EP0338327A2 - Automatic aerosol - Google Patents

Abstract

The automatic aerosol for spraying liquids has a housing (1), in which an energy store (2), an electric motor (3) and a pump (6) for generating compressed air with suction connectors (7) and compression connectors (8) are arranged, a product container (9), which is in engagement with the housing (1) and at whose upper opening a spraying head (14) with a spraying nozzle (15) is arranged, and an air supply line (13) between the compression connector (8) of the pump (6) and the interior of the product container (9). <??>In order to design an aerosol of this type to be lighter and smaller so that, additionally, a constantly flowing jet of spray of equal particle size can be produced with practical handling, it is proposed that the product container (9) is arranged in extension of the housing (1) and the pump (6) is constructed as a rotary vane pump and is arranged at the upper end of the housing (1), the air supply line (13) preferably extending over the entire length of the product container. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an automatic spray can for spraying or foaming liquid products with a housing, in which an energy supply or storage device, an electric motor and a pump for generating compressed air with suction and pressure ports are arranged, one in engagement with the housing Product container, at the upper opening of a spray head with a spray nozzle is arranged, and with a connection between the pressure port of the pump and the inside of the product container.

There are already numerous spray cans for spraying liquids, for example hair cosmetics, cosmetics and medicine. Old spray cans were equipped with hand pumps. In later spray cans, propellant gases were used to relieve the end user of the pumping work. The environmental damage caused by these propellants was later recognized and in some cases switched back to hand pumps, but in some cases to electrically driven pumps.

An automatic spray can with the features mentioned at the outset is equipped with a diaphragm pump, the oscillatory movement of its diaphragm being obtained via the eccentric of an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a non-rechargeable battery. It has been shown that the known spray cans have considerable disadvantages, particularly as regards the distribution of the particle size within the spray jet. Studies have shown that different particle sizes are generated by different pressures of the compressed air generated and also by different flow rates of this compressed air. In the prior art there is now no pump which produces a constantly flowing spray jet, so that the disadvantage of the uneven particle size in the spray jet had to be accepted.

In the known spray can with electric motor and diaphragm pump, it has been shown that when the diaphragm pump is switched on, the air flow begins slowly at low pressure and only reaches its maximum operating pressure at maximum flow rate after a certain time delay. Even when switching off, it has been shown that the spray jet does not stop immediately, but only slowly decreases with a reduction in the amount of air and also the air pressure.

Therefore, switches and controls have already been considered how the diaphragm pump can be switched on and caused to build up pressure, after which the spray nozzle is only opened; and vice versa the spray nozzle is closed and then the diaphragm pump is only switched off. To solve this problem, a hand pump has been developed which has a housing designed as a handle and a spatially separated product container next to it, the spray head of the product container being connected to the handle via a support arm. The known spray can is therefore space-consuming, cumbersome to handle and expensive to manufacture. The latter in particular because, in addition to the battery arranged in the lower part of the handle, the pump arranged above it and the electric motor arranged above it, two switches, valves and brackets with line nipples are provided in order to provide control of the diaphragm pump in such a way that when Opening the valve to generate the spray jet begins and ends immediately with the final pressure and the desired flow rate. The weight of the known spray can also suffers from the numerous control devices and valve assemblies.

Therefore, the invention has for its object to develop an automatic spray can with the features of the type mentioned, which is light in weight and small in volume and with which a constantly flowing spray of uniform particle size can be generated without aerosol propellants in practical use.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the product container is arranged in an extension of the housing and the pump is designed as a rotary vane pump and is arranged at the upper end of the housing. Contrary to the state of the art, the inventor takes the path of a different arrangement and use of a different pump and thus surprisingly achieves a solution that is readily accepted by the end user.

First, it will be explained how the housing of the new spray can can "engage" with the product container. This term includes a more or less loose arrangement of the product container in the housing as well as an attachment of the product container to the housing. According to the invention the product container with the housing should then be considered to be in engagement if there is a frictional connection or a positive connection or a holder which was brought about, for example, by plugging or pushing. For example, it is thought, as will be explained below, that the product container can be connected to the housing by clamping, screwing or a snug fit with the housing; alternatively, that the product container is inserted into an appropriately shaped space of the housing and carried there, the outer walls of the product container not having to be arranged with a snug fit in the walls of the housing. In addition, the product container can protrude more or less from the top of the housing or can be accommodated in the housing completely closed by a cap.

Compared to the known spray can with the housing designed as a handle on the one hand, the product container separately from it on the other hand and the connecting support arm between the two, a compact spray can is created according to the invention, the external dimension of which essentially corresponds to the conventional spray cans on the market. This is generally an approximately cylindrical shape. By selecting suitable devices, it has surprisingly been possible according to the invention to keep the overall height of the new spray can, including the product container, within an acceptable range, for example in a total height of 10 to 25 cm, despite the arrangement of the compressed air units, such as energy storage, electric motor and pump , preferably 13 to 20 cm, so that when purchasing the new automatic spray can according to the invention, the end user sees it for a conventional spray can with propellants or other devices (hand pump or the like). The buyer of the new spray can is all the more pleasantly surprised when he already finds the compressed air units in the new can. On the one hand, this is achieved by arranging the product container in the extension of the housing. This feature is to be understood that the compressed air units inside half of the housing are arranged above or below, preferably below the product container, be it that the compressed air units plus product container are housed in an overall housing or the product container wholly or partially protrudes from the housing encompassing the compressed air units. In any case, the housing has essentially the shape of a cylinder, the central axis of which coincides with the central axis of the product container after being brought together with the product container. This means that the new spray can can be made small in volume and can be handled very practically by the end user.

Furthermore, the inventor selected a rotary vane pump and thereby unexpectedly achieved the advantage of the constantly flowing spray jet, so that a spray jet with a uniform particle size can be generated if the pump is designed and dimensioned correctly.

The rotary vane pump is based on the displacement effect, with a continuously rotating displacer on the suction side enlarging the pump chamber and, as a result, sucking in a fluid, on the pressure side reducing the pump chamber and, as a result, conveying the fluid. It has as a kind of single-shaft pump an eccentrically located in the housing and rotating cylinder, on which moving slides are attached, which bear by spring force or the like on the housing wall, so that when rotating about the axis eccentrically to the housing, a periodic Change of space and thus promotion of the superplasticizer takes place. Rotary vane pumps can also be designed as twin-shaft pumps, but this is also based on the same working principle.

The advantage of such a rotary vane pump is the achievement of a constantly flowing spray jet, so that a vibration-free and pulsation-free generation of compressed air is possible. These advantages also go hand in hand with the fact that the rotary vane pump is quieter than the known diaphragm or others Pumping, so that this also increases the convenience of the automatic spray can according to the invention.

If the rotary vane pump is finally arranged at the upper end of the housing, this can drastically simplify the connection to the product container. For example, the underside of the product container with appropriate receiving devices can be plugged directly onto the pressure port of the rotary vane pump, or an air delivery line can be arranged in or next to the product container in such a way that it is only essentially the same length as the height of the product container. It is easy to imagine that a spray can of the type described here becomes better, lighter and more comfortable when there are few hoses, pipes, connecting nipples, valves and the like to be provided. The arrangement of the pump at the upper end of the housing serves this advantage. This is to be understood as the end of the housing which contains the compressed air units; "Top" means the side on which the product container is attached. It is namely preferable to arrange in a cylindrical spray can the compressed air units which are always present and have a certain weight, even if the product container is missing or empty, in the lower region of the housing or in the housing below the product container. In the description, the axis of the cylindrical housing is assumed to be approximately vertical. In this sense, "above" and the term "below" should be understood.

The embodiment is conceivable that the rotary vane pump is equipped on the output side with a check valve, so that, for example, a connecting nipple of the product container, which is initially closed by a membrane, can be plugged directly onto the pressure port of the pump, so that the compressed air generated in the pump is on the bottom side in the product container is introduced and immediately builds up the pressure inside this container. If, moreover, the spray head on the top of the product container is closed and the protective or the transport cap is removed from the spray nozzle, spraying begins immediately when the pump is switched on.

However, other, alternative embodiments of the spray can according to the invention and triggering devices for the spray jet are also possible. For example, another embodiment is characterized in that the connection between the pump and the product container, as described in the introduction, is an air delivery line connecting the pressure port of the pump to the spray head, which extends over the entire length of the product container, and that it extends inside the product container a riser extends from the spray nozzle to the bottom of the container. In this embodiment, the shut-off valve of the pump is therefore first connected to the air delivery line and inserted into the spray head without a shut-off valve on the pump or on the bottom of the product container. In this embodiment, the air pressure is present in the spray head and presses on the surface of the liquid to be sprayed in the product container, which is why the riser pipe is required.

Even in this embodiment with an air delivery line, the overall structure of the new spray nozzle remains compact, and understandably the weight is only slightly increased by small pipes or hoses. Also the space remaining for the product container in the overall dimensions is only slightly affected by the air delivery line, so that the automatic spray can has a low weight and relatively small volume even when using the air delivery line described, with the possibility of taking advantage of the rotary vane pump and despite practical handling to produce a spray jet of uniform particle size without blowing agent.

It is advantageous according to the invention if the housing at least partially surrounds the product container and is preferably open at the top. It has already been stated above that the outer shape of the housing is generally cylindrical.

Here there is the possibility of arranging the electric motor, which is preferably designed as a direct current motor, next to the energy store designed as rechargeable batteries and below the pump in an extra space which, so to speak, comprises the compressed air units. This space could be delimited on one side, the lower side, by a floor and on the other side above the pump by an intermediate wall, but the intermediate wall is not absolutely necessary because the pump wall can be used instead. Outside of this housing part receiving the printing units, the housing can now extend further up in a cylindrical shape and more or less completely encompass the product container. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is pulled up to the upper edge of the product container and is open at the top. The product container can thus be inserted or lowered into the cylindrical space of the housing and is then completely surrounded by the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is shorter and only encompasses the product container to a certain fraction. If the batteries are replaced by a supply cable, the housing can be shortened further.

It is also expedient according to the invention if the spray head has a closure cap which can be brought into engagement with the downstream end of the air delivery line. The spray head is the part that has both the spray nozzle and the upper end wall of the product container. This upper end wall can be designed as a closure cap, as in the embodiment described here. These can be connected to the product container by snap or screw connections. Liquid tightness is required. If necessary, connection nipples or other connecting devices for lines are provided on the closure cap, for example the air delivery line or also for holding the riser pipe. In the embodiment described here, the closure cap can be brought into engagement with the downstream end of the air delivery line. Suitable, described below, the Air delivery line can thus be opened or closed. This has the advantage that the pump can be switched on and the spray can nevertheless only be generated after the closure cap has been actuated. In some applications or for certain target groups of consumers, such actuation may be desirable.

In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the closure cap has a closure part which can be attached to the end of the air delivery line. This closure part ensures the closure of the downstream end of the air delivery line and can be operated by hand or otherwise in different ways and from different directions or at different locations on the spray head. So if the pump is switched on and the air delivery line is pressurized with compressed air, then the spray jet cannot be created by pushing the liquid out of the riser pipe until the closure part opens the end of the air delivery line so that the compressed air flow can get into the spray head.

The closure part provided in this connection can be designed as a pin or plug, alternatively also as a ring, collar or collar.

In a special embodiment, which will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, the closure cap is made of elastic plastic and is screwed onto the middle upper opening of the product container in such a way that the air delivery pipe (air delivery line) arranged centrally in this product container with the lower ring edge a collar comes into liquid-tight engagement, which protrudes downward from the central section of the closure cap towards the air delivery line. The inside of this ring collar, the outer lower end of which sits sealingly on the end of the air delivery line, is provided on the inside with a plurality of ribs such that when the end user and user press the top of the closure cap, the liquid-tight seat between the closure ring and the end the air delivery line is lifted, so that in this way, according to a first embodiment, there is an opening of the downstream end of the air delivery line. At the moment the actuating section of the closure cap is pressed down, the sealing ring is lifted off the air delivery line and the compressed air is now in the interior of the spray head on the liquid level of the product container. The prerequisites for the creation of the spray jet are given.

In another embodiment of the invention, the closure part can also be designed as a stopper or ring and can be sealingly fitted from the inner end face of the closure cap to the downstream end of the air delivery line. In contrast to the embodiment in which the user presses on the actuating section and releases the sealing seat via the ribs, in this embodiment the closure ring is lifted from the air delivery line by turning the closure cap by means of a thread and thus also a possibility of the outflow of the Allows compressed air into the spray head. The difference between this embodiment and the one described above is that in the last-mentioned closure cap it remains in the open position after twisting, whereas in the first-mentioned embodiment the opening is only open as long as the user presses on the actuating section of the closure cap. After releasing, the end of the air delivery line closes again immediately.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the spray head has a hole at a distance from the spray nozzle. It has been provided here that compressed air gets into the spray head immediately after the pump is switched on, but because it has a hole, it escapes through this hole. A spray jet can therefore not yet be created. If the user closes this hole in the spray head with a finger, the compressed air acts on the liquid in the product container, the liquid product leads through the riser pipe up into the spray nozzle and spraying begins immediately. In this embodiment there is also the simplest possible way of metering. The spray will be more or less large, depending on how far the user closes the hole with his finger. If he largely closes it, the spray jet is large and vice versa.

In this embodiment it can be provided that the spray head with hole and spray nozzle has both the riser pipe and a connection nipple for the air delivery line. If this is preferably designed as a hose, it can be provided to pull this off the connection nipple on the spray head after emptying the product container, to unscrew the spray head from the product container and to pull it out of the product container so that the new product container can be used filled without expensive parts having the old one empty product containers would have to be thrown away. The user can reuse the spray head with spray nozzle, riser pipe and connection nipple for the new product container.

In another embodiment, the invention is advantageously further developed in that the hole in the spray head can be closed with an actuation lock. Here, a slidable cap is slidably seated on a cylinder shoulder, which keeps the hole on the spray head closed in one end position and keeps it open in another position. Accordingly, the spray jet is generated or not when the pump is switched on.

The connection between housing and product container already indicated above can also be provided according to the invention in such a way that the product container is detachably connected on the bottom side to an edge section of the housing next to the pump. In this embodiment, the housing can essentially be limited to the inclusion of the compressed air units and only have a smaller edge section above the pump, in which Chen the product container is used with its bottom and adjacent edge and is fastened, for example by screws, a snug fit or snap connection, so that the entirety of the housing and product container acts firmly as a unit. In this embodiment, the air delivery line can be routed centrally inside or outside next to the product container into the interior of the spray head.

It is also advantageous if, according to the invention, the air delivery line is arranged outside the product container and inside the housing. In a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical product container - as already mentioned - the air delivery line can either be routed centrally in the product container so that it extends from the pump to the spray head within the product container and within the housing. In the alternative embodiment described here, the cylindrical jacket-shaped circumference of the product container can also be provided with an elongated indentation or groove in such a way that the air delivery line is seen from above within the circular space but outside the product container. If the housing is so long that it essentially completely encompasses the product container, then the air delivery line lies inside the housing and outside the product container. It goes without saying that this condition can be more or less provided if the housing only partially encloses the product container.

Of course, the electric motor must be provided with a switch, especially since the energy must be used sparingly in the case of the energy store. In this context, it is expedient if, according to the invention, the electrical switch of the motor is attached so that it protrudes from the end of the housing. If it stands out, for example, at the bottom end of the housing, it can be provided that the pump is actuated immediately when the spray can is lifted off the respective floor. Of course, an adjustable lock can also be provided here, which ensures that the switch does not come out stands, unless the lock is pushed aside.

If the electrical switch of the motor protrudes upwards from the housing, the user can use a, e.g. grab the spray can with your right hand and use a finger, e.g. B. the index finger, immediately switch on the motor and the pump.

It is also advantageous according to the invention if the energy storage device is designed as an accumulator and is connected to a charging plug which is attached to the base plate of the housing and can be connected to receiving contacts of a charging station. Compared to non-rechargeable batteries, the rechargeable battery has the advantage of recharging, which is used in a known manner in many electrical devices, in particular hand-held devices. By arranging the pump on the upper side of the housing next to the product container, it is advantageously possible to arrange the bottom of the electric motor so that the charging plug is attached to the bottom plate of the housing. For example, this can protrude as a pin from the base plate of the housing.

Then it is further expedient according to the invention if the base plate of the housing is offset inwards relative to the lower edge of the cylindrical casing and the charging station has a corresponding annular groove for receiving the lower edge and a truncated cone-shaped centering guide arranged above it. The electrical contacts, ie the charging plug and the receptacle contacts, meet through the centering guide because the lower edge of the housing is forced into the annular groove. Because the base plate of the housing is also set back relative to its lower edge, a cavity is created within the lower housing edge, in which the charging plug, whether it is designed like a pin or not, and / or the switch or other devices can be accommodated without it that they protrude beyond the overall contour of the spray nozzle.

According to the invention, provision has also been made to equip the receiving contacts in the charging station with movable dust protection devices. For example, star-shaped slots can be punched out of a plastic disk in such a way that tabs form which, when a pin is inserted, fold down from above and pivot back into the dust protection position after the pin has been pulled out. To protect against dust, bristle-like closures such as the handbrake slot of a motor vehicle can also be provided.

A special embodiment of the invention has a charging station, the main plane of which is arranged approximately in the middle of an approximately cylindrical space, the annular grooves mentioned being arranged outside this support disk and the centering guide being fastened above it. The receptacle contacts of the charging station are located centrally under this support plate, which has a hole in alignment with the receptacle contacts. This hole is now closed by a slide that covers this central opening for the electrical receiving contacts located below. If the lower edge of the housing is now placed in the annular groove, mechanical slides via pulling elements ensure that the spring-loaded slider is pulled out of its protective position, so that the hole is opened and the receiving contacts are exposed.

The automatic spray can according to the invention has a rotary vane pump which has an outer diameter of approximately 40 to 45 mm, preferably 42 mm, and a height of 15 to 20 mm, preferably 18 mm. The weight of the housing with the compressed air units is particularly advantageous, i.e. without product container, full or empty, 300 to 400 g, preferably 350 g. It can be seen that such a weight of the spray can is very pleasant for the end user and promises comfortable use.

• Figur 1 die Querschnittsansicht durch eine erste Ausführungs­form der Sprühdose mit Verschlußkappe und zentral angeordneter Luftförderleitung,
• Figur 1A eine Einzelheit der Figur 1, nämlich den Druckstut­zen der Pumpe in Eingriff mit dem aufstromseitigen Ende des Produktbehälters mit Luftförderleitung,
• Figur 2 die Verschlußkappe am Sprühkopf oben in Figur 1,
• Figur 2A eine Ansicht auf den Verschlußring gemäß der Linie A-A der Figur 2, jedoch ohne Luftförderleitung,
• Figur 3 in verkleinertem Maßstab die gleiche Ansicht wie Fi­gur 2, jedoch in der Betriebsstellung nach Druck auf den Betätigungsabschnitt und teilweise Freilegung der Öffnung,
• Figur 3A eine andere Ausführungsform einer Verschlußkappe, die mittels Gewinde am Produktbehälter aufgeschraubt ist,
• Figur 4 eine andere Ausführungsform der Sprühdose, bei wel­cher die Luftförderleitung außerhalb des Produktbe­hälters und innerhalb des Gehäuses geführt ist, ohne Verschlußkappe, aber mit Öffnung im Sprühkopf,
• Figur 4A abgebrochen eine Einzelheit am Sprühkopf oben rechts in Figur 4 mit Anschlußnippel des Sprühkopfes und Loch in demselben,
• Figur 4B die Einzelheit der Figur 4 in der Mitte des Gehäuses im Bereich des Druckstutzens der Pumpe,
• Figur 5 eine weitere andere Ausführungsform der Sprühdose, bei welcher der Sprühkopf ähnlich ausgebildet ist wie bei Figur 4, aber kein Loch aufweist, hingegen der Schalter des Elektromotors am oberen Ende des Gehäuses herausgeführt angebracht ist und das untere Ende des Gehäuses auf einer Ladestation, in heraus­gezogenem Zustand, im Abstand zu dieser gezeigt ist,
• Figur 6 eine weitere andere Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei welcher das Gehäuse kürzer ausgestaltet und über Schnappklemmung mit dem unteren Rand des Produktbe­ hälters verbunden ist, dessen Sprühkopf oben mit einem Betätigungsverschluß versehen ist,
• Figur 6A eine Schnittansicht durch den Produktbehälter in dem Bereich, wo er abgeschnitten ist, jedoch ohne Steig­rohr,
• Figur 6B eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuse der Figur 6 von un­ten,
• Figur 7 in vergrößertem Maßstab die Querschnittsansicht ei­ner anderen Ausführungsform der Ladestation mit Auf­nahmekontakt und Staubschutzschieber und
• Figur 7A eine andere Ausführungsform der Staubschutzeinrich­tung.

Further advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention result from the following description writing in connection with the drawings. Show it:

• FIG. 1 shows the cross-sectional view through a first embodiment of the spray can with a closure cap and a centrally arranged air delivery line,
• 1A shows a detail of FIG. 1, namely the pressure port of the pump in engagement with the upstream end of the product container with an air delivery line,
• FIG. 2 shows the closure cap on the spray head at the top in FIG. 1,
• 2A shows a view of the locking ring along the line AA of FIG. 2, but without an air delivery line,
• 3 shows, on a reduced scale, the same view as FIG. 2, but in the operating position after pressure on the actuating section and partial exposure of the opening,
• FIG. 3A another embodiment of a closure cap which is screwed onto the product container by means of a thread,
• 4 shows another embodiment of the spray can, in which the air delivery line is guided outside the product container and inside the housing, without a closure cap, but with an opening in the spray head,
• FIG. 4A, a detail broken off on the spray head at the top right in FIG. 4 with the nipple of the spray head and a hole in the same,
• FIG. 4B shows the detail of FIG. 4 in the middle of the housing in the region of the pressure port of the pump,
• Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the spray can, in which the spray head is similar to that of Figure 4, but has no hole, whereas the switch of the electric motor is attached to the upper end of the housing and the lower end of the housing on a charging station, in pulled out state, shown at a distance from this,
• Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the housing is made shorter and by means of snap-on clamping with the lower edge of the product is connected, the spray head is provided at the top with an actuation lock,
• FIG. 6A shows a sectional view through the product container in the area where it is cut off, but without a riser,
• FIG. 6B shows a plan view of the housing of FIG. 6 from below,
• Figure 7 on an enlarged scale, the cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the charging station with receiving contact and dust protection slide and
• 7A shows another embodiment of the dust protection device.

The automatic spray can according to the invention has a housing 1, in which 2 batteries are accommodated by clamping as an energy storage device. The connection 2 'is made by means of a wiring, not shown, for example on a circuit board, which is self-evident for the expert and therefore need not be described here. Therefore, only the electric motor 3 is shown schematically, which is fastened, for example, by screwing onto the lower base plate 4 of the housing 1 in a manner not shown in detail. The motor 3 is electrically connected to the charging plug 5. By screwing, a rotary vane pump 6 is also mounted in the housing, the suction port of which can be seen at 7, and the pressure port of which, referring to the top of the product container 9, is designated 8.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the housing 1 is provided with an intermediate base 10 in addition to the base plate 4 in the lower center. An inflow opening 11 in the base plate 4 ensures the supply of fresh air into the space within the space of the housing 1 comprising the compressed air units 2, 3, 6 in order to supply the suction nozzle 7 with fresh air.

The product container 9 is made of plastic and has the 1 a bottom 12 with a hole which is connected to an air delivery line 13 which extends over the entire length of the product container 9 and ends at the top in the spray head 14. The spray head 14 is the part, optionally detachably attached to the top of the product container 9, which comprises both the spray nozzle, generally designated 15, and the top, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the closure cap 16. The housing 1 is open at the top, and the product container 9 also has an opening 18 on its upper neck 17. A riser pipe 19 is connected to the spray nozzle 15 and extends to the bottom 12 of the product container 9.

Finally, the electrical switch 20 can also be explained with reference to FIG. 1, which is attached to the base plate 4, which is offset inwards relative to the lower edge 21 of the housing 1. Its electrical wiring is not shown. It should only be mentioned that this switch 20 projects as a pin downwards over the lower edge 21 of the housing 1, so that when the spray can is lifted off the floor, a switching function takes place, for example switching on the motor 3 to actuate the pump 6.

The opening 18 of the spray head 14 is shown in FIG. 2 as the opening of the neck 17 of the product container 9, because the neck 17 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 belongs to the spray head generally designated 14. This opening 18 is closed by a closure cap, generally designated 16. This closure cap 16 has a dome-like area at the top, to which a cylinder jacket-shaped area 22 with an internal thread 23 and sealing ring 24 adjoins at the bottom. In a similar construction as in FIGS. 3 and 3A, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the neck 17 of the product container 9 has a corresponding external thread, so that the closure cap 16 can be screwed on tightly (or alternatively can also be snapped onto the neck 17 by a clamping bead ) is. Within the upper dome-like part of the closure cap 16 is located above a ring-like Schwä chung area 25, an actuating section 26 which the user can press from outside during use and which, due to the weakened area 25, can move downward onto the cylindrical jacket-shaped fastening part 22 of the cap 16. While the rest and sealing position of the closure cap 16 is shown in FIG. 2, one can see in FIG. 3 how the weakened area 25 with the folds assigned to it has bent by actuation and pressing down.

Inside, an annular collar 28 in the shape of a cylinder jacket extends downward from the surface 27 of the actuating section 26 to such an extent that an annular sealing surface 29 lies sealingly on the downstream end 30 of the air delivery line 13. If, according to FIG. 2A, one looks at the ring collar 28 from below, which thus acts as a closure part, then one sees in the middle from below the actuating section 26, recognizes on the outside the ring sealing surface 29 surrounding this section and the cylinder jacket-shaped walls 28, which are evenly on the outside around the outside distributed three ribs 31 wear. These ribs are curved inward toward the interior of the closure part 28 with the purpose that the lower edge of the bulbous curvature begins immediately behind the annular sealing surface 29, so that when the actuating section 26 is pressed down in the direction of arrow 32, the annular collar 28 with the help of the ribs 31 is stretched.

This state can best be explained with reference to FIG. 3. While the closure cap 16, which is preferably made of LDPE material in FIG. 2, is in the transport or rest position, FIG. 3 shows the so-called working position, namely when the user actuates the actuating section 26 in the direction of the arrow 32 downward towards the product container 9 or has pressed the air delivery line 13 out. With the help of the weakening and folding ring line 25, the entire ring collar 28 acting as a closure part can move downwards in the direction of arrow 32 such that the ribs 31 abut the end 30 of the air delivery line 13 with the As a result, the ribs 31 lift off the sealing ring surface 29 of the closure part 28 from the correspondingly adapted end 30 of the air delivery line 13 and, by expanding the cylindrical jacket-shaped annular collar 28, cause the ring sealing surface 29 to lift off the end 30 of the air delivery line. This creates an opening so that compressed air present in the air delivery line 13 can immediately flow from the space inside the closure part 28 or the ring collar 28 to the outside into the space under the closure cap 16 and into the neck 17 of the product container 9. This is the working position. If the user releases the pressure on the actuating section 26 with his finger, the restoring force of the LDPE material immediately brings the actuating section 26 back up to the position shown in FIG. 2, so that the ribs 31 end 30 of the tube 13 disengage and the ring seal along the surface 29 comes into operation again.

A similar activity takes place in the other embodiment of FIG. 3A, because there too the closure part 28 with the annular sealing surface 29 can be seen, which due to the screwing of the cap 16 onto the neck 17 of the product container 9 has a sealing effect with the downstream end 30 of the air delivery line 13 lies. If you screw the cap 16 a bit, however, then the closure part 28, which is designed as an annular collar, lifts off from the end 30 of the tube 13, and there is also a through opening for the compressed air present in the air delivery tube 13 in the sense described above.

Another different embodiment is shown in FIG. In the housing 1 there is an intermediate wall 10, in which the pressure connection 8 of the rotary vane pump 6 is located on the outside near the circumference of the housing wall 1. In the manner shown in FIG. 4B, the air delivery line 13 is pushed onto the pressure port 8 and preferably remains there. The product container 9 can, for example, top with a normal screw cap, which is about the shape of the Ver screw part 33 can be provided. This screw cap is removed before the full new product container is inserted, and instead the spray head, generally designated 14, is screwed onto the neck 17 of the product container by means of its screw part 33. The air delivery line 13, which protrudes, for example, at the top, is then pushed over the connection nipple 34 of the spray head 14 in the manner shown in FIG. 4A and anchored in an airtight manner in this way. The special feature of the spray head 14 according to FIG. 4 is the arrangement of a hole 35 which the user can simply close more or less with his finger.

In the operation of the embodiment of Figure 4, e.g. after lifting the spray can with its housing 1 from the floor, not shown, the switch 20 actuated, the motor 3 and the pump 6 switched on, and immediately compressed air is present in the spray head 14 via the air delivery line 13. The air first flows out of the hole 35 so that a spray jet is not generated. However, if the consumer or user of the spray can more or less closes the hole 35 with a finger of the hand holding the housing 1, the compressed air is more or less above the surface 36 of the liquid product 37 and presses it through the riser 19 the nozzle 15, so that a more or less large spray jet is generated, depending on how far the hole 35 is closed by the user's finger. This gives you a dosing option.

It is understood that either the screw cap described above is used for the transport of the product container 9, or that the spray head 14 also remains on the product container as shown in FIG. In this case, it goes without saying that the spray nozzle 15, the hole 35 as the "actuation opening" and also the connecting nipple 34 are covered by a respective transport cap. However, it is preferred not to throw away the spray head with the empty product container but to screw it onto the product container 9, after the transport closures have been removed.

Figure 5 shows another similar embodiment in which the spray head has no hole. In addition, the electric switch 20 'is guided via a cable 37 from the lower end next to the motor 3 up to the upper end 38 of the housing 1. Therefore, the electrical switch here bears the reference number 20 'with an apostrophe. Incidentally, the length L of the product container 9 can be seen here, the upper end of which was assumed to be a median where the neck 17 is attached.

The operation of this embodiment is such that the user turns on the pump 6 by actuating the switch 20 ', and since the pressure is then immediately applied to the liquid product 37, the spray jet is formed.

5 shows a further embodiment, namely a charging station 39. This consists of an outer wall 40 arranged in the shape of a truncated cone or in a cylinder, at the upper end of which a centering guide 41 is arranged. This leads in a funnel shape down into the center of the charging station 39, where an intermediate wall 42 in the form of a support disk with a central hole 43 is located. Under this hole 43 receiving contacts 44 are arranged for a coaxial cable 45, which leads to an electric charger. An annular groove 46 is arranged between the centering guide 41 and the support disk 42, the diameter of which corresponds to the lower edge 21 of the housing 1.

If the user inserts the housing into the charging station 39 after using the spray can, then the rim 21 is automatically set into the annular groove 46 by the centering guide 41, the charging plug 5 going down through the opening 43 in the support disk 42 into the receiving contacts 44 arrives. If the coaxial cable 45 is connected, the accumulator 2 can be charged in this way while the spray can is standing on the charging station 39 when not in use. When the charging current flows, the charging control 47 lights up.

Alternatively, it is also possible to charge the battery 2 inductively, i.e. to be carried out contactlessly and without a transformer.

Another somewhat modified embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. The housing 1 of the spray can is shorter here and essentially comprises only the accumulator 2, motor 3 and the pump 6, the pressure connection 8 of which is shown and described in a similar manner to that in FIG. At the height of this pressure port 8, the housing 1 has an edge portion 48 with a bump closure 49. In the area of the bottom 12 of the product container 9, this has a corresponding receiving groove, so that the product container is detachably connected on the bottom side to the edge portion 48 of the housing next to the pump 6 without being held by the housing 1 in its central or upper region.

While in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 the air delivery line 13 is arranged outside the product container 9 and inside the housing 1, the air delivery line 13 in the embodiment of FIG. 6 also runs outside the product container 9, as can be seen in a cross-sectional view where the The interface in FIG. 6 lies through the product container 9, as seen in FIG. 6A. In the upper area, however, the air delivery line 13 is not located inside the housing 1 because this is not present in the middle and upper area of the product container 9. However, this has a suitable, essentially over its entire length L groove 50, so that the air delivery line 13 is housed in it and the circular shape remains for the cross section of the housing or the entire spray can and not the air delivery line 13 next to the Cylinder is located outside and could interfere.

The spray head 14 according to FIG. 6 is again provided with the hole 35 as an actuating opening, but here ribs are provided running through the opening in such a way that they hold a central rod 51 which is actuated closure 52 is enclosed in an airtight manner, in particular with the tongue-shaped ends in its upper region. By holding the cylinder-shaped actuation lock 52 over the collar 53 on the spray head 14, the actuation lock 52 can be moved in the direction of the double arrow 54 relative to the central pin 51. As a result, the hole 35 is connected to the outside atmosphere or kept closed. In contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 4, a finger is not required to keep the hole 35 closed, but a pressure on the actuation lock 52 in the direction of the downward-pointing arrow 54 in FIG. 6 is sufficient to keep the closed state in FIG. 6 to reach. If the pump 6 is then switched on by switching on the electric switch 20, then after the transport cap 55 shown here has been removed from the spray nozzle 15, the generation of the spray jet begins immediately. If the consumer pulls the actuation lock 52 up while the pump 6 is running in the direction of the arrow 54 pointing upward, then the compressed air arriving through the air delivery line 13 into the spray head 14 is vented and the spray jet stops immediately.

If the user does not want the device to be switched by lifting the housing 1 off the floor, e.g. during and for the transport, he can move the blocking lever 58 shown in FIG. 6B, rotatable about the axis 57 in the form of a disk, from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6B in the direction of arrow 59 to the position shown in broken lines, whereby the switch 20 comes into the transport securing position.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the charging station 39, but in which the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers. In addition to the support disk 42 with a central hole 43 and the receiving contacts 44 arranged underneath, a dust protection device in the form of a sliding cover 60 is shown here. At several points, evenly distributed over the circumference, there is an actuating element 61 in the annular groove 46, which actuates the disc cover against the force of a rubber band 63 under the tension parts 62 Pulls hole 43 away in the direction of arrow 64, so that the condition shown with broken lines is reached.

Another dust cover is finally shown in FIG. 7A, where it is a cover similar to the sliding cover 60 above or below the hole 43 in the form of a plastic disc 65 which is cut in a star shape in such a way that lips or tabs 66 that bend away form. When the charging plug 5 is removed, they return to the dust cover position in FIG. 7A.

A supply cable can be used as an energy supply device instead of batteries, as is known many electrical devices are provided with a cable connection. This provides a direct external power supply for the electric motor. For other embodiments, however, solar cells are also thought of, with whose electrical energy the motor is supplied. Alternatively, the energy can also be supplied to the pump drive in the form of compressed air.

Claims (16)

1. Automatic spray can for spraying or foaming liquid products with a housing (1) in which an energy supply or storage device (2), an electric motor (3) and a pump (6) for generating compressed air with suction (7 ) and pressure nozzles (8) are arranged, a product container (9) in engagement with the housing (1), at the upper opening (18) of which a spray head (14) with a spray nozzle (15) is arranged, and with a connection (13 ) between the pressure port (8) of the pump (6) and the inside of the product container (9), characterized in that the product container (9) is arranged in an extension of the housing (1) and the pump (6) is designed as a rotary vane pump and on upper end of the housing (1) is arranged. 2. Spray can according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection (13) between the pump (6) and the product container (9) is an air delivery line (13) connecting the pressure port (8) of the pump (6) to the spray head (14), which extends over the entire length (L) of the product container (9) and that a riser pipe (19) extends inside the product container (9) from the spray nozzle (15) to the container bottom (12) (FIGS. 1 to 6 ). 3. Spray can according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (1) at least partially comprises the product container (9) and is preferably open at the top (Fig. 1 to 5). 4. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spray head (14) has a with the downstream end (30) of the air delivery line (13) engageable closure cap (16) (Fig. 1 to 3). 5. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the closure cap (16) at the end (30) of the air delivery line (13) attachable closure part (28) (Fig. 1 to 3). 6. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spray head (14) at a distance from the spray nozzle (15) has a hole (35) (Fig. 4). 7. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the hole (35) in the spray head (14) can be closed with an actuation lock (52) (Fig. 6). 8. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the product container (9) is releasably connected to the bottom with an edge portion (48) of the housing (1) next to the pump (6). (Fig. 6). 9. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the air delivery line (13) outside of the product container (9) and inside the housing (1) is arranged (Fig. 4 to 6). 10. Spray can according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electric switch (20, 20 ') of the motor (3) (z. B. 38) at the end of the housing (1) is mounted standing out (FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6). 11. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the energy storage device (2) is designed as an accumulator and with a on the bottom plate (4) of the housing (1) attached charging plug (5) which is connected to receiving contacts (44 ) a charging station (39) can be connected (FIGS. 5 to 7). 12. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base plate (4) of the housing (1) is offset inwards relative to the lower edge (21) of the cylindrical casing (1) and the charging station (39) has a corresponding annular groove (46) for receiving the lower edge (21) and a truncated cone-shaped centering guide (41) arranged above it. 13. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving contacts (44) in the charging station (39) are provided with movable dust protection devices (60, 65) (Fig. 7, 7A). 14. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the rotary vane pump (6) has an outer diameter of about 40 to 45 mm, preferably 42 mm and a height (H) of 15 to 20 mm, preferably 18 mm. 15. Spray can according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the weight of the housing (1) with the compressed air units (2, 3, 6) is 300 to 400 g, preferably 350 g. 16. A spray can according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply device (2) has an electrical supply cable connected to the electric motor (3) and extending to the outside of the housing (1).

Images