EP1092650A1 - Protective cap for an actuating device as well as a packaging and dispensing system for fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The protective cap for the push button of a spray container is attached to the button and/or container and has an orifice (11) covered by a pivoted flap (20) which has a snap fastening which keeps it closed. The cap has the shape of a portion of a sphere and the flap completes the surface.

Description

The invention relates to a protective cap for an actuating device for dispensing of stored in a container flowable media according to the preamble of the claim 1, the content of which is essentially that of DE-GM 68 12 969 corresponds.

All media are closed under "flowable media" understand that are not solid and formed in one piece. These are especially gases, liquids, foams etc., it can also mean small solid particles be that have no fixed connection with each other and behave like a liquid in their entirety.

A large number of products are in the form of flowable media are offered in containers, especially personal care products and cleaning products such as perfumes, deodorants or creams, but also disinfectants, lubricants etc. Such containers have a through an actuator activatable delivery device so that, for example. by pressing an operating button the flowable Medium is released to the outside.

Especially when transporting the containers with the flowable ones The media has found it a problem that the Actuator, e.g. by exerting pressure on others objects packed together with the container, accidentally is actuated, whereby the stored in the containers Medium emerges. Because of this, it is known to be removable Provide protective caps on the container that hold the actuator cover and avoid accidental activation.

Such protective caps usually have a snap lock on. A disadvantage of this with a snap lock provided protective caps is that this is not a safe Offers connection between the protective cap and container, so that the protective caps are light, for example by exerting pressure or due to light impacts, can jump off the container. This The risk increases with the service life of the container and the Protective cap because of frequent putting on and taking off the protective cap, the snap lock shows signs of fatigue and / or wear can have a lighter Detachment of the protective cap from the container. The provision a firmer or firmer snap lock on the other hand that for the purpose of removal the protective cap often exerted greater forces need to be what the convenient operability of the device restricted.

It is also known to have protective caps with screw caps to provide. Although these enable a safe and usually also constant over the life of the container Connection between protective cap and container, however the screwing process is significantly more time-consuming Process that requires two-handed operation.

DE-GM 68 12 970 is a spray cap with a one Handle slider known. Lateral boundaries of cutouts form stops for the handle

DE-OS 24 02 713 describes a protective cap for with a dispenser equipped pressure vessel, with a integral operating tongue, the front end of which Predetermined breaking points pivotable and their rear end with a hook for engaging in a corresponding opening of the Protective cap is provided.

DE 40 00 683 A1 shows a protective cap for Irritant gas container with an opening through which a nozzle a spray can escape from the dispenser.

US 4,333,589 proposes a childproof protective cap for pressure vessels in front, with one of several, movable interconnected parts of existing actuation protection, that between an external position, in which this over a Dispensing head to lock the same, and an inner Movable position in which the dispensing head can be operated can.

US 3,661,300 describes a rounded shape of a Protective cap for a pressure vessel Dispenser.

US 5 181 634 describes a liquid dispenser for eye sprays with a limited up and down movable top that can be locked in both positions is. When lifting the upper part, an opening becomes Activation of a dispenser under this opening released, which is closed when lowering the upper part.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a protective cap that is secure Shielding an actuator and at the same time enables quick and easy operation. Claims 2 to 7 contain advantageous embodiments of the invention. The actuator can be operated without the Protective cap from the container or the actuator is removed. The protective cap can be firmly attached to the container be connected so that accidental loosening of the same significantly more difficult or even impossible from the container is made. Even if it closes the opening Closure element of the protective cap can be opened accidentally should, much of the actuator remains shielded by the cap, so that a accidental actuation of the actuator very much is unlikely and impossible from most directions.

A protective cap according to the invention fulfills in particular the strict safety regulations that apply to transport by air from flowable, stored in containers media that are often under pressure. The security effect can be further increased in that the arrangement of the closure element, the opening in the protective cap and the Actuating device should be chosen consciously so that (accidental) Actuation of the individual elements forces have to work in clearly different directions. It is e.g. possible to arrange the elements so that the vectors of the necessary forces to open the closure element, penetration an object in the area of the protective cap and Actuating the actuator is essentially normal lie to each other. The closure element can e.g. at a at least partially cylindrical protective cap, in which the closable opening is provided on the cylinder jacket, so be arranged that a force is necessary to open the tangential to the cylinder jacket and perpendicular to the cylinder's longitudinal axis works. The force that an object has through the Would press the opening in the area of the protective cap directed essentially normal to the surface of the cylinder jacket be designed while the actuator can be that it is only activated by a force that is in the acts essentially parallel to the cylinder axis.

It is preferred that the closure element between an open and a closed position back and forth can be moved here, at least the closed position can be locked. This makes two for the closure element Positions defined, with the protective cap in its closed Position is secured by snapping. In the open Position can also be provided, however this is not so important since securing the open position is not required, but only the Operator when operating the protective cap also feel the defined end position.

The protective cap is preferably non-detachable from the actuating device and / or connectable to the container. Thereby ensures that the protective cap is accidentally loosened is avoided because otherwise the actuator would be accessible, leading to the problems outlined above leads.

The closure element is a substantially rigid one Element, with an element under "rigid element" is understand, the shape of which is not necessarily intended use changed.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure element essentially within the protective cap, i.e. arranged within the space defined by the protective cap. The closure element is inside the closure cap movable so that the probability of accidentally forces acting on the outside of the closure element are minimized becomes.

In addition, such an embodiment fulfills high aesthetic requirements because of the closure element as it were, "disappears" in the protective cap when opened. The The overall external impression of the protective cap is therefore not impaired.

Of course, it is also possible to use the closure element to be placed outside the protective cap. This is in the Usually easier to implement and therefore cheaper.

The shape of the closure element corresponds to essentially the "imaginary shape" of the protective cap in the area the closable opening and / or the shape of the protective cap in the area of the closure element in its open Position is closest. Under the "imaginary shape" of the protective cap the shape is closed in the area of the closable opening understand who accept the protective cap in the area of the opening would need to form an evenly continued surface. For example, from a closed protective cap Cut out the opening, this corresponds to the cut out Part of the "imaginary shape" of the protective cap in the Area of opening.

This allows the closure element in the immediate Be guided near the protective cap, being a visually uniform Impression arises and the possibility of an influence external forces limited to the closure element becomes. In addition, there is an optimal use of space instead, so that the size of the products can be minimized.

The closure element can be pivoted about an axis, where we speak of an imaginary axis, the Axis does not have to be physically realized, but e.g. is formed only by one or two bearing points that define the pivot axis of the closure element.

The protective cap and the closure element have advantageously an at least partially spherical shape, especially the shape of a spherical segment. This will the risk of accidental opening of the closure element diminishes because of the direction of opening the closure member necessary force for each position of the closure element is different. Because an accidentally exercised Pressure, e.g. through another object, usually constant and in one direction, at least a complete opening of the closure element avoided.

As the container for storing the flowable media are often cylindrical and the actuator and the protective device provided at one end of the cylinder are a spherical or spherical segment-like shape Overall shape from, so that high aesthetic requirements met become.

The protective cap has an opening for passage from the flowable media stored in the container. This allows the standard delivery and actuation devices and / or the containers used as standard be used so that only the protective cap is replaced must become. However, it is also possible that the protective cap only encloses the actuator and the delivery system, e.g. a nozzle, pump or the like, regardless of the Protective cap are arranged separately on the container.

The protective cap includes an actuator which forms an integral unit with the protective cap. Thereby it is possible to ideal protective cap and actuator to coordinate with each other.

Fig. 1 eine Vorderansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Schutzkappe mit einem Verschlußelement in seiner geschlossenen Stellung;

Fig. 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht der ersten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 3 einen Mittellängsschnitt der ersten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geschlossenen Stellung;

Fig. 4 einen Mittellängsschnitt wie Fig. 3 mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 5 eine Explosionsdarstellung der ersten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit einer Betätigungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 6 eine Vorderansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit einem Verschlußelement in der geschlossenen Stellung;

Fig. 7 die in Fig. 6 gezeigte Ausführungsform mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 8 einen Mittellängsschnitt der zweiten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geschlossenen Stellung;

Fig. 9 einen Mittellängsschnitt der zweiten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit einem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 11 eine Rückseitenansicht der in Fig. 10 gezeigten Ausführungsform mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung;

Fig. 12 einen Mittellängsschnitt der dritten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geschlossenen Stellung;

Fig. 13 einen Mittellängsschnitt der dritten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit dem Verschlußelement in der geöffneten Stellung; und

Fig. 14 eine Explosionsdarstellung der dritten Ausführungsform der Schutzkappe mit einer Betätigungsvorrichtung.

These and other features and advantages of the invention are explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings of several embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a protective cap with a closure element in its closed position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the open position.

3 shows a central longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the closed position;

4 shows a central longitudinal section like FIG. 3 with the closure element in the open position;

5 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the protective cap with an actuating device;

6 is a front view of a second embodiment of the protective cap with a closure element in the closed position;

FIG. 7 the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 with the closure element in the open position;

8 shows a central longitudinal section of the second embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the closed position;

9 shows a central longitudinal section of the second embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the open position;

10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the protective cap with a closure element in the open position;

11 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 with the closure element in the open position;

12 shows a central longitudinal section of the third embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the closed position;

13 shows a central longitudinal section of the third embodiment of the protective cap with the closure element in the open position; and

14 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the protective cap with an actuating device.

The figures show, where appropriate, in addition to the embodiments the protective cap also parts of delivery and actuation devices for dispensing one in a container contained flowable medium to interact and the to clarify the special protective function of the protective cap. Comparable elements in the individual embodiments are provided with identical reference numerals.

The embodiment of the protective cap shown in FIG. 1 10 consists of a lower, cylindrical part 15 and a upper, hemispherical part 16, which is integrally formed are. In the hemispherical part 16 of the protective cap is introduced an opening 11. The opening 11 extends in Direction of the elongated cylinder axis of part 15 in essentially over the entire area of the hemispherical Part 16 of the protective cap 10 and includes an opening angle of about 180 °.

The opening 11 of the protective cap 10 is with a closure element 20 closed. The closure element 20 is in the essentially spherical segment-shaped and extends within through the hemispherical part 16 of the protective cap 10 formed space. The closure element 20 is slight dimensioned larger than the opening 11 so that it is complete is closed when the closure element 20 is in its closed position.

The closure element 20 has at its lower end a handle 21 for opening and closing the closure element on. By pushing the handle in the direction of the arrow, i.e. first in a direction approximately parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical Part 15 of the protective cap 10 upwards and then in essentially tangential to the surface of the hemispherical Part 16 of the protective cap 10, the closure member 20 of its closed position shown in Fig. 1 in its open position moved.

Both the closed and the open position are locked in this embodiment, so that two defined Positions are available.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the protective cap 10, wherein the closure member 20 in is in its open position. The closure element 20 is completely in the by the hemispherical part 16 of the Protective cap 10 formed space, so that it from the outside in essential is not visible. The closure element 20 is due to the almost identical shape with the hemispherical Part 16 of the protective cap 10 directly on the inside the protective cap 10 out. The handle 21 of the closure element 20, which at the same time acts as a stop for the closure element 20 serves, protrudes in the upper region of the opening 11 Protective cap 10 out of this, so that the closure element is easy to operate.

2 an actuating device 30 can be seen, which is shielded by the protective cap 10 and only by the Opening 11 is accessible when the closure element 20 is is in its illustrated open position. The actuator 30 is not a necessary part of the Protective cap. It can be specially tailored to the protective cap Actuators 30 are used, it is however also possible actuators according to the state of technology. There are also parts of a dispenser shown, which are not discussed in more detail here should.

In the central longitudinal section shown in FIG. 3, the first Embodiment of the protective cap 10 are the cylindrical Part 15 and the hemispherical part 16 of the protective cap 10 clearly visible. The opening 11 is through the closure element 20 closed by means of the handle 21, so that the actuator 30 is safely shielded. Clear the fitted actuating device 30 is also visible, which is shielded by the protective cap 10.

Fig. 4 shows the closure element 20 in its open Position. It can be seen that the closure element 20 parallel due to its spherical segment shape extends to the hemispherical part 16 of the protective cap 10. The closure element 20 is almost completely in by the hemispherical part 16 of the protective cap 10 formed space.

The actuating device 30 is shown in FIG. 4 shown position of the closure member 20 operable, wherein the flowable medium in a container, not shown a nozzle 31, which is part of a dispenser, through a Dispensing opening 12 can be dispensed in the protective cap 10. As FIG. 4 shows, the closure element 20 also extends in its open position not in the range of Nozzle 31 or the discharge opening 12, so that a discharge of the Medium is not disturbed.

Locking of the closure element 20 in its two End positions can be provided in different ways. In this embodiment, depressions or grooves (not shown) on both sides of the handle 21 of the closure element 20 provided, engage in the locking projections 17, 18 can.

5 is an exploded view the structure of the protective cap 10 with the closure element 20 too see. The closure element 20 is from below in the Protective cap 10 used, the closure member 20 with Pin 22 is provided which in 14 with guide elements provided fork-shaped bearings 13 in the protective cap 10 for locking a rotational or tilting movement of the closure element 10 being held.

Further guide elements 19 for the use of individual elements can be provided in the protective cap 10. This Guide elements 19 can the actuators to be used 30 can be adjusted.

The protective cap 10 can be closed with a closure element 20 on an actuator 30 or directly on one with an actuator 30 provided container (not shown).

The actuating device 30 has a nozzle element 31, wherein the flowable medium to be dispensed through a Delivery opening 12 can be released to the outside.

The protective cap 10 can by means of a fastening device 5 on a container for the flowable medium be securely attached. The fastening device 5 can a snap or screw closure or the like. It is also possible that the protective cap 10 with the manufacture the container welded or in a similar manner with the Container is connected.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a protective cap 10 that of the first embodiment in the essential Components are the same. In contrast to the first embodiment however, the closure member 20 is not up or to open or close at the bottom, but in the side Direction. To open the closure element 20, which in FIG. 6 is shown in its closed position, the handle 21 in the direction of the arrow, ie essentially in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 15 of the protective cap 10 or in one parallel direction.

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 with the closure element 20 in the open position, so that the actuator 30 through the opening 11th is accessible.

The shape of the opening 11 corresponds essentially to that 1 to 5 embodiment shown, however the opening angle is only about 90 °.

For the pivotable mounting of the protective cap 10 is a Pin 9 provided in the protective cap, which is visible in Fig. 8 is. The one in the upper area of the inner tip of the protective cap 10 arranged pin 9 engages in a bearing opening 23 of the closure element 20 a, so that the closure member 20 around the extended cylinder axis of the cylindrical part 15 of the Protective cap 10 between the open position and the closed position is pivotable.

Fig. 9 shows the second embodiment of the protective cap in a central longitudinal section with the closure element 20 in its open position so that the actuator 30 is accessible through the opening 11.

The other elements are analogous to the first embodiment trained and have comparable characteristics on.

In Fig. 10, a third embodiment is one Protective cap 10 can be seen in perspective. in the In contrast to the first two embodiments, the closure element is 20 essentially completely outside of Protective cap 10 arranged. The closure element 20 has one Handle 21 and can be between an open and a closed position analogous to the closure element 20 of the pivot first embodiment.

11 shows a rear view of the third embodiment, wherein the closure member 20 in the open Position. In this illustration are the delivery opening 12 in the protective cap 10 and the nozzle 31 on the actuator 30. The closure element 20 has a recess 24 so that even in the open Position of the closure element 20, the discharge opening 12 is exposed, so that free-flowing media are released can.

The internal structure of the third embodiment of the The protective cap is based on the central longitudinal cuts in FIG. 12 and 13 clearly. The structure corresponds essentially to that embodiments already explained.

However, as already mentioned, the closure element 20 on the outer region of the cylindrical part 15 of the protective cap 10 led. For this reason, the handle 21 cannot serve more as a stop, so that an additional stop 25th is provided, which is on the inside of the closure element 20 extends and in the two end positions of the closure element 20 to the edge areas of the opening 11 of the Protective cap 10 strikes.

In the exploded view shown in Fig. 14 will in particular the assembly of the protective cap 10 and Closure element 20 clearly. The closure element 20 is placed on the protective cap 10 from above, pins 22 in engage bearings 13 provided with guide elements 14. The Closure element 20 is therefore pivotable about an axis that normal to the elongated cylinder axis of the cylindrical Part 15 of the protective cap 10 extends.

An actuator 30 can, as already in 5 explained from below into the protective cap 10 are used. Again, it is possible that the protective cap 10 and actuator 30 an integral member form.

Reference list

5

Fastening device

9

Pin (protective cap 10)

10th

protective cap

11

Opening (protective cap 10)

12th

Delivery opening

13

camp

14

Guide elements

15

cylindrical part (protective cap 10)

16

hemispherical part (protective cap 10)

17th

Locking projection

18th

Locking projection

19th

Guide elements

20th

Closure element

21

Handle (locking element 20)

22

Pin (protective cap 10)

23

Warehouse opening

24th

Recess

25th

attack

30th

Actuator

31

jet

Claims (7)

Protective cap (10) for an actuating device (30) for dispensing flowable media stored in a container, wherein the protective cap (10) is inseparably connectable to the actuating device (30) and / or to the container and has at least one opening (11) which can be closed by a closure element (20) which can be pivoted about an axis and through which the actuating device (30) can be closed is accessible outside the protective cap (10), and the closure element (20) can be pivoted about an axis between an open and a closed position and can be locked at least in the closed position, characterized in that the protective cap (10) and the closure element (20) at least partially have a spherical shape, the closure element (20) being an essentially rigid element, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the imaginary shape of the protective cap (10) in the region of the closable opening (11) and / or the shape of the protective cap (10) corresponds to the area closest to the closure element (20) in an open position. Protective cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure element (20) essentially within that defined by the protective cap (10) Room is arranged. Protective cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure element (20) essentially outside of that defined by the protective cap (10) Room is arranged. Protective cap according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized characterized in that the protective cap (10) and the closure element (20) have the shape of spherical segments. Protective cap according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized characterized in that the protective cap (10) has an opening (12) for passage of that in the container contains flowable medium. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (10) a Actuating device (30) for dispensing the flowable Medium includes, with the protective cap (10) forms an integral unit. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (10) and / or the closure element (20) made of plastic consist.

Images