EP3104980B1 - Dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The term "dispensing device" is to be understood in the present invention in particular a spraying device or pumping device, which is preferably attached or attachable to a container. In particular, the dispensing device may comprise the container, possibly a pressure vessel.

The dispensing device preferably serves for the sprayed dispensing or dispensing of a product.

The term "product" is to be understood in particular also liquids, suspensions and fluids, possibly with gas phases. The product may be dispensed as a paste, jet or mist or otherwise, for example as a foam or gel.

The DE 1 037 378 A discloses a spray head for a pressure vessel with a rotatable, permanent cap.

The FR 76 993 discloses a dispenser for a liquid product wherein a rotatable protective cap covers a spray head and is locked in a locked position against manual depression.

The DE 296 10 372 U1 discloses a protective and operating cap with integrated spray head for an aerosol container, wherein the protective and operating cap is connected by a thread with a spray head and wherein the protective and operating cap in the application is rotatable and be pressed.

The WO 2004/078635 A2 discloses an actuator for actuating a valve for delivering an aerosol product from an aerosol container. An actuator button of the actuator is rotatable between a locked and unlocked position. The control knob can not be depressed in the locked position.

The present invention has for its object to provide a dispensing device that allows intuitive and / or safe handling with simple and inexpensive construction.

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

According to the present invention, the dispenser on a protective cap and a spray head, which are coupled via a rotary coupling, preferably directly such that they are only relatively limited rotatable, in particular during rotation of the cap from the blocking position to the release position of the spray head in a predetermined Direction of output is rotated when the spray head is rotated to the blocking position. This is conducive to safe handling, in particular since unintentional twisting of the spray head into an undefined dispensing direction is prevented. Furthermore, a simple structure is made possible because the depressible spray head does not have to be guided in a rotationally fixed manner on the associated housing or in the dispensing device.

Preferably, the dispenser forms a resistance that must be overcome when turning the cap from the release position to the blocking position and / or vice versa. This is conducive to safe handling and prevents unwanted rotation of the protective cap from one position to the other.

The protective cap is preferably transparent. This is conducive to an intuitive operation, in particular since a user can recognize the spray head and particularly preferably its nozzle or dispensing opening even in the locked position.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Schnitt einer vorschlagsgemäßen Abgabevorrichtung mit einem Behälter im unbetätigten Zustand;

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Schnitt der Abgabevorrichtung ohne Behälter im betätigten Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Abgabevorrichtung in einer Sperrstellung ohne Behälter;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Abgabevorrichtung in einer Freigabestellung ohne Behälter;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Abgabevorrichtung im niedergedrückten Zustand ohne Behälter;

Fig. 6

einen schematischen Schnitt eines Gehäuses der Abgabevorrichtung mit einem eingreifenden Halteabschnitt einer Schutzkappe in der Sperrstellung;

Fig. 7

einen schematischen Schnitt des Gehäuses der Abgabevorrichtung mit dem eingreifenden Halteabschnitt der Schutzkappe in der Freigabestellung;

Fig. 8

einen schematischen Schnitt des Gehäuses der Abgabevorrichtung mit dem eingreifenden Halteabschnitt der Schutzkappe im niedergedrückten Zustand;

Fig. 9

einen schematischen Schnitt zur Veranschaulichung des Eingriffs der Schutzkappe bzw. des Halteabschnitts in das Gehäuse; und

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht der Abgabevorrichtung mit aufgeschnittener Schutzkappe.

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

Fig. 1

a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device with a container in the unactuated state;

Fig. 2

a schematic section of the dispenser without container in the actuated state;

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of the dispenser in a locked position without container;

Fig. 4

a schematic side view of the dispenser in a release position without container;

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of the dispenser in the depressed state without container;

Fig. 6

a schematic section of a housing of the dispenser with an engaging portion of a protective cap in the locking position;

Fig. 7

a schematic section of the housing of the dispensing device with the engaging holding portion of the protective cap in the release position;

Fig. 8

a schematic section of the housing of the dispenser with the engaging portion of the protective cap in the depressed state;

Fig. 9

a schematic section illustrating the engagement of the protective cap or the holding portion in the housing; and

Fig. 10

a top view of the dispenser with cut protective cap.

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

Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device 1 for dispensing a product 2, such as a liquid o. The like.

The product 2 may be more viscous than water or possibly even pasty.

In particular, the product 2 may also form a foam or a gel.

The product 2 may also contain gas in liquid and / or other form.

It should be noted that basically any type of delivery of the product 2 - preferably as a jet or as a spray - comes into question.

In particular, the dispensing device 1 is designed for the sprayed dispensing of the product 2. However, a non-spraying output is also possible.

The dispensing device 1 is preferably provided with a reservoir, in particular a container 3, for the product 2 to be dispensed or connected or connectable. The reservoir can thus form part of the dispensing device 1 or can be connected or connectable to it. Preferably, the dispenser comprises the container 3.

In the illustrated example, the reservoir is designed as a preferably rigid container 3. The container 3 is in particular elongated and / or cylindrical and / or rigid.

The dispensing device 1 preferably has a pump 4 or is preferably designed as such to suck or convey the product 2 from the reservoir 3 or to pressurize it and to dispense it.

Alternatively, the product 2 may alternatively be under pressure or settable in the reservoir or container 3. For example, then the container 3 or the product 2 may contain a suitable propellant.

The dispensing device 1 has a housing 5, which or its attachment portion 5A is preferably connectable to the container 3 via a screw connection or in another suitable manner.

Particularly preferably, the housing 5 can be detachably connected to the container 3, in particular in order to refill the product 2 and / or to be able to exchange the container 3. However, a non-detachable connection is possible.

Preferably, the pump 4 is inserted or installed in the housing 5, in particular latching received therefrom. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The dispenser 1 or pump 4 preferably has a riser 6, for example a hose, in order to be able to suck or receive the product 2 from the container 3. The riser 6 is connected to an inlet of the pump 4, in particular inserted or plugged into a socket.

On the outlet side, the pump 4 has a preferably tubular or nozzle-like outlet element 7.

By depressing the outlet 7, the pump 4 is actuated. Fig. 1 shows the pump 4 in a non-actuated starting position, in which the outlet member 7 and the pump 4 by spring force, here by the force of a return spring 8, returned.

The dispensing device 1 has a spray head 9 for the preferably sprayed dispensing of the product 2, preferably via an outlet opening or nozzle 10 on or in the spray head 9. In the illustrated example, the nozzle 10 is inserted into the spray head 9. In particular, a spraying output of the product 2 takes place.

The spray head 9 is fluidically connected to the pump 4 or its outlet element 7, particularly preferably with an inlet 9A, such as a connecting piece, attached to the outlet element 7.

Instead of the pump 4, the dispensing device 1 or the container 3 can also have a dispensing valve, in particular if the product 2 is under pressure in the container 3. In this case, the outlet element 7 then forms a valve element of the dispensing valve. The spray head 9 or its inlet 9A is then connected to the dispensing valve or its valve element.

The dispensing device 1 has a protective cap 11 which covers or surrounds the spray head 9. In particular, the protective cap 11 covers the spray head 9 on the upper side or the front side and also laterally or over the circumference.

The protective cap 11 preferably has a passage opening 12 through which the product 2 can be dispensed upon actuation of the dispensing device 1, in particular when the spray head 9 or the protective cap 11 is pressed down.

Fig. 1 shows the dispensing device 1 and the protective cap 11 in a blocking position. The protective cap 11 is locked in this blocking position against manual depression. Accordingly, therefore, the spray head 9 is locked against manual depression.

In the blocking position, the protective cap 11 preferably covers the dispensing opening or nozzle 10 of the spray head 9. In the Fig. 2 shown passage opening 11A is therefore not in front of the outlet opening or nozzle 10 in the blocking position.

Fig. 2 shows the dispensing device 1 in a schematic section without container 3. For reasons of simplification, the riser 6 is omitted.

The protective cap 11 is in the release position, the passage opening 11A is located in front of the discharge opening or nozzle 10 of the spray head 9 and releases it.

Fig. 2 During the depression, the product 2 is pumped and the product 2 pressurized by the pump 4 is discharged, or the pump 4 is actuated via the spray head 9 or its nozzle 10, preferably as a spray or spray, as in Fig. 2 indicated schematically.

In the normal position of use, the delivery direction A is preferably at least substantially horizontal and / or runs transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the actuation direction or depression direction B, which in FIG Fig. 2 is indicated schematically.

The housing 5 preferably has an upper portion or annular collar 5B which is open in particular upwards for receiving the spray head 9 and the protective cap 11.

The mounting portion 5A and the annular collar 5B may be formed by separate parts which are, for example, latched together. Alternatively, these can also be formed in one piece. Particularly preferably, then, the housing 5 is formed as a whole in one piece. This is a cost-effective production or assembly conducive.

The spray head 9 is preferably designed like a cap. It preferably projects with a ring section or sleeve section 9B into the housing 5 or its annular collar 5B, particularly preferably both in the non-actuated or non-depressed position (FIG. Fig. 1 ) as well as in the actuated position or depressed position ( Fig. 2 ). When pressing the spray head 9 can therefore be retracted or inserted accordingly in the housing 5.

The protective cap 11 is preferably transparent. This is conducive to intuitive use of the dispenser.

The protective cap 11 preferably covers the spray head 9 at least substantially completely, in particular in such a way that the spray head 9 can not be directly manually actuated or depressurized, but can only be depressed by depressing the protective cap 11 itself in order to actuate the pump 4 or a dispensing valve, not shown to open.

Particularly preferably, the protective cap 11 or its sleeve portion 11B preferably covers the spray head 9 on the front side or on the top side and / or on the peripheral side. Particularly preferably, the protective cap 11 has a jacket or sleeve section 11B which covers the sleeve section 9B of the spray head 9.

In the illustrated example, the protective cap 11 projects beyond the spray head 9 in the direction of the actuation direction B or toward the container 3, ie it continues to project toward the container 3 than the spray head 9.

The protective cap 11 is rotatable between the release position and the blocking position.

The protective cap 11 is rotatable or rotatable relative to the spray head 9.

Preferably, the protective cap 11 is held in the upper or unactuated position by the spray head 9, which is preloaded into the starting position, in the illustrated example by the force of the return spring 8. The spring force is preferably selected such that the spray head 9 and the protective cap 11 automatically return to the unactuated position or initial position after actuation, but not so high that a manual actuation, in particular by pressing on the outer or free End face of the protective cap 11 is too stiff for a user, not shown.

In order not to make the twisting of the protective cap 11 relative to the spray head 9 too stiff, a rotary bearing is preferably provided between the two. This is particularly preferably designed as a central or point-shaped pivot bearing.

The protective cap 11 preferably has a bearing section 11C for pivotal mounting, which acts in particular axially on the spray head 9 and / or is conducive to slight rotation of the protective cap 11 relative to the spray head 9.

Preferably, the bearing portion 11C is centrally located.

The bearing portion 11C is preferably formed as a lenticular elevation and / or arranged or formed on the inside of the protective cap 11 and its end face.

The bearing portion 11C preferably engages in an at least substantially complementary recess in the spray head 9.

Particularly preferably, the pivot bearing or the bearing portion 11C ensures that the protective cap 11 does not rest on the entire face of the spray head 9 in order to facilitate the rotation of the protective cap 11 relative to the spray head 9.

Alternatively, the bearing portion may also be formed on the spray head 9 and engage in a corresponding recess in the protective cap 11.

Fig. 3 shows the dispensing device 1 without container 3 in a side view in the locked position, ie in the Fig. 1 Corresponding position of the protective cap 11. The passage opening 11A is here twisted with respect to the nozzle 10, so that the protective cap 11 or its sleeve portion 11B covers the nozzle 10 of the spray head 9. This signals a user that the dispenser 1 is not operable in this state.

Fig. 4 shows in one too Fig. 3 Corresponding illustration of the dispensing device 1 without container 3 with the cap 11 in the release position in the unactuated state. The passage opening 11B releases the nozzle 10 here.

Fig. 5 shows in one too Fig. 4 Corresponding illustration of the dispensing device 1 in the actuated state, ie when depressed protective cap 11th

Preferably, the housing 5 or its annular collar 5B has a depression or recess 5C at the upper edge, so that in the depressed end position of the spray head 9, the nozzle 10 retract into the annular collar 5B and output through the recess 5C the product in the desired manner can.

The protective cap 11 is preferably depressible only in the release position. In the blocking position, however, the protective cap 11 is locked against depression. This will be explained below with reference to 6 and 7 explained in more detail.

The dispensing device 1 or its housing 5, in particular the annular collar 5B, preferably has a recess 5D in the illustrated embodiment, which forms a guide or movement path for a preferably radially projecting holding section 11D of the protective cap 11. Fig. 6 illustrates in a schematic section of the housing 5, a preferred embodiment of the recess 5D and dashed lines the position of the portion 11D in the locked position of the protective cap 11 at.

The recess 5D or backdrop comprises a first, circumferentially extending portion and a second, extending in the direction of actuation B and in the axial direction section.

Starting from the in Fig. 6 indicated position of the holding portion 11D in the blocking position is when rotating the cap 11 from the blocking position to the release position of the holding portion 11D along the first portion in the recess 5D, ie in the circumferential direction, moves.

In the release position, the holding portion 11D is above the second portion of the recess 5D. This condition is in Fig. 7 indicated. For this illustration, the curvature makes the holding portion 11D narrower.

In the release position, the protective cap 11 can be depressed. As a result, the holding section 11D in the recess 5D is moved further down along the second section or into the housing 5. Fig. 8 illustrates the depressed end position.

Fig. 9 shows in a schematic section the engagement of the protective cap 11 with an engagement portion, in particular a preferably outside or radially outwardly projecting holding portion 11D, in the housing 5 and its recess 5D.

Preferably, several, in particular three engagement or holding sections 11D and corresponding recesses 5D are distributed over the circumference in order to ensure a secure guidance and / or mounting of the protective cap 4 on or in the housing 5. Particularly preferred is namely a tilting of the cap 11 under load, z. B. depression, be prevented in the locked position.

Particularly preferably, the protective cap 11 is permanently connected to the dispensing device 1 or the housing 5. This is preferably achieved in the illustrated embodiment in that the recess 5D is closed or delimited toward the free end of the housing 5 or annular collar 5B, particularly preferably by a radially inwardly projecting edge 5E, so that the retaining portion 11D does not axially out of the recess 5D can be moved out or pulled out. As a result, the protective cap 11 is preferably held or secured inseparably on the housing 5 and thus on the dispensing device 1. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

Particularly preferably, the protective cap 11 is latchingly connectable to the dispensing device 1 or the housing 5, in particular by axial insertion or insertion of the protective cap 11 with their holding portions 11D in the associated recesses 5D. For this purpose, in the illustrated example, the respective edge 5E is preferably provided with an insertion bevel 5F, as in FIG Fig. 9 indicated.

The dispensing device 1 preferably forms a resistance that must be overcome when rotating the protective cap 11 from the blocking position to the release position and / or vice versa. Preferably, the resistance is formed by a rib, constriction or shoulder 5G in the trajectory or recess 5D. The constriction or shoulder 5G is particularly preferably formed in the illustrated example by an axial projection of the wall of the recess 5D.

Particularly preferably, the rib, constriction or shoulder 5G is arranged in the first section of the recess 5D and / or between the blocking position and the release position of the holding section 11D in the recess 5D, as in FIG Fig. 6 to 8 indicated schematically. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The protective cap 11 and the spray head 9 are preferably coupled via a rotary coupling in particular such that they are limited rotatable relative to each other, for example, 20 to 45 °, in particular so that when turning from the release position to the blocking position and vice versa, the protective cap 11 relative to the Spray head 9 is limited rotation and / or that when turning the Protective cap 11 is rotated from the blocking position into the release position of the spray head 9 in a predetermined output direction when the spray head 9 is rotated to the blocking position. This ensures that the spray head 9 occupies a defined rotational position or orientation in the release position and is accordingly aligned upon actuation of the dispensing device 1 in a predetermined direction and outputs the product 2.

The rotary coupling is preferably designed such that the protective cap 11 is rotatable only by a preferred angle relative to the spray head 9, which corresponds to the angle for rotating between the release position and blocking position or vice versa. As a result, the rotary coupling normally forms a rotary freewheel between the protective cap 11 and the spray head 9. However, if the spray head 9 undesirably twists, the rotary coupling will force the spray head 9 back into the desired position with respect to the passage 11A and recess Ensures 5C aligned rotational position when the protective cap 11 is rotated from the blocking position to the release position.

In the illustrated example, the protective cap 11 preferably has a particularly rib-like engagement element 11E, which engages axially or frontally into an engagement opening 9C of the spray head 9, as in FIG Fig. 10 indicated schematically, the dispenser 1 without container 3 in a plan view with cut-cap 11 shows. Particularly preferably, the engagement of the engagement element 11E in the engagement opening 9D forms said rotary coupling.

The engagement element 11E is preferably formed like a rib.

The engagement element 11E is preferably arranged inside the protective cap 11, for example at the closed end, preferably formed.

The engagement opening 9D is preferably formed at the frontal or upper end of the spray head 9.

The engagement opening 9D is preferably formed annular section-shaped.

However, other constructive solutions for the realization of rotary coupling are possible.

Individual aspects of the present invention may also be implemented independently and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

dispenser

2

product

3

container

4

pump

5

casing

5A

attachment section

5B

gorget

5C

recess

5D

recess

5E

edge

5F

chamfer

5G

shoulder

6

riser

7

outlet

8th

Return spring

9

spray nozzle

9A

inlet

9B

sleeve section

9C

deepening

9D

engagement opening

10

jet

11

protective cap

11A

Through opening

11B

sleeve section

11C

layer portion

11D

holding section

11E

engaging member

A

output direction

B

operating direction

Claims (15)

1. Dispensing device (1) for a preferably liquid product (2),
   with a housing (5), a spray head (9) and a protective cap (11),
   wherein the protective cap (11) covers the spray head (9) on the outside,
   wherein the protective cap (11) can be depressed together with the spray head (9) in order to deliver product and/or pump the product (2),
   wherein the protective cap (11) can be manually rotated between an unblocked position and a blocked position,
   wherein the protective cap (11) can be depressed manually in the unblocked position together with the spray head (9), and
   wherein the protective cap (11) is locked against manual depression in the blocked position,
   characterized in that
   the protective cap (11) and the spray head (9) are coupled preferably directly by means of a rotary coupling in such a way that the protective cap (11) and the spray head (9) can be twisted to a limited extent relative to one another, particularly so that, upon rotation of the protective cap (11) from the blocked position into the unblocked position, the spray head (9) is also rotated in a predetermined delivery direction (A) when the spray head (9) has been twisted toward the blocked position.
2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) forms a resistance that must be overcome when rotating the protective cap (11) from the blocked position into the unblocked position and/or vice versa.
3. Dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) has a projection or a shoulder (5G) for forming the resistance.
4. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (11) has at least one preferably radially projecting retention portion (11D) that engages in a recess (5D) in the housing (5) and can be moved along a slotted guide or movement path in the recess (5D) upon rotation and depression of the protective cap (11).
5. Dispensing device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the housing (5) has or forms the projection or the shoulder (5G) in the region of the movement path, particularly in order to constrict same and/or to form the resistance.
6. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (11) is transparent.
7. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (11) is connected in a locking manner and/or through axial insertion and/or in a non-detachable manner to the housing (5).
8. Dispensing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the protective cap (11) is secured by means of the retention portion (11D) against being pulled axially from the housing (5).
9. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary coupling engages axially in the spray head (9) and/or has an engagement element (11E) arranged on the interior and/or on the front side of the protective cap (11).
10. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary coupling has a preferably front-side engagement opening (9D) on the spray head (9), preferably wherein the engagement opening (9D) is embodied in the manner of an annular portion.
11. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spray head (9) has an outlet opening or nozzle (10) for the atomized delivery of the product (2).
12. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap (11) has a passage opening (11A) that unblocks a delivery opening or nozzle (10) of the spray head (9) particularly only in the unblocked position.
13. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) or the housing (5) has or forms a pump (4).
14. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) or the housing (5) has or forms a screw connection for mounting on a container (3).
15. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) has a container (3) with or for the product (2).

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