EP2306877A1

EP2306877A1 - Method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit and filling insert for dispenser unit

Info

Publication number: EP2306877A1
Application number: EP09705300A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Petra Allef; Bernd Nauels; Markus Pielen
Original assignee: Evonik Stockhausen GmbH
Current assignee: Deb IP Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-01
Filing date: 2009-01-20
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: KR20100106613A; CA2712433A1; MX2010007930A; DE102008002765A1; DE102008002765B4; WO2009095337A1; AU2009210189A8; RU2489074C2; TW200938435A; US8555934B2; US20100294394A1; TWI356686B; AU2009210189B2; MX345652B; AU2009210189A1; CN101932273A; BRPI0905722A2; CN101932273B; CA2712433C; RU2010136924A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy, or liquid media. In the known methods, a supply container (1) is evacuated via a suction pump (3), which is otherwise used to discharge the medium, after the filling. The danger exists in this way that medium will be sucked in. In order to make the suction process more effective and reliable, a method and a filling insert for a dispenser unit are proposed according to the invention, at least one air channel (2) being provided parallel to the suction pump (3). By applying a pressure differential between supply container (1) and surroundings, which is just high enough that air can be sucked through the air channel (2) but particularly no viscous medium, the evacuation is performed.

Description

Description METHOD FOR FILLING AND EVACUATING A DISPENSER UNIT

AND FILLING INSERT FOR DISTRIBUTION UNIT Technical area

The invention relates to a method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media. The generic method relates to, but not limited to, in particular media in the form of skin cleansing, skin protection and skin care agents, which are provided in a reservoir having a suction pump arranged in a pump receptacle of the reservoir. About this suction pump, the reservoir is sealed against the outside penetrating air, so that even with outgoing supply no air in the reservoir is present and mixing of the discharged medium with residual air can be avoided. Thus, the blistering known from conventional drugstore articles can be suppressed on removal of the last residue from the storage container and thus an irregular portioning in the dispensed portion. The suction pump can be activated via an actuating movement, either a mechanical lever or via a sensor and an electric actuator, in which case a portion of the medium, liquid or foamed by the pump structure of the suction pump, is discharged.

State of the art

From EP 0836824 A is known an evacuation method for producing such a dispenser unit. From EP 0774074 A, in turn, a dispenser unit suitable for this purpose is known. As part of the manufacturer-side filling of the dispenser unit while the reservoir is first filled with the medium through the usually collar-like, provided with an internal or external thread pump receptacle. Then, the suction pump is inserted into the pump intake and then a suction device connected to the reservoir through which a pressure difference is established between the environment and the interior of the reservoir, in the Reservoir located air masses are sucked.

The suction pump is designed as a one-way pump so that they can deliver medium in the installed state, to obtain the vacuum in the interior of the reservoir, a backflow of air is not possible. The composite of reservoir and suction pump produced in this way is hereinafter referred to as filling insert and used in a dispenser housing with suitable actuator, wherein the suction pump is then operatively coupled to the actuator.

After insertion of the filling insert in the dispenser housing is the

Gradually emptied the reservoir during operation until the entire filling insert, ie the composite of reservoir and suction pump is completely emptied and then completely replaced for refilling the dispenser unit. The dispenser units are suitable for dispensing all conceivable media, wherein in the raw state, the medium in the reservoir can be usually liquid with any viscosity, to pasty media. Preferred fields of application are, for example, liquid soap, skin protection creams or other liquid cleaning or care products for the skin.

In the case of the known dispenser units or of the known

Evacuation method, the air is sucked off after closing the filling insert by equipping with the suction pump on the pump plunger through the suction pump. The disadvantage of this solution, however, is that a precise process control is necessary to prevent inadvertent suction of the liquid medium and thus unwanted partial emptying. Such emptying in the context of production not only requires inaccurate quantities, but also brings impurities of the filling with it. Finally, for accurate emptying, the process must be carefully and therefore time-consuming, to ensure on the one hand, that the air is completely sucked off and, on the other hand, to avoid that the storage container is unintentionally emptied again by sucking off medium. A first object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for filling a dispenser unit, in which safely and quickly a desired amount of media can be filled without the addition of air in the filling insert. Another object of the invention is to provide a filling insert and a dispenser unit which can be filled based on the evacuation process.

Presentation of the invention

The first object with regard to the method is achieved according to the invention in that a filling insert is used with a pump intake and a suction pump, wherein the filling insert has at least one, the interior of the reservoir with the environment connecting and closable during filling air duct and is configured such that a first pressure level at which air is sucked from the reservoir and a second pressure level exists at which the medium penetrates into the air passage, wherein the first pressure level and the second pressure level are distinguishable from each other via the flow back pressure and at or before , In particular, shortly before or after reaching the second pressure level, the suction stops and the air duct is closed.

The further object with regard to the filling insert is achieved according to the invention in that the filling insert has at least one, the interior of the reservoir with the environment connecting and closable during filling, and arranged outside the conveying path of the suction air duct, which is configured in that there is a first pressure level at which air can be drawn from the reservoir and a second pressure level at which medium enters the air passage, the first pressure level and the second pressure level being differentiable from each other via the flow back pressure, such that before or shortly after reaching the second pressure level this is recognizable and the suction can be stopped and the air duct can be closed.

The inventive design of the method can now be left after filling the reservoir still in it air be sucked automatically, which is at least largely ensured by the special design of the pump intake that only air and no medium due to the applied, the degassing pressure level can escape through the pump intake. The invention thus makes use of the fact that due to the viscosity of the medium and the channel geometry of the air duct, a much greater suction force would be required for aspirating medium, as for sucking the air in the reservoir. This is possible, in particular, in that the generic storage containers have a collapsible wall, so that the pressure gradient necessary for sucking off the air must act essentially only against the elastic restoring forces of the collapsible wall and optionally against the liquid tension of the filled medium. As with the generic method for this purpose, the reservoir is made for example of a film material and may have additional beads to form desired kinks.

Essential for the functionality of the invention is the fact that additional air channels are provided, via which the air can be sucked off during the evacuation of the reservoir, but which are designed such that a significant increase in pressure occurs as a result of the viscosity of the filled filling insert if all the air is sucked off and instead of the air now medium would be sucked. This effect is achieved by the design of the air duct according to the invention, wherein the pressure jump can be generated in a variety of ways. This can be done in the simplest case by the fact that the air duct is made correspondingly thin, so that viscous medium could be sucked only with greater force through the air duct.

Alternatively, even labyrinthine curves of the air duct could be provided, barring flow-obstructing measures may be provided in the air duct, for example a sieve or more sieves. Usually, however, the filling insert will be designed as a disposable item, so that the production costs for this should be kept low. This is achieved by a simple geometry of the air duct or the Air ducts achieved. Theoretically, air ducts arranged remotely from the pump receiver could also be arranged in the wall of the reservoir, but the arrangement according to the invention of the air ducts in the area of the pump intake or the pump itself is particularly advantageous, since a filling and evacuation of the reservoir through a common opening is particularly economical is.

In a preferred manufacturing method of the filling insert, this is first filled with the filling upstanding with the medium. Subsequently, the suction pump is attached to the pump receiver and then the thus prepared, still filled with air filling insert is evacuated. This has the advantage that the suction pump does not have to be placed under vacuum conditions, but only then, for example, via a proboscis, the pressure drop can be applied.

For the function of the invention is essential that the air duct the

Interconnects the interior of the reservoir with the environment such that at the outlet of the air duct of the proboscis to connect the air can be connected. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the pump receptacle is formed so that the suction pump is provided with an internal thread and can be screwed into the pump receptacle.

The air duct can then be arranged either between the threads of the screw, enforce the pump intake itself or the edge material of the suction pump. Closing of the air channel can be done in this embodiment, for example, by thermal welding, gluing or valve means.

Another embodiment of the filling insert has a

Pump intake with an external thread on. On this external thread then the suction pump is placed bell-like and screwed or glued or welded. In this embodiment, the air duct can either emerge laterally from the pump intake or it passes through both the pump intake and, for example the region of the Saugpumpenwandung projecting beyond the pump receptacle. In the latter case, the filling insert can be produced particularly easily. The reservoir with the integrally connected pump intake can be easily and simply produced in the so-called blow-molding process. In the context of this manufacturing process, the external thread can then be molded simultaneously.

The air duct can also already be formed by namely the projecting threads are interrupted along the direction of the later air duct. In the same way, the threads of the internal thread of the suction pump are interrupted, so that with a corresponding angular position of the two components, the thread has the continuous air duct. Particularly favorable in this embodiment is the fact that the air duct can be closed by simply turning the thread, so that initially for evacuating the filling insert, the suction pump is not screwed until it stops up on the pump holder.

In this state, the interruptions of the thread projections in the pump intake and the suction pump are congruent to each other and thus leave the air duct open. However, the other threaded areas already seal off as well as the collar of the pump intake. Now the evacuation can be done, then the suction pump is turned a little bit further, so that the interruptions of the thread projections are no longer congruent to each other and the thread completely seals. Additionally or alternatively, of course, can also be sealed here via thermal welding or bonding process, for example, by the threaded connection between the pump intake and suction pump is briefly heated under pressure.

In the above-described embodiment of the integrated air channel in the thread, an area outside of the air duct can be coated with an additional sealant or adhesive, which in the final tightening of the suction pump in the area of the former air duct swells and hardens later, thus additionally causing a seal.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention

Method is sucked through a suction device, the air, which has a measuring device, via which can be detected whether there is still air in the reservoir or not. Such a measuring device may be, for example, a volume flow detection or a measuring device for the flow back pressure. In the former case, evacuation is continued until no more air is present, while in the second case the evacuation is terminated when the increased backpressure occurs. After the air is present in the area of the pump intake, in both cases this is reliably evacuated.

Alternatively, it can be evacuated via a simple time-controlled control, in which case the experience is used that time and pressure conditions in mass production remain approximately the same. Thus it can be experimentally determined how long it usually takes to evacuate. Even if here a certain surcharge is added to produce the necessary security, no medium is sucked in as long as the pressure level is adjusted accordingly, for evacuation so a negative pressure is used, which is indeed suitable for extracting air, but just not low enough to suck the viscous medium through the air channels. In order to shorten the time interval of the evacuation, it is preferred to use several, in particular up to four, air channels.

Finally, the device generating the negative pressure or the supply line can also be provided with a pressure relief valve, which prevents the application of a "critical" pressure, ie, a pressure near or above the second pressure level, which is simple regardless of the time and the backpressure In the same way, this can be achieved by limiting the suction power of the device.

Alternatively, to apply a vacuum to the output of the air duct, of course, an overpressure exerted on the reservoir become. This also makes possible a particularly cost-effective production of the filling insert, since it can initially be filled with the pump receptacle standing upright, then the suction pump is also screwed on or otherwise attached to the storage container. Then, the volume of the reservoir can be reduced via a clamping device, wherein the clamping device can apply in particular a controlled by the back pressure clamping force.

This is particularly easy to achieve, for example, that the pre-produced filling insert is compressed after filling of two opposite, the reservoir between them clamped and under spring load jaws. The clamping force is then to be dimensioned so that it generates an overpressure corresponding to the first pressure level, but is not able to compress the reservoir such that the overpressure reaches the second pressure level. In this way, without the use of a vacuum device, the air can be forced out of the reservoir. At this stage, ie before releasing the clamping force, then the air duct, either by turning the functional components relative to each other or by welding or gluing can be closed again.

Alternatively to the above-described embodiment, the external pressure can also be exerted on the suction pump or on the pump intake, so as to compress the reservoir in the filling direction. This is preferable when the device for unscrewing the suction pump can exert a resilient pressure on the preassembled filling insert. In particular, when the closing of the air ducts via a further rotation of the screw connection of the suction pump with the pump receptacle can be so easily made with a tool of the compression pressure and simultaneously the closure movement can be realized.

The gripping tool that attaches the suction pump to the pump holder and then unscrewed, then remains in its rotary motion simply in the angular position in which the air channels are opened and then simultaneously exerts the pressure for generating the first pressure difference for a certain period of time. If, after the expiration of this period, the evacuation takes place, then the pump receptacle can be further rotated with the same gripping tool, so that the air duct is closed by this additional rotational movement. A latching connection between the pump intake and the suction pump can prevent reverse rotation in addition to or as an alternative to the measures described above, for example the thermal welding or adhesive connections.

Elaborate embodiments of the filling insert may also have air channels which can be closed via one-way valves. Here, the valves are designed so that after evacuation a backflow of air is not possible. Furthermore, the valve can take over the function of the pressure-selective flow restrictor, in which case there are valve bodies which close the one-way valve when the second pressure level is reached. Alternatively, the valve members in the air duct can only open so slightly that after the manner of a gap or labyrinth seal, the viscous medium can not pass the valve when the first pressure level is applied.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention finally uses a movably mounted suction pump. Here, the pump means of the suction pump are displaceably mounted within the cylinder-like pump receptacle on a piston-like carrier, wherein the air ducts are arranged in the pump receptacle or the wall of the suction pump, that the air ducts are closed by a longitudinal displacement of the piston-like carrier in the discharge direction of the suction pump.

In this embodiment, the air can then be sucked first by applying the first pressure levels, a continuous reduction of the suction pressure up to reaching the second pressure level then causes a release of the piston-like carrier with the displaceable pump means from a first holder and the displacement of piston-like carrier in the use position with simultaneous closure of the air ducts. This can be realized, for example, in that in the cylindrical inner wall of the pump intake, the suction pump is slidably mounted with a live collar, which is arranged in evacuation position within a groove. If the pressure is now increased, the elastic ring springs out of this groove and the piston-like carrier with the pump means can be moved.

The air ducts connect the region of the reservoir with the inside of the wall of the pump intake, wherein they emerge at a point from the pump intake, which lie before the evacuation of the edge of the piston-like carrier but behind the use position of the pump means. Alternatively and in a particularly cost-effective manner, the air ducts can also be formed by simple grooves within the cylinder wall of the pump receptacle, which extend in the direction of displacement and terminate before the point at which the piston-like support comes to a standstill with the pump means in the use position. Of course, these grooves must be made so deep that the elastic edge or other sealant can not accidentally enforce the air duct.

The previously described, displaceable pump means having embodiment of the invention has the particular advantage that automatically by reaching the second pressure level, the displaceable pump means are sucked and thus the air passages are closed. So it is sufficient during the filling of the filling insert to apply a corresponding pressure level, in which case even a pressure is sufficient, which corresponds to the second pressure level or even higher. Here, first the air would be sucked off and only then a displacement of the pumping means by the flow pressure of the viscous medium, which at high pressure, of course, there is the danger that despite the geometry of the air channels medium is sucked out through the air channels. For this reason, it will also be advisable in this embodiment, first apply a first pressure level to over a certain Duration with certainty to be able to promote only air and possibly additionally then trigger by raising the pressure level, the displacement of the pumping means.

Of course, in the embodiment described above, instead of applying an external negative pressure, the displacement of the pump means by applying an external pressure to the reservoir. Another optional feature may be a pump receptacle configured such that the filling insert is insertable into the dispenser housing only with displaced pumping means. In the conventional dispensers, upon insertion of the filling insert into the dispenser housing, a retaining clip engages an edge of the pump means, thereby providing the functional coupling between the actuator of the dispenser and the pump.

For displaceable pump means, it is now possible that the pump receptacle is pulled down so far that only when shifted in use position pump means from the perspective of the retaining clip of the dispenser housing of the edge to be gripped is visible. This causes that as a result of the non-displaced piston-like carrier of the suction pump of the filling insert is not ready to use and with appropriate design is not used in the dispenser housing. For this purpose, the area in which the retaining clip is inserted, be designed so that only in the use position, the retaining clip fits the pump plunger, but in the previous degassing or transport position, a portion of the pump plunger adjacent to the retaining clip, which is not connectable with this, because he has, for example, too large a diameter.

Displaceable pump means bring in conjunction with a collar-like pulled down pump intake another advantage with it. If the pump receptacle is pulled down so far that the discharge tube of the pump is completely surrounded by the hollow-cylindrical pump receptacle in a transport position of the suction pump, for example, the pump means are protected against damage by the edge of the pump receptacle. This way a can Transport cover can be saved and the filling inserts can be transported standing on the pump holder, so that they can be easily removed from the shipping box if necessary and used in the same orientation in the dispenser housing.

Of course, it must be avoided that remain open during transport, the air ducts, as through the liquid tension and the restoring forces of the wall of the reservoir again air could enter the reservoir. In order to prevent this, the air duct can be sealed by the manufacturer prior to shipment of the filling inserts by conventional means, for example by gluing or welding. Alternatively, the pump may, for example, in addition to the Längsverschiebbarkeit also be rotatably mounted in the pump receptacle, so that by a rotary movement after evacuation, the air ducts are closed in order to achieve a transport position with a closed channel.

Finally, the displacement can also be set up in three stages, wherein in a first position, as described above, the air ducts are open and after overcoming a first displacement of the piston-like carrier in a second position, the air ducts or the air duct is closed, without pump parts the suction pump protrude from the protective area of the pump intake. In a third position can then, after overcoming a further distance of the displacement, the suction pump are in use position and are coupled for example with the clamp of a dispenser housing.

In addition, the longitudinal displacement of the pump means may be possible only after rotating the pump means, this can be provided in the piston / cylinder connection between the pump intake and pump means corresponding NuWFederverbindungen. In the latter case, of course, then only be evacuated with the first pressure level, since an automatic closing of the air ducts is then not possible.

Finally, the air channels can also be completely displaced by the be separated suction pump. In this case, the suction pump can be arranged approximately on the carrier displaceable in the piston-like pump receptacle, while the air ducts pass through the pump receptacle parallel to the displacement path. Here, the air ducts can be closed after evacuation by gluing or welding, alternatively, a two-piece ring can be used as a pump receptacle, with two superimposed concentric ring elements are penetrated by the continuous air duct in an angular position and rotated after evacuation relative to each other and then can be fixed so that then the two channel sections are rotated to each other and thus the air duct is closed. A corresponding seal is of course required and can be done for example by gluing the ring segments, an externally applied shrink film or similar measures.

The storage of the suction pump on the piston-like carrier and its displaceability within the cylinder-like pump intake can also be used independently of the evacuation method described here. The claim of an independent protection without the function of the air ducts is therefore expressly reserved.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a filling insert according to the invention, FIG.

2 is a sectional view of a suction valve according to the invention,

3 the region of the air duct of the embodiment according to FIG. 2 in an enlarged representation, FIG.

4 shows a further embodiment of a filling insert according to the invention with a pump displaceable in the discharge direction of the suction pump in the venting position,

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 4, wherein the bellhousing in a the air duct closing intermediate position is shifted and

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, wherein the suction pump is in use position.

Best way to carry out the invention

FIG. 1 shows a filling insert according to the invention. Of the

Filling insert consists of a reservoir 1, which has a pump receptacle 4 in the lower area. Such a reservoir 1 can be made of a plastic tube in the known blow molding. As part of this manufacturing process can then also simultaneously, as is well known from the prior art, the pump receptacle 4 are integrally formed on the lower part of the reservoir 1.

The pump receptacle 4 is in the illustrated embodiment, a thickened wall portion of the reservoir 1, which is provided with an external thread. The pump receptacle 4 and the suction pump 3 screwed onto it are shown in an enlarged detail in section in FIG.

The suction pump 3, shown here only as an exemplary embodiment, may have any known shape and does not differ substantially from the known pumps. It is usually designed as a disposable pump and can be activated by inserting the filling insert into a dispenser housing via an actuator. The actuator may be mechanical, in which case a retaining clip of the dispenser housing engages a portion of the pump plunger to then reciprocate upon actuation of a so-called "push-button" to actuate the suction pump.

Alternatively, the suction pump 3 can also be actuated without contact, for this purpose, the dispenser housing then has a corresponding sensor and an electric drive for the retaining clip. Of course, electric pumps can also be used. All features of the dispenser housing described herein are to be considered as an example of the application of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. An essential feature of the invention is the fact that in addition to the actual conveying path of the suction pump 3, at least one air channel 2 is provided, via which after the filling of the reservoir 1, the air can be evacuated from the reservoir 1. The air duct 2 is designed so that the backpressure levels differ significantly depending on whether air or medium would be conveyed through the channel. At a first pressure level, air can easily and simply be sucked out of the storage container 1. By contrast, at a second pressure level, the viscous medium would have to be sucked through the air channel 2, this second pressure level being of course much higher than the first, since the medium in most applications is much tougher than water. But even with a viscosity equal to that of water, there would be a corresponding difference in pressure level.

The invention now uses these two pressure levels to the

Evacuate either automatically on reaching the second pressure level, ie upon entry of medium in the front region of the air duct, turn off or apply a pressure level that does not reach the second pressure level, so that even with prolonged or even permanent exposure of the first pressure level, a suction of Medium is impossible.

In the illustrated suction pump 3, the air passage 2 passes through both the thread of the pump intake 4 and the thread of the suction pump 3. For this purpose, the protruding threads are provided with a groove in both components, wherein at congruence of the two grooves, ie a certain angle of rotation , the components relative to each other, the air duct 2 remains free.

The air channel 2 can, as shown here, parallel to the screwing of the suction pump 3 in the pump receiver 4. But it is also possible that the air duct 2 has a different geometry, for example, opposite to the turn of the thread, wound around the cylindrical plane of the screwing around. It is also possible that the air duct 2 after a certain distance laterally from the Pump intake 4 and the suction pump 3 is led out. Depending on the configuration, this lateral lead out of the air channel 2 can facilitate sealing after evacuation via bonds or welds.

The air duct 2 shown here can easily by turning the

Suction pump 3 are closed relative to the pump holder 4, in which case the grooves in the protruding threaded portions are no longer congruent to each other, so that the air channel 2 is closed. In order to achieve airtightness, the thread can be designed such that it can only be screwed on under a certain tension. Since the filling insert is designed as a disposable item, the thread must also be screwed only once, so that it does not matter here whether the suction pump 3 can be released later from the pump holder 4 again. When using a corresponding elastic plastic, the thread can then be screwed under tension, so that when final rotation of the screw in the final position of use of the air duct 2 is then closed sufficiently secure.

Alternatively, in addition to the screwing of the suction pump 3 in the

Pump intake 4, the thread are also coated with a sealant or adhesive, so that after curing, a seal, wherein the means may also be dimensioned so that after rotation of the suction pump 3 in the final position of use, the sealant or adhesive in the area the previous air channels 2 swells. A corresponding geometry of the threads can enhance this effect.

In Figure 3, the embodiment of Figure 2 in the region of the air channel 2 is shown in an enlarged view. Here, the interruption of the threads through the grooves is shown parallel to the discharge direction of the pump. In the rear region of the air channel 2, the cut by the grooves, protruding portions of the thread can be seen, via which the pump receptacle 4 is connected to the suction pump 3. Way (s) for carrying out the invention

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the suction pump 3 is arranged on a movably mounted in the pump holder 4 pump carrier. The air duct 2 is introduced in the upper region of the pump receptacle 4 in the wall of the pump receptacle 4, which is designed to be double-walled in the left upper area. As an alternative to the air channel 2 arranged inside the wall, it can also be provided in the form of a groove which is recessed into the cylinder wall of the pump receiver 4 and serves as a "bypass" in order to be able to suck the air past the piston-like pump carrier.

For a simplified representation of the invention is in all

Embodiments only one air duct 2 shown. In practice, the filling inserts can of course have a plurality of air channels 2, which in particular has the advantage that the evacuation times are reduced because the air in the reservoir 1 can be sucked through a plurality of openings, yet a sufficient back pressure is built up when the Medium reaches the entrance of the air channels 2.

In the embodiment shown here and in the position of the suction pump 3 shown in Figure 4, the air channel 2 opens below the piston-like pump carrier in the piston-like movement space for the suction 3. Now, a negative pressure can be applied to this piston-like region of the pump holder 4. This first causes the air from the reservoir 1 is sucked out until the Strömungsgegendruck due to the fact that the flow front of the medium reaches the entrance of the air ducts 2, increases significantly. With a suitable geometry of the air channel 2, in particular with regard to the diameter, the piston-type pump carrier is now driven in front of the flow front of the medium by the negative pressure and thus moved.

For this purpose, a first locking connection 6 is first overcome, which is designed so that the force that is necessary for this, on the one hand so low is that the piston-like bellhousing can be moved from the flow front without substantial amounts of the medium passing through the air channel 2. On the other hand, the latching connection 6 must ensure by means of a correspondingly high latching force that the vacuum necessary for sucking off the air does not cause any movement of the piston-like pump carrier.

In Figure 5, the filling insert is shown in Figure 4, wherein the piston-like bellhousing is in a position in which the air duct 2 is already closed. So that air can not flow back in the form of leakage flows laterally between the piston and cylinder wall back into the reservoir 1, the piston is provided in the lower region with at least one seal 5, which seals the gap between the cylinder wall of the pump holder 4 and the piston of the pump carrier.

As can be seen in Figure 5 now opens the air duct 2 in this gap, but beyond the seal 5, so that the air duct 2 was automatically closed by the displacement of the piston-like pump carrier. This is a great advantage of this embodiment of the invention, since it is only necessary to apply a pressure in the range or above the first pressure level, which automatically causes the displacement of the piston, the air channel 2 is closed, so that even at high pressures no medium can be sucked. This allows a fast and efficient extraction and thus manufacturing process.

Alternatively to the negative pressure described here, which is applied to the piston-like annular space of the pump intake, of course, an overpressure to the reservoir 1 can be applied from the outside. In this embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the air does not necessarily have to be driven out of the filling insert by the manufacturer. Instead, it is also possible, just before filling the dispenser unit with the filling insert to exert an external pressure on the reservoir 1, so on the one hand the air from the reservoir. 1 drive out and on the other hand to move the suction pump 3 in the working position. This external pressure can be applied manually, but an advantageous embodiment of the dispenser unit can also have an automatic mechanism which automatically exerts the required pressure on the storage container 1 when the dispenser housing is closed.

For this purpose, a pressure element may be provided in the dispenser housing, for example, which exerts a certain pressure on the reservoir 1, either when the filling insert is inserted into the dispenser housing or when the dispenser housing is subsequently closed. To realize the former solution, the dispenser housing, for example, have a tapered in the insertion direction receptacle for the reservoir 1, wherein the walls of the receptacle may be spring loaded so that they are pressed apart when inserting the filling insert against the load of the springs and subsequently, to a first emptying of the reservoir 1 has taken place, transmit the spring force to the medium.

To implement the second-mentioned solution can also in the

Dispenser housing or in a hingedly connected to the dispenser housing cover a spring-loaded pressure element be provided that is pressed by the closing movement of the lid against the reservoir 1. Again, the spring force is first transferred to the Vorratsbehälteri and after expelling the air then on the medium on the piston-like pump carrier.

In the position of the piston-like pump carrier shown in FIG. 5, the latter is in turn latched in a latching connection 5. In this position, the air channel 2 is closed, so that the reservoir 1 is evacuated and a backflow of air is prevented. In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the cylinder-like pump intake 4 is still significantly extended beyond the position of the piston-like pump carrier. This extension serves as a transport insurance for the suction pump 3, which is still completely within the cylinder wall in the position shown. This transport insurance allows you to complete the pledge operations on the Pump stand 4 to transport standing, so that either the usual safety cap or the upside-down transport can be omitted.

If no value is placed on the transport lock, the in

Figure 5 shown position also be the use position of the suction pump 3. In this case, of course, the cylinder wall will be made much shorter, so that the threading device of the dispenser housing can grasp the pump plunger of the suction pump 3 laterally. If, on the other hand, a transport safety device is desired, either the path of the piston-like pump carrier as shown in FIG. 6 can be extended to the end of the cylinder wall, or the cylinder wall has, for example, a predetermined breaking point 7, after which the filling insert is removed from the outer packaging lower part of the cylinder wall can be removed. The annular, the cylinder wall extending transport lock can of course be connected via other connections with the cylinder wall of the pump holder 4, in which case an additional component would be necessary again.

The predetermined breaking point 7 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is to be regarded as an alternative to the longer displacement, which is shown here only to explain the function in a common embodiment of the invention. In practice, either the displacement will be as long as shown in Figure 6 or alternatively a predetermined breaking point 7 may be provided.

Alternatively, other forms of spacers can connect to the cylinder wall instead of the cylindrical ring, which is shown in Figure 5 below the predetermined breaking point 7, wherein the threading device can either engage between these spacers or where predetermined breaking points are provided, so that these spacers are removable.

In Figure 6, the piston-like bellhousing is moved to the use position. Since this last displacement only after removal of the Placed fill application from the outer packaging, the pressure required for the movement either on site, as described above manually or through the dispenser housing, applied. Alternatively, it is possible that this last displacement is not pressure driven covered, but that the operator pulls the piston-like pump carrier by hand in the use position. Finally, it is possible that the known from the prior art Einfädelhilfe the dispenser housing, for example in the form of a so-called "catcher-clip" via a forced operation after gripping the plate-like retaining edge of the pump plunger of the suction pump 3 this together with the piston-like pump carrier down draws.

Both for the manual movement in use position as well as for attaching the Einfädelhilfe a mounting window 9 may be provided in the cylindrical wall of the pump holder 4, either by the Einfädelhilfe the dispenser housing or a fitter with the hand or a tool the piston-like bellhousing or can take a part of the suction pump 3 and pull down. The mounting window 9 is here, as best seen in Figure 4, designed as a one-sided open slot extending from the lower edge of the cylindrical wall of the pump holder 4 in the direction of the reservoir 1. Shape and geometry of the mounting window 9, however, depending on the necessary displacement and design of the suction pump 3, freely selectable. Also, the suction pump 3 or the piston-like pump carrier may be provided with an additional lever which protrudes through the mounting window 9, so that an actuation of the lever, the suction pump 3 shifts to the use position.

The cylindrical wall of the pump receiver 4 has stops in the lower area as Wegbegrenzer 8. This Wegbegrenzer 8 prevent further withdrawal of the piston-like pump carrier, so that further pressure on the reservoir 1, such as unintentionally during assembly, can not lead to falling out of the suction pump 3 from the pump holder 4.

In use position acts on the suction pump 3 and thus on the piston-like bellhousing the operating force of the donor. For this to the function of the pump and not the pump carrier is pushed together with the pump back up, the bellhousing must be set in the use position. Therefore, in the lower position, a latching connection 6 can be provided, which fixes in piston-like pump carrier. Since the pump does not have to be pushed back after reaching the use position, this lower locking position can be designed so that it is only destructively detachable.

An unintentional pushing up of the piston-like pump carrier by the actuating force of the dispenser can also be avoided, in addition to or as an alternative to the locking connection, by blocking the mobility of the piston-like pump carrier in the use position by means of an additional displacement safeguard. Such a displacement safety can be formed for example by a laterally inserted into a hole in the cylinder wall locking pin. Further, it is possible that when inserting the filling insert or closing the dispenser housing a fuse positively engages in the piston-like pump carrier or its displacement. For this purpose, the piston-like pump support, for example, in the lower region, similar to the plunger of the suction pump 3, have a laterally projecting plate-like edge or led out of the cylinder pin which can be grasped or engaged behind by a corresponding part of the dispenser housing.

Finally, in a further embodiment of the invention, the

The threading aid of the dispenser can also grip directly through the mounting window 9. In this embodiment, the position of the pump carrier shown in Figure 5, for example, the use position, the mounting window 9, that is an access window is pulled so far up that the plate of the pump plunger of the mechanics of the dispenser achieved by this window and can be grasped. In this case, the Wegbegrenzer 8 (not shown here) then below the piston, as shown in Figure 5, arranged and the lower part of the cylinder serves only as transport security. This does not have to be removed via the predetermined breaking point 7, since the function is indeed ensured via the mounting window 9.

In principle, it is possible to provide over the internal pressure of the container displaceable piston-like bellhousing and thus the displacement of the suction pump 3 without the described here special type of evacuation of the reservoir 1 via the air channel 2 as a transport lock.

[0078] Reference list:

[0079] 1 storage container

[0080] 2 air duct

[0081] 3 suction pump

[0082] 4 pump intake

[0083] 5 seal between pump carrier and pump intake

[0084] 6 latching position

7 predetermined breaking point

8 path limiter

[0087] 9 mounting window

Claims

claims

1. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for dispensing a pasty, foamy or liquid medium, in particular skin cleansing, skin protection and skin care, with a reservoir (1) for the medium and one on the reservoir (1) arranged in a pump housing , the reservoir (1) against the outside penetrating air sealing suction pump (3) via which a portion of the medium can be delivered as a result of an actuating movement, wherein the reservoir (1) first filled with the medium, then the suction pump (3) in the pump receptacle (4) used and then a suction device with the reservoir (1) is connected, which produces a pressure difference between the environment and the interior of the reservoir (1) through which in the reservoir (1) located air is sucked, characterized in that a filling insert with at least one, during the filling with the interior of the reservoir the environment connecting and closable after the evacuation and outside the conveying path of the suction pump (3) arranged air duct (2) is used, which is designed such that a first pressure level at which air from the reservoir (1) is sucked and a second pressure level exists, wherein the medium in the air passage (2) penetrates, wherein the first pressure level and the second pressure level on the Strömungsgegendruck are distinguishable from each other and before, at or shortly after reaching the second pressure level, the suction ends and the air duct (2) is closed ,

2. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to claim 1, characterized in that via a measuring device, in particular a flow rate detection or a measurement of the Strömungsgegendruckes is determined whether there is still air in the reservoir (1) and the pressure difference is maintained until a switching time is determined via the measuring device, which is characterized by the reaching of the second pressure level.

3. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the two preceding Claims, characterized in that a minimum duration required for evacuation, in particular experimentally determined and without reaching the second pressure level after applying a pressure difference below the second pressure level for at least the minimum duration, the pressure difference generating device is turned off.

4. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the two claims 1 or 2, characterized in that upon reaching the second pressure level, the pressure difference generating device is turned off.

5. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure difference is produced via an externally applied negative pressure, wherein the negative pressure source or -Zuleitung has a pressure relief valve, the applied Vacuum also limits a pressure between the first and second pressure levels.

6. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure difference generating device has a power limitation, so that a second pressure level exceeding pressure difference can not be applied.

7. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure difference is produced by the fact that to the reservoir (1), a negative pressure is applied, via which the air through the Air duct (2) is sucked.

8. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure difference is produced by the fact that the reservoir (1) for generating an increased internal pressure via a printing device, an external pressure is applied.

9. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, Foam-shaped or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the external pressure is exerted on the pump receptacle (4) or the suction pump (3).

10. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the external pressure is exerted via an elastically rebounding pressure device, the thus with a maximum pressing force against the reservoir (1) is set that the internal pressure of the reservoir (1) is above the first pressure level and below the second pressure level.

11. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that is closed at or shortly after reaching the second pressure level of the air duct (2) via a one-way valve whose closing activity on the then compared to the ambient pressure lower internal pressure of the reservoir (1) is switched automatically.

12. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the air channel (2) by a the air duct (2) fixed and gas-tight blocking blocking element is closed.

13. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air channel (2) via the rotation of two sections of the pump receptacle (4) is closed, wherein in a first position of the sections the air channel (2), the two sections at least partially interspersed, is open and in a second position, the air duct (2) gastight by the turning away of the two sections of the air duct (2) is closed and after the closing of the air duct (2) two sections are set to each other to avoid later opening of the air duct (2).

14. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two sections of the pump receptacle (4) are interconnected via a latching connection, wherein after rotation of the sections in the second position on the latching connection a reverse rotation is prevented.

15. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to claim 12, characterized in that the suction pump (3) from a filling position in a use position displaceable in the pump receptacle (4) is mounted, wherein by moving the Suction pump (3) is closed in the use position of the outlet of the air duct (2) and the suction pump (3) is fixed in the position of use.

16. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the displacement of the suction pump (3) via the pressure difference takes place as a driving force, wherein the suction pump (3) is stored in such a way that a movement of the suction pump (3) takes place only when the second pressure level is reached.

17. A method for assembling and for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that via a suction proboscis a pump mounting (4) and the suction pump mounted therein (3) comprehensive assembly unit on pages the delivery side of the suction pump (3) is gripped such that the suction pipe sucks the assembly unit with a suction cup, the air duct (2) open into the vacuum chamber of the suction cup and set the mounting unit on the previously filled reservoir (1) and then the suction nozzle is attached there, wherein after attachment of the mounting unit still existing air is sucked through the suction pipe from the reservoir (1) and then the air duct (2) are closed.

18. A method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that to generate a higher flow back pressure, the medium before or after filling the Reservoir is cooled.

19. A filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid dispensing of the medium, in particular skin cleansing, skin protection and skin care products, with a reservoir (1) for the medium and one on the reservoir (1) arranged in a pump receptacle (4) in that the storage container (1) is sealed off from the outside by penetrating air-sealing suction pump (3) via which a portion of the medium is pasty, liquid or foamed as a result of an actuation action, characterized in that the filling insert at least one, the interior of the reservoir (1) During filling with the environment connecting and closable after evacuation, as well as outside the conveying path of the suction pump (3) arranged air duct (2) which is designed such that a first pressure level at which air from the reservoir (1) are sucked can and a second pressure level exists, the medium in the air duct (2) eindri ngt, wherein the first pressure level and the second pressure level on the flow back pressure are distinguishable from each other, so that before, at or shortly after reaching the second pressure level this is recognizable, so that the suction ends and the air duct (2) can be closed.

20. A filling insert for a dispensing unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air channel (2) of a in the pump holder (4) introduced and along the suction pump used (3) extending groove is formed, whose open side to form the closed bypass channel is covered by the suction pump (3) inserted into the pump receptacle (4).

21, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to claim 16, characterized in that the air channel (2) is formed by a bore-like, straight or curved channel, the pump (4) passes through the suction pump (3) bridging ,

22, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air channel (2) is formed by a bore-like, straight or curved channel, the wall of the suction pump (3). and / or the pump receptacle (4) interspersed.

23. A filling insert for a dispensing unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air duct (2) the wall of the pump (4) screwed suction pump (3) and the pump holder (4), each with a Channel section interspersed and at a defined Aufschraubwinkel the suction pump (3) on the pump holder (4) the two channel sections to an open channel are congruent to each other and further rotation of the suction pump (3), the two channel sections for closing the air duct (2) are movable away from each other ,

24. A filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the air channel (2) has a width of at least one dimension of less than 2, preferably less than 1 mm.

25, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air channel (2) has a slot-like cross-section, the expansion in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction width direction, in particular 10 times greater than in the this width direction and the direction of flow perpendicular transverse direction.

26, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pump (3) within the pump receptacle (4) is slidably mounted from a degassing position to a use position, wherein in the use position Holding means, in particular a latching means is provided, which is capable of fixing the suction pump (3) after moving into the use position and wherein the air outlet is arranged and designed such that it is deactivated by the suction pump displaced in the position of use (3).

27. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air outlet is arranged such that it is closed by the suction pump displaced in the position of use (3).

28. A filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to claim 24, characterized in that the air outlet is arranged such that it is disposed between the degassing position and the use position, wherein the air duct (2) befindlichem in degassing position of the Suction pump (3) connects the interior of the reservoir (1) with the environment and is located in the position of use befindlicher suction pump (3) within the negative pressure range of the reservoir.

29. A filling insert for a dispensing unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the pump receptacle (4) is formed by a on a retaining edge of the reservoir (1) attached ring, wherein the suction pump (3) is movably guided in the ring along the inner circumferential surface of the degassing position in the position of use.

30, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pump (3) is mounted in such a way in the pump receptacle (4) that they are applied to one of the pump receptacle (4) Suction pressure is maintained until the first pressure level of a displacement of the counteracting bearing force and is pulled only at a suction pressure above the first pressure level on the suction pressure in the use position.

31, filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suction pump (3) comprises a pump support which carries the other elements of the suction pump (3) and in the pump receptacle (4) is guided ,

32. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pump carrier is elastic and is inserted under bias in the pump receptacle (4).

33. filling insert for a dispensing unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump receptacle (4) two against each other shifting or includes rotatable body, wherein the air duct (2) passes through both bodies and can be closed by the displacement or rotation of the body.

34. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bodies in a relative position in which the air duct (2) is closed, via a holding means or a latching connection to each other are fixed, wherein the Displacement or rotatability of the body is canceled by the holding means or the locking connection.

35. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the air duct (2) is arranged a switching only when reaching the second pressure level one-way valve.

36. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump receptacle (4) has a plurality of air channels (2).

37. filling insert for a dispenser unit for pasty, foamy or liquid media according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump receptacle (4) is made of a fusible plastic, wherein the air outlets of the air ducts (2) after evacuation of the reservoir by thermal Welding are sealable.

38. Dispenser unit for dispensing pasty, foamy or liquid media in pasty, liquid or foamed state, characterized in that it contains at least one filling insert according to one of the preceding claims.