes des autres les zones de retenue capillaires 51, elles- mêmes constituées de micro-zones de retenue à pointes de diamant. Au sein d'une première zone 51 ainsi isolée du reste de la tige, le dépôt de matière active se concentrera autour des pointes de diamant.During the evaporation of the vector liquid, the capillary migration zones will isolate from one another the capillary retention zones 51, themselves constituted by micro-retaining zones with diamond points. Within a first zone 51 and isolated from the rest of the rod, the deposition of active material will be concentrated around the diamond tips.
Ce processus progressera ainsi de zone 51 en zone 51, sans qu'il puisse y avoir de transfert de matière active d'une zone à l'autre par pompage capillaire. Cette disposition peut être avantageusement combinée avec les rainures longitudinales précédemment décrites.This process will thus progress from zone 51 to zone 51, without there being any transfer of active ingredient from one zone to another by capillary pumping. This arrangement can be advantageously combined with the longitudinal grooves previously described.
D'autres formes de réalisation mettent également en œuvre ce principe de segmentation en domaines qui s'isolent les uns des autres au cours de l'évaporation. C'est le cas d'une tige de polymère dont la surface externe est constituée d'une succession de zones annulaires successivement hydrophiles et hydrophobes. C'est également le cas d'une tige de céramique constituée d'une succession de segments poreux à comportement hydrophile séparés par des segments non poreux donc imperméables, réalisant la coupure capillaire. Une autre variante consiste à alterner le long de la tige deux types de segments poreux dont la porosité est fortement différente. Les segments de forte porosité présenteront, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, des propriétés capillaires beaucoup moins intenses et joueront ainsi le rôle de migration capillaire.Other embodiments also implement this principle of segmentation in domains that isolate from each other during evaporation. This is the case of a polymer rod whose outer surface consists of a succession of annular zones successively hydrophilic and hydrophobic. This is also the case of a ceramic rod consisting of a succession of porous segments with hydrophilic behavior separated by non-porous segments so impermeable, achieving the capillary cut. Another variant consists in alternating along the rod two types of porous segments whose porosity is strongly different. The segments of high porosity will present, all things being equal, capillary properties much less intense and thus play the role of capillary migration.
Une autre forme de réalisation est représentée à la figure 6.Another embodiment is shown in FIG.
Elle consiste à faire usage d'une tige 5, par exemple fabriquée en polymère et réalisée par injection, de forme différente.It consists in using a rod 5, for example made of polymer and made by injection, of different shape.
Cette tige comporte ici un arbre axial 53 de faible diamètre à partir duquel s'étendent radialement des disques 510 séparés les uns des autres par des entrefers 511 de faible valeur.This rod here comprises an axial shaft 53 of small diameter from which radially extend disks 510 separated from each other by air gaps 511 of low value.
Ces disques sont répartis en plusieurs groupes, chaque groupe constituant une zone 51 de retenue capillaire. Ils sont séparés deux à deux par une zone dépourvue de disques, qui constitue une zone de migration capillaire 52. Le diamètre des disques 510 est inférieur au diamètre interne de la canule 40, et des picots ou autres dispositifs équivalents permettent de les maintenir centrés dans cette canule.These disks are divided into several groups, each group constituting a zone 51 of capillary retention. They are separated two by two by a zone devoid of disks, which constitutes a capillary migration zone 52. The diameter of the disks 510 is smaller than the internal diameter of the cannula 40, and spikes or other equivalent devices can keep them centered in this cannula.
Au sein de chaque groupe, les disques 510 sont suffisamment rapprochés entre eux pour développer un effet de capillarité important : ils constituent des zones de retenue capillaire.Within each group, the discs 510 are sufficiently close together to develop an important capillarity effect: they constitute capillary retention zones.
Lors d'une pulvérisation, le flux de liquide s'écoule dans la zone comprise entre la canule 40 et l'extérieur des disques 510, du fait du jeu qui y a été réservé. Ce jeu permet par ailleurs la mise en place aisée de la tige dans la canule. Ladite tige peut être réalisée en une seule pièce, ou reconstituée lors de l'assemblage en empilant des blocs de disques pour atteindre la longueur souhaitée.During spraying, the flow of liquid flows in the area between the cannula 40 and the outside of the disks 510, because of the game that has been reserved. This game also allows the easy implementation of the rod in the cannula. Said rod can be made in one piece, or reconstituted during assembly by stacking blocks of disks to reach the desired length.
De manière analogue à ce qui a été décrit plus haut, le principe consistant à utiliser des rainures longitudinales peut être mis en œuvre ici.In a similar manner to that described above, the principle of using longitudinal grooves can be implemented here.
Ainsi et comme le montre la figure 7, chaque disque élémentaire 510 comporte une encoche ou découpe 54 qui s'étend de l'arbre 53 jusqu'à son rebord périphérique. Elle a ici la forme d'un secteur angulaire.Thus and as shown in Fig. 7, each elementary disc 510 has a notch or cutout 54 extending from the shaft 53 to its peripheral rim. Here it has the shape of an angular sector.
Les encoches 54 des l'ensemble des disques sont préférentiellement alignées. Elles constituent des moyens de migration capillaire secondaires.The notches 54 of all the disks are preferably aligned. They constitute secondary capillary migration means.
L'alignement de ces encoches parallèlement à la génératrice de la tige 5 délimite ainsi un "pseudo" canal longitudinal à migration capillaire, qui garantit un écoulement du liquide lors des pulvérisations ultérieures.The alignment of these notches parallel to the generatrix of the rod 5 and defines a "pseudo" longitudinal channel capillary migration, which ensures a flow of liquid during subsequent spraying.
Dans un tel mode de réalisation, le jeu radial entre les disques et la canule peut être rendu aussi faible que souhaitable (en tenant compte des contraintes liées au montage), puisque l'écoulement s'effectue par ledit canal longitudinal. Dans la forme de réalisation des figures 8 et 9, la tête 4, montrée de manière très schématique, est dépourvue de tige 5. Dans un seul souci de simplification, la chambre de turbulence et autres moyens qui équipent normalement la buse 401, n'ont pas été représentés ici.In such an embodiment, the radial clearance between the disks and the cannula can be made as small as desirable (taking into account the constraints associated with mounting), since the flow is effected by said longitudinal channel. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the head 4, shown very schematically, is devoid of rod 5. For the sake of simplification, the turbulence chamber and other means that normally equip the nozzle 401, have not been represented here.
On a ici affaire à une succession longitudinale de zones de retenue capillaire 404 et de migration capillaire 403, ces dernières étant légèrement en surplomb par rapport aux premières. Elles sont formées dans la paroi interne de la canule 40.We are dealing here with a longitudinal succession of capillary retaining zones 404 and capillary migration 403, the latter being slightly overhanging with respect to the former. They are formed in the inner wall of the cannula 40.
Comme cela apparaît clairement à la figure 8, ces zones ont, vues de face, une forme en arc de cercle. Dans encore un mode de réalisation non représenté dans lequel la tête 4 abrite une tige 5, cette dernière est configurée de manière à présenter cette alternance de zones 403 et 404.As is clear from Figure 8, these areas have, seen from the front, a shape in an arc. In yet another embodiment not shown in which the head 4 houses a rod 5, the latter is configured to present this alternating zones 403 and 404.
Les avantages de la tête selon l'invention sont encore améliorés si, à l'issue d'une pulvérisation, le liquide se trouvant dans la zone distale de la canule 40, définie comme allant de l'orifice de la buse jusqu'à la première zone de migration capillaire qui la précède, est aspiré.The advantages of the head according to the invention are further improved if, after spraying, the liquid is in the distal zone of the cannula 40, defined as going from the orifice of the nozzle to the first capillary migration zone that precedes it, is sucked.
En effet, en l'absence de liquide, il n'y a plus alors de risque de dépôt de matière active dans cette partie de la canule, au cours de la phase d'évaporation qui suit. La première zone de migration capillaire attenante interdit par ailleurs tout retour dans cette région distale de liquide résiduel provenant de la partie proximale de la canule.Indeed, in the absence of liquid, there is no longer any risk of deposition of active ingredient in this part of the cannula, during the subsequent evaporation phase. The first zone of adjacent capillary migration also prohibits any return in this distal region of residual liquid from the proximal portion of the cannula.
Les figures 3 et 10 illustrent des modes de réalisation de la tête de pulvérisation qui intègrent de tels moyens. II s'agit ici d'un organe mobile qui est ménagé en partie supérieure du corps 4 et sur lequel on vient appuyer lorsqu'on réalise une pulvérisation.Figures 3 and 10 illustrate embodiments of the spray head that incorporate such means. This is a movable member which is formed in the upper part of the body 4 and on which it comes to support when performing a spray.
Pour ce faire, la paroi du corps est réalisée en tout ou partie dans un matériau et/ou une géométrie qui rende l'organe mobile déformable lorsque l'on appuie pour déclencher la pulvérisation, et qui crée un retour élastique lorsque l'on relâche l'appui.To do this, the wall of the body is made in whole or in part of a material and / or a geometry that makes the mobile member deformable when pressed to trigger the spray, and which creates a springback when released support.
Cela peut être obtenu en jouant sur l'amincissement et/ou la géométrie de ladite paroi (organe mobile 44 à paroi localement amincie et bombée tel que montré à la figure 3 ; organe mobile 44' à paroi en accordéon, tel que montré à la figure 10). L'organe mobile peut être constitué aussi par une pièce rapportée ou insérée jouissant de propriétés fonctionnellement équivalentes. Il en va de même si on réalise la tête par injection bimatière, une matière rigide étant utilisée pour le corps 4, un élastomère thermoplastique étant utilisé pour l'organe 44/44' à retour élastique. Lorsque l'on appuie sur l'organe précité, la paroi de celui-ci commence par se déformer avant que la force appliquée atteigne le seuil nécessaire au déclenchement de la pulvérisation.This can be obtained by adjusting the thinning and / or the geometry of said wall (movable member 44 with a locally thinned and curved wall as shown in FIG 3, movable member 44 'with an accordion wall, as shown in FIG. Figure 10). The movable member may also be constituted by a insert or insert having functionally equivalent properties. The same applies if the head is made by bimaterial injection, a rigid material being used for the body 4, a thermoplastic elastomer being used for the spring return member 44/44 '. When pressing the aforementioned member, the wall thereof begins to deform before the applied force reaches the threshold required to trigger the spray.
Réciproquement, à la fin de la pulvérisation, lorsque l'utilisateur relâche son appui, la valve se ferme d'abord et interrompt l'alimentation de la tête en fluide en provenance du récipient. Ensuite, le retour élastique crée une augmentation du volume interne du corps 4, ce qui engendre une aspiration se transmettant jusqu'à la buse 401. Le dispositif doit être dimensionné de telle sorte que la variation de volume créée par le retour élastique soit au moins égale au volume de la zone distale comprise entre l'orifice de la buse 401et la première zone de migration capillaire qui la précède. Dans ces conditions, à la fin de la pulvérisation, le liquide est réaspiré en amont de la partie distale de la canule où se situe la buse. Cette partie distale reste isolée et ne peut plus être alimentée en liquide par capillarité avant la prochaine pulvérisation. Elle ne peut donc pas se boucher. Dans tous les cas, il est donc nécessaire d'avoir ménagé au moins une zone de migration capillaire dans la partie de canule située en amont de la buse, afin d'isoler cette dernière après la fin de la phase d'aspiration.Conversely, at the end of the spraying, when the user releases his support, the valve closes first and interrupts the feed of the fluid head from the container. Then, the springback creates an increase in the internal volume of the body 4, which causes an aspiration to transmitting to the nozzle 401. The device must be dimensioned such that the volume variation created by the springback is at least equal to the volume of the distal zone between the orifice of the nozzle 401 and the first migration zone. capillary that precedes it. Under these conditions, at the end of the spraying, the liquid is sucked upstream of the distal portion of the cannula where the nozzle is located. This distal part remains isolated and can no longer be supplied with liquid by capillarity before the next spraying. She can not get stuck. In all cases, it is therefore necessary to have provided at least one capillary migration zone in the cannula portion located upstream of the nozzle, in order to isolate the latter after the end of the suction phase.
L'invention décrite ici permet donc d'éviter le bouchage de la tête en évitant la concentration de matière active au cours de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur dans une zone critique telle que l'orifice de faible diamètre de la buse et, de surcroît, en limitant ou réduisant le volume de liquide initialement présent dans cette zone critique, par réaspiration en fin de pulvérisation. The invention described here thus makes it possible to avoid clogging of the head by avoiding the concentration of active material during the evaporation of the vector liquid in a critical zone such as the orifice of small diameter of the nozzle and, moreover, by limiting or reducing the volume of liquid initially present in this critical zone, by re-aspiration at the end of the spraying.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Tête de pulvérisation d'un produit fluide contenant contenant une matière active et un liquide vecteur susceptible de s'évaporer, qui comporte un corps (4) de réception dudit produit qui communique avec une canule (40) d'acheminement de celui-ci jusqu'à une buse de pulvérisation (401), sa surface interne (400) délimitant un canal (6) d'acheminement dudit produit fluide jusqu'à ladite buse, caractérisée par le fait que ladite canule (40) renferme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire (51), c'est à dire au moins une zone dans laquelle, en l'absence de flux volontaire de liquide dans le canal (6), le liquide présent est retenu sur place, sans migration vers ladite buse (401), notamment par capillarité. 1. Spray head of a fluid containing product containing an active material and a vector liquid capable of evaporating, which comprises a body (4) for receiving said product which communicates with a cannula (40) for routing it. ci until a spray nozzle (401), its inner surface (400) delimiting a channel (6) for conveying said fluid product to said nozzle, characterized in that said cannula (40) contains at least one capillary retention zone (51), ie at least one zone in which, in the absence of a deliberate flow of liquid in the channel (6), the liquid present is retained on the spot, without migration towards said nozzle ( 401), in particular by capillarity.
2. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que ladite zone est constituée par au moins une partie de la surface interne (400) dudit canal.2. Spray head according to claim 1, characterized in that said zone is constituted by at least a portion of the inner surface (400) of said channel.
3. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle une tige (5) fermée à ses extrémités est emmanchée dans ladite canule (40), les surfaces externe (50), respectivement interne (400) desdites tige (5) et canule (40) délimitant ledit canal d'acheminement, caractérisé par le fait qu'au moins une partie de la surface externe (50) de ladite tige (5), forme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire.3. Spray head according to claim 1, wherein a rod (5) closed at its ends is fitted into said cannula (40), the external surfaces (50), respectively internal (400) of said rod (5) and cannula ( 40) delimiting said routing channel, characterized in that at least a portion of the outer surface (50) of said rod (5), forms at least one capillary retaining zone.
4. Tête de pulvérisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée par le fait que ladite zone de retenue capillaire (51) est une zone poreuse et/ou hydrophile et/ou rugueuse et/ou formée de surfaces concaves de faible rayon de courbure et/ou de surfaces parallèles (510) formant saillies, séparées deux à deux par un faible entrefer (511).4. Spray head according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said capillary retention zone (51) is a porous and / or hydrophilic zone and / or rough and / or formed of concave surfaces of small radius bending and / or parallel surfaces (510) forming projections separated in pairs by a small air gap (511).
5. Tête de pulvérisation selon l'une des revendications précédentes dans laquelle seulement une partie de la surface externe (50) de ladite tige (5) et/ou de la surface interne (400) de ladite canule (40) forme au moins une zone de retenue capillaire (51), caractérisée par le fait qu'au moins une autre partie de ladite surface forme une zone de migration capillaire (52, 54), c'est à dire une zone dans laquelle, en l'absence de flux volontaire de liquide dans le canal (6), le liquide initialement présent sur ladite partie de surface se déplace jusqu'à la zone de retenue (52) attenante, au fur et à mesure de l'évaporation du liquide vecteur. A spray head according to one of the preceding claims wherein only a portion of the outer surface (50) of said shaft (5) and / or the inner surface (400) of said cannula (40) forms at least one capillary retention zone (51), characterized in that at least one other part of said surface forms a capillary migration zone (52, 54), ie an area in which, in the absence of flow in the channel (6), the liquid initially present on said surface portion moves to the adjoining retaining zone (52) as the vector liquid evaporates.
6. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 5 comprenant au moins deux zones (51) de retenue capillaire, caractérisée par le fait qu'entre deux zones (51) de retenue capillaire s'étend une zone (52, 54) de migration capillaire.6. spray head according to claim 5 comprising at least two areas (51) of capillary retention, characterized in that between two areas (51) of capillary retention extends a zone (52, 54) of capillary migration.
7. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 6, caractérisée par le fait que lesdites zones de retenue (51) et de migration (52) capillaire ont une forme annulaire d'axe longitudinal (X-X').7. Spray head according to claim 6, characterized in that said retention zones (51) and migration (52) capillary have an annular shape of longitudinal axis (X-X ').
8. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 5, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte au moins une zone de migration capillaire qui a la forme d'une gorge longitudinale (54). 8. spray head according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove (54).
9. Tête de pulvérisation selon la revendication 7, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte au moins une zone additionnelle de migration capillaire qui a la forme d'une gorge longitudinale (54) et qui traverse lesdites zones (51, 52) de forme annulaire.9. Spray head according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional capillary migration zone which has the shape of a longitudinal groove (54) and which passes through said zones (51, 52) of shape. annular.
10. Tête selon l'une des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisée par le fait que ladite zone de migration capillaire (52, 54) est une zone de faible mouillabilité, notamment une zone non poreuse et/ou hydrophobe et/ou lisse et/ou formée de surfaces convexes de grand rayon de courbure.10. Head according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that said capillary migration zone (52, 54) is a zone of low wettability, especially a non-porous and / or hydrophobic and / or smooth and / or formed of convex surfaces of large radius of curvature.
11. Tête selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que ledit corps (4) comporte un organe mobile et/ou déformable (44, 44') apte à être actionné lors d'une commande de pulvérisation, cet organe étant rappelé élastiquement dans sa position de repos à la fin de la commande de pulvérisation, de manière à générer un flux d'aspiration du liquide restant dans ladite canule (40). 11. Head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (4) comprises a movable and / or deformable member (44, 44 ') adapted to be actuated during a spray control, this member being resiliently returned to its rest position at the end of the spray control, so as to generate a suction flow of the liquid remaining in said cannula (40).
PCT/EP2008/062238 2007-09-21 2008-09-15 Spray head for a fluid substance WO2009037224A1 (en)

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FR07/06630 2007-09-21
FR0706630A FR2921279B1 (en) 2007-09-21 2007-09-21 HEAD FOR SPRAYING A FLUID PRODUCT

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3105618A (en) * 1960-09-21 1963-10-01 Beckman Instruments Inc Micro pipette fluid distributor
FR2525497A2 (en) * 1982-04-23 1983-10-28 Aerosol Inventions Dev Pressure-distributed fluid preservation system - has pump generating increasing vacuum in vessel and preventing air inflow
US5884846A (en) * 1996-09-19 1999-03-23 Tan; Hsiaoming Sherman Pneumatic concentric nebulizer with adjustable and capillaries
FR2833930A1 (en) * 2001-12-20 2003-06-27 Valois Sa Fluid dispenser for e.g. cosmetic fluid, perfume, has porous material portion that absorbs fluid by capillarity between plunger tube and dispensing orifice, and that has discharge end located in vicinity of dispensing orifice

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3105618A (en) * 1960-09-21 1963-10-01 Beckman Instruments Inc Micro pipette fluid distributor
FR2525497A2 (en) * 1982-04-23 1983-10-28 Aerosol Inventions Dev Pressure-distributed fluid preservation system - has pump generating increasing vacuum in vessel and preventing air inflow
US5884846A (en) * 1996-09-19 1999-03-23 Tan; Hsiaoming Sherman Pneumatic concentric nebulizer with adjustable and capillaries
FR2833930A1 (en) * 2001-12-20 2003-06-27 Valois Sa Fluid dispenser for e.g. cosmetic fluid, perfume, has porous material portion that absorbs fluid by capillarity between plunger tube and dispensing orifice, and that has discharge end located in vicinity of dispensing orifice

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FR2921279B1 (en) 2010-03-12
FR2921279A1 (en) 2009-03-27

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