| 摘要 |
<p>A nozzle mechanism (27) for generating an aerosol-type liquid discharge is provided, which nozzle mechanism (2) ensures one-way movement of liquid during discharge and also has a substantially zero "dead volume" at the tip of the nozzle (2). The nozzle mechanism (2) includes a flexible nozzle portion (10) with an outlet (108) and a fluid channel (104), a rigid shaft (102) received within the flexible nozzle portio (10), and a rigid housing surrounding the flexible nozzle portion (10) and exposing the outlet (108). The rigid shaft (102) interfaces the outlet (108) to form a first normally-closed, one-way valve (105), as well as to define a swirling chamber (103) for collecting the liquid which has been channelled from the liquid reservoir, prior to being discharged via the outlet. The outlet (108) has a tubular wall with thickness that decreases along the elongated axis of symmetry for the outlet (108) toward the tip of the outlet (108). The fluid channel (104) is circumferentially positioned within the flexible nozzle (10) portion to create swirling action of the liquid delivered to said swirling chamber (103). Once the pressure on the swirling liquid reaches a threshold pressure sufficient to radially deform the portion of the outlet (108) forming the first normally-closed valve (105), the liquid in the swirling chamber (103) is discharged through the outlet (108). The nozzle mechanism (2) is coupled to a flexible body portion (107) which has a substantially tubular shape and a wall thickness which decreases from the bottom of the body portion (107) toward the flexible nozzle portion (10). The rigid shaft (102) received within the flexible nozzle portions (10) extends down into the flexible body portion (107) so that a second portion of the rigid shaft (102) interfaces the flexible body portion (107) to form a second normally-closed, one-way valve (106) in the fluid communication path between the liquid reservoir and the swirling chamber (103).</p> |
