EP1206972B1 - Cleanable dispensing head and dispenser equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing head for actuating a dispensing element associated with a container and for dispensing product from the container is provided. The dispensing head may comprise a body configured to be mounted on the container, with the body at least partly defining a feed channel. A movable element may also be provided having a portion defining a dispensing orifice. The movable element may be movable between a first position, in which the dispensing orifice is in fluid communication with the feed channel, and a second position, lacking this fluid communication with the feed channel. An elastic element may also be provided and configured to cause at least one of the portion of the movable element and a part of the body to be elastically biased against the other of the portion of the movable element and the part of the body when the movable element is in the first position.

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing head intended to equip a dispenser for a fluid product to be dispensed in the form of a jet or a spray, as well as a distributor provided with such a distribution head. More in particular, the invention relates to a dispensing head comprising means facilitating cleaning, in the event of blockage.

Generally, a fluid distributor, as targeted by the present invention, includes a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed, provided with one end open, on which is fixed a distribution member. Such an organ of distribution can be a pump or a valve, surmounted by a distribution. A distribution head of this type must ensure in particular two functions. On the one hand, it must allow the user to order actuation of the dispensing member, to eject a dose of product out of of the tank. On the other hand, it must allow the product leaving the tank to a dispensing orifice. Generally, such a dispensing orifice is in particular in the form of a nozzle, connected to the dispensing member via a supply duct with which the distribution head is provided. The distribution of product is then produced in the form of a more or less filiform jet, or the shape of a cloud of fine droplets, called a spray. The routing of product to the dispensing orifice can also be carried out by simple pressure on a compressible product tank. When the distributor is equipped with a distribution valve, in addition to the product, the tank contains a gas under pressure to propel the product to be dispensed through the orifice of distribution.

Conventionally, a distribution head for the distribution of a product liquid, has a body provided with a supply conduit in communication with the product tank, this duct leading to a dispensing nozzle provided an outlet, of small section. Usually such a nozzle is a insert, fixed, during manufacture, on the dispensing head, so not removable.

Certain products, especially when they contain resins, after long period of non-use, tend to clog the inlet channels of product and / or the dispensing nozzle, for example by dry product residue. However, with the distributors currently on the market, it is practically impossible to unclog or clean the nozzle and / or the supply duct, without cause damage to the distributor head, which could be subsequent operation of the dispenser.

Such a clogging phenomenon can occur quite frequently, when the product is a solution or dispersion that dries easily in the open air. We find such products among spray adhesives, or conditioning for hair and skin, such as hair sprays or anti-sun products.

By document FR-A-2 787 731, in the name of the plaintiff, we know a dispensing head intended to equip a fluid dispenser under the form of a jet or spray, comprising: - a body provided with a supply duct in communication with a pump or valve stem of the distributor, and - a part mounted on said body, said part comprising a dispensing orifice can be removably placed in communication with the conduit inlet, said part being movable at will, relative to said body, in view cleaning the supply duct.

It turned out that the readjustment after reassembly of the nozzle on the duct supply is difficult to perform, so obtaining consistent quality of spray, after cleaning, is difficult to insure.

Furthermore, document EP-A-0 726 096 describes a spray head in which the dispensing orifice is movable relative to a supply duct of product, ending in an annular vortex chamber leading to said dispensing orifice. The mobility of the dispensing orifice aims to make vary the divergence characteristics of the spray obtained. Access to this vortex chamber and / or supply ducts, for cleaning these last, is not possible.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a head for easy to clean distribution without complicated disassembly. In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing head whose structure allows the assembly or reassembly of the nozzle relative to the conduit respectively supply, with a precise and reproducible adjustment, as well as with a reliable sealing.

Thus, the invention relates to an improvement of a cleanable dispensing head, capable of ensuring, throughout its period of use, the production of a jet or a spray, in fine droplets of constant quality.

a) un corps délimitant au moins en partie un canal d'amenée, et destiné au montage de la tête sur le récipient, et

b) un élément dans lequel est ménagé ledit orifice de distribution, ledit élément étant mobile entre une première position dans laquelle l'orifice de distribution est en communication avec le canal d'amenée, et une seconde position dans laquelle ladite communication est interrompue, des moyens élastiques étant prévus pour, lorsque ledit élément est dans la première position, assurer un appui élastique entre le corps et ledit élément mobile.

These objects are achieved by producing a dispensing head for actuating a dispensing element, in particular a valve, equipping a container containing a product to be dispensed, and dispensing the product through at least one orifice of distribution, said distribution head comprising:

a) a body delimiting at least partially a supply channel, and intended for mounting the head on the container, and

b) an element in which said dispensing orifice is arranged, said element being movable between a first position in which the dispensing orifice is in communication with the supply channel, and a second position in which said communication is interrupted, elastic means being provided for, when said element is in the first position, ensuring elastic support between the body and said movable element.

Thanks to the arrangement of the invention, the elastic support between the body and the element mobile carrying the dispensing orifice, allows, after dismantling and cleaning the supply channel, to reposition it precisely in its initial position, by with respect to the terminal portion of the inlet channel, thus ensuring perfect reproducibility of the distribution qualities, or even the qualities of spraying, from the dispensing head.

Indeed, the exact positioning of the dispensing orifice is crucial for obtaining a given quality of spray. The slightest inaccuracy of repositioning, for example after cleaning, of the dispensing orifice by compared to the intake canal, will inevitably lead to a deterioration of the original properties of the spray. Indeed, the effect of variation of the characteristics of a spray is well known to those skilled in the art. Also, voluntary modification characteristics of a spray, by varying the geometry of the canal area inlet adjacent to the dispensing orifice, has been described in document EP-A-0 726 096, cited above.

According to an important aspect of the invention, the elastic means are arranged to so that they exert a restoring force, parallel to an axis of exit of the product (passing through the dispensing orifice).

Advantageously, the dispensing orifice is formed in a nozzle spraying, integral, in particular with the movable element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the supply channel delimits, in cooperation with the movable element, when the latter is in the first position, a vortex chamber in communication with the dispensing orifice. Likewise, at least part of the rest of the intake canal can be partially delimited by the movable element and, in part by the body.

Advantageously, the vortex chamber is provided with a central pillar, commonly called "center-post", delimiting in cooperation with the element mobile, when the latter is in the first position, said chamber vortex. Such a “center-post”, generally cylindrical in shape, thus that such a vortex chamber are described, for example, in the document FR-A-2 698 854.

Generally, a vortex chamber is a recess, located directly upstream of the distribution orifice and supplied by a plurality of conduits, forming part of the inlet channel, and opening tangentially into the whirlpool room.

This vortex chamber, as well as the tangential conduits can be hollowed out on the body, and more precisely on a front face of the "center-post".

Alternatively, the vortex chamber, as well as the tangential channels can be engraved on the mobile element, more precisely on its internal face, intended to come into contact with the body.

Such a vortex chamber is able to impart to the product flow, just before crossing the dispensing orifice, a spiral acceleration movement convergent, which makes it possible to obtain a burst in droplets particularly fine product, after passing through said dispensing orifice. This effect is particularly useful, especially when using a precompression, or a distribution valve in combination with a gas compressed propellant, not soluble in the product. If necessary, the valve can be an additional gas valve, well known in the art.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the "center-post" is projecting from a surface of the body, located opposite the orifice of distribution.

According to one embodiment, the elastic means can be secured to the movable element. Also, the elastic means can advantageously consist of an elastically stretchable membrane, arranged, advantageously at a distance, all around the dispensing orifice, in particular in the form of an annular element. To this end, in this configuration, the elasticity of the membrane is such that when the movable member is in the first position, a portion of the movable element located inside of the ring delimited by the membrane and in which the orifice of the distribution, is in elastic support on the "center-post".

According to another embodiment, the elastic means can be in solidarity with the body, and in particular be part of the “center-post”. Also, the "Center-post" can be, at least in part, elastically compressible in a direction parallel to the product exit axis.

In the two above configurations, the elastic means can advantageously be formed of an elastomeric material, chosen in particular in the group of thermoplastic polyester-urethane (AU) elastomers, polybutadiene (BR), bromobutyl (BIIR) or chlorobutyl (CIIR) rubbers, chlorinated polyethylene (CM), polyester-aramid copolymers (CPA), polyester-glycol (CPE), polychloroprene (CR), polyethylene copolymers chlorosulfonated (CSM), copolymers of ethylene and methyl acrylate (EAM), terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM), copolymers of ethylene and propylene (EPM), polyether-urethanes (EU), fluorocarbon co- or terpolymers (FKM, FPM), butyl rubber (IIR), polyisoprene (IR, NR), nitrile rubber (NBR), polyurethanes (PUR), phenyl- or vinyl-methylsilicones (PVMQ), styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), styrene-butadiene block copolymers (SBS), block copolymers of styrene-butadiene-butethylene-styrene (SEBS), block copolymers of styrene-isoprene (SIS), synthetic rubbers (SR), polysulfides (TM), thermoplastic rubbers (TPE), derivatives of elastomeric thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), polyurethanes thermoplastics (TPU), polyvinyl silicones (VMQ), latex copolymers butadiene-styrene-2-vinylpyridine (VP).

From a practical point of view, the dispensing head can be produced by bi-injection (or overmolding) of a thermoplastic elastomer forming the means elastic, and a non-elastomeric material, forming the rest of the head distribution.

It is also possible to make the dispensing head from a single material plastic. In this case, an appropriate thermoplastic material is chosen, by example of polyethylene (LDPE / HDPE), styrene-butadiene block copolymers (SBS), propylene-ethylene copolymers (PP / PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyamides (PA), making it possible to make the means elastic in the form of a zone, in particular annular, of lesser thickness inside which the dispensing orifice is made, this zone of least thickness being able to deform elastically in a direction parallel to the product exit axis, when the moving element goes from the second to the first position.

Sealing means can also be provided, so as to ensure a suitable seal between the body and the movable element, when the latter is in the first position.

Such sealing means can be produced in the form of a system with bead / groove, arranged in particular, continuously, around the parts forming the supply channel. Thus, a bead can be produced on the body, suitable to cooperate with a complementary groove of the movable element, or vice versa, when the latter is in the first position.

Alternatively, the sealing means can be produced in the form of a elastically compressible cord, similarly arranged around the parts forming the supply channel. This cord can be made alternately on the body or on the movable element, slightly prominently.

Advantageously, the passage from the first position to the second of the movable element, and vice versa, is made by a pivoting movement of the element movable around an axis perpendicular to the product exit axis. In that case, the mobile element can be articulated on said body using a hinge, in particular a film hinge or a pin hinge.

Advantageously also, hooking / locking means can be provided for reversibly locking the movable element in the first position.

The invention also relates to an assembly for packaging and distribution of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, said assembly being surmounted a distribution element, in particular a pump or a valve, equipped a distribution head as defined above.

When this set includes a dispensing valve, the product to be dispensed is advantageously conveyed to the valve by means of a propellant under pressure, acting directly or indirectly on the product contained in a reservoir, in communication with said valve, which is provided with the assembly.

Advantageously, the dispensing head of the invention is shaped as a push button having a bearing surface, on which the user presses to cause the ejection of a dose of product.

To better understand the object of the invention, we will describe below, purely illustrative and non-limiting title, preferred embodiments of the invention, shown in the accompanying drawings.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de distribution, équipé d'une tête de distribution, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre, en perspective, une vue de la tête de distribution de la figure 1, en position ouverte ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique, en perspective éclatée, de la tête de distribution de la figure 1, représentée en phase d'assemblage ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de détail en perspective, de la tête de distribution de la figure 3, représentée après assemblage ;
• la figure 5 représente, en coupe axiale, une vue schématique de la tête de distribution représentée sur les figures 1 à 4 ;
• la figure 6 représente, en coupe axiale, une vue schématique d'une tête de distribution, suivant un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 7 représente, en coupe axiale, une vue schématique d'une tête de distribution, suivant encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• la figure 8 enfin, représente, en perspective, une vue éclatée d'une tête de distribution, suivant encore un autre mode encore de réalisation de l'invention.

In these drawings:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly, equipped with a dispensing head, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective, a view of the dispensing head of FIG. 1, in the open position;
• Figure 3 is a schematic view, in exploded perspective, of the dispensing head of Figure 1, shown in the assembly phase;
• Figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the dispensing head of Figure 3, shown after assembly;
• 5 shows, in axial section, a schematic view of the dispensing head shown in Figures 1 to 4;
• FIG. 6 shows, in axial section, a schematic view of a dispensing head, according to another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 7 represents, in axial section, a schematic view of a dispensing head, according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and
• Figure 8 finally shows, in perspective, an exploded view of a dispensing head, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

With reference, in particular to FIGS. 1 to 5, generally designated by the reference 1 a distribution assembly, conforming to a first mode of realization of the invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, all of distribution 1 comprises a cylindrical tank 2, of the metal canister type, with an axis X, in which a liquid product is conditioned, such as a hair spray. The tank 2 is pressurized, in particular using a propellant gas of the type liquefiable or compressed.

The reservoir 2 has, in a conventional manner, a cylindrical body, a closed bottom 4 and a rolled edge 6, defining on its upper part a circular opening. In this opening is fixed, for example by crimping or unbending, a valve holder cup 8 (see figure 2). The cup 8 forms in its center a cylindrical dome 10, in which the body of a distribution valve is mounted 12. The cylindrical dome 10 is surrounded by an annular zone in depression 11. A first end of the valve 12 comprises an actuating rod 14, emerging outside, and passing through the center of the cup 8, at the level of the dome 10. The axis of the actuating rod 14 coincides with the axis X of the tank. Inside the tank 2, the second end of the valve extends by a dip tube 16 extending substantially to the bottom 4 of the container. The dip tube allows the product contained in the tank to be conveyed to the valve 12. The valve used can be a push-in type valve, male or female, or a valve actuated by lateral tilting of the valve stem 14.

A dispensing head 18 is mounted on the free end of the valve stem 14, made in two parts 20, 30. A first part 20 forms the body of the head distribution 18. The free end of the valve stem 14 is engaged in the body. To this end, the body 20 comprises tubular connection means 22a intended to force-fit the body 20 onto the valve stem 14. The portion 22a constitutes an end portion of the channel 50. The channel 50 conveys the product from the valve stem to a dispensing orifice 32, like this will be detailed later.

On the body 20 is mounted, movably between a first position or closed position (Figures 1, 4 and 5) and a second position or open position (Figure 2), a pivoting element 30. In this pivoting element 30 is practiced the distribution orifice 32, in communication with the supply channel 50. The movable element 30 is attached to the body 20 and articulated on the latter by a pin hinge 36a / 36b. A pivot axis Z is defined by the pins 36a.

However, it is conceivable to make this connection by a film barrier, thus making the body 20 and the movable member 30 in one piece.

The movable element 30 constitutes an opening and closing member, of which the opening provides access to the different parts of the inlet channel 50 of the dispensing head 18, as well as on the inner face of the dispensing orifice 32.

By this configuration, the supply channel 50 is partly defined, on the one hand by the body 20, and on the other hand by the movable element 30.

The movable element 30 has the general shape of an “L” element, having a substantially flat front face 31, one lower end of which bears laterally the pins 36a of the hinge. Opposite the hinge, the face front 31 is connected to a plate 37, oriented perpendicular to the face front 31. The plate 37 ends in a folded portion 38 whose orientation is substantially parallel to face 31.

The front face 31 of the movable element 30 comprises a spray nozzle 34, generally circular in shape. The center of the nozzle 34 is drilled, so that form the dispensing orifice 32. Advantageously, the spraying orifice 32 is a cylindrical hole, with a diameter of about 0.15 mm to about 1 mm. Advantageously also, the depth of this dispensing orifice 32 is from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

The nozzle 34 is connected to the rest of the movable element 30 by elastic means 40, materialized, according to the embodiment considered, by an annular zone 41. This annular zone 41 can be made of an elastically material stretchable. The nozzle itself, that is to say the portion 34 in which is the dispensing orifice is made of a substantially rigid material or semi-rigid. The annular zone 41 surrounding it, can be made of a material elastomeric thermoplastic, for example by bi-injection on a non-material elastomeric, in particular rigid to semi-rigid, forming the rest of the element mobile 30. By this configuration, the nozzle 34 is in a way “suspended” in the movable element 30 by the annular zone 41, and is movable elastically in the direction of the normal of the plane of the front face 31. In in other words, an elastic displacement of the nozzle 34 can be carried out in the direction of the direction of output Y of the product through the dispensing orifice 32.

It is understood that, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the area annular 41 can be made of a single material with the movable element 30, especially in the form of a thinner membrane. Such a annular membrane 41 can form concentric undulations or a bellows (Figure 3), favoring under stress, the elastic displacement of the orifice distribution 32 along the orientation of the Y axis, relative to the rest of the element mobile 30. In this embodiment where the mobile element 30 is made in a single material, advantageously a semi-rigid material such as polyethylene.

The body 20 forms a base 20a defining a circular plate 20b. On the plate 20b is arranged a cylindrical structure, comprising a recess 21 shaped so that the movable element 30 can be housed there, when the element mobile 30 is in the first position or closed position. The base 20a is delimited by a peripheral skirt 20c, capable of sliding axially inside of the cup 8, when the valve 12 is actuated.

The recess 21 has a front part 21a intended to receive the part front 31 of the movable element 30. It comprises an upper part 21b intended to receive the plate 37 of the movable element 30. It has a rear part 21c intended to receive the rear part 38 of the movable element 30.

Thus, in the first position of the movable element 30, the front face 31 of it is pressed onto the front part 21a of the recess. Similarly, the plate 37 is placed on the upper surface 21b of the recess 21. The portion folded 38 of the movable member 30 is housed on the rear face 21c. The part folded 38 thus constitutes hooking means ensuring the locking, reversibly, the movable member 30 in the first position. Otherwise, as will be seen below, the plate 37 constitutes a bearing surface allowing the user, by axial pressure using a finger, to activate the dispensing valve 12.

Alternatively or additionally, the plate 37 may include additional locking means 38a / 38b, as illustrated in FIG. 2. These additional locking means 38a / 38b here consist of lateral pins 38a of the movable element 30, capable of cooperating, in the closed position of the assembly, with complementary hollow portions 38b, provided on the sides of the recess 21.

The tubular connection means 22a to the valve stem 14 conduct the product, via part 22 of the supply channel 50, towards the upper surface 21b of the recess 21. At this point, the portion 22 opens into a portion of the channel substantially radial 23, extending by an axial duct 24 hollowed out in the front face 21a of the recess 21. In turn, the conduit 24 opens onto a annular portion 25 of the supply channel. Inside the annular portion, a central pillar or "center-post" 28, protrudes from the front face 21a of the recess 21. The “center-post” has a front face 28a, in the center of which is hollowed out a vortex chamber 27 of cross section circular. A plurality of channels 26 open tangentially to the vortex chamber 27, themselves in communication with the portion ring finger 25.

The vortex chamber 27, thus the different parts of the supply channel 50 are fully closed, when the movable element 30 is in the first position. In this position, the dispensing orifice 32 is substantially opposite from the center of the vortex chamber 27. The vortex chamber promotes, if necessary, a good mixture of the product and the propellant and gives the produces, during its distribution, a spiral movement, converging towards the center of the vortex chamber 27, opposite the dispensing orifice 32. It this results in an acceleration of the product as it passes through the orifice of distribution 32, and thus an explosion of the product into particles substantially homogeneous, allowing to obtain a good quality spray.

The production of such a vortex chamber 27 is suitable, in particular, for spraying a product of low viscosity, pressurized in the tank 2 in particular by a propellant gas which is not soluble in the product. The propellant gas can be chosen from compressed gases (CO ₂ , nitrogen, compressed air), liquefied gases or their mixtures.

To ensure a good seal between, on the one hand the different portions of the inlet channel 50 and respectively of the vortex chamber 27, and other apart from the movable element 30, sealing means 70a, 70b can be provided.

Such sealing means can be produced in the form of a seal. sealing 70a, made of an elastic material and surrounding all of the different portions of the inlet channel 50, including the vortex chamber 27. The seal 70a is slightly protruding and compresses when the movable element moves from the second position to the first. Alternatively, the elastic seal 70a can be replaced by a system comprising a bead and a complementary groove, arranged around the different portions forming the inlet channel. Thus, a bead 70a can be produced on the body 20, capable of cooperate with a complementary groove 70b, provided on the movable element 30 (see Figure 3), or vice versa, when the latter is in the first position.

The distribution of a dose of product P is carried out, in a conventional manner. In Indeed, the actuation of the dispensing valve 12 can be carried out by simple pressure on the upper surface 37 of the dispensing head 18, when the valve is a push-in valve. In the case of a side tilt valve, the valve is actuated by pressing laterally on the head distribution.

After dispensing a dose of product, product residue may remain hung in the inlet channels 50, and in particular in the chamber vortex 27, in particular in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice 32. Or after prolonged rest, for example by evaporation of a solvent which the product contains, or by oxidation of the product, the formation of dry residues occurs, risking blocking entirely or partially the inlet channel and / or the orifice distribution 32.

When such a blockage of the 50 and / or of the vortex chamber 27 and / or of the dispensing orifice 32 is required. To this end, the user rotates the element movable 30 around the axis Z, after releasing the attachment portion 38 and / or additional locking means 38a / 38b. To ensure a good grip between the user's fingers, a portion of the element's surface mobile 30 may include a non-slip profile.

By moving aside the movable element 30, by pivoting around the axis Z, of the body 20, the different parts of the inlet channel 50, the vortex chamber 27 and the interior of the nozzle 34 becomes accessible, and can be cleaned. The two separated parts 20, 30 can then be cleaned, for example by mechanical removal of residues, or by rinsing, in particular with water under the tap.

After drying, the mobile element 30 is repositioned on the body 20 by a pivoting movement in the direction of the arrow F ₁ (FIG. 2), following a movement carried out in the opposite direction to the opening direction. In the closed position of the movable element 30 on the body 20, the internal wall of the nozzle 34 is pressed resiliently against the front face 28a of the "center-post". Thus, the dispensing orifice 32 is permanently pressed, elastically, against the vortex chamber 27, by stretching the elastic membrane 40. The elastic support of the nozzle 34 on the body 20 of the dispensing head, and more precisely on the front face 28a of the "center-post", is symbolized in FIGS. 4 and 5 by the arrows F ₂ .

It should be noted that, according to the invention, the dispensing orifice 32 is, after the operation cleaning the inlet channel or the nozzle, repositioned exactly in the initial position, relative to the vortex chamber 27, thus ensuring perfect reproducibility of the spraying qualities of the dispensing head 18.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view in axial section of an embodiment of a dispensing head 18 ′, simplified compared to the embodiment described above. In fact, the dispensing head 18 ′ does not include a vortex chamber or a “center-post”. Thus, the different portions 22, 23, 24 of the supply channel 50 lead the product directly to the dispensing orifice 32. In the closed position of the dispensing head 18 ', the internal face 31a of the movable element 30 is directly in elastic support, in the direction of the arrows F ₂ , on a flat portion 21a of the body 20. For this purpose, and in the same way as for the previous embodiment, the dispensing orifice 32 is provided in the center a portion 34 connected to the movable element via a ring of elastically stretchable material 41 whose characteristics, in particular of stretchability, are chosen so that, in the mounted position of the movable element 30 on the body 20, the portion 34 is elastically constrained against the portion 21 a of the body 20.

In FIG. 7 is shown a dispensing head 18 ", which differs from the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 by the fact that the dispensing head 18" does not include a "center-post" . Relative to the dispensing head 18 (see in particular in FIG. 5), in which the swirl chamber 27 as well as the tangential channels 26 are hollowed out in an integral portion of the body 20, in the dispensing head 18 ", the swirl chamber 27 as well as the tangential channels 26 are hollowed out in the nozzle 34. Thus, the body 20 forms a plane front face 21a on which is pressed, elastically, the internal face 34a of the nozzle 34. On this internal face 34a are molded the vortex chamber 27 and the tangential channels 26. In the closed position of the dispensing head 18 ", the internal face 34a is directly in elastic support, in the direction of the arrows F ₂ , on a flat portion 21a of the body 20. The channels tangentials 26 are in communication with an annular channel 25 formed between the planar portion 21a of the body 20 and the annular membrane 41. The annular channel 25 communicates with the valve stem via the portions 22, 23 and 24 of the inlet channel 50.

The use and cleaning of the 18 'and 18 "dispensing heads is carried out similar to the use and cleaning of the dispensing head 18, as previously described.

Another embodiment of a dispensing head 118 is shown in the Figure 8. The structure of the dispensing head 118 is substantially similar to the structure of the dispensing head 18 of the first embodiment, described previously. The parts identical to those of FIGS. 1 to 5 bear the same reference numbers. Only the elements that differ will be described in detail later. The reference numbers of these items are numbered greater than 100.

The dispensing head 118 comprises a body 120 provided with a front face 21 a plane. The front face 21a is provided with an annular channel 25 surrounding a "Center-post" 28 of generally cylindrical shape. The front face 28a of the "center-post »Slightly emerges from the plane of the front face 21a. The “center-post” 28 has a composite structure. It has a base of circular section 128b radially delimiting the inner portion of the annular channel 25. The base 128b came in one piece with the body 120 and made of a thermoplastic material relatively rigid. On the base 128b is arranged a zone 140 produced in a elastically compressible material. Elastically compressible area 140 is covered with a plate 128a intended to come into elastic support against the face internal frontal 31 of the movable element 130, when the latter is in position locked on the body 120. In the locking position of the movable element 130, the elastically compressible zone 140 is compressed, so that the face apparent from the plate 128a comes into elastic contact with the movable element 130 and is located substantially at the front face 21a of the body.

On the visible face of the plate 128a are produced profiles capable of defining, with the movable element 130, the tangential channels 26 and the vortex chamber 27, so that the dispensing orifice 32 is centered thereon.

The realization of the elastically compressible zone 140 of the “center-post” 28 can be carried out by any appropriate means, and in particular by multiple injection of a suitable elastomeric material on a substantially rigid material, then of a substantially rigid material on the elastically compressible zone 140.

The use and cleaning of the dispensing head 118 is carried out in a manner similar to the use and cleaning of the dispensing head 18, and presents the same benefits.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of particular realization of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as claimed below.

Claims (18)

1. Dispensing head (18, 18', 18'', 118) for actuating a dispensing element (12), in particular a valve, fitted on a container (2) which contains a product to be dispensed, and for dispensing the product via at least one dispensing orifice (32), said dispensing head comprising:

   a) a body (20, 120) at least partly delimiting a feed channel (50), and intended for mounting the head on the container, and

   b) an element (30, 130) in which said dispensing orifice (32) is formed, said element being movable between a first position, in which the dispensing orifice (32) is in communication with the feed channel (50), and a second position, in which said communication is interrupted, characterized in that elastic means (40, 140) are provided which, when said element (30, 130) is in the first position, ensure an elastic bearing between the body (20, 120) and said movable element (30, 130).
2. Dispensing head according to Claim 1, characterized in that said elastic means (40, 140) are arranged in such a way that they exert a return force parallel to an exit axis (Y) of the product.
3. Dispensing head according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said dispensing orifice (32) is formed in a spray nozzle (34).
4. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feed channel (50) forms, at its end intended to be brought into communication with the dispensing orifice (32), a centre post (28) delimiting, in cooperation with the movable element (30, 130), when the latter is in the first position, a swirl chamber (27) which communicates with the dispensing orifice (32).
5. Dispensing head according to Claim 4, characterized in that said centre post (28) projects from a surface (21a) of the body situated opposite the dispensing orifice (32).
6. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic means (40) are integral with said movable element (30).
7. Dispensing head according to Claim 6, characterized in that the elastic means (40) are formed by an elastically stretchable membrane (41) arranged all round the dispensing orifice (32), particularly in the form of an annular element.
8. Dispensing head according to Claim 4 or 5 and according to Claim 7, characterized in that the elasticity of the membrane (41) is such that, when the movable element (30) is in the first position, a portion (34a) of the movable element situated inside the membrane (41), and in which the dispensing orifice (32) is formed, bears elastically on the centre post (28).
9. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic means (140) are made integral with said body (120).
10. Dispensing head according to Claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the centre post (28) is at least partly elastically compressible in a direction parallel to the exit axis (Y) of the product.
11. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic means (40, 140) are made from an elastomeric material chosen in particular from the group of thermoplastic elastomers of polyester urethane (AU), polybutadiene (BR), bromobutyl (BIIR) or chlorobutyl (CIIR) rubbers, chlorinated polyethylene (CM), copolymers of polyester-aramide (CPA), copolymers of polyester glycol (CPE), polychloroprene (CR), chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM), copolymers of ethylene and methylacrylate (EAM), terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM), copolymers of ethylene and propylene (EPM), polyether urethanes (EU), fluorocarbonated copolymers or terpolymers (FKM, FPM), butyl rubber (IIR), polyisoprene (IR, NR), nitrile rubber (NBR), polyurethanes (PUR), phenyl- or vinyl-methylsilicones (PVMQ), copolymers of styrene-butadiene (SBR), block copolymers of styrene-butadiene (SBS), block copolymers of styrene-butadiene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), block copolymers of styrene-isoprene (SIS), synthetic rubbers (SR), polysulphides (TM), thermoplastic rubbers (TPE), elastomeric thermoplastic polyolefin derivatives (TPO), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyvinyl silicones (VMQ), latex of copolymers of butadiene-styrene-2-vinylpyridine (VP).
12. Dispensing head according to Claim 11, characterized in that it is produced by bi-injection of a thermoplastic elastomer to form the elastic means (40, 140), and of a nonelastomeric material to form the rest of the dispensing head (18, 18', 18'', 118).
13. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the elastic means (40) are formed by a zone of lesser thickness.
14. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that means (70a, 70b) are provided so as to ensure leaktightness between the body (20, 120) and the movable element (30, 130).
15. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the changeover from the first position to the second position of the movable element, and vice versa, is effected by a pivot movement of the movable element (30, 130) about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the exit axis (Y) of the product.
16. Dispensing head according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable element (30, 130) is articulated on said body (20, 120) with the aid of a hinge (36a, 36b), in particular a film hinge or a journal hinge.
17. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening means (38, 38a, 38b) are provided in order to lock the movable element (30, 130) reversibly in the first position.
18. Assembly (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, particularly a cosmetic product, said assembly being surmounted by a dispensing element (12), particularly a pump or a valve, characterized in that it is equipped with a dispensing head (18, 18', 18'', 118) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images