DE102021102150A1 - Dispensing unit and liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser unit (1) for a liquid dispenser (10) comprising two inlets (2), a metering tank (4) and an outlet valve (3), the inlets (2) and the outlet valve (3) being fluidically connected to the metering tank ( 4) are connected, and the dispenser unit (1) is designed in such a way that when there is external pressure on the outlet valve (3) and/or the dosing tank (4), a liquid contained therein can escape through the outlet valve (3). The invention relates furthermore a liquid dispenser, a method for filling a liquid dispenser and a method for metering a liquid from a liquid dispenser.

Description

The invention relates to a dispenser unit for a liquid dispenser and a liquid dispenser which can be worn around the neck, for example, and which can also be used in particular for attaching information boards, so-called "badges". Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for filling a liquid dispenser and a method for metering a liquid from a liquid dispenser.

In everyday life, many people have an increasing interest in creating a hygienic environment for themselves and others in a simple way. Especially with regard to regularly recurring flu waves, as well as current and future threats, many people have an even greater need for the most comprehensive hygiene possible in everyday life.

A particularly important hygiene measure is regular hand washing. Washing hands is an indispensable part of basic personal hygiene, especially after contact with objects that are touched by many different people, such as door handles in public facilities. Depending on the intensity, washing hands with ordinary soap can remove up to 99% of microorganisms present on the hands, but the remaining load of pathogens can still be sufficient for an infection.

In many cases, real disinfection of the hands is therefore often desired as an additional or alternative protective measure. Disinfection is usually understood to mean that microorganisms, in particular pathogens, are killed or inactivated in order to reduce their number, e.g. on a surface, to such an extent that infection is no longer likely.

Hand disinfection or targeted local finger disinfection is particularly important in everyday life when washing hands is not possible, e.g. on the go, on public transport, in meetings, etc., especially before eating.

In addition, regular hand disinfection also makes sense because many people have a strong habit of unconsciously and reflexively touching their face. The mucous membranes in the mouth, nose and eyes are often touched, and pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria can penetrate the body from the hands, often without the person concerned even being aware of the danger.

There are various liquid or gel-like disinfectants for effective hand disinfection, the main ingredients of which are usually alcohols. For hand disinfection on the go, liquid or pasty disinfectants filled in small volume units are offered, e.g. small bottles that can be carried in clothing. On the other hand, wipes soaked with a disinfectant are offered, which are packed individually or in groups and disposed of after use. These known types of administration of disinfectants have the disadvantage that on the one hand they produce a comparatively large amount of waste and therefore no longer do justice to the increasing environmental awareness of many people. On the other hand, it often happens that the disinfectant wipes or bottles are misplaced and are not at hand when needed.

Correspondingly, disinfectant dispensers that can be attached to a human body are known from the prior art. For example, disinfectant dispensers have been proposed with a wristband that can be placed around a wrist like a wristwatch, with a cavity for a disinfectant being formed in an interior of the wristband. These disinfectant dispensers, which can be worn on the arm, are easy to carry and produce comparatively little waste due to their recyclability.

However, a disadvantage can be that such disinfectant dispensers have a relatively complex structure and are correspondingly expensive to produce, so that many people prefer to use cheaper disposable items, such as the aforementioned disinfectant wipes. Another disadvantage of known disinfectant dispensers can be that a defect in just one component of the disinfectant dispenser renders the entire system unusable. In many cases, due to the complex construction of such a disinfectant dispenser, it will not be easily possible to specifically replace just one defective component, so that the entire disinfectant dispenser then has to be disposed of. This can also deter many people from using a fundamentally more sustainable reusable disinfectant dispenser, with the corresponding disposable items being used instead.

Ultimately, however, the handling of many conventional disinfectant dispensers is cumbersome or requires searching for this in a pocket, a take out and the actual use. In addition, an all too obvious use in the environment can cause irritation.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a dispenser unit for a liquid dispenser and a liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided.

This object is achieved by a dispenser unit for a liquid dispenser according to patent claim 1 and a liquid dispenser according to patent claim 8, a method for filling a liquid dispenser according to patent claim 14 and a method for metering a liquid from a liquid dispenser according to patent claim 15.

A dispenser unit according to the invention for a liquid dispenser comprises two inlets, a dosing tank and an outlet valve. The (two) inlets and the outlet valve are fluidically connected to the dosing tank, which is preferably arranged between the inlets and the outlet. Liquid can therefore flow from the inlets into the dosing tank and be discharged from the dosing tank to the outside through the outlet valve. The dispenser unit is designed in such a way that when there is external pressure on the outlet valve and/or the dosing tank, a liquid contained therein can escape through the outlet valve.

With regard to the exit, it should be noted that this external pressure does not necessarily have to cause a pumping effect. Rather, it is preferred that the dispenser unit can also allow liquid to emerge completely without any pumping effect. To do this, it is only necessary to open the outlet valve. This can be done by external pressure, such as is known in the art for slit valves or bite valves. However, the outlet valve can also be opened in that, due to the pressure on the dosing tank, a liquid contained therein is pressed from the inside against the outlet valve and this opens as a result. In the non-actuated state, the outlet valve is always closed.

A liquid dispenser according to the invention comprises a dispenser unit according to the invention and a hose element with (at least) two hose ends, which are both connected to one of the inlets of the dispenser unit. The hose element preferably forms a ring.

The term “hose element” means a hose or an arrangement of several hoses connected to one another, in particular in the form of a row. Even if the tube element can certainly include more than two tube ends, it is preferable for it to include exactly two tube ends, that is to say its overall function corresponds to a tube with exactly two ends. In the event that it should have more than two hose ends, only two of these hose ends need be connected to the inlets (one from each end of the hose element), but then all remaining hose ends should be closed in an air- and liquid-tight manner. One of these remaining hose ends could be used for refilling, for example. However, more than two tube ends can also open into the dispenser unit. for example, the hose element can also comprise two or more parallel hoses which open with their respective hose ends in the inlets of the dispenser unit. However, a single hose as the hose element or two hose segments connected to one another are preferred.

The hose ends preferably open directly (without interposed valves) via the inlets into the dosing tank. If you now hold the tube element higher than the dispenser unit, a contained liquid can flow out of the tube element into the dosing tank. When the outlet valve is opened (see above), the liquid can then be dosed.

Looking at the liquid dispenser, the tube element with the dispenser unit forms a basically airtight closed system into which air can only flow via the outlet valve. Since both hose ends open into the dosing tank via the inlets, liquid is removed from both sides of the hose element during or after the dosing process. The liquid therefore does not flow through the hose element in one direction here, but from both ends of the hose into the dosing tank.

The term "liquids" means all possible liquid media, in particular disinfectants, gels or liquid cosmetic products. Since the liquid does not flow through the hose in one direction as normal, but both ends of the hose are connected to the inlets and above to the dosing tank, refilling is not normally possible simply via a "refill hose side".

• - Bereitstellen eines Nachfüllbehälters enthaltend eine Flüssigkeit, wobei der Nachfüllbehälter eine Ausgabespitze aufweist.

A method according to the invention for filling a liquid dispenser according to the invention comprises the steps:

• - Providing a refill container containing a liquid, the refill container having a dispensing tip.

• - Orientieren des Flüssigkeitsspenders, so dass das Auslassventil nach oben zeigt.

The dispensing tip should be thin enough to fit inside the outlet valve or one of the inlets, or the end of a hose.

• - Orient the liquid dispenser so that the outlet valve is facing up.

• - Nachfüllen von Flüssigkeit aus dem Nachfüllbehälter.

This should be done so that no liquid left in the hose element or refilled can leak out.

• - Refilling liquid from the refill container.

For this purpose, the hose element of the liquid dispenser is refilled simply through the outlet valve or after removal of the outlet valve through one of the inlets or after removal of the inlets through one end of the hose. Alternatively, the filling can also take place after opening a magnetic connector through a filling opening in the magnetic connector.

Refilling directly into the outlet valve is preferred because the liquid dispenser does not have to be dismantled for this. The dispensing tip does not necessarily have to be pushed through the outlet valve with force. The above-mentioned external pressure on the outlet valve and/or the dosing tank can open an appropriately shaped outlet valve, e.g. a slit valve or a bite valve, and the dispensing tip can be easily pushed through.

• - Bereitstellung eines mit einer Flüssigkeit gefüllten (insbesondere erfindungsgemäßen) Flüssigkeitsspenders umfassend ein Schlauchelement mit (mindestens) zwei Schlauchenden, wobei jedes der beiden Schlauchenden mit einer (insbesondere erfindungsgemäßen) Spendereinheit mit einem Auslassventil versehen ist,
• - Positionieren des Flüssigkeitsspenders in einer Position, in der das Schlauchelement an einem Haltebereich gehalten wird, insbesondere um den Hals einer Person, und ausgehend vom Haltebereich das Schlauchelement bis zu den beiden Schlauchenden stetig abfallend verläuft, so dass sich ein Auslassventil unterhalb der Flüssigkeit des Flüssigkeitsspenders befindet, und wobei sich optional ein Dosiertank zwischen Schlauchende und Auslassventil befindet,
• - mechanische Betätigung des Auslassventils und/oder des Dosiertanks, insbesondere - Anwenden eines Drucks von außen auf das Auslassventil und/oder den Dosiertank, so dass sich ein Auslassventil öffnet und Flüssigkeit austreten kann, wobei bevorzugt die Flüssigkeit durch Schwerkraft aus dem geöffneten Auslassventil strömt.

A method according to the invention for dispensing a liquid from a liquid dispenser comprises the steps:

• - Provision of a liquid-filled liquid dispenser (in particular according to the invention) comprising a hose element with (at least) two hose ends, each of the two hose ends being provided with a dispenser unit (in particular according to the invention) with an outlet valve,
• - Positioning the liquid dispenser in a position in which the hose element is held in a holding area, in particular around a person's neck, and starting from the holding area the hose element runs steadily down to the two ends of the hose, so that an outlet valve is located below the liquid in the liquid dispenser and with an optional dosing tank between the end of the hose and the outlet valve,
• - mechanical actuation of the outlet valve and/or the metering tank, in particular - applying external pressure to the outlet valve and/or the metering tank, so that an outlet valve opens and liquid can escape, with the liquid preferably flowing out of the opened outlet valve by gravity.

There is preferably no pumping effect. The walls of the dosing tank are deformed by the external pressure in such a way that the valve opens. If the outlet valve is suitably shaped, e.g. as a slit valve or as a bite valve, it can open due to the external pressure even when the dosing chamber is empty.

It should be noted that the holding area is somewhere in the middle of the hose element, otherwise it cannot fall down to both ends of the hose, e.g. in the middle of the hose element. The holding area thus forms the highest point and is, for example, on the neck of a person who is wearing the liquid dispenser around their neck.

Further, particularly advantageous refinements and developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description, whereby the independent claims of one claim category can also be developed analogously to the dependent claims and exemplary embodiments of another claim category and in particular also individual features of different exemplary embodiments or variants can be combined to form new exemplary embodiments or variants.

According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing unit, the two inlets are positioned side by side. This means that they are arranged side by side on one side of the dosing tank. Their respective inlet directions are preferably parallel to one another. This means that two hose ends, which are coupled to the inlets, run parallel to one another at least in the area of these hose ends. In this regard, a preferred liquid dispenser is designed such that the two tube ends are aligned parallel to each other (in the inlets) and point in the same direction. The areas of the tube element adjoining the tube ends are preferably arranged parallel next to one another and in particular (in their parallelism) are longer than 1 cm. This can be achieved, for example, by a hose guide unit that is pushed onto the hose element and includes two guide openings for guiding a hose, which are designed and arranged in such a way that two areas of a hose can be guided parallel to one another, next to one another.

In a preferred liquid dispenser, the two parallel areas of the tube element adjacent to the tube ends are between tween the inlets and this hose guide unit, which, as mentioned, is designed in such a way that it can guide two areas of the hose element parallel to one another, side by side. The hose guide unit is preferably adjustable so that the hose element can be moved through the hose guide unit. The hose guide unit can therefore preferably be moved over the hose element.

The dosing tank is preferably located between the outlet valve and the inlets. An outlet direction of the outlet valve is preferably oriented parallel to the inlet directions. This means that a liquid can flow into the dosing tank through the inlets on one side and preferably can flow out again in the same direction through the outlet valve on the other side of the dosing tank.

According to a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit, its wall is designed to be elastic in the area of the dosing tank. With regard to elasticity, a modulus of elasticity between 0.05 GPa and 2 GPa is preferred. The dispenser unit is preferably shaped in such a way that when external pressure is applied to the wall, the metering tank is reduced in size and/or the outlet valve is opened. Liquid may escape when the dispenser unit is squeezed, e.g. with two fingers.

At least the wall of the dosing tank is preferably made of TPU or silicone. Other preferred materials are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers (ABS) or polypropylene (PP) or mixtures thereof. In principle, other, preferably thermoplastic, plastics can also be used.

The dispenser unit is preferably made up of several parts of different elasticity, which are preferably plugged into one another and/or glued together.

Preferably, the dispensing unit comprises (and is preferably made of both of these parts) a docking unit and a dosing unit.

The coupling unit includes the two inlets (in particular exactly two inlets) and is designed in such a way that the inlets can be connected to a hose end.

The dosing unit comprises the dosing tank and the outlet valve and is preferably made of a more elastic material than the coupling unit. The coupling unit should be made of a material that ensures a secure hold for the hose ends, i.e. is not too elastic, and the dosing unit should be easy to deform so that the dosing tank can be easily compressed or the outlet valve can be easily opened.

The coupling unit is connected to the dosing unit in a fluid-tight manner, in particular in a detachable manner.

The dispenser unit can therefore consist of several individual parts, which can be exchanged separately if necessary. It can, for example, be made from two injection-moulded parts (coupling unit and dosing unit as injection-moulded parts), which are matched to one another. The coupling unit preferably has a tapered outer contour. The dosing unit then has the same conically tapering contour in the interior and can therefore simply be pushed onto the coupling unit, which can already result in a fluid-tight connection. If the outlet valve is not actuated, the system is closed in a fluid-tight manner and a liquid can only flow out of the liquid dispenser by actuating the outlet valve. A lip on the upper part of the dosing unit can serve as a kind of barb for the coupling unit, which preferably has a groove in the appropriate place once this has been inserted far enough during assembly. The lip and groove can also be reversed.

The outlet valve is preferably formed directly in the dosing unit, e.g., as a slot or cross-slot on its front side (the side of the outlet).

According to a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit, the outlet valve is designed in such a way that it blocks a liquid outlet in the idle state and allows a liquid outlet when there is lateral pressure on the outlet valve and/or the dosing tank. The outlet valve is preferably a slit valve and/or a bite valve.

These valve types have the advantage that they can be produced very simply and inexpensively, but still have a reliable sealing function.

According to a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit, the inlets are designed in such a way that a tube end with a previously known internal diameter can be pushed onto the inlets. For example, the inlets can have (cylindrical) protrusions with a hole in the middle onto which the hose ends can simply be pushed. A protrusion can preferably also include latching means in order to latch the hose end, in particular reversibly, onto the protrusion.

In the case of a liquid dispenser, ie when a tube element is attached to the inlets, a ring is formed from this tube element. If such a liquid dispenser is worn around the neck, care should be taken that strangulation is not possible. The inlets are therefore preferably shaped in such a way that when a predetermined force is applied that is greater than 1 N, preferably greater than 5 N, but preferably less than 100 N, at least one hose end can detach from an inlet. As far as the liquid dispenser is concerned, the hose ends are plugged onto the inlets in such a way that when a predetermined force is applied, greater than 1 N, preferably greater than 5 N, but preferably less than 100 N, at least one hose end detaches from an inlet. This then provides sufficient protection against strangulation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit, the inlets have an inner diameter greater than 2 mm, in particular greater than 3 mm, but preferably less than 10 mm, in particular less than 7 mm.

In a preferred liquid dispenser, the tube element is longer than 30 cm, preferably longer than 50 cm, but preferably shorter than 200 cm, in particular shorter than 150 cm. For example, a dimension between 80 cm and 120 cm is preferred. The liquid dispenser is preferably designed as a collar.

In a preferred liquid dispenser, the tube element comprises two tube segments, in particular of equal length, and a magnetic connector, by means of which the two tube segments are detachably connected to one another. The magnetic connector preferably connects the two tube segments to one another in a fluidic manner, ie in such a way that a liquid can flow through the magnetic connector from one tube segment into the other tube segment. When using the liquid dispenser as a collar, for example, this magnetic connector allows it to be closed behind the head like a chain and opened again. In the case of a fluid-technical connection of the hose segments, filling is also possible via one side of the opened magnetic closure. The magnetic connector can also be referred to as a "magnetic lock".

In the case of a preferred liquid dispenser, the hose element has an inner diameter greater than 2 mm, in particular greater than 3 mm. This minimum size allows liquid to exit the hose element well, even if it has a higher viscosity than water. The inner diameter is preferably less than 100 mm, in particular less than 50 mm (at least for use as a drinks dispenser), or less than 20 mm, in particular less than 10 mm (at least for use as a dispenser for e.g. a disinfectant.

The interior space of the tube element is preferably larger than 10 ml, in particular larger than 20 ml, but preferably smaller than 100 ml, in particular smaller than 50 ml, and particularly preferably between 20 ml and 40 ml. If the liquid dispenser is used as a drinks dispenser, the interior space of the hose element can also be 10 l or less, in particular 1 l or less.

Preferred liquids are water-like, oil-like, or alcohol-like. The liquid dispenser is preferably designed in such a way that it can hold, store and dispense a perfume or disinfectant, i.e. its components are alcohol and oil resistant. Preferred viscosities for the liquid are between 0.2 mPas (alcohol) and 10,000 mPas (syrup), in particular the viscosity is less than 200 mPas (oil). The values refer to the viscosity at room temperature 20°.

The outlet valve can preferably be a slit valve. The slit valve can include at least one valve membrane with at least one passage slit, preferably at least two passage slits. The passage slits are particularly preferably designed for the passage of liquid through the membrane. The passage slits in a membrane can preferably run orthogonally to one another. Particularly preferably, the slits in the membrane can form a cross slit (cross slit valve). Valves that work according to this principle are also referred to as silicone valves and are known, for example, as the closure valves of squeeze bottles.

Alternatively, at least one passage opening could also be made in the valve membrane by means of an injection molding tool, ie in the injection molding process itself. For example, the injection molding tool could have a pointed and/or flat “pin”, this pin being removed or pulled out of the valve membrane shortly before it hardens, so that the membrane comprises at least one slot or a slot-like opening.

A strength or thickness of the valve membrane having the passage slots can be at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm. As an upper limit, the thickness of the valve membrane could be at most 1.7 mm, preferably at most 1.2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm.

The invention thus provides a “tape with an integrated volume body” with which, for example, hygienic or cosmetic agents can be dosed. It can be worn, for example, as a collar or key fob strap and, in particular, can be equipped with an information disc, for example an ID card, a key, an electronic device or some other object. This can be achieved by means of the hose guide unit, which can have a holder, eg some kind of clipper. This hose guide unit can align the liquid dispenser correctly if it is worn as a collar, for example, and can be used to attach a wide variety of ID cards or ID card formats or ID card holders. The invention can thus replace conventional "measuring tapes" or the like.

For filling and emptying, the dispenser unit can be pressed together at the lower end with the index finger and thumb, for example, so that the outlet valve there opens. This outlet valve allows the collar to be filled very quickly and easily, e.g. with a tube (as a dispensing tip), without having to disassemble the liquid dispenser. A part of the dispenser unit, e.g. the dosing unit, can also be removed if necessary in order to fill the hose element even faster or with more viscous media.

In order to prevent strangulation, the hose element is preferably only plugged into itself or on the dispenser unit and in particular also on the hose guide unit by means of a magnetic closer. Thus, the respective connections open from a dangerous force.

The advantage of this invention is that a small volume, e.g. 20-100 ml, can be taken into the liquid dispenser and this can be dosed with one intuitive movement. Thanks to the inlet/outlet mechanism, this invention is ready to use very quickly, both for filling and for dosing.

• 1 ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Spendereinheit aus vier unterschiedlichen Blickrichtungen,
• 2 ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Schlauchführungseinheit in Aufsicht,
• 3 ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Schlauchführungseinheit in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 4 ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Flüssigkeitsspenders in einer perspektivischen Explosionsansicht,
• 5 ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Flüssigkeitsspenders als Messehalsband in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 6 ein bevorzugtes zweistückiges Ausführungsbeispiel einer Spendereinheit in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 7 ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Magnetverbinders in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• 8 einen Nachfüllbehälter,
• 9 eine bevorzugte Art der Auffüllung eines erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitsspenders.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures using exemplary embodiments. The same components are provided with identical reference numbers in the various figures. The figures are generally not to scale. Show it:

• 1 a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit from four different perspectives,
• 2 a preferred embodiment of the hose guide unit in plan view,
• 3 a preferred embodiment of the hose guide unit in a perspective view,
• 4 a preferred embodiment of the liquid dispenser in a perspective exploded view,
• 5 Another preferred embodiment of the liquid dispenser as a measuring collar in a perspective view,
• 6 a preferred two-piece embodiment of a dispenser unit in a perspective view,
• 7 a preferred embodiment of a magnetic connector in a perspective view,
• 8th a refill container,
• 9 a preferred way of filling a liquid dispenser according to the invention.

1 shows a preferred embodiment of the dispenser unit 1 for a liquid dispenser 10 (see following figures) from four different perspectives. Two side views can be seen at the top, which are each rotated 90° to one another, a top view of the inlets 2 at the bottom left and a perspective view at the bottom right. The dispenser unit 1 comprises two inlets 2, a dosing tank 4 and an outlet valve 3, which is designed here as a curved slit, as can be seen below on the left. The inlets 2 and the outlet valve 3 both open into the dosing tank 4 from opposite sides. The inlet direction is indicated at the top left by two adjacent arrows and the outlet direction is indicated by one arrow. As can be seen, inlet and outlet are in the same direction. The dispenser unit 1 is designed in such a way that when there is external pressure on the outlet valve 3 and/or the dosing tank 4, a liquid contained therein can escape through the outlet valve 3 in the outlet direction.

The two inlets 2 are positioned side by side and have an inner diameter of 6 mm, for example. Their respective inlet directions are parallel to one another, as indicated by the arrows at the top left.

The wall of the dispenser unit 1 is designed to be elastic, at least in the area of the metering tank 4, so that when external pressure is applied to the wall, the metering tank 4 is reduced in size and/or the outlet valve 3 is opened. The outlet valve 3 is designed in such a way that it blocks liquid from escaping in the idle state and allows liquid to escape when there is lateral pressure on the outlet valve 3 and/or the dosing tank 4 .

The inlets are shaped in such a way that a hose end 12 with a suitable inside diameter can simply be pushed onto the inlets 2, but will jump out if too much tensile force is applied (protection against strangulation).

2 shows a preferred embodiment of the hose guide unit 13 in plan view. 3 shows that of the hose guide unit 13 2 in perspective view. The hose guide unit 1 comprises two parallel guide openings 14 and a holding unit (formed from the opening 16 and the holding element 15). The guide openings 14 are two parallel, cylindrical holes which have a slit 14a on their lateral surface over the entire length of the lateral surface, so that a tube 11 running through the holes for anti-strangulation purposes can slide laterally through the slit 14a out of one of the holes. The hose guiding unit can be made of a rigid or of an elastic material, but preferably forms a one-piece body.

how to get in 2 can see, the center points of the guide openings 14 and the center point of the mounting unit (here the opening 16 through which, for example, a clip of an information disc 17 can be guided) form an isosceles triangle. The hose guide unit is therefore mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane that is vertical here.

4 shows a preferred embodiment of the components of the liquid dispenser 10 in perspective view. The liquid dispenser 10 comprises a dispenser unit 1 and a hose guide unit 13 as described above and a hose element 11 with two hose ends 12 which are each intended to be connected to one of the inlets 2 of the dispenser unit 1 . For a better overview, all the components are shown in the form of an exploded drawing. The dispenser unit 1 here consists of two components, which are described in more detail below.

The two tube ends 12 are aligned parallel to one another here and point in the same direction. They are kept parallel over a fairly large area by means of the hose guide unit 7 . The hose guide unit 13 is preferably adjustable so that the hose element 11 can be moved through the hose guide unit 13 and the parallel area can be enlarged and reduced as a result, with the result that the loop is also reduced or enlarged. The hose element 11 has a length of 100 cm, for example, so that it can be worn comfortably as a collar.

The hose element here may have an inner diameter of 6 mm and the inlets also have an inner diameter of 6 mm. By stretching the tube element 11, its tube ends 12 can be pushed onto the cylindrical protrusions of the inlets of the coupling element 5, as shown in FIG 1 are shown.

5 shows another preferred embodiment of the liquid dispenser as a measuring collar in a perspective view. This embodiment is similar 4 , which is now assembled and provided with an information disc 17. The hose guide unit can be moved here so that the upper loop of the hose element can be adjusted to a person or the height of the information plate 17 can be adjusted. A magnetic connector 7 is attached opposite the dispenser unit 1, via which the tube element can be opened and closed again, so that the liquid dispenser 10 can be attached like a chain.

This representation can also be used to describe the process for dosing a liquid. If the liquid dispenser 10 filled with a liquid is held in the position shown, so that the hose element 11 has been placed around a neck, for example, and the two parts of the hose element 11 to the right and left of the magnetic connector 7 are continuous up to the hose ends 12 (of the dispenser unit 1). run downwards, the outlet valve 3 is always below the liquid of the liquid dispenser 10 and liquid can flow out of the hose element 10 into the dosing chamber 3 of the dispenser unit 1 . However, the outlet valve 3 prevents the liquid from escaping from the dosing tank.

If external pressure acts on the outlet valve 3 or the dosing tank 4, e.g. by pressing thumb and forefinger on the dosing tank 4, the outlet valve 3 opens due to deformation of the wall of the dispenser unit 1 or due to the internal pressure in the dosing tank 4. As a result liquid can escape from the outlet valve 3. The liquid preferably flows out of the open outlet valve 3 solely by gravity and not by a pumping effect.

6 shows a preferred two-piece embodiment of a dispenser unit 1 in a perspective view. This is an exploded drawing. This dispenser unit 1 comprises a coupling unit 5 and a dosing unit 6. The coupling unit comprises the two inlets 2 and is designed in such a way that the inlets 2 can each be connected to a hose end 12. The elastically manufactured dosing unit 6 includes the dosing tank 4 (see Fig. 1 ) and the exhaust valve 3, which here consists of two cross-shaped slots. The two elements are pushed into one another to form the finished dispenser unit 1 . The coupling unit 5 is pushed into the dosing unit 6 and the two elements are connected to one another, in particular detachably, to form the finished dispenser unit 1 .

The individual components of the dispenser unit can therefore be replaced individually depending on wear and tear. For example, they are made of two injection-molded parts that are matched to one another. The coupling unit 5 here has a conical outer contour. The dosing unit 6 has the same tapering contour on the inside and is slipped over the hose holder. The connection seals upwards so that when not actuated the system is closed and when actuated fluid can only flow through the inlets and outlet valve. Due to the elasticity of the valve cover, this connection can be carried out with or without gluing. A lip on the top of the valve sleeve (not shown) can act as a sort of rake for the hose retainer once it has been inserted far enough during assembly.

7 shows a preferred embodiment of a magnetic connector in perspective view. In 5 the tube element 11 is formed from two tube segments of equal length, which are connected to one another by the magnetic connector 7 . The magnetic connector here consists of two identical connector segments 7a, both of which are ferromagnetic. A ring magnet 7b between the two connector segments 7a holds the two elements together. When opening, the ring magnet 7b remains on one of the connector segments 7a. However, the two connector segments 7a can also be designed differently, for example that one is magnetized and one is magnetized ferromagnetically or vice versa.

A filling opening 7c can be clearly seen in the right-hand connector segment 7a, via which the hose element 11 can be filled. The other connector segment 7a can also have an inlet opening 7c here, so that the magnetic connector 7 can connect the two tube segments to one another fluidically, i.e. in such a way that a liquid can flow through the magnetic connector 7 from one tube segment into the other tube segment.

8th Figure 12 shows a refill container 18 with a dispensing tip. This refill container 18 is filled here with a disinfectant, for example, which can be pressed out of the refill container 18 through the dispensing tip 19 .

9 shows a preferred way of filling a liquid dispenser 10 according to the invention with a refill container 8th . The liquid dispenser 10 is held with the outlet valve 3 at the top and the hose element 11 at the bottom, and the outlet valve is opened by external pressure on the dispenser unit 1 . Liquid is then added from the refill container 18 by means of the dispensing tip 19 through the outlet valve 3 into the dosing chamber and flows from there independently into the hose element by gravity.

Finally, it is pointed out once again that the embodiments described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments which can be modified in a wide variety of ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not rule out the possibility that the characteristics in question can also be present more than once.

Reference List

1

dispenser unit

2

inlet

3

outlet valve

4

dosing tank

5

coupling unit

6

dosing unit

7

magnetic connector

7a

connector segment

7b

ring magnet

7c

filling hole

10

liquid dispenser

11

hose element

12

hose end

13

hose guiding unit

14

guide hole

14a

slot

15

bracket unit

16

opening

17

information plate

18

refill container

19

output spike

Claims (15)

Dispenser unit (1) for a liquid dispenser (10) comprising two inlets (2), a metering tank (4) and an outlet valve (3), the inlets (2) and the outlet valve (3) being fluidically connected to the metering tank (4). , and the dispenser unit (1) is designed in such a way that when external pressure is applied to the outlet valve (3) and/or the metering tank (4), a liquid contained therein can escape through the outlet valve (3). donor unit after claim 1 , the two inlets (2) being positioned next to one another, with their respective inlet directions preferably being parallel to one another, and the dosing tank (4) preferably being between the outlet valve (3) and the inlets (2), with an outlet direction of the outlet valve (3) being preferred is oriented parallel to the inlet directions. Dispenser unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein its wall in the area of the metering tank (4) is designed to be elastic, in particular with a modulus of elasticity between 0.05 GPa and 2 GPa, so that the metering tank (4) is reduced in size when there is external pressure on the wall and/or the outlet valve (3) is opened, the wall of the dosing tank (4) preferably being made of TPU or silicone. Dispenser unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling unit (5) and a dosing unit (6), wherein the coupling unit (5) comprises the two inlets (2) and is designed in such a way that the inlets (2) each have a hose end (12 ) can be connected and the dosing unit (6) comprises the dosing tank (4) and the outlet valve (3) and is preferably made of a more elastic material than the coupling unit (5), the coupling unit (5) being, in particular detachable, connected to the dosing unit ( 6) is fluid-tightly connected. Dispenser unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet valve (3) is designed in such a way that it blocks a liquid outlet in the idle state and allows a liquid outlet when there is lateral pressure on the outlet valve (3) and/or the metering tank (4), the outlet valve (3) is preferably a slit valve and/or a bite valve. Dispenser unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlets (2) are designed in such a way that a hose end (12) with a previously known inner diameter can be pushed onto the inlets (2), the inlets (2) preferably being shaped in such a way that when If a predetermined force acts that is greater than 1 N, preferably greater than 5 N, but preferably less than 100 N, at least one hose end (12) can detach from an inlet (2). Dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlets (2) have an internal diameter greater than 2 mm, in particular greater than 3 mm, but preferably less than 10 mm, in particular less than 7 mm. Liquid dispenser (10) comprising a dispenser unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a hose element (11) with two hose ends (12) which are both connected to one of the inlets (2) of the dispenser unit (1). liquid dispenser after claim 8 , the two hose ends (12) being aligned parallel to one another and pointing in the same direction, the areas of the hose element (11) adjoining the hose ends (12) preferably being arranged parallel to one another and in particular being longer than 1 cm. liquid dispenser after claim 9 , wherein the two parallel areas of the hose element (11) adjoining the hose ends (12) lie between the inlets (2) and a hose guide unit (13) which is designed in such a way that two areas of the hose element (11) are guided parallel to one another, next to one another , wherein the hose guiding unit (13) is preferably adjustable, so that the hose element (11) can be moved through the hose guiding unit (13). Liquid dispenser according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , wherein the tube element (11) is longer than 30 cm, preferably longer than 50 cm, but preferably shorter than 200 cm, wherein the liquid dispenser (10) is preferably designed as a collar. Liquid dispenser according to one of the Claims 8 until 11 , wherein the tube element (11) comprises two tube segments, in particular of equal length, which can be connected to one another by a magnetic connector (7), the magnetic connector (7) preferably connecting the two tube segments to one another in terms of fluid technology. Liquid dispenser according to one of the Claims 8 until 12 , wherein the hose element (11) has an inner diameter greater than 2 mm, in particular greater than 3 mm, but preferably less than 200 mm, in particular less than 10 mm, the interior of the hose element (11) preferably being greater than 10 ml, in particular greater than is greater than 20 ml, but preferably less than 100 ml, in particular less than 50 ml, and most preferably between 20 ml and 40 ml. Method for filling a liquid dispenser (10) according to one of Claims 8 until 13 , comprising the steps of: - providing a refill container (18) containing a liquid, the refill container (18) having a dispensing tip (19), - orienting the liquid dispenser (18) so that the outlet valve (3) points upwards, - refilling of liquid from the refill container (18) a) through the outlet valve (3) or b) after removing the outlet valve (3) through one of the inlets (2) or c) after removing the inlets (2) through a hose end (12) or d) after opening a magnetic connector (7) through a filling opening (7c) in the magnetic connector (7) into the hose element (11) of the liquid dispenser (10). Method for metering a liquid from a liquid dispenser (10), comprising the steps: - Providing a liquid dispenser (10) filled with a liquid, in particular according to one of Claims 8 until 13 , comprising a tube element (11) with two tube ends (12), each of the two tube ends (12) being provided with an outlet valve (3), - positioning the liquid dispenser (10) in a position in which the tube element (11). is held in a holding area, in particular around a person's neck, and starting from the holding area, the tube element (11) runs steadily downwards to the two tube ends (12), so that an outlet valve (3) is located below the liquid of the liquid dispenser (10). , and optionally there is a metering tank (4) between the end of the hose (12) and the outlet valve, - mechanical actuation of the outlet valve (3) and/or the metering tank (4), in particular applying external pressure to the outlet valve (3) and/ or the dosing tank (4), so that an outlet valve (3) opens and liquid can escape, the liquid preferably flowing out of the opened outlet valve (3) by gravity.

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