EP3552988A1 - Product dispenser and adapter for product dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter for a product dispenser (11) with an adapter base body (19) for positioning the adapter (18) on a container opening (14) of a pressure container (12), with a swivel arrangement (23) which has an actuating lever (21) arranges a handle (22) pivotably to the adapter base body (19), the actuating lever (21) from an unlocking position (67) into which the handle (22) for opening a valve (16) of the container (12) from a starting position (68 ) can be actuated into an active position (69), can be transferred into a locking position (66) in which actuation of the handle (22) is blocked.

Description

The invention relates to an adapter for a product dispenser and a product dispenser for dispensing a medium.

From the EP 1 242 295 B3 a product donor is known to issue a medium. This product dispenser comprises a valve which closes a container opening of a pressure vessel for receiving a medium to be dispensed. Associated with the container opening, an adapter is provided, which has an actuating lever for controlling the valve. The actuating lever is attached via a pivoting arrangement to the adapter, wherein the actuating lever from a starting position in which the valve is closed, can be converted by a pivoting movement into an active position in which the valve for dispensing the medium is actuated.

From the DE 20 2009 018 628 U1 Another product dispenser for dispensing a medium from a pressure vessel is known. This product dispenser includes an actuating lever with a handle disposed thereon, which is rotationally positioned about a longitudinal axis of the valve dispensing opening. Due to the rotating arrangement of the pivoting lever about the longitudinal axis of the valve discharge opening, a product discharge rate can be adjusted continuously between a maximum rate and a minimum rate. To dispense the product, the operating lever may be pivoted toward the pressure vessel to deliver the valve to an active position for dispensing the fluid depending on the set exit rate.

From the JP 2004-188 074 A1 a product dispenser for dispensing a medium from a pressure vessel is known. This product dispenser includes a dispensing valve with an operating handle disposed thereon. For discharging the medium, the operating handle can be pressed, wherein the valve discharge opening, which is connected via a web to an annular connecting portion, is actuated by a pivoting movement.

The invention has for its object to provide an adapter for a product dispenser with an adapter base for positioning the adapter on a container opening of a pressure vessel, which allows a simple operation for dispensing a medium from the pressure vessel.

This object is achieved by an adapter for a product dispenser, in which the dispensing sleeve is displaceably connected to the adapter base body with an elastic connection. The elastic connection between the dispensing sleeve and the adapter body is formed as an annular or disc-shaped membrane extending therebetween. This makes it possible that the output sleeve, which engages after positioning of the adapter on a container opening of a pressure vessel with the output sleeve on a valve of the pressure vessel, along a longitudinal axis of the adapter body in the position or position is variable. By this elastic connection, a guided displacement movement of the valve can take place. As a result, the task of a medium from the pressure vessel can be controlled in a simple manner. In addition, a high number of operations can be made possible.

It is preferably provided that the dispensing sleeve is arranged self-holding in an initial position to the adapter base body and the dispensing sleeve is at least partially transferred to an active position by a force application along the longitudinal direction of the adapter base body. This has the advantage that an output of a medium from the pressure vessel is only possible with an active actuation of the adapter and the initial position of the adapter occupies a NC position (normally closed position). As a result, unintentional dispensing of the medium can be prevented.

Furthermore, the elastic connection has the advantage that during the transfer from the starting position to the active position, a restoring force is built up, so that after dispensing a medium and releasing the application of force to the dispensing sleeve, an independent resetting of the dispensing sleeve to the starting position he follows.

The adapter base body preferably comprises a flange aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis, wherein between the flange and the output sleeve an end face extends, which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and the elastic connection between the end face and the output sleeve is provided. This allows a simple structural connection of the output sleeve to the adapter base body and an embodiment of the elastic connection arranged therebetween. Preferably, the end face and the elastic connection are arranged in a common plane in an initial position of the output sleeve to the adapter base body. Characterized the elastic connection is pressed against the inclination of the end face inwardly when transferring the output sleeve to an active position, whereby the restoring force is generated. Thereby, a snap effect can be achieved, which allows the independent return of the output sleeve in the starting position to the adapter body.

Within the flange of the adapter body, a fastening portion is preferably provided, which extends at least partially along the flange and can be fastened to an edge of the pressure vessel by a latching and / or snap connection. A simple placement and pressing the adapter body on the edge of the pressure vessel is sufficient for its attachment. This gives a quick installation.

The attachment portion on the flange of the adapter base body preferably has a plurality of spaced-apart webs, which form a U-shaped engagement region with the peripheral flange, through which the attachment portion engages positively on the edge of the container base body. The attachment portion may be designed inexpensively.

At the output sleeve of the adapter a connection is provided in Aufsetzrichtung on the pressure vessel, which is connected to a valve of the Pressure vessel attacks. As a result, a reduction of the components can be achieved.

The output sleeve of the adapter has the connection opposite a receptacle for a spout. This can be screwed interchangeable.

It is preferably provided that at least the adapter base body, the output sleeve and the elastic connection are integrally formed. As a result, manufacturing costs are reduced and simplifies assembly work.

Preferably, at least the adapter base body, the output sleeve and the elastic connection is produced as a plastic injection-molded part. For example, the adapter can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular polypropylene, polyethylene or the like.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Explosionszeichnung des Produktspenders mit einem Adapter,
• Figur 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Produktspenders im zusammengebauten Zustand im Auslieferungszustand,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Produktspenders mit Adapter gemäß Figur 2,
• Figur 4 eine weitere schematische Schnittansicht des Produktspenders gemäß Figur 2,
• Figur 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Adapters,
• Figur 6 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Adapters gemäß Figur 5,
• Figur 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Adapters in einer aktiven Position,
• Figur 8 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Adapters gemäß Figur 7,
• Figur 9 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Handgriffs in einer Verriegelungsposition,
• Figur 10 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Handgriffs in einer Entriegelungsposition,
• Figur 11 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Adapters auf einem Produktspender in einer Ausgangsposition und in einer aktiven Position, und
• Figur 12 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Adapters des Produktspenders mit Adapter in der aktiven Position.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawings can be applied individually according to the invention individually or in combination in any combination. Show it:

• FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of the product dispenser with an adapter,
• FIG. 2 a perspective view of the product dispenser in the assembled state in the delivery state,
• FIG. 3 a schematic sectional view of the product dispenser with adapter according to FIG. 2 .
• FIG. 4 a further schematic sectional view of the product dispenser according to FIG. 2 .
• FIG. 5 a perspective view of the adapter,
• FIG. 6 a schematic sectional view of the adapter according to FIG. 5 .
• FIG. 7 a perspective view of the adapter in an active position,
• FIG. 8 a schematic sectional view of the adapter according to FIG. 7 .
• FIG. 9 a schematic side view of the handle in a Locking position
• FIG. 10 a schematic side view of the handle in an unlocked position,
• FIG. 11 a schematic side view of an adapter on a product dispenser in a starting position and in an active position, and
• FIG. 12 a schematic sectional view of an adapter of the product dispenser with adapter in the active position.

In FIG. 1 a product dispenser 11 is shown in an exploded view. A pressure vessel 12 receives at a container opening 14 through a valve 16 (FIG. FIG. 3 ) is closed, an adapter 18. This adapter 18 comprises an adapter base body 19 which can be placed on the container opening 14 and an actuating lever 21 with a handle 22, which is connected by a pivoting arrangement 23 with the adapter base 19.

Furthermore, the adapter base body 19 has an output sleeve 25, on which a spout 26 can be fastened, in particular screwed, is. As a result, the spout 26 can be replaced. At a front end of the spout 26, a closure 27 is provided to prevent drying out of the medium in the spout 26.

Furthermore, a cap 29 is provided, which surrounds the adapter 18 substantially. This cap 29 has a recess 31 through which the actuating lever 21 is led out, so that the handle 22 is positioned outside the cap 29.

In FIG. 2 are the in FIG. 1 shown components in an assembled position. The FIG. 2 shows a salable product dispenser 11.

A portion of the recess 31 in the cap 29 is closed by a tamper-evident closure 32. This tamper-evident closure 32 is positioned in the recess 31 by a plurality of web-shaped connections 33. The tamper-evident closure 32 can be released on at least two bar-shaped connections 32 to the recess 31, so that the quality closure is loose and / or pivotable in the Recess 31 remains. The web-shaped connections 33 form a predetermined breaking point. The recess 30 may facilitate the release of the tamper-evident closure 32 by inserting a tool. If the tamper-evident closure 32 is missing, the user can obviously see that the product dispenser 11 has already been opened or used.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the product dispenser 11 in FIG. 2 shown. The FIG. 4 shows another rotated by 90 ° sectional view FIG. 3 , At a container opening 14 of the pressure vessel 12, a valve 16 is attached, which closes the container opening 14. The valve 16 has a valve body 36, which comprises an outer peripheral edge, so that this outer peripheral edge engages the container opening 14. For example, this can be done by a screw or a flanging. The valve 16 comprises a valve closing member 37, which along a longitudinal axis 38 of the valve 16 and the longitudinal axis 38 of the adapter base 19 corresponds, is movable. To open the valve closure member 37, this is moved in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 against a return element 39, in particular a spring, to open a valve opening 41. Through this valve opening 41, a medium stored in the pressure vessel 12 passes through for dispensing.

This valve 16 may correspond to the embodiment, which, for example, in the DE 10 2008 051 888 A1 is described, which is fully incorporated by reference.

On the container opening 14 of the adapter 18 can be placed. This adapter 18 is in FIG. 5 in perspective and in FIG. 6 shown in a sectional view. The adapter 18 according to Figures 5 and 6 is shown in a home position 68. On the adapter base body 19, a flange 44 is provided, which is preferably aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis 38. An end face 45 extends between the flange 44 and the dispensing sleeve 25. A fastening section 48, which extends at least in sections along the flange 44, is then provided on the end face 45 and the flange 44. Of the Mounting portion 46 includes webs 48 which are spaced from the flange 44 and form a receiving area therebetween. At the lower edge of the flange 44, a latching nose 54 is provided pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38. As a result, a fastening section 46 can be formed, which can engage around the flange or an edge 47 of the container opening 14 or the pressure vessel 12 in a latching manner. Preferably, a latching, clamping or snap connection can be provided.

On the flange 44 of the adapter base body 19, a latching element 42 is further provided on an outer periphery, which forms a releasable latching connection with a latching element 43 on an inner side of the cap 29. As a result, the cap 29 can be clipped onto the adapter.

The adapter base 19 further includes the output sleeve 25, which is connected by an elastic connection 49 with the adapter body 19. Between the adapter base 19 and the output sleeve 25, the end face 45 extends. This end face 45 is roof-shaped viewed in a sectional view. The end face 45 covers or adjoins the attachment section. Between the output sleeve 25 and the end face 45, the elastic connection 49 extends. In an initial position 68, the elastic connection 49 and the end face 45 lie in a common plane. The elastic connection 49 is formed by an elastic membrane, which according to the illustrated embodiment extends over the whole area between the end face 45 of the flange 44 and the dispensing sleeve 25. By this elastic connection 49, the output sleeve 25 along the longitudinal axis 38 relative to the adapter body 19 in position changed. The dispensing sleeve 25 is in particular of the in FIG. 5 illustrated starting position 68 relative to the adapter body 19 in the direction of the valve 16 of the pressure vessel 12 slidably. Such an active position 69 is in the FIGS. 7 and 8th shown.

The FIG. 6 further shows that at one end of the dispensing sleeve 25 a connection 51 is provided. This connection 51 preferably surrounds the valve closure member 37. Opposite the connection 51, a receptacle 52 is provided on the dispensing sleeve 25, onto which sleeve the spout 26 can be placed or screwed on. The output sleeve 25 has a through hole 53 which extends from the terminal 51 to the receptacle 52. Between the receptacle 52 and the terminal 51 laterally projecting cam 57 are provided on the output sleeve 25. Preferably, two radially projecting and opposing cams 57 are formed.

At least one actuating element 56 on the actuating lever 21 can act on this cam 57 of the dispensing sleeve 25 to actuate the dispensing sleeve 25. This actuating lever 56 is for example in FIG. 1 is shown below and still in FIG. 5 described.

The receptacle 52 on the output sleeve 25 is bounded by an annular collar 58, so that the spout 26 occupies a defined position after placement. From this annular collar 58 in the direction of the elastic connection 49, a projection 59 is provided which protrudes web-shaped with respect to the outer circumference of the dispensing sleeve 25 and is arranged at a distance from the elastic connection 49. This projection 59 forms part of a transport lock of the actuating lever 21 and handle 22, as in the following in FIG. 9 will be discussed.

The adapter 18 is with respect to his in the Figures 5 and 6 components shown preferably integrally formed. The adapter base 19 further receives at least one, preferably two, pivot pins 61, which serve to form the pivot assembly 23 together with the actuating lever 21. The pivot pins 61 form a common pivot axis 62. The pivot pins 61 are mirror images of each other aligned and allow easy mounting and mounting of the actuating lever 21, so that the arranged at a free end recesses in the form of an elongated hole 63 can be placed on the pivot pin 61. In particular, the adapter 18 is made of plastic as an injection molded part. Alternatively, too individual components may be assembled by a snap, snap or clamp connection to form the adapter 18.

In FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adapter 18 in an active position 69 shown. The FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the adapter 18 according to FIG. 7 ,

With regard to the structure and the individual features and / or components of the adapter 18 is to the description of the figures Figures 5 and 6 Referenced. The transfer of the adapter 18 into the active position 69 is made possible by the elastic connection 49. By an actuating force along the longitudinal axis 38, the output sleeve 25 and thus the port 51 can be moved downwards, ie in the direction of the pressure vessel 12. As a result, the elastic connection 49 can deform. By a deflection of an elastic connection 49, an adjusting movement can be achieved. Advantageously, the elastic connection 49 is uniformly loaded, so that an annular recess is formed by the elastic connection 49. Upon release of the actuating lever 21, the elastic connection 49 returns to its original position 68, as indicated by the adapter 18 according to FIG Figures 5 and 6 is shown. In this starting position 68, the valve 16 of the pressure vessel 12 is closed again.

As an alternative to a circumferential elastic connection 49, a plurality of radially outwardly extending webs with gaps formed therebetween may also be provided.

In FIG. 9 the actuating lever 21 is shown with the handle 22 in the locking position 66. The swivel assembly 23 is provided in a first end position 71. The actuating lever 21 is transferred by a sliding movement at right angles to the longitudinal axis 38 of the pressure vessel 12 in this first end position 61. The handle 22 is positioned near or abutting against the outer wall of the pressure vessel 12. In this locking position 66 engages the outer sleeve on the output sleeve 25 59 on an outside of Actuating lever 21, whereby a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 21 is locked in the direction of the spout 26. In the opposite direction, the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 21 is blocked by a stop 76 which rests on the adapter base 19. To secure the actuating lever 21 and the handle 22, the slot or slots 63 may have a constriction, so that upon transfer of the pivot axis 62 in the first end position 71, a latching resistance is overcome, by which the actuating lever 21 can be subsequently held in this first end position 71 , In this locking position 66, the actuating element 56 of the actuating lever is positioned adjacent to the cams 57 and thus disengaged.

The elongated holes 63 formed on the actuating lever 21 have an angled contour. As a result, the actuating lever 21 is held with the handle 22 in an arrangement in the first end position 71 close to the pressure vessel 12. In an unlocking position 67 of the actuating lever 21 and handle 22, these can be further removed relative to the adapter base 19 both in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38 and laterally to the longitudinal axis 38 to allow safe operation of the handle 22 for dispensing the medium.

The unlocking position 67 of the operating lever 21 is in FIG. 8 shown. The pivot axis 62 is located within the slot 63 in a second end position 73. In this end position, the actuating element 56 rests on the cam 57. The actuating lever 21 and the handle 22 are arranged in a starting position 68. In this initial position, the product dispenser 11 is ready to dispense the medium upon actuation of the handle 22.

In FIG. 10 it can be seen that the actuating element 56 rests on the cam 57. If now the handle 22 or the actuating lever 21 is transferred from the starting position 68 in an active position 69, as shown for example by the two illustrated positions of the handle 21 in FIG. 11 is shown, the cams 57 are moved toward the pressure vessel 12. The dispensing sleeve 25 is in Direction to the container opening 14 due to the elastic connection 49 supplied to the adapter body 19. The valve closing member 37 is moved toward the inside of the pressure vessel 12. The valve opening 31 is opened and the medium can escape.

As soon as the handle 22 is no longer actuated, the actuating lever 21 automatically returns with the handle 22 from the active position 69 to the starting position 68. This independent transfer to a closed position is generated by the return element 39 of the valve 16.

In the active position 69 and the starting position 68, the actuating lever 21 is arranged in the second end position 73 of the pivoting arrangement 23. In this second end position 73, the actuating element 56 is positioned relative to the projection 59 in such a manner that during the pivoting movement of the handle 22, the dispensing sleeve 25 can be moved toward the pressure container 12 along the longitudinal axis 38.

In FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of the product dispenser with an unlocked adapter 18 shown. The handle 22 is transferred to an active position 69 for dispensing the medium. This sectional view shows that the dispensing sleeve 25 is moved relative to the annular adapter base body 19 along the longitudinal axis 38. This can be seen at a deflection 50 of the elastic connection 49, which extends between the output sleeve 25 and the annular adapter body 19.

The adapter 18 can be provided as a sales unit. The operating lever 21 is mounted on the pivot axis 62 and forms a fixed pivoting arrangement. The cap 29 may additionally be fastened on the adapter base body 19. To apply the cap 29, the handle 22 and the actuating lever 21 are passed through the recess 31 of the cap 29 and then the cap 29 connected to the adapter body 19, in particular latched. This assembly can be subsequently connected by a clip or snap connection with the peripheral edge with the container opening 14 of the pressure vessel 12. Optionally, the spout 26 may be screwed to complete the product dispenser 11.

Claims (12)

Adapter for a product dispenser (11) having an adapter base body (19) for positioning the adapter (18) on a container opening (14) of a pressure container (12), with an output sleeve (25) which is displaceable relative to the adapter base body (19) along a longitudinal axis ( 38) of the adapter base body (19) is movable, characterized in that the output sleeve (25) to the adapter base body (19) by a resilient connection (49) is slidably disposed, which as an annular or disc-shaped membrane between the adapter base body (19) and the Output sleeve (25) is provided. An adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing sleeve (25) is self-holding in an initial position (68) to the adapter base body (19) is arranged and the output sleeve (25) by a force at least partially along the longitudinal axis (38) of the adapter base body (19). into an active position (69) can be transferred. Adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic connection (49) can be built up by means of a restoring force which can be built into the active position (69) when transferring the dispensing sleeve (25) from the starting position (68) to the dispensing sleeve (25) independently the initial position (68) to the adapter base body (19) transferred. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter base body (19) has a flange (44) aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis (38) and an end face (45) extends between the flange (44) and the delivery sleeve (25), which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (38) and the elastic connection (49) is provided between the output sleeve (25) and the end face (45). Adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that in the starting position (68) of the output sleeve (25) to the adapter base body (19), the end face (45) and the elastic connection (49) are arranged in a common plane. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within the flange (44) has a fastening portion (46) is provided, which extends at least in sections along the flange (44) and on an edge (47) of the pressure vessel (12) by a latching and / or snap connection can be fastened. An adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that the fastening portion (46) on the flange (44) has a plurality of spaced apart webs (48) forming with the flange (44) has a U-shaped receiving area through which the mounting portion (46 ) engages positively on the edge (47) of the pressure vessel (12). Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection (51) for positioning to the valve (16) of the pressure vessel (12) is provided on the delivery sleeve (25) in the direction of placement of the adapter base body (19) on the pressure vessel (12) , Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output sleeve (25) of the adapter base body (19) has at a free end a receptacle (52) for a spout (26). Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter base body (19), the output sleeve (25) and at least the elastic connection (49) are integrally formed. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter base body (19), the output sleeve (25) and at least the elastic connection (49) is made as a plastic injection-molded part. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter base body (19), the output sleeve (25) and at least the elastic connection (49) made of a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene, is formed.

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