EP3914531B1 - Dispenser for a pressurised container - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a diffuser for a pressure container provided with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, and more particularly a diffuser in several assembled parts.

STATE OF THE ART

Typically, a diffuser is composed of two main parts with distinct functions injected from a single material. These two parts are the outlet duct, whose functions are to conduct the product contained in the pressure vessel from the valve and to dispense this product, and the base body, which protects the outlet duct and includes elements to actuate the outlet duct to cause the product to exit. The diffuser can be molded in a single piece or have parts injected from a single material, optionally in two different colors, and mechanically snapped together. Therefore, depending on the vessel, the commercial distributor of the final item, and the product contained in the vessel, the modeling of the diffuser must be completely redesigned for each new variation, and the production lines readjusted. As a result, these additional modeling and production costs are reflected in the cost of each diffuser produced. Thus, there is a need for a diffuser whose variations have a lower cost.

There are already diffusers whose parts, before assembly, are initially separate and then joined together, e.g. mechanically, by gluing or thermal welding, or made by bi-material injection. However, these diffusers require that their individual parts be completely redesigned and the production lines readjusted for each possible variation of the diffuser. All the additional modeling and manufacturing costs, despite the possibility of using separately manufactured parts for the different parts of the diffuser, are not significantly reduced enough. Therefore, it is necessary to have a diffuser that can be adapted to different variations more easily to limit additional costs.

FR2556242 discloses a diffuser for ambient products comprising a container cover having an axial distribution control tube, this axial tube opening into a first channel terminated by a spray nozzle for immediate diffusion of a product, and into a second channel for delayed diffusion of the product.

US2015/0014368A1 discloses a dispenser for dispensing liquid media, having a base unit and a dispensing head with a dispensing opening. The dispensing head comprises a first portion for attachment and which comprises the dispensing opening. The dispensing head comprises a second portion made to be movable for actuation.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to provide a diffuser whose different parts can be assembled in a way that allows variations between different diffusers to be produced economically, while preserving as much modeling flexibility as possible between the different variations.

According to the invention, there is provided a diffuser for a pressure container provided with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, according to claim 1. The diffuser is provided with a base body and an outlet duct. The base body has a finger cot intended to be pressed by the user to actuate the valve, and has an outlet opening intended for the outlet of the product contained in the container. The outlet duct is placed in the base body, and has a passage between a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure container. The second end is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure container, and to correspond with the outlet opening of the base body. The base body comprises a connection hole at a distance from the outlet opening. The connection hole is through between an external surface of the base body and an internal surface of the base body, and configured to facilitate attachment of the outlet duct such that the outlet duct can be hooked to the base body.

The embodiments of the invention are based inter alia on the inventive idea that the part generating a large number of constraints, and therefore costs, when modeling a new variation of the diffuser is the connection between the base body and the outlet duct. Indeed, if one starts from a new specific model for the base body, the outlet duct must be configured to be connected to a certain part of the base body, and therefore completely redesigned. If conversely one starts from a new specific model for an outlet duct, the base body and the elements for actuating the outlet duct must be configured to be connected in order to correctly cause the outlet of the product contained in the container, and therefore completely redesigned.

By freezing a portion of the base body model with a connection hole, a consistent means of securing the outlet duct to the base body is present for all diffuser variations. The connection hole will be used to facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body. It may be used, for example, to introduce a mechanical attachment, a glue or adhesive, a weld, or a tool to secure the outlet duct to the base body. Since only one connection hole is required at a given position on the base body, modeling flexibility between different diffuser variations is preserved.

Furthermore, since the connection hole is through, the fastening of the outlet duct can be carried out by manipulating the outlet duct and the base body from the outside of the base body and/or with minimal internal manipulation. The fastening of the outlet duct to the base body is therefore not made unduly complex, thus maintaining a cost-effective solution.

In a typical embodiment, the outlet duct may be available in a small number of so-called standard variants, e.g. a variant with a nozzle, and a variant without a nozzle, and the modeling of the variations of the base body may be done so as to adapt to the standard outlet ducts. In addition, the dimensions of the outlet duct may be optimized to use the least possible material. 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.

According to the invention, the outlet duct and the base body are two separate parts, and the outlet duct, in the state attached to the base body, comprises a portion introduced into the connection hole.

In this way, the two parts can be manufactured independently of each other in compatible or incompatible materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the variations of the outlet duct are standardized and already manufactured. This means that only one part, the basic body, will need to be modeled accordingly, which could allow for greater logistical flexibility and reduce costs.

The outlet duct may be attached to the base body by means of a portion of the outlet duct inserted into the connection hole so that it cannot detach on its own. The inserted portion may be mechanically joined, welded, chemically bonded, and/or heat-sealed to the base body. The connection hole will therefore facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct and, by inserting the portion of the outlet duct, 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 attachment between the outlet duct and the base body, these two parts of the diffuser can be made of different materials. Thus, the outlet duct and the base body can also be made with different textures, e.g. a "soft touch" base body, and/or with different colors. The material of the outlet duct can be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the pressure vessel, while the material of the base body will not need to meet 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 is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct must be food grade, while that of the base body not in contact with the product will not need to be.

Depending on the attachment means 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, 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, e.g. basalt glass, and be reinforced with mineral or plant fibers. Non-polymer materials may also be considered, such as lignin-based materials, e.g. cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For the outlet duct, mention may be made, by way of non-limiting example, of polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals, e.g. aluminum, steel, in particular stainless steel.

In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet duct is mechanically attached to the base body through the connection hole.

In this way, the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body is simple to implement. The mechanical attachment can be achieved using an additional fastening element such as a screw or a rivet configured to hold the outlet duct to a wall of the base body. In another exemplary embodiment, the mechanical attachment can be achieved by force-fitting between a portion of the outlet duct and the connection hole. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the mechanical attachment can be achieved by snap-fitting by force-fitting the outlet duct and the base body. The mechanical attachment may or may not be supplemented by attachment by gluing, heat-sealing, or welding.

According to the invention, the connection hole is through between an external surface of the finger cot and an internal surface of the finger cot, preferably transversely to the external and/or internal surface of the finger cot.

In this way, the outlet conduit can be connected directly to the finger stall so that the pressure from the finger stall is efficiently relayed to the valve via the outlet conduit for valve actuation. The movements of the outlet conduit can therefore be mechanically correlated to the movements of the finger stall.

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

In an exemplary embodiment, the finger cot can be elastically connected to the rest of the base body, e.g. by a tab, and the outlet duct directly connected to the finger cot via a portion inserted into the through-hole connection. 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 tilting movement around a support.

In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet duct is provided with a hooking tenon such that the hooking tenon and the outlet duct are integrated into one piece.

In this way, the attachment means is mechanically simple and robust. By integrating the attachment pin into the outlet duct, the number of separate elements making up the diffuser is limited. Depending on the type of attachment pin, the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body can be achieved by interlocking or force-fitting, thus requiring no additional element, or can be achieved with an additional fixing element. A new modeling of a variation of the outlet duct can be carried out simply by modifying the length of the attachment pin according to the desired base body. In addition, the section of the attachment pin can be designed to promote, by cooperating with a section of the connection hole, the alignment and positioning of the outlet duct relative to the base body.

In a preferred embodiment, the hooking lug comprises a rod, a shoulder, and a cap connected to the outlet conduit by the rod, said rod terminating opposite the cap by the shoulder.

In this way, the hooking pin includes a portion, the cap, for retaining the outlet conduit to the base body and not requiring an additional attachment element to the base body. The shoulder and the cap may be configured such that, in the hooked state of the outlet conduit 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 than the corresponding transverse extension of the connection hole. The rod may be configured to pass through the connection hole. By force-fitting the outlet conduit to the base body, the cap and the shoulder may be located on either side of a portion of the connection hole, and the outlet conduit will be fixed to the base body.

In an advantageous embodiment, the hooking pin is configured to cooperate with the connection hole such that, in the hooked state, the inner surface of the base body and the outer surface of the base body are placed between the cap of the hooking pin and the shoulder of the hooking pin.

In this way, the connection hole is made through the very wall of the base body. This simplifies the molding and manufacturing of this structure. In addition, this can help minimize the length of the rod, and therefore the amount of material used.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection hole is defined by a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being an inner portion opening onto the inner surface of the base body, said second portion being an outer portion opening onto the outer surface of the base body; and the first portion and the second portion of the connection hole are configured such that, in the hooked state, the surface of the end of the cap of the hooking lug is flush with the outer surface of the base body.

In this way, the attachment of the outlet duct and the base body is more aesthetic since the external surface of the finger cot punctuated by the surface of the end of the cap can be made continuous. Alternatively, the external surface of the finger cot can have positive and/or negative reliefs and the surface of the end of the cap can be part of these reliefs.

In an advantageous embodiment, the hooking post comprises an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section; and the connecting hole comprises an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section corresponding to the asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section of the hooking post. The asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-sections of the The hooking pin and the connection hole can be chosen in such a way that, in the hooked state, the rotation of the outlet duct relative to the base body is blocked.

In this way, the hanging pin and the connection hole have the dual functionality of hanging means and guiding means of the outlet duct relative to the base body.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet duct is provided with a hollow compartment between the hooking stud and the passage between the first end and the second end.

In this way, the distance between the hanging stud and the passage can easily be adjusted according to the profile of the base body by changing the dimensions of the hollow compartment. In addition, since the compartment is hollow, little material is used. 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 shoulder.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connection hole is located on a front half of the finger cot viewed in the direction of the product outlet from the second end of the outlet conduit, in the hooked state.

In this way, the distance between the connection hole and the second end of the outlet duct is reduced, and the dimensions of the outlet duct can be minimized longitudinally for the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body. In an exemplary embodiment, the finger cot is elastically connected to the base body and the connection is located at the rear of the finger cot viewed in the direction of the product outlet from the second end of the outlet duct; the outlet duct attached to the front of the finger cot can therefore be mechanically correlated to a greater vertical displacement of the finger cot than if it were attached to the rear of the finger cot.

In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the connection hole opening onto the inner surface of the finger cot is configured to be coaxial with the valve of the pressure vessel.

In this way, the portion connecting the outlet conduit to the base body closest to the finger cot is aligned with respect to the valve axis. Pressure on the finger cot causing movement of the finger cot along the valve axis is more efficiently transmitted to actuate the valve. In addition, the conversion of pressure on the finger cot into transverse movement with respect to the valve axis is reduced, resulting in less transverse bending at the outlet end of the valve.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second end of the outlet duct is floating relative to the base body.

In this way, there are fewer connecting elements to be made between the outlet duct and the base body, which requires less material. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the outlet duct may face an oblong and through outlet opening of the base body, said outlet opening being configured to allow the product to exit from the second end of the outlet duct upon movement of the second end along the axis of the valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the base body consists of a wall forming a cavity, said wall comprising a convex front surface seen in the direction of the product outlet from the second end of the outlet duct, in the hooked state, said convex front surface comprising an outlet opening corresponding to the second end of the outlet duct, in the hooked state.

In this way, the outlet opening in the convex front surface of the base body is brought closer to the valve axis, and the longitudinal dimensions of the outlet duct can be minimized.

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

In this way, an additional constraint is added to the modeling of the basic body which ensures the use of an outlet duct whose dimensions are reduced, and therefore whose volume of material used is economically advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the hooking stud, in the hooked state, is visible from outside the diffuser, and has a recognizable shape and/or color to serve as a means of identification by the user.

In this way, the hanging post has the dual function of identifier and hanging means. The shape and/or color of the hanging post can indicate a product type, product origin, precautions for use of the product, product packaging, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Figures 1A-1B montrent une vue en perspective explosée et une vue en perspective d'une coupe longitudinale, respectivement, du diffuseur, de la valve du récipient sous pression, et du récipient sous pression selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• Figures 2A-2B illustrent une vue en coupe longitudinale du diffuseur et un agrandissement, respectivement, selon le mode de réalisation des Figures 1A-1B ;
• Figure 3 illustre une vue en coupe longitudinale du diffuseur selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• Figure 4 illustre une vue en coupe longitudinale du diffuseur selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• Figure 5 illustre une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un diffuseur qui n'est pas selon l'invention.

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 numerals refer to like features throughout the 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-2B illustrate a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser and an enlargement, respectively, according to the embodiment of the Figures 1A-1B ;
• Figure 3 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 4 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 5 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a diffuser which is not according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

THE Figures 1A-1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the valve of the pressure container, and the pressure container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The invention relates to a diffuser 100 for a pressure container 20, in particular for aerosol generators, foam generators, systems for dispensing gels, creams, pasty or liquid products, etc. The diffuser 100 is intended to actuate the valve 30 of the container in order to withdraw at least part of the contents of the pressure container 20 and to dispense it, for example, in the form of an aerosol or foam. The pressure containers 20 generally consist of a housing 21 provided with a neck closed by a valve 30 mounted on a valve cup 35. It happens that the valve cup 35 is fixed to the housing 21 by means of a dome 22. When the valve 30 is of the male type, a nozzle 31, or stem, projects from the valve.

The diffuser 100 comprises a base body 110 and an outlet duct 120. The base body 110 is provided with a cavity formed by an outer wall 111 of the base body or arranged in a substantially solid body. The outlet duct 120 is housed entirely or partially in the cavity formed by the outer wall 111. The outer wall 111 may comprise concave and/or convex portions.

The pressure vessels 20 generally have a cylindrical end on which the base body 110 will be fixed. The nozzle 31 of the valve projects from this end and is centered relative to this end. The nozzle 31, the main body of the valve 30, and the cylindrical end of the pressure vessel 20 are aligned along an axis A. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 111 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about the axis A in the state fixed to the vessel.

The base body 110 may be provided with a fixing ring 112 allowing it to be fixed either directly to the pressure container, in particular on the housing or the valve, or by means of a ferrule. This fixing ring 112 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 20 or the valve 30 of the pressure container, or on the ferrule 23. In particular, the series of regularly distributed grooves of the Fig. 1B can snap behind a rolled edge 24 at the interface between the housing 21 and the valve cup 35 or between the housing 21 and the dome 22 on which the valve cup 35 is fixed. Other means of fixing can be envisaged, such as a continuous rib, a thread for screwing, an excess thickness of material for welding, glue for gluing, etc.

The wall 111 of the base body may be pierced with a finger stall opening 113 in which the finger stall 130 is placed. The finger stall 130 may be fixed to the rest of the base body 110 by a tab 131 which serves as a hinge so that when pressure is exerted on the finger stall 130 towards the inside of the base body 110, therefore towards the valve 30 when the diffuser 100 is fixed on the pressure container 20, the finger stall 130 pivots around an axis transversely passing through the tab 131. In the example of Figs.1A-1B , the finger cot 130 and the corresponding finger cot opening 113 are placed towards the top of the base body 110. In other embodiments, the finger cot 130 can be separated from the base body 110 and be pressed either in a vertical translational movement or in a tilting movement around a support.

An outlet opening 114 is formed in the wall 111 of the base body. The outlet opening 114 is configured so that the product taken from the pressure container which exits the outlet conduit 120 passes through it. The adjectives “front” and “rear” refer to this exit of the product through the outlet opening 114, the product exiting through a front portion of the diffuser 100 and the rear portion being opposite it. In the example of the Figs.1A-1B , the finger cot 130 is fixed to the rest of the base body 110 by the tab 131 located at the rear of the finger cot 130. In another exemplary embodiment, the finger cot may be secured by the tab located at the front of the finger cot, see Fig.4 .

The base body 110 includes a connection hole 140. The connection hole 140 is through between an outer surface of the base body 110 and an inner surface of the base body 110, and is configured to facilitate attachment of the outlet conduit 120 such that the outlet conduit 120 can be hooked to the base body 110. The outlet conduit 120 can be hooked to the base body 110 by joining them mechanically, by gluing, welding, and/or heat sealing. In the example of Figs.1A-1B , the connection hole 140 is located in the longitudinal section plane of the base body 110, on a front part of the finger cot 130.

Due to the presence of the attachment between the outlet duct 120 and the base body 110, these two parts of the diffuser 100 can be made of different materials. The material of the outlet duct 120 can be chosen to be compatible with the product contained in the pressure container, while the material of the base body 110 will not need to meet 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 100 is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct 120 can be food grade, while that of the base body 110 not being in contact with the product does not need to be.

Depending on the attachment means used to fix the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110, the materials chosen may be chosen to be compatible or not. Among the materials that can be considered for the base body 110, 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, e.g. basalt glass, and be reinforced with mineral or plant fibers. Non-polymer materials may also be considered, such as lignin-based materials, e.g. cardboard, wood, materials containing textiles, metals, etc. For the outlet duct 120, non-limiting examples include polymers (PE, PP, POM, PBT, PA, etc.), which are injectable materials, or machinable materials, such as metals, e.g. aluminum, steel, in particular stainless steel.

A more detailed description of the outlet duct 120, its positioning relative to the base body 110, and its attachment for hanging it on the base body 110 can be read below with reference to Figs.2A-2B

THE Figures 2A-2B illustrate a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser and an enlargement, respectively, according to the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1A-1B The diffuser 100 comprises a base body 110 and an outlet duct 120.

The outlet conduit 120 placed in the base body 110 has a passage 123 between a first end 121 and a second end 122. The first end 121 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure container. The second end 122 is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure container. In the attached state of the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110, the second end 122 is oriented so as to correspond to the outlet opening 114. The second end 122 can be fixed or floating relative to the outlet opening 114, floating in the present example.

The outlet conduit 120 has at the first end 121 means for actuating the valve. If the valve is a female type valve, the first end 121 may comprise a stem intended to penetrate the valve to actuate it. If the valve is a male type valve, the first end 121 may be flared to facilitate the introduction of the stem when mounting the diffuser 100 on the pressure container.

The second end 122 of the outlet duct opens outwards and may be provided with a nozzle to improve the quality of the aerosol. If the product does not exit in alignment with the valve, the outlet duct 120 may be divided between at least a first section 124 that is substantially rectilinear and a second section 125 that is inclined relative to the first. In the present example, the first section 124 begins at the first end 121 and ends at the junction with the second section 125. The second section 125 begins at the junction with the first section 124 and ends at the second end 122. The at least one first section 124 and the second section 125 form the passage 123 between the first end 121 and the second end 122.

To allow the installation of a nozzle, the second section 125 can be provided on the side of the second end 122 with a nozzle housing 126. In the example of Figs.2A-2B , the second section 125 consists of an inner duct 125a forming a portion of the passage 123 and which is surrounded by a cylindrical wall 125b at least on the side of the second end 122. The annular space between the inner duct 125a and the cylindrical wall 125b constitutes the nozzle housing 126. If the diffuser 100 is not equipped with a nozzle, it is possible to dispense with the cylindrical wall 125b.

To attach the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110, the outlet duct 120 may comprise a hooking portion 150. In the example of Figs.2A-2B , the hooking portion 150 is joined to the top of the first section 124 of the outlet duct and extends, in the hooked state of the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110, in the direction of the front of the finger cot 130, coaxially with the axis A. According to another embodiment, the hooking portion 150 can extend at a distance from the axis A, parallel to the axis A. According to yet another embodiment, the hooking portion 150 can extend obliquely with respect to the axis A.

To hang the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110 in the embodiment of the Figs.2A-2B , the hooking portion 150 is provided with a part configured to cooperate with a complementary part produced in the finger cot 130. The hooking portion 150 is intended to be snapped into the connection hole 140 to mechanically join the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110.

The hooking portion 150 may include a hooking tenon consisting of a substantially cylindrical rod 152 which can be fixed by its first end to the outlet duct 120, and carrying at its second end a cap 153 of cross-section greater than the cross-section of the rod 152.

The junction between the rod 152 and the remainder of the outlet duct 120 may constitute a shoulder 151 at a distance from the cap 153. In the present case, the attachment tenon 151, 152, 153 comprises a cylinder in which an annular groove is made. The top of the cylinder corresponds to the cap 153. The annular groove forms the rod 152. The part of the cylinder opposite the cap 153 corresponds to the shoulder 151. The attachment portion 150 may be joined to the outlet duct 120 by a hollow compartment 127. In the present example, the hollow compartment 127 is parallelepipedal in shape to have a simple and structurally rigid shape. The hollow compartment 127 may play the role of the shoulder 151.

To prevent the outlet duct 120 from pivoting around the hooking portion 150 at the risk of the second end 122 of the outlet duct no longer being aligned with the outlet opening 114, anti-rotation means may be provided. In the present example, these anti-rotation means consist of two guide tabs 160. These guide tabs 160 are located on the internal surface of the wall 111 of the base body and extend on either side of the second section 125 of the outlet duct of the internal surface of the finger cot and in the direction of the first end 121 of the outlet duct. The two guide tabs 160 are placed opposite each other, preferably symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane parallel to the axis A and passing through the center of the connection hole 140 and the outlet opening 114. They can be spaced apart from each other so as to enclose, or at least surround with little play, the outlet duct 120. To facilitate the positioning of the outlet duct 120, the distance which separates the two guide tabs 160 can widen slightly in the direction of the first end 121 of the outlet duct, along the axis A.

In another preferred embodiment, the hooking post 151, 152, 153 may comprise an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section. The connecting hole 140 may comprise an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section corresponding to the asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section of the hooking post 151, 152, 153. The asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-sections of the hooking post 151, 152, 153 and the connecting hole 140 may comprise a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the hooking post 151, 152, 153. connection 140 can be chosen such that, in the hooked state, the rotation of the outlet duct 120 relative to the base body 110 is blocked.

Depending on the length of the second section 125 of the outlet duct, provision may be made to bring the outlet opening 114 closer in the direction of the axis A with a front portion comprising the outlet opening 114 formed by a convex surface 117. By bringing the outlet opening 114 closer to the convex surface 117, the longitudinal dimension l between the axis A and the end of the second section 125 may be made less than 15mm, preferably less than 12.5mm, more preferably less than 10mm. To make the outlet duct 120 even more compact, the height h of the first section 124 along the axis A between the first end 121 and the top of the passage 123 may be made less than 15mm, preferably less than 12.5mm, more preferably less than 10mm.

The connection hole 140 is provided in the base body 110 to facilitate the attachment of the outlet conduit 120 to the base body. In the present example, the connection hole 140 is located on the front half of the finger cot 120 and is through between an inner surface and an outer surface of the finger cot 120. The minimum distance d between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole 140 on the outer surface of the finger cot 130, and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening 114 on the outer surface of the base body, may be less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

The connection hole 140 may be configured to receive and retain the hooking pin 151, 152, 153. The connection hole 140 may be defined by a first portion 141 and a second portion 142. The first portion 141 may be an internal portion opening onto the internal surface of the base body 110, onto the internal surface of the finger cot 130 in the Figs.2A-2B The second portion 142 may be an external portion opening onto the external surface of the base body 110, onto the external surface of the finger cot 130 in the Figs.2A-2B .

The first portion 141 of the connection hole may be sized to receive the rod 152 of the hooking lug. The second portion 142 of the connection hole may be wider and sized to receive the cap 153 of the hooking lug. In addition, the second portion 142 and the cap 153 may be configured so that the end surface of the cap 153 is flush with the outer surface of the base body 110, flush with the outer surface of the finger cot 130 in the Figs.2A-2B . Thus, in the present example, the surface of the end of the cap 153 is not perpendicular to the axis of the rod 151, but slightly inclined to follow the continuity of the external surface of the finger cot 130 surrounding the connection hole 140.

In another preferred embodiment, the cap 153 may protrude from or be recessed relative to the outer surface of the finger cot 130 surrounding the connection hole 140. Alternatively or in addition, the cap 153 and the connection hole 140 may have cross-sections cross-sections of different shapes and the cap 153 can be introduced through the connection hole by pivoting the outlet conduit 120 relative to its final position in the hooked state.

During fixing, the outlet conduit 120 can be introduced into the cavity formed by the outer wall 111 of the base body. The second end 122 of the outlet conduit can be oriented towards the outlet opening 114. The hooking portion 150 is introduced into the connection hole 140. The cap 153 of the hooking tenon can be pushed by force through the connection hole 140. In the present example, the cap 153 passes by force through the first portion 141 of the connection hole until it opens into the second portion 142 whose cross-section is sufficient to receive it. In this position, the rod 152 of the hooking tenon is placed in the first portion 141 of the connection hole, and the shoulder 151 can be located near, or in contact with, the internal surface of the finger cot 130.

Jointly, the second section 125 of the outlet duct 120 can be inserted between the guide tabs 160. The guide tabs 160 can thus guide the outlet duct so that the second end 122 of the outlet duct and the outlet opening 114 of the base body are corresponding. The hooking tenon 151, 152, 153 fixed through the connection hole 140 can prevent the translation of the outlet duct 120 relative to the finger cot 130 along the axis A. The guide tabs 160 can prevent the rotation of the outlet duct 120 relative to the base body 110 around the axis A.

In another preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the finger cot 130 is provided with reliefs to allow better friction with a user's finger. The cap 153 of the hooking stud may be configured by its shape and/or its size to form a portion of the reliefs. For example, the reliefs are formed by indentations in the outer surface of the finger cot and the cap 153 is sized to cooperate with the connection hole 140 to form a substantially similar indentation.

In addition, a portion of the hanging post 151, 152, 153, in the hanging state, may be visible from outside the diffuser 100, and may have a recognizable shape and/or color to serve as a means of identification by the user. In this way, the hanging post 151, 152, 153 may have the dual function of identifier and hanging means. The shape and/or color of the hanging post may indicate a type of product, an origin of the product, precautions for use of the product, packaging of the product, etc.

There Figure 3 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser 300 comprises a base body 310 and an outlet duct 320.

The base body 310 may comprise an outer wall 311. The outer wall 311 forms a cavity, and the outlet duct 320 is housed entirely or partially in the cavity formed by the outer wall 311, entirely in the present example. The outer wall 311 may comprise concave and/or convex portions.

The diffuser 300 is a diffuser for a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may include a cylindrical end. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 311 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about the axis A in the state attached to the vessel. The base body 310 may be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel via a fastening ring 312. In the present example, the fastening ring 312 is provided with a series of gadroons regularly distributed on the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 311 of the base body. The fastening ring 312 may be adapted to snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

The base body 310 has a finger cot 330 intended to be pressed by the user to actuate a valve of the pressure container. The outer wall 311 of the base body may be pierced with a finger cot opening in which the finger cot 330 is placed. The finger cot 330 may be attached to the rest of the base body 310 by a tab 331 at the rear of the finger cot 330 which serves as a hinge so that the finger cot 330 pivots about an axis transversely passing through the tab 331.

An outlet opening 314 is formed in the outer wall 311 of the base body. The outlet opening 314 is configured so that the product taken from the pressure container which exits the outlet conduit 320 passes through it. In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 , the finger stall opening is joined to the outlet opening 314 at the front of the base body 310. In another embodiment, an arch may separate the outlet opening from the finger stall opening such that the structural strength of the top of the base body 310 is enhanced.

The base body 310 includes a connection hole 340a, 340b. In the present example, there are two connection holes 340a, 340b provided to the finger cot 330. The two connection holes 340a, 340b may be located toward the front of the finger cot 330 in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through the axis A. The two connection holes 340a, 340b are through between an outer surface of the finger cot 330 and an inner surface of the finger cot 330 and may extend substantially parallel to the axis A. The connection holes 340a, 340b may be defined by a cylindrical wall that extends away from an inner surface of the finger cot 330 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple variations of the connection holes 340a, 340b may be implemented by varying, for example, the number, dimensions, positioning, or profile of the connection holes.

The connection holes 340a, 340b are configured to cooperate with a portion of the outlet duct 320. In the present example, the outlet duct 320 may comprise two hooking portions 350a, 350b intended to be introduced into the corresponding connection holes 340, 340b such that the outlet duct 320 is hooked to the base body. The outlet duct 320 may be retained by the two hooking portions 350a, 350b introduced into the corresponding connection holes 340a, 340b by interlocking, gluing, heat-sealing, welding, etc.

The outlet conduit 320 placed in the base body 310 has a passage 323 between a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure container. The second end 322 is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure container. In the attached state of the outlet conduit 320 to the base body 310, the second end 322 is oriented so as to correspond to the outlet opening 314. The second end 322 can be floating relative to the outlet opening 314. The outlet conduit 320 can be divided between a first section 324 substantially rectilinear and a second section 325 inclined relative to the first. The first section 324 may begin at the first end 321 and end at the junction with the second section 325. The second section 325 may begin at the junction with the first section 324 and end at the second end 322. The first section 324 and the second section 325 may form the passage 323 between the first end 321 and the second end 322.

The two attachment portions 350a, 350b of the outlet duct 320 may extend away from the second section 325 of the outlet duct, substantially parallel to the axis A, in the direction of the finger cot 330. During fixing, the outlet duct 320 may be introduced into the cavity formed by the wall 311 of the base body. The second end 322 of the outlet duct may be oriented in the direction of the outlet opening 314. The attachment portions 350a, 350b intended to attach the outlet duct 320 to the base body may be introduced into the corresponding connection holes 340a, 340b before being fixed to each other by gluing, fitting, heat-sealing, welding. By virtue of the two connection holes 340a, 340b cooperating with the two hooking portions 350a, 350b of the outlet duct, the rotation of the outlet duct 320 relative to the base body 310 can be blocked. Those skilled in the art will understand that this rotation can be prevented alternatively by modifying the number and/or the shape of the introduced portions and the corresponding connection holes.

There Figure 4 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the diffuser according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser 400 comprises a base body 410 and an outlet duct 420.

The base body 410 comprises an outer wall 411. The outer wall 411 may comprise concave portions forming a cavity, and the outlet conduit 420 is housed entirely in the cavity formed by the outer wall 411. To cooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressure vessel provided with a valve, a lower portion of the outer wall 411 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about an axis A in the state attached to the vessel. The base body 410 may be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel via a fastening ring 412. In the present example, the fastening ring 412 is provided with a continuous rib on the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 411 of the base body such that the continuous rib can snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

The base body 410 has a finger cot 430 for being pressed in by the user, said finger cot 430 being able to be formed by a finger cot opening 413 in the outer wall 411 of the base body. The finger cot 430 can be attached to the rest of the base body 410 by a tab 431 at the front of the finger cot 430 which serves as a hinge.

An outlet opening 414 is provided in the outer wall 411 of the base body. The outlet opening 414 is configured so that the product taken from the pressure container which exits the outlet conduit 420 passes through it.

The base body 410 includes a connection hole 440. In the present example, there is a connection hole 440 passing through the finger rest 430. The connection hole 440 may be located towards the rear of the finger rest 430 in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through the axis A. The connection hole 440 is through between an outer surface of the finger rest 430 and an inner surface of the finger rest 430 and extend substantially towards the center of the base body 410. The connection hole 440 is configured to facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct 420 to the base body 410.

The outlet conduit 420 placed in the base body 410 has a passage 423 between a first end 421 and a second end 422. The first end 421 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure container. The second end 422 is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure container. In the attached state of the outlet conduit 420 to the base body 410, the second end 422 is oriented so as to correspond to the outlet opening 414. The second end 422 may be floating relative to the outlet opening 414.

The outlet duct 420 may be divided between a first section 424 that is substantially rectilinear and a second section 425 that is inclined relative to the first. The first section 424 and the second section 425 may form the passage 423 between the first end 421 and the second end 422. To allow a nozzle to be installed, the second section 425 may be provided on the side of the second end 422 with a nozzle housing 426, said nozzle housing 426 which can be formed by an annular space between an inner conduit surrounded by a cylindrical wall of the second section 425.

To hook the outlet duct 420 to the base body 410 in the embodiment of the Fig.4 , the outlet duct 420 comprises a hooking portion 450. The hooking portion 450 may be substantially cylindrical and extend towards the rear of the finger cot 430, in the hooked state, from the top of the first portion 424 of the outlet duct. The hooking portion 450 may be provided with a part configured to cooperate with a complementary part or element such that the outlet duct 420 is hooked to the base body 410.

The attachment portion 450 may include a fixing hole 451 configured to cooperate with a fixing means 455. The fixing hole 451 may be blind or through, smooth or threaded. The fixing means 455 may be a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc. During fixing, the outlet duct 420 may be introduced into the cavity formed by the outer wall 411 of the base body. The second end 422 of the outlet duct may be oriented towards the outlet opening 414. The second section 425 of the outlet duct 420 may be inserted between guide tabs 460. The guide tabs 460 may thus guide the outlet duct 420 so that the second end 422 of the outlet duct and the outlet opening 414 of the base body correspond.

These guide tabs 460 may be located on the inner surface of the outer wall 411 of the base body and extend on either side of the outlet opening 414 of the outlet duct and in the direction of the axis A so as to enclose the second section 425 of the outlet duct. The two guide tabs 460 are placed opposite each other, preferably symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane parallel to the axis A and passing through the center of the connection hole 440 and the outlet opening 414.

The fixing hole 451 may be aligned with the connection hole 440. In this way the fixing means 455 may be inserted through the connection hole 440 to cooperate with the fixing hole 455 and hook the outlet conduit 420 to the base body 410. The connection hole 440 may be configured so that, in the hooked state, the fixing means 455 is flush with the outer surface of the finger cot 430 surrounding the connection hole 440.

There Figure 5 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a diffuser which is not according to the invention.

The diffuser 500 comprises a base body 510 and an outlet duct 520.

The base body 510 comprises an outer wall 511. The outer wall 511 may comprise concave portions forming a cavity, and the outlet conduit 520 may be housed entirely in the cavity formed by the outer wall 511. In the present example, the wall outer wall 511 is substantially cylindrical. To cooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressure vessel provided with a valve, a lower portion of the outer wall 511 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about an axis A in the state attached to the vessel. The base body 510 may be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel via a fastening ring 512. In the present example, the fastening ring 512 is provided with a series of grooves regularly distributed on the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 511 of the base body such that the series of grooves can snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

The base body 510 has a finger cot 530 intended to be pressed in by the user, said finger cot 530 being able to be formed by a finger cot opening 513 in the outer wall 511 of the base body. The finger cot 530 can be attached to the rest of the base body 510 by a tab 531 at the rear of the finger cot 530 which serves as a hinge.

An outlet opening 514 is provided in the outer wall 511 of the base body. The outlet opening 514 is configured so that the product taken from the pressure container which exits the outlet conduit 520 passes through it.

The base body 510 comprises a connection hole 540. In the present example, there is a connection hole 540 passing through the outer wall 511 of the base body below the outlet opening 514 at a distance from the outlet opening 514. The connection hole 540 may be located in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through the axis A. The connection hole 540 passes through between an outer surface and an inner surface of the outer wall 511 of the base body and may extend substantially parallel to the axis of the outlet opening 514.

The outlet conduit 520 placed in the base body 510 has a passage 523 between a first end 521 and a second end 522. The first end 521 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure container. The second end 522 is configured for the outlet of the product contained in the pressure container. In the attached state of the outlet conduit 520 to the base body 510, the second end 522 is oriented so as to correspond to the outlet opening 514. The second end 522 may have a fixed position relative to the outlet opening 514.

The outlet duct 520 can be divided between a first substantially rectilinear section 524 and a second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d substantially perpendicular to the first in a rest position of the finger cot 530. The first section 524 and the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d can form the passage 523 between the first end 521 and the second end 522.

The second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may have a cylindrical overall shape and comprise, on its external surface near the junction with the first section 524, a first notch 525d defining a first deformable portion of the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d. The second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may also comprise a second notch 525c located near the internal surface of the external wall 511 of the base body defining a second deformable portion of the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d. The first notch 525d and the second notch 525c may define a movable part 525b of the passage 523, said movable part 525b being able to accompany the vertical movements of the first section 524. The second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may include a fixed part 525a relative to the outlet opening 514, said fixed part 525a being able to be a part defined between the second notch 525c and the second end 522 of the outlet duct.

To hook the outlet duct 520 to the base body 510 in the embodiment of the Fig.5 , the outlet conduit 520 comprises a hooking portion 550. The hooking portion 550 may consist of a plug joined to the fixed portion 525a of the second section of the outlet conduit, and extending substantially parallel thereto at a distance. The hooking portion 550 may be configured to be inserted into the connection hole 540 and keep the outlet conduit 520 hooked to the base body 510 by interlocking, gluing, heat sealing, welding, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number, shape, and dimensions of the plug may be varied depending on the desired hooking. The hooking portion 550, in the hooked state of the outlet conduit 520 to the base body 510, may keep the position of the second end 522 of the outlet conduit fixed relative to the outlet opening. In addition, the hooking portion 550 can block the rotation of the outlet duct 520 relative to the base body.

The outlet conduit 520 may include an attachment portion 526 for attaching the outlet conduit 520 to the finger cot 530. The attachment portion 526 may be configured to be attached to an attachment element 532 provided to the finger cot 530. In this example, the attachment element 532 is a protruding plug from the inner surface of the finger cot 530 extending substantially vertically toward the top of the first section 524 of the outlet conduit. The attachment portion 526, in the Fig.5 , is a cylindrical wall projecting from the top of the first section 524 of the outlet duct extending substantially vertically towards the internal surface of the finger cot 530. The fixing portion 526 and the fixing element 532 can be designed to cooperate mechanically and to fix the finger cot 530 to the outlet duct 520 by interlocking, gluing, heat-sealing, welding.

Preferably, the axes of the fixing element 532, of the fixing portion 526, of the first section 524 of the outlet duct, and of the valve of the pressure container are coaxial. Pressure from the user on the finger cot 530 can cause a substantially vertical movement of the first section 524 of the outlet duct and an actuation of the valve of the pressure container. The vertical movement of the first section 524 of the outlet duct is followed by the flexions of the deformable sections 525c, 525d of the second section of the outlet duct 520. In the actuated position of the finger cot, the movable part 525b of the second section can be inclined by relative to the first section 524 of the outlet duct. Actuation of the valve will cause the product contained in the pressure container to exit through the second end 522 of the outlet duct via the passage 523 of the outlet duct.

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

Claims (15)

1. A diffuser for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, especially for an aerosol generator, which diffuser (100) is provided with:

   - a base body (110) provided with a cavity formed by an outer wall (111) of the base body (110), said base body (110) having a finger tab (130) intended to be depressed by the user in order to actuate the valve (30), and having an outlet opening (114) for the release of the product contained in the container (20),
   wherein a lower part of the outer wall (111) is configured to be attached to a cylindrical end of the container, and

   - an outlet duct (120) placed in the cavity formed by the outer wall (111), which duct (120) has a passage (123) between a first end (121), said first end (121) being configured to engage with the valve (30) of the pressurized container, and a second end (122), said second end (122) being configured for the release of the product contained in the pressurized container (20) and corresponding with the outlet opening (114) of the base body, wherein the base body (110) further comprises a connecting hole (140) at a distance from the outlet opening (114);

   wherein the outlet duct (120) and the base body (110) are two separate parts, and wherein the outlet duct (120), in the state fastened to the base body (110), comprises a portion introduced into the connecting hole (140);

   characterized in that said connecting hole (140) is a through hole between an outer surface of the base body (110) and an inner surface of the base body (110), and is configured to facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct (120) in such a way that the outlet duct (120) can be fastened to the base body (110).
2. The diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the outlet duct (120) is mechanically fastened to the base body (110) through the connecting hole (140).
3. The diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting hole (140) is a through hole between an outer surface of the finger tab (130) and an inner surface of the finger tab (130), preferably transversely to the outer and/or inner surface of the finger tab (130).
4. The diffuser according to claim 2, optionally in combination with claim 3, wherein the outlet duct (120) is provided with a fastening pin (150) such that the fastening pin (150) and the outlet duct (120) are integrated in one piece.
5. The diffuser according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening pin (150) comprises a rod (152), a shoulder (151), and a cap (153) connected to the outlet duct (120) by the rod (152), said rod (152) terminating opposite the cap (153) by the shoulder (151).
6. The diffuser according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening pin (150) is configured to engage with the connecting hole (140) such that, in the fastened state, the inner surface of the base body (110) and the outer surface of the base body (110) are positioned between the cap (153) of the fastening pin and the shoulder (151) of the fastening pin.
7. The diffuser according to any one of claims 5 or 6,
   wherein the connecting hole (140) is defined by a first portion (141) and a second portion (142), said first portion (141) being an inner portion opening onto the inner surface of the base body (110), said second portion (142) being an outer portion opening onto the outer surface of the base body (110), and wherein the first portion (141) and the second portion (142) of the connecting hole are configured such that, in the fastened state, the surface of the end of the cap (153) of the fastening pin is flush with the outer surface of the base body (110).
8. The diffuser according to any one of claims 4 to 7,

   wherein the fastening pin (150) has an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section,

   wherein the connecting hole (140) comprises an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section corresponding to the asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section of the fastening pin (150), said asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-sections of the fastening pin (150) and connecting hole (140) being chosen such that, in the fastened state, rotation of the outlet duct (120) relative to the base body (110) is blocked.
9. The diffuser according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the outlet duct (120) is provided with a hollow compartment (127) between the fastening pin (150) and the passage (123) between the first end (121) and the second end (122).
10. The diffuser according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the connecting hole (140) is located on a front half of the finger tab (130) seen in the direction of the product outlet from the second end (122) of the outlet duct, in the fastened state.
11. The diffuser according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein a portion of the connecting hole (140) opening onto the inner surface of the finger tab (130) is configured to be coaxial with the valve (30) of the pressurized container.
12. The diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (122) of the outlet duct is floating in relation to the base body (110).
13. The diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (110) consists of the outer wall (111) forming a cavity, said wall (111) comprising a convex front surface (117) seen in the direction of release of the product from the second end (122) of the outlet duct, in the fastened state, said convex front surface (117) comprising the outlet opening (114) corresponding with the second end (122) of the outlet duct, in the fastened state.
14. The diffuser according to claims 3 and 13, wherein the minimum distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connecting hole (140) on the outer surface of the finger tab (130), and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening (114) on the outer surface of the base body (110), is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.
15. The diffuser according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein a portion of the fastening pin (150), in the fastened state, is visible from the outside of the diffuser (110), and has a recognizable shape and/or color to serve as a means of identification by the user.

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