EP3854279A1 - Container and set of dispenser and container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (5) containing pumpable medium with an opening which is closed by an insert (16) in which a suction opening (24) can be pushed through by means of a suction nozzle (3), the insert (16) at least two, preferably one another overlapping areas (21, 22) of different hardness, wherein the harder area (21) of the insert (16) rests against the opening of the container (5), and the softer area covers at least part of the suction opening (24) so that the harder area (21) has properties that are matched to support the softer area (22) when piercing the insert (16), and that the softer area (22) has properties that are matched to a sealing function for the intake port (3) .

Description

The invention relates to a container containing a pumpable medium with an opening which is closed by an insert in which a suction opening can be pierced by means of a suction nozzle, the insert having at least two, preferably overlapping, areas of different hardness, and the harder one Area of the insert rests against the opening of the container. The invention further relates to a set comprising a dispenser for a pumpable medium, with an output device arranged in a dispenser part, preferably in a housing upper part, on which a suction nozzle is provided, and the container containing the pumpable medium.

From the DE 29920517 U a soap dispenser is known which has a soap container with a neck into which an insert made of a corrosion-resistant metal that prevents nucleation, for example stainless steel, is glued. The insert has a central bore into which an output unit is pressed by a pump so that a tight fit or press fit is formed. A suction port of the pump protrudes down into the medium to be sucked in. A groove is machined into the wall of the bore, which, after the pump has been inserted, represents a ventilation channel. Both the container and the dispensing unit are intended for longer periods of use, so that the dispensing unit can be removed from the insertion hole in order to refill soap.

Instead of refilling the pumpable medium from a larger supply into the dispenser container, it is easier to use refills, especially in terms of handling, i.e. disposable containers filled with the medium that are attached to the dispenser part and exchanged for a new container after emptying. The containers of the refills are provided with a tight seal, which can be used before the Container is opened or removed from the housing. After establishing the flow connection between the pump arranged in the housing and the medium in the container, the dispenser is ready for operation again.

From the DE 102005029746 a container of the type mentioned is known. The container is provided in particular as a refill for an atomizer and has an insert in the container opening which is closed gas-tight on the top by a cover or seal. At the inner end of the insert there is arranged a sealing element which can be pierced by the intake port and which, after the perforation, hugs the intake port in a sealing manner. Due to the distance between the top cover and the sealing element located on the inside, an excessively long path is required in order to establish the flow connection between the medium in the container and a dispensing device.

the EP 3172146 shows a break seal for closing an opening of a container containing a medium and a container with such a break seal. The break seal has a central area which can be pierced by an intake connector and which is weakened by radial notches.

The invention has now set itself the task of creating a container of the type mentioned, which requires only a very short insertion path for the suction nozzle to perforate the insert, and is therefore also suitable as a refill container for a set that has a dispenser having an output device.

In a container according to the invention it is therefore provided that the insert has at least two, preferably overlapping, areas of different hardness, the harder area of the insert resting against the opening of the container, and the softer area covering at least part of the suction opening Area has properties, which are tailored to support the softer area when piercing the insert, and that the softer area has properties that are tailored to a sealing function for the intake manifold.

Because there is no distance between the two areas of different hardness, the path that the suction nozzle has to cover to penetrate the suction opening is limited to the thickness of the two areas lying one on top of the other. In a preferred embodiment it is provided that in the harder area of the insert at least part of the suction opening is cut out and covered by the softer area. It is preferably provided that the suction opening comprises a slot, the edge of which forms a shear edge, along which the softer area is supported by the harder area when it is cut through by the suction connector. The support of the softer area prevents the softer area from stretching in the case of a blunt end of the suction nozzle and turning inwards so that the suction opening is not pierced.

In a preferred embodiment, which is particularly suitable for an intake connector with a circular cross-section, it is provided that the slot is C-shaped and the inner shear edge is formed on a removable material bridge of the harder area. Depending on the brittleness of the material in the harder area, the material bridge can be bent downwards or broken off. The width of the C-shaped slot can be between 0.2 and 1.5 mm; in particular, a slot width of 0.37 mm has proven useful.

The harder area is preferably made of a classic hard plastic, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, or a similar material. Materials for the softer range preferably have a Shore hardness of 30 to 90 Shore A, in particular 50 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the insert is formed from a 2K sealing material which comprises a hard component and a soft component that form the harder and softer regions.

In a further preferred embodiment, in which the container is dimensionally stable, a ventilation channel is provided, into which a valve is inserted. The ventilation channel only extends through the harder area of the insert if the softer area around the ventilation channel is left open. The valve can be, for example, a duck bill valve or the like.

Because of the very short distance required to pierce the suction opening, a bayonet lock can be used to connect the container to a dispenser part. A further preferred embodiment therefore provides that the container has a neck on which elements of a bayonet lock are provided on the outside and the insert on the inside. To reach the path, in a first embodiment elements of the bayonet catch can each have an axially attracting web with a trough ending at a stop, the transition of which to the web forms an opening resistance. In this way, the bayonet lock engages when the stop is reached and cannot accidentally open by itself, but rather has to be turned deliberately while overcoming the opening resistance. "Axially attractive" is understood to mean that the web extending in the circumferential direction has a bevel at least at the beginning, so that when the bayonet lock is closed, the container edge is pressed against the dispenser part, a seal preferably arranged between them being compressed.

In a second embodiment, a rib arranged parallel to the stop can be provided in front of a stop of the bayonet catch on the neck of the container, after which there is also an opening resistance.

A set according to the invention comprises a dispenser for the pumpable medium, which has a dispensing device with a suction nozzle arranged in a dispenser part, preferably in a housing upper part, and the exchangeable container containing the pumpable medium, which is preferably also provided with a removable cap. When the container is attached to the dispenser part, the suction nozzle pierces the insert, which consists of a sealing material. This surprisingly simple solution is based on the knowledge that the container opening must be sealed both before and during use in the dispenser, namely as a refill with a closure cap and after the container has been attached to the dispenser part, for example to the upper part of the housing, in relation to the in Dispenser arranged pump. Various combinations are possible here, depending on the type of container (dimensionally stable or compressible), the type of pump (manually or motorized), etc., and that an insert made of sealing material can be optimally matched to the different requirements.

A preferred embodiment provides that the insert is formed from a 2K sealing material, and an area in contact with the container consists of a first, harder component, the properties of which are matched to a hold in the container, and an area that takes over the seal consists of a second, softer component, the properties of which are matched to a sealing function. In this embodiment in particular, a first sealing zone can be formed from the second, softer component of the insert, which is assigned to the suction opening, and optionally a second sealing zone can be formed which encloses a ventilation channel required for a dimensionally stable container. Both sealing zones of the second, softer component of the insert are preferably arranged concentrically.

The ventilation of a dimensionally stable container can of course take place in any known manner, it is advantageous if the Ventilation channel runs through the insert, since in this case it is covered together with the suction opening by the closure cap. After the container has been arranged on the dispenser part, it must be possible to ventilate the container so that only the sealing zone assigned to the suction opening can fulfill its function. In a first embodiment, therefore, the second sealing zone preferably projects upwards over the container, thus seals against the attached cap and, after the container has been attached, is functionless at a distance from the underside of the discharge device so that the ventilation channel remains free.

After the closure cap has been removed, the container can be attached to the dispenser part, the suction nozzle of the dispensing device penetrating the suction opening. The first sealing zone of the second, softer component of the insert nestles around the suction port and thereby connects it to the container in a sealing manner.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Sets, wobei der Behälter an einen Gehäuseoberteil angesetzt ist,

Fig. 2

Einzelteile des Behälters mit Verschlusskappe,

Fig. 3

einen Längsschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zwischen dem Behälter und dem Gehäuseoberteil,

Fig. 4

ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt des Bereichs A in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

den Ausschnitt von Fig. 4 mit Verschlusskappe statt Gehäuseoberteil,

Fig. 6

entsprechend Fig. 2 Einzelteile einer zweiten Ausführung des Behälters,

Fig. 7

einen Längsschnitt durch den Verbindungsbereich zwischen der zweiten Ausführung des Behälters und dem Gehäuseoberteil,

Fig. 8

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt des Bereichs A in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

den Ausschnitt von Fig. 8 mit Verschlusskappe anstelle des Gehäuseoberteiles, und

Fig. 10

eine vergrößerte Draufsicht auf den Einsatz in der zweiten Ausführung des Behälters entsprechend Fig. 6.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a view of a set according to the invention, wherein the container is attached to an upper part of the housing,

Fig. 2

Individual parts of the container with sealing cap,

Fig. 3

a longitudinal section through the connection area between the container and the upper part of the housing,

Fig. 4

an enlarged section of area A in Fig. 3 ,

Fig. 5

the section of Fig. 4 with sealing cap instead of the upper part of the housing,

Fig. 6

accordingly Fig. 2 Individual parts of a second version of the container,

Fig. 7

a longitudinal section through the connection area between the second embodiment of the container and the upper part of the housing,

Fig. 8

an enlarged section of area A in Fig. 7 ,

Fig. 9

the section of Fig. 8 with sealing cap instead of the upper part of the housing, and

Fig. 10

an enlarged plan view of the insert in the second embodiment of the container accordingly Fig. 6 .

A set according to the invention has a dispenser for a pumpable medium, of which in Fig. 1 an upper housing part 1 is shown as a dispenser part, and at least one container 5, primarily intended as a refill, in which the medium to be dispensed, for example soap, gel, cream, disinfectant, etc., is contained. The container 5 is secured by means of a bayonet catch 9 ( Fig. 3 ) connected to the upper part 1 of the housing. The upper housing part 1 can, if the container 5 lies within the outer contours of the upper housing part 1, be supplemented by a not shown lower part in the manner of a planter or the like, which has, for example, an improved standing surface, engagement elements for a wall bracket or decorative elements.

The dispenser part contains an output device 2 for the medium contained in the container 5, which has for example a sensor-controlled, motor-driven peristaltic pump or the like when operated without contact and, for example, a reciprocating pump when operated manually. However, this is of subordinate importance for understanding the invention.

The dispensing device 2 has a suction nozzle 3, which protrudes on the underside of the upper housing part 1 and is flow-connected to a riser pipe 20 in the interior of the container 5. The container 5 comprises a cylindrical neck 6 in which an insert 16 is arranged, from which the riser pipe 20 protrudes downward. The insert 16 comprises two areas 21, 22 of different hardness and is explained in more detail below. Preferred materials for the harder area 21 are classic hard plastics, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, or similar materials. Materials for the softer area 22 preferably have a Shore hardness of 30 to 90 Shore A, in particular 50 Shore A. The insert 16 preferably consists of a two-component sealing material.

On the outside of the neck 6, two or four container-side elements of the bayonet lock 9 are formed. This includes a web 11 extending approximately in the circumferential direction up to a stop 14, which has at least one insertion bevel and merges into a trough 13 ending at the stop 14.

Housing-side elements 17 of the bayonet catch 9 are provided on the upper housing part 1, in particular cylindrical knobs or the like. When the container 5 is attached to the upper housing part 1 and then rotated about the longitudinal axis, the elements 17 on the housing side pass under the webs 11 and the container 5 is pressed upwards against the upper housing part 1 due to the insertion slope, the seal between the suction nozzle 3 and the suction opening of the insert 16 takes effect.

In order to avoid inadvertent opening of the bayonet catch 9, an opening resistance is formed which is achieved, for example, by the transition between the trough 13 and the web 11 and / or by a rib 15 formed parallel to the stop 14. This means that the container 5 noticeably overcomes an obstacle when locking or opening the bayonet lock 9. Fig. 2 shows another closure cap 7 for the container 5, which has the same projections or knobs as the elements 17 of the housing upper part 1 on the housing side. The container 5 can have any cross-sectional shape to which an optionally provided cachepot is adapted.

As mentioned above, the insert 16 consists in particular of a 2K sealing material, the first, harder area 21 for connection to the inside of the neck 6 comprising a support ring 28 and a central sleeve 29, to which the riser pipe 20 into the interior of the container 5 is set. The second component of the sealing material of the insert 16 forms the softer area 22, which comprises two sealing zones 26 and 27. The first sealing zone 26 surrounds the suction opening 24 that has been created and seals against the inserted suction connector 3 of the dispensing device 2, as in FIG Fig. 4 shown.

In the execution according to the Figures 2 to 5 the second sealing zone 27 is provided concentrically to the suction opening 24 on the upper side of the softer area 22 and protrudes above the container 5 upwards. The second sealing zone 27 is provided at a distance from the first sealing zone 26, with a ventilation channel 23 running through the insert 16 in between.

Out Fig. 4 It can be seen that when the container 5 is connected, the second sealing zone 27 is at a distance 25 from the discharge device 2 and therefore does not have any sealing function, so that when the discharge device 2 is actuated, air can flow into the container 5 through the ventilation channel 23 of the insert 16. Here only the first sealing zone 26 is in function.

Out Fig. 5 it can be seen that the attached closure cap 7 is sealed against the second sealing zone 27 so that the medium contained in the container 5 can neither escape through the open suction opening 24 nor through the ventilation channel 23. Only the second sealing zone 27 is in function here, but not the first sealing zone 26 at the suction opening 24.

In this way, a sealing element is saved, since in conventional soap dispensers with exchangeable containers, a sealing element is provided on the closure cap and a sealing element is provided on the discharge device.

In the Figures 6 to 10 is a set from the upper housing part 1, as above for the Figures 1 to 5 and a second embodiment of the container 5 according to the invention is shown. The main difference between the two container designs lies in the details of the insert 16 formed from the 2-component sealing material.

The in Fig. 10 The insert 16 shown in plan view again comprises a harder area 21, which is connected to the neck 6 of the container 5 via the support ring 28 and is made from a harder sealing component, and a second, softer area 22, which is on the upper side of the harder area 21 is embedded in these, and is made from a softer sealing component. An approximately C-shaped slot 31 with a width of 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in particular 0.37 mm, is cut out in the harder area 21 and is only covered by the softer area 22. The harder area 21 therefore supports the softer area 22 when penetrating the central suction opening 24, since the outer edge of the C-shaped slot 31 forms a shear edge for the lower outer edge of the intake connector 3. Inwardly, the C-shaped slot 31 is delimited by a part 30 connected to the harder region 21 via a material bridge 32. Above the part 30, the softer area 22 can be cut out, as shown in FIG Fig. 10 can be seen. When the container 5 is attached to the upper housing part 1, its suction nozzle 3 penetrates the insert 16, punching the softer area 22 along the shear edge and pressing on the part 30, which is either broken out and falls down or is bent out, depending on the property of the harder area 21 of the insert 16. The softer area 22 then encloses the intake port 3 in a sealing manner, as from the Figures 7 and 8th can be seen.

The harder area 21 of the first component is provided with a ventilation opening or a ventilation channel 23, around which the softer area 22 is cut out. The ventilation channel is, as shown, with a Duck bill valve 33 or the like, through which air can flow into the dimensionally stable container 5 when the contents of the container are removed.

The puncturing of the suction opening or the removal of the material bridge 32 through the suction nozzle 3 requires only a very small axial path, which is reached in any case at the latest when the bayonet lock is tightened, so that the container 5 is reliably opened. Thanks to the small width of the slot 31 and the support of the softer area 22 covering the slot 31 by the harder area 21, the softer area 22 is reliably separated when the container is attached to the upper housing part 1.

The ones in the Figures 6 to 10 The embodiment shown can also be used in dispensers in which the container 5 is inserted upside down, in which case the riser pipe 20 in the container 5 is omitted.

Claims (18)

A container (5) containing a pumpable medium with an opening which is closed by an insert (16) in which a suction opening (24) can be pushed through by means of a suction nozzle (3), characterized in that the insert (16) has at least two , preferably overlapping, areas (21, 22) of different hardness, wherein the harder area (21) of the insert (16) rests against the opening of the container (5), and the softer area covers at least part of the suction opening (24) that the harder area (21) has properties that are designed to support the softer area (22) when the insert (16) is pierced, and that the softer area (22) has properties that act as a seal for the intake port (3 ) are matched. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that in the harder area (21) of the insert (16) at least part of the suction opening (24) is cut out and covered by the softer area (22). Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction opening (24) has a slot (31), the edge of which forms a shear edge, along which the softer area (22) can be severed. Container according to Claim 3, characterized in that the slot (31) is C-shaped and is delimited on the inside by a removable material bridge (32) of the harder area (21). Container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the slot (31) has a width of 0.2 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.37 mm. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the harder area (21) is made of a classic hard plastic, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, or a similar material, and the softer area (22) is preferably made of a material with a Shore hardness of 30 up to 90 Shore A, in particular from 50 Shore A, there is. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the insert (16) is formed from a 2K sealing material which comprises a hard component and a soft component which form the harder and the softer area (21, 22). Container according to one of Claims 1 to 7, the container (5) being dimensionally stable, characterized in that a ventilation channel (23) into which a valve is inserted is guided through the harder region (21) of the insert (16) the softer area (22) around the ventilation duct (23) is preferably left out. The container of claim 8, characterized in that the valve is a duck bill valve (33). Set comprising a dispenser for a pumpable medium, with an output device (2) arranged in an upper housing part (1) on which a suction nozzle (3) is provided, and a container (5) containing the pumpable medium according to one of claims 1 to 9, with an insert (16) formed from a sealing material, which has a suction opening (24), the suction nozzle (3) of the dispensing device (2) sealingly through the upper housing part (1) after the container (5) has been attached Suction opening (24) extends. Set according to claim 10, characterized in that the insert (16) is formed from a 2K sealing material, and a container (5) The contacting area (21) consists of a first component whose properties are matched to a hold in the container (5), and an area (22) which takes on the sealing consists of a second component whose properties are matched to a sealing function. Set according to claim 11, characterized in that on the second component of the insert (16) a first sealing zone (26) enclosing the suction opening (24), and preferably, if the container (5) is dimensionally stable, one enclosing a ventilation channel (23) second sealing zone (27) are formed. Set according to claim 12, characterized in that the second component of the insert (16) has two, in particular concentric, sealing zones (26, 27), the first sealing zone (26) only surrounding the suction opening (24) and the second sealing zone (27) encloses the suction opening (24) and the ventilation duct (23). Set according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sealing zone (27) enclosing the ventilation channel (23) protrudes upwards over the container (5), and after the container (5) has been attached to the upper part of the housing (1) with it Distance (25) to the underside of the discharge device (2) lies. Set according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the container (5) has a neck (6) which can be coupled to the upper housing part (1), on which the outside of the container-side elements of a bayonet lock (9) and inside the insert (16) Sealing material are provided, the bayonet lock (9) preferably having an opening resistance. Set according to claim 15, characterized in that the container-side elements of the bayonet lock (9) each have an axially attracting web (11) with a trough (13) ending at the stop (14), the transition of which to the web (11) forms the opening resistance. Set according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the elements (17) on the housing side are cylindrical knobs. Set according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the container (5) containing the pumpable medium is closed by a closure cap (7) before being attached to the upper housing part (1) and by the sealing zone (27) of the insert protruding upwards (16) is sealed.

Images