EP2411233B1 - Pen-like applicator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a pen-shaped applicator.

A pen-shaped applicator in question has a pin shaft which carries an applicator tip at its first axial end. When the applicator is not in use, this end is closed by a removable cap for use. Typically, this is a threaded screw cap that securely seals the applicator. At its other second end, the applicator carries a conveyor knob. By operating the conveyor knob, application fluid is delivered from a pen-shafted reservoir to the applicator tip for application therefrom. For example, printing or rotary knobs are known as conveyor buttons. Such applicators are, for example, in the field of cosmetics from the EP 0 214 012 A1 or as liquid applicators for applying nail polish as a contract fluid from the not yet published DE 10 2008 041 282 or DE 10 2008 043 911 known.

In the case of a push button, the applicator is held on the pen shaft and exerted, for example with the thumb axial pressure on the conveyor knob, whereupon passes a precisely definable small amount of nail polish to the applicator tip. The push button offers the advantage of a one-hand operation. In the case of a rotary knob, the conveyor knob is held, for example, between the thumb and forefinger and rotated in the circumferential direction. The dosage within the pen takes place, for example via a rotary ratchet mechanism. This allows a very fine dosage, depending on the pitch of the internal conveyor thread. Alternatively, a printing mechanism is possible.

The applicator may be provided with a drop weight. By shaking the applicator, the drop weight is reciprocated in the axial direction whereby a wire connected to the drop weight causes internal channels, e.g. tube leading to the applicator tip, from e.g. cleaned by drying fluid residues. Such a drop weight is e.g. known from ink pens of Faber-Castell ago.

The applicator offers over known nail varnish bottles the advantage of easier handling. A separate immersion of a brush in a reservoir is not necessary. This results in a lower risk of contamination for the user, also eliminates the stripping of the brush as a separate operation. By a precisely metered, acting on the reservoir piston mechanism is a clean and accurate application of a desired amount of order fluid possible. The applicator offers much better hygiene, since the already used applicator does not have to be re-dipped into the nail varnish supply both for re-application and for storage.

A disadvantage of known applicators is that, for example, when transported in a handbag or jacket pocket accidental operation of the conveyor knob - especially in the case of a printing mechanism - can take place. Thus, application fluid escapes towards the applicator tip and distributes itself, for example, in the pencil cap or contaminates or sticks to it, and application fluid is wasted.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved pen-shaped applicator.

The invention is based on the recognition that in the known applicators, the pressure or rotary mechanism is always unprotected, that is actuated. The invention is based on the basic idea to protect the conveyor knob when not in use of the pen from accidental operation and continue to recognize that when not in use, the cap should always be placed on the applicator. The basic idea of the invention is therefore to couple the fitting of the cap by a movement-coupling mechanism with a protective device so that it is activated when the cap is put on, that is, the conveyor knob is protected against accidental operation. When removing the cap, the protective device is then moved again and released the conveyor knob for actuation. By these measures, the applicator is improved in terms of safety in use.

The object is achieved according to claim 1 by a pin-shaped applicator with a pin shaft, wherein the pin shaft has a removable cap at its first axial end. This covered in the attached state an applicator tip. By removing the cap, the applicator tip is released for use. At its second axial end, the pin shaft has a conveyor button. The conveyor knob acts - as explained above - on a reservoir for order fluid to promote the latter when needed to the applicator tip. The applicator has a protective device, which is in a protective position with the cap and in this position, the conveyor knob before operation protects. The protective device is coupled to the cap in such a manner that the former is in a release position with the cap removed, in which it releases the conveyor button for actuation.

The protective device is therefore movable between two positions, namely the release position and the protective position, wherein the movement is caused by the removal of the cap or the placement of the cap on the applicator. Thus, it is always ensured that when using the applicator, namely, forcibly removing the cap to release the applicator tip, the protection device is in the release position and the conveyor knob can be operated to use the applicator. On the other hand, after the end of use, when the cap is usually replaced to cover the applicator tip, at the same time the protective device comes to the protection position and protects the conveyor knob against accidental operation.

For the protection device, all mechanical, the conveyor button against actuation protective devices are conceivable. By way of example may be mentioned: in the conveyor knob retractable bars, pins or other clamping or blocking means, which, for example. be supported on the pen shaft or extendable from the pen shaft cover, caps or sleeves for total or partial covering or wrapping the conveyor knob.

In a particularly simple and therefore inexpensive and robust embodiment of the applicator, the protective device contains a sleeve which can be displaced in the axial direction of the applicator. In the protective position this includes the conveyor button concentric. In the release position, the sleeve is moved back relative to the pin shaft to the first end, whereby the conveyor knob projects beyond the sleeve in the axial direction and thus can be operated.

In other words, when unscrewing the cap of the previously sunk in the sleeve conveyor button is released. When placing the cap of the conveyor knob is recessed in the sleeve, so that unintentional operation is prevented. When attached cap so the conveyor knob is disposed within the applicator and therefore not readily accessible for actuation. When removing the cap of the push button comes into its use position in which it protrudes from the rear shaft end. The automatic mechanism is produced by the mechanical coupling between the placement and removal movement of the closure cap and the relative movement between the push button and the sleeve or pin shaft.

Another embodiment is particularly suitable in connection with an axially actuated push button. The conveyor knob then has an end-side actuating surface. The sleeve then has a second end facing frontal abutment surface, which is located axially in the protective position in the area of the actuating surface.

An article that is in a handbag, for example, together with the applicator, accidentally presses on the second end of the applicator, which is occupied by the conveying button. In the known applicator, the object would axially press the frontal actuating surface. However, since the protective device is in the protective position, the object is located on the frontal abutment surface of the sleeve, which is why the conveyor knob - if any - only slightly, is actuated in the axial direction, but this does not lead to a transport of order fluid. In the release position, with intentional operation with, for example, the thumb of a user, the stop surface is moved back to the first end, which is why the end-side actuating surface is released and the conveyor button is actuated.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the sleeve extends in the protective position, ie with the cap attached, axially from the cap to the second end of the applicator. The sleeve thus extends almost over the entire length of the pen shank. This has the advantage that the applicator provides a uniform appearance to the outside, for example, with attached cap this closes more or less gap-free with the sleeve. In addition, the additional over the pen shaft extending outer sleeve provides additional protection of the pen shank or an additional Permeationssperre for the located in the pen stock reservoir or its solvent containing order fluid.

In other words, the sleeve then forms the actual or outer pin shaft on which the applicator is held. The conveying mechanism and the reservoir are located as a cartridge within the pen shaft. The resulting double housing wall effectively prevents drying of the application fluid. Depending on the type of fluid, eg hydrophilic or hydrophobic, a certain material mix of pen shank and sleeve can be advantageous.

In a further embodiment, a locking device is provided. If the locking device is in a fixing position, it fixes the sleeve and pin shaft axially relative to one another. In the release position of the locking device sleeve and pin shaft are movable relative to each other. This axial fixation is important for axially pressure-actuated conveyor buttons, as in the unlocked or fixed case, a pressure on the conveyor knob, which is in contact with the pen shaft, the pen shaft would press together with the conveyor knob in the sleeve, and so no operating force between the conveyor knob and pen shank would arise. The pin shaft must therefore be axially fixed to the sleeve, so that a pressure on the conveyor knob leads to a relative movement between the conveyor knob and pen shaft when the applicator, e.g. held with one hand on the sleeve.

For locking devices are again a variety of variants available. Here are merely exemplified: Retractable pins and hooks, latching or snap devices between the sleeve and pen shank, which are manually or automatically releasable or lockable. Automatic here means that they are also operated with the removal or placement of the cap motion coupled.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve with respect to the pen shaft to the first end or to the cap, ie away from the conveyor knob, resiliently biased. Without external force so that the sleeve always slides into the release position and must be brought by the action of the cap against the spring force in the protective position. To do this, the cap and pin stem thread. When threading the cap on the applicator engages the thread. About mutual stop surfaces Cap and sleeve, the screwing movement of the cap is converted into an axial movement of the sleeve. The sleeve is thus moved to the second end. The first stop surface is located at the open end of the cap. The co-operating with this second stop surface is located at that end of the sleeve, which faces the cap.

In other words, when the cap is applied, it is supported on the front side at the e.g. from a hand held sleeve. By the threaded engagement between the cap and pen shank latter is pulled together with the conveyor knob in the cap, whereby the conveyor knob disappears in the sleeve.

The above-mentioned bias voltage is generated in a particularly preferred embodiment by a spring which is supported between the conveyor knob and sleeve. The spring has a double effect especially for pressure-actuated conveyor buttons: When screwing on and off the cap, it causes the sleeve and pen shank to move. In the release position it springs with axially fixed sleeve on the pen shank the push button opposite sleeve or pen shank.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the state of the locking device by a mutual or relative rotation of the pen shank and sleeve is variable. By a rotation about the longitudinal axis of the applicator so they can reach or leave the fixing position. Sleeve and pen shank are thus locked by this rotation or solvable. This rotation can easily be combined with the rotation of screwing the cap onto the applicator, so screwing on the cap and sleeve or unscrewing as well each automatically locks the locking device or triggers.

In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the above-mentioned, the fixation causing or releasing rotational movement is caused by a frictional engagement between the cap and pen shank. This can e.g. by a seal applied to the cap or pin shaft, which bears tightly against the pin shaft and carries it with rotation of the cap under friction in the respective direction of rotation. Also, the thread may be carried out according to friction, to exert a moving rotational movement on the pin shank.

In a first preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises a arranged on the sleeve, radially inwardly projecting intermediate bottom and arranged on the pin shaft locking bar. The intermediate bottom has, in a certain angular range of its circumference, a passage opening through which the locking web can pass through the intermediate floor. In its remaining peripheral area of the intermediate bottom acts as a stop ring. Sleeve and pin shank can therefore be moved axially relative to each other only in this relative rotational position. At other angles of rotation, the Arretiersteg supports fixing on the intermediate bottom. By changing the rotational position between the sleeve and pin shaft so the locking device can be fixed or solved.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking web on a locking lug. The detent having part of the Arretierstegs is radially inwardly sprung and formed as a free end of the Arretierstegs. The Arretiersteg also has a second end facing the starting slope for the Latch on which cooperates with the intermediate floor. The run-on slope thus helps the latch to overcome the false floor when the locking device moves into the fixing position. This has the advantage that the locking bar can slide in any rotational position between the sleeve and pin shaft with the help of the run-up slope over the intermediate bottom and thereby springs radially inward. When the sleeve has reached the release position, the locking bar springs radially outward and comes in the manner of a latching nose into fixing engagement with the stop ring. The backward movement back into the protective position, however, succeeds only when sleeve and pin shaft have the correct rotational position relative to one another and the locking web can pass through the passage opening.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking device is designed such that the sleeve has a radially inwardly projecting guide pin which engages in a control cam which is formed on the pin shaft. The control cam comprises a transverse section facing the first end and an axial section facing the second end. In other words, in this embodiment is a slide guide, in which the control cam is introduced, for example, as a slot in a wall of the pen shank. Thanks to the axially extending axial section, the sleeve can be moved axially relative to the pin shaft. If the guide pin then enters the circumferentially extending transverse section in the release position, the sleeve can be rotated so far relative to the pin shaft that the guide pin and thus the sleeve are fixed axially on the pin shaft.

Again, as described above, the rotational movement or the axial movement can be achieved by a corresponding frictional engagement between cap and pin shaft or the threaded engagement, e.g. in connection with the o.g. Spring, be accomplished.

Of course, the control cam can be attached to the sleeve and the guide pin on the pin shaft. The same applies to the reversal of intermediate floor and locking bar for the o.g. Embodiment.

In a further embodiment, the control cam on a lying between the axial and transverse section oblique section. This leads when placing or unscrewing the cap, the axial movement and circumferential movement between pin shank and sleeve or guide pin and backdrop into each other.

Fig. 1

einen Applikator mit aufgesetzter Kappe und Schutzvorrichtung in Schutzposition im Schnitt,

Fig. 2

den Applikator aus Fig. 1 mit abgenommener Kappe und Schutzvorrichtung in Freigabeposition,

Fig. 3

das Detail III aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

den Schnitt IV durch den Applikator aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

das Detail V aus Fig. 2,

Fig. 6

den Schnitt VI durch den Applikator aus Fig. 2,

Fig. 7

den Schnitt VII durch den Applikator aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 8

den Applikator aus Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Teilschnittdarstellung während verschiedener Betriebszustände der Arretiervorrichtung,

Fig. 9

den Applikator aus Fig. 1 in teilzerlegter perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 10

einen Applikator mit alternativer Arretiervorrichtung in teilzerlegter perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 11

den Applikator aus Fig. 10 im Schnitt mit Schutzvorrichtung in Schutzposition,

Fig. 12

den Applikator aus Fig. 10 mit Schutzvorrichtung in Freigabeposition,

Fig. 13

den Schnitt XIII durch den Applikator aus Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

den Schnitt XIV durch den Applikator aus Fig. 11,

Fig. 15

das Detail XV aus Fig. 11,

Fig. 16

das Detail XVI aus Fig. 12,

Fig. 17

den Applikator aus Fig. 10 in perspektivischer Teilschnittdarstellung während verschiedener Betriebszustände der Arretiervorrichtung.

For a further description of the invention reference is made to the embodiments of the drawings. They show, in each case in a schematic outline sketch:

Fig. 1

an applicator with attached cap and protective device in protective position in section,

Fig. 2

the applicator off Fig. 1 with removed cap and guard in release position,

Fig. 3

the detail III off Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

cut IV through the applicator Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

the detail V off Fig. 2 .

Fig. 6

Cut VI through the applicator Fig. 2 .

Fig. 7

cut VII through the applicator Fig. 1 .

Fig. 8

the applicator off Fig. 1 in a perspective partial sectional view during various operating states of the locking device,

Fig. 9

the applicator off Fig. 1 in teilzerlegter perspective view,

Fig. 10

an applicator with alternative locking device in teilzerlegter perspective view,

Fig. 11

the applicator off Fig. 10 on average with protective device in protective position,

Fig. 12

the applicator off Fig. 10 with protective device in release position,

Fig. 13

cut XIII through the applicator Fig. 12 .

Fig. 14

cut XIV through the applicator Fig. 11 .

Fig. 15

the detail XV off Fig. 11 .

Fig. 16

the detail XVI Fig. 12 .

Fig. 17

the applicator off Fig. 10 in a perspective partial sectional view during various operating states of the locking device.

Fig. 1 shows a pin-shaped applicator 2, in the example a nail polish applicator, with a pin shaft 4, which ends at its first end face 6 in an applicator tip 8. Inside the pin 4, the applicator tip 8 is followed by a reservoir 10 for a coating fluid, in the example nail polish (not shown). The reservoir 10 is adjoined in the pin shaft 4 by a piston 12, which can be moved in the direction of the arrow 16 by a conveyor mechanism 14 adjoining it in order to convey application fluid from the reservoir 10 to the applicator tip 8.

In the Fig. 1 symbolically shown conveyor mechanism 14 is a push-button-operated rotary ratchet mechanism. it includes a subsequent to the piston 12 conveyor member 18 with a punch 19 and a conveyor knob 20 in the form of a push button, which is located at the second front end 22 of the pen shank 4. The conveying part 18 is both axially and rotationally fixed in the pin shaft 4. The conveyor knob 20 can be pressed from its end position shown in the direction of the arrow 24 relative to the conveying part 18. The relative movement between the conveyor knob 20 and conveyor part 18 causes a step movement of the punch 19 with the piston 12 in the direction of the arrow 16.

In the region of its end 6, the pin shaft 4 is provided with a thread 26a onto which a cap 28 protecting the applicator tip 8 when not in use is completely screwed with its thread 26b. The pin shaft 4 is surrounded in the region adjoining the cap 28 up to its end 22 by a sleeve 30, which forms a protective device 32 for the push button 20.

The sleeve 30 is located in Fig. 1 in its protective position 38, in which it completely surrounds the conveyor knob 20 with its end section 33 facing the end 22, ie, absorbs or sinks in it. In particular, such a front-side actuating surface 34 of the conveyor knob 20 is bounded by a stop surface 36, namely the end of the end portion 33.

In the unactuated state shown there push button 22 is the stop surface 33 in the axial region of the actuating surface 34. Now accidentally presses a user or an object against the end 22 of the applicator 2, the pressure is absorbed by the stop surface 36 and a pressing the actuating surface 34 is prevented. The delivery mechanism 14 is not triggered and application fluid is not accidentally delivered to the applicator tip 8.

In Fig. 1 the sleeve 30 is held in the protective position 38 shown by the patch cap 28: whose located at the open end frontal abutment surface 40 presses against the end face also facing stop surface 42 of the sleeve 30 and holds the sleeve 30 in the direction of arrow 44, so the Axial direction of the applicator 2, in the protective position 38. The sleeve 30 is biased against the direction of the arrow 44 by a spring 46. The latter is supported between a radially inwardly molded annular intermediate bottom 48 of the sleeve 30 and a stop surface 50 of the conveyor knob 20 from.

In order to use the applicator 2, this must be from his in Fig. 1 shown non - use position in the in Fig. 2 shown use position be brought. For this purpose, the applicator 2 is held on the sleeve 30 and the cap 28 is unscrewed from the pin shaft 4. The abutment surface 40 moves relative to the pin shank 4 because of the threads 26a, b during unscrewing in the direction of arrow 44. Because of the spring 46, the sheath 30 also shifts against the direction of the arrow 44, following the cap 28, relative to the pin shank 4. In other words, the conveyor knob 20 is successively released as it emerges from the end portion 33. The relative movement between sleeve 30 and pin shaft 4 ends in the in Fig. 2 shown position, namely, when the intermediate bottom 48 at the front end or the abutment surface 52 of the pin shank 4 abuts. The threads 26a, b are still engaged here. Subsequently, the cap 28 is completely off Thread 26a, b unscrewed, with the stop surfaces 40 and 42 are removed from each other and finally the cap 28 can be removed entirely from the pen shank 4.

In Fig. 2 the applicator 2 is ready for operation, ie with the help of the applicator tip 8 application fluid, such as nail polish can be applied to a fingernail. The conveyor mechanism 14 is now ready for operation, since sleeve 30 and protective device 32 are now in a release position 54. The abutment surface 36 of the sleeve 30 is now so far away from the actuating surface 34 of the conveyor knob 20 that a pressure on the actuating surface 34 can take place unhindered, ie the conveyor knob 20 can be pressed in the direction of the arrow 24 for actuating the conveyor mechanism 14. The spring 46 in this case fulfills a second, ie double function: it biases the conveyor knob 20 against the conveying part 20, opposite the conveying part 18, against the direction of the arrow 24 via the sleeve 30 and the pin shaft 4. After a pressure on the actuating surface 34 and movement of the conveyor knob 20 in the direction of the arrow 24 this springs back against the direction of the arrow 24 in the end position shown.

Upon actuation of the conveyor knob 20, the applicator 2 is usually taken not on the exposed part of the pen shank 4, but on the sleeve 30. Because of the axially movable mounting of the sleeve 30 on the pin shaft 4 would now - without further action - a pressure on the conveyor knob 20 cause the entire remaining applicator 2 moves in the sleeve 30, but not the conveyor mechanism 14 is actuated. In the applicator 2 is therefore still a locking device 56 is present, which in the in Fig. 2 shown use position located in a fixing position 57 and sleeve 30 and pin shaft 4 axially fixed to each other.

The locking device 56 is in the FIGS. 3 to 6 and 9 shown in detail. In 3 and 4 according to Fig. 1 shows the protective position 38, the locking device 56 is freewheeling, so is ineffective in terms of locking. The pin shaft 4 or with this the conveying part 18 is thus axially displaceable in the direction of the arrow 44 in order to leave the shown non-use position and associated protective position 38 when unscrewing the cap 28.

One end of the web 60 is cut free in the wall of the conveyor part 60 on three sides, thus forming a radially inwardly resilient free end 58. At its radial outer side carries the web 60 in the region of the free end 58 a locking lug 62. The locking device 56 also includes the intermediate bottom 48, on which the locking lug in the release position 54 is supported.

The conveying part 18 has an air gap 64 in the axial region of the web 60 or its free end, in order to allow a radially inward springing of the free end 58 with the latching noses 62. The locking device 56 further comprises: A first groove 66 introduced into the intermediate bottom 48 of a first depth d1, which extends over a first angular range α1. And a second, adjacent to the first subsequent groove 68 of a greater depth d2, which extends over an angular range α2. In the protective position 38 shown pen shaft 4 and conveying part 18 and sleeve 30 are in such a rotational position to each other that the web 60 in Angle range α2 is and thus aligned with the groove 68, which has a sufficient depth d2, that the web 60 can pass with its locking lug 62, the intermediate bottom 48 in both axial directions, without these come into engagement with each other. The groove 68 thus forms a passage opening for the Arretiersteg in the form of the web 60. Both grooves 66 and 68 are therefore stepped.

FIGS. 5 and 6 In contrast, the locking device 56 in its effective, ie fixing position. Sleeve 30 or intermediate bottom 48 and conveying part 18 or pin shaft 4 are in this case in an altered rotational position to each other. The web 60 is namely now in the angular ranges α1, ie in the region of the groove 66 of the smaller depth d1. The latching nose 62 therefore engages behind the intermediate bottom 48 or abuts against it, thus preventing the pin shaft 4 and conveying part 18 from being able to move within the sleeve 30 counter to the direction of the arrow 44. In detail, it can be seen again how the sleeve 30 rests with its intermediate bottom 48 against the abutment surface 52 of the pin shank 4. A pressure on the conveyor knob 20 thus causes the latching lug 62 abuts the intermediate bottom 48, thereby the delivery part 18 is supported on the sleeve 30 and another pressure on the conveyor knob 20 to a relative movement against the direction of the arrow 44 with respect to the conveyor part 18 leads.

In cooperation with the web 60 also cause The lateral outer end 70 of the groove 66 and the opposite end 72 of the groove 68 effect a limitation of the angle of rotation between pin shank 4 and sleeve 30 to the sum of the angular ranges α1 and α2. The web has namely in its fixed portion 73 a height which is greater than the clear width between conveying part 18 and intermediate bottom 48 outside the angular range α1 and α2.

Incidentally, in an alternative, not shown embodiment, the angle ranges α1 and α2 can be carried out in each case significantly larger, resulting in an overall further rotation between sleeve 30 and pin shaft 4 and increased reliability, since both the locking of the latch 62 and the Passage of the web 60 through the groove 68 safer, ie is guaranteed on a larger circumferential angle.

Fig. 7 shows how conveyor part 18 and pin shaft 4 by means of various unspecified, meshed webs, which form a rotation lock 78 are rotationally fixed against each other. However, the sleeve 30 is opposite to both parts, as explained above, rotatable.

Fig. 8 shows in four steps a) to d), as both the locking device 56 and the protective device 32 with the removal and placement of the cap 28 are coupled to the applicator 2 motion. Position a) shows the protective device 32 in the protective position 38, but is just started with the unscrewing, so removing the cap 28 from the applicator 2. The applicator 2 is held on the sleeve 30, the cap 28 unscrewed by rotation in the direction of the arrow 74. Since the cap 28 is a in Fig. 2 bears particularly clearly visible radially inward annular bead 76 which frictionally (see Fig. 1 ) abuts the pin shaft 4, the rotational movement of the cap 28 leads to entrainment of the pin shank 4 and because of the rotation lock 78 and the conveyor member 18 relative to the sleeve 30 in the direction of the arrow 74. The annular bead 76 thus causes a frictional connection between the cap 28 and pin shaft 4. The annular bead 76 also has a double function as a sealing element, which seals with the cap 28 it against the environment on the pin shaft 4 and thus prevents the applicator tip 8 drying.

Therefore, the web 60 leaves the region of the groove 68, ie the angle range α2, and enters the angular range α1 of the groove 66 until it abuts the end 70. By unscrewing the cap 28 also sets at the same time a movement of the pin shaft 4 and conveyor mechanism 14 in the direction of the arrow 44 relative to the detained sleeve 30 a. The web 60 slides through the groove 66 and springs radially inwardly thanks to a run-on slope 80, so that the catch nose 62 completely passes through the groove 66. The run-on slope 80 is for this purpose on the end 22 facing side of the locking lug 62nd

Finally, as shown in position b), the latching lug 62 or the free end 58 again springs outward and the latching lug 62 engages behind the intermediate bottom 48. Fig. 8b shows the in Fig. 2 illustrated use position of the applicator 2. The locking device is located in the fixing position 57th

Position c) now shows the beginning of the screwing, so placing the cap 28. Due to friction of the annular bead 76 on the pin shaft 4 pin shaft 4 and conveyor mechanism 14 are now rotated against the direction of the arrow 74 relative to the sleeve 30. The twist ends in the in Fig. 8c shown position, namely, when the web 60 abuts with its portion 73 at the end 72 of the groove 68. The screwing of the cap 28 at the same time leads to a movement of the pin shaft 4, etc. against the direction of the arrow 44. Since in particular the Locking lug 62 is now located in the angular range α2, this can pass through the groove 68, the intermediate bottom 48 due to the greater depth d2, so that the applicator at the end of Aufschraubvorganges finally reaches the end position shown in position 8d, which in turn Fig. 1 equivalent.

The tip 82 shown in the figures at the end 22 of the web 60 is used to introduce the web in the angular range α1 and α2 during assembly of the applicator second

Fig. 9 again shows a perspective view of the sleeve 30 with internal, dashed lines indicated pin shaft 4 and the conveyor mechanism 14 with the anti-rotation device 78 and the webs 60th

The Figs. 10 to 17 show an applicator according to the FIGS. 1 to 9 However, with an alternative locking device 56. The conveyor mechanism 14 and the conveyor part 18 here has no web 60, but in its place a control cam 90 which is formed by a recess in the wall of the conveyor part 18. In addition, the intermediate bottom 48 has no grooves 66 and 68, but instead instead of a radially inwardly projecting from the intermediate bottom guide pin 92 which engages in the control cam 90. The control cam 90 has an axial axial section 94 facing the end 22, a bevel section 98 which adjoins it at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the axial direction and which in turn adjoins this transverse section 96, which extends in the circumferential direction.

Fig. 11 shows accordingly Fig. 1 the alternative applicator 2 with protective device 32 in the protective position 38. The guide pin 92 is axial portion 94 and thus allows axial movement between the sleeve 30 and pin shaft 4, etc. The locking device 56 is thus unlocked.

In Fig. 12 is appropriate Fig. 2 the alternative applicator 2 shown with protective device 32 in the release position 54, the protective device 32 is in the release position 54. The guide pin 92 is now in the transverse section 96. Thus, sleeve 30 and pin shaft 4, etc. are axially fixed to each other. The locking device 56 is thus locked.

In this embodiment as well, the guide pin 92 in the control cam 90 or its axial section 94 is moved by the sprung axial movement of the sleeve 30 when the cap 28 is screwed on and off. Due to the friction between the annular bead 76 and pin shaft 4, the rotational movement of the cap 28 also causes the passage of the inclined portion 98 and finally, upon further unscrewing of the cap of the guide pin 92 is moved into the transverse portion 96. The inclined portion 98 allows when screwing on or off the cap 28 from the applicator 2 a smooth transition or a slight change of the guide pin 92 between the axial section 94 and cross section 96th Die Figs. 15 and 16 show the just described again in the details. The Figs. 13 and 14 again show in section the position of the guide pins 92 in the axial section 94 and in the transverse section 96.

Fig. 17 shows, starting from the position shown a), the use position of the applicator 2, as by screwing the cap 28 against the arrow 74 while holding the sleeve 30 of the pin shank 4 is taken along with the conveyor member 18 against the arrow 74 in the sleeve 30. The guide pin 92 therefore initially slides in the transverse section 96 in the direction of the arrow 74. During its further movement through the inclined portion 98 also sets the axial movement of pin shaft 4 and conveyor mechanism 14 against the direction of the arrow 44 within the sleeve 30, resulting in a combined rotary and Axial movement leads. Finally, the guide pin 92 slides in the axial portion 94 and the rotation ends. The axial movement is continued until the position b) is reached when the cap 28 is completely screwed onto the applicator 4.

Claims (13)

1. Pen-like applicator (2) having a pen shaft (4), which has a removable cap (28) at its first end (6) and a delivery button (20) that acts upon a reservoir (10) for application fluid on its second (22) end, characterised in that the pen-like applicator also has:

   a protective device (32) located in a protected position (38) and protecting the delivery button (20) from being actuated when the cap (28) is on, which is coupled to the movement of the cap (28) in such a way that it is located in a release position (54) that releases the delivery button (20) for actuation when the cap (28) is removed.
2. Applicator (2) according to claim 1, wherein the protective device (32) contains a sleeve (30) that can be displaced in the axial direction (44) of the applicator (2) and which comprises the delivery button (20) concentrically in the protected position (38).
3. Applicator (2) according to claim 2, wherein the delivery button (20) has a frontal actuation surface (34), and wherein the sleeve (30) has a frontal locating surface (36) located axially in the protected position (38) in the region of the actuation surface (34).
4. Applicator (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve (30) extends axially from the cap (28), when it is on, to the second end (22) of the applicator (2).
5. Applicator (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sleeve (30) is pre-stressed in a spring-loaded manner with respect to the pen shaft (4) in the direction of the cap (28), wherein the cap (28) and pen shaft (4) contain a thread (26a, b) and the cap (28) and sleeve (30) have locating surfaces (40, 42), via which the sleeve (30) rests against the cap (28) when it is applied.
6. Applicator (2) according to claim 5, having a support spring (46) between the delivery button (20) and sleeve (30).
7. Applicator (2) according to one of claims 2 to 6, having an arresting device (56) that fixes the sleeve (30) and pen shaft (4) axially to one another in a fixing position (57).
8. Applicator (2) according to claim 7, wherein the arresting device (56) can be arrested by a relative rotation (74) between the pen shaft (4) and the sleeve (30) into the fixing position (57) and can be released from this.
9. Applicator (2) according to claim 8, wherein the rotation (74) is caused by a friction-engaging means (26a, b, 76) between the cap (28) and the pen shaft (4).
10. Applicator (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the arresting device (56) contains an intermediate floor (48) arranged on the sleeve (30), which protrudes radially inwardly, and an arresting bar (60) arranged on the pen shaft (4), wherein the intermediate floor (48) has an outlet opening (68) for the arresting bar (60) in an angle region (α2) of the periphery.
11. Applicator (2) according to claim 10, wherein the arresting bar (60) has a rest nose (62) and is designed as radially inwardly spring-loaded free end (58) in the region thereof, and wherein it has an initial incline (80) for the intermediate floor (48) turned towards the second end (22).
12. Applicator (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the arresting device (56) has a guiding pin (92) on the sleeve (30), which engages with a control curve (90) fixed to the pen shaft (4), wherein the control curve (90) has a transverse section (96) turned towards the first end (6) and an axial section (94) turned towards the second end (22).
13. Applicator (2) according to claim 12, wherein the control curve (90) has an incline section (98) located between the transverse section (96) and the axial section (94).

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