EP0847935A1 - Push-button actuator for spraying device - Google Patents

Abstract

A push-button, equipped with an atomising nozzle (1) for a dispensed liquid, e.g. hair spray, paint or adhesive, has a nozzle outlet (3) in communication with the first end (21) of a feed channel (15) inside the push-button. The push-button contains a reservoir (22) for the liquid, located between the other end (20) of the feed channel and the outlet end (23) of the pump tube (24), with at least part of the reservoir located below the level of the tube's outlet. The volume of liquid able to flow by gravity from the reservoir and through the feed channel is between 0.5 and 2 cu mm, and is preferably 1 cu mm. The push-button is made from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.

Description

The present invention relates to a push button of the type used in liquid spraying devices, in the form of a fine cloud droplets, of aerosol, spray, etc. type. The invention particularly relates to products to be sprayed, containing a certain quantity of resin capable of solidifying in contact with air. By way of non-limiting application example, mention may be made of hairdressing products, such as styling hairsprays, styling sprays. We can also cite applications in other fields, in particular in the in the field of pharmacy, or in the field of products such as paints, adhesives, etc. The invention also relates to a spraying device equipped with such a push button.

In the field of spraying devices, of the pump or valve type (in the case of an aerosol), a flow of liquid product is passed through a small orifice 3 formed in a nozzle. under sufficient pressure for the flow is broken up into a cloud of fine droplets. The quality of the spray is generally measures by spray angle, droplet size, and their spatial distribution. Typically, such a nozzle 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve 6, closed in one of its ends by a transverse bottom 7, in which is formed the orifice 3. The nozzle is mounted by clipping or snapping into a push button 2 type body suitable for controlling the actuation of a pump or a distribution valve. The orifice can be of straight section, conical, or partially conical.

As appears more clearly in Figure 1B, a plurality of channels helical 4 (in this case 3) are distributed evenly over the surface internal of the transverse wall 7, so as to define with the seat 8 (or center post) a chamber 16 capable of imparting to the flow of product under pressure, a swirling motion, thus obtaining good spraying quality. Alternatively channels 4 are provided on the surface of the center post next to nozzle 1. The chamber is supplied by at least one channel feed 15, opening onto an annular portion. or semi-annular. In in this configuration, the supply takes place through the lower part of the nozzle. In the embodiments which will be discussed in the following description, the feeding is done by the upper part of the nozzle. Typically. the nozzle can have an internal diameter of the order of 3 mm, and a height of the order of 2.75 mm. The diameter of the orifice 3 can vary between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm. The helical channels 4 have a depth of the order of 0.2 mm. The pressure of product inside the chamber can go up to around 30 bars. So a such nozzle, defined with the dispensing control mechanism on which it is mounted a set of very small channels and orifices, which by therefore can become blocked, in whole or in part, making it ineffective or even impossible, use of the spraying device.

In the field of cosmetics in particular (styling lacquers by example), many "spray" type products contain soluble polymers, which, by evaporation of the solvent which contains them, are likely to solidify.

Thus, a styling hairspray contains 3 to 3.5% of a resin of soluble polymers, A styling spray can contain up to 7% resin of soluble polymers.

Typically, such products are pressurized, either mechanically at by means of a pump, either by means of a propellant gas, the product outlet being controlled by means of a dispensing head in the form of a push button. It was found that after each spraying, by pressing the push button, it occurs, by releasing the pressure on the push button, a kind "draft" which rises in the supply channel, via the orifice of the nozzle, and which causes the solidification of the residual product resin in different parts of the distribution head. The problem quickly becomes critical to small places, and in particular, inside the supply channel and the mixing chamber of the nozzle. Indeed, after a "long" period if not used, the resin will solidify in these places and cause clogging of the distribution head.

One solution to this problem is to immerse the push button in a volume of hot water, so as to cause the transition to liquid state of resins that have settled on the channels and orifices of the nozzle and the button pusher, and the elimination of these deposits. This solution, although effective for some deposits, is obviously unsatisfactory.

Patent application EP-A-670 275 describes a device for distributing the contents of a pressurized container, including a plug closing the orifice for dispensing the product, mounted to slide in a bore suitable for communicate with the interior of the container. The blanking plug, comes after each use seal the dispensing orifice to prevent any flow of air into the supply channels of the head distribution.

In US Patent 3,254,677, the push button is capped with a kind of stirrup sliding which, in the rest position, blocks the discharge orifice. This last one is automatically released by pressing the push button.

In patent FR 1 573 165, a shutter pin, integral with a diaphragm elastic is pushed backwards, under the pressure of the product, so that clear the dispensing orifice. When product distribution ceases. the shutter returns to close the dispensing orifice tightly. Another recoil shutter system is also described in US Patent 5,085,353.

All of these mechanisms have the disadvantage of being relatively complex, and to substantially increase the cost price of distributors. By elsewhere, some of them are fragile and can be functioning random.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a device distribution in the form of a push button, in which is resolved to substantially the problem of plugging orifices, channels, or other small spaces, resulting from the solidification of certain compounds entering into the composition of the product to be distributed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for distribution, push button type, without the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the devices of the prior art.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device for spraying equipped with a push button according to the invention.

Other objects of the present invention will appear in detail in the description which follows.

According to the invention, it has been discovered that the problem can be solved in a way simple and effective, not by preventing the air from rising in the channels, but by filling with product to be distributed, after each spraying, the parts of the push button (feed channels, mixing chamber, orifice distribution), sensitive to the obturation by drying of certain compounds, such only resins. In this way, these sensitive parts of the push button are filled with liquid, which prevents the presence of air likely to cause solidification of resins. In reality, only the product located near the orifice distribution is in contact with air. If a "plug" of solidified product forms at this point, it seals the interior of the push button. So. the liquid in the mixing chamber and in the feed channels will not dry out substantially. As for the possible "plug", located exclusively at the nozzle orifice, it will be easily expelled when the push button is actuated, under the effect of product pressure.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a push button, intended to be mounted on a distributor to allow, by action on this push button, to cause the spraying of a liquid contained in the dispenser, through a spray nozzle provided in the push button, said nozzle being provided with a spray orifice in communication with a first end at least one nozzle supply channel, via a mixing chamber, suitable to give the liquid a swirling motion, a second end of the supply channel being connected to a liquid inlet from said distributor, characterized in that it comprises between the liquid inlet and the second end of the supply channel, a liquid reservoir at least part of which is located below an upper end of the liquid inlet, so that after each spray, the liquid contained in the tank can at least part, flow by gravity into the supply channel, and substantially fill all of said feed channel, said mixing chamber, and said orifice spray.

The part of the reservoir containing the liquid that can flow by gravity, from the reservoir to the nozzle supply channel, can have a volume of between 0.5 and 2 mm ³ . Preferably, the volume of the reservoir is of the order of 1 mm ³ .

The push button can be produced by molding a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.

a) un réservoir contenant le produit liquide;

b) une valve pour permettre sélectivement la sortie du produit depuis ledit réservoir;

c) des moyens pour mettre sous pression le produit liquide; et

d) un bouton poussoir pour commander l'actionnement de la valve, et éventuellement des moyens de mise sous pression du produit liquide, et permettre la pulvérisation du produit liquide au travers d'une buse de sortie;

   caractérisé en ce que le bouton poussoir est conforme à l'invention. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for spraying a liquid product in the form of a cloud of fine droplets comprising:

a) a reservoir containing the liquid product;

b) a valve for selectively allowing the product to exit from said reservoir;

c) means for pressurizing the liquid product; and

d) a push button for controlling the actuation of the valve, and optionally means for pressurizing the liquid product, and allowing the spraying of the liquid product through an outlet nozzle;

characterized in that the push button conforms to the invention.

a) un réservoir contenant le produit liquide, et équipé d'une pompe de distribution; et

b) un bouton poussoir pour commander l'actionnement de la pompe et permettre la pulvérisation du produit liquide au travers d'une buse de sortie.

The spraying device can be of the type comprising:

a) a reservoir containing the liquid product, and equipped with a distribution pump; and

b) a push button to control the actuation of the pump and allow the spraying of the liquid product through an outlet nozzle.

a) un réservoir pressurisé contenant le produit liquide, et équipé d'une valve de distribution; et

b) un bouton poussoir pour commander sélectivement l'ouverture de la valve et permettre la pulvérisation du produit liquide au travers de la buse de sortie.

This device can also be of the type comprising:

a) a pressurized tank containing the liquid product, and equipped with a dispensing valve; and

b) a push button for selectively controlling the opening of the valve and allowing spraying of the liquid product through the outlet nozzle.

The liquid product can be a cosmetic product (styling spray, styling hairspray, etc.) or any liquid containing compounds capable of solidifying in the presence air, such as glue or paint.

• les figures 1A-1B illustrent la structure d'une buse, de la chambre de mélange et des canaux d'alimentation de type utilisés dans un bouton poussoir conforme à la présente invention;
• la figure 2 illustre de manière schématique un premier mode de réalisation d'un bouton poussoir selon l'invention;
• la figure 3 illustre un second mode de réalisation d'un bouton poussoir selon l'invention;
• la figure 4 illustre un dispositif de pulvérisation de type à valve sur lequel est monté un bouton poussoir tel qu'illustré à la figure 2; et
• la figure 5 illustre un dispositif de pulvérisation de type à pompe sur lequel est montée un bouton poussoir tel qu'illustré à la figure 3.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate the structure of a nozzle, of the mixing chamber and of the supply channels of the type used in a push button according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a push button according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a push button according to the invention;
• FIG. 4 illustrates a spraying device of the valve type on which is mounted a push button as illustrated in FIG. 2; and
• FIG. 5 illustrates a spraying device of the pump type on which a push button is mounted as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The push button illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a cylindrical body 26, made of molded thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene. The body 26 has an upper surface 27 defining a bearing surface for actuating a valve or a pump. The body defines an internal skirt 25 inside which is force-fitted, a valve or pump rod 24. The rod 24 has an upper end defining a product inlet. An internal part of the push button defines a seat 8 (or center post) on which is clipped or slammed a nozzle 1 of the type described in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The nozzle is mounted so as to delimit with the seat 8, a mixing chamber 16, supplied by at least one supply channel 15. The supply channel 15 opens onto an annular or semi-annular passage, and comprises a first end 21 communicating with the mixing chamber 16. The other end 20 of the supply channel communicates with the inlet 23, by means of a reservoir 22 at least part of which is situated below the level of the end upper part of the valve stem so as to accumulate during each spraying, a given volume of the product to be sprayed. The reservoir is positioned so that its contents can, at least in part, flow by gravity via the supply channel 15, so as to fill substantially all the volume generated by the outlet orifice of the nozzle, the chamber of mixture 16, and the feed channel 15. Typically, the volume of product necessary for filling these parts of the push button is between 0.5 mm ³ and 2 mm ³ , and preferably is of the order of 1 mm ³ .

In this embodiment, the reservoir is located, at least in part, at the above the end of the sleeve 6, opposite the transverse bottom 7. The bottom of the tank is located below the upper end of the valve stem 24, of so that at least part of the liquid cannot return to the rod valve, and flows by gravity into channel 15, as shown previously.

Thus, pressing the push button, for spraying product, causes the product to come out under pressure, via the supply channel 15, the mixing chamber 16, and the outlet orifice 3. By releasing the pressure on the push button, product dispensing stops. A certain amount of air goes back into the push button. The reservoir 22 is filled with product which then flows by gravity, at least in part via the supply channel 15. from so as to fill substantially the entire volume delimited by the supply channel. the mixing chamber and the outlet. Gravity flow of the product is made possible by the presence of air which has risen through the liquid. at above the free surface of the product.

So all those portions of the push button in which the liquid got flowed by gravity, are filled with liquid, which prevents the presence of air. The liquid in these portions cannot therefore dry out substantial.

Only the liquid contained in the nozzle outlet orifice is in contact with air outside. Between two sprays. the liquid can dry and form a "plug" located essentially there. Once the plug is formed, the inside of the push button is isolated from ambient air, which substantially prevents any solidification of the product contained in the mixing chamber and in the feed channels. When spraying again, the "plug" located exclusively at the outlet, is easily expelled under the effect product pressure.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the reservoir 22 is located so adjacent to the end 23 of the valve stem, or of the pump rod 24. In this configuration. the tank has its bottom located below the upper end of the rod 24. The bottom of the tank is inclined in the direction of the supply channel 15. Typically. the angle of inclination of the bottom relative to the axis of the rod. can be between 5 and 60 °. The volume between the bottom of the tank and the upper end of the valve stem is sufficient to fill substantially in its entirety, the supply channel, the mixing chamber and the exit. The volume of the tank should not be too large so as not to cause untimely flow of liquid through the outlet. between two sprays. In reality, by appropriately proportioning the volume liquid which can flow by gravity, the liquid is retained by tension effect superficial inside the push button.

The other parts of the push button in Figure 3 conform to the button pusher of Figure 2, and therefore. require no description additional. As previously mentioned, according to an alternative not represented, the supply of the exit orifice can be done in the same way, by the lower part of the nozzle. Similarly, according to another alternative, the rod of valve can form an integral part of the push button, thus defining a part male, intended to be force fitted into a female part of the body of valve.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a device 100 for spraying a liquid type using a valve 130, and can be fitted with a button pusher 2 according to the invention. Typically, such a device 100 includes a tank 101 containing a pressurized liquid P. The tank can be pressurized by means of a gas G liquefiable or not. The end of the tank opposite the bottom 102 ends with a collar 103 on which is crimped so seals a valve cup 104. The valve cup defines a chimney central unit inside which the valve body 106 is mounted, by via a seal 107. One end of the valve body is ends with a cylindrical portion 108 of smaller diameter than the body of valve, and on which is mounted integrally, a dip tube 109, of which the length is appropriate to go substantially to the bottom of the tank. A rod valve 24 is slidably disposed inside the valve body 106. The end of the valve stem 24 inside the body is closed. Valve stem is mounted on a spring 111 bearing on the one hand on a connecting shoulder the valve body 106 to the portion of smaller diameter 108, and on the other hand on the closed end of the valve stem 24. The valve stem 24 has an orifice 112, which is held, under the elastic return force of the spring 111, facing of the seal 107. In this position, the liquid cannot rise in the valve stem 107. Stop means 113 limit the stem rise valve under the pressure of the spring 111. The other end of the valve stem 24 is open. A cylindrical portion 25 of the push button 2 is fitted to force on the open end of the valve stem. The push button conforms to that discussed with reference to Figure 2. Its operation is also in accordance with what has been described with reference to FIG. 2.

To spray liquid, the user presses push button 2, which causes a depression of the valve stem 24, and a communication orifice 112 with the interior of the valve body 106. The liquid under pressure goes back into the valve stem through port 112, then is routed to the nozzle 1 via the channel 15 and the mixing chamber 16. The liquid leaves the orifice 3 in the form of a cloud of fine droplets, as described with reference in Figures 1A and 1B. By releasing the pressure on the push button, the force of return of the spring 111 causes the valve stem 24 to rise. The orifice 112 is again facing the seal 107, thus closing the device so waterproof. This valve type device is only one example of a device valve on which the push button according to the invention can be mounted. It is obvious that the push button according to the invention can be mounted on any type of device with valve requiring such an element for spraying the liquid. As variants, one can use a side tilt valve; the product can be kept under pressure inside a flexible pocket made of a material elastically deformable; the gas phase can be separated from the phase liquid by a piston, etc.

FIG. 5 represents another type of device on which the push button according to the invention. It is a 200 pump type device manual actuation, in which the liquid is pressurized by means of a pump 230. These pump devices are also well known, and by Consequently, only a brief description will be given.

Typically, such a device 200 comprises a reservoir 201 containing a liquid P. The end of the tank opposite the bottom 202 ends with a neck 203 on which is tightly mounted a cup 204. The cup defines a central chimney inside which the pump body 206 is mounted, by through a seal 207. The lower end of the body pump 206 ends with a cylindrical portion 208 of smaller diameter than the valve body, and on which is mounted integrally, a tube plunger 209, the length of which is suitable for going substantially to the bottom of the tank. A ball-type one-way valve 222 is mounted in the part with a smaller diameter 208. This valve allows the product to rise into the pump body 206, under the effect of a vacuum, but prevents the return of liquid from the pump to the tank 201.

A hollow pump rod 24 is slidably disposed inside the body of the pump 206. One end of the pump rod communicates with a variable volume 221 delimited by the pump body and a piston 220 integral with the pump rod. The piston 220, can slide tightly against walls of the pump body 206. The piston is mounted on a spring 211, taking support on the one hand on a shoulder connecting the pump body 206 to the portion of smaller diameter 208, and on the other hand on the underside of the piston 220. The other end of the pump rod 24 is open. A cylindrical portion 25 of a push button 2 is force fitted on the free end of the rod pump. The push button conforms to that shown in Figure 3. Its operation is also in accordance with what has been described with reference to the figure 3.

To spray liquid, the user presses the push button 214, which causes the pump rod 24 and the piston 220 to sink. By releasing the push button, the piston 220 rises in the pump body 206, under the effect of the return force of spring 211. A vacuum is created which causes a rise in the liquid in the variable volume chamber 221, via the dip tube 209 and unidirectional valve 222, until the balance of pressures. Air return means can be provided so as to replace the volume of liquid pumped by an equivalent volume of air. In pressing the push button again, the liquid contained in the chamber variable volume 221 rises under pressure in the pump rod 24. then is routed to nozzle 1 via feed channel 15 and the mixing chamber 16. The liquid leaves the orifice 219 in the form of a cloud of fine droplets. of the manner described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B.

In the same way as for the valve type device of FIG. 4. the device of Figure 5 is given only by way of illustration. It is obvious that the push button according to the invention can be mounted on any type of pump device for spraying a liquid.

With the push button according to the invention, the liquid cannot solidify from substantially inside the push button. So even after a long period of non-use, the nozzle is always ready for use, without handling or cleaning beforehand, and produces a quality spray constant over use.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (8)

Push button (2), intended to be mounted on a distributor to allow. by pressing this push button, to cause the spraying of a liquid contained in the dispenser, through a spray nozzle (1) provided in the push button, said nozzle being provided with a spray orifice (3), communication with a first end (21) of at least one channel supply (15) via a mixing chamber (16), capable of imparting to the liquid, a vortex movement, a second end (20) of the feed channel (15) being connected to a liquid inlet (23) from said distributor, characterized in that it comprises between the liquid inlet (23) and the second end (20) of the supply channel (15), a liquid reservoir (22) at least part of which located below an upper end of the liquid inlet, so that, after each spraying, the liquid contained in the reservoir (22) can at less in part, flow by gravity into the supply channel (15), and fill substantially all of said supply channel (15), said mixture (16), and said spray orifice (3. Push button (2) according to claim 1 characterized in that the volume of liquid which can flow by gravity, from the reservoir (22) to the supply channel (15), is between 0.5 and 2 mm ³ . Push button (2) according to claim 2 characterized in that the volume of liquid which can flow by gravity from the reservoir (22) is of the order of 1 mm ³ . Push button (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that it is produced by molding a thermoplastic material such than polypropylene. Device (100, 200) for spraying a liquid product in the form of a cloud of fine droplets comprising: a) a reservoir (101,201) containing the liquid product (P); b) a valve (222, 130) for selectively allowing the product to exit from said reservoir; c) means (230, G) for pressurizing the liquid product (P); and d) a push button (2), for controlling the actuation of the valve, and optionally means (230) for pressurizing the liquid product, and allowing spraying of the liquid product through an outlet nozzle (1 ); characterized in that the push button (2) conforms to any one of the preceding claims. Device (200) according to claim 5, comprising: a) a reservoir (201) containing the liquid product, and equipped with a distribution pump (230); and b) a push button (2) for controlling the actuation of the pump and allowing the spraying of the liquid product through an outlet nozzle (1). Device (100) according to claim 5, comprising: a) a pressurized tank (101) containing the liquid product (P), and equipped with a distribution valve (130); and b) a push button (2) for selectively controlling the opening of the valve (130) and allowing spraying of the liquid product (P) through an outlet nozzle (1). Device according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that that the liquid product (P) is a styling hairspray, a styling spray, a paint. glue, etc.

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