EP2603298B1 - Closing means and unit for ejecting objects that is operated by pressure medium, in particular a confetti shooter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a closure means for an ejection unit for objects, in particular confetti shooters, having a closure element which can be moved from a closed position into an open position and a holding element for holding the closure element in its closed position, wherein the holding element is prevented from a holding position which prevents a complete opening of the closure element. in a release position, which allows an opening of the closure element, is rotatable, wherein the retaining element is positively secured in the holding position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fluid-operated ejection unit for objects, in particular a confetti shooter, with such a closure means.

Such a fluid-operated ejection unit, namely a confetti shooter, which has such a closure means is known from US 2002/0077027 A1 known.

Pressure fluid driven confetti shooters are available in two versions, namely as electrically triggered and manually triggered confetti shooter. The present invention is concerned with electrically triggered variations of confetti shooters, without being limited thereto. Rather, the closure means according to the invention can be used quite generally for closing any things advantageous.

The US 2002/0077027 A1 shows different embodiments of manually triggered fluid-operated Konfettishooter. This is common that in a lower part of a pressure fluid container, specifically a compressed air tank, is added. This compressed air tank has an outlet opening for the compressed air which is closed with a rubber stopper or a silicone stopper. In this position, the plug is secured by a closure element, namely a closure flap, which in turn is held in this closed position by a holding element. Above this structure, a chamber is provided, in which the ejected by the compressed air objects, concrete confetti, are filled. The whole is housed in a mostly circular cylindrical tube as a housing.

Due to the pressure prevailing in the compressed air tank, the plug is constantly pressed against the closure flap. As soon as it is no longer held by the retaining element in its closed position by actuation of the retaining element, the sealing plug is "shot" out of the outlet opening by the compressed air and thereby also the closure flap is moved in its open position. The escaping from the compressed air tank compressed air "shoots" now also the objects contained in the upper part, specifically the confetti, from the confetti shooter.

In the US 2002/0077027 A1 Different release mechanisms for the confetti shooter are shown. All have in common that the closure flap is held by a bolt as a holding element in the closed position. According to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 the font, the latch is connected to a pull cord, which is guided through a bore in the cylindrical housing to the outside. The operator pulls on the pull cord, which unlocks the latch and the flap, thereby releasing the flap. In the embodiment according to 3 and 4 said document is used to unlock a plunger, which is also guided through a hole in the cylindrical housing and pressed by the operator into the hole. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 to 8 the font, the cylindrical housing is formed in two parts, namely with an upper, the confetti receiving housing part and a lower, the compressed air tank receiving housing part. The two housing parts are rotatable connected to each other. By turning the upper housing part relative to the lower housing part (and / or vice versa), the closure flap, similar to a bayonet closure, released and then opened by the pressure-medium-loaded plug.

A disadvantage of all variants is that only a single trigger mechanism must be operated. The risk of incorrect operation or unintentional opening during transport (for example, due to shaking movements) is therefore given. From the confetti shooters therefore goes from a latent danger.

From the US 7,293,558 B2 is a Konfettishooter known which has two trigger mechanisms, which are simultaneously operated by the operator. Although this reduces the risk of accidental release of confetti shooter. Unintentional opening during transport is not avoided. The same applies to the in the US Pat. No. 6,450,160 B1 Konfettishooter shown, which is wrapped in a protective film. The operator must first remove the protective film before the triggering mechanism becomes accessible, which in turn reduces the risk of operator misoperation, but in no way prevents inadvertent opening during transport by, for example, shaking movements.

In electrically triggered confetti shooters, the flap is held by a thread in the closed position. The thread is wrapped in a filament. By applying an electrical voltage to the filament, the thread is severed and gives the flap fei. Again, it can happen that the thread breaks unintentionally and thus the confetti shooter is triggered uncontrollably.

On this basis, the present invention is based on the problem, a closure means and a fluid-actuated ejection unit of the aforementioned Further develop type such that unintentional opening, be it by the operator or, for example, during transport, reliably avoided.

To solve this problem, the closure means according to the invention is characterized in that the holding element in a holding position in which the closure element is secured in a partially open closed position secures the closure element by a projection which has a corresponding to a holding portion of the closure element pocket. The ejection unit according to the invention, in particular Konfettishooter, has to solve this problem, such a closure means.

The closure means thus secures the closure element in a form-fitting manner. Due to the positive locking is avoided that the operator when handling the Konfettishooter accidentally actuates the retaining element, because he feels a corresponding resistance, as well as unintentional actuation of the retaining element by, for example, shaking movements during transport. Another advantage of this solution is that it can be manufactured with the same number of components as the conventional closure means of the prior art.

The positive securing of the retaining element against unintentional movement thereof may also be given by a destructible stop means. The stop means is associated with the holding element and / or the closure element. This variant is suitable for both manually and electrically triggered ejection units, such as confetti shooter. The operator again feels a resistance due to the stop, which warns him against unintentional operation. At the same time, the stop prevents the holding element from shaking loose, for example during transport. However, the stop is destructible, which means that it is dimensioned so that it withstand during transport or by otherwise unintentional pressing occurring forces but destroyed by targeted and thus intentional force by the operator and thus allows a deliberate operation. When Slings own, for example, but not exclusively, a nose which positively with a counter-member, such as a hole, recess or groove, cooperates or engages behind the counter-organ. Furthermore, a flag may be provided as a stop means.

Preferably, when holding element in holding position, the closure element is secured by a projection which has a corresponding to a holding portion of the closure element pocket. This development is particularly suitable for electrically triggered closure means. If the thread tears unintentionally, the closure element springs up slightly, until it strikes against the projection. With one part, the closure element engages positively in the pocket, so that the holding element no longer, even with considerable effort, can be moved by hand. The already misdirected closure means can therefore no longer trigger by hand at all, so that the operator is protected against surprises.

However, the above development has the disadvantage that a false trip will not be noticed until the operator tries to move the holding element in the release position. In order to make a false trip already visible from the outside, additionally or alternatively, an indicator unit may be provided which indicates the false trip. As already described above, the shutter member slightly springs in a false trip until it abuts the projection. Here, a viewing window can be provided, in which the position of the closure element is visible. Furthermore, the projection may in turn be designed to be slightly movable, so that it is actuated by the closure element and a part of it or a separate element is recognizable from the outside. Furthermore, it is possible that the easy-rising closure element pushes a separate indicator pin to the outside. This already allows the dealer before the sale to detect a false trigger, even if the object provided with the closure means, for example, in a (transparent) film is packaged.

• Fig. 1 ein nicht zur Erfindung gehöhrendes Verschlussmittel in Vorderansicht;
• Fig. 2 das Verschlussmittel gemäß Fig. 1 in Längsschnitt in der Ebene II - II;
• Fig. 3 das Verschlussmittel gemäß Fig. 1 in Draufsicht;
• Fig. 4 das Verschlussmittel gemäß Fig. 1 in Rückansicht, teilweise geschnitten;
• Fig. 5 Eine Ausführungsform für ein Verschlussmittel mit den Erfindungsmerkmalen in perspektivischer Ansicht, teilweise geschnitten;
• Fig. 6 ein Detail VI des Verschlussmittel gemäß Fig. 5 in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• Fig. 7 das Verschlussmittel gemäß Fig. 5 im Längsschnitt,
• Fig. 8 ein Detail VIII des Verschlussmittels gemäß Fig. 5 aus dem Längsschnitt gemäß Fig. 7.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. In the drawing show:

• Fig. 1 a not belonging to the invention locking means in front view;
• Fig. 2 the closure means according to Fig. 1 in longitudinal section in the plane II - II;
• Fig. 3 the closure means according to Fig. 1 in plan view;
• Fig. 4 the closure means according to Fig. 1 in rear view, partially cut;
• Fig. 5 An embodiment of a closure means with the features of the invention in a perspective view, partially cut;
• Fig. 6 a detail VI of the closure means according to Fig. 5 in perspective view,
• Fig. 7 the closure means according to Fig. 5 in longitudinal section,
• Fig. 8 a detail VIII of the closure means according to Fig. 5 from the longitudinal section according to Fig. 7 ,

That in the Fig. 1 to 4 Closure means shown essentially consists of a closure element, which is formed in the present case as a closure flap 10, and a holding element 11. This closure means is used in the present case for closing a pressure medium container of a confetti shooter, not shown, although the closure means of course can also be used elsewhere. The closure flap 10 has a shape adapted to the shape of an outlet opening of the pressure medium container, for example in the present case On one side of this central portion 12, a hinge portion 13 is arranged, which has on its two sides approximately perpendicular to the plane of the central portion 12 standing ears 14. Both ears 14 have mutually aligned bores 15, 16. Through these bores 15, 16 engages in each case from the outside an axis 25 or a shaft to pivotally mount the closure flap 10. Concretely, the closure flap 10 is pivotally connected via the axes 25 to a connecting sleeve 26, on which in practice a receiving tube for the confetti or other objects to be shot with the shooter attached and connected to the connecting sleeve 26, for example glued.

At the hinge portion 13 diametrically opposite side of the central portion 12, a holding portion 17 is arranged, although they need not be arranged directly opposite one another. The holding portion 17 is tongue-like integrally formed on the central portion 12 and initially bent by about 90 ° down. Subsequently, the holding portion 17 is bent back by 90 ° back, so that a kind of Z-fold is formed. This results in a free web 18, which, in particular in Fig. 2 can be seen very well, ramped to one side, in the present case according to Fig. 2 to the right, falls off. The web 18 thus does not extend parallel to an axis formed by the holes 15 and 16, but at a suitable angle to this.

As in Fig. 4 Furthermore, it can be seen, a bore 19 is provided in the closure flap 10 approximately centrally in the middle section 12. This bore 19 serves, as already known from the prior art, to introduce a filling lance through a sealing plug in order to fill the pressure medium container with, for example, compressed air.

The holding member 11 is formed in the present embodiment as a retaining ring, but may also have any other suitable shape. The holding element 11 forms part of the housing of the confetti shooter and is opposite rotatably mounted at least one of the housing parts. An outer surface 20 of the support member 11 is provided with corrugations or other suitable roughening of the surface to allow a secure grip for the operator. On the inside of the holding element 11, a projection 22 is arranged, which is arranged in the present case at the upper edge of the holding element, but can be arranged at any other location. The projection 22 has on its underside a to the cross-sectional plane of the holding element 11 (perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis thereof) at an angle extending ramp-like bottom 23. The angle at which the ramp-like underside 23 is pivoted, corresponds to the angle of the ramp-like web 18. In the holding position of the holding element 11, the ramp-like underside 23 of the holding element 11 cooperates with the web 18 of the closure flap 10. In this case, as in the prior art, the compressed air contained in a pressure vessel pushes a sealing plug in the upward direction out of the pressure vessel against the closure flap 10, specifically against its center portion 12. The stopper thus tries to open the closure flap 10, which the projection 22 of the holding element 11 is prevented. The projection 22 or its underside 23 thus forms a counter-pressure element for the closure flap 10 or its web 18. The corresponding slopes of the web 18 and the underside 23 also exerts a force component in the web 18 one of the actuating direction (arrow 24) of the holding element 11 for opening the closure means opposite direction and thus one of the actuating direction 24 opposite moment on the holding element 11 from. As a result, the nose 22 is rotated in the direction opposite to the actual actuating direction (arrow 24), which, however, is prevented by suitable stop means on the holding element 11. As a result, the retaining element 11 thus receives a bias which acts in the opposite direction to the actual actuating direction (arrow 24) for actuating the confetti shooter by turning the retaining element 11.

If the operator now wants to trigger the confetti shooter, ie open the closure, he rotates the retaining ring, that is to say the retaining element 11, in the actuating direction 24. As a result, the web 18 is pushed away from the nose 22 due to the oblique underside 23 of the nose 22 and its own bevel. So the flap 10 is first pressed over the closed position against the stopper. For this purpose, the operator must therefore spend a certain amount of force, which prevents him from a malfunction. Only when the web 18 is released behind the nose 22, the pressure medium-loaded stopper pushes the shutter 10 in its open position and the compressed air escapes jerky and blows the items contained in the receiving tube out of this.

In the embodiment described above, the bevels extend over the entire width of the web 18 and the projection 22. However, this is not necessary for the solution of the problem underlying the invention. It is sufficient if the ramp-like slopes do not extend over the entire length or width of the web 18 and the projection 22. Rather, it is also sufficient if the bevels are provided only over a part of the width and both the web 18 and the bottom 23, moreover, horizontally, that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the holding element 11, extend.

While that in Fig. 1 to 4 This means that in Fig. 5 to 8 shown embodiment of the invention intended for electrical tripping. The closure means again has a closure flap 10 and a holding element 11, of which identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, as in the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 1 to 4 ,

The closure flap 10 is held in its closed position by a thread which is not shown in the drawing and is wound with a filament. The filament is guided through holes 27 which are arranged on both sides of the holding portion 17 in the bottom 28 of the connecting sleeve 26. It is the Thread looped around the holding portion 17. The filament is connected to a power source. When current flows through the filament, it heats up and thereby disconnects the filament, so that the filament releases the holding portion 17 and thus the closure flap 10.

In order to prevent unintentional opening of the closure flap 10, if the thread should break, a projection 29 is arranged on the inside of the holding element 11, which protrudes beyond the holding section 17 when the holding element 11 is in the holding position. Tear the thread, the flap 10 jumps a maximum so far, until the holding portion 17 abuts against the projection 29, and is so, a maximum of slightly open, secured in the closed position.

The projection 29 is seen in the radial direction as the holding portion 17 toward open U-shaped profile. The projection 29 accordingly has a pocket 30 open to the holding section 17. In this pocket 30, the holding portion 17 engages, if the thread breaks. As a result, the operator can no longer move the holding element 11 from its holding position into its release position, so that the operator notices that the thread has already been torn.

In order to make a false triggering (premature tearing of the thread) visible from the outside and not only by an attempt to operate, has closure means in FIGS. 7 and 8 closer indicator unit shown. The holding portion 17 is bent hook-like upwards at its free, remote from the central portion 12 end. The bending angle is slightly greater than 90 °, so that the resulting web 31 is slightly bent inwards. In the illustrated closed position of the flap 10 is slightly above and within the pocket 30, an indicator pin 32 proceed, which projects inwardly in the direction of the web 31 and, where appropriate, may also be biased in this direction. But it is sufficient if the indicator pin 32 with a slight interference fit in one Bore 33 is guided in the jacket 20 of the holding element 11. It is only important that the indicator pin 32 can not slide outwards by itself.

If there is now a false triggering, as described above, the shutter 10 opens slightly until its holding portion 17 abuts the projection 29, specifically to the bottom of the pocket 30. Due to the inwardly bent arrangement of the web 31 while the indicator pin is pressed outward and protrudes from the bore 33 via the jacket 20, which is very visible.

In order to prevent accidental opening of the closure means by the operator, a flag 35 is arranged on the projection, specifically on the rear leg 34 in the direction of rotation 24 of the holding element 11. This is so far in front of the rear leg 34 that, although the leg 34 itself could be freely moved over the web 31, such movement is blocked by the stop 35 abutting the web 31. The flag 35 is dimensioned so that it breaks from a normally strong operator by powerful movement (turning) of the retaining element 11. A deliberate release of the closure means is possible.

The operator now rotates the holding element 11 so far, if necessary, against a stop until the holding portion 17 can pivot freely on the projection 29 over. Now the circuit for the filament can be closed and thereby the closure means are triggered. This can be done by a separate trigger mechanism or also done by the support member 11. Thus, it is possible that by turning the holding element 11, possibly over a time delay, the circuit for the filament is closed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a first stop is provided for the holding element 11, in which the holding portion 17 is free to pivot past the projection 29. By overcoming this first stop and further rotation of the holding element 11, the circuit can then be closed.

In the described embodiments, a closure flap 10 is shown in each case, which is mounted on one side pivotally by means of engaging in the bores 15, 16 axes 25. Of course, it is also conceivable, analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 to 8 of the US 2002/0077027 A1 to use a closure element which is provided on both sides with holding portions 17. Such a flap 10 would then be completely blown out of the Konfettishooter after pressing the retaining element 11.

It is understood that further variations or mixed forms of the two embodiments described above are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the flag 35 may also be attached to the web 31 instead of the leg 34. In addition, the holding member 11 need not be formed as a retaining ring according to the present embodiments. There are also pivotable catches conceivable, analogous to the two in the Fig. 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 of US 2002/0077027 A1 shown notches. In the closure means according to Fig. 1 to 4 Then the shutter on the one hand and the locking element on the other hand would form analog with mutually corresponding, ramp-like bevels, which bias the locking element as a holding element in the direction of its holding position. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 to 8 According to the present invention, the catch and / or the holding section would then be provided with a lug 35.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

flap

11

retaining element

12

mid section

13

hinge section

14

ears

15

drilling

16

drilling

17

holding section

18

web

19

drilling

20

coat

22

head Start

23

bottom

24

operating direction

25

axis

26

connecting sleeve

27

drilling

28

ground

29

head Start

30

bag

31

web

32

indicator pin

33

drilling

34

leg

35

Banner, flag

Claims (5)

1. Closing means for a unit for ejecting objects, in particular a confetti shooter, with a closing element (10) that can be moved from a closed position to an open position, and a retaining element (11) for retaining the closing element (10), wherein the retaining element (11) can be rotated from a retaining position that prevents a complete opening of the closing element (10) into a release position that permits a complete opening of the closing element (10), wherein the retaining element (11) can be secured in a form-fit manner in the retaining position,
   characterised in that
   the retaining element (11) in a retaining position, in which the closing element (10) is secured in a partially opened closed position, secures the closing element (10) by means of a projection (29) that possesses a pocket (30) corresponding to a retaining section (17) of the closing element (10).
2. Closing means according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining element (11) is secured in a form-fit manner by means of a destroyable sling (35) that is attached to the retaining element (11) and/or to the closing element (10), in particular its retaining section (17).
3. Closing means according to claim 2, characterised by an indicator unit (32) that displays an erroneous deployment.
4. Pressure-driven discharge unit for objects, in particular a confetti shooter, with a closing means according to one of claims 1 to 3.
5. Pressure-driven discharge unit according to claim 4, characterised in that a pressure that prevails in a pressure vessel exerts a force onto the closing element (10).

Images