EP2310297A2

EP2310297A2 - Delivery head

Info

Publication number: EP2310297A2
Application number: EP09777794A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ralf Jordan
Original assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing GmbH
Current assignee: Aptar Dortmund GmbH
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2009-08-11
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-11
Also published as: ES2609298T3; WO2010017950A3; WO2010017950A2; US20110309112A1; DE102008038654A1; EP2310297B1; DE102008038654B4; US8616416B2

Abstract

The invention proposes a delivery head (1) and a delivery device (25) having a delivery head (1), wherein a pivotable actuating element (15) is provided in order to open an outlet valve (10) when the delivery head (1) is actuated. The actuating element (15) is provided with a valve element (12) in order to forcibly open the outlet valve (10) by pivoting the actuating element (15) and/or to move the valve element (12) on a circular path.

Description

dispensing head

The present invention relates to a dispensing head for a preferably cosmetic product according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an dispensing device with a dispensing head according to the preamble of claim 20.

The present invention relates to a dispensing head, which is preferably attached or attachable to a container or its dispensing valve or to a hand-operated pump. The dispensing head preferably serves for non-spraying dispensing or dispensing of a preferably cosmetic product.

The term "product" generally liquids and especially suspensions and other fluids, possibly with gas phases to understand. The product may be dispensed as a paste, jet or mist or otherwise, for example as a foam or gel.

Preferably, the dispensing head is used for a cosmetic product. The term "cosmetic product" in a narrower sense cosmetics, hair spray, hair lacquer, deodorant, shaving cream, paint spray, sunscreen or skin care products, generally means for beauty care, o. The like. To understand. Preferably, however, other body or hair care products are included in a broader sense.

For example, the product may also be detergents or lubricants or other products, for example air fresheners, and in particular also other technical products and fluids, such as rust remover or the like. However, for simplification reasons and because of the focus of use, the following is often only spoken of cosmetic product.

In today's dispensing heads for dispensing particular foaming or foamed products, such as shaving cream, or donor pumps, there is often the problem that the product exits after completion of the actual delivery later, especially nachschäumt or drips. This problem is particularly blatant with shaving o. The like., But also occurs non-foamed or non-intumescent products and may in particular lead to undesirable contamination of the dispensing heads.

US 5,305,930 A discloses a dispensing head having an outlet passage closable by an associated outlet valve. The outlet valve has a pin-shaped, linearly movable valve element. An elastic deformable connecting portion is integrally formed on the valve element in order to couple the valve element with an elastically deformable, shell-like actuating element. The known dispensing head does not allow optimal defined opening and closing of the exhaust valve and is relatively expensive to produce.

The present invention has for its object to provide a dispensing head and a dispensing device with a dispensing head, wherein a simple and inexpensive construction and / or an optimized defined opening or closing of the exhaust valve is or will be possible.

The above object is achieved by a dispensing head according to claim 1 or by a dispensing device according to claim 20. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

One idea of the present invention is that an actuating element is pivotable relative to the outlet channel in order to force open the outlet valve and / or to move the valve element on a circular path. This allows a simple and compact construction and / or a very defined and optimized opening or closing of the exhaust valve.

An additional, independently realizable idea of the present invention provides that the actuating element, the valve element in particular exclusively leads. This in turn allows a very simple and cost-effective construction and / or a defined opening and closing of the exhaust valve.

According to another, independently realizable idea of the present invention, the valve element is biased in the closed position at least substantially only in the direction towards a pivot axis of the actuating element against an outlet opening of the dispensing head or outlet channel. This allows with a simple and inexpensive construction in particular a very defined and largely force-free closing of the exhaust valve.

It should be noted that in the present invention, the term "valve element" is an element which closes an outlet opening with the outlet valve closed and opens when the outlet valve is open.

The term "actuating element" is preferably to be understood as an element which can be actuated manually directly and / or must be actuated to actuate the dispensing head. In particular, the operation is carried out by depressing a part of the actuating element.

Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device with a dispensing head according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing part of the dispensing head without an actuating element; FIG.

3 shows a schematic section of an actuating element of the exhaust head;

4 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing head according to a second embodiment in the unactuated state; 5 shows a schematic section of the dispensing head according to FIG. 4 in the actuated state; and

6 is a perspective view of a portion of the actuating element of the dispensing head of FIG .. 4

In the partly not to scale, only schematic figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, wherein corresponding or similar properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

1 shows in a schematic section a first embodiment of a proposed dispensing device 25 with a dispensing head 1 for dispensing a product 2 in the sense mentioned at the outset.

The product 2 can be significantly higher in viscosity than water or possibly even porous. In particular, it can form a foam or gel. The product 2 may also contain gas in liquid and / or other form.

In particular, the dispensing head 1 is designed for non-spraying delivery of the product 2. In particular, the product 2 is dispensed as a foam, preferably as a shaving foam or the like. For this purpose, the product 2 is in particular designed to be self-foaming and / or is foamed up during dispensing.

However, in principle, the product 2 can also be dispensed in the non-foamed state or also formed non-foaming. Furthermore, it is also possible for the product 2 to foam only very slightly, so that the foaming, for example, only slightly increases the volume, but substantially maintains a liquid or pasty consistency during dispensing.

It should be noted that in place of the exemplified delivery of the product 2 as a foam in principle, any other delivery of the product 2 - for example, as a pasty mass, as a gel, as a drop, as a jet or as a spray - in question.

The dispensing head 1 is preferably provided or connected to a reservoir, in particular a container 3 of the dispenser 25, for the product 2 to be dispensed. The reservoir may form part of the dispensing head 1 or may be connected to it or vice versa.

In the illustrated example, the reservoir is designed as a preferably rigid container 3, in particular as a pressure vessel. The container 3 is in particular elongated and / or cylindrical and / or rigid - particularly preferably as a metallic box - formed for the product 2.

Product 2 in the reservoir is either pressurizable or under pressure. In particular, the container 3 or the product 2 contains a suitable propellant, preferably a volatile and / or flammable propellant, compressed gas and / or carbon dioxide.

The container 3 particularly preferably has a dispensing valve 4 on the front side, to which the dispensing head 1 is connected or connectable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing head 1 preferably has a housing part 5, which is connected to the reservoir or container 3 or connectable, particularly preferably by clamping and / or latching it can be placed.

The dispensing head 1 further comprises a preferably inserted into the housing part 5 and / or held or formed component 6, which forms an outlet channel 7 and is connected to the dispensing valve 4 or connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the component 6 is provided with a corresponding connection section 8 for the particular pluggable connection with the dispensing valve 4 or a nozzle 9 of the dispensing valve 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing part 5 and the component 6 are preferably integrally formed with each other, in particular wherein the housing part 5, the component 6 and thus the outlet channel 7 and connecting portion 8 holds tilted or depressible.

Preferably, the component 6 is tongue-like or arm-like and / or held on one side or at one end.

The connection section 8 is preferably arranged in the region of the center of the dispensing head 1 or the free end of the component 6.

The component 6 or housing part 5 preferably forms a resiliently yielding, for example tiltable and / or tongue-like area or section, so that this with the connection section 8 to the dispensing valve 4 towards displaced and thereby the (container side) dispensing valve 4 is apparent.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing head 1 has an outlet valve 10, which in particular is assigned to the outlet channel 7 and / or a dispensing end 11 of the dispensing head 1.

The outlet valve 10 particularly preferably has a valve element 12 for opening and closing the outlet valve 10 or the outlet channel 7. Particularly preferred is no nozzle, no further channel o. Like. Connects to the outlet valve 10 and its valve member 12 and to the discharge end 11 or an outlet opening 13 of the outlet channel 7 at. Rather, they prefer to open "outside". Thus, the product 2 can preferably be directly absorbed or used after exiting the outlet valve 10 by a user, not shown. In the illustrated example, the valve element 12 covers the Auslaßöffhung 13 of the outlet channel 7 in the closed position shown preferably only from the outside.

The discharge opening 13 of the outlet channel 7 preferably terminates in or on a side wall 14 of the dispensing head 1 or housing part 5.

The dispensing head 1 has an actuating element 15, which is designed as a separate part in the illustration example. However, other constructive solutions are possible, for example, a one-piece design.

The opening of the dispensing valve 4 is preferably carried out by depressing and / or tilting the abovementioned, resilient region or component 6 or the connecting section 8 or the actuating element 15. For this purpose, the actuating element 15 can for this purpose via a projection or operating portion 16 on the component 6 act.

The actuating element 15 is preferably pivotable or tiltable, in particular relative to the housing part 5, component 6 and / or outlet channel 7. Fig. 2 shows in a perspective view the housing part 5 of the dispensing head 1 without actuating element 15. Fig. 3 shows in one enlarged, schematic section of the actuator 15 without further components of the dispensing head. 1 In the illustrated example, the actuating element 15 is pivotable about a pivot axis 17 and / or rocker-like. For this purpose, the actuating element 15 is provided, for example, with bearing sections or bearing eyes 18, which can be supported, for example, by holding sections 19 of the housing part 5, as indicated in FIG. 3.

Preferably, the pivot axis 17 is substantially between the terminal portion 8 on the one hand and the discharge end 11 (outlet) and the outlet opening 13 on the other.

Basically, the pivoting movement of the actuating element 15 can be superimposed upon actuation of the dispensing head 1 or direct manual actuation of the actuating element 15 to a different movement. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element 15 can also be translatable and / or rotational, for example, about an axis perpendicular or skewed to the pivot axis 17, be movable or actuated.

The valve element 12 is preferably guided or held exclusively by the actuating element 15.

Preferably, the valve member 12 is fixedly connected to the actuating element 15.

In particular, the valve element 12 can only be moved together with the actuating element 15.

The valve element 12 is preferably made of an elastic material or plastic.

Preferably, the valve element 12 is molded onto the actuating element 15 or vice versa. This is particularly preferably carried out by so-called "bi-injection". Here, a first component, such as the actuating element 15, first injected in a mold and then or (almost) simultaneously the second component, such as the valve element 12, in the same injection mold directly injected against the first component. However, other types of production are possible.

The actuating element 15 is preferably at least substantially rigid.

The actuating element 15 is preferably integrally formed together with the valve element 12, even if they are made of different materials and / or different properties, such as at least substantially rigid on the one hand and at least substantially elastic on the other hand.

Particularly preferably, the valve element 12 is formed like a dome and / or provided with a dome-shaped closure portion 20, as indicated in Fig. 1.

The valve element 12 closes the outlet opening 13 of the outlet channel 7 preferably only from the outside, in particular with the aforementioned closure portion 20th

Particularly preferably, the valve element 12 is arranged at a free end or edge 21 of the actuating element 15.

FIG. 1 shows the dispensing device 25 or the dispensing head 1 in the unactuated state, that is to say with the dispensing valve 4 closed and the outlet valve 10 closed.

The actuating element 15 is preferably designed for direct manual actuation and, for this purpose, preferably has a gripping or depressing section 22. The handle portion 22 is preferably arranged with respect to the valve element 12 and outlet valve 10 on the other side of the pivot axis 17.

Particularly preferably, the distance of the handle portion 22 from the pivot axis is greater than the distance of the valve member 12 from the pivot axis 17, preferably by a factor of 1.5 or more, in the illustrated example, in particular about a factor of 2. This leads to an advantageous translation. In the illustrated, closed state, the actuator 15 is in the non-tilted or upper position (home position), so that the valve member 12, the exhaust valve 10 is kept closed, as shown in Fig. 1.

The actuator 15 is pivotable about the preferably horizontal or in the illustration of FIG. 1 and 3 perpendicular to the plane of the pivot axis 17 pivotable or tiltable. The pivot axis 17 is preferably located between and / or approximately in a plane between the valve element 12 on the one hand and the actuating portion 16 acting on the component 6 on the other hand. Accordingly, upon depression of the operating member 15 from the position shown in FIG. 1, the operating portion 16 is moved downward and the valve member 12 is moved upwardly and oppositely, respectively.

By depressing the actuating element 15 or handle portion 22 (in Figs. 1 and 3 on the right side) there is a pivoting of the actuating element 15 and thus an opening of the outlet valve 10 (here by raising the valve element 12 and releasing the outlet opening 13) and simultaneously or then opening the dispensing valve 4. In particular, the component 6 is displaced with the connection section 8 down or to the dispensing valve 4 out to open this by operating the nozzle 9 or in any other suitable manner.

Upon actuation of the actuating element 15, the outlet valve 10 is forcibly opened, in particular automatically independent of the product pressure, since the valve element 12 is moved away from the outlet opening 13 - in particular at least substantially transversely or perpendicular to the main outlet direction. The valve element 12 is preferably guided exclusively by the actuating element 15. The valve element 12 is preferably moved only on a circular path, as indicated in Fig. 1 by the double arrow.

When the dispensing valve 4 is open, the product 2, which is preferably under pressure in the reservoir or container 3, can then flow into the outlet channel 7, for example via a riser 23 (FIG. 1) and the opened dispensing valve 4. If necessary, then takes place in the outlet 7 already a first foaming of the 2. If necessary, a foaming device (not shown) may also be provided for this purpose (additionally or alternatively). For example, the product 2 or the foam can be guided through a grid, not shown, and / or foamed up by the addition of gas or air (additionally or alternatively).

The product 2 can then escape through the open outlet valve 10 to the outside or to the outside, and particularly preferably foam or further foam or form a gel or other product or be issued in liquid, pastö- ser or other form.

The dispensing valve 4 preferably closes automatically when the actuating element 15 is released. In the illustrated example, the provision of the component 6 or connecting section 8 is preferably carried out exclusively by spring forces of the resilient section and / or by the dispensing valve 4.

In addition or as an alternative, however, it is also possible to use, for example, an unillustrated return or closing spring or another constructive solution.

If necessary, the dispensing valve 4 may also be, for example, a metering valve or another valve device.

The product delivery or foaming finally ends when the outlet valve 10 closes. The closed or closing exhaust valve 10 prevents product 2 or the foam of the like in the outlet channel 7 from escaping or foaming out in an undesired manner.

Particularly preferably, the actuating element 15 is biased in its initial position or the exhaust valve 10 closing the closed position. In the illustrated example, a spring portion 24 is provided for this purpose, which is in particular integrally formed on the component 6 or formed by this. However, other constructive solutions are possible. The restoring force exerted on the actuating element 15 by the spring section 24 or another device is preferably smaller than the force required to depress the component 6 or connecting section 8 and, in particular, the force required to open the dispensing valve 4. Thus, it can be achieved that upon actuation or depression of the actuating element 15 or handle portion 22, first the valve element 12 is moved away, so the outlet valve 10 is opened before the dispensing valve 4 opens.

A particular advantage of the outlet valve 10 is that, in addition to the avoidance of a subsequent exiting product 2, a very simple cleaning is made possible for the user, since the outlet valve 10 preferably forms a clean or easy to clean dispensing end 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the product dispensing preferably takes place essentially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the depression direction or opening direction of the dispensing valve 4 and / or at least substantially horizontally or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the container 3.

It is to be noted that preferably no further product-discharge-forming means, such as a nozzle, a channel or the like, adjoins the discharge end 11. However, this does not exclude that, for example, a shell-like extension, housing-side recess o. The like., In which the discharge end 1 1 opens, may be provided.

In the illustrated example, the actuating element 15 is preferably formed as a separate part, which is in particular placed on, plugged, clamped or latched, in particular on the holding portions 19 (FIG. 2) pivotally mounted or held.

Preferably, the actuator 15 is mounted or supported with its bearing portions or bearing eyes 18 or otherwise on both sides of the exhaust valve 10 and valve member 12 and / or latched onto the holding portions 19 and snapped. But there are also other constructive solutions possible. In particular, the actuating element 15 can in principle also be mounted in a different manner, elastically deformable and / or molded onto the housing part 5 or component 6.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the proposed dispensing head 1 will be explained with reference to the other figures, wherein the following description is limited to significant differences or new aspects. The previous statements and explanations apply in particular corresponding or supplementary.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic section of the second embodiment of the proposed dispensing head 1 in the unactuated state. FIG. 5 shows the dispensing head 1 in the actuated state, that is to say with the outlet valve 10 open. FIGS. 4 and 5 each show an upper part of the dispensing head 1. Fig. 6 shows in a perspective view a part of the actuating element 15 from below.

In the second embodiment, the valve element 12 is preferably arranged on an inner side of the edge 21 of the actuating element 15.

In the second embodiment, the closure portion 20 of the valve member 12 is preferably curved or dome-shaped and / or adapted so that it can extend at least partially into the dispensing opening 13 and the subsequent outlet channel 7 from the outlet side in the closed position.

Particularly preferably, the actuating element 15 or outlet valve 10 is latchingly held in the closed position or unactuated position. This can be realized in particular by the aforementioned engagement of the valve element 12 or its closure section 20 into the outlet opening 13 and the outlet channel 7, respectively. However, other constructive solutions are possible here.

In the second embodiment, the valve element 12 is preferably biased in the closed position at least substantially axially or only to the pivot axis 17 against the outlet opening 13. Thus, a quasi-force-free and / or defined closing of the exhaust valve 10 is made possible. In particular the actuation of the actuating element 15 is at least largely decoupled from the closing force. This allows the simplest possible operation with high sealing effect or closing force.

Particularly preferably, the pivot axis 17 and the last portion of the outlet channel 7, which extends to the outlet opening 13, at least substantially in a plane. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot axis 17 preferably crosses a middle perpendicular of the outlet opening 13 or passes close thereto.

The following embodiments relate in particular to all embodiments and in general to the invention.

The housing part 5, component 6, valve element 12 is or are preferably injection-molded or made of plastic.

The actuating element 15 is made of a first material, in particular a relatively rigid plastic material. Preference is given to using a polyolefin, in particular PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

The valve element 12 is made of a second material. In particular, the second material is an elastomer and / or a thermoplastic. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or TPV or the like is preferably used. In particular, it is a flexible material. The second material is particularly flexible or softer than the first material. This is particularly desirable in the illustrated embodiments, since the valve element 12 formed therefrom should have a certain elastic deformability and / or flexibility in contrast to the actuating element 15.

Accordingly, the first material and the second material are preferably different, thus differing in particular with regard to their composition and / or properties. However, in principle, other constructions are possible in which the same or the same material can be used for the first material and the second material. Preferably, a material pairing is selected for the first material and the second material, so that the two materials are preferably firmly connected to each other directly by spraying. Such a firm connection of the two materials without pretreatment, adhesion promoter, processing or the like is particularly preferably achievable.

Injection molding is particularly preferably carried out by the so-called "BI injection" in which first a material (the first material) is injected into an injection mold and then the other material (the second material) is sprayed against the previously sprayed material, in particular in the same injection mold becomes. However, it is also possible in principle that the two materials are basically injected into the same injection mold almost simultaneously.

By spraying the two materials against each other, the desired solid compound is achieved. Preferably, no further measures for connecting the two materials or components (here of the actuating element 15 and the valve element 12) are required in order to achieve the desired strength, chemical compound, chemical resistance and / or tightness. However, supplementary or alternatively other measures, such as pressing, clamping, welding or the like, can in principle also be used.

Particularly preferably, the actuating element 15 forms an upper cover of the dispensing head 1 and / or covers the component 6 and optionally also the housing part 12 at least substantially completely. Particularly preferably, the actuating element 15 is formed at least substantially like a cover or cap.

Particularly preferably, the actuating element 15 extends with its edge 21 in the region of the side wall of the preferably at least substantially cylindrical housing part 5. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The proposed embodiments allow an optimal opening of the outlet valve 10, in particular to the full cross-section of the outlet opening 13. Thus, an optimized outflow behavior and an optimized emptying can be achieved. The various embodiments and individual features and constructive solutions of the embodiments can also be arbitrarily combined with each other, but also used independently and / or in other dispensing heads and dispensers.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 dispensing head

2 product

3 containers

4 delivery valve

5 housing part

6 component

7 outlet channel

8 connection section

9 nozzles

10 outlet valve

11 dispensing end

12 valve element

13 outlet opening

14 wall

15 actuator

16 operating section

17 pivot axis

18 bearing eye

19 holding section

20 closure section

21 edge

22 handle section

23 riser

24 spring section

25 dispenser

Claims

Patentanspriiche:

A dispensing head (1) for a preferably cosmetic product (2) having an outlet passage (7), an associated outlet valve (10) having a movable valve element (12), and an actuator (15) for opening the outlet valve (10) ) on actuation of the dispensing head (1), wherein the dispensing head (1) is designed for connection to a container (3) such that product (2) is removed from the container (3), preferably via a dispensing valve (4) of the container (3 ) is discharged into the outlet channel (7) when the dispensing head (1) is actuated, characterized in that the actuating element (15) guides the valve element (12) and / or upon actuation of the dispensing head (1 ) is pivotable relative to the outlet channel (7) about a pivot axis (17) to forcibly open the outlet valve (10) and / or to move the valve element (12) in a circular path or substantially toward the pivot axis (17) in the closed position against an outlet opening (13) of the Abg preload (1).

2. Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting movement of the actuating element (15) upon actuation of the dispensing head (1) with a tilting of the outlet channel (7), in particular for opening the dispensing valve (4) is coupled.

3. Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element (15) in the closed position, in particular by means of a spring portion (24), is biased.

4. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (15) is formed like a rocker.

5. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (15) forms a lid-like and / or at least substantially flat or smooth cover of the dispensing head (1).

6. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing head (1) has a preferably the outlet channel (7) and / or in particular at least substantially cylindrical housing part (5), in particular wherein the actuating element (15) the housing part ( 5) at least substantially completely covered.

7. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (15) completely covers the outlet channel (7) forming component (6) of the dispensing head (1) on the top of the dispensing head (1).

8. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (15) is designed for direct manual actuation, in particular for this purpose with a handle or depressing portion (22) is provided.

9. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (15) is rigid and / or in one piece, in particular together with the valve element (12) is formed.

10. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) is fixedly connected to the actuating element (15).

11. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) is held only by the actuating element (15).

12. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) only together with the actuating element

(15) is movable and / or is exclusively or positively guided by it.

13. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) consists of an elastic material.

14. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) is injection-molded onto the actuating element (15).

15. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) closes the outlet channel (7) dome-like.

16. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) only from the outside, the directly opening to the outside Auslaßöffhung (13) of the outlet channel (7) closes in the closed position.

17. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet valve (10) or the outlet opening (13) opens directly into the open.

18. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing head (1) for non-spraying and / or foaming the output of the product (2) is formed.

19. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing head (1) is designed to dispense foam or gel.

20. Dispensing device (25) with a container (3) having a dispensing valve (4) for dispensing a pressurized product (2) from the container (3), and with a on the container (3) and dispensing valve (4) ) attached dispensing head

characterized in that the dispensing head (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.