DE2633723A1 - DISPENSING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

PAT E N TA Ν WA LT E.

DR. A. VAN DERWERTH DR. FRANZ LEDERER REINER F. MEYER

DlPL-ING. (1934-1974) DIPL.-CHEM. DIPL.-ING.

UNILEVER N.V.

Burgemeester s'Jacobplein 1 Rotterdam / Netherlands

8000 MUNICH 80 LUCILE-GRAHN-STRASSE22

TELEPHONE: (089) 472947 TELEX: 524624 LEATHER D TELEGR .: LEATHERPATEMT

July 27, 1976

M / Hö

U 457

Dispensing device

The invention relates to a pump for dispensing liquids, Gels or foams, hereinafter referred to as "liquids" for short.

In a conventional dispensing device for a pressurized pack, such as an aerosol can, for example the product to be dispensed is normally stored under an overpressure with the addition of a liquefied propellant gas. Thus, when the product is dispensed from such a device it is usually propellant in liquid or in gaseous form, which can aid the atomization of the product, but in other respects that Product can be detrimental and undesirable from a consumer point of view. The use of a liquefied

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Propellant in particular can also be a problem for the Raise the recipe, for example because of the phase separation in the package or other incompatibilities with the ingredients of the product. The use of a liquefied Propellant gas also increases the cost of the product. From this it can be seen that it is for both the manufacturer and would also be beneficial to the consumer if the liquid normally dispensed in aerosol form from pressure packs Products could be dispensed in the same way with the aid of a suitable pump without the use of a liquefied one To make propellant gas required.

Furthermore, with the current annual world demand for / propellant consumer products amounting to a few thousand million units, the desire for consumer products Products as an alternative to propellant-utilizing products are likely to be very significant.

There have been numerous attempts at development in the past effective and efficient finger operated pumps designed for dispensing propellant-free liquid product in aerosol form as an alternative to the use of dispensing devices which make conventional use of propellant-based pressure packs. Although some of these pumps, in particular the pump described in NL-OS 74 15 900, theoretically for dispensing the product in the prescribed manner and uniform spray form are suitable regardless of the finger pressure exerted on the actuating button, it has become in the Practice proved impossible to use this economically in the context of mass production at present To manufacture available construction means, as used for example in the manufacture of aerosol valves will. In particular, it has proven to be extremely difficult to manufacture the pump described in NL-OS 74 15 900 in such a way that

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that the radial passages through which the liquid product is dispensed are in the correct position when the pump is actuated Way are aligned. In addition, the O-ring of the piston, which moves in one place in the cylinder, suffers where the cylinder wall is interrupted by a radial passage, resulting in significant uneven wear from the reciprocating movement with the consequence of the possibility of a leak occurring behind it O-ring after prolonged use.

It is therefore necessary to supplement or replace conventional aerosols based on propellants, an inexpensive, to provide efficient and effective pump for avoiding the disadvantages indicated above, which is capable of sprayable To pump products that need to be marketed at a price competitive with the corresponding aerosol products. Accordingly, the use of plastics for the manufacture of many of the structural parts of such a pump is desirable. when there is a need to manufacture millions of pump units to cover the prospective Are required.

A finger-operated pump for dispensing liquids has now been developed, which makes use of a completely new mechanism for triggering the dispensing of a liquid product, which does not rely on the critical tolerances and high precision provided by ours in the NL-OS 74 15 900 are required and which has been found to be suitable for mass production from molded plastics. It should be expressly pointed out, however, that the invention is not limited to a pump made largely of plastics, since other specific materials, for example metals, can be used as alternatives.

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The invention is therefore based on the object of a finger-operated To provide a pump capable of dispensing a liquid product in a usable manner in a prescribable manner and uniform spray form regardless of differences in that on the actuation mechanism of the pump to act applied finger pressure over a longer period of use.

The invention is also based on the object of modifying a finger-operated pump with a feed chamber To create volume that is suitable for repeated dispensing of equal volumes of a liquid product.

Another object of the invention is to provide a finger-operated pump with which the pressure at which, the liquid product being dispensed is always essentially the same regardless of that on the actuating mechanism finger pressure applied and the extent to which the mechanism is operated.

The object on which the invention is based also consists in creating a finger-operated pump in which at Application of the finger pressure on the actuation mechanism, the dispensing of the liquid product is delayed until a predetermined hydraulic pressure has been built up within the pump or until the actuation mechanism has increased by a predetermined value Route has been moved.

A further object of the invention is to provide a finger-operated pump in which means can be used and actually triggering the dispensing of a liquid product in atomized form without interrupting adjacent surfaces of the Feed chambers are provided within the pump which define the outline of the chamber.

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For this purpose, a finger-operated one is provided according to the invention Pump for dispensing liquids that has ^ ine Feed chamber with a finger-sliding part that consists of a rest position to reduce the volume of the feed chamber and to increase the hydraulic pressure in this is displaceable, and via a supply valve to enable of the entry of liquid into the feed chamber from an external feed, the feed valve on movement of the displaceable part is closed to reduce the volume of the supply chamber / via a discharge chamber connected to the supply chamber, via elastic Means cooperating with the delivery chamber for storing energy generated by an enlargement of the hydraulic Pressure in this comes from reducing the volume of the feed chamber, and via a dispensing valve in the finger-displaceable Part with a valve part which is movable with respect to the displaceable part for opening the dispensing valve.

The pump essentially consists of a feed chamber with a finger-displaceable part that comes from a rest position to reduce the volume of the feed chamber and to increase the hydraulic pressure in this is displaceable.

In one embodiment of the invention, the feed chambers exist in a cylinder and the finger-displaceable part in a piston arranged displaceably in the cylinder, with the one carrying an actuation button for finger displacement Rod is fitted. In this embodiment have the walls of the cylinder preferably have no interruptions along the part swept by the piston, so as to to avoid uneven wear of the sealing edge of the piston during its back and forth movement.

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In another embodiment of the invention, the feed chamber consists of a bellows unit in one piece with a trained or sealable inserted finger-displaceable Wall, the displacement of which from a rest position reduces the volume of the bellows. The finger-sliding wall can be more convenient Way be equipped with a rod carrying an actuation button for finger displacement.

In connection with the pump there is a supply valve which is in is preferably actuatable by pressure and which is arranged and designed so that it allows the entry of a liquid product to the feed cam from an external feed, for example from a can, bottle, or other container to which the pump is attached. The valve can for example with regard to an opening for the possibility an entry of the liquid product to the feed chamber be formed during a fill stroke when the pressure in the supply tank drops below that in the container.

The supply valve can, for example, be a ball check valve be. Alternatively, it can be a control or flap valve that works as a check valve. These valves can equipped with a helical spring or some other elastic means, for example a flexible plastic insert to bias the valve to the normally closed position.

The feed valve is normally closed when the finger-sliding part is moved to reduce the volume of the feed chamber and opens to allow access of the liquid product to the feed chamber when the finger-displaceable part is moved to increase the volume of the feed chamber.

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The pump is also equipped with a delivery chamber, which can be arranged, for example, coaxially with the feed chamber can. The dispensing chamber is preferably circular in cross-section and can advantageously be the supply chamber surround.

The supply chamber and the discharge chamber are in communication with each other so that the liquid product is between the two Chambers can flow. At least one passage can form the connection between the chambers, the passage being a Forms conduit that allows the liquid product to flow from the supply chamber to the dispensing chamber when the hydraulic pressure in the feed chamber increases. This passage can also take over the function of ensuring that the liquid product is completely mixed within the pump before it is released into the atmosphere, in sequence the shearing it is subjected to as it flows rapidly from the feed chamber to the discharge chamber. This is special there Value where the liquid product to be dispensed is multiphase or in the form of a shearable gel.

An elastic means, for example a spring, is arranged for possible cooperation with the dispensing chamber. This elastic means is able to store energy generated by the increase in hydraulic pressure resulting from a reduction in the volume of the feed chambers as a result of the displacement of the finger-displaceable part of the feed chamber and the transfer of liquid from the Feed chamber to the discharge chamber results. If this elastic means is a spring, it can in an expedient manner be arranged within the dispensing chamber or coaxially to this.

According to an embodiment of the invention is in the Dispensing chamber at least one in this in a sealable manner

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Slidable plunger included along with a spring for storing energy, which acts as the resilient means. Of the The plunger is elastically loaded by the spring and designed to move against the force exerted by the spring and arranged when the liquid product flows into the dispensing chamber and the hydraulic pressure therein at that of the spring away side increases. In a modification of this embodiment a second plunger is provided in the dispensing chamber together with its own spring for storing energy, the acts together with the first spring as the elastic means. In this modification, the two plungers can with their springs be located in opposite ends of the dispensing chamber so that they are against their springs with a view to moving apart are formed and arranged when the hydraulic pressure in the discharge chamber increases between the plungers and they move towards one another to move when the hydraulic pressure in this chamber decreases.

According to another embodiment of the invention has the dispensing chamber via a bellows unit that expands with increasing hydraulic pressure during the intake of liquid Product from the delivery chamber and designed and arranged for contraction during dispensing of liquid product from the pump is. These bellows are elastically loaded by one or more springs (the elastic means) the storage of energy exists while the hydraulic pressure increases until the trigger or release point is reached, when the product is dispensed.

A dispensing valve carried by the finger-displaceable part with a movable part with respect to the finger-displaceable part Valve part is provided for the actual and effective triggering of the dispensing of the liquid product, the triggering usually takes place when the finger-operated part

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has moved a predetermined distance or when the hydraulic pressure within the feed chamber has reached a maximum. Opening the dispensing valve also sets the in the elastic means stored energy free, which then the liquid product from the dispensing chamber in the usual way to the Atmosphere.

The dispensing valve is preferably a mechanically actuatable one Valve that can be moved by the finger-sliding part of the Feed chamber through ^ jmindet and is arranged such that it is mechanically actuated by the relative movement of a valve part when the volume of the supply chamber approaches its minimum value.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the dispensing valve is a pin valve which is arranged in the finger-displaceable part. The provision of this spigot valve has been found to be beneficial in eliminating many of the leakage problems around the piston when the delivery chamber is defined by a piston and a cylinder, and it also ensures a smoother pump work and better actuation compared to what was previously possible with other pumps. However, the invention is not directed to the provision of one The spigot valve is limited as there are also other valves to release the stored energy can be used by relative movement of a valve part after the finger-displaceable part relative to the delivery chamber by a predetermined distance has been moved to the feed chamber itself.

There is also the possibility that the dispensing valve can be actuated by pressure instead of being mechanically actuatable, so that it only opens when the hydraulic pressure within the pump has increased to a predetermined value.

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A delivery line may be provided to connect the delivery chamber to the atmosphere outside of the pump to allow so that the liquid product can be dispensed upon actuation of the pump. In a preferred manner, the Delivery line the hollow part of the stem or the rod that the finger-sliding part and the usual operating button connects with each other, the liquid product being released into the atmosphere via the delivery line, for example as a finely divided product Spray, is dispensed.

A preferred feature of the invention is that, when the finger-sliding part and the feed chamber are off a piston and a cylinder, then the sealing edge of the piston forms a liquid-tight seal with the cylinder wall should form, at least up to the opening of the dispensing valve. This is to ensure that the liquid product is under the influence of the increase in hydraulic pressure during displacement of the piston from the rest position not prematurely behind this seal in front of the opening of the dispensing valve for release of the liquid product leaks into the atmosphere. As soon as this valve opens and the liquid product is dispensed, there is then no further need to maintain the seal between the piston and cylinder, although noted has been that it is to avoid an uneven Wear and stress on the other parts of this seal is preferable that this seal also after the opening of the Dispensing valve is maintained. Effective, reliable and trouble-free operation of the pump over a prolonged period of use is the more likely experience with this embodiment of the user in contrast to a pump, in which the sealing edge of the piston exits its cylinder or is in releases in any way from its cylinder, for example at the end of a downward stroke each time the Pump.

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In an alternative embodiment in which the feed chamber and their finger-slidable part has a bellows unit, it is equally important to ensure that leakage does not occur where the selected bellows sidewalls connect to the end or front wall that has the finger-sliding Part forms. The bellows unit is preferably designed in one piece with its end wall, and it can, for example, be more expedient Way be manufactured or cast as a single unit from suitable plastic.

The above-mentioned and other advantages of the pump emerge from the following description in greater detail, which refers to the schematic drawings; in this shows:

Fig. 1 is a section through a pump according to the invention at the beginning of the downward stroke,

Fig. 2 is a section through the pump of the type of Fig. 1 at the end of the downward stroke;

FIG. 3 shows a section through an in principle that of FIG. 1 • Similar pump at the beginning of a downward stroke, but showing certain refinements, the facilitate their manufacture and assembly and improve their operation,

Fig. 4 shows a section through a pump of the type of Fig. 3 on End of a downward stroke,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial section through the pump of the type of Figs. 1-4 showing a spigot valve and an axial piston in enlarged proportions,

6 shows a section through a dispensing pump similar to that of FIG. 1 in a state that does not trigger any actuation at the beginning of a downward stroke, although the plunger is in a fixed relationship to the perforated one Plate is stationary and the outer body is freely movable when the pump is operated,

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Figure 7 is a section through a dispensing pump of the type of Figure in an actuated condition at the end of the downward direction Hubes,

8 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 1, but with the axial piston and the plunger are replaced by bellows, the whole thing in a state that does not trigger any actuation,

9 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 8 in an actuating state,

10 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 8, wherein the bellows replacing the plunger are designed differently, none of them
Actuation triggering state,

11 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG Fig. 10 in an actuated state,

FIG. 12 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 1, but with the axial plunger by bellows is replaced, the whole thing in a state that does not trigger any actuation,

13 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 12 in an actuating state,

FIG. 14 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG 1, the axial piston being replaced by bellows, the whole in a state that does not trigger any actuation,

15 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 14 in an actuating state,

16 shows a section through a pump similar to that of FIG. 1, but with a second plunger and springs are additionally arranged within the axial delivery chamber, the whole thing in a no actuation triggering State at the beginning of a downward stroke,

FIG. 17 shows a section through a pump of the type shown in FIG. 16

in an actuated state at the end of a downward stroke.

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It should be noted that in each of the FIGS Embodiments shown, the dispensing chamber has an annular shape and accordingly in the following Description is referred to as an annular dispensing chamber.

According to a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pump consists of a cylindrical outer Body 10, which at one end by means of a perforated plate and at the other end by means of a flange 12 of a pump?: Ylinders 13 is completed, which is arranged coaxially within the body 10 is.

A finger-displaceable axial piston 14 is in a bore 15 of the pump cylinder 13, the upper end of the piston 14, i.e. the piston rod, through the perforated plate 11 passes through. The piston 14 and the cylinder 13 define together the .feed chamber with a finger-displaceable Part. The rod of the piston 14 is along its entire length hollow, the upper end forming a dispensing outlet 16 as shown in FIGS. The lower end of the piston 14 sits in a snug fit within the bore 15 of the pump cylinder 13. A around the piston 14 just above The O-ring 51 placed on the lower end further ensures that the piston 14 has a fluid-tight fit within the bore 15 forms. In the axial extent within the lower end of the piston 14 is a pin valve 42 with a associated seat 43 is used, the spigot valve 42 in the direction of the seat by means of a spring 44 which is within the Piston 14 is received, is biased. The spigot valve 42 forms the dispensing valve with a valve member (i.e., the spigot valve 42), which is movable with respect to the displaceable part.

The spigot 45 of the spigot valve 42 normally extends under the lower end of the piston 14 as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the pin in an axial alignment to a

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obeyed upper end 46 of a spacer 2 0 is. The upper end of the dispensing outlet 16 in the piston 14 can by means of a (not shown) operating button be closed.

In the pump cylinder 13 there is also a piston return spring 18 added against the lower end 19 of the Piston 14 and the upper surface of the perforated spacer 20 abuts- This spring 18 pushes the piston 14 according to Representation in the drawing upwards, so that a piston shoulder 21 rests against the perforated plate 11 when the The pump is in the state that does not trigger an actuation, as shown in FIG. The spacer 20 separates the pump cylinder 13 from a pressure actuated check supply valve unit 22nd

The pump cylinder 13 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with at least one radial passage 31 leading into an annular discharge chamber 32 between the outer body 10 and the pump cylinder 13 joins. This radial passage 31 connects the feed chamber with the discharge chamber and forms a line for the liquid product to flow through from the feed chamber (i.e. cylinder 13) to the annular discharge chamber 32, when the hydraulic pressure in the feed chamber increases.

The annular discharge chamber 32 surrounds an annular plunger 33 with seals 35, which is supported by a spring 36 (the elastic Means) is biased and can slide in the annular dispensing chamber.

The wall of the outer body 10 and that of the pump cylinder 13 are both equipped with corresponding ventilation ducts 39 and 40, which are each connected to one another via the upper part 41 of the annular dispensing chamber 32 »This upper part 41 also contains the spring 36.

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709807/0757 ORIGINAL IHSPBCTEO

For use, the pump of Figures 1 and 2 is applied to the top of a container for a liquid product, so that the pressure actuable check supply valve assembly 22 is brought into contact with the product, if necessary via a dip tube (not shown).

Upon the first depression of the piston 14 in the direction of the pressure-actuatable supply valve 22, the piston return spring 18 compressed, and then when the pin 45 of the pin valve 42 by contact with the upper end .46

/ ■ "" ~ y " of the spacer 20 is moved, the in the bore

contained air through the radial passage ^ 31 and the, annular Discharge * b2 discharged to the atmosphere. When you let go of the Piston 14, liquid product is drawn into the cylinder bore 15 through the supply valve unit 22. This is a first step, and then the pump is ready for use.

With a second or subsequent depression of the piston 14, the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder bore 15 increases, and thus liquid product becomes the flow through the radial passages 31 and the annular discharge chamber 32 to the ring plunger 33 forced. A further increase in the hydraulic pressure of this fluid moves the ring plunger 33 against it the spring 36 so that the liquid flows into the annular dispensing chamber 32. When the plunger 33 moves, it increases in size the volume of the annular dispensing chamber 32, and the occurring Energy is stored in the spring 36 as it is compressed. If or as the pressure continues to grow, the displacement of the annular plunger 33 continues so as to be able to take up the liquid until the pin of the spigot valve 42 contacts the upper end 46 of the spacer 20. A continuation of the downward movement

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*) -chamber

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OWGINAt INSPECTED

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beyond this point, the spigot valve 42 lifts out of its own. Seat from, and the subsequent displacement against the bias of the spring 44 enables the. Liquid, out the annular discharge chamber via the radial passages 31, the cylinder bore 15 and past the seat 43 to the discharge outlet 16 in the piston 14 and finally to the atmosphere to flow via an actuation button (not shown).

When the liquid is dispensed, the relaxation of the spring 36 presses the ring plunger 33 down into the rest position. The annular dispensing chamber 32 is ultimately sealed against the atmosphere when finger pressure is applied to the pump is released, the piston 14 moving back up into its rest position with relaxation of the piston return spring 18 moves. At the same time there is another liquid product drawn into the cylinder bore 15 via the supply valve unit, and the dispensing and filling cycle can then be repeated.

The ventilation channels 3 9 and 40 ensure that the gas pressure in the container on which the pump is placed on Atmospheric pressure is maintained.

It should be noted that at no time during operation of the pump, the piston 14 leaves the cylinder 13, causing wear on the single O-ring 51 reduced to an absolute minimum, which ring 41 drives the piston 14 within the cylinder bore 15 seals; furthermore, the O-ring 51 seals the piston 14 with respect to the pump cylinder 13 both in front of and in front of upon actuation of the spigot valve 42 to release the fluid pressure to the atmosphere.

In a second embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 3 and 4, the pump consists of a cylindrical outer body 10, which at its upper end by an openwork

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End plate 11 completed and at its lower end 10a to Receiving the pump cylinder 13, the spacer 20 and the check valve unit 22 is conically tapered.

A finger-displaceable axial piston 14 is in the bore 15 arranged displaceably within the pump cylinder 13, the piston rod passing through the perforated plate 11. An axial feed plunger 52a with a sealing lip 53 is at the lower end of the axial piston 14 by means of an annular shoulder 54 snapped into place. An annular slot 61 and a cylindrical slot 62 in the axial feed plunger 52a together ensure that the sealing lip 53 is flexible in a sealing manner on the bore 15 of the pump cylinder is present. This allows a complete seal between the cylinder. And plunger with minimal friction and minimal Wear of the sealing lip 53 can be achieved during use. The piston 14 forms with its feed plunger 52a together the finger-sliding part and the feed plunger 52a and the cylinder 13 jointly define the feed chamber.

Into the lower hollow end of the piston 14 and within the axial Feed plunger 521a, the spigot valve 42 with its associated seat 43 is inserted, the spigot valve in the direction is biased on the seat by means of the spring 44, which is also arranged in the lower end of the piston 14. The spigot valve forms the dispensing valve with a movable valve part.

The spigot valve 42 and the axial feed plunger assembly 52a are shown in greater detail in FIG.

The spigot 45 of the spigot valve 42 normally extends below the lower end of the axial feed plunger 52a, as shown in the drawing, with the pin 45 being axially is aligned with the upper end 46 of the spacer 20. The upper end of the dispensing outlet 16 in the piston 14 can by means of

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(not shown) operating button are closed.

The piston return spring is also located in the pump cylinder 13 18 added against the lower end 19 of the Piston 14 and the perforated spacer 20 is applied. This spring 18 biases the piston 14 in the upward direction in accordance with Fig. 3, so that the piston shoulder 21 a seal against the arranged in the perforated end plate disc or a corresponding ring 67 forms when the pump is in a no actuation triggering state. The spacer separates the pump cylinder 13 from the check supply valve- ' unit 22.

The pump cylinder 13 of FIGS. 3 and 4 has radial passages 31 (of which only one is shown) equipped, which the bore 15 of the pump cylinder 13 with the connect annular discharge chamber 32, which is delimited by the outer body 10 and the pump cylinder 13. The ring-shaped Dispensing chamber 32 contains the annular plunger 33 with sealing lips 55, which plunger 33 is supported by the spring 36 (the elastic Medium) is biased. The spring 36 is received within the annular cavity 41, which is also from the outer Body 10 and the pump cylinder 13 is defined. This ring-shaped The cavity 41 thus forms an extension of the annular dispensing chamber 32.

The perforated plate 11 is provided with annular lips 56 and to facilitate or enable a snap fit with an annular lip 58 of the neck 60 of a container (not shown) and an annular lip 59 of the outer one Body 10 equipped. It should be noted that the four ring-shaped Lips 56, 58 and 57, 59 work together to cause a secure snap fit of the three parts that make up the neck of the container, the perforated plate 11 and the outer Body 10 are formed.

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The annular lips 57 and 59 are on a (not shown) Point interrupted to form a connection between the interior of the container to which the pump is attached and the atmosphere via a labyrinthine passage 63, that of the perforated plate 11, the outer body 10 and the outer wall of the piston 14 above the axial Zuführuhgs- -hungers 52a is defined. This passage 63 is middle one elastomeric washer 67 sealed when the pump is in a no actuation triggering state is, as shown in Fig * 3.

Fig. 5 shows the design of the Zapfenveritils and the; Piston going further into detail.

When used, the pump of FIGS. 3 and 4 works in the advantageous manner already described for the pump of FIGS. 1 and 2 Way.

The components of the pump of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 can with exception the springs are made or cast from flexible plastic. For example, the perforated plate 11, the outer body 10, 10a, the pump cylinder 13 and the piston are made of a high density polypropylene, while the axial plunger 52, the ring plunger 33 and the spacer 20 can be made from low density polyethylene. As a result of the use of such materials, the manufacture can reduce the Assembly of the components can be facilitated in the context of a mass production.

According to the third embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is the pump from the cylindrical outer body 10, which is between the first perforated plate 11 at the upper end and a second perforated plate 12 is arranged at the lower end. Integral with the first perforated plate 11 and axially of

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Starting from this downward, the pump cylinder 13 is provided together with a surrounding, cylindrical guide part 48. The cylindrical outer body 10 is formed integrally with the second perforated plate 12 and they are common formed and arranged with regard to an axial displacement over the cylindrical guide part 48 and the pump cylinder 13.

The finger-displaceable axial piston 14 is in the bore 15 arranged displaceably in the interior of the pump cylinder 13, the piston rod passing through the first perforated plate 11. The piston 14 and the cylinder 13 together define the feed chamber with a finger-displaceable part. the The piston rod is hollow as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and forms the dispensing outlet 16. In the lower hollow end of the piston 14 is the pin valve 42 is arranged with the associated seat 43, the trunnion valve 42 being pretensioned in the direction of the seat 43 by means of the spring 44 which is received in the lower end of the piston 14. The spigot valve 42 provides the dispensing valve with a movable member.

The spigot 45 of the spigot valve 42 normally extends below the lower end of the piston 14 as shown in FIG the pin 45 is axially aligned with the upper end 46 of the spacer 20.

The upper end of the dispensing outlet 16 in the piston 14 can be closed by means of an actuating button (not shown).

In the pump cylinder 13, the piston return spring 18 is also received, which against the lower end 19 of the piston 14 and the Spacer 20 is applied. This spring 18 pushes the piston 14 upwards, as shown in the drawings, so that the piston shoulder

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against the first perforated plate 11 comes to rest when the pump according to FIG. 6 is in a state that does not trigger any actuation.

The spacer 20 separates the pump cylinder 13 from the check supply valve unit 22nd

The pump cylinder 13 of Fig * 6 and 7 is with at least one equipped radial passage 31, which into the annular discharge chamber 32 between the outer body 10 together with the integrally formed second perforated plate 12 and the pump cylinder 13 opens.

This radial passage 31 connects the feed chamber with the discharge chamber and forms a line for the liquid Product, so that this from the feed chamber to the annular Dispensing chamber 32 can flow when the hydraulic pressure in the supply chamber increases.

In the annular discharge chamber 32, a ring plunger 33 with seals 35 is received, which is in fixed relation to the pump cylinder 13 and the cylindrical guide part 48 is arranged.

The cylindrical guide member 48 and the outer body 10 have one flange 49 and 50, respectively, which by means of the spring 36 (the elastic means) are pressed apart. This spring 36 is thus received in the annular cavity 41, which is of the outer body 10, the cylindrical guide member 48 and their Flanges 50 and 49 is defined. This annular cavity 41 thus forms an extension of the annular dispensing chamber 32.

The wall of the outer body 10 and that of the pump cylinder 13 are each pierced by corresponding ventilation ducts 39 and 40, respectively. which are in communication with one another via the annular cavity 41.

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For use, the pump of Figs. 6 and 7 is attached to the top of a container for a liquid product so that the non-return feed valve unit is in contact with the product, if necessary via an immersion tube (not shown) .

At the first downward pressure on the piston 14, the piston return spring 18 is compressed and the in the Bore 15 present air temporarily pressed through the radial passages 31 into the annular chamber 32 and then to the Atmosphere is released when the spigot 45 of the spigot valve is displaced by contact with the upper end 46 of the spacer 20 will. Upon release of the piston 14, the spigot valve 42 closes and fluid is passed up through the check supply valve assembly 22 drawn into the cylinder bore 15. This is a first step and then the dispensing pump is ready for use.

On the second downward stroke of the piston f4 increases the hydraulic pressure of the fluid in the cylinder bore 15, and thus the liquid is forced to flow through the radial passages 31 into the annular dispensing chamber 32. In contrast to 1 and 2, the ring plunger is the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 with respect to the pump cylinder 13 fixed, and therefore moves another Increase in the pressure of the liquid the outer body 10 together with the integral second perforated plate down in relation to the pump cylinder 13, whereby the liquid can be received in an enlarged volume of the annular dispensing chamber. Because or when the volume of this chamber increased, the resulting energy is stored in the spring 36, since it is compressed with the annular cavity 41 will.

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With an even further increase in the hydraulic pressure, the displacement of the outer body 10 and the.
second perforated plate 12 for enlargement to more.
To be able to absorb liquid, continued until the pin 45 of the
Spigot valve 42 mitigate top end 46 of spacer 20 from contacting. The continuation of the downward stroke beyond this point releases the spigot valve 42 from its seat, and this displacement against the bias of the spring 44 allows the liquid to flow out of the annular chamber 32 via the radial passages 31, the
Cylinder bore 15 and behind seat 43 to the dispensing outlet in piston 14 and finally to atmosphere via an actuator button (not shown). This delivery state of the delivery pump is shown in FIG.

When the liquid is dispensed, the relaxation of the spring 36 presses the flanges 49 and 50 apart, so that the outer body 10, together with the second perforated plate 11, is pushed back into the rest position according to FIG. The annular dispensing chamber 32 is finally sealed when the
Finger pressure on the dispensing pump ceases, the Za.pfenventil 42 closes and the piston 14 returns to the rest position, releasing the piston return spring 18. At the same time, more liquid product is drawn into the cylinder bore 15 via the non-return feed valve assembly 22 and the dispensing and filling cycle can be repeated.

It should be noted that the relationship between the sealing Operation of the piston on the cylinder and the operation of the spigot valve relate to the relationships described for FIGS is equivalent to.

In the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, there is
Pump from the cylindrical outer body 10, which is attached to his
upper end by means of the perforated plate 11 and at his

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lower end by means of the flange 12 of the pump cylinder 13 is closed, which is arranged concentrically inside the outer body.

The finger-displaceable axial piston 14 is displaceable in the Bore 15 is arranged within the pump cylinder 13, the piston 14 passing through the perforated plate 11. The rod of the piston 14 is hollow over its entire length, the upper end as shown in the drawing the dispensing outlet 16 forms.

An axial feed plunger 52 is inserted at the lower end of the piston; both this axial plunger 52 and the piston are loosely displaceable within the bore 15 of the pump cylinder 13 and do not form a liquid-tight snug fit like the corresponding parts of the pump of FIGS. 1 and 2. Between the lower surface 19 of feed plunger 52 and the side wall of bore 15 at a point above the radial passage which penetrates the pump cylinder 13, an axial bellows 64 is provided. The axial bellows 64 is in Fig. 8 in an exploded view State and shown in FIG. 9 in the folded state and serves to form the feed chamber, the Feed plunger 52 forms the finger-displaceable part of the feed chamber. The axial bellows 64 and the feed plunger 53 are inextricably linked in a liquid-tight manner. This bellows thus serves the same function as that of the bore 15 and the fluid-tight engaging axial piston 14 defined cavity of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, but in the case of the embodiment of FIG. Δ and in an advantageous manner it ensures an actually frictionless sliding movement of the axial piston 14 and the feed plunger 52 within the bore 15 and for freedom from leakage.

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In the lower hollow end of the piston 14 and the axial plunger 52 The pin valve 42 with the associated seat 43 is inserted penetratingly, the pin valve 42 in the direction of the seat 43 is biased by the spring 44, which is also received in the lower end of the piston 14. The spigot valve 42 forms that Dispensing valve with a movable part.

The spigot 45 of the spigot valve 42 normally extends below the lower end of the piston 14 as shown in the drawing, with the pin 45 axially on the upper end 46 of the spacer 20 is aligned. The upper end of the dispensing outlet 16 in the piston 14 can be opened by means of a (not shown) Button to be closed.

The piston return spring 18 is also located in the pump cylinder 13 added, which rests against the lower end 19 of the piston 14 and the upper surface of the perforated spacer 20 and is arranged within the axial bellows 64. This spring 18 presses the piston upwards according to FIG. 8, so that the piston shoulder 51 against the perforated plate 11 comes to rest when the pump 8 in the state that does not trigger actuation is located. The same spring 18 also urges the cylindrical bellows 64 forward to its fully open position. The spacer 20 separates the pump cylinder 13 from the check supply valve unit 22.

Connect the radial passages 31 of the pump cylinder 13 both the lower end of the bore 15 and the interior of the axial bellows 64 with an annular chamber 32 extending from the outer body and the pump cylinder 13 is limited, whereby a line for provides the liquid product to pass between the delivery chamber (i.e., the axial bellows 64) and the annular chamber 32 is.

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In the annular chamber 32 is a loosely inserted annular Disc 33a housed, which is against the spring 36 (the elastic means) under tension, which in turn in the upper Part 41 of the cylindrical cavity between the outer body and the pump cylinder 13 together with the perforated plate is housed.

Furthermore, in this upper part 41 and are in the annular chamber 32 extending into an annular bellows 65 (the dispensing chamber) housed, the upper area (within the upper Part 41) has a smaller diameter than the lower region (within the chamber 32). The ring bellows 65 appears stepped in longitudinal section according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the intermediate surface 66 rests against the annular disk 33a.

The wall of the outer body 10 and that of the pump cylinder 13 are pierced by corresponding ventilation channels 39 and 40, which over the upper part 41 of the annular chamber 32 with each other in Connected.

For use, the pump of FIGS. 8 and 9 is attached to the upper end of a container for a liquid so that it can be used pressure-actuated non-return supply valve unit 22 comes into contact with the liquid, if necessary via a (not shown) immersion tube.

During the first downward stroke of the piston 14, the piston return spring 18 is compressed together with the axial bellows 64, and the air contained in the axial bellows 64 and the lower part of the bore 15 is temporarily over the radial Passages 31 are pressed into the annular bellows 65 in the annular chamber 32 and then released to the atmosphere when the pin 45 of the pin valve 42 is mildly upper upon contact End 46 of the spacer 20 is moved. When the piston

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is released, liquid product is released through the non-return feed valve unit 22 drawn into the axial bellows 64 within the cylinder bore 15. This is a first starting activity, and then the pump is ready for operation.

During the second downward stroke of the piston 14, the axial bellows 64 is compressed and becomes the one contained in it Liquid with an increase in hydraulic pressure to flow through the radial passages 31 in the lower part of the Ririgbalgs 65 caused within the annular chamber 32. A further increase in the pressure of this liquid leads to an expansion of the lower part of the annular bellows 65, so that its intermediate surface displaces the annular disk 33a against the action of the spring 36. More fluid then flows into the annular chamber within the lower end of the annulus. Since the washer 33a with moving the expanding volume of this lower part of the second bellows 65, the resulting energy is stored in the spring 36, when this is squeezed. If the hydraulic pressure increases further, the shift sets in of the annular disk 33a for enlargement with regard to the uptake of the liquid continues until the pin 45 of the Zapfenventlls 42 the upper end 46 of spacer 20 touches. The continuation of the downward strokes beyond this point give that The trunnion valve 42 frees itself from its seat, and this displacement against the bias of the spring 44 allows the liquid Product, from the lower end of the ring bellows 65 within the ring cheese 32 via the radial passages 31, the folded-up axial bellows 64 within the cylinder bore 15 and behind the seat ' 43 to the dispensing outlet 16 in the piston 14 and finally to the atmosphere to flow via an actuation button (not shown).

When the liquid is dispensed, the relaxation of the spring 36 presses the annular disc 33a into the rest position, the upper (slimmer) part of the ring bellows 65 is expanded and the lower (further) part is compressed. The annular chamber 32 with the

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in her contained ring bellows 65 is finally sealed when the finger pressure on the dispensing pump is released, wherein the spigot valve 42 closes and the piston 14 returns to the rest position while the piston return spring 18 is relaxed. At the same time, further liquid product is introduced into the axial bellows 64 in the interior of the cylinder bore 15 via the non-return valve unit 22 is drawn in and the dispensing and filling cycle can be repeated.

In the fifth embodiment of the invention according to FIGS The annular bellows can have a stepped design with a wider diameter range and a narrower diameter range can be replaced by a double cylindrical bellows 65a with an outer cylindrical wall of the same dimensions and shape corresponding to the lower part according to FIGS. 8 and 9, but with an inner cylindrical wall of the same height as the outer wall The outer and inner walls of the annular bellows 65a of the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 thus lie against the inner one and outer wall of the annular chamber 32 and are bridged by means of an annular end wall to form a sealed, deformable Chamber to form inside chamber 32 for receiving fluid under pressure during the actuation sequence. The double cylindrical bellows 65a forms the dispensing chamber. This last modification of the bellows is shown in FIGS. 11 shown, which correspond to those of FIGS. 8 and 9 in all other aspects.

Further modifications of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 11 can be provided without any significant loss of operational effectiveness. For example, according to FIGS the axial bellows 64 are omitted, and the axial plunger 52 attached to the piston 14 forms a liquid-tight seat within the Cylinder bore 15 with an O-sealing ring 68 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, the annular bellows 65 can either be the

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8, 9, 12 and 13 or the double ring shape according to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Alternatively, according to FIGS. 14 and 15, the annular bellows 65 and 65a can be omitted, and the annular plunger 33 forms a liquid-tight seat within the annular chamber 32 , for example with O-sealing rings 35, in the manner according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the sixth embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 16 and 17, the pump consists of the outer body 10 which contains a pump cylinder 13 with piston 14, the rest being entirely generally the features are provided which have already been described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The pump cylinder 13 is equipped with radial passages 31 / which connect the dispensing chamber 32 and the bore 15 of the pump cylinder 13. In the annular dispensing chamber 32 is a pair of annular plungers 33 and 34 with seals 35 provided by a pair of springs 36 and 37 (the elastic means) are pressed towards each other. Shoulders 38 on body 10 prevent the annular plungers 33 and 33 from meeting each other 34.

The wall of the outer body 10 and that of the pump cylinder 13 are both broken by corresponding ventilation ducts 39 and 40, which are in communication with one another via the upper part 41 of the annular dispensing chamber 32. This upper part 41 contains also the upper spring 36, while the corresponding lower Parts 41a the lower spring 37 contains.

For use, the pump of FIGS. 16 and 17 is at the top a container for a liquid product is attached so that the check valve unit is brought into contact with the liquid if necessary via an immersion tube (not shown).

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During the first downward stroke of the piston 14 in the direction of on the supply valve 22, the piston return spring 18 is compressed, and then when the pin 45 "of the pin valve is displaced by contact with the upper end 46 of the spacer 22, the air contained in the bore 15 via the radial passages 31, the annular discharge chamber 32 released to the atmosphere. When the piston 14 is released, will Liquid is drawn into the cylinder bore 15 through the supply valve exnhext 22. This is a first step, and the pump is then ready for use.

In the second downward stroke of the piston 14, the The fluid contained in the cylinder bore 15 is exposed to a hydraulic pressure increase and thus to the flow through the radial passages 31 to the annular discharge chamber 32 and the ring plugs 33 and 34 caused. Another rise in pressure in this fluid the ring plunger moves 33 and 34 apart and against their associated springs 36 and 37, see above that the liquid flows into the annular dispensing chamber 32. When the plungers 33 and 34 are moved out of the way, they increase in size the volume of the annular discharge chamber 32 accordingly, and the energy that occurs is stored in the springs 36 and 37, because these are squeezed together. If the pressure is increased even further, the shift continues the ring plunger 33 and 34 for enlargement with a view to receiving the liquid continues until the pin 45 of the pin— valve 42 contacts the upper end 46 of the spacer 20. The continuation of the downward stroke beyond this point releases the spigot valve 42 from its seat, and its displacement against the bias by the spring 44 enables the Liquid, to atmosphere via dispensing outlet 16 in the flask and a button (not shown) to be released.

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When the liquid is dispensed, the relaxation of the springs 36 and 37 presses the ring plungers 33 and 34 towards one another into the rest position in which they rest against the shoulders 38 on the outer body 10. The annular dispensing chamber 32 is finally sealed when the finger pressure on the pump is released, the piston 14 in the rest position with relaxation the piston return spring 18 returns. Simultaneously is more liquid product in the cylinder bore 15 via the Check supply valve assembly 22 is retracted, and then the dispense and fill cycle can be repeated.

When the finger pressure on the rod of the piston 14 is released, the piston 14 moves upwards, with the pin 45 of the spigot valve 42 moves away from the associated upper end 46 of the spacer 20 and the spring 44 moves the spigot valve presses on its seat 43, whereby the passage of liquid behind the spigot valve 42 is canceled.

When the piston 14 is in its rest position under relaxation the piston return spring 18 moves, there is more liquid product into the bore 15 via the check feed valve unit. drawn in, and the dispensing and filling cycle can then be repeated will.

The pump according to the invention is used for the delivery of liquids or gels, in particular shearable gels a container which forms a supply of liquid or gel product from the outside to the pump. The pump can therefore for example intended for attachment to a hand-held container and designed to be the same in size and capacity as a conventional pressurized pack or aerosol container. It is that further intends that the pump can be quickly and easily removed from its container, so that a freshly filled Container can be attached when the original container is empty.

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The liquid or gel product can be dispensed as a fine particle spray or in any other form in which the Product is not finely divided, depending on the type of control button that is attached to the pump.

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Claims (7)

Claims / 1.) Finger-operated pump for dispensing liquids with ^ "■ ^^ a feed chamber with a feed valve to enable the entry of the liquid into the feed chamber from an external feed, with one with the Feed chamber communicating discharge chamber and with means for dispensing the liquid from the dispensing chamber, characterized in that the feed chamber (13, 15, 20, 64) has a finger-displaceable part (14, 19, 51, 52, 52a), which from a rest position to reduce the volume of the Zuführ'ungskammer and to enlarge the hydraulic pressure is displaceable in this, wherein the feed valve (22) when moving the finger-displaceable Partly to reduce the volume of the supply chamber is closed that the discharge chamber (32,65,65a, 66) a cooperative has elastic means (36,37) for storing an energy generated by an enlargement of the hydraulic Pressure in the delivery chamber when reducing the volume of the supply chamber (13,15,20,64) originates, and that the means for dispensing the liquid from the dispensing chamber (32,65,65a, 66) exist in a dispensing valve (42,43,45) that in the finger-displaceable Part (14,19,51,52,52a ^ is inserted, where the dispensing valve has a valve part (42,45) which, with regard to the finger-displaceable part, is used to open the Dispensing valve is reversible. 2. Pump according to Claim 1, characterized in that that the movable valve part (42,45) is designed and arranged to open the dispensing valve (42,43,45) when the finger-sliding part (14,19,51,52,52a) is a predetermined Has moved away from the rest position. - 34 - 709807/0757 3. Pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dispensing valve (42,43,45) is a spigot valve. 4. Pump according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that that a plunger (33) which is elastically pretensioned by the elastic means (36) is received in the dispensing chamber (32) is. 5. Pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the dispensing chamber (32) two plungers (33, 34) each elastically pretensioned by the elastic means (36, 37) are received. 6. Pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed chamber (13, 15, 20,64) in a bellows unit (64). 7. Pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the delivery chamber (32,65,65a, 66) consists in a bellows unit (65, 65a, 66) which is elastically prestressed by the elastic means (36, 37). 709807/0757