EP0705144B1 - Pumpvorrichtung mit einer zuzammenfaltbaren Pumpkammer mit einer einteiligen versanddichtung - Google Patents

Pumpvorrichtung mit einer zuzammenfaltbaren Pumpkammer mit einer einteiligen versanddichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0705144B1
EP0705144B1 EP94919979A EP94919979A EP0705144B1 EP 0705144 B1 EP0705144 B1 EP 0705144B1 EP 94919979 A EP94919979 A EP 94919979A EP 94919979 A EP94919979 A EP 94919979A EP 0705144 B1 EP0705144 B1 EP 0705144B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
pump device
pump chamber
liquid
outlet valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94919979A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0705144A1 (de
Inventor
Robert James Peterson
Robert Edward Stahley
J. Randall Stigall
John Erwen Reifenberger
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Procter and Gamble Co
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Procter and Gamble Co
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/082,001 external-priority patent/US5303867A/en
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Publication of EP0705144A1 publication Critical patent/EP0705144A1/de
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0064—Lift valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
    • B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/007—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed being opened by deformation of a sealing element made of resiliently deformable material, e.g. flaps, skirts, duck-bill valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1032—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1033—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the deformable wall, the inlet and outlet valve elements being integrally formed, e.g. moulded
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1035—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the pumping chamber being a bellow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1059—Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1066—Pump inlet valves
    • B05B11/1067—Pump inlet valves actuated by pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1073—Springs
    • B05B11/1077—Springs characterised by a particular shape or material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1097—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle with means for sucking back the liquid or other fluent material in the nozzle after a dispensing stroke

Definitions

  • This invention relates to liquid dispensing pump devices for use with liquid consumer product containers; more particularly, to such liquid dispensing pump devices which utilize a collapsible pump chamber (e.g., a bellows).
  • a collapsible pump chamber e.g., a bellows
  • liquid dispensing pump devices for use with consumer product containers are many and varied. Such dispensing pumps may be utilized to deliver liquids as a foam, a spray, or a liquid stream (e.g., as with moisturizing lotions), for example.
  • liquid dispensing pump devices utilize a piston and cylinder pump chamber.
  • Such pump chambers require that a liquid tight moving seal be maintained between the piston and the cylinder.
  • Disadvantages are commonly associated with this liquid tight seal requirement. For example, a relatively large amount of friction is generated as the piston moves against the cylinder, since these parts must fit tightly to form the seal. Additionally or alternatively, the parts themselves must be manufactured within tight tolerances such that the parts fit correctly to form the seal. Moreover, the wear caused by the friction can deteriorate this seal over time, reducing the efficiency of the pump.
  • these piston and cylinder dispensing devices have generally been designed without significant effort to reduce the number of parts and overall cost.
  • a manually operated dispensing pump device for pumping a liquid product from a supply container through a discharge orifice.
  • the pump device including a housing for sealingly mounting the dispensing pump device onto the supply container.
  • the housing including a portion of a liquid passage providing fluid communication from the supply container downstream to the discharge orifice.
  • An inlet valve is located within the liquid passage which is closed to prevent liquid flow therethrough during periods of positive downstream pressure and is open during periods of negative downstream pressure.
  • An outlet valve is located within the liquid passage which is open to permit liquid flow therethrough during periods of positive upstream pressure and is closed during periods of negative upstream pressure.
  • a shipping seal including two functional elements which cooperate when in a closed position to seal the liquid passage and cooperate when in an open position to permit liquid flow through the liquid passage is also provided.
  • a collapsible pump chamber defining a portion of the liquid passage downstream of the inlet valve and upstream of the outlet valve, the collapsible pump chamber including one of the functional elements of the shipping seal as an integral component thereof.
  • the manually operated dispensing pump device includes a locking feature operatively associated with the housing which prevents actuation of the pump device when the shipping seal is in the closed position and which permits actuation of the pump device when the shipping seal is in the open position.
  • the manually operated dispensing pump device preferably includes a removable tamper evident tab operatively associated with the upper housing or the lower housing which prevents actuation of the pump device prior to removal of the tamper evident tab.
  • the present invention provides a liquid dispensing pump device, indicated generally as 20.
  • This dispensing pump device 20 is particularly useful in conjunction with a liquid product supply container 22 (seen partially in Figure 3).
  • the illustrated liquid dispensing pump 20 basically includes an upper housing 24, a lower housing 26, an outlet valve member 30, and inlet vent member 34, a diptube 38, and a collapsible pump chamber 40.
  • collapsible pump chamber is defined as a pump chamber delineated - at least partially - by a flexible wall which moves in response to a manual compressive force in such a way that the volume within the pump chamber is reduced without sliding friction between any components delineating the pump chamber.
  • collapsible pump chambers may include balloon-like diaphragms and bladders made from elastomeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, elastomeric thermosets (including rubber), or the like.
  • the collapsible pump chamber may include a helical metal or plastic spring surrounding (or covered by) an elastic material; creating an enclosed pump chamber.
  • the illustrated and preferred collapsible pump chamber is a bellows 40; i.e., a generally cylindrical, hollow structure with accordion-type walls. Bellows are preferred; for example, because they can be made resilient to act like a spring; eliminating the need for a spring.
  • the collapsible pump chamber includes a functional element of a shipping seal as an integral component thereof, as described hereinafter. As used herein, the term "integral" is defined as molded, or otherwise formed, as a single unitary part.
  • the upper housing 24 is telescoped onto the lower housing 26 and retained by cooperation between an annular collar 25 and an annular rib 27.
  • the lower housing 26 includes screw threads 28 which operate to sealingly attach the pump device 20 to the container 22.
  • the lower housing 26 may utilize a bayonet-type attachment structure (not seen) such as that described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,781,311 issued to Dunning et al. on November 1, 1988; or U.S. Patent 3,910,444 issued to Foster on October 7, 1975.
  • the lower housing 26 includes an inlet passage 42 with an inner conical inlet valve seat 35 which cooperates with the inlet valve member 34 to form the inlet valve 34 and 35. Furthermore, the lower housing 26 includes three equally spaced retaining tabs 36 which retain the inlet valve member 34 during operation of the pump device 20, as discussed hereinafter. Alternatively, a ball valve (not seen ) could be utilized.
  • the lower housing 26 also includes a vent opening 37, three equally spaced actuation lugs 44, a cooperating lug 45, and three equally spaced anti-rotation lugs 46. Friction fit onto the inlet passage 42 of the lower housing 26 is a diptube 38 which extends down into the container 22.
  • the upper housing 24 includes an outlet passage 48; terminating in a dispensing opening 50.
  • An inner cylindrical wall 52 is located within the upper housing 24 at an angle to, and connected with the outlet passage 48.
  • the upper housing 24 includes a collar 25 with three equally spaced actuation channels 54, three stops 56, three pairs of tactile lugs 58, a projection 60, and a removable tamper evident tab 62.
  • the phrase "tamper evident” is defined as providing evidence that the pump has been previously actuated; not necessarily that the product has not been tampered with (since the entire pump device may be unscrewed and replaced). Tamper evidence, in this sense is important because it discourages sampling of the product on the store shelf.
  • the housing 24 and 26 could include any tamper evident feature (not seen) known in the art to indicate that there has been removal of the pump device 20 from the container 22.
  • Passing through the housing 24 and 26 is a liquid passage which is delineated by several parts, including the diptube 38, the inlet passage 42 of the lower housing 26, the outlet passage 48 of the upper housing 24, and the collapsible pump chamber 40.
  • the liquid passage provides fluid communication from the distal end of the dip tube 38 within the supply container 22 in a downstream direction to the discharge orifice.
  • downstream is defined as in the direction from the supply container 22 to the discharge orifice 50; and “upstream” is defined as in the direction from the discharge orifice 50 to the supply container 22.
  • the phrase “inlet end” means the upstream end; and the phrase “outlet end” means the downstream end.
  • the collapsible pump chamber 40 has a structure which is flexible such that it can be manually compressed; thereby reducing the volume within the collapsible pump chamber 40.
  • a spring (not seen) may be utilized to help return the collapsible pump chamber 40 to its original shape, the collapsible pump chamber 40 is preferably sufficiently resilient that it returns to its initial shape when the manual compression force is released.
  • the illustrated collapsible pump chamber is a bellows 40.
  • a preferred bellows 40 should have several qualities.
  • the bellows 40 should make the pump device easy to actuate. Generally this means having a spring force from about 1.36 kg to about 2.27 kg (three pounds to about five pounds).
  • the bellows 40 should also have good resiliency with minimal hysterisis and creep.
  • the bellows 40 preferably has good stiffness in the radial direction (hoop strength) to ensure the bellows 40 is not radially deformed under normal operating conditions.
  • the bellows 40 preferably has a good volumetric efficiency; i.e., change in internal volume divided by the total expanded internal volume.
  • Some geometric features which can be utilized to endow the bellows 40 with the appropriate qualities include the diameter of the bellows 40. The larger the diameter the lower the spring force and the lower the radial stiffness. Although lower spring force is generally desirable, lower radial stiffness can be a problem; e.g., the bellows 40 might blow out in a precompression trigger sprayers. Increasing the wall thickness of the pleats will increase radial stiffness but it increases the spring force and results in decreased volumetric efficiency of the bellows. Reducing the pleat angle generally decreases the spring force but decreases the volumetric efficiency.
  • the pleat angle is the aggregate of two angles; the angle above a line normal to the axis and passing through the origin of a pleat and the angle below that line. Preferably, the pleat angle above the normal line is about 30° and the pleat angle below the normal line is about 45° (making removal of the bellows from the core pin easier). Increasing the number of pleats will lower the spring force and lower the volumetric efficiency.
  • the major components of the spring force are the wall thickness and the upper and lower pleat angles while the major component of resiliency is material selection.
  • the material preferably has a Young's modulus below 69440 kPa (10,000 psi). For lotion pumps the a Young's modulus below 20832 kPa (3,000 psi) is preferred.
  • the material should enable retention of mechanical properties, be dimensionally stable and be resistant to stress cracking. These properties should be present over time in air and in the presence of the liquid product. Thus, for trigger sprayers which generally spray acidic or alkaline cleaning products comprised of significant quantities of water the material should not be pH sensitive and should not undergo hydrolysis.
  • Exemplary such materials include polyolefins such as polypropylene, low density polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate.
  • thermosets e.g., rubber
  • thermoplastic elastomers Most preferred for trigger sprayers is a high molecular weight ethylene vinyl acetate with a vinyl acetate content between about 10 and 20 percent.
  • ethylene vinyl acetate e.g., polyethylene
  • pH and hydrolysis may not be an issue. Instead a low spring force with a high resiliency may be more important. In such cases a low modulus ethylene vinyl acetate or a very low density polyethylene are preferred.
  • An exemplary bellows 40 made of ethylene vinyl acetate or very low density polyethylene might have a 15 mm (0.6 in) inch large diameter and a 10 mm (0.4 inch) inner small diameter and a wall thickness of between about 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) and 0.8 mm (0.03 inch).
  • the aggregate pleat angle would be about 75°; with the upper pleat angle 30° and the lower pleat angle 45°.
  • the inlet end of the manually compressible pump chamber 40 is attached by friction fit to the generally cylindrical inner wall of the lower housing 26.
  • three equally spaced notches 47 on the inlet end of the bellows 40 cooperate with the three anti-rotation lugs 46 on the lower housing 26.
  • the collapsible pump chamber 40 includes an integral annularly extending flange 64 near its inlet end. This flange 64 seals against the interior surface of the lower housing 26; to form a vent valve 26 and 64.
  • the vent valve 26 and 54 includes the flange 64 which operates as a valve member and the housing 26 which provides the valve seat.
  • the outlet end of the collapsible pump chamber 40 is attached by friction fit to the inner cylindrical wall 52 of the upper housing 24.
  • the outlet end of the collapsible pump chamber 40 includes an elongate channel 66 which has an integral outlet valve seat 32 which cooperates with the outlet valve member 30 to form the outlet valve 30 and 32.
  • the elongate channel 66 also includes an integral outlet opening 68.
  • the inlet valve member 34 and 35 and an outlet valve member 30 and 32 are located within the liquid passage. These valves maybe of any type known in the art, including duckbill, ball, poppet or the like.
  • the outlet valve member 30 is a lightweight ball or poppet valve member which provides suckback, as discussed hereinafter.
  • the liquid dispensing pump 20 is in the closed position.
  • the outlet opening 68 of the bellows 40 is misaligned with the outlet passage 48; providing a fluid tight shipping seal.
  • the shipping seal includes several functional elements; e.g., the outlet opening 68 and the cylindrical wall 52 which can be moved relative thereto to seal the outlet opening 68. Therefore, the liquid passage which flows through the diptube 38, inlet passage 42 of the lower housing 26, the bellows 40, and the outlet passage 48 of the upper housing 24 is sealed closed; thereby providing a shipping seal.
  • actuation lugs 44 are misaligned with the actuation channels 54 which prevents actuation of the pump device 20 when the shipping seal is closed. Without this feature, a increase in the pressure within the collapsible pump chamber 40 which might damage the collapsible pump chamber 40 could be caused by attempted actuation of the pump device 20 while the shipping seal is closed. In the closed position, one side of the upper end of each actuation lug 44 is located against one end of each stop 56. The other side of each actuation lug 44 is located against one of the tactile lugs 58.
  • the tamper evident tab 62 extends generally horizontally from the upper housing 24 over the top end of the lower housing 26.
  • the illustrated tamper evident tab 62 includes a slot 63 which cooperates with a locking lug 45 to prevent rotation of the upper housing 24 relative to the lower housing 26.
  • the shipping seal cannot be opened without removal of the tamper evident tab 62.
  • the pump device 20 cannot be actuated without removing the tamper evident tab 62.
  • the liquid dispensing pump 20 is in the open position.
  • the upper housing 24 may be rotated relative to the lower housing 26 from the closed position to the open position once the tamper evident tab 62 has been removed.
  • the tamper evident tab 62 is removed by simply rotating it upwardly. This rotation causes the projection 60 to interfere with tamper evident tab 62; creating a force which pushes the tab 62 away from the upper housing 24. This force causes the tab 62 to tear away from the upper housing 24 along the thinned line connecting the tab 62 to the upper housing 24.
  • each actuation lug 44 moves from a position against one stop 56 to a position 90° away against the adjacent stop 56.
  • each actuation lug 44 moves against the tactile lugs 58 which provide a tactile and/or audible signal that the shipping seal of the dispensing pump device 20 is being moved -flat, from the closed position and - second, into the open position.
  • the tactile lugs 58 also help maintain the pump device 20 in the open or closed position through interaction with the actuation lugs 44.
  • the actuation lugs 44 align with the actuation channels 54. Furthermore, the integral dispensing opening 68 aligns with the outlet passage 48; thereby opening the liquid passage.
  • the upper housing 24 is rotated relative to the lower housing 26
  • the upper housing 24 is also rotated relative to the bellows 40.
  • the bellows 40 remains stationary relative to the lower housing 26 due in part to the cooperation between notches 70 on the inlet end of the bellows 40 and the anti-rotation lugs 46 of the lower housing 26.
  • the elongate channel 66 of the bellows 40 rotates within the inner cylindrical wall 52 of the upper housing 24 until the outlet opening 68 aligns with the outlet passage 48.
  • Manual actuation of the pump device 20 is accomplished by axially reciprocating the upper housing 24 relative to the lower housing 26. As this reciprocating action is accomplished the actuation lugs 44 slide within the actuation channels 54. During the downstroke of this reciprocating action, the inlet valve member 34 is sealed against the inlet valve seat 35. This causes pressure to increase within the collapsible pump chamber 40 which causes the outlet valve member 30 to move away from the outlet valve seat 32; thereby opening the outlet valve 30 and 32. Consequently, the liquid within the decreasing volume of the collapsible pump chamber 40 is dispensed through the integral outlet opening 68 and the outlet passage 48. As the liquid is dispensed it provides an upward force on the outlet valve member 30 which can move the outlet valve member 30 to the distal end of the integral elongate channel 66.
  • the bellows 40 Upon release of the manually compressive force, the bellows 40 begins to expand, due to its resiliency.
  • a spring (not seen) may alternatively be added to replace or supplement the resiliency of the bellows 40.
  • This expansion creates a negative pressure (i.e., below atmospheric) within the collapsible pump chamber 40. Consequently, atmospheric pressure pushes liquid in the outlet passage 48 back into the bellows 40 (at least relatively viscous liquids) until the outlet valve member 30 again seals against the outlet valve seat 32; thereby closing the outlet valve 30 and 32.
  • the longer the integral elongated channel 66 the more time it takes for the valve member 30 to seat, and the more liquid is sucked back into the bellows 40. Such suck back is desirable since it helps keep the dispensing passage clear between operations.
  • a large dose embodiment of a dispensing pump device of the present invention is provided.
  • This pump device 120 is substantially identical to the previous pump device 20.
  • the lower housing 126 extends into the container 122 to permit a bellows 140 of increased length.
  • the tamper evident tab 162 is attached to the lower housing 126 instead of the upper housing 124. Although the tamper evident tab 162 does not prevent rotating the pump device 120 between open and closed shipping seal positions, it prevents actuation of the pump device 120 through interference with the nozzle surrounding the outlet passage 148 when in the open shipping seal position. Operation of this pump device 120 is substantially identical to that discussed above with respect to the previous pump device 20.
  • FIG. 8 another embodiment of a liquid dispensing pump device of the present invention, indicated generally a 220, is illustrated in the open position.
  • This pump device 220 provides a stationary nozzle.
  • the housing 124 and 126 of this pump device 220 includes essentially the same tactile lugs 158, actuation lugs 144, and actuation channels 154 found in the previous embodiments.
  • this pump device 220 has an open (seen in the drawings) and a closed shipping seal position (not seen) which is functionally similar to those discussed above.
  • Both the inlet passage 242 and the outlet passage 248 of the housing 224 and 226, however, are located in the lower housing 226.
  • the anti-rotation lugs 246 and their cooperating notches 270 are provided on the upper end of the upper housing 224 and on the bellows 240 , respectively.
  • the bellows 240 of this embodiment rotates with the upper housing 224 as the upper housing 224 is rotated relative to the lower housing 226 into the open position.
  • This bellows 240 includes the following functional elements integral therewith: the vent valve member 264, the inlet valve member 234, the inlet valve seat 235, the outlet valve member 230, the outlet valve seat 232, and a functional element of the shipping seal 68.
  • the vent valve member 264 of this bellows 240 is essentially the same resilient annular flange integral with the previous bellows.
  • Each of the inlet valve member 234 and outlet valve member 230 is a "U"-shaped flapper valve member.
  • the valve members 234 and 230 are each molded at an angle (e.g., as seen or 90°) to the end wall 275 of the bellows inside the bellows 240 (i.e., in the direction the inlet valve member 234 is oriented in Figure 8).
  • the outlet valve member 230 is pushed through the opening so that it rests against the outlet valve seat 232.
  • the outlet valve member 230 is biased closed.
  • the amount of biasing can be controlled somewhat by modifying the angle at which the outlet valve member 230 is molded, controlling the thickness of the hinge portion 233, and material selection. Consequently, if strong biasing is desired (e.g., in a trigger sprayer application) the angle would be relatively large, the hinge portion 233 can be relatively thick and the bellows 240 can be molded of a highly resilient material. The opposite would be true if a weak biasing force is desired (e.g., a lotion pump where significant suckback is desired).
  • the inlet valve member 234 is not pushed through its opening. Consequently, it is biased open to some extent. Again, the amount of biasing can be controlled.
  • the inlet valve seat 232 is a thinned ledge integral with the bellows 240. Alternatively, the inlet valve seat 232 may be the adjacent horizontal wall of the lower housing 226.
  • the bellows 240 Upon release of the manually compressive force, the bellows 240 begins to expand, due to its resiliency. This expansion creates a negative pressure within the pump chamber 240. Consequently, atmospheric pressure pushes liquid in the outlet passage 248 back into the bellows 240 until the outlet valve member 230 again seals against the outlet valve seat 232; thereby closing the outlet valve 230 and 232.
  • the lower the biasing force on the outlet valve member 232 the more time it takes for the outlet valve member 232 to seat, and the more liquid is sucked back into the bellows 240.
  • Figures 11 through 14 illustrate alternative venting arrangements which may be utilized in lieu of the resilient annular flange integral with the previously described bellows.
  • Figure 11 utilizes a separate resilient annular flange 364 which is friction fit internally within the generally cylindrical wall of the lower housing 326.
  • the flange 364 operates as a valve member which seals against the inner surface of the generally cylindrical wall operating as the valve seat. Air can enter the container 322 trough the vent opening 337 as indicated by the arrow.
  • Figures 12 and 13 utilize a conically shaped flexible member 464 and 564, respectively, which extends from the container 422 neck or lower housing 526, respectively.
  • a lug 478 and 578, respectively is included to prevent overtightening of the lower housing 426 and 526 onto the container 422 and 522.
  • the generally conical flexible member 464 and 564 operates as the vent valve member which seals against a vent valve seat provided by the adjacent part; thereby forming a vent valve. Air is able to enter the container 422 and 522 on the upstroke of the pump device 420 and 520 in response to differential pressure by passing around the threads 429 and 529 and between the vent valve member 464 and 564 and the vent valve seat 426 and 522.
  • Figure 14 utilizes a gasket 664 as the vent valve.
  • the gasket is porous such that air can pass through the gasket 664 but the liquid product cannot.
  • Materials which can be utilized to make such gaskets 664 are commonly known in the art. For example, sintered polypropylene, and sintered polyethylene (such as porex) may be utilized. Thus air is able to enter the container 622 on the upstroke of the pump device 620 in response to differential pressure by passing around the threads 629 and through the gasket 664.
  • liquid dispensing pump devices may be in the form of a trigger sprayer or a foamer. Accordingly, the present invention comprises all embodiments within the scope of the impended claims.

Landscapes

  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)

Claims (7)

  1. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung (20), um Flüssigkeit aus einem Vorratsbehälter (22) herauszupumpen und durch eine Ausströmöffnung auszugeben, enthaltend:
    (a) ein Gehäuse zur dichten Befestigung der Spende-Pumpvorrichtung auf dem Vorratsbehälter, wobei das Gehäuse einen Bereich eines Flüssigkeitskanals enthält, der eine Fluidverbindung vom Vorratsbehälter stromabwärts zur Ausströmöffnung zur Verfügung stellt;
    (b) ein in dem Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnetes Einlaßventil (34), das geschlossen ist, um während Zeitperioden eines Stromabwärts-Überdrucks einen Flüssigkeitsstrom durch das Einlaßventil hindurch zu verhindern, und das während Zeitperioden eines Stromabwärts-Unterdrucks offen ist;
    (c) ein in dem Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnetes Auslaßventil (30), das offen ist, um während Zeitperioden eines Stromaufwärts-Überdrucks einen Flüssigkeitsstrom durch das Auslaßventil zu erlauben, und das während Zeitperioden eines Stromaufwärts-Unterdrucks geschlossen ist; und
    (d) eine Falt-Pumpkammer (40), die vom Einlaßventil stromabwärts und vom Auslaßventil stromaufwärts einen Bereich des Flüssigkeitskanals definiert;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Pumpvorrichtung ferner folgendes enthält:
    (e) eine Transportdichtung mit zwei Funktionselementen, die in geschlossener Stellung zusammenarbeiten, um den Flüssigkeitskanal abzudichten, und die in offener Stellung zusammenarbeiten, um einen Flüssigkeitsstrom durch den Flüssigkeitskanal zu erlauben; und
    (f) eines der Funktionselemente der Transportdichtung als integriert ausgebildete Komponeten der Falt-Pumpkammer.
  2. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung (20) nach Anspruch 1, um eine Flüssigkeit aus einem Vorratsbehälter (22) herauszupumpen und durch eine Ausströmöffnung auszugeben, gekennzeichnet durch:
    (a) das Gehäuse zur dichten Befestigung der Spendevorrichtung auf dem Vorratsbehälter, enthaltend ein oberes Gehäuse (24), ein unteres Gehäuse (26) und ferner einen Bereich des Flüssigkeitskanals, der eine Fluidverbindung vom Vorratsbehälter stromabwärts zur Ausströmöffnung zur Verfügung stellt;
    (b) das in dem Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnete Einlaßventil (34), das geschlossen ist, um während Zeitperioden eines Stromaufwärts-Überdrucks einen Flüssigkeitsfluß durch das Einlaßventil hindurch zu verhindern, und das während Zeitperioden eines Stromaufwärts-Unterdrucks offen ist;
    (c) das in dem Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnete Auslaßventil (30), das offen ist, um während Zeitperioden eines Überdrucks innerhalb der Pumpkammer einen Flüssigkeitsfluß durch das Auslaßventil zu erlauben, und das während Zeitperioden eines Unterdrucks in der Pumpkammer geschlossen ist;
    (d) die Transportdichtung mit zwei Funktionselementen, die in geschlossener Stellung zusammenarbeiten, um den Flüssigkeitskanal abzudichten, und die zusammenarbeiten, sobald das obere Gehäuse (24) und das untere Gehäuse (26) relativ zueinander in eine offene Stellung gedreht werden, um einen Flüssigkeitsfluß durch den Flüssigkeitskanal zu erlauben; und
    (e) die Falt-Pumpkammer (40), die vom Einlaßventil stromabwärts und vom Auslaßventil stromaufwärts einen Bereich des Flüssigkeitskanals definiert, und eines der Funktionselemente der Transportdichtung als eine integrierte Komponente enthält.
  3. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Falt-Pumpkammer (40) ferner ein Antirotationselement enthält, um eine Rotation der Falt-Pumpkammer relativ zum oberen oder unteren Gehäuse zu verhindern, wenn das obere und untere Gehäuse relativ zueinander zwischen der offenen und geschlossenen Stellung gedreht werden.
  4. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch eine operativ mit dem Gehäuse in Verbindung stehende Verriegelung, die eine Betätigung der Pumpvorrichtung verhindert, wenn sich die Transportdichtung in geschlossener Stellung befindet, und die eine Betätigung der Pumpvorrichtung erlaubt, wenn sich die Transportdichtung in offener Stellung befindet.
  5. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch eine operativ mit dem oberen Gehäuse (24) oder dem unteren Gehäuse (26) in Verbindung stehende entfernbare Plombierungslasche (62), die vor ihrer Entfernung eine Betätigung der Pumpvorrichtung (20) verhindert.
  6. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse ferner einen Verriegelungsvorsprung (60) aufweist, der mit der Plombierungslasche (62) zusammenarbeitet, um vor der Entfernung der Plombierungslasche (62) vom Gehäuse eine Rotation des oberen Gehäuses (24) von der geschlossenen Stellung in die offene Stellung zu verhindern.
  7. Manuell betriebene Spende-Pumpvorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Auslaßventil als Funktionselemente einen Auslaßventilsitz (32) und ein Auslaßventilglied (30) enthält, der Auslaßventilsitz (32) ein integriert ausgebildetes Funktionselement der Falt-Pumpkammer ist, und das Auslaßventilglied (30) innerhalb eines länglichen Kanals angeordnet ist, der ebenfalls eine integriert ausgebildete Komponente der Falt-Pumpenkammer (30) darstellt.
EP94919979A 1993-06-24 1994-04-18 Pumpvorrichtung mit einer zuzammenfaltbaren Pumpkammer mit einer einteiligen versanddichtung Expired - Lifetime EP0705144B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82001 1993-06-24
US08/082,001 US5303867A (en) 1993-06-24 1993-06-24 Trigger operated fluid dispensing device
US20332194A 1994-02-28 1994-02-28
US203321 1994-02-28
PCT/US1994/004255 WO1995001226A1 (en) 1993-06-24 1994-04-18 Pump device with collapsible pump chamber having integral shipping seal

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0705144A1 EP0705144A1 (de) 1996-04-10
EP0705144B1 true EP0705144B1 (de) 1999-09-15

Family

ID=26766307

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94913425A Expired - Lifetime EP0705141B1 (de) 1993-06-24 1994-04-18 Zusammendrückbare pumpkammer mit vorbestimmtem faltbaren muster
EP94919979A Expired - Lifetime EP0705144B1 (de) 1993-06-24 1994-04-18 Pumpvorrichtung mit einer zuzammenfaltbaren Pumpkammer mit einer einteiligen versanddichtung

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94913425A Expired - Lifetime EP0705141B1 (de) 1993-06-24 1994-04-18 Zusammendrückbare pumpkammer mit vorbestimmtem faltbaren muster

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0705141B1 (de)
JP (2) JPH08511723A (de)
KR (2) KR960703354A (de)
CN (2) CN1071147C (de)
AT (1) ATE168594T1 (de)
AU (2) AU7091794A (de)
BR (2) BR9406962A (de)
CA (2) CA2165315C (de)
DE (2) DE69420730T2 (de)
ES (2) ES2135586T3 (de)
MX (1) MXPA94002797A (de)
WO (2) WO1995000253A1 (de)

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FR2732742B1 (fr) * 1995-04-07 1997-05-30 Valois Ensemble de clapet d'admission.
DE29514644U1 (de) * 1995-09-12 1996-02-01 Piepenstock, Friedhelm, 99842 Ruhla Schraubendruckfeder
JP3569384B2 (ja) * 1996-04-05 2004-09-22 株式会社吉野工業所 押下げノズルヘッド付きベローズポンプ
CN1077239C (zh) * 1996-07-26 2002-01-02 塔普拉斯特股份公司 对容器中的制品实施分配的塑料泵
DE19942792A1 (de) 1999-09-08 2001-03-15 Pfeiffer Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Spender für Medien
FR2804728B1 (fr) 2000-02-09 2002-05-03 Oreal Pompe, et ensemble de conditionnement equipe d'une telle pompe
ES2161198B1 (es) * 2000-05-16 2002-07-01 Calmar Monturas Sa Bomba con dispositivo de descompresion.
JP4588851B2 (ja) * 2000-08-29 2010-12-01 キャニヨン株式会社 ポンプディスペンサ
WO2002064264A1 (fr) * 2001-02-14 2002-08-22 Advanex Inc. Unite de soupape et recipient
DE102005013409B4 (de) * 2005-03-23 2009-04-02 Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh Handkolbenpumpe mit blockierbarem Ausgabekopf zur Ausgabe von fluiden Substanzen
US8302817B2 (en) * 2006-09-22 2012-11-06 Darren Saravis Fluid dispenser
DE102008029004A1 (de) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-02 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh Spender zur Ausgabe flüssiger oder pastöser Massen
KR100847460B1 (ko) * 2008-04-21 2008-07-21 김길수 액상화장품 용기용 펌핑노즐
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CN102281957B (zh) * 2009-01-16 2014-02-26 高露洁-棕榄公司 包括泵收容附件的分配容器
DE102010046118B4 (de) * 2010-09-21 2021-07-01 Anvis Deutschland Gmbh Kupplungsteil für eine Drei- oder Mehrstellenanbindung und Drei- oder Mehrstellenanbindung
US9945371B2 (en) 2012-03-16 2018-04-17 Silgan Dispensing Systems Netherlands B.V. Venting bellow pump system
FR2990871B1 (fr) * 2012-05-24 2015-04-10 Valois Sas Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide.
JP2015532625A (ja) * 2012-08-21 2015-11-12 アーミナック・アンド・アソシエイツ・リミテッド・ライアビリティ・カンパニー 直立のスクイーズフォーマ
WO2014209288A1 (en) * 2013-06-26 2014-12-31 Colgate-Palmolive Company Pump assembly for connection to a container
CN106794924B (zh) * 2014-07-14 2021-06-22 雷克包装系统有限公司 泵分配器
CN107628355B (zh) * 2016-07-19 2023-05-26 丁要武 带防进水机构的乳液泵
EP3427840B1 (de) * 2017-07-13 2020-12-02 Aptar Radolfzell GmbH Flüssigkeitsspender
CN107934182A (zh) * 2017-12-22 2018-04-20 余姚晟祺塑业有限公司 一种新型喷头
KR102044128B1 (ko) * 2019-08-19 2019-11-12 이영주 펌프 용기

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2165314C (en) 2000-11-28
CA2165314A1 (en) 1995-01-12
CN1125915A (zh) 1996-07-03
AU7091794A (en) 1995-01-24
DE69420730D1 (de) 1999-10-21
KR960703353A (ko) 1996-08-17
BR9406962A (pt) 1996-08-27
ATE168594T1 (de) 1998-08-15
JPH08511988A (ja) 1996-12-17
EP0705141A1 (de) 1996-04-10
JPH08511723A (ja) 1996-12-10
DE69420730T2 (de) 2000-03-16
WO1995000253A1 (en) 1995-01-05
MXPA94002797A (es) 2002-06-18
WO1995001226A1 (en) 1995-01-12
KR960703354A (ko) 1996-08-17
AU678463B2 (en) 1997-05-29
DE69411919T2 (de) 1999-04-22
ES2118403T3 (es) 1998-09-16
CN1125916A (zh) 1996-07-03
CN1071147C (zh) 2001-09-19
EP0705141B1 (de) 1998-07-22
EP0705144A1 (de) 1996-04-10
ES2135586T3 (es) 1999-11-01
DE69411919D1 (de) 1998-08-27
CN1069232C (zh) 2001-08-08
AU6559594A (en) 1995-01-17
BR9406972A (pt) 1996-03-26
CA2165315C (en) 2000-10-24

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