DE2451367A1 - AEROSOL DISTORTIONS AND SUITABLE NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - Google Patents

Description

Attorney's file 25 431 2 OCT 9, 1974 Λ

CIBA-GEIGY AG Basel / SWITZERLAND

Aerosol atomizer and suitable nozzle arrangement "

The invention relates to an aerosol atomizer for dispensing one consisting of a mixture of liquid and gas Spray jet that with

ä) at least one container for a liquid to be atomized Product,

b) at least one source for a propellant arranged inside the container or separately therefrom,

c) a nozzle arrangement, which an atomizer nozzle with ~] one enforcing it, from one inlet side to the

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2-9069 / GC 641 KOMB

f (089) 988272 8 Munich 80, Mauerkircherstraße 45 Banks: Bayerische Vereinsbank Munich 453100

70 43 Telegrams: BERGSTAPFPATENT Munich Hypo-Bank Munich 389 2623

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Central passage leading to the outlet side, which consists of a section for constant flow around an expansion section, its cross-sectional area over its entire length at least equal to the cross-sectional area of the transfer point of the two sections or larger than this, and with at least one penetrating the nozzle and near the transition point between the two sections of the central passage opening into the latter Inlet channel, whose central flow axis at the confluence with the central passage whose axis cuts, furthermore

d) + e) Flow paths for liquid product from the container to the nozzle and for propellant from the propellant source to the nozzle as well

f) + g) shut-off devices for controlling the flow of Liquid along the liquid flow path and propellant along the propellant flow path and in the end

h) an actuating device for actuating the shut-off device eats.

The invention also relates to a novel nozzle arrangement of the type described above, developed from the type described above mentioned Art.

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A nozzle arrangement of the aforesaid type is described in US Pat. No. 3,677,525 and in particular in FIGS of this patent. The arrangement is coupled to a resonator body having a resonator cavity or is used underwater, which in this case apparently acts as a resonator. The nozzle arrangement finds use in atomizer and burner assemblies such as those described in US Pat. No. 3,240,254. In the arrangement described in the first cited patent, either compressed air is in the longitudinal direction extending central passage introduced and fuel or the like in radially extending and under an angle of preferably 30 ° or at a steeper angle up to a right angle between their mean flow axis and the axis of the central passage are pumped into these opening passages, or the fuel is pumped into the central passage, with compressed air then being supplied to the radially extending passages will. The supply of pressurized liquid instead of gas to the central passage of the known The nozzle arrangement is said to have the advantage that clogging is caused by smoke and dirt particles carried along in the liquid are avoided and that a good atomization with a relatively low flow rate of the gas is achieved- * is cash. For this reason, the lengthwise

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fende central passage at its narrowest point or constriction a diameter of about 7.5 now, and the radial Passages are supplied with air at a pressure about 2 to 7 atmospheres above ambient pressure. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the radial passages is independent of whether the central passage is air or Liquid is supplied, considerably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the relatively wide constriction of the central Passage.

In known aerosol atomizers, a liquid contained therein is usually passed through a in the product container existing, pressure-liquefied propellant kept under pressure and for the formation of a mostly conical atomizer jet expelled through a nozzle. The spray jet is created by the natural forces of inertia and Gravity as well as evaporation and relaxation of the droplets of propellant mixed with the liquid product divided into fine droplets. In other versions, the liquid product is passed through a venturi nozzle by a gaseous propellant under pressure is sucked from the product container into the venturi nozzle, whereupon then the mixture of liquid product and gaseous propellant as a spray jet or spray cloud from the venturi nozzle is expelled.

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Recently, an aerosol atomizer of a type has been developed in which within the device itself a certain amount of compressed air is generated and then suddenly through a venturi nozzle is ejected through to suck a liquid product to be atomized from a product container. Examples of such nebulizers are found in U.S. Patents 3,672,5,5 and 3,733,010.

It has been found that nozzle assemblies of the type described in US Pat. No. 3,677,525 are not suitable for achieving the previously used for aerosol spray cans and preferably in those usually provided on such cans To replace printhead actuators arranged nozzle assemblies. They are also unsuitable for use for aerosol atomizers which use compressed air instead of the liquefied gases otherwise used as propellants such as Preon 12, mixtures of Preon 11 and 12, propane, carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide work, as this is a much too coarse atomization results.

On the other hand, it has now also been found that in particular with such aerosol atomizers, which with compressed air work to suck up the liquid product from a container, no average very small droplet size can be achieved. While the droplet size when atomizing

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Use of products such as oral perfumes or odor inhibitors While it is not too critical, it is extremely important for drugs that target the bronchi or lungs the airways or lungs are to be inhaled. For example, drugs used to treat asthma are Droplet sizes of only a few microns desired,

Needless to say, the atomizing nozzle in such aerosol atomizing cans is not provided with resonator devices can be provided, as this is the free formation of an emerging from the nozzle opening and on would interfere with a specific, fairly small, targeted spray. Accordingly, the Invention only applies to those aerosol atomizers in which the outlet opening of the nozzle during the exit of the The spray jet is completely unhindered.

Accordingly, the invention aims to provide an aerosol nebulizer with a novel nozzle arrangement and use such a nozzle arrangement itself for generating a mixture of liquid product and gaseous propellant containing spray jet with much smaller droplet sizes than can be achieved with conventional arrangements and methods are.

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The nozzle arrangement used according to the invention for such a method should be simple to handle and to construct be and easily in connection with conventional aerosol atomizers of the types described above let use.

One according to the invention provided with such a nozzle arrangement Aerosol atomizers can also use compressed air as a propellant and should nonetheless contain a liquid product can atomize a spray of extremely small droplets.

In the case of an aerosol atomizer of the last-mentioned type, according to the invention, the required air is compressed only a small amount of force is required, so that the device is easy to handle for the user.

An aerosol atomizer according to the invention as described above Art Bell have only a few moving parts, so that it can be manufactured easily and cheaply and is reliable is in use.

According to the invention, an aerosol atomizer of the type mentioned is characterized in that it is one of the container for the liquid to be atomized or the liquid

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keits flow path on the upstream side of the flow has the liquid-controlling shut-off device associated device for generating a liquid pressure and that the actuating device has at least one adjusting device for the latter shut-off device, by means of which the latter can be adjusted so that the liquid flowing into the nozzle has a higher level Has pressure than the propellant flowing into the nozzle.

The device for generating the liquid pressure can be formed by the propellant source, which in this Trap is arranged in the product container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, provided with the novel nozzle arrangement aerosol atomizer, the problem of "spitting" is solved, that is, the When actuated, the device immediately emits a spray jet composed of fine droplets, without initially to expel larger drops of the liquid to be atomized.

In the aerosol atomizer provided with the novel nozzle arrangement, the compressed air flow and the product flow are preferred controlled in such a way that the product is completely ejected in each case, so that dripping of the product from

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the nozzle arrangement is avoided after the flow of compressed air has ceased.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention embodies an aerosol atomizer with a nozzle arrangement of the type described Type and with means for delivering a jet of liquid into the compressed air stream or the stream another propellant while metering the amount of liquid atomized by the propellant or the compressed air which metered amounts of liquid can be dispensed in successive bursts.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the aerosol atomizer the device for generating the liquid pressure is assigned to the container for the liquid product, and in particular the flow path of the liquid in these embodiments is with the inlet end of the central one Passage of the atomizer nozzle connected, while the flow path for the propellant with the at least one radial Passage of the nozzle is connected.

In these preferred embodiments of an inventive Aerosol atomizer is preferably a novel nozzle arrangement use, in which the or each spray Passage or inlet of the feed of the pressurized

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Propellant to the nozzle is used and each inlet is the axis of the the flow of the liquid leading central passage of the nozzle at its confluence with this under a Angle of 70 to 110 ° intersects, at which further the Total cross-sectional area of the radial inlet or the inlets at its or their confluence with the in the longitudinal direction extending central passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of the latter at the transition point to diverging passage part and in which at the open outlet end of the diverging passage part of the nozzle none there are mechanical obstacles in the path of the spray jet emerging from it.

Said intersection angle is preferably a right angle, and there are preferably at least two of the aforesaid radial inlets are present, the mouths of which in the central passage are diametrically opposite one another, as this is known per se from other nozzle arrangements in which the central passage extending in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle is flowed through by air or another propellant.

In the case of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, the total cross-sectional area is the inlets are preferably about two to ten times as large as the cross-sectional area of the central one Passage at the crossing point.

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In a particularly preferred embodiment ^ form of the invention Nozzle arrangement is the total cross-sectional area corresponding to a diameter of the radial inlets 0.1 to 1.5 mm and the cross-sectional area of the central passage at the transition point corresponding to a diameter of 0.05 to 0.5 mm.

A particularly fine atomization is achieved when the device to control the pressure is set so that the pressure of the supplied through the liquid supply line Liquid is about 0.3 to 1 bar higher than that of the gas fed through the gas feed line of the nozzle.

The pressure control device is preferably adjustable in such a way that the liquid flows from the liquid supply line to the nozzle is supplied under a pressure lying 2 to 8 bar above ambient pressure and the gas is supplied under a pressure of 1.7 to 7 bar above ambient pressure is supplied via the gas supply line.

To further improve the atomizing effect and to make it easier the entry of the pressurized gas into the "flow of the liquid flowing out under pressure indicates that for constant Portion of the central nozzle passage designed for flow through a portion extending from the inlet end of the nozzle smaller diameter and one between this

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and the larger diameter portion lying on the divergent passage section, the or each being radial Inlet at the aforementioned angle of 80 to 100 ° next to the transition point between the section larger diameter and the diverging passage section preferably opens into the former.

The nozzle present in the nozzle arrangement according to the invention can either be a simple nozzle with a central passage passing through it for emitting a spray jet Be liquid droplets, or a Venturi nozzle with a narrowed throttle passage, with a liquid supply line is connected to the nozzle for the supply of a liquid flowing through the nozzle in the longitudinal direction and at least a feed line for a pressurized gas into the liquid flow passing through the nozzle in the longitudinal direction transversely to the same and under the conditions detailed above at a location close to the exit point of the spray jet from the nozzle opens into this. The atomizing process according to the invention is thus carried out in such a way that one flowing a liquid under pressure in the longitudinal direction through a limited space and the liquid flow near above a point where it emerges from the confined space, a pressurized gas in the transverse direction and below the conditions given above.

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The novel nozzle arrangement and the method of using it make it possible to produce a spray jet with very to produce much smaller liquid droplets than when supplying gas to the longitudinal direction central passage of the nozzle and supply of the liquid in the transverse direction white with venturi nozzles of aerosol atomizers or with the known burner nozzles listed above.

The invention is implemented in a particular embodiment an aerosol nebulizer with a novel nozzle arrangement of the type described above, in which the atomization of a liquid product takes place with the aid of a stream of compressed air.

For many years, the main aerosol atomizers used have been set up so that a pressurized Standing propellant together with the product to be atomized in a container closed with a valve is housed. When the valve is opened, the pressure of the propellant forces that with the propellant mixed product through the valve and a nozzle. Due to the high pressure of the propellant the mixture of this and the product then emerges from the nozzle in atomized form.

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Over the past decade, aerosol atomizers have been developed in which the propellant is separated from is contained in the product to be atomized and only mixes with the product at the moment of atomization. This made it possible, normally incompatible with the propellant when stored together for a long time To atomize products using aerosol atomizers. However, such atomizers still use a liquid propellant for expelling and atomizing the product.

Recently there has been the possibility of harmful effects the propellants used in such atomizers, such as various types of Freon gas, have been widely discussed. In the case of atomized products, such as paint or insecticides, that do not directly affect the human body are applied, the user can take certain safety precautions so that he can use the atomized mixture does not inhale from product and propellant. However, the product is intended to be applied to the human body or be absorbed by this, as in the case of odor-inhibiting agents sprayed directly on the body or with Oral perfumes sprayed directly into the mouth is the case, so it cannot be avoided that the user uses the is exposed to the harmful effects of the propellant.

This disadvantage of liquefied gases as propellants

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reversing aerosol atomizers recently for the development of atomizers, which are used to suck in a product from a special product container Use compressed air which is released each time the Compressed by hand. Examples of such nebulizers can be found in U.S. Patents 3,672,5 ^ 5 and 3 733 010. Since these atomizers only use compressed air instead of a propellant, the User not endangered by the propellant. Such devices are therefore preferably suitable for atomization of products such as medicines and products for cosmetics and personal hygiene and the like in which it is undesirable for the user to be exposed to the hazards of conventional propellants.

It has now been found, however, that with such a device, which with compressed air for suction of the liquid product working out of a container, do not allow very small droplet sizes to be achieved. True is the droplet size in products such as oral perfumes or odor control agents are not particularly important. On the other hand, it is of the utmost importance in the case of drugs, which, if necessary, should be inhaled into the bronchial area of the respiratory tract or into the lungs. When drugs are used for the treatment of asthma

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For example, droplet sizes down to about 5 μ are desired.

In preferred embodiments of the invention Aerosol atomizer is preferably a device for generating a liquid pressure in the form of a Product pressure pump provided, which generates a pressure in the product and a piston and a relative to this movable cylinder, wherein the shut-off device for controlling the flow of the propellant a movable shut-off element in driving connection with the movable part of the product pressure pump has, which under actuation of the actuating device for the purpose of moving the movable part of the product pressure pump is movable substantially simultaneously with this. One on the moving part of the product pressure pump and acting on the shut-off spring keeps it closed until it is directly attacked by the Actuating device is opened. One in the fluid flow path between the pressure pump and the nozzle arranged product shut-off device is essentially simultaneously with the actuation of the product pressure pump opened to generate the fluid pressure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it comprises

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the propellant source is a piston pump compressing the air, which is in or on one of the atomizer nozzle supporting main part or "support body" of the atomizer is attached. The air compressor has a piston and a cylinder, one part of which is fixedly attached to the main part of the atomizer while moving move the other part for compressing air along a compression stroke with respect to the stationary part leaves. In this case, the flow path for the fluid, i.e. the compressed air, is from which Air compression space through the support body of the atomizer to the nozzle, the shut-off element comprises an im Support body of the atomizer housed, movable shut-off member, which the flow path for the compressed air locks in the non-actuated position, and the actuating device is in operative relation to the moving part of the air pump and to the shut-off element for compressed air arranged to open the flow path for the propellant shortly before the latter by direct attack Operate the end of the compression stroke after the air pump compresses the air to a predetermined pressure Has.

In the last-described preferred embodiment the air pump and the liquid container can be connected

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be arranged on opposite sides of the support body of the atomizer, wherein the support body may have a cylindrical cavity in alignment with the air pump, which the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump forms. In this case, the movable shut-off element for compressed air is in contact with the the air pump facing the end of the piston of the liquid pressure pump j so that this during the movement of the Blocking member for opening the compressed air flow path in a direction generating a pressure in the liquid is moved.

In such an embodiment, the piston of the liquid pressure pump have an extension protruding in the direction of the air pump and are shaped in this way be that between this extension and the inner wall of a chamber formed in the support body of the atomizer a part of the compressed air flow path is formed. In this case, the atomizing nozzle can be at its inlet end Via one of the piston of the liquid pressure pump penetrating and next to the extension of the same in Area of the inlet end of the nozzle emptying flow path for the liquid with the cylinder of the liquid s-pressure pump s-flow-connected.

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The port set of the piston can also have an annular groove, into which the flow path of the liquid opens, and the shut-off device for controlling the flow of liquid can be formed by an annular seal inserted into the annular groove, which blocks the flow path of the liquid in the non-actuated position and is expandable enough to clear the flow path upon passage of pressurized liquid.

In another such embodiment of the invention the support body of the atomizer has a tubular socket on its side facing away from the air pump with a central passage which is aligned with the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump. In this case the product container has a closure part which has a dispensing opening and which seals the tubular Frame surrounds. The socket contains a shut-off device for controlling the entry of the product from the product container into the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump. The product container can be opened together with the shut-off device peel off the tubular socket, which means that it can be exchanged.

The piston of the liquid pressure pump has in this

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Embodiment preferably one in the direction of the Air pump protruding port set, which is shaped so that between it and the inner surface of the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump, a part of the compressed air flow path is formed. The support body of the atomizer also includes a through part of the interior of the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump Compressed air flow path formed next to the extension, which runs towards the nozzle, and one of one Place the wall of the last-mentioned cylinder at a certain distance from the compressed air flow path on the the side facing away from the air pump leading to the nozzle flow path for the product. At a point between the two flow paths is a seal between the piston and the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump arranged, and "between the product passage and the The remaining part of the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump is a compressible one in the flow path of the product Provided a seal which can be compressed under the pressure of the product to move along the product flow to release the cylinder to the product passage and via this to the atomizer nozzle.

In yet another such embodiment of the Invention are the air pump and the product container

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opposite ends of the support body of the atomizer arranged 3 and the support body has one with the Air pump aligned bore. The cylinder of the liquid pressure pump is slidably arranged in this bore The shut-off element of the shut-off element controlling the compressed air flow is in the one facing the air pump Arranged on the end face of the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump, the piston of the liquid pressure pump is fixedly attached to the support body of the atomizer or formed in one piece with this and sliding guided in the cylinder that is movable opposite it, and the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump has one of its interior to the nozzle leading passage.

The atomizer nozzle is preferably in or on one Part of the wall of the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump is attached and the interior of the cylinder is In flow communication with the central passage of the nozzle via a passage running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer.

In yet another such embodiment of the In accordance with the invention, the air compressor comprises a cylinder and a fixedly connected to the support body of the atomizer a sliding air-compressing piston, which is preferably one-piece with it

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contains duct container and another cavity that forms the cylinder of the liquid pressure pump and is fluidically connected to the product container. A piston of the liquid pressure pump that is slidably guided in the last-mentioned cavity has a piston the air pump penetrating hollow extension, which at the end of the compression stroke in contact with the Preßluf-t shut-off element comes, whereby the flow path for the product through the additionally as an actuating device serving extension extends therethrough.

In a somewhat modified such embodiment of the invention are the air pump and the product container on opposite sides of the support body

ι
of the atomizer and the support body has a cylindrical recess forming the cylinder of the air pump and a central bore which opens at one end into the cylindrical recess and at the other end into the product container. The support body of the atomizer carries the atomizer nozzle whose central passage is fluidically connected to the central support body bore via a product passage and its radial inlets via a passage with this opening into the central bore at a point between the mouth of the product passage and the cylindrical recess flow

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are connected to the sound. In this case the liquid pressure pump has one fixed to the end of the main body of the atomizer facing away from the cylindrical recess attached or with this one-piece piston with a central passage penetrating it and a cylinder which is sealingly and slidably guided on the piston. In this embodiment, the Shut-off devices for controlling the product flow and the propellant flow have a common, the movable one Shut-off member-forming valve stem with a first and a second sealing element for closing the mouths of the passage for the propellant or the passage for the product flow to the atomizer nozzle .

The sealing element for controlling the propellant flow is preferred in this embodiment formed by a ring seal that surrounds the movable valve stem and is firmly attached to it, and that Sealing element for controlling the product comprises a sleeve and a loosely arranged on the shaft serving as a stop for the sleeve flange on the valve stem, as well as a ring seal, which the the cylindrical recess facing part of the central bore permanently opposite that facing the product container

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turned part of the same seals and when moving the valve stem between a position to release the flow connection between the cylindrical recess and the passage for the propellant and a position on the other side of the opening of the propellant passage into the central bore for sealing of the cylindrical cavity is movable relative to the propellant passage.

In the last described embodiment is the Actuating device an actuating pin seated at the end of the movable valve stem, the valve stem has a retaining flange for an air valve and the ring seal is between the actuating pin and the Arranged retaining flange.

In the same embodiment, the shut-off device comprises one between the mouth of the product passage in the central support body bore and the piston of the liquid pressure pump arranged on the movable valve stem and a valve body cooperating with this Valve seat in the central hole. In the movement of the actuating pin caused by the With the valve stem, the valve body is lifted off the valve seat.

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In a first embodiment of an atomizer for the liquid pressure pump has one on which the atomizer nozzle carries the dispensing of metered amounts Main part (support body) of the atomizer attached, fixed piston on, with one of one point proceeding next to the main part of the atomizer and into a main part penetrating to the inlet end the central passage of the arranged therein atomizing nozzle leading passage opening central bore and a radial bore leading from this bore to the outside of the piston. -Ferner is a movable one Hollow piston provided, with an axial bore penetrating it, in which the stationary piston forms a seal is led. The movable piston is in a guide bushing arranged on the main part of the atomizer guided. A movable one designed as a product container The cylinder takes the end of the movable piston facing away from the main part of the atomizer in a sealing manner on. The shut-off device for the product comprises a sealing arrangement attached to the end of the movable piston and a second seal assembly mounted in the axial bore of the movable piston, which on a valve seat in a part further away from the main part of the atomizer than the radial passage of the stationary piston can be applied. The first you

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arrangement prevents flow of the product from the axial bore into the radial passage, as long as the liquid pressure pump is not actuated, and gives when the movable cylinder filled with the liquid product moves together with the movable piston free the flow connection between the axial bore and the radial passage, so that the product can flow from the central bore via the passage to the atomizing nozzle until the second sealing arrangement with a further movement of the movable cylinder with respect to the fixed and the movable piston in the direction of the main part of the atomizer touches on the valve seat and thus the Inflow of the product from the interior of the movable cylinder to that adjacent to the first sealing arrangement Interrupts part of the central hole in the main part (support body) of the atomizer.

Purely the return of the movable piston to the non-actuated In the initial position, a return spring is preferably arranged between it and the stationary piston .

In a nozzle arrangement for use in one of the embodiments described above in such Pal-

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len in which a fairly coarse atomization is still permissible j can be the flow path for the product with at least one inlet of the spray nozzle and the flow path for the propellant if the inlet end the central passage of the nozzle is closed, with at least one other radial inlet alone, or with at least one other radial inlet of the nozzle and with the inlet end of the central one Passage of the same be connected.

The various nozzle arrangements can be used for all of the embodiments of the invention described above Aerosol atomizer can be used. Although not such small droplets can be achieved with it are as with the nozzle arrangement described first, but they offer certain advantages compared to before known nozzle assemblies used in hand-operated aerosol atomizers. In particular occurs in the case of such nozzle arrangements not the one previously used in aerosol atomizers with an air pump as a propellant source nozzle arrangements used known "spitting".

Spitting is in the use of such atomizers avoided by the fact that this is a pressurized gas, especially

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re a source of compressed air, a source also kept under pressure for a liquid to be atomized and an atomizing nozzle having a central nozzle passage and from a supply chamber surrounding the nozzle having transverse passages leading to the central pressure passage, the apparatus being one of the source of the pressurized liquid to the feed ring chamber flow path for the product to be atomized and a flow path for the pressurized gas which also leads from the pressurized gas source to the supply chamber having. Thanks to this arrangement, we the liquid to be atomized before entering the middle The outlet passage of the nozzle through the transverse passages is already mixed to a certain extent with the pressurized gas, causing the exit of excessively large droplets at the beginning of the exit of pressurized gas and that of under pressure standing liquid, i.e. the above-mentioned "spitting" is avoided.

Finally, in a further embodiment of an aerosol atomizer for atomizing at least one and preferably several liquid products by means of a propellant under relatively low pressure, especially for creating a very fine spray with very small droplets on the order of

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a few microns using a pressure of only about 1.5 to about 8 bar above ambient pressure present in the atomizer propellant, provided according to the invention that the atomizer one or more Product sources for products to be atomized as well as a source for a gaseous, pressurized one Has propellants for exerting pressure on the liquid products, the product sources for example a rigid container containing a liquid product and / or one within the rigid container arranged, collapsible container containing the first or a second liquid product, have, and the source of the gaseous propellant, for example, a certain amount of one under Pressurized gaseous propellant is which is above the one liquid product and from this is contained separately in the container and the second container, if this is present, at least partially surrounds that shut-off devices are provided on the container, which one of the product source or the pressurized flow path leading through the shut-off device to the product sources Product, a pressurized gas resp. Propellant flow path and at least one through the

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Movement of a valve stem to close or open of the flow paths have actuatable shut-off member, and that an atomizing nozzle is present which an outwardly leading central passage for pressurized liquid product and at least substantially the liquid product passage near upstream of the exit end of the atomizing nozzle has right-angled cutting compressed gas inlet. In such an arrangement, the pressurized gas exerts on the liquid product or the liquid products when they emerge from the atomizer nozzle a shear effect and thus a mechanical dividing effect on the flow of the liquid as it emerges the atomizer nozzle, so that even at a pressure of the gas, i.e. the propellant, of only about 1.5 bar an extremely fine spray mist with droplets on the order of only a few microns can be achieved.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a nozzle arrangement in a first embodiment of the invention,

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Pig. Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a nozzle in shape a Venturi nozzle in the nozzle arrangement according to the invention,

3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol atomizer in a first embodiment of the invention, with the individual parts in the non-actuated position,

4 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 3 with the parts in the actuating position,

5 shows an oblique view of the atomizer on a reduced scale,

6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an atomizer in a second embodiment of the invention, with the parts in the non-actuated position,

7 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 6 with the parts in the actuating position,

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8 is a longitudinal sectional view of an atomizer in a third embodiment of the invention, with the parts in FIG inoperative position,

9 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 8 with the parts in the actuating position,

10 shows a partial sectional view of a modified embodiment of a nozzle arrangement,

11 is a longitudinal sectional view of an atomizer in a fourth embodiment of the invention, with the parts in the non-actuated position,

FIG. 12 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 11 with the parts in the actuating position,

13 is a partial sectional view of a modified piston-cylinder arrangement for the in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,

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Pig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of an atomizer in a fifth embodiment of the invention, with the parts in the non-actuated position,

FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14 with the parts in the actuation position,

16 shows a reduced oblique view of the atomizer shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 ,

17 is a view of a nebulizer in one further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the nebulizer shown in Fig. 17 with the Sharing in the inoperative position,

19 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the atomizer according to FIG. 18, with the Parts also in the non-actuated position,

FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 19

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Pig. 21 another pig. 19 corresponding

View with the parts in their after interruption of the flow of liquid with continued discharge of compressed air
positions taken,

FIG. 22 is another corresponding to FIG. 19

View with the parts in their positions after the return movement has begun the movable valve stem,

23 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol atomizer according to the invention
Devices for the delivery of metered quantities of a liquid product, with the parts in the non-actuated position,

FIG. 24 shows a reduced view of the nebulizer according to FIG. 23 ₃

25 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 23 with the parts in the actuating position Start of dispensing a dosed amount of liquid,

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Fig. 26 shows a pig. 25 corresponding view with some parts in the actuated position at the end of the dispensing of the liquid,

Fig. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of an aerosol atomizer with devices for dispensing a metered amount of a liquid product, with the parts in inoperative position,

28 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 27 with the parts in the actuating position,

Fig. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view of yet another embodiment of one according to the invention Aerosol atomizers with devices for dispensing dosed quantities of a liquid product, with the moving parts in the non-actuated position,

FIG. 30 is a view corresponding to FIG. 29 with the moving parts in actuation.

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position,

Pig. 31 shown partially in section to 36

Side views of parts of the atomizer according to FIG. 29 in modified form Versions,

37 is a longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol atomizer with yet another embodiment of the invention Nozzle arrangement, with the parts in the non-actuated position,

Fig. 38 is a sectional view of the upper part an embodiment of the invention Aerosol atomizer with a source of a liquefied, gaseous propellant, with the parts in the inoperative position,

FIG. 39> a view in section along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in FIG. 38,

FIG. 40 a view in section along the line XL-XL in FIG. 38;

509821/0666 _ ₃₇ _

Pig. 41 a pig. 38 corresponding sectional view with the parts in the actuation position, and

Fig. 42 Pig. 38 and 39 corresponding views 44

th further embodiments of the

atomizer according to the invention.

Those in Pig ,. I illustrated nozzle arrangement according to the invention has a nozzle 3 with a central passage 4 penetrating this in the spraying direction. This has a Inlet end 4a and an outlet end 4b and is composed of a section 5 with a constant cross section and a diverging section 6 that adjoins the same steplessly on the downstream side has one of the transition point 5a between him and the section 5 from up to the outlet end 4b increasing diameter, i.e. its wall diverges in the direction of flow towards the exit end 4b.

Upstream, shortly before the diverging section 6, several inlets 7 open transversely into the central passage 4 the nozzle. The inlets 7 run radially inward to their openings 7a in the central passage 4,

509821/0666 _ ₃₈ _

so that the direction of one at the mouths yes. exiting flow forms an angle α with the flow direction running in the longitudinal direction through the section 5 of constant diameter.

A liquid product is fed to the nozzle from a product container 1 via a liquid pressure pump 30, a shut-off device 10 controlling the flow of the liquid and one with the inlet end 4a of the central one Passage 4 connected flow path 8 supplied. A gaseous propellant is under one at most about seven to eight bar above ambient pressure via a through the propellant flow controlling shut-off element 11 controlled flow path 9 a passage 13 in a main part (or "support body") of the atomizer 20 supplied. This support body is shown as a bushing 20 in which the nozzle 3 is permanently installed. From the passage 13 from the propellant flows into an annular supply chamber 14, which of the section 5 of the central passage 4 in a plane preferably perpendicular to the axis thereof.

The nozzle construction is similar to that of known nozzles. The arrangement according to the invention differs

509821/0686 -39-

differs from the prior art in that at the inlet end of the central passage 4 passing through the nozzle 3, a supply line for a liquid product and on the supply passage 13, one through the flow path 9 formed supply line for a gaseous propellant is connected.

In use, the liquid to be atomized is pressurized via that formed by the flow path 8 Supply line supplied and flows through the nozzle 3 penetrating in the longitudinal direction central passage 4. A gaseous propellant is pressurized via the feed line formed by the flow path 9 supplied, fills the annular chamber 14 and occurs from there via the inlets 7 to the liquid flowing through the central passage 4. In this way the gas and the liquid are mixed together and then in the form of a spray with in the Gas-suspended fine liquid droplets from the outlet end 4b of the central passage 4 atomized. The droplets are much smaller than those produced in a conventional way by feeding the gas under the equal pressure to the central passage and a liquid under the same pressure to the radial inlets achievable.

509821/0666 -40-

The arrangement, in which the gas passes through the radial Inlets 7 is fed through the flow of liquid is not limited to the embodiment shown. The parts shown in the drawing are molded from plastic. Due to the restrictions which is subject to the molding of.Kunststoffen, it is useful to form an annular chamber and they to close on the outside with a separately manufactured socket. It would also be possible to have just two to provide radial inlets 7 and to arrange an annular tube around the nozzle 3, from which Line pieces for the supply of the gas to the inlets 7 extend inward. Other designs are also possible.

The design of the nozzle 3a shown in Fig. 2 is generally known, for example from the U.S. Patents 3,389,837, 3,451,596, 4,581,952, and others. It has a Venturi passage 33 which penetrates centrally in the longitudinal direction and which extends in the direction of flow tapering ("converging") part 33a, a constricted to form a step adjoining it Throttle passage 33b and a section 33c adjoining the latter, with a diameter that has been enlarged again ("diverging nozzle part"). The parts 33b and 33c of the

509821/0666 - 4i -

Passages 33 each have a constant diameter. On the outlet side of the Venturi passage 33 is an expansion part 33d with a diverging wall educated. Shortly before the diverging part 33d, two transverse inlets 7b and 7c open into one another diametrically opposite in the enlarged section 33c of the Venturi passage 33. They go from one the annular chamber 14b surrounding the throttle passage 33b. In the arrangement shown, the nozzle 3a is shown in FIG a recess 14a is used in the support body 20 of an atomizer or the like. The recess 14a has a larger diameter section to accommodate the widened downstream end of the nozzle. The larger diameter section of the recess l4a has a greater depth than that The widened end piece of the nozzle 3a is long and thereby forms the one surrounding the narrower part of the nozzle 3a Annular chamber l4b in the manner shown in the drawing. In the annular supply chamber 14b opens a gas passage 9a passing through the main part 20. With this is a (not shown) gas supply device connected, which the annular chamber 14b supplies a gas under pressure. A (also not shown) Supply means for a liquid is via the main part 20 with the inlet end of the converging

509821/0666 -42-

Part 33a of the Venturi passage 33 connected to supply this with a liquid under pressure.

In use, this arrangement operates in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. A liquid to be atomized is supplied to the converging part 33a of the venturi passage 33 under pressure and flows through the narrowed throttle passage 33b and the enlarged portion 33c. A gas supply ring of the chamber 14b is supplied under pressure via the supply line 9 and then passes through the inlets ₃ century 7c through to the the venturi passageway 33 by flowing liquid. The gas and the liquid are mixed and then atomized into a spray mist with much smaller liquid droplets than is possible with known arrangements with exchanged supply of gas and liquid,

In the case of liquids whose viscosity is in the range of that of water, and in the case of diameters of the Longitudinal or central passage between about 0.05 and about 0.5 mm and diameters of the radial inlets in the Range between about 0.1 and 1.5 mm can be determined that with liquid pressures of about two to eight bar above ambient pressure and gas pressures of about

509821/0686 _ _a ,

wa 1.5 to eight bar above ambient pressure very good results can be achieved. Under such conditions, very small droplets form in the spray of gas and liquid emerging at the diverging outlet end. Even better results are achieved if the liquid pressure is about 0.5 to one bar above the gas pressure. Particularly good results are achieved with diameters of the central passage between 0.08 and 0.12 mm and the radial inlets between approximately 0.15 and 0.25 mm and a liquid pressure approximately one bar above the gas pressure. With a diameter of the central passage of 0.08 mm and the radial inlets of about 0.6 mm, a liquid pressure of about 4.5 bar above ambient pressure and a gas pressure of about 3 ₃ 5 bar above ambient pressure, one obtained with intermittent feed of air and liquid a spray mist with a high proportion of droplets with diameters of 5 microns and below. With a smallest droplet size in the range of about 5 y and a largest droplet size of about 30 y, the average diameter of the droplets was about 10 to 12 μ.

Thanks to these small droplet sizes, the nozzle arrangement described in particular for atomizing

509821/0666 -44-

Use of inhalation medication for the treatment of asthma and bronchial diseases, for example.

With a steady supply of liquid and air with overpressures of 3.5 and 4.5 bar, respectively, the air being dem Venturi central passage and the liquid introduced into the air stream had the smallest Droplet diameter of about 3 to 4 μ, the largest droplet diameter of about 200 μ and the average droplet size was about 75 µ · With other pressures within those given above Similar results were achieved in areas.

The formation of the extremely small droplets when the gaseous propellant is supplied to the nozzle under one pressure lower than that of the liquid is entirely unexpected and surprising.

The above description of having different dimensions of the passages and pressures of gas and liquid Although the results obtained are limited to certain ranges of dimensions and pressures, the However, the nozzle arrangement described is also suitable for atomizing liquids with one of the of the water has a different viscosity for use

509821/0666 _ ",.

other gas and liquid pressures and for other dimensions of the passages. In particular, the invention also applicable to lower liquid and gas pressures, as in the case of aerosol atomizers conventional type exist in which a gas of the liquid to be atomized below less than the pressures indicated above is supplied. The nozzle arrangement described is also suitable for the use on atomizers of the type described in the above-mentioned patents and others, atomizers similar to these, for what purpose the supply of gas and liquid to the nozzles of such Nebulizer only needs to be turned upside down and means for exerting pressure on the one in question The liquid contained in the container must be provided.

An aerosol nebulizer of the type shown in Figs. 3-5 Embodiment has a central portion or main body 20 with one attached to one end thereof Container 21 for a liquid product. The reason that the product container 21 is here on a End of the support member 20 is attached is explained below. The product container 21 has a cup-shaped Part 22, in the opening 22a of a delivery

509821/0668 _ ^ ₆

Opening 23a penetrated closure part 23 is used. Between the edge of the opening 22a and the closure part 23, a flexible bag 24 reaching into the container 22 for receiving the liquid product to be pulverized is clamped in a sealing manner with its edge. The bottom of the cup-shaped container part 22 is provided with an opening 22b for When the liquid product is dispensed from the bag 24, air flows through the opening 22b into the _{container 21 5} so that the bag collapses, so that no negative pressure can develop in the container 21. If the bag 24 or one is not used corresponding inner container, the container 21 must be provided with a compensating valve or a similar device so that no negative pressure occurs in it Container 21 facing away from the end of the support body 20 j so that a to compress L The pressure exerted on the piston 27 of the air pump 25 is compensated in the manner described below by a counterpressure exerted on the container 21. The cylinder 26 of the air pump 25 is in one piece

- 47 509821/0666

formed with the support body 20 and has a bore 26a in which a piston 27 is slidably guided. A piston sleeve 28 attached to the outer end of the piston 27 surrounds the outer cylinder wall in full contact and serves to guide the piston 27 which is movable within the cylinder 26. The sleeve 28 has a slot 28a aligned with the nozzle arrangement 3c described below, so that the The nozzle arrangement 3c is never covered by the sleeve 28. A return spring 29 is inserted between the bottom of the intermediate space 28b between the piston 27 and the sleeve 28 and the bottom of an annular groove 26b formed in the wall of the cylinder 26, which tends to push the piston 27 out of the cylinder 26. On its front side, the piston carries a piston seal 27a with an edge 27b protruding radially outward at a certain angle and in the axial direction of the cylinder, which during the compression stroke of the piston moves firmly against the wall of the bore 26a and thus seals the interior of the cylinder. and which is the outward movement of the piston. 27 can lift off the cylinder wall, so that air entering via a ventilation opening 25a between the piston 27 and the seal 27a on the one hand Λΐηα. the inner wall of the cylinder

509821/0666 _ 48 -

on the other hand can flow through and thus no negative pressure when the piston moves out of the cylinder in the latter can arise.

It would also be possible to arrange the parts in reverse, in which the support body 20 of the atomizer carries a stationary piston on which a cylinder designed as a sleeve is displaceably guided is.

An actuating pin 30 protruding from the inner end face of the piston 27 protrudes when the piston is moving in its innermost position in the cylinder 26, j is located in a compressed air outlet formed in the main part 20 31 into it. The outlet 31 opens into the end face a cylindrical bore 32 coaxial with the cylinder 26 in the main part 20. Seated in the bore 32 a shut-off member 15 j controlling the outlet of the compressed air which is in the inoperative or idle state keeps the mouth of the outlet 31 closed. Achieved the piston 27 is in its innermost position in the cylinder 26j, so the actuating pin 30 lifts the shut-off member 15 of one around the mouth of the outlet 31 seat 15a formed around it, so that compressed air can flow into the bore 32. Might for the same purpose

509821/0666 _ ₄₉ _

the pin 30 sit on the shut-off member 15 and protrude through the outlet 31 into the cylinder 26, so that. the piston 27 in its innermost position in the cylinder would touch it with its end face. In In any case, the pin 30 represents a motion-transmitting "Connection between the piston 27 and the shut-off member 15 to the outlet 31 in the innermost position of the piston 27 'to open.

The atomizer nozzle 3c leads out of the axial bore 32 in the transverse direction. It essentially corresponds 1 and has a small bore 15b extending radially from the axial bore 32 Diameter j which has a passage with constant cross-section forms, and then a relaxation part 16 with a wall diverging in the direction of flow, which extends outwards to the circumferential surface of the support body 20.

In the axial bore 32 of the support body 20 is a liquid pressure piston 34 slidingly guided. It has a sealing on the wall of the near its upper edge Bore 32 adjacent piston ring 35 and a downwardly protruding shoulder 36, which on the Exit of the compressed air controlling shut-off member 15 is seated.

509821/0666 -50-

In the embodiment shown, the extension 36 has a recess 37 in its end face , into which the shut-off member 15 is firmly inserted. The diameter
the extension 36 is smaller than that of the bore 32, so that there is a free space around the extension 36,
which part of the flow path leading from the outlet 31 on the shut-off member 15 to the nozzle 3c for the
Propellant shown. In the version shown
if the shoulder has axial grooves 38. The between
The webs remaining in the grooves 38 formed in the circumferential surface serve to guide the projection 36 in the bore 32
facing face down and over
a transverse bore 39a is connected to an annular groove 40 provided between the piston 34 and the extension 36 with outwardly diverging walls. A shut-off device for closing the bore 39, which forms a flow path for the pressurized product, in the form of an elastic O-ring 41 is in the groove 40
inserted and is in the non-actuated state in contact with the floor. The transverse bore 39a in the annular groove 40 is aligned in the product delivery position of the piston 15b of the nozzle 3c. A lower one formed on the side of the axial bore 32 opposite the nozzle 3c

509821/0666 - 51 -

Projection 42 engages in one of the grooves 38 of the projection 36, to secure the piston 34 against rotation. Above of the piston 34 is a return spring in the bore 32 43 arranged. This has a sufficiently high voltage to the shut-off member I5 against the action of the air pressure generated in the cylinder 26 in its seat until it is lifted from the pin 30. With At its upper end, the spring 43 is supported on a cover 44 which is penetrated by openings and which holds the shut-off ball 45 holds a check valve loosely in a recess of a valve housing 46. The valve housing 46 is inserted into the upper end of the bore 32, which end is surrounded concentrically by a collar 20a, the from the body 20 upwards into a bore 23b of the closure part 23 of the product container protrudes. One protruding from the valve housing 46 and one through the Ball 45 closable product outlet 48a penetrated Outlet nipple 48 protrudes through a seal 47 seated in bore 23b into the product container. Of the Product container 21 is attached to the support body 20 of the atomizer by means of the collar 20a, which is sealing is fitted into the bore 23b of the closure member 23. After the container 21 is emptied, can he can be removed from the collar 20a and the outlet nipple 48 and replaced with a full container, which

509821/0666 - 52 -

is placed on the collar 20a in such a way that the outlet nipple 48 penetrates into the outlet opening 23a.

In the one in Pig. 3 in the non-actuated state shown, the product flows through from the container 21 downwards the check valve 45, 46 and fills the space 32a of the bore 32 above the pressure piston 34. This space 32a is referred to below as a pressure chamber. The exit of the product from the pressure space 32a downwards is prevented by the piston ring 35 and the O-ring 41.

For use, the atomizer is grasped between the thumb and forefinger of one hand and pressures directed towards one another are exerted on the product container 21 and the compressor piston 27. As a result, air pressure builds up in the cylinder 26 until the actuating pin 30 lifts the shut-off element 15. As a result, the compressed air generated is suddenly released and flows out of the Zy-. linder 26 through the outlet 31 _} the grooves 38 in the approach of the piston 34 and the groove 41 to the nozzle 3c. By lifting the shut-off member 15, the actuating pin 30 moves the projection 36 and thus the pressure piston 34 upwards against the load from the spring 43. The product present in the pressure chamber 32a is thereby reduced

B0982 1/0666 - 53 -

Pressure set. The pressure propagates through the bore 39 of the piston and acts on the O-ring 41 so that it expands and the flow releases the product through the bores 39 and 39a to the nozzle 3c. That way, that will be under pressure standing product and the compressed air mixed together at the entrance of the narrow passage 15b and then shaped a spray of small liquid droplets and Compressed air is atomized from the diverging passage part 16.

As soon as there is enough liquid product from the pressure chamber 32a between the closed check valve 45 and the Piston end wall 34a was pushed out and piston 27 of the air pump reached its maximum compression position has reached, the fluid pressure will decrease regardless of whether or not the finger pressure continues is exercised. Therefore, the nebulizer gives each time with a single actuation in the manner described above only a certain amount of the liquid product. By reducing the pressure of the fluid, it subsides the O-ring 41 again sealingly in front of the bore 39a and thus prevents further liquid from escaping. Even if the supply of compressed air is not yet exhausted, no more product flows out, but Ie-

509821/0666 - ₅ n -

Only the compressed air continues to flow until the pressure has sunk so far in cylinder 26 and outlet 31 that the spring 43 push back the plunger 34 and so that the shut-off member 15 return to its seat can. This creates a negative pressure in the pressure chamber 32a, under the action of which the check valve 45, 46 opens so that further product can flow out of the container 21.

In the atomizer described above, only compressed air is used to atomize a liquid product Use, and the product itself is pressurized to mix with the compressed air. Through this the product can be atomized into much smaller droplets than with an atomizer in which compressed air is used to aspirate the product from a container. At the same time is the described atomizer set up so that it only dispenses a small amount of product with each actuation. This is suitable it is safe to use for nebulizing medication in predetermined amounts by the user never receives more than the prescribed dose unless he has operated the nebulizer several times. The dimensions of the nozzle bores, the passages, pistons and cylinders as well as the tension of the springs and the seals can each be chosen so that

509821/0666

- 55 -

Droplets of the desired size are produced and to ensure that the compressed air before the The discharge of the product begins to flow and continues to flow after the discharge of the product has been interrupted, so that no product remains in the nozzle.

The embodiment described above can be different Changes and modifications to it, some of which in connection with further embodiments are described below. The following are only those parts of further embodiments which are of those of the embodiment described above differ, as well as the resulting changes in the mode of action are described.

In a modification of the embodiment described above, the bore 39 passing through the pressure piston k can be arranged on both sides of the same on the one hand via the outlet 39a and on the other hand via an oppositely directed radial outlet (not shown in FIGS. 3 and k ) with the annular groove kO be connected to the flow. As a result, the product flowing in under pressure is injected into a partial flow of compressed air through the transverse bore connecting the orifices, whereby a spray mist with somewhat larger droplets is obtained.

509821/0666 - 56 -

A modified embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. A nozzle arrangement 50 used here has a nozzle insert 53 inserted into a lateral recess 52 of the main part 20z of the atomizer with a narrowed passage 55 and a diverging expansion part 56. A cup-shaped space 51 formed between the inner end of the nozzle insert 53 and the inner end of the recess 52 is part of a compressed air flow path ₃ which leads transversely, ie radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer, to the narrowed passage 55 of the nozzle 50. A compressed air passage 54 extends through the main part 20z to the part of the recess 52 facing the air pump. The passage 5 ^ opens on the other hand into an air passage 32Xj which is part of a central bore formed in the main part 20z of the atomizer. The other part of the bore forms the pressure space 32y for the product. The shut-off element 15, which is inserted into a valve body 18 here, is accommodated in the air passage 32x. A valve seat 15c for the shut-off element 15 is inserted into the main part 20z of the atomizer.

The valve body 18 has a shaft l8a smaller diameter

509821/0666 '-57-

knife which extends upward through a narrowed bore 32c connecting the pressure space 32y with the air passage 32x. The pressure piston 19 is arranged in the pressure chamber 32y of the central bore. A shut-off member 57 is firmly inserted into the underside of the pressure piston 19 facing the air compressor and can be placed on the upper end of the connecting bore 32c in order to seal it off in the rest position. Grooves 19a are formed in the peripheral wall of the piston 19. The piston 19 and the shut-off member 57 are loaded by the Rücklohlfeder 43 downwards in the direction of the air pump. Like the one in Pig. 3 to 5, the spring 43 must be strong enough to hold the two shut-off elements 15 and 57 against the action of the compressed air generated in the cylinder 26 on their seats. An axial groove 32d extends in the wall of the narrowed connecting bore 32c to the inlet opening of a radial product passage 58 which opens out in the middle of the cup-shaped space J> ± on the inlet side of the nozzle 53. The grooves 19a, the groove 32d and the passage 58 together form a flow path for the product, the flow of which is controlled by the shut-off member 57. The housing 46y of the check valve extends downward into the upper end of the pressure chamber 32y,

509 821/0666

- 58-

in which it is attached by means of a ring 46a and is sealed by means of a seal 46b.

The operation of this embodiment differs from that described first in the manner in which the flow of the pressurized product is controlled and in which the compressed air and the product flow through the nozzle arrangement. When the shut-off member 15 is lifted by the actuating pin 30, the compressed air flows through the outlet 31 ₃ along the grooves 38 of the valve body 18 and through the passage 54 into the cup-shaped space 51. Simultaneously with the lifting of the shut-off member 15, the shut-off member 57 is also through the upward movement of the valve body 18 is raised. As a result, the flow path for the pressurized product is opened by direct attack, so that the product can now flow along the grooves 19a and 32d and through the radial passage 58 to the nozzle 50. It can be seen that the flow of the product runs essentially linearly through the nozzle arrangement, while the compressed air is fed to the flow of the product essentially in the transverse direction. Simultaneously with the lifting of the shut-off elements, the pressure piston 19 is also lifted against the load by the spring 43 in order to prevent the

609821/0666 - 59 -

245136?

to put the product present in the pressure chamber 32y under pressure. Otherwise, the mode of operation of the atomizer is the same that of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

The embodiment shown in FIGS differs from that shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 in the use of a different one, that shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the corresponding nozzle arrangement 60 illustrated as well as a slightly different control of the flow of the product. The nozzle assembly 60 has one in one lateral recess 62 of the main part ("support body") 2Oy of the atomizer with inserted nozzle insert 63 a narrowed passage 65 and a divergent expansion part 66. One between the inner end of the Nozzle insert 63 and the inner end of the recess 62 formed, cup-shaped space 61 is part of a Compressed air flow path leading to the narrowed passage 65 of the nozzle. One from the bottom of the recess 62 through the main part 20y of the atomizer through compressed air passage 64 opens into the lower Part 32e of the axial bore 32w of the main part 20. The shut-off element arranged in the lower part 32e of the bore 15 is in a lower part 69 of the plunger attached. The lower part 69 of the plunger 67 has

509821/0666 -60-

Grooves 69a for the flow of compressed air from outlet 3Iy to passage 64.

The pressure piston 67 sits fairly loosely in the lower part 32a of the bore, so that a gap 59 is present is, and carries it sealingly in the bore 32e leading piston ring 68 and near its upper end a sealing ring 70 with a downwardly open V-profile. The seal 70 is designed so that they at a Increase in the fluid pressure in the space 59 between the piston 67 and the wall of the bore 32e collapses to a predetermined value, thus releasing the flow of the liquid. Of the Part 32e of the bore leads a transverse passage 71 to the bottom of the nozzle insert 63 containing Recess 62. The housing 46x of the check valve extends downwards into the pressure chamber upper end 32v of the bore of the main part 2Oy and is secured in a fluid-tight manner therein.

The mode of action of this embodiment is different differs from that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 only in the way in which the flow of the liquid Product is controlled. When the shut-off member I5 is raised by means of the actuating pin 30, flows

509821/0666 - 61 -

The compressed air through the outlet 3 Iy j along the grooves 69a and through the passage 64 into the cup-shaped space 6l. Simultaneously with the shut-off member, the pressure piston 67 is also raised against the load by the spring 43 in order to put the product contained in the bore part 32v forming the pressure space under pressure. The pressurized liquid then flows through the gap 59 between the piston 67 and 32e of the wall of the bore exerting the seal 70 to collapse, so that the product then ζην through the transverse passage Jl nozzle arrangement can flow 60th The seal 70 thus acts as a shut-off or control element in the flow path of the product formed by the intermediate space 59 and the passage 71.

In the embodiments described so far, were the compressed air and the product are simultaneously fed to a room immediately in front of the narrowed nozzle passage, or the pressurized air has caused a flow of the product in the nozzle arrangement in a substantially transverse direction forwarded. However, there are other options as well bring the compressed air and the product together.

In an arrangement of the type shown in FIG

509821/0666 _ ₆₂ -

the compressed air and the pressurized product with each other only after exiting the nozzle arrangement mixed. A nozzle insert shown here only has the diverging part 81 of the spray nozzle. A central passage 82 for the pressurized product connects the diverging nozzle portion 81 with a central bore 83 of the main atomizer part. Between the bottom of a recess 85 containing the nozzle insert 80 and the nozzle inlet Set itself an annular gap 84 is present. A groove 102a leads from the recess to the central passage 82 for the product. In the lower part of the bottom of the recess 85 is the annular Intermediate space 84 connected via a compressed air passage 86 to the central bore 83 of the main part. at With this arrangement the pressurized product will be substantially axially out of the divergent Passage 81 protruded while the pressurized air along a substantially perpendicular thereto Flow path is fed so that it mixes in the deviating passage with the product.

In the embodiments described so far, the product was in each case pressurized by means of a piston set, which is represented by the actuating pin located on the piston of the air compressor in a cylinder

509821/0666

- 63 -

adjusting bore of the atomizer main part is moved upwards. The creation of pressure in the liquid However, the product can also be made with an inverted arrangement of the parts, i.e. by means of a fixed one Piston and a movable cylinder. In Figs. 11 and 12, such an arrangement is shown at which in the main part of the atomizer is a movable cylinder as part of a piston pump for generating pressure is provided in the liquid product.

The atomizer shown in Figures 11 and 12 has a main body ("support body") 120 with one formed therein Bore 132. A cylinder composed of two parts is slidably guided into this. An outer cylinder l47a has a laterally protruding nozzle 90 with a narrowed passage 91 and a diverging expansion part 92. The narrowed passage 91 opens into a bore axially penetrating the outer cylinder 147a l47c. The outer cylinder 147a is slidably guided in the bore 132 of the atomizer and with a seal 151 sealed therein. A by means of a wedge 148 im Inner cylinder 147b attached to outer cylinder l47a has a cylinder bore l47d that is open at the top. Compared to the narrowed passage 91 is the inner cylinder l47b of an annular groove 142 surrounded with diverging walls.

- 64 -

509821/0666

This is fluidly connected to the cylinder bore l47d via a passage l4l for the pressurized product. An annular seal 143 keeps the passage closed. An extension 139 of the inner cylinder 147b protruding from the bottom bears the shut-off element 15 on its underside 139a. A groove l40 runs along the bore l47c from the bottom of the outer cylinder 147a to the inlet of the narrowed passage 91. One in the illustrated embodiment with the closure part 23y of the container One-piece piston 137 protrudes into the cylinder bore 147d and is sealingly guided in this by means of a seal I38. The piston 137 is penetrated by a product passage 137a, which runs from the check valve 45w _s 46w to the lower end of the piston 137. A return spring 144 is inserted between the upper end of the outer cylinder 147a and the container closure part 23y.

When the atomizer is actuated, the actuating pin 30 lifts the shut-off element I5, so that the compressed air can flow past this and along the groove 140 to the nozzle 90. At the same time it becomes out the outer cylinder 147a and the inner cylinder 147b fixed therein by means of the wedge 148 shifted upward in bore 132. Since the loading

509821/0666 - 65 -

container closure part 23y and thus also the piston 137 fixed to the upper end of the main atomizer part 120 is connected, the cylinder pushes on the piston 137, so that in the cylinder bore l47d contained liquid product is pressurized. The pressure of the liquid product causes the sealing ring 143 lifted from its seat so that the Product can escape and mix with the compressed air at the entrance of the narrowed passage 91.

The modification shown in Fig. 13 is different from that in Pig. Il illustrated execution thereby, that the narrowed passage 91 and the diverging expansion part 92 in the main part 120 of the atomizer and are not formed in the cylinder arrangement, so that a one-piece cylinder 177 is used here can. The rest of the structure and the mode of operation are the same as explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

In all the embodiments described so far the product container is at one end and the compressor for generating the compressed air at the other end of the atomizer arranged so that when gripping the atomizer in each case a finger or thumb on the product container and the other attacks the compressor. It

509821/0666 - 66 -

However, arrangements can also be shown in which the product container and the compressor for Generating the compressed air are provided at one end of the atomizer. Such an arrangement is in Figures 14-16 are shown.

The atomizer shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 has a main part ("support body") 220 with a piston compressor arranged at one end for generating compressed air. This has a cylinder 226, a jacket 228 and a return spring 229. One slidably guided in the bore 226a of the cylinder 226 Piston 227 carries a piston seal 227a of the type shown in Figures 3-5. In the main part 220 of the atomizer a nozzle 230 having a narrowed passage 235 and a divergent exit end 236 is formed. The narrowed passage 235 opens into a bore 232 of the main part, in the bottom of a to compressed air outlet leading to the inner end of the cylinder bore 226a 231 empties. A shut-off member 233 seated on the mouth of the outlet 231 is in a annular groove 239a inserted in the underside of the valve body 239. This is under seal guided in a sliding manner in the bore 232 by means of a sealing ring 239d. Between one the upper end

509821/0666 -67-

the bore 232 closing and from an opening 232b penetrated closure part 232a and the valve body 239 a compression spring 244b is used.

The product container is attached to the piston 227 here. It has a closure part 223 attached to the piston 227, on which a container part extending backwards in relation to the piston in the cylinder bore 226a with a pouch 224 contained therein. The jacket 227 is at the outer end of the container part 222 is attached so that it thus acts as an extension of the piston 227. In this way is the otherwise occupied by the massive piston and thus not sensibly used space for accommodating the Used product container.

Inside the piston 227 is a piston-cylinder arrangement for generating pressure in the liquid product and a shut-off device for controlling the Flow of pressurized product to the nozzle accommodated. The piston 227 has a bore 238, in which a pressure piston 237 is slidably guided. This is biased upwards by a spring 244a, which is supported with its other end on a holding cover 245 of a check valve 246. The return

509821/0666 - 68 -

A check valve controls the flow through a product passage 247 passed through a seal 248 in the closure part 223 of the container. An actuation part 234 corresponding to the actuating pin 30 in the embodiments described above is arranged in the upper part of the bore 238 and protrudes upwards through the piston seal 227a. The actuating part 234 is hollow and contains a valve ball 243 in the upper end , which is held in place by an extension 237 a of the piston 237. The valve body 239 has a downwardly protruding pin 239b.

In use, one grips the atomizer between the thumb and a pinger and compresses it so that the piston 227 moves into the compression chamber 226b of the cylinder 226 and the air contained therein is compressed _s to the operating part 234 the protruding on the valve body 239 pin 239b reaches . At this time, the spring 244b loading the valve body 233 still holds the shut-off member 233 against the action of the air pressure generated in the compression chamber 226b of the cylinder 226 on its seat 233a. When the pin 239b touches down on the valve ball 243, the valve body 239 together with the ab-

509821/0666 " ⁶⁹ '

Locking member 233 raised because the spring 244a is harder than the spring 244b. Here comes the 'valve body 239, however, soon in contact with the closure part 232a (FIG. 15) of the bore 232. As the movement continues of the piston 227, the actuating part 234 pushes upwards over the valve ball 243, there this is prevented from further upward movement by the pin 239b protruding from the valve body 239 is. As a result, the pressure piston 237 is now blocked, while the air pump piston 227 is around it around further upwards so that the product is pressurized and upwards through the Actuating part 234 flows through and past the ball 243 and thereby with the one running to the nozzle 230 Combined compressed air flow.

When the pressure exerted on the atomizer is released, the parts return to the position shown in FIG back, whereby through the opening 232b penetrating the closure part 232a air into the space above the The valve body flows in, so that there is no negative pressure.

The atomizer described above provides all of the advantages mentioned above thanks to the use of

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Compressed air as a propellant and the devices for generating pressure in the product to be atomized, which when mixed with the compressed air causes the formation of very small droplets. In practical Atomizer designs achieved average droplet sizes of only 5 microns. The dimensions of the atomizer and the strength of the springs are chosen so that the atomizer can be used by the user can be operated effortlessly. In addition, the nebulizer is very safe because it is activated each time only releases a certain amount of the product, regardless of how long it is in the actuated position is held. The number of individual parts is limited to a minimum, and the parts can, With the exception of the springs, all are molded from plastic. In use, the atomizer is extreme Reliable.

The product container can be designed so that it can be removed from the remaining parts of the atomizer so that you can fill it up again and again with fresh product and use it repeatedly.

Referring to Figures 17-22, there is another preferred embodiment an atomizer according to the invention

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shows. This has a main part 310 with a pump 311 for generating pressure in the one to be atomized Product on one end and an air compressor 312 on the other. The main part ("supporting body") of the Atomizer is penetrated by a bore 313, whose the end 314 facing the pressure pump 311 for the product widens outwardly in a funnel shape.

The pressure pump 311 for the product has a piston with a tapering in this embodiment Shaft 315aj which is firmly seated, but removable, into the enlarged end piece 31 ^ of the bore 313 fitted and penetrated by a product passage 316 is. The shaft 315a and thus the piston 315 are fixedly attached to the main part 310 of the atomizer, see above So that the piston 315 forms the stationary part of the pressure pump 311. The moving part of the pressure pump 311 is through a cylinder seated on piston 315 317 formed. A surrounding the piston 315 in a Grooved sealing ring 318 seals the space between this and the cylinder. if the space inside the cylinder 317 with a liquid is filled, it is applied to the End of cylinder 317 pressurized.

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However, the arrangement of cylinders and pistons may also be reversed ie the cylinder ₃ can be provided with a shaft 315a at its closed end and thus formed as the fixed part, in which then the piston is guided as a movable member. The end of the product passage 316 is closed by a membrane 319 until the atomizer is actuated for the first time. This is then pierced by an awl, which will be described below, when the atomizer is actuated for the first time. When the product contained in a pressure pump of the type described is completely exhausted, the pump can be replaced by a new, tightly closed pump _{3, for} which purpose it is simply pulled out of the conical part 31 ^ of the bore 313. The membrane 319 prevents the product from flowing out until the pressure pump is securely attached to the body 310 and the atomizer is actuated.

The air compressor 312 arranged at the other end of the main atomizer part 310 has one with the Main part 310 one-piece molded cylinder 320, which thus forms the fixed part of the compressor. The moving part of the compressor is a piston 321 which is slidably guided in the cylinder 320 and has a two different depths annular groove 322 in which

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a sealing ring 323 for sealing the space between piston 321 and cylinder 320 is received. The deeper part of the annular groove 322 faces the closed end of the cylinder 320. When the piston 321 j moves inwardly with respect to the main part 310, i.e. during the compression stroke, the ring seal 323 is pushed onto the flatter part of the ring groove 322 so that it then reliably seals the gap between piston 321 and cylinder 320. However, if the piston moves away from the main part 310, the sealing ring 323 slides into the deeper part of the groove 322, so that the gap is no longer sealed and air can flow in to compensate for the negative pressure. Beyond the ring seal 323, the piston 321 is surrounded by an annular web 325 which cooperates with stops 325 projecting inward on the cylinder in order to prevent the piston from being pulled out of the cylinder completely. A spring 326 inserted between the inner end of the piston 321 and the bottom of the cylinder 320 serves to return the piston after the compression stroke.

A nozzle arrangement provided on the main part 310 of the atomizer has a nozzle insert 328 which is inserted into a recess 329 in the main part 310 to form an annular chamber 333 surrounding it.

509821/0666 _

The nozzle insert 328 has a Venturi passage 330 and, transversely to this, it with the annular chamber 333 connecting inlets 33Oa. The venturi passage is via one of the bore 313 to the recess 329 extending passage 331 for the liquid Product in fluid communication with bore 313. Near the end of the bore facing the compressor 312 313 runs a compressed air passage 332 from the bore to the annular chamber 333 · The annular chamber forms thus a chamber for the supply of compressed air to the transverse inlets 33Oa. In the shown Arrangement, the air is thus fed in the transverse direction to the flow of liquid, but the arrangement can also be reversed.

A shut-off device for the gas flow is accommodated in the bore 313. A valve stem 33 ^, which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction in the bore 313, has near its end facing the compressor 312 a support flange 335 for an annular seal 336 _s which can seal the bore 313 between the compressor 312 and the compressed air passage 332 and thus a Represents shut-off element.

A shut-off device 339 for the liquid product, likewise arranged in the bore 313, has a shut-off

509 8 2 1/0666 _ ₇₅ _

locking member 337, which in a position between the mouth of the passage 331 in the bore 313 and . the pressure pump 311 for the product on the valve stem 334 sits j and one on the inner surface of bore 313 formed valve seat 338. Furthermore, the shut-off device 339 for the product has a between the shut-off member 337 and the mouth of the passage 331 arranged ring seal 339a, which is supported by a support flange 340 is held in contact with the shut-off member 337. One between the shut-off member 337 and the end of the Return spring 34l seated on shaft 315 loads the shut-off element 337 in the direction of the seat 338 and thus the valve stem 334 in the direction of the compressed air compressor 312. On the shut-off element 337, a sits on the membrane 319 directed pointed pen or mandrel 342.

One attached to the end of the movable valve stem 334 Actuating pin 343 protrudes so far into the cylinder 320 into that piston 321 is near the end of its compression stroke that comes into play. Instead of the movable valve stem, the actuating pin 343 can be used to Achievement of the same mode of action can also be attached to the inner end of the piston 321. The one shown However, the arrangement has the advantage that the end of the actuating pin 343 facing the valve stem 334 here

509821/0666 "76-

the ring seal 336 in contact with the support flange is used for this purpose 335 to hold. In any case, however, the actuating pin 343 is a motion-transmitting one Connection between the moving part of the compressor, here the piston 321, and the moving valve stem 33 ^ to the latter towards the end of the compression stroke moving part of the moving part by direct attack.

In the bore 313 there is a backlash shut-off device arranged in the form of a sliding sleeve 344. This is between the support flange 335 of the ring seal 336 and the ring seal 339a in contact with the shut-off member 337 holding support flange 340 is used. The length of the socket 344 is less than the distance between the two support flanges 335 and 340, so that they are relative to the valve stem 334 by a limited amount can move along the bore 313. The socket is in substantially liquid-tight sliding contact with the wall of the bore 313 · In the rest position of the parts shown in Fig. 18, the bushing rests on Support flange 340 and does not block the compressed air passage 332 nor the liquid passage 331. At the end of its movement in the direction of the pressure pump 311 blocks the Socket the liquid passage 331 (Fig. 21).

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When the atomizer is in use, the cylinder 317 of the pressure pump 311 filled with liquid is opened the piston 321 of the compressor 312 each exerts a pressure directed towards the main part 310 of the atomizer. For this purpose, the user grips the nebulizer with a thumb and forefinger, for example Hand. When the piston 321 approaches the end of its compression stroke, it comes into contact with the actuating pin 343 and moves the valve stem via this 334 along the bore 313. In the first part of this movement, the parts reach that shown in FIG Position in which the awl 342 the membrane has pierced, unless it has already been pierced during an earlier operation. The shut-off member for the compressed air forming ring seal 336 has over the mouth of the compressed air passage 332 away moves j so that the compressed air now from the cylinder 320 via the passage 332 and the annular chamber 333 into the nozzle insert 328 can stream. The shut-off member 337 is lifted from its seat 338 and the ring seal 339a has moved past valve seat 338, thereby outputting the flow of pressurized product the cylinder 317 through the passage 316 and the enlarged Part 314 of the bore 313 to the passage 331 free. As a result, the liquid product is now in the form of

509821/0666 " ^{? 8} "

Small droplets carried along with compressed air are atomized from the nozzle insert 328. The support flange 335 has come into contact with the bushing 344 and has shifted it by a small amount. After a further movement of the piston 32I _{5 of} the actuating pin 343 and the valve stem 334, the parts take the position eirij shown in Fig. 21 in which the compressed air passage 332 is still open for the flow of compressed air and the shut-off member 337 is still from its seat 338 is lifted off, but the bushing 344 has blocked the mouth of the liquid passage 331. Therefore, compressed air continues to flow through the nozzle insert while the supply of the liquid through the bushing 344 is cut off. As a result, any liquid product still present in the nozzle is blown out of it.

In the first part of the return movement of the valve stem 334, the sealing ring comes 339a of the blocking device 339 for the liquid in contact with the first valve seat 338 and 313 'in order to terminate the wall of the bore the flow path of the liquid. The parts then come into the position shown in FIG. 22, in which the support flange 340 just touches the displaceable bush 344. As the valve stem continues to move

509821/066 6

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If the bushing 344 is then pushed back into its starting position, in which they open the Plussigkeitsdurchlaß 331 releases. Since the flow path of the liquid is blocked by the ring seal 339a, only flows a small amount of positive material penetrated between the ring seal and the bushing 344 into the passage 331 With the further movement of the parts, they then again reach the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, whereby the nebulizer is ready to be operated again. As can be seen from the above explanations, the exit of the liquid shortly before the end of the movement of the valve stem in the opening direction the bushing 344 movable with dead gear interrupted while the compressed air continues to flow out, so that the product is completely blown out of the nozzle. At the beginning of the return movement, the bush initially remains unmoved until the shut-off devices for the liquid on the valve stem close the bore have, whereupon the socket is then moved back to its original position.

In the embodiment described above, the product pressurized by means of a particularly simple and relatively inexpensive piston-cylinder arrangement. Of the The atomizer has only a few individual parts, namely the one with the fixed part of the air com-

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! compressors one-piece main part, a two-part Piston-cylinder arrangement for generating the pressure for the liquid, which in a simple manner by means of a stem in a converging bore is attached to the nozzle insert and the movable valve stem. The other parts, such as sealing rings, springs and the like, are cheap and widely available.

The flow of the liquid is displaceable through the Socket 344 controlled in a simple manner so that the product in each case completely from the atomizer nozzle is blown out and after actuation no liquid drips from the nozzle, since the inflow of the product was interrupted long before.

All parts with the exception of the springs and optionally the sealing rings can be molded from plastic so that the simple and reliable atomizer can be manufactured at low cost.

Another embodiment of an aerosol atomizer with means for metering the atomized product is shown in Figs. The atomizer has one Pressure pump 410 for the product to be atomized with a piston 411 on which a cylinder 412 is slidably

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leads is. A seal 412a attached to the end of the piston 411 is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 412 as it moves relative to the piston. The piston 411 has an outer jacket 4l3 ₃ in the interior 4l3a of which an inner part 4l4 is inserted. The base of the jacket 413 has an opening 413a and a first ring seal 415 is inserted between the base of the jacket and the end of the inner part 414. The inner part 414 has in its end facing the bottom of the jacket 413 a recess 414a of larger diameter, from the inner end of which a bore 414b of smaller diameter leads to the end of the piston 411 lying inside the cylinder.

A metering pin 416 is movably guided in the recess 414a and the bore 414b. He has a lying in the recess 4l4a solid part and an outgoing from this, through the first annular seal 415 and the opening 413a in the bottom of the shell ₃ which is 413 projecting hollow portion 4l7 with its peripheral surface in sealing engagement with the first annular seal 415th At the junction between the solid part and the hollow part 417, the shaft 416 has a flat 418 ₅ which, in the manner shown in FIG.

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rest position shown on the first ring seal 415 rests. The massive shaft part has such a cross-sectional shape, that it can be freely introduced into the bore 4l4b. The confluence of the bore 4l4b, in the expanded Recess 414a is surrounded by a second ring seal 421, through which the solid Shaft part 4l6 with collar 4l6a moves in sealing contact when the piston is in the position shown in FIG is lowered. A spring 419 arranged between the second ring seal 421 and the flat 418 loads the flange 418 in contact with the first ring seal 415.

The hollow shaft portion 417 has a passage 417b, which in the rest position of the atomizer shown in FIG. 23 below the bottom of the piston 4ll, that is to say lies outside of it. In the actuated position, the passage lies within the enlarged recess 414a (Figures 25, 26).

The valve stem 4l6 forms together with the inner piston part 4l4 or with its enlarged recess 4l4a, the ring seals 415 and 421 and the spring 419 a simple metering device known in the aerosol atomizer art, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,721

509821/0666 -83-

is described.

For use, the parts of the atomizer are initially in the Pig. 23 position shown and the The cylinder is filled with a liquid. By applying pressure to the lower end of the hollow shaft part 417 and on the top of the cylinder 412. The cylinder is pushed onto the piston 411 so that the in the cylinder 412 as well as in the bore 4l4b and the enlarged Recess 4l4a contained liquid a pressure is exerted. By opposing them The shaft 4l6 is pushed against the load by the spring 419 into the piston 411, with compressive forces the passage 417b moves through the first ring seal 415 into the recess 414a. Afterward then penetrates the upper end of the solid shaft part in the second ring seal 421 and thus seals the Recess 4l4a opposite the bore 4l4b and the cylinder 412 from j so that now a metered amount of the liquid can be released from the recess 4l4a.

In such an arrangement, it should be noted that the liquid enclosed in the recess 414a at the displacement of the passage 417b into the recess with a considerable force from the hollow shaft part splashes out.

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The extremely simple metering device described above can be largely made of easily mouldable Assemble plastic parts, in the example cited from four such parts. The remaining parts of the Dosing devices consist of three seals that can be produced without difficulty and are mostly ready-made and a single feather. The metering device is using automated manufacturing facilities Can be assembled without difficulty and provided with a filling, so that they are so inexpensive can produce that the user throw away after emptying and a new, filled metering device can buy.

The metering device can be used to meter a wide variety of liquids, such as oral perfumes, antiseptic Agents, foods such as artificial sweeteners in liquid form and the like can be used.

An aerosol atomizer according to the invention with the above metering device is further detailed below described. The main part 420 of the atomizer has an open top recess 431 with one of the piston 411 of the metering device complementary cross-sectional shape into which the piston is fitted in a sliding fit.

509821/0666 -85-

A bore 432 formed in the bottom of the recess 431 has a cross-sectional shape complementary to that of the hollow shaft part 417. The hollow shaft part 417 is fitted into the bore 432 in a substantially liquid-tight manner and its end rests on the bottom thereof. In the in Fig. Inoperative position shown 23, the underside of the piston 411 is located at some distance above the bottom of the recess 431. When exerting pressure on the top 412 of the piston 411 is downward pushed into the recess 431 ₅ while the valve stem 416 relative to the main part 420 of the atomizer is held. As a result, the parts move relative to one another as if the valve stem 416 were being pressed into the piston 411. The metering device then dispenses a metered amount of liquid through the hollow shaft part 417 into the bore 435.

On one side the main part of the atomizer has a nozzle assembly 433 with a nozzle insert 434. A Passage 435 for the fluid extending through main body 420 connects bore 432 to the central passage of the nozzle insert d 434.

The nozzle insert 434 sits in an open to the side

509821/0666 ~ ⁸⁶

nen recess 436 of the main part 420, which such is shaped that an annular feed chamber 437 is formed between its wall and the nozzle insert is. The nozzle insert 434 has from the feed chamber side inlets 434a extending to its central passage.

On the side opposite the dosing device, the main part 420 of the atomizer has an air compressor, which, in the embodiment shown, has a cylinder 438 protruding downwards from the main part 420 and a piston 439 slidably guided therein with seal 439a. This is through one in the cylinder 438 arranged return spring 440 in the cylinder facing away Direction loaded. A blind bore 441 runs from the inner end of the cylinder 438 into the Main part 420 into it. From this leads a compressed air passage with a perpendicular part 442a and a horizontal part 442b to the supply chamber 437 · The blind hole 441 forms together with the passage 442a, 442b provide a compressed air flow path through the main part 420. One arranged in the blind bore 44l Poppet valve 443 abuts a seat on one located at the inner end of cylinder 438 and the blind bore 441 covering part 444. The poppet valve 443 carries a seal 443a, which

S09821 / 06ßg _ ₈₇ _

the blind bore 44l sealingly closes so that no air can escape from the cylinder 438 past the poppet valve 443 into the vertical part 442a of the passage. A valve spring 446 disposed in the blind bore 441 holds the poppet valve 443 in abutment against its seat at the part 444. The poppet valve 443 has a shaft or actuating pin 445 protruding downwards into the cylinder 438. At the inner end of its compression stroke, the piston 439 attaches one to it protruding stop part 446 on the valve stem 445 and lifts the poppet valve 443 so far ₃ that the compressed air can flow into the vertical part 442a of the passage.

The user practices using the atomizer with his Fingers, a pressure on the cylinder 412 of the metering device and on the piston 439 of the air compressor, so the metering device emits a jet of liquid through the hollow shaft part 417, which via the product passage 435 into the nozzle insert 434 flows. Fig. 25 shows a position of the parts in which the passage 417b is just emerging from the ring seal emerges and the product begins to come out, and FIG. 26 shows a position in which the valve stem 4l6 just touches the seal 421 in order to

S09821 / 0666 - ⁸⁸ "

would give the product to quit. Simultaneously with it in the space of the cylinder 438 lying in front of the piston 439, air is compressed. The poppet valve remains 443 closed, however, until the piston 439 reached the end of the compression stroke. If the stop 446 then touches the actuating pin 445, the poppet valve is like in Pig. 25 shown, lifted from its seat on part 444, so that the compressed in cylinder 438 Air suddenly flows into the supply chamber 437 surrounding the nozzle insert 434 via the compressed air passage can. From the chamber 437, the compressed air then passes to the one that is delivered under pressure by the metering device and product flowing through the central passage of the nozzle insert. This is then in the form of a Spray from small droplets and compressed air from the nozzle insert.

Compared to other embodiments, the above offers described the advantage that the metering device used as the source for the pressurized liquid simply exchanged and the atomizer can thus be used repeatedly. The valve arrangement the metering device is not only used to meter the respective delivery amount, but also to the Exit of the liquid product in a simple manner and

S09821 / 0666 " ⁸⁹ "

to be controlled independently of the valve controlling the outlet of the compressed air from the air compressor.

The arrangement described can be modified in various ways. For example, the Cylinder not, as shown, be movably guided on the piston of the metering device, but could in turn be stationary and accommodate a movable piston. A corresponding change is also possible with regard to the air compressor, which has a fixed piston and a cylinder that can be pushed onto it can be formed. In addition, the supply lines of liquid product and compressed air to the nozzle insert be interchanged when the desired atomization can be better achieved in this way.

In yet another one shown in Figs Embodiment of the invention has one on one side an atomizer main part ("support body") 510 arranged Air compressor has a cylinder 511 protruding downward from the main part 510 and a cylinder 511 slidably guided therein Piston 512 open. The piston 512 is sealingly guided in the cylinder 511 by means of a seal 513 and a return spring disposed in the cylinder 511 514 loaded outwards from the cylinder. From the inside

B09821 / 0688 " ⁹ °"

At the end of the cylinder 511, a recess 515 extends into the main part 510. One in the recess 515 seated poppet valve 517 rests on a Seal 5l8j which in turn is on a disk 519 sits. The disk 519 is in an extension 519a of the recess 515 at the inner end of the cylinder 511 inserted and forms a closure of the recess 515 · The poppet valve seated on the seal 518 517 prevents air from leaking out of the cylinder into the recess. It is in contact with its valve spring 520 seated in recess 515 Seat loaded. The piston 512 carries an upwardly protruding actuating pin 521 which is at the end of the compression stroke of piston 512 in contact with the poppet valve 517 comes and this lifts so far from the seal 518 that compressed air flows into the recess can.

The main atomizer part 510 carries a product feed device 5 ^ O ₃ which is set up for the delivery of metered amounts of a liquid product to be atomized. The supply and metering device 540 corresponds to the above with reference to FIG. ₃ described 23 25 and 26 and the product to a Produktdurchlaß to 533.

509821/0666 " ⁹¹ "

The feed and metering device 540 sits in one Fit 551, open at the top, on main atomizer part 510. The socket 551 has one of the cylinders 412 of the dosing device 540 complementary cross-sectional shape so that the cylinder 412 is slidably guided therein. A bore 552 extending from the base of the mount 551 has a bore 552 that is complementary to that of the hollow shaft part 417 Cross-sectional shape and takes this in an essentially flow-tight fit so that the inner end of the hollow shaft portion 417 at the bottom of the bore touches down. In the rest position of the parts shown in FIG. 27, the lower end of the piston 411 lies in some areas Distance above the bottom of the socket 551 · When pressure is applied to the top of the cylinder 412, the piston 411 is pushed down into the socket 551 'while the position of the valve stem 417 is opposite the nebulizer body 510 remains unchanged. This causes the liquid contained in the cylinder 412, as explained above with reference to Figs. 23, 25 and 26, pressurized.

One in this embodiment from the side of the main atomizer part 510 discharging atomizer nozzle has a straight, cylindrical passage 525, which opens out in a diverging section 532. A mixture of liquid flowing through the passage 525

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Speed and compressed air relaxes when entering the diverging section 532 with atomization of the Liquid.

A compressed air passage emanating from recess 515 516 opens into the cylindrical passage 525 for a short time before it opens into the diverging section 532. The product passage 533 opens above the mouth of the compressed air passage 516 into the cylindrical Passage 525-

The compressed air flowing in via the compressed air passage 516 mixes in the downstream end piece of the cylindrical passage 525 with that above the passage 533 and the section located in front of the mouth of the passage 516 of the cylindrical passage 525 flowing product and then relaxes in the diverging section 532. This creates a fine spray. As the liquid product under pressure in the cylindrical Passage 525 and flows along in this, the over Pressurized air flowing through passage 516 into cylindrical passage 525 creates a shear effect on the liquid off, so that good atomization is achieved even with such a simple structure.

509821/0666 " ⁹³ "

The described arrangement of the flow paths for the product and the compressed air is therefore a satisfactory one Atomization achievable, so that a Venturi nozzle or another so far in most of these atomizers Type used, more or less precisely shaped part is not necessary. This reduces the Cost to manufacture and assemble the atomizer.

The embodiment described above can be modified in various ways. For example, needs the cylinder of the metering device is not, as shown, movably guided on the piston of the same but could in turn be stationary and accommodate a movable piston. A corresponding Changes are also possible with regard to the air compressor, which has a fixed piston and which can be pushed onto it Cylinder can be formed. Another supply and / or metering device for the Product provided and arranged in a different position on the main atomizer part.

In all the embodiments of the aerosol atomizer according to the invention shown in FIGS. 29 to 36 this a main part ("support body") 6IO with a

509821/0666 " ^9h

one side of the same arranged air compressor. This has a cylinder 611 protruding downward on the main part 610 and a piston 612 slidingly guided therein. The piston is sealingly guided in the cylinder 611 by means of a seal 613 and is loaded outwardly out of the cylinder by a return spring 611 seated in the cylinder 611. A recess 615 extends from the inner end of the cylinder 611 into the main part 610. A poppet valve 617 seated in the recess 615 rests on a seal 61 8 ₃ which in turn rests on a disk 619. The disk 619 sits in an extension 619a of the recess 615 at the inner end of the cylinder oll and forms a closure of the recess 615 · The poppet valve 617 seated on the seal 618 prevents air from escaping from the cylinder oll into the recess. It is loaded by a valve spring 620 arranged in the recess 615 in contact with the seal 6I8. The piston 612 carries an upwardly protruding actuating pin 621 which, at the end of the compression stroke of the piston 612, comes into contact with the poppet valve 617 and lifts it off the seal 6I8 to such an extent that compressed air can flow into the recess 615.

The main atomizer part 6IO carries a product feed device 640, which is used to dispense dosed quantities

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a liquid product to be atomized is set up. The feed and metering device 640 corresponds to that described above with reference to FIGS. 23 , 25 and 26 and feeds the product to a product passage 633.

The feed and metering device 640 sits in a socket 65I that is open at the top on the main atomizer part 6IO. The socket 65I has one of the cylinders 412 of the metering device 640 complementary cross-sectional shape so that the cylinder 412 is slidably guided therein. A bore 652 extending from the base of the socket has a bore 652 which is complementary to that of the hollow shaft part 417 Cross-sectional shape and takes this in a substantially flow-tight fit, with the inner End of the hollow shaft part 417 rests on the bottom of the bore. In the rest position shown in FIG of the parts, the lower end of the piston 411 is some distance above the bottom of the socket 65I. When pressure is applied to the top of the cylinder 412, the liquid product is in a jet injected from the hollow shaft portion 417 into the product passage 633 by considerable force.

In these embodiments, the nebulizer has one

509821/0666 " ^ '

Spray nozzle opening out laterally from the main part 610. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 29 to ~ $ k, the nozzle is a venturi nozzle 625, which is inserted into a recess 626 and having a tapered part 627 is fitted the smaller in an axis extending from the recess 626 of the main part into the recess 628 diameter is. The part of the nozzle 625 having a larger diameter is shaped on the outside in such a way that when the nozzle is inserted into the recess 626, a supply chamber 629 surrounding it is formed. In the constricted passage 625 of the nozzle open out 63O two diametrically opposed inlets 63I ₅ which on the other hand, open into the feed chamber 629th The narrowed passage 63O merges into a diverging outlet part 632.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 35 and 36, the nozzle a simple, rectilinear cylindrical passage 625a which leads into a diverging outlet part 632a empties. A mixture of liquid and pressurized gas flowing through the passage 625a is expanded upon entering the diverging part 632a, the liquid being atomized.

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509821/0666

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 29, 30, 32 and 33, a compressed air passage goes with the recess 615. a vertical section 6l6a and a horizontal section 6l6b, which in the supply chamber 629 empties. The recess 615 and the compressed air passage 6l6a, 6l6b together form one Compressed air flow path through the main part 6IO. The product diameter outlet 633 opens essentially at right angles into the horizontal part 61 6b of the compressed air passage .

Furthermore, at least one is through the main part 6IO Compressed air secondary passage provided to the nozzle. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 29 and 30 is the A secondary passage through one extending from the recess 615 to the inner end of the narrowed recess 628 and Bore 635 opening into the converging inlet part of the passage 63O of the Venturi nozzle 625 is formed.

In this embodiment, compressed air flowing through the narrowed passage 630 of the Venturi nozzle 625 sucks Product from the supply chamber 629 and via this from the horizontal part 6l6b of the compressed air passage, into which the product passage 633 opens. In addition, the compressed air from the recess 615 is over

509821/0668 " ⁹⁸ "

the compressed air passage 6l6a, 6l6b supplied, which exerts an overpressure on the product. From these Combined effects result in a very fine spray j and in the nozzle 625, the compressed air passage or the product passage leaves little or no residue.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 32 there are two compressed air secondary passages is provided, namely in addition to the secondary passage 635 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, another Passage 636, which leads from the recess 615 to the supply chamber 629 and preferably the confluence of the compressed air passage 6l6b opens into this diametrically opposite. In addition to that with the arrangement 29 and 30 achieved combined effect is here in the narrowest central passage of the nozzle 625 through the feed ring chamber 629 and the radial Compressed air supplied to inlets 63I has a shear effect on the mixture flowing in via section 6l6b exerted from liquid and compressed air, which further improves atomization.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 33 there is only a single compressed air secondary passage, namely that to the supply chamber 629 leading passage 636, while the passage 635 (from FIG. 32) which is central to the nozzle 625 is missing here.

509821/0666 "" "

As a result, no suction effect is exerted here in the narrowed passage 63O of the Venturi nozzle. The atomization however, due to the shear action, it is directly fed via feed chamber 629 and inlets 63I Compressed air improved considerably.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 34, the compressed air passage 6l6a, 6l6b runs to the product passage 633 and from there directly to the recess 628 , where it opens into the passage 63O of the Venturi nozzle 625. In addition, a compressed air secondary passage 636 runs from the recess 615 to the supply chamber 629- In this embodiment the atomization is considerably improved by the shear action of the compressed air entering via the inlets 631 to the flow of compressed air and liquid in the passage 63O.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 31, an atomizer nozzle in the form of a nozzle insert 625 discharges laterally from the main atomizer part 6IO. The nozzle insert 625 is seated in a lateral opening out opening 626 of the main part 610. This is designed so that around the insert 625 around freely remains a supply chamber 629th The nozzle insert 625 has a central passage 63O, which through lateral inlets 63Ϊ with the supply chamber 629 ■

- 1ΩΩ -

509821/0666

is flow-connected. In a practical implementation For example, the nozzle insert can be a commercially available insert of the type described above with reference to FIGS

30 described ._ In the embodiment according to Fig.

However, 31 meets the central passage 631 of the nozzle no function of its own. A flow path through the main body 610 of the nebulizer for the liquid product has one of the bore 652 to the passage 622 leading to the supply chamber 629 surrounding the nozzle insert 625.

The recess 615 and the parts 6l6a, 6l6b of the compressed air passage form a pressurized air flow path through main body 610.

How the air compressor works, the outlet the poppet valve 617 controlling the compressed air and associated parts is the same as in the Figs. 29, 30 and 32 to 36 shown embodiments.

In using the nebulizer shown in Fig. 31, the user applies pressure to the with his fingers Cylinder 412 of the product metering device and the piston 612 of the air compressor, the metering device a jet of liquid through the hollow shaft

- 101 -

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part 417 gives through. The liquid gets in via the passage 622 into the supply chamber 629. At the same time, in the space in front of the piston 612 of the cylinder 611 compressed air. However, the poppet valve 617 remains closed until the piston 612 reached the end of the compression stroke. The actuating pin 621 on the poppet valve then relies on this 617 and lifts it off the seal 618, so that the air compressed in the cylinder suddenly over, the passage 623, 623 into the one surrounding the nozzle insert 625 Feed chamber 629 can flow. The compressed air flowing into the supply chamber 629 mixes with it the liquid supplied under pressure by the metering device and exerts a shear effect on it the end. The mixture then flows through the side inlets 63I and exits at the diverging outlet portion 632 of the nozzle. . Due to the described mode of action, the liquid is in the form of a from the start fine spray from small droplets and compressed air from the nozzle insert atomized out without initially larger droplets of liquid emerge, i.e. without "Spit".

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 35 and 36, instead of the Venturi nozzle 625, there is a simple passage 625a

0 9 8 21/0666 - 102 -

provided with a divergent outlet portion 632a. In the simplest embodiment, the compressed air flow path is composed of the vertical part 6l6a and the horizontal part 6l6b ₃ . into which the product passage 633 opens and which then merges directly into the passage 625a of the nozzle. In this embodiment, the compressed air flows in behind the liquid product, mixes with it and increases the flow rate , whereupon the mixture flows out of the atomizer nozzle in the form of a fine spray mist.

The embodiment according to FIG. 36 is that shown in FIG. 35 similar and additionally has a compressed air bypass passage 635a j which from the recess 615 to a point of the passage 625a between the confluence of the product passage 633 into the compressed air passage 6l6b and the transition of the passage 625a into the diverging outlet part 632a. the Compressed air flowing in via the bypass passage 635a exerts a shear effect and improves the atomization when the flow exits the atomizer.

As can be seen from the above description of the embodiments according to FIGS. 29 to 3 ^, the decomposition

509821/0666 -103-

The atomization of the product is significantly improved without the atomizer having a large number of parts than known designs. This improvement is due to a novel arrangement of the compressed air flow path as well as achieved by one or more compressed air secondary passages. Such an arrangement of passages can be made by simply drilling or by making minor changes to the compression molding of the plastic atomizer main part. So the improved results are through minor changes were made to the main atomizer part 610, which could be achieved without any significant cost increases have it carried out.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 35 and 36, the Atomization improved by the changed arrangement of the compressed air flow paths to such an extent that a high-precision molded part, such as a Venturi nozzle, can be omitted for many purposes, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing and assembling the atomizer accordingly. at In the arrangement shown here, the liquid is displaced at a speed that is increased by the compressed air fed to the nozzle, thereby improving atomization and clogging the flow path for the liquid product is largely avoided.

509821/0666 -104-

Another embodiment of an aerosol atomizer shown in FIG. 37 has a main part ("support body") 710 with an open top fit 711 · This has one of an outer case 733 one to be described in detail below and one to be atomized liquid product containing metering device 7 ^ 1 complementary cross-sectional shape. The top The end of the housing 7 ^ 3 is closed with a cover 743c. Inside the housing 743 is an inner one Housing 744 arranged. The bottom of the outer housing 7 ^ 3 is penetrated by an opening 743a. Between A first ring seal is seated on the bottom of the outer housing and the bottom of the inner housing 744 " 745. The inner housing 744 has on his the bottom of the outer housing 743 facing end a recess 744a of larger diameter, of the inner end a bore 7 ^ b of smaller diameter for lying in the upper part of the outer housing 7 ^ 3 End of the inner housing 744 leads and penetrates a nipple 744c protruding upwards at this end.

A valve stem 746 movably guided in the recess 744a and the bore 744b has a valve stem 746 into the recess 744a protruding massive shaft part and a

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starting from this, downwards through the first ring seal 745 and the opening 743a in the bottom of the outer housing 743 protruding hollow shaft part 7 ^ 7 Die The outer surface of the hollow shaft portion 747 is in sealing engagement with the first ring seal 7 ^ 5- At the transition point between the massive and the hollow shaft part 747 has the shaft 746 a splash 748 similar to that shown in FIG inactivated position on the first ring seal 745 sits on. The solid shaft part 746 has such a cross-sectional shape that it is free in the recess 744a can move. The opening of the bore 744b into the recess 744a is covered by a second ring seal 750, in which the massive shaft part when lifting of the shaft 7 ^ 6 can penetrate sealingly. One The spring 749 seated between the second ring seal 750 and the flange 748 loads the flange 748 into contact on the first ring seal 745.

The hollow shaft portion 747 has a passage 747b, which in the illustrated non-actuated position of the atomizer below the bottom of the outer housing 743 lies. The passage is in the actuated position 747b then in the recess 744a.

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One housed in the upper end of the outer housing 743 ^ Flexible bag 751 filled with liquid is sealed with its mouth on the nipple 744c connected. The outer housing 743 has a opening into the space 7 ^ 3b containing the bag 751 Ventilation opening 743d.

On the side of the main atomizer part 710 one opens out Atomizing nozzle assembly containing nozzle insert 714 713 off. The nozzle insert 714 sits in one side Opening 716 formed on the main part 710. This is the case shaped so that a feed chamber 717 is formed around the nozzle insert. The nozzle insert 714 is from a Venturi passage 7l4a penetrated. This is via inlets 7l4b running transversely thereto with the supply chamber 717 flow-connected. In the illustrated embodiment has the opening 716 at its inner end a narrower part and another part at the outer end. The nozzle insert 714 accordingly has a part that is smaller Diameter which fits into the narrower part of the opening, but is longer than this deep. Through this is the larger diameter part of the nozzle insert to form the feed chamber 717 opposite the step between the narrower and the enlarged part of the opening 716 is displaced outward. One of one

509821/0666 ¹⁰⁷ ~

Bore 712 outgoing and to which the nozzle insert

714 surrounding supply chamber 717 leading passage

715 forms a flow path for the liquid product in main part 710.

At the end opposite the dosing device, the main part 710 of the nebulizer has a source of propellant in the form of an air compressor. In the embodiment shown, this has one on the main part 710 downwardly protruding cylinder 718 and one sliding piston 719 guided therein. The piston 719 is sealed in the cylinder by a seal 719a 718 out and arranged by a cylinder 718 Return spring 720 is loaded outwardly from the cylinder. "Extends from the inner end of the cylinder 718 a recess 721 in the atomizer main part 710 · a compressed air flow path emanating from this consists of a vertical passage 722, one leading to the central passage of the nozzle insert horizontal passage 723 and a second horizontal passage 724 leading to the feed chamber 717 together. The recess 721 forms with the passages 722, 723 and 724 one through the main part 710 of the The compressed air flow path leading to the atomizer. In the Recess 721 is a poppet valve 725 for the control the compressed air outlet housed. It rests on

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a seat 726, which is supported by a disc 727 seated at the inner end of the cylinder 718 in the recess 721 is held. A valve spring 728 arranged in the recess 721 holds the poppet valve 725 on its seat 726. On the piston 719 there is an actuating pin 729 upwards. This comes into contact with the poppet valve at the end of the compression stroke of piston 719 725 and lifts this so far from its seat 726 that the compressed air enters the recess can flow in.

In use, the parts are initially in the position shown in FIG. 37 and the bag 751 is with it filled with a liquid. Is now on the lid 743c exerted a pressure, the outer housing 743 pushes against the force of the spring 749 over the in the bore 712 held valve stem 746 downwards, with first the second ring seal 750 is pushed onto the upper end of the solid shaft part and thus the recess 744a seals against the narrower bore 744b, so that a metered amount of the liquid is included in the recess 744a.

With the further downward movement of the outer housing 743 relative to the valve stem 746, the

509821/0666 -109-

first ring seal Jk5 across the passage 7 ^ 7b, so that the interior of the recess 74 ^ a is now in flow connection with that of the hollow shaft part 7 ^ 7. The liquid enclosed in the recess 7 ^ 4a can now flow off through the hollow shaft part 7 ^ 7 and reaches the supply chamber 717 via the passage 715

Simultaneously with the pressure exerted on the cover 7 ^ 3c of the dosing device to dispense a metered amount of the liquid, the user's fingers exert a pressure on the piston 719 of the air compressor. As a result, the air in the space of the cylinder 718 located in front of the piston 719 is compressed. The poppet valve 725 remains closed until the piston reaches the end of the compression stroke. The actuating pin 729 then rests on the poppet valve 725 and lifts it from its seat 72β, so that the air compressed in the cylinder 718 is suddenly released and via the compressed air flow path to the supply chamber 717 surrounding the nozzle insert 71 ^ and through the central passage of the insert can flow through, the compressed air flowing through the central passage 7l4a sucks the amount of liquid dispensed by the dosing device fkl into the supply chamber 717 · The compressed air flowing into the supply chamber 717 mixes and

509821/0666 -110-

-no-

ter exerting a shear effect with that of the dosing device dispensed liquid. The resulting mixture is then fed through the side inlets 7l4b through into the central passage of the Venturi nozzle penetrating compressed air flow sucked. In the venturi passage the liquid is another subject to decomposing action and is therefore from the beginning in the form of a fine spray of small Droplets in compressed air ejected from the nozzle insert without initially causing larger liquid droplets develop.

As a disposable part, the liquid supply and metering device described above can be easily and effortlessly replaced by a new metering device. The valve arrangement of the metering device is not only used to meter the amount of liquid to be dispensed , but also to control the outflow of the liquid product from the metering device in a simple manner and independently of the actuation of the valve that controls the outlet of the compressed air from the air compressor, and also prevents this Compressed air flows into the bag 751.

After lifting the dosing unit on the cover 743c

509821/0666 -m-

- Ill -

direction of exerted pressure, the parts return to the position shown in Fig. 37, with the Opening 743d air into the bag 751 containing it Space flows in, so that further liquid can flow into the bore 744b and the recess 744a.

As can be seen from the above description, the problem of "spitting" and atomization is eliminated the liquid into fine droplets from the start by simply changing the arrangement in that way achieved that the compressed gas or the compressed air and the liquid to be atomized together with the surrounding the nozzle Feed chamber and the pressurized gas is also fed to the central passage of the nozzle.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 38 to 40, an aerosol atomizer has a product container 8II, of which, however, only the upper part of the peripheral wall is shown and which has a cover wall 812 at the upper end. The product container 8II forms or includes a source of a first fluid product, such as a liquid or a finely divided, powdery material which is to be atomized, and further includes, on the product preferably by a highly flexible membrane or a bag _isolated} a certain Amount of a pressurized gaseous

509821/0666 -112-

gen propellant. The propellant is flowable in a space of the container 811 above the first Contained in the product and exerts direct pressure on it. It preferably consists of liquefied Propane with an admixture of butane under a pressure which is up to 45 bar above ambient pressure.

A shut-off device arranged on the container has a valve housing 810 in which a hollow shaft 817 is movably guided. The valve housing 810 sits on the underside of a holding part in the form of an approximately cup-shaped cover 813. In the arrangement according to FIGS. 38 to 40, the middle part of the cover 813 is bent over the upper end of the valve housing 810 and this through a step below a downward formed at its upper part in the lid 813 annular bead 814 mounted therein, the retaining cap 813 has an outwardly flanged edge engages 8L5 _s which over an upwardly protruding on the top wall of the container and the annular web is sealed with a sealant miteingebördelten 8L6. The holding cover 813 also has a central opening 813a through which the valve stem 817 can move freely. Between the upper end of the valve housing 8IO and the cover 813 there is a second or outer, together with the valve stem.

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- J.1.J -

acting seal 820, which is described in detail below.

Immediately below the seal 820, the valve stem has a Plansch 817 818. This has an annular upwardly protruding edge 819, which is in the position shown in Fig. 38 upper end position of the valve stem 817 in abutting contact with the seal 820. The lower part of the valve stem 817 with the face 818 is arranged in a cavity 821 of the valve housing 810. At the bottom of the cavity 821 of the valve housing 810 sits a first or inner seal 822 which is held in place by a return spring 825. The spring 825 is supported on the one hand on the seal 822 and on the other hand on the underside of the puddle 818. The cavity 821 is in flow communication with the interior of the container 8II via a bore 823 penetrating the valve housing 8IO.

The lower end of the hollow valve stem 817 penetrates the seal 822 and has a transverse passage 8l7b extending from its longitudinal passage 8l7a. In the unactuated ₃ upper end position of the valve stem, the transverse passage 8l7b is closed by the first seal 822

509821/0666

held.

The lower end of the Ventilgehaus.es 810 is through a Guide bush 824 extended downwards, in the bore 826 of which the valve stem 817 is axially displaced is guided with a protruding at its lower end Plansch 8l7c. At the lower end of the guide bush 824 is a container connection nipple from which of a bore 827 a connecting the bore 827 with the interior of the container 8II is interspersed. A hanging down into the container 8II, The collapsible container 828 is pushed onto the connecting nipple 827 with its neck in a sealing manner. The flexible container 828 contains a second flowable product on which the interior the propellant present in the container 8II exerts a pressure through the wall of the container 828, without coming into direct contact with the product. The second flowable product is for example a material which cannot be stored together with the propellant.

The cavity 821 is connected to the interior of the valve housing 810 by a second bore 823a Container 8II fluidly connected. A downward in

509821/0666 -115-

the container 8ll extending dip tube 828a is with its upper end is inserted sealingly into an enlarged bore in the valve housing 810.

The valve stem 817 has, in the circumferential surface of its upper part, grooves 8l7d _a which run in the longitudinal direction and which terminate at a beveled step. The step forms a transition to a space formed at the upper end of the shaft 817 pin 829 for placement of an actuating head ¹ 83O. .

The actuating head 83O is sealing to the upper one The end piece of the valve stem 817 is attached and contains an atomizing nozzle. This has a transverse to the actuating head 830 running passage 834 for under Flowable product under pressure which runs out in a divergent part 835. A bushing 831 protruding downwards in the actuating head 830 is sealing placed on the pin 829 of the valve stem and has a liquid passage 836 which upwards to the transverse passage 83 ^ runs. One concentric with the inner bushing 83I on the actuating head 83O downwardly protruding outer bushing 832 surrounds the the upper part of the valve stem 817 having the grooves 8l7d in a snug fit. The outer socket 832

509821/0666 -116-

extends downward through the opening 813a of the lid 813 and is in the sealing Abutment on the inner edge of the second seal 820. The one between the inner and outer bushes annular gap 833 forms a pressurized gas passage which extends upward and the Passage 834 at a location near upstream of the divergent Part 835 cuts substantially at right angles.

As can be seen from the description above, the shut-off device has fluid flow paths, which lead from the container 828 and the immersion tube 828a through the shut-off device. In the illustrated The embodiment is such a flow path from the bore 827a of the connection nipple 827, the bore 826, the transverse passage 8l7b and the longitudinal passage 8l7a of the valve stem 817, the fluid passage 836 and the transverse passage 834 is formed. This flow path for the flowable product is at Movement of valve stem 817 up and down through a shut-off member in the form of the first or inner seal 822 lockable and releasable. The second flow path is through the interaction of the valve stem 817 seated paddling 818 with the second or

5.0 9821/0668 - 117 -

outer seal 820 lockable and releasable during the upward and downward movement of the valve stem.

The shut-off device also has a pressurized gas flow path which runs along the bore 823 into the cavity 821 of the valve housing and from there along the Grooves 8l7d and the annular space 833 runs. The outer seal 820 is also used to shut off the pressurized gas flow path. that the pressurized gas and one of the flowable products in this embodiment are partially common Have flow path, which by means of a single shut-off element, namely the seal 820, is lockable.

In the position of the parts shown in FIGS. 38 to 4l the flow paths for the flowable products are blocked. The transverse passage 8l7b of the valve stem 817 lies within the first, inner seal 822 so that the product contained in the inner container 828 under the pressure acting on the outside of the container 828 above the pressure in the outer container 8II The propellant contained therein does not flow past the seal 820 can. The edge 819 of the flange 8I8 seated on the valve stem 817 is in firm contact with the outer

50982 1/0666 - 118 -

ren seal 820, so that also in the outer container 811 cannot flow out through the shut-off device. At the same time, the locks too with the edge 819 cooperating seal 820 the compressed gas flow path.

If you exert a pinger pressure on the actuating head 83Ο, they move the parts into the position shown in Fig. 4l. The valve stem 817 moves downward under compression of the spring 825 so that its transverse passage 817b protrudes from the underside of the inner seal 822. This frees the flow path for the flowable product contained in the inner container 828, so that it now flows under pressure in the longitudinal passage 817a of the valve stem and upwards in the passage 836 and then outwards through the transverse passage 834 to the divergent part 835 thereof product under a certain pressure is ₃ is obtained even without further intervention a considerable dispersion, so that already forms a kind of spray during the downward movement of the valve stem 817 is also the edge 819 lifts the flange 8I8 of the outer seal 820 and the lower end. the outer sleeve 832 depresses the inner edge of the gasket to allow a passage over the edge 819 and under

509821/0666

- 119 -

the edge of the seal 820 to open through. The compressed gas can now pass through the cavity 821, the grooves 8l7d and the annular space 833 in the flow transverse passage 834. Simultaneously can the product contained in the outer container 811 under the pressure of the same in the outer container existing gaseous propellant along the dip tube 828a and the bore 823a into the cavity 821 stream. The flowable product and the gaseous propellant mix with one another in the cavity and then flow past seal 820 to actuator head 840.

Since the entry of the mixture of pressurized gas and flowable product into the passage 834 is essentially takes place at right angles to the flow of the pressurized product flowing therein, that exercises under pressure The inflowing mixture exerts a shear effect on the flow of the product and breaks it up as it exits at the divergent part to a spray of extremely small droplets.

It has been found that upon application of pressures in the range of about 1.5 bar above the ambient pressure for the compressed gas, i.e. for the propellant and for

509821/0666 -120-

Such aerosol atomizers common dimensions of the nozzle a spray of extremely small droplets can be achieved in which a large part of the droplets has a size in the range of 5 to 10 μ. As a result the container 811 may have decreased strength. This has the advantage that the Aerosol atomizers both for transportation and storage, and for throwing away after use is safer.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 38 to 4l this is mixed in the outer container 811 contained flowable product, which under the pressure of the same in the container above existing propellant flows up through the dip tube 828a, in Hohlruam 821 with the gaseous Phase of the propellant and then flows in a mixture with this along the grooves 8l7d upwards until it to Flow of the flowable product from the inner container 818 in the transverse passage 834 occurs. In another It is also possible to arrange both flowable products in the transverse passage 834 and the gaseous propellant to be supplied separately to the actuating head 83Ο. Such an arrangement is shown in Figs.

This arrangement has a structure similar to that in

509821/0666 " ¹²¹ "

Pig. 38 to 41, with a cup-shaped holding cover 813, which is fastened to the cover wall 812 of the container with a sealing compound inserted in between, and a valve housing 86O fastened by means of a bead 814 in the holding cover 813. The valve housing 86O and a valve stem guided therein, however, have one of that in Pig. 38 to 4l shown slightly different shape. The valve housing has a cavity 86o is disposed on the bottom of which a first valve seal 862 86l. ₃ It is held in its position by a spring 865 supported on a flange 868 of the valve stem 867. Above the seal 862, the wall of the valve housing 86O is penetrated by a propellant passage which connects the cavity with the space above the flowable product contained in the container 8II. The valve stem has a first transverse passage 8.67ba which is held closed by the first valve seal 862. At its lower end, the valve housing 86O has a cavity 871 which is open at the bottom and at the inner end of which a second valve seal 872 is seated. It is held in place by an upwardly protruding edge web 873 of its cover part 874 placed on the lower end of the valve housing 86O. The attachment of the cover part 874 to the valve housing

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122 -

takes place, for example, by an annular bead 864a, which engages in a groove 86Oa of the valve housing. The connection nipple protrudes downward on the cover part 874. The flexible container 828 is sealingly attached to the nipple 827. The valve stem 867 has a second transverse passage 867c, which is held closed by the second valve seal 872nd

In the cavity of the valve housing 860 there is a closed one between the two valve seals 862 and 872 Chamber 875 formed. This is through a valve housing penetrating product passage 876 with a Annular groove 877 in the peripheral surface of the housing in fluid communication. The cover part 874 has one on one side Approach 878 with an enlarged bore 879 for receiving the immersion tube 828a and one in the annular groove 877 opening bore 880.

Otherwise, the structure of this arrangement corresponds essentially to that shown in FIGS. 38 to 41. The outer seal 820 is clamped between the valve housing 86O and the retaining cover 813 and the actuating head 83O is in the same way on the The valve stem is attached as in the case of the

509821 / OeeS

- 123 -

benen embodiment. Instead of the two in Fig. 39, the valve stem 867 has a plurality of grooves 867a distributed along its circumference. thanks to this arrangement and the presence of the annular groove 877, it is irrelevant in which positions the Parts are mutually aligned with respect to the central axis of the valve stem. The holes Passages, seals, etc. are in a mutual operative relationship in every orientation.

In the operating head 840 shown in FIG is the passage 834 for flowable product over the axial passage 836 extended to the other side of the annular space 833. Through this at least a portion of the gaseous propellant flows over the axial product passage 836, so that the liquid flowing up the valve stem is even better divided.

The mode of operation of the atomizer in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 44. When pressing the The valve stem becomes the first and the second valve seal 862 or 872 bent downwards and thereby release the transverse passages 867b and 867c, so that the im outer container 8II pressurized flowable

509821/0686 -i24-

Product through dip tube 828a, passageway 876 and transverse passageway 876b and that in the inner container 828 through cavity 87I and transverse passage 867c into hollow valve stem 867 can flow in. The two products then flow together in the valve stem up to the nozzle while the propellant flows along the grooves 867d into the actuating head 83O and there it enters the products, to expel it as a spray from the diverging part 835 of the nozzle.

It can be seen from the drawing that the parts of which the nebulizer according to the invention is assembled is of fairly conventional shape and can be made of plastic or similar materials without difficulty and can be easily assembled using existing facilities.

In order to reliably achieve the desired effect, it is essential with the atomizers shown in FIGS. 38 to 44, that the passages for the flow of the pressurized propellant directly to the atomizer nozzle in comparison to the axial passage 817a or 867a through which the pressurized product flows of the valve stem are pretty tight so that they go along

509821/0666 - 125 -

throttling effect exerted on the compressed gas flow path is sufficiently strong that the space in the space filled with the liquefied propellant, Gas pressure acting on the adjacent spaces filled with the flowable products along the products the axial passage 817 or 867a to the central passage 83 ^ of the nozzle can lift.

If in the embodiment according to Fig. 42 only a single product source is provided in the form of the container 8II, for example, the inner flexible container 828 can be used to exert the necessary pressure on the product liquefied propane or freon 12 be filled together with the gaseous phase of the propellant. Due to the rather high pressure then prevailing in the flexible container 828, the inner container expands then exerts within the outer container 81I, thereby exerting a sufficiently high pressure on the product to raise it through dip tube 828a and axial passage 867a to passage 834 of the nozzle. By appropriately dimensioning the thickness of the valve seals 862 and 872 and one based thereon Arrangement of the mouths of the transverse passages 867b and 867c can be used to create an arrangement in which the pressurized gaseous propellant through

509821/0666 -126-

the passage 867c in one in Fig. 42 dashed and The axial passage 867d, shown in solid lines in FIG. 44, flows parallel to the axial passage 867a runs along the valve stem 867. In this In the case of the transverse passage 867c does not open into the axial central passage (Fig. 44). With such a Thus, the pressurized gaseous propellant reaches the annular passage 833 of the atomizing nozzle at substantially the same time that the pressurized product exits passage 834 of FIG Nozzle reached.

In this modified embodiment, the outer seal 820 can be set up in such a way that it closes the opening 8l3a always keeps closed, or in such a way that it is effective in the same way as in the execution according to Fig. 38. In this modified embodiment, liquefied propellants can under a fairly high pressure, since the flexible inner container 828 containing them is always off Product container Si! is surrounded.

If propellants are used under a lower pressure, they can be used in the upper part of the interior of the container 81I above the product contained therein

509821/0666 -127-

be contained in a duct and in direct contact with it. Otherwise, the propellant by a (not shown) very flexible and stretchable membrane inside the container 811 separated from the product be. In such an embodiment of the in Fig. 42, the flexible inner container 828 may or may contain a second product fall away. When using a second product to be atomized, the transverse passage 867c of the valve stem opens 867 preferably in its axial central passage 867a and the passage parallel to it 867d does not exist.

B0982 1/0666

Claims (36)

Claims 1.) Aerosol atomizer for dispensing a spray consisting of a mixture of liquid and gas, with at least one container for a liquid product to be atomized, at least one inside the container or separately from this arranged source for a propellant, a nozzle arrangement, which a Atomizing nozzle with a central passage extending through it and leading from an inlet side to the outlet side with a section for constant flow, an expansion section, whose cross-sectional area is over its entire length at least equal to the cross-sectional area of the transition point of the two sections or is larger than this and with at least one penetrating the nozzle and close to the transition point between the two sections of the central passage opening into this inlet, its central flow axis at the confluence with the central passage whose axis intersects, further flow path for liquid Product from the container to the nozzle and for propellant from the propellant source to the nozzle and shut-off devices for controlling the flow of liquid along the liquid flow path, and with 509821/0666 -129- Actuating devices for actuating the shut-off devices, characterized in that a device (30) for generating pressure in the liquid is assigned to the container (1) for the liquid to be atomized or to the liquid flow path (8) upstream of its flow-controlling shut-off device (10) and that the actuating devices (12 ) are provided with adjusting devices (12a) for the shut-off devices (1O ₃ 11), by means of which the shut-off devices can be adjusted so that the liquid flowing into the nozzle has a higher pressure than the propellant flowing into the nozzle. 2. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for generating pressure in the Liquid is formed by the propellant source arranged in the container. 3. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (30) for generating pressure in the liquid is assigned to the liquid container that the flow path (8) for the liquid product is connected to the inlet end of the central passage (4) of the nozzle and that the propellant flow path (9) 509821/0666 - 130 - is connected to the at least one inlet (7). 4. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 2, characterized in that the mean flow axis of the at least one inlet (7) of the nozzle (3) at its confluence (7a) in the central passage (4) the axis the latter intersects at an angle of 70 to 110 and that the total cross-sectional area of the inlet or the inlets at its confluence with the central passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of the latter at the transition point (5a). 5. aerosol atomizer according to claim 4, characterized in that that the intersection angle of the axes is a right angle. 6. aerosol atomizer according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that that at least one pair of inlets (7) is present, their junctions (7a) in the central passage (4) are diametrically opposed to each other. 7 · Aerosol atomizer according to at least one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the total cross-sectional area the inlets (7) about two to ten times the size of the cross-sectional area of the central 509821/0666 - 131 - passage (4) at the transition point (5a). 8. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 7 » characterized in that the total cross-sectional area of the inlets has a size of 0.5 to Ij5 now and the cross-sectional area of the central passage (4) at the transition point (5a) is 0.1 to 0.5 mm. 9. Aerosol atomizer according to at least one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the shut-off devices (10, 11) and the adjusting devices (12a) together form pressure control devices which are set so that the liquid product flowing in via the liquid flow path (8) is a 0.3 to 1 bar higher pressure than the pressure flowing into the nozzle (3) via the propellant flow path (9) Propellant. 10. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 9 » characterized in that the pressure control devices are adjustable so that the liquid flowing into the nozzle via the liquid flow path is a 2 to 8 bar above ambient pressure and the propellant flowing in via the propellant flow path (9) one lying 1.7 to 7 bar above ambient pressure 5098 21/0666 - 132 - Has pressure. 11. Aerosol atomizer according to at least one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the section (33) a part (33b) of smaller diameter extending from the inlet end for constant flow and a portion (33c) of larger diameter extending between this and the expansion section (33d) and that the at least one inlet (7a, 7v) at a point near the transition of the larger Diameter having part in the expansion section at an angle of 80 to 100 ° in the the former joins. 12. Aerosol atomizer according to at least one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the device a product pressure pump with a "piston (19, 34) to generate pressure in the liquid and a cylinder (26), of which one part is movable relative to the other, that the The shut-off device controlling the flow of the propellant has a movable shut-off member (15) that the moving part of the product pressure pump (32, 34) with the shut-off element in drive connection and by means of an actuating element essentially simultaneously 509821/0666 -133- tig can be moved with this to generate the pressure in the product that the movable part of the product pressure pump and the shut-off element are loaded by a return spring (43) into the closed position of the shut-off element and until the shut-off element is opened by direct engagement of the actuating element in the closed position are maintained and that a product shut-off device (Hl, 57) disposed in the product flow path between the product-pressure pump and the nozzle (3 _a 50) and substantially opening actuated simultaneously with the pressurizing of the product by means of the product-pressure pump. 13. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 12, characterized in that the propellant source one on one the nozzle (3, 50) carrying the main part (20) of the atomizer attached air compressor with a piston (27) and a cylinder (26), one of which Part firmly attached to the main part and the other opposite this along a compression stroke for compressing is movable by air that the propellant flow path (31-54) for the supply of compressed air to the nozzle of the air compressor through the main part to nozzle that extends the shut-off device has a movable shut-off element (15) in the main part, which in the non-actuated position 509821/0666 _ ment blocks the propellant flow _{path (31 s} 54) that the actuating member (30) interacts with the moving part of the air compressor and the shut-off member in an actuation-transmitting manner in order to actuate this shortly before the end of the compression stroke by direct attack and thus release the propellant flow path when the air compressed by the air compressor has reached a predetermined pressure. 14. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 13, characterized in that the air compressor and the liquid container (22) are arranged on opposite sides of the main atomizer part (20) that the main part one with the air compressor (26, 27) aligned cylindrical bore (32) forming the cylinder of the product pressure pump (32, 34, 32a, 19) and that the movable shut-off element (15) is in contact with one end of the piston (57) of the product pressure pump which faces the air compressor, so that the piston of the product pressure pump when moving the shut-off member to release the propellant flow path in a direction to generate pressure is movable in the liquid. 509821/0666 - 135 - 15 «aerosol atomizer according to claim 14, characterized in that the piston (34) of the product pressure pump a protruding in the direction of the air compressor lug 06) which is shaped so that between him and the wall of a chamber (32a) formed in the main atomizer part (20) a part (38) of the Compressed air flow path (31 to 38) is formed that the nozzle (3) via its inlet end with one of the Approach adjacent point of the piston is fluidly connected and that the approach is an outgoing from the piston Has liquid passage (39 ') which opens into the cylinder (32) next to the inlet end of the nozzle. 16. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 15, characterized in that the extension (36) of a recess (40) is surrounded, in which the liquid passage (39) opens, and that the flow of the liquid controlling shut-off device has an annular seal (41) seated in the "recess, which the liquid s passage (39) holds closed in the inoperative position and under the action of the pressurized standing liquid to expose the passage is expandable. 17. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 14, characterized - 136 - 509821/0666 that the main part (20) between the cylindrical chamber (32a) and the air compressor has a chamber (32b) and a first bore (32c) j connecting this with the cylindrical chamber (32a) and which with the inlet end of the central passage the nozzle is fluidly connected, that the second chamber (32b) is connected to the air compressor via a second bore (31), that the shut-off element (15) is arranged in the second chamber and keeps the second bore closed, that the piston (19) of the product pressure pump cooperates with a valve body (18) which extends through the first bore and is sealingly guided in this, which is in contact with the shut-off element, that a part (5 * 0 of the compressed air flow path from the second chamber through the main part the atomizer passes through to the at least one inlet of the nozzle ¹ (50), · and that the Ab ° the liquid flow controlling - a locking device arranged on the piston (19) Absperrgl ied (57) which, in the non-actuated position, blocks the flow connection with the inlet end of the nozzle and releases it when the piston moves in the direction of pressure generation. 18. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 15, characterized in that the main part (20) on its the air compressor remote side (20b) a tubular 50 9 821/0666 - 137 - Has fit (2Oa) whose central passage with the cylinder (32) of the product pressure pump is aligned so that the product container (22) has a closure part (23) which has a product outlet (23a) and is sealingly fitted onto the tubular fitting and that in the tubular fitting a shut-off device (45, 46) is arranged, which the inflow of the Product from the product container to the cylinder of the product pressure pump controls, the product container and the The shut-off device can be removed from the tubular fitting, so that the product container can be replaced leaves. 19- aerosol atomizer according to claim 14, characterized in that that the piston (67) of the product pressure pump protrudes towards the air compressor Approach (69) which is shaped so that between it and the inner surface of the cylinder (32a) of Product pressure pump is part of the compressed air flow path that forms the main part (20) of the atomizer has a compressed air passage (64), which next the approach of the piston is fluidly connected to part of the interior of the cylinder and to the nozzle (60) extends in that the main part further includes a product passage (71) leading from one of the compressed air passage remote point of the wall of the cylinder in 509821/0686 " ¹³⁸ " The direction away from the air compressor leads to the nozzle, that at a point between the two passages a seal (68) is arranged between the piston and the cylinder of the product pressure pump, and that between the product passage (71) and the remaining part of the cylinder of the product pressure pump a seal (70) is arranged, which can collapse under the action of the pressure of the product to its flow to release along the cylinder to the passage. 20. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 13 _3, characterized in that the air compressor and the product container (23) are arranged at opposite ends of the atomizer main part (120), that the main part (120) has a bore (132) aligned with the air compressor, in which the cylinder (13§) of the product pressure pump is slidably guided, that the shut-off element (15) of the shut-off device controlling the flow of the compressed air is seated on the end face (139a) of the cylinder facing the air compressor, that a piston (137) of the product -The pressure pump is firmly connected to the product container or in one piece with it and is slidably guided in the cylinder of the product pressure pump so that the cylinder can be moved along the piston and that the cylinder of the product pressure pump has one of its inner - 139 - 509821 / 066S has space to the nozzle (90) leading product passage (141). 21. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 2O _3, characterized in that the nozzle (90) is arranged on a part of the wall of the cylinder (139) of the product pressure pump and that the interior of the cylinder via a passage extending transversely thereto (l4l) with which the The nozzle in the longitudinal direction penetrating central passage (191) is flow-connected. 22. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 14, characterized in that that the air compressor has a cylinder integral with the main part (220) of the atomizer (226) and a piston that slides in this (227) has that the piston is firmly connected to the product container (224) and has a cavity (238) has, which represents the cylinder of a product pressure pump and fluidly connected to the product container is that a piston (237) of the product pressure pump slidably guided in the cavity is a hollow extension part (234) protruding through the compressor piston and at the end of the compression stroke comes into contact with a valve body (239), and that the flow path of the product through the additional - 140 509821/0666 - 14O - borrowed as an actuator effective hollow extension part runs through it. 23 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim 13, characterized in that the air compressor and the product container (311) are arranged on opposite sides of the atomizer main part (320), that the main part forms the cylinder of the air compressor. the cylindrical cavity (321) and a central bore (313, 31 ² O extending through it, which opens with one end into the cylindrical cavity and the other end in the product container) that the main part carries the nozzle (327), the central passage of which via a Product passage (331) is in flow communication with the central bore and its inlets are flow-connected via a passage (332) to a point of the central bore located between the mouth of the product passage and the cylindrical cavity, so that the product pressure pump penetrates one of a central passage (316) and integrally formed with the main part or attached to the end thereof facing away from the cylindrical cavity, stationary piston (315) and a slidingly guided on this and sealingly surrounding cylinder (311) and that the flow of the product and the - 141 - "5 098 21/0688 Shut-off devices that control propellant have a jointly movable valve stem (33 ¹ O, which carries a first and a second shut-off member (336 or 339) for closing the two passages (332 or 331). 24. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 23 »characterized in that that the shut-off device controlling the flow of the compressed air has a fixed on the movable one Valve stem (334) arranged ring seal (336) that the shut-off device for the control the flow of the product, a sleeve (344) movable with backlash, one as a stop for the sleeve serving support flange (340) on the movable valve stem and a second ring seal (339a), that the second ring seal continuously extends to the part (313) of the central bore adjacent to the cylindrical cavity with respect to the part (314) of the central bore that is in flow communication with the product container (3H) and that the first ring seal (336) upon movement of the movable valve stem between a Position in which the cylindrical cavity (321) is in flow communication with the passage (332), and a position on the other side of the opening of the passage (332) into the central bore part (313), - 142 509821/0666 in which it blocks the flow connection between the cavity and the passage, is movable. 25 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim 24, characterized in that that the actuating device is an actuating pin attached to the end of the movable valve stem (334) (343) is that the valve stem has a support flange (335) and that the first ring ' seal (336) is held between the actuating pin and the support flange. 26. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the shut-off device has an between the opening of the product passage (331) into the middle part (313) of the bore and the piston (315) the product pressure pump on the movable valve stem (334) seated valve body (337), which with a valve seat formed in the central bore (338) cooperates and during the movement of the valve stem by means of the actuating pin (34) of the seat is lifted. 27. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the product pressure pump has a main part (420) of the atomizer which carries the nozzle (433) - 143 509821/0666 has a stationary piston (416) attached to the dusters, which in its part facing the main part has a bore (417) opening into a passage (435) extending through the main part to the inlet end of the central passage of the nozzle arranged therein and a passage (417) extending radially to the bore ( 4l7b) has that the product pressure pump also has a movable, hollow piston (411) which has a central bore (4lla) in which the stationary piston is sealingly guided, and which in turn is provided in one on the main part (420) of the atomizer Fit (430) that the product pressure pump also has a sealingly ^{seated on the end of the movable piston 1} facing away from the main part and serving as a product container, movable cylinder (412) that the flow of the product controlling shut-off device at the end of the Movable piston arranged first sealing part (415), as well as a in the Mittelb Earthing of the movable piston arranged second sealing part (421), which cooperates with a valve seat on the fixed piston further away from the main part of the atomizer than the passage (4l7b), the first sealing part in the rest position of the product pressure pump, the entry of the product from the central bore - - 144 509821/0666 tion (4lla) in the passage (4l7b) blocks and the flow connection between the passage (4l7b) and the interior of the central bore when the cylinder (412) filled with the liquid product and the movable piston (411) moves, so that the can flow product from the central bore through the passage (4l7b) to the nozzle (433) _s to the valve seat (4l6a) in a further movement of the cylinder and the movable piston relative to the stationary piston in the direction of the main part in contact with the second seal member (421 ) comes and thus interrupts the flow of the product from the interior of the cylinder into the part of the central bore adjoining the first sealing part. 28. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 27 , characterized in that a return spring (419) for returning the movable piston to the rest position is provided between the fixed piston (416) and the movable piston (411). 29 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim I _3, characterized in that the flow path (633) of the product is flow-connected to at least one inlet (63I) of the nozzle and that the flow path (624) for the propellant - 145 509821/0666 is in fluid communication with at least one other inlet (63I) alone, the inlet end (627) of the central passage (63O) of the nozzle is closed j or that the flow path (6l6a, 636) for the Propellant with the same or at least one different inlet (63I) and also with the inlet end (635) of the central passage (63O) flow-connected is. 30. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that that it has a single source or multiple sources (811, 828) for products to be atomized, that the propellant is a gas liquefied under pressure, which on the product or the products exerts pressure in the source or sources that the shut-off device of the nebulizer includes a valve housing (810) and a movably guided therein valve stem) 8l7) that the shut-off device of the product flow path has a shut-off element (820) which is arranged in the valve housing and which closes the product flow path holds closed and opens by a movement of the valve stem relative to the valve housing it can be actuated that the shut-off device of the pressure medium flow path has a shut-off element (822), which closes the propellant flow path - 146 509821/0666 holds and relative to movement of the valve stem can be actuated to open the valve housing, and that a further product flow path is provided, which leads from another source for a product to the aforementioned flow path. 31. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 30, characterized in that that the shut-off device has one at the free end (628) of the valve stem (817) outside the shut-off device seated actuating head) 83O), which contains the atomizer nozzle. 32. aerosol atomizer according to claim 3I, characterized in that that the product flow path (834) runs transversely to the actuating head (830) and at its end from the actuating head opening out, divergent part (835), and that the propellant inlet (836) the Intersects product passage in the nozzle near upstream of the divergent portion thereof. 33 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim 30, characterized in that that at least one source for a product to be atomized is connected to the valve housing (8IO) connected and flow-connected to the product flow path, flexible bag (828) which is surrounded by an outer container (8II) that the 509821/0666 -147- Shut-off device on which another product and the pressurized propellant contain, the propellant source and a further source of a product are attached outer container is that the propellant flow path emanates from the outer container and that another product flow path emanates from the outer container. 34. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 33, characterized in that the further product flow path is a Dip tube (828a), which from an area near the node of the outer container (811) to the valve housing (810) is performed. 35 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim 30, characterized in that the one product flow path (8l7a) extends substantially centrally through the valve stem (817) that the propellant flow path (8l7d) runs along an outer part of the valve stem and that the other product flow path upstream of the propellant flow path shut-off member (820) with which it meets. 36. Aerosol atomizer according to claim 30, characterized in that the shut-off device is on the atomizer - 148 509821/0666 has attached holding part (813) which has an opening (813a) in which the valve stem (817) is movably guided that the valve housing (810) is attached to the underside of the holding part and has an inner cavity (821) in which the valve stem is movably arranged that the valve control is hollow and near the lower end has a side opening (8l7b) that the shut-off member for the product flow path is a first seal (822) disposed in the housing through which the lower end piece of the valve stem is sealingly guided around the lateral opening of the valve stem to close and disclose that the one source of product is a flexible container (828), which connected to the lower end of the valve housing and with a surrounding the lower end of the valve switch Part of the housing is fluidly connected that the shut-off member for the propellant flow path to one the underside of the holding part held second seal (820) is that the valve stem within the Cavity of the housing has a splash (818, 819), which is in the upper position of the valve stem is in contact with the second seal that the valve housing has a bore opening into the cavity - 149 509821/0666 (823) has the valve stem along its outer surface running grooves (8l7d) which run through the holding part to the spray nozzle and together with the bore of the housing and the cavity form the propellant flow path, and that a dip tube (828a) extending into the other source of product is attached to the housing is and opens into its cavity. 37 · Aerosol atomizer according to claim 36, characterized in that that the valve stem (867) has a first lateral opening (867c) near its lower end as well a second side opening (867b) in some ab-. stood above the first side opening, that the first seal seated in the housing, through which the lower end of the valve stem is slidably guided, for shutting off and releasing the The first lateral opening is used that in the valve housing (860) a further shut-off element for a product flow path forming second seal (862) for opening and closing the second side opening is arranged, and that the dip tube (828a) between the first and the second seal in the cavity (875) of the housing opens. 509821/0666