EP3914532A1

EP3914532A1 - Diffuser outlet duct

Info

Publication number: EP3914532A1
Application number: EP20700735.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric Gaillard; Hervé BODET
Original assignee: Lindal France SAS
Current assignee: Lindal France SAS
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2020-01-21
Publication date: 2021-12-01
Also published as: BR112021014594A2; MX2021007737A; US20220081188A1; US20220097950A1; CA3126616A1; US11667461B2; WO2020152127A1; EP3914534A1; US11643267B2; MX2024009517A; FR3092091B1; MX2021008844A; CA3121314A1; WO2020152141A1; US11661265B2; EP3914534B1; AR117852A1; MX2021008841A; CA3126617A1; EP3914531A1

Abstract

Diffuser outlet duct for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, equipped with: a passage (10) between a first end (21) and a second end (22), said first end (21) being configured to collaborate with the valve of the pressurized container, said second end (22) being configured for expelling the product contained in the pressurized container; wherein said passage (10) is defined by a first section (23), a second section (24), and a junction connecting the first section (23) and the second section (24), said first section (23) beginning at the first end (21) and terminating at the junction, said second section (24) beginning at the junction and terminating at the second end (22); wherein the first section (23) extends over a first length (l1), and the second section (24) extends over a second length (l2), said second length (l2) being less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

Description

DIFFUSER OUTLET DUCT

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an outlet duct for a pressurized container diffuser provided with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, and a diffuser provided with such an outlet duct.

STATE OF THE ART

Generally, a diffuser is made up of two main elements with distinct functions injected into a single material. These two elements are the outlet duct, the functions of which are to lead the product contained in the pressure vessel from the valve and to dispense this product, and the base body, which makes it possible to protect the outlet duct and which includes elements for activating the outlet duct and causing the product to exit. The diffuser can be molded in one piece or have elements injected into a single material, optionally in two different colors, and mechanically snapped together. Only the outlet duct of the diffuser is in direct contact with the product contained in the container. There are therefore constraints on the material to be used during the manufacture of the outlet duct depending on the product contained in the pressure vessel. This constraint at the level of the manufacturing material then imposes costs on the manufacture of the diffuser. Thus, there is a need for a diffuser and an outlet duct whose costs are better optimized.

There are already diffusers whose elements, before assembly, are initially separate and then assembled, eg. ex. mechanically, by gluing or thermal welding, or produced by bi-material injection, the design of which takes into account the base body on the one hand and the outlet duct on the other. Only the elements of these diffusers are most often designed with, as an optimization variable, better diffusion of the product contained in the pressure vessel. The question of optimizing the volume of material making up the outlet duct, the cost of which is generally imposed by the material chosen, is hardly, if at all, considered. Therefore, it is necessary to have a diffuser and an outlet duct optimizing the volumes of materials to limit the additional costs. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to provide an outlet duct and a diffuser, the different functional portions of which are optimized in order to reduce the volumes of materials used to manufacture them economically, while maintaining simple use and a certain adaptability to different types of products contained in a pressure vessel.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an outlet duct of a diffuser for a pressurized container provided with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator. The outlet duct is provided with a passage between a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure vessel. The passage is defined by a first section, a second section, and a junction connecting the first section and the second section. The first section starts at the first end and ends at the junction, and the second section begins at the junction and ends at the second end. The first section extends over a first length 11 and the second section extends over a second length 12. The second length 12 is less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

In a typical embodiment, the junction can be defined by a change in the general direction of the second section relative to the first section. Additionally or alternatively, the junction can be defined by a section of which the diameter of the passage decreases from a maximum diameter at the level of the first section, to a minimum diameter at the level of the second section.

The embodiments of the invention are based inter alia on the inventive idea that certain portions of the outlet duct provide functions essential to the proper functioning of the diffuser, and that these portions can be identified, and isolated or grouped together in order to better optimize the total volume of material used in the manufacture of the outlet duct. Indeed, one of the essential roles of the outlet duct is to provide a passage between the valve of the pressure vessel on the one hand, and the end for the product outlet outside the outlet duct on the other hand. So the different elementary portions of the outlet duct can be identified as being entirely between two ends, the first end cooperating with the valve of the pressure vessel, the second end for the outlet of the product.

Between these two ends, the passage can advantageously be subdivided into at least two sections connected by a junction. The first section is configured to cooperate, through the first end, with the valve of the pressure vessel. The valve itself can be a male or female type valve. The first section may also be provided with an extraction chamber configured to extract product from the pressure vessel upon actuation of the pressure vessel valve.

The second section, terminated by the second end, is configured for product output. Depending on the product contained, the internal lateral dimensions of the passage in this second section can be adapted according to the nature of the product, the material of the outlet duct, and the rheological properties of the product, in order to obtain an extraction quality. , p. ex. an aerosol, predetermined. To convey the product to the second end and define the trajectory and shape of the projection of the product with sufficient precision, it is necessary not to exceed a certain length of this second section. By imposing dimensional constraints on this second section so that its length is sufficient to define the properties of the projection of the product, the volume of material used for the outlet duct can be optimized. The internal side dimensions of the passage of the second section can always be adapted according to the product to maintain a degree of adaptability to different products.

In a preferred embodiment, the junction has a shoulder of the passage. The passage shoulder defines a reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage between the first section and the second section.

In this way, the junction extends over a minimum length and is reduced to its simple functional aspect; that is, reducing the passage to generate an increase in the pressure applied to the product to project the product in a predetermined shape and distance from the second end. Thus, the overall dimensions of the outlet duct are further reduced to optimize the volume of material used.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second section is substantially straight over at least 80%, preferably over at least 90%, more preferably over at least 95%, most preferably over 100%, of the second length 12. In this way, the vast majority of the length of the second section can be configured to define the trajectory of the product projection. Thus, the longitudinal extension of the second section of the outlet duct can be advantageously reduced to optimize the volume of material used to manufacture the outlet duct.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end is substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1, and the second end is substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2. An angle of inclination α formed between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 is between 94 ° and 105 °, preferably between 96 ° and 103 °, more preferably between 98 ° and 100 °.

In this way, when the valve of the pressure vessel is actuated via the outlet duct, the second longitudinal axis A2 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the pressure vessel at the end of the stroke of the actuation of the valve, when the projection of the product. Indeed, the first longitudinal axis A1 of the first end is generally coaxial with the axis of the valve. During G actuation of the valve, the outlet duct can undergo a movement substantially coaxial with the axis of the pressure vessel and in the direction of the pressure vessel. At the same time, the outlet duct may be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the valve due to the bending of certain elements forming part of the assembly of the outlet duct and the valve. To compensate for this rotation, and thus produce a projection of product whose trajectory is substantially perpendicular to the pressure vessel, the axis A2 can be oriented at an angle a greater than 90 ° with respect to the axis A1. By limiting the range from the angle of inclination α, the length of the second section of the outlet duct can be reduced, as well as possibly the dimensions of elements of the diffuser adapted to the displacement of the outlet duct during G actuation of the valve.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first section comprises a coupling section extending over a third length 13. The coupling section is defined by the part of the passage between the first end and a shoulder of the passage forming a stop for a nozzle. the pressure vessel valve. The third length 13 is less than 6mm, preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm.

In this way, the length of the first section can be reduced. When assembling the outlet duct and the valve, the first end of the outlet duct is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The first end can be introduced into the valve or the valve can be introduced into the next first end if the valve is of type female or male, respectively. The introduction can be stopped by the presence of a stop formed by a shoulder against which the nozzle of the valve stops, for example, during assembly of the outlet duct and of the valve. This section between the first end and the stopper serving for the introduction defines the coupling section. The longitudinal extension of this coupling section can be subjected to dimensional constraints making it possible to ensure the mechanical retention of the assembly of the outlet duct and of the valve. Thus, the volume of material used to form the first section of the outlet duct can be optimized.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet duct is provided with a tenon configured to be fixed to a base body of the diffuser. The tenon is provided at the junction and is substantially aligned with the first section.

In a typical embodiment, the first section and the second section may extend along two axes inclined relative to each other, and the tenon may be provided at the top of the first section and extend substantially coaxial with the first longitudinal axis Al of the first section.

In this way, the outlet duct is provided with a fixing means, and can be manufactured independently from the rest of the diffuser. Since the outlet duct and the diffuser base body can be manufactured independently of each other, the materials chosen may or may not be compatible. In an exemplary embodiment, the outlet duct can adopt so-called standardized and previously manufactured variants. It will therefore only be necessary to design a single element of the diffuser, the base body, in function, which can allow more logistical flexibility and reduce costs.

The outlet duct can be fixed to the base body by means of the tenon of the outlet duct inserted or joined to a connection portion of the base body so that it cannot come off on its own. The tenon introduced can join the outlet duct and the base body mechanically, welded, chemically glued, and / or heat-sealed. The tenon of the outlet duct will therefore facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body and, by its connection to a dedicated connection portion, will facilitate the positioning of the outlet duct relative to the base body.

It should also be noted that due to the presence of the tenon between the outlet duct and the base body, these two main elements of the diffuser can be made from different materials. Thus, the outlet duct and the base body can also be made with different textures, e.g. ex. a basic “soft touch” body, and / or different colors. The material of the outlet duct may be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the container under pressure, whereas the material of the base body will not need to fulfill this condition, but may be chosen for its mechanical properties or its environmental and / or economic value, eg recycled material. For example, if the diffuser is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct will need to be food grade, while that of the base body not in contact with the product will not need to be. .

Depending on the means of fixing the outlet duct and the connection portion of the base body used to fix the outlet duct to the base body, the materials chosen may be chosen to be compatible or not. Among the materials that can be considered for the base body, we can mention polymer materials (PE, PP, PLA, PHA, PBS) whether they are new or recycled, derived from petroleum or natural resources, biodegradable or not, or even

compostable or not. They may contain mineral fillers, eg basalt glass, and be reinforced with mineral or vegetable fibers. Non-polymeric materials can also be considered, such as lignin-based materials, eg cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For the outlet duct, mention may be made, by way of nonlimiting example, of polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals, p .ex. aluminum, steel, especially stainless steel.

In an advantageous embodiment, the tenon comprises a rod, a shoulder, and a cap, connected to the outlet duct by the rod and the shoulder. The shank ends opposite the hat at the shoulder.

In this way, the tenon can be configured to be fixed to a connection hole of the base body, and includes a portion, the cap, for retaining the outlet duct to the base body and not requiring a fastener. to the additional basic body. Indeed, the shoulder and the cap could be configured such that, when the outlet duct is hooked to the base body, a transverse extension of the shoulder is greater than the corresponding transverse extension of the connection hole and a transverse extension of the cap is greater. to the corresponding transverse extension of the connection hole. The rod can be configured to pass through the connection hole. By force-assembling the outlet duct to the base body, the cap and shoulder can be on either side of a portion of the connection hole, and the outlet duct will be attached to the base body.

In a preferred embodiment, the shank of the tenon extends over a length _T of less than 0.95mm, preferably less than 0.85mm, more preferably less than 0.75mm. In this way, the dimensions of the rod are limited longitudinally, and at the same time the thickness of the part on which the tenon hangs.

In a typical embodiment, the post is configured to be attached to a finger cot of the base body. Additionally or alternatively, the average thickness of the finger cot or of the rest of the base body corresponds to the longitudinal extension l _T of the shank of the tenon.

Additionally or alternatively, the cap can be sized so that, when hooked, the top surface of the cap is flush with the top surface of the finger cot.

In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet duct is provided with a hollow compartment between the tenon and the passage.

In this way, the distance between the outlet duct and the fixing portion of the base body corresponding to the tenon can be variable, and the outlet duct can be adapted to different variants of the base body simply by adjusting the dimensions of the hollow compartment. . In addition, by using a hollow compartment, the volume of material used for the outlet duct can be limited without taking into account the structural properties of the compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow compartment is parallelepipedal in shape to have a simple and structurally rigid shape. The hollow compartment can be part of the post shoulder.

In a preferred embodiment, the second section is an interior duct. The interior duct can be surrounded by an exterior duct. The inner duct and the outer duct define a substantially annular housing. The housing is configured to cooperate with a nozzle.

In this way, the outlet duct can simply be adapted to different products and / or generate different types of projections by adding a nozzle, while preserving the dimensions of the outlet duct.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second end is housed inside the outer duct. A fourth length 14 between the second end and one end of the outer duct is less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

In this way, dimensional constraints are imposed with respect to the interior and exterior ducts in order to limit the volume of material used for the exterior duct. The conduit exterior can be designed to have the dimensions necessary for insertion and retention of the nozzle in the housing defined with the interior duct. The nozzle may be mechanically secured in the housing at the end of the second end, welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat sealed. The nozzle may be made of a material similar or different from the material of the outlet duct, while being compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a diffuser for a pressurized container provided with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator. The diffuser has a basic body and an outlet duct. The base body has a finger cot intended to be pushed in by the user to actuate the valve, and has an outlet opening for the outlet of the product contained in the container. The outlet duct is attached to the base body such that the second end of the outlet duct is substantially facing the outlet opening of the base body. The outlet duct has characteristics and advantages similar to any of the previously described embodiments.

The outlet duct can be hooked to the base body so that it cannot come off on its own. The outlet duct and the base body can be mechanically joined, welded, chemically glued, and / or heat-sealed together. Mechanical fastening, for example, could be achieved with an additional fastening element such as a screw or rivet configured to retain the outlet duct to a wall of the base body. In another exemplary embodiment, the mechanical fastening can be achieved by force fitting between a connection means of the outlet duct and a connection portion of the base body, e.g. ex. a connection hole. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the mechanical attachment can be achieved by snap-fastening together the outlet duct and the base body by force. Mechanical fixing may or may not be supplemented by fixing by gluing, heat sealing, welding.

In a typical embodiment, the outlet duct could be available in a small number of so-called standard variants, eg a variant with a nozzle, and a variant without a nozzle, and the designs of the variations of the base body could be made. so as to adapt to standard outlet duct variants. In addition, the dimensions of the outlet duct can be optimized to use as little material as possible. As for the material of the base body, it may be a material of a different nature to that of the outlet duct, and / or recycled, and / or derived from renewable resources, and / or economically advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment, the base body is provided with a connecting hole passing through between an outer surface of the finger cot and an inner surface of the finger cot. The outlet duct is provided with a tenon as described above, configured to be fixed to the base body of the diffuser. The tenon may be provided at the junction between the first section and the second section, and may be substantially aligned with the first section of the outlet duct. The tenon can be attached through the base body connection hole to secure the outlet duct to the base body.

In this way, the outlet duct can be connected directly to the finger cot so that the pressure from the finger cot is effectively relayed to the valve via the outlet duct for

G actuation of the valve. The displacements of the outlet duct can therefore be

mechanically correlated with the movements of the finger cot.

The finger cot of a diffuser can be defined as the part of the diffuser that is directly subjected to displacement as a result of the pressure of a user's finger on a portion of the outer surface of the finger cot. The movement of the finger cot causes, generally mechanically, the displacement of the outlet duct and the actuation of the pressure vessel valve.

In an exemplary embodiment, the finger cot can be resiliently connected to the rest of the base body, e.g. ex. by a tab, and the outlet duct can be directly attached to the finger cot via the tenon inserted into the through connection hole. The movements of the outlet duct will thus correspond to the movements of the finger cot. In other embodiments, the finger cot can be separated from the base body and be pressed either in a vertical translational movement or in a rocking movement around a support.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second end of the outlet duct is floating relative to the base body. The minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole on the outer surface of the finger cot, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening on the outer surface of the base body , is less than 12mm, preferably less than 10mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

In this way, since the second end is floating, there are fewer coupling parts to be made between the outlet duct and the base body, which requires less material.

In a typical embodiment, the base body consists of a wall forming a cavity. The wall of the base body includes a convex front surface viewed towards the exit of the product from the second end of the exit duct in the hooked state. The convex front surface includes an outlet opening corresponding to the second end of the outlet duct in the hooked state. By using a convex front surface, the base body can be better suited to cooperation with an outlet duct of compact dimensions, in particular with an outlet duct whose second section is subjected to dimensional constraints. So, the outlet opening in the convex front surface of the base body is brought closer to the axis of the valve, and the longitudinal dimensions of the outlet duct can be minimized.

By adding additional stress to the basic body design with respect to the connection hole and the outlet opening, the use of an outlet duct with reduced dimensions is ensured. Thus, the volume of material used to manufacture the diffuser is economically advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a minimum thickness of less than 0.8mm, preferably less than 0.7mm, more preferably less than 0.6mm.

In this way, the volume of material used to make the base body is decreased. Preferably the majority of the wall of the base body has a thickness of less than 0.8mm, preferably less than 0.7mm, more preferably less than 0.6mm. Structural elements, p. ex. ribs, can be added on an internal surface of the base body in order to maintain a certain rigidity of the face body during transport, storage, assembly, and use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Like numbers refer to like features in all drawings.

Figures 1A-1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve, and the pressure vessel according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view,

respectively, of an outlet duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a diffuser and an outlet duct according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1A-1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve, and the pressure vessel according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. . The invention relates to an outlet duct 1120 and a diffuser 1100 for a pressurized container 1020, in particular for aerosol generators, foam generator, distribution system for gels, creams, pasty or liquid products, etc. The diffuser 1100 is intended to actuate the valve 1030 of the container in order to withdraw at least part of the contents of the pressure container 1020 and to dispense it, for example, in the form of an aerosol or a foam. Pressure vessels

1020 generally consist of a housing 1021 provided with a neck closed by a valve 1030 mounted on a valve cup 1035. It happens that the valve cup 1035 is attached to the housing

1021 through a dome 1022. When the valve 1030 is of the male type, a nozzle 1031, or stem, protrudes from the valve 1030.

The diffuser 1100 includes a base body 1110 and an outlet duct 1120. The base body 1110 may be provided with a cavity formed by an outer wall 1111 of the base body or arranged in a substantially solid body. The outlet duct 1120 can be housed entirely or partially in the cavity formed by the external wall 1111. The external wall 1111 can comprise concave and / or convex parts. The base body 1110 provided with a cavity formed by the outer wall 1111 of the base body may have a minimum thickness, optionally the majority of its thickness, less than 0.8mm, preferably less than 0.7mm, more preferably less than 0.6mm.

The pressure vessels 1020 generally have a cylindrical end on which the base body 1110 will be fixed. The nozzle 1031, or stem, of a male type valve protrudes from this end and is centered relative to this end. The nozzle 1031, the main body of the valve 1030, and the cylindrical end of the pressure vessel 1020 are aligned along an axis A. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 1111 of the pressure vessel body base may have rotational symmetry about G axis A in the state attached to the container.

The base body 1110 can be provided with a fixing ring 1112 allowing it to be fixed either directly to the pressure vessel, in particular on the housing or the valve, or by means of a ferrule. This fixing ring 1112 may be provided with fixing means over the entire periphery of the fixing ring or distributed regularly. These fixing means may be intended to cooperate with complementary fixing means produced on the housing 1020 or the valve 30 of the pressure vessel, or on the ferrule 1023. In particular, the series of regularly distributed gadroons 1112 of FIG. snap behind a rolled edge 1024 at the interface between the housing 1021 and the valve cup 1035 or between the housing 1021 and the dome 1022 to which the valve cup 1035 is fixed. Other fixing means can be envisaged , such as a continuous rib, a thread for screwing, an extra thickness of material for welding, glue for gluing, etc. The wall 1111 of the base body can be pierced with a finger cot opening 1113 in which the finger cot 1130 sits. The finger cot 1130 can be attached to the rest of the base body 1110 by a tab 1131 which acts as a hinge so that when 'pressure is exerted on the finger stand 1130 towards the inside of the base body 1110, therefore towards the valve 1030 when the diffuser 1100 is fixed on the pressure vessel 1020, the finger stand 1130 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tongue 1131. In the example of Figs. 1A-1B, the finger cot 1130 and the opening of the corresponding finger cot 1113 are placed towards the top of the base body 1110. In other embodiments, the finger cot 1130 can be separated from the base body 1110 and be pressed either in a vertical translational movement or in a tilting movement around a support.

An outlet opening 1114 can be made in the wall 1111 of the base body.

The outlet opening 1114 can be configured so that the product withdrawn from the pressure vessel which exits the outlet duct 1120 passes through it. The adjectives "front" and "rear" refer to this exit of the product through the outlet opening 1114, the product exiting through a front part of the diffuser 1100 and the rear part being opposite it. In the example of Figs.1 A-1B, the finger cot 1130 is attached to the rest of the base body 1110 by the tongue 1131 located at the rear of the finger cot 1130. In another exemplary embodiment, the finger cot can be attached by a tab located at the front of the finger cot.

The base body 1110 may include a connection portion, eg. ex. a connection hole, configured to be connected to the outlet duct 1120 such that the outlet duct 1120 and the base body 1110 are fixed together. In the example of Figs. 1A-1B, the connection hole 1140 passes through between an outer surface of the base body 1110 and an inner surface of the base body 1110, and is configured to facilitate attachment of the outlet duct 1120 of such that the outlet duct 1120 can be hooked to the base body 1110. The outlet duct 1120 can be hooked to the base body 1110 by joining them mechanically, by gluing, welding, and / or heat sealing.

In the example of Figs.lA-1B, the connection hole 1140 is located in the longitudinal section plane of the base body 1110, on a front part of the finger cot 1130. The minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole 1140 on the outer surface of the finger cot 1130, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening 1114 on the outer surface of the base body 1110, may be less than 12mm, preferably less than 10mm, more preferably less than 8mm, less than 8mm in the present example.

Due to the presence of a connection portion allowing the attachment between the outlet duct 1120 and the base body 1110, these two elements of the diffuser 1100 can be made of different materials. The material of the outlet duct 1120 can be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel, while the material of the base body 1110 will not need to fulfill this condition, but can be chosen for its mechanical properties or its environmental and / or economic value, e.g. a recycled material. For example, if the diffuser 1100 is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct 1120 may be food grade, while that of the base body 1110 not being in contact with the product does not need to be. being.

Depending on the fixing means used to fix the outlet duct 1120 to the base body 1110, the materials chosen can be chosen to be compatible or not. Among the materials that can be envisaged for the base body 1110, mention may be made of polymer materials (PE,

PP, PLA, PHA, PBS) whether new or recycled, derived from petroleum or natural resources, biodegradable or not, or even compostable or not. They may contain mineral fillers, eg basalt glass, and be reinforced with mineral or vegetable fibers. Non-polymeric materials can also be considered, such as lignin-based materials, eg cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For the outlet pipe 1120, mention may be made, by way of nonlimiting example, of polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals, eg aluminum, steel, especially stainless steel.

A more detailed description of the outlet duct 1120 can be read below with reference to Figs.2A-2B.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view, respectively, of an outlet duct according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The outlet duct 20 intended to be placed in a base body of the diffuser has a passage 10 between a first end 21 and a second end 22.

The first end 21 of the outlet duct is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 22 of the outlet duct is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure vessel. In the hooked state of the outlet duct 20 to the base body, the second end 22 can be oriented to correspond to an outlet opening of the base body. The second end 22 can be configured to be fixed or floating relative to the outlet opening of the base body, floating in the present example.

The outlet duct 20 has at the first end 21 means for actuating the valve. If the valve is a female type valve, the first end 21 may include a rod intended to penetrate the valve to actuate it. If the valve is of the male type, the first end 21 may be flared to facilitate the introduction of the nozzle during the assembly of the outlet duct 20 on the pressure vessel. Depending on the functions of the passage 10, the outlet duct 20 can be divided between at least a first section 21, a second section 23, and a junction connecting the first section 23 to the second section 24. The first section 23 is configured to cooperate. , through the first end 21, with the valve of the pressure vessel. The valve itself can be a male or female type valve. The first section 23 can also be provided with an extraction chamber configured to extract the product from the pressure vessel upon actuation of the pressure vessel valve.

The second section 24, terminated by the second end 22, is configured for the output of the product. The second end 22 of the outlet duct can be provided with a nozzle to modify the properties of the projection of the product. Depending on the product contained, the internal lateral dimensions of the passage 10 in this second section 24 can be adapted according to the nature of the product, the material of the outlet duct, and the rheological properties of the product, in order to obtain a quality of 'extraction, p. ex. an aerosol, predetermined.

The first section 23 may include a coupling section 231 extending over a third length 13. The coupling section 231 may be defined by the part of the passage 10 between the first end 21 and a shoulder of the passage forming a stop for a nozzle. the pressure vessel valve. The third length 13 can be less than 6mm,

preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm, less than 5mm in the present example.

The first section 23 and the second section 24 can be aligned or inclined with respect to each other, inclined in Figs.2A-2B. The first end 21 may be substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1. The second end 22 may be substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2. The first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 form an angle of inclination a between the first section 23 and the second section 24.

The angle of inclination a between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 may be between 94 ° and 105 °, preferably between 96 ° and 103 °, more preferably between 98 ° and 100 °. In the present example, the angle of inclination a is substantially equal to 99 ° to compensate for a rotation of the outlet duct 20 about an axis perpendicular to the pressure vessel when the valve is actuated. Thus, the trajectory of the projected product may be substantially perpendicular to the pressure vessel.

The first section 23 extends over a first length 11 and the second section 24 extends over a second length 12. The second length 12 may be less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm, less than 8mm in Figs.2A-2B. The second section 24 may be substantially straight for at least 80%, preferably for at least 90%, more preferably for at least 95%, most preferably. on 100%, of the second length 12 in order to define the trajectory of the product projected by the outlet duct 20 as desired, on 100% of 12 in the present example.

The junction connecting the first section 23 and the second section 24 can be defined by a change in the general direction of the second section 24 with respect to the first section 23. Additionally or alternatively, the junction can be defined by a section of which the diameter of the passage 10 decreases from a maximum diameter at the level of the first section 23, to a minimum diameter at the level of the second section 24.

In the example of Figs.2A-2B, the junction has a shoulder of the passage.

The shoulder of the passage 10 defines an immediate reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage 10 between the first section 23 and the second section 24. The junction can therefore be

advantageously of zero length. In another embodiment, see Fig. 3, the junction may include a gradual reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage 10 between the first section 23 and the second section 24.

To allow the installation of the nozzle, the second section 24 can be provided on the side of the second end 22 with a nozzle housing 241. In the example of Figs.2A-2B, the second section 24 is a duct. interior surrounded by an exterior duct 243. The annular space 241 between the interior duct 24 and the exterior duct 243 constitutes the nozzle housing 241. A fourth length 14 between the second end 22 and one end of the exterior duct 243 may be less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

In the present example, the length 14 is less than 2.2mm and is suitable for inserting and retaining the nozzle in the housing 241 defined with the inner duct 24. The nozzle can be fixed in the housing 241 to the. end of the second end 22 mechanically, welded, chemically glued, and / or heat-sealed. The nozzle may be made of a material similar to or different from the material of the outlet duct 20, while being compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel. If the diffuser is not equipped with a nozzle, it is possible to dispense with the external duct 243.

To hook the outlet duct 20 to the base body, the outlet duct 20 may include a tenon 25. In the example of Figs.2A-2B, the tenon 25 is attached to the top of the first section 23 of the outlet duct. and extends, in the hooked state from the outlet duct 20 to the base body, coaxially with the first longitudinal axis A1. According to another embodiment, the tenon 25 may be provided at the junction and s' extending substantially aligned with the first section 23. According to yet another embodiment, the post 25 may extend obliquely with respect to the first longitudinal axis A1.

The tenon 25 of the outlet duct may be introduced or joined to a connection portion of the base body so that it cannot come off on its own. Tenon 25 introduced may join the outlet duct 20 and the base body mechanically, welded, chemically glued, and / or heat-sealed. The tenon 25 of the outlet duct will therefore facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct 20 to the base body and, by its connection to a dedicated connection portion, will facilitate the positioning of the outlet duct 20 relative to the base body.

To hook the outlet duct 20 to the base body in the embodiment of Figs.2A-2B, the tenon 25 is provided with a part configured to cooperate with a complementary connection portion, a connection hole, made in a basic body finger cot. The tenon 25 is intended to be snapped into a connection hole of the finger cot to mechanically join the outlet duct 20 to the base body.

The tenon 25 may include a substantially cylindrical rod 251 which can be fixed by its first end to the outlet duct 20, said rod 251 carrying at its second end a cap 252 of cross section greater than the cross section of the rod 251.

The junction between the rod 251 and the rest of the outlet duct 20 may constitute a shoulder 253 at a distance from the cap 252. In the present case, the tenon 251, 252, 253 comprises a cylinder in which an annular groove is made. The top of the cylinder corresponds to the cap 252. The annular groove forms the shank 251. The shank 251 of the tenon may extend over a length l _T of less than 0.95mm, preferably less than 0.85mm, more preferably less. 0.75mm. In the present example, the shank 251 of the tenon extends over 0.75mm to correspond to the thickness of the wall forming the finger cot of the base body.

The part of the cylinder opposite the cap 252 corresponds to the shoulder 253. The tenon 25 can be joined to the outlet duct 20 by a hollow compartment 26. In the present example, the hollow compartment 26 is of parallelepiped shape to have a simple shape. and structurally rigid. The hollow compartment 26 can act as the shoulder 253.

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a diffuser and an outlet duct according to the invention. The diffuser 3000 includes a base body 1110 and an outlet duct 300.

The base body 1110 may include an outer wall 1110. The outer wall may form a cavity, and the outlet duct 300 may be housed wholly or partially in the cavity formed by the outer wall 1111, wholly in the present example. The outer wall 1111 can include concave and / or convex parts.

Diffuser 3000 is a pressure vessel diffuser. The pressure vessel can include a cylindrical end. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the container, a lower part of the outer wall 1111 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about an axis A in the state attached to the container. The base body 1110 can be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel via a fixing ring 1112. In the present example, the fixing ring 1112 is provided with a series of gadroons distributed regularly over the periphery of an internal surface of the external wall 1111 of the base body. The retaining ring 1112 may be adapted to snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

The base body 1110 may have a finger cot 1130 intended to be depressed by the user to actuate a valve of the pressure vessel. The outer wall 1111 of the base body can be pierced with a finger cot opening in which the finger cot 1130 sits. The finger cot 1130 can be attached to the rest of the base body 1110 by a tab 1131 at the back of the finger cot 1130 which serves as a hinge so that the finger cot 1130 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tongue 1131.

An outlet opening 1114 can be made in the outer wall 1111 of the base body. The outlet opening 1114 can be configured so that the product withdrawn from the pressure vessel which exits the outlet duct 300 passes through it. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the finger cot opening is located on a side portion of the outer wall 1111 and the outlet opening 1114 on an upper surface of the outer wall 1111 base body, substantially in alignment with axis A.

The base body 1110 includes a connection hole 1140. In the present example, there is a connection hole 1140 provided at the finger cot 1130. The connection hole 1140 may be through between an outer surface of the finger cot 1130 and a surface. of the finger cot 1130 and may extend substantially perpendicular to the axis A. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple variations of the connection holes 1140 may be implemented by varying, for example, the number, dimensions, positioning, or the profile of the connection holes.

The connection hole 1140 can be configured to cooperate with a means of connection of the outlet duct 300 such as a stud 325 for example. In the present example, the outlet duct 300 may comprise a tenon extending substantially perpendicular to the axis A and intended to be introduced into the corresponding connection hole 1140 so that the outlet duct 300 is hooked to the body of base 1110. The outlet duct 300 can be retained by the tenon 325 introduced into the corresponding connection hole 1140 by interlocking, gluing, heat sealing, soldering, and the like.

The outlet duct 300 placed in the base body 1110 has a passage 10 between a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 322 is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure vessel. In the hooked state of the outlet duct 300 to the base body 1110, the second end 322 is oriented so that

correspond to the outlet opening 1114. The second end 322 may be floating relative to the outlet opening 1114. The outlet duct 320 may be subdivided between a first substantially rectilinear section 323 of length 11, a second section 324 of length 12 aligned with respect to the first section 323 and substantially coaxial with G axis A, and a junction of length l _j connecting the first section 323 and the second section 324. The second section 324 comprises a single duct forming passage 10 and the outlet duct 300 is not equipped to receive a nozzle in the present example.

The first section 323 may begin at the first end 321 and end at the junction. The first section 323, the second section 324, and the junction may form the passage 10 between the first end 321 and the second end 322. In the present example, the second section 324 is of substantially equal diameter over its length 12, and the junction begins with a gradual increase in this diameter and ends at a shoulder. The first section 324 may begin at the shoulder of the junction and end at the first end 321.

The first section 323 may include a coupling section 323 'extending over a third length 13. The coupling section 323' may be defined by the portion of the passage 10 between the first end 321 and a shoulder of the passage forming a stopper for a stopper. pressure vessel valve nozzle.

The second length 12 may be less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm. The third length 13 may be less than 6mm, preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm. A fourth length 14 between the second end 322 and one end of the outer duct 243 may be less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

Although the principles of the invention have been set forth above in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is given merely by way of example and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. protection which is determined by the appended claims below.

Claims

1. Outlet pipe of a diffuser for pressure vessel fitted with a valve, which outlet pipe is fitted with:

a passage (10) between a first end (21) and a second end (22), said first end (21) being configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel, said second end (22) being configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure vessel;

wherein said passage (10) is defined by a first section (23), a second section (24), and a junction connecting the first section (23) and the second section (24), said first section (23) starting at the first end (21) and ending at the junction, said second section (24) starting at the junction and ending at the second end (22);

wherein the first section (23) extends over a first length 11 and the second section (24) extends over a second length 12, said second length 12 being less than 10mm, preferably less than 9mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

2. An outlet duct according to claim 1, wherein the junction has a shoulder of the passage (10), said shoulder of the passage (10) defining a reduction in the lateral dimension of the passage (10) between the first section (23) and the second section (24).

3. An outlet duct according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the second section (24) is substantially rectilinear over at least 80%, preferably over at least 90%, more preferably over at least 95%, most preferably over 100%. , of the second length 12.

4. An outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first end (21) is substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis A1;

wherein the second end (22) is substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal axis A2; and

wherein an angle α formed between the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 is between 94 ° and 105 °, preferably between 96 ° and 103 °, more preferably between 98 ° and 100 °.

5. An outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first section (23) comprises a coupling section (231) extending over a third length 13, said coupling section (231) being defined by the portion of the passage (10) between the first end (21) and a shoulder of the passage (10) forming a stop for a nozzle of the valve of the pressure vessel; wherein the third length 13 is less than 6mm, preferably less than 5.5mm, more preferably less than 5mm.

6. An outlet duct according to claim 5, wherein the outlet duct is provided with a tenon (25) configured to be fixed to a base body of the diffuser, said tenon (25) being provided at the junction and being substantially aligned with the first section (23).

7. An outlet duct according to the preceding claim, wherein the tenon (25) comprises a rod (251), a shoulder (253), and a cap (252) connected to the outlet duct by the rod (251) and the shoulder (253), said rod (521) terminating opposite the cap by G shoulder (253).

8. An outlet duct according to the preceding claim, wherein the shank (251) of the tenon (25) extends over less than 0.95mm, preferably less than 0.85mm, more preferably less than 0.75mm.

9. An outlet duct according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the outlet duct is provided with a hollow compartment (26) between the tenon (25) and the passage (10).

10. An outlet duct according to any one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the second section (24) is an interior duct (242), said interior duct (242) being surrounded by an exterior duct (243);

- wherein the inner duct (242) and the outer duct (243) define a housing (241) substantially annular, said housing (241) being configured to cooperate with a nozzle.

11. An outlet duct according to the preceding claim, wherein the second end (22) is housed inside the outer duct (243), and wherein a fourth length 14 between the second end (22) and one end of the duct outdoor (243) is less than 2.5mm, preferably less than 2.4mm, more preferably less than 2.3mm, most preferably less than 2.2mm.

12. Diffuser for pressure vessel fitted with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, which diffuser is provided with:

a base body having a finger cot intended to be pushed in by the user to actuate the valve, and having an outlet opening for the outlet of the product contained in the container;

of an outlet duct according to any preceding claim, said outlet duct being attached to the base body such that the second end of the outlet duct is substantially facing the outlet opening of the base body.

13. Diffuser for a pressure vessel according to the preceding claim,

wherein the base body is provided with a connecting hole passing through between an outer surface of the finger cot and an inner surface of the finger cot,

wherein the outlet duct is according to one of claims 6 to 9,

wherein the tenon is secured through the base body connection hole to secure the outlet duct to the base body.

14. A diffuser for a pressure vessel according to the preceding claim,

wherein the second end of the outlet duct is floating relative to the base body;

wherein the minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole on the outer surface of the finger cot, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening on the outer surface of the body base, is less than 12mm, preferably less than 10mm, more preferably less than 8mm.

15. Pressure vessel diffuser according to any one of the claims

above, wherein the base body has a minimum thickness of less than 0.8mm, preferably less than 0.7mm, more preferably less than 0.6mm.