EP4125517A1

EP4125517A1 - Liquid dispenser, injection device for injection of a liquid and system for moistening, disinfecting and/or cleaning surfaces

Info

Publication number: EP4125517A1
Application number: EP21720160.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hansen Jan Hoepner; Paul Jacob Hoepner
Original assignee: Littlebiginnovation GmbH
Current assignee: Littlebiginnovation GmbH
Priority date: 2020-03-30
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: DE202021101317U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid dispenser (1) for receiving and dispensing a liquid (40) for moistening, disinfecting and/or cleaning surfaces, in particular hands, wherein the liquid dispenser (1) has a receiving body (10) which forms a substantially closed cavity (12) in which a liquid (40) for moistening, disinfecting and/or cleaning can be received, characterized in that the liquid dispenser (1) has at least one valve element (20) formed by a region of the wall (11) of the receiving body (10) and said valve element (20) is designed such that it forms an opening (121) in the event of a deformation of the receiving body (10) and/or in the event of a pressure increase in the cavity (12) as a result of deformation and thus enables a volume flow of the liquid (40) out of the cavity (12).

Description

Fluid dispenser. Injection device for injecting a liquid and

Humidification system. Disinfection and / or cleaning of surfaces

The invention relates to a liquid dispenser, an injection device for injecting a liquid, in particular into a liquid dispenser according to the invention, and a system for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces.

Various means are known from the prior art, such as how you can moisten your skin yourself or how you can provide it with a disinfectant. Small liquid reservoirs containing the respective liquid agent are usually carried for this purpose. These reservoirs, often designed in the form of bottles, must first be opened manually and then the liquid must be applied to the skin. Both hands are often used to rub the liquid agent on the skin, so that the liquid reservoir must first be put away. The liquid reservoir must then be closed. Such devices have the disadvantage that their handling requires a relatively large amount of time and effort and, moreover, simple and uncomplicated availability is not always guaranteed.

For disinfection, it should be noted that the first contact with the liquid reservoir or the corresponding container cannot rule out the possibility of bacteria or viruses being transferred to this container, so that when the liquid reservoir is used by another user, it cannot be prevented that this comes into contact with the bacteria or viruses.

Furthermore, when transporting such liquid reservoirs, it should be noted that they usually have to be held upright in pockets, whereby it is important here that the liquid reservoir does not open accidentally through unintentional application of pressure.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of providing a liquid dispenser and a system for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, with which a corresponding liquid is made available in a simple and inexpensive manner and it is ensured that the Liquid can be applied to a surface to be treated.

This object is achieved by the liquid dispenser according to the invention according to claim 1 and by the system according to the invention for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning solved by surfaces according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the liquid dispenser are specified in subclaims 2-10. Advantageous embodiments of the system for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces are specified in subclaims 12-15.

The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful manner, in which case the explanations from the following description and features from the figures can also be used, which include additional embodiments of the invention.

The invention relates to a liquid dispenser for receiving and dispensing a liquid for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, in particular hands, the liquid dispenser having a receiving body which forms a substantially closed cavity.

A liquid for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning can be received in the receiving body or its cavity. The liquid dispenser has at least one valve element formed by a region of the wall of the receiving body. This valve element is set up in such a way that it forms an opening in the event of a deformation of the receiving body and / or in the event of a deformation-related increase in pressure in the cavity and thus enables a volume flow of the liquid out of the cavity.

The valve element can only be formed by a region of the wall of the receiving body, that is to say that there are no further components for forming the valve element than the material of the wall which forms the valve element.

In an alternative embodiment, an extra valve element is arranged in the wall.

The valve element is a device with which the flow of the liquid through the wall of the receiving body can be controlled. The valve element can be a cross-gap valve.

The deformation of the receiving body takes place by manual squeezing, for example, from a first shape into a second shape, with the volume of the cavity possibly being reduced at the same time.

Any reduction in the volume of the cavity leads to an increase in pressure in the cavity and consequently to the fact that liquid is pumped out of the cavity at a sufficiently high pressure. The liquid dispenser according to the invention has the advantage that, depending on the material used and its wall thickness of the receiving space, it releases the openings of the valve elements in the event of squeezing or changing shape and thus enables the liquid to get out of the cavity to the surface of the wall of the receiving body . In this way, depending on the design of the valve element, the receiving body itself can also be moistened, so that the hands pressing the receiving body are also moistened. Depending on which liquid is contained in the cavity, this liquid can then be used, namely only to moisten surfaces, in particular human skin, or else to provide skin areas with a disinfectant.

In particular, the hands can be provided with a disinfectant very easily and playfully. The liquid dispenser according to the invention also has the advantage that its surface itself is provided with the disinfectant or cleaning agent and the liquid dispenser is thus very clean or disinfected. Accordingly, the liquid dispenser can also be passed on to other people without hesitation, since they do not run the risk of being impaired by dirt or bacteria or viruses on the surface of the wall.

In one embodiment it is provided that the receiving body has exactly one valve element. This valve element serves to dispense the liquid as well as to feed the liquid into the receiving space. This valve element can be designed as a closure element that differs optically and / or haptically from the wall of the receiving space, with which an opening in the wall of the receiving space can be closed and opened in the event of a pressure difference and / or insertion of a cannula or a tip.

The liquid dispenser is set up for filling and thus also for refilling and thus represents a reusable, sustainable product.

In an alternative embodiment, a respective valve element is designed as a recess or an incision in the wall which forms the opening when the wall area having the valve element is stretched due to deformation. In the event of greater deformation, tensile stresses prevail in the wall, which lead to an expansion of the wall, so that a puncture made therein experiences an opening. An incision also creates an opening, in particular when the tensile stress acts with a component perpendicular to the direction of the cut. Several punctures or incisions can be implemented in the receiving body, a combination of punctures or incisions not being excluded.

The direction of extension of the recess or incision from the outside of the receiving body to the inside of the receiving body can run at an angle, in particular at an acute angle or at right angles, to a radial relative to the center of gravity of the volume of the receiving body. This means that in this embodiment a relevant puncture or incision runs obliquely through the wall of the receiving body. This configuration largely prevents the liquid from splashing out of the receiving body inadvertently.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the liquid dispenser, it is provided that an anchoring part of a baffle element is passed through the valve element, in particular in the area that can form the opening due to the deformation, the baffle element having a baffle surface on the outside of the receiving body, which the area of the opening covers or covers, so that liquid emerging from the receiving body is diverted from the baffle.

This also prevents the liquid from splashing out of the receiving body. This ensures that the liquid that emerges remains essentially on the outer surface of the receiving body and can be applied from there to the object to be moistened or disinfected.

In particular, the impact element with an anchoring part can be guided directly through the opening, or through a puncture or incision. Due to the easy deformability of the receiving body, despite the anchoring part being passed through the puncture or incision, the opening resulting from deformation or pressure increase can be sufficiently large that a sufficient volume of liquid emerges from the cavity of the receiving body.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the impact element is connected directly to the anchoring part. To prevent the impact element from inadvertently detaching from the surface of the receiving body, in a further advantageous embodiment the impact element has at least one barb on its anchoring part which engages in the wall or engages behind or undercuts the wall in the cavity. In this case, a respective anchoring part can simultaneously serve as a tool for producing the respective valve element during the production of the receiving body, in that the anchoring part is pressed or pressed into the closed surface of the receiving body is impacted and penetrates the wall of the receiving body in such a way that when the receiving body is deformed and / or the pressure in the receiving body is increased, the opening is formed on or around the anchoring part.

However, an alternative embodiment is also not excluded, in which the impact element only comprises the impact surface which is materially connected to the surface of the receiving body. If necessary, this baffle surface can also have been produced as an integral part of the surface in the same manufacturing step as the entire receiving body, e.g. during injection molding.

In a special embodiment, the liquid dispenser is designed in such a way that the wall area having the valve element has essentially the same surface structure as the remaining surface of the receiving body.

This means that the valve element or a relevant opening is made in a smooth surface of the receiving body if this is also otherwise made with a smooth surface.

The valve element or the opening formed thereby is therefore also not spaced from the remaining surface of the receiving body.

The liquid dispenser according to the invention is relatively easy to deform. In particular, it is provided that the receiving body is designed in such a way that it can be deformed manually with a degree of deformation p, where the following applies: p> 0.2 and p <-0.2, in particular p> 0.3 and p <-0.3 .

This means that the receiving body changes at least one dimension by a maximum of 20% when a squeezing grip force of 10 N is applied manually to the receiving body.

The receiving body is essentially elastically deformable. However, the invention also includes an embodiment in which the deformation can be carried out essentially plastically.

In particular, the receiving body can be made of a flexible, deformable plastic or a rubber. The thinner the wall thickness of the wall, the easier the deformability of the receiving body.

The volume of the receiving body preferably does not exceed 250 cm ³ . In particular, it is provided that the receiving body essentially has the shape of a sphere. The spherical shape has the advantage that such a receptacle body has a maximum volume with a minimal surface area, so that any change in shape automatically leads to a volume minimization and consequently to an increase in pressure and tensile load on the wall of the receptacle body, so that with a corresponding distribution of the valve elements at least one opening of a valve element is realized will.

In an alternative embodiment, the receiving body can also have a barrel shape or the shape of a cylinder, with such rotationally symmetrical shapes having the advantage that rolling movements can be performed with the receiving body on the surface to be cleaned or disinfected.

Furthermore, the liquid dispenser is advantageously designed if the receiving body has a plurality of valve elements distributed over its entire surface, in particular evenly distributed.

In a ready-to-use embodiment, a liquid is already received in the receiving body for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning.

The liquid is a liquid that can be used for different purposes. The liquid can have a different viscosity. It can simply be a humidifying agent, but also a disinfectant and / or cleaning agent.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the liquid dispenser, a porous mass, such as a sponge, which can be soaked with the liquid, is received in the cavity of the receiving body. This serves to ensure that, in the event of a deformation of the receiving body, the liquid received in the porous mass can only flow out of the valve elements at a relatively low speed, thus preventing a large amount of splashing out.

Alternatively or in addition, a support structure can also be introduced into the cavity of the receiving body, the maximum radial extension of which is less than that of the cavity in the unloaded state and / or which has a higher compressive strength than the wall of the receiving body, so that when an from the outside on the Receiving body acting compressive force of the receiving body is only deformed as far as the support structure allows. This embodiment is also intended to prevent the liquid from splashing out far, since, due to the support structure, deformation of the receiving body can only occur to a limited extent. Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the liquid dispenser according to the invention for applying a liquid to a surface, in particular for applying a liquid to the human skin by manually changing the shape of the receiving body or increasing the pressure in the receiving body.

In addition, the receiving body of the liquid dispenser can have a first magnetic element.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the first magnetic element is fixed in relation to the receiving body. In particular, if the first magnetic element and the valve element are arranged at radially opposite positions of the receiving body, this configuration has the advantage of easy localization of the valve element when the liquid dispenser is arranged by means of the first magnetic element.

The localization can be assisted in that an area of the arrangement of the valve element has a different color than the area of the arrangement of the first magnetic element. For example, a ball-shaped liquid dispenser can have two differently colored ball halves. The differently colored halves of the ball make it very easy for a user to locate the side in which the valve element is arranged and in which the first magnetic element is arranged.

In particular, the first magnetic element can be fixed on the inside of the wall of the receiving body. Further possibilities for the arrangement of the first magnetic element are embedding in the wall of the receiving space, or also an arrangement on the outside of the wall, here possibly covered with a further layer of material.

In an alternative embodiment it is provided that the first magnetic element is arranged essentially freely movable in the cavity of the receiving body. Because of this, when an attractive force from the second magnetic element is active, the first magnetic element can automatically apply itself to a position on the inner wall of the cavity which is closest to the second magnetic element.

The advantage here is that no exact manual positioning is necessary in order to enable the magnetic fixation of the receiving body on the holding device. In particular, the first magnetic element can have a spherical shape so that it can roll along the inside of the cavity and can correspondingly more easily position itself automatically.

The flow of the first magnetic element is only hindered to a small extent by the liquid. If necessary, a valve section protruding inwards prevents the first magnetic element from being positioned directly on the valve opening.

The liquid dispenser can furthermore have a suspension device with a second magnetic element, the two magnetic elements being designed and arranged in such a way that the force of attraction effective between the magnetic elements when the receiving body is positioned on the suspension device is greater than the gravity of the receiving body, if necessary is even greater than the force of gravity of the liquid-filled receptacle.

At least one of the two magnetic elements can only be a magnetizable body that is attracted by an active magnetic element. As a result of the configuration with the magnetic elements, the receiving body can be attached to the suspension device.

The two magnetic elements are of course matched to one another in such a way that opposite poles of the magnets point to one another when the suspension device and receiving body are brought into a suitable position and alignment for common connection, so that attractive forces act between the two magnetic elements.

Furthermore, the liquid dispenser can have a suspension device with a suction cup for attachment to the outside of the receiving body by means of negative pressure.

Correspondingly, in this embodiment the suspension device has a cup-shaped structure which can be pressed against the smooth surface of the receiving body by a negative pressure. For this purpose, a cavity in the suction cup, enclosed by elastic material, is pressed in during attachment and the previously contained air is displaced. Of the Ambient pressure on the hollow body of the suction cup exerts an external force on the suction cup so that the suction cup is fixed on the receiving body.

The suspension device can be made of an elastic material or also rigid and can be set up in such a way that it can realize an essentially airtight connection with the receiving body.

In both of the embodiments of the fastening device mentioned here, the fastening device can furthermore have a band or some other traction device as the suspension device, which in particular forms a loop. Such a fastening device is also referred to as a lanyard or neck strap.

In particular, the suspension device thus forms a hanging device that a person can hang around his neck or otherwise fasten, such as a belt, so that the liquid dispenser can be worn in front of the person's chest or stomach, like a chain pendant, when attached can.

The invention thus comprises suspension devices which combine a suction cup with a magnet or are also designed without a magnet. Furthermore, the invention also includes embodiments in which only a magnet is included in the suspension device and no suction cup.

In addition, embodiments are not excluded from the invention in which the suspension device and the receiving body are firmly, for example, permanently connected to one another, as well as embodiments in which a latching connection is implemented between the receiving body and the suspension device for the detachable connection between the suspension device and the receiving body.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the liquid dispenser it is provided that the valve element comprises a movable closure body which can be placed in front of the opening due to gravity.

For this purpose, the valve element can also have a conical or pyramid-shaped recess adjoining the opening in the wall, the narrowest area of which opens into the opening, so that when the receiving body is aligned, the opening points downward for the movable closure body , makes it easier to sit in front of the opening in the receiving body. In this way, protection against unintentional discharge of liquid from the receiving body is implemented in a simple manner. The movable closure body can in particular be a ball which has a greater density than water.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first magnetic element is located on the radially opposite side of the essentially ball-shaped receiving body from the valve element, so that when the receiving body is suspended on the suspension device by means of magnetic force, the valve element always hangs down, thereby causing the movable closure body is to sit in front of the opening due to gravity.

In addition, the valve element can comprise a fixing device for fixing the movable closure body in front of the opening in the receiving body.

In particular, this fixing device can also be formed by the wall of the receiving body.

This fixing device can for example have at least one undercut element which is arranged on the inside of the conical or pyramidal recess. In particular, the undercut element can be a circumferential edge or collar.

In the event of a sufficiently strong deformation of the receiving body such that the receiving body is compressed in the direction of the valve element and is expanded accordingly in the direction perpendicular thereto, the clear width of the area of the recess which is delimited by the undercut element also expands accordingly.

This expansion makes it possible for the movable closure body to get into the recess and to sit in front of the opening.

In the case of a back deformation, which is reversible due to the elasticity of the receiving body, the clear width of the area of the recess which is delimited by the undercut element is again reduced.

Correspondingly, the undercut element now engages behind the movable closure body, so that it can no longer move out of the recess and thus also cannot move away from the opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that the undercut element is shaped and arranged in such a way that in this state it presses the movable closure body in the direction of the opening of the valve element. A valve element is thereby made available which, through the movable closure body placed in front of the opening, ensures additional security against unintentional discharge of liquid from the receiving body.

For the purpose of the intended delivery of liquid from the receiving body, only the receiving body has to be deformed again in such a way that the undercut element no longer engages behind the movable closure body and this can thus get out of the recess, as is the case, for example, when the receiving body is so is rotated so that the valve element does not form the lowest point of the receiving body.

Furthermore, the liquid dispenser can be designed in such a way that the first magnetic element is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the valve element, possibly surrounding it at least in certain areas.

In conjunction with a suction cup equipped with a second magnetic element, this embodiment has the advantage that the magnetic force of attraction pulls the suction cup onto the receiving body and thereby not only the receiving body can be held by the combination of suction force and magnetic force, but also the valve element at the same time or the opening of which is closed in a liquid-tight manner by the suction cup.

In addition, the invention provides a system for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, which comprises a liquid dispenser according to the invention and an injection device with which a liquid for disinfection and / or cleaning is fed through a valve element into the cavity of the receiving body of the liquid dispenser can be injected.

In the embodiment with an extra valve element, this is clearly visible from the outside, so that it is possible for a user to insert the injection device into the valve element in a simple manner.

Insofar as the valve element is only designed as an incision, the receiving body can have at least one optically perceptible marking on its outside, which indicates to a user where a valve element is located, through which the liquid can be injected into the receiving body. The system for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces can be designed in such a way that the injection device comprises a cannula device which can be or is plugged into the opening of the receiving body in some areas and with which a liquid from a external reservoir can be drawn in and can be guided into the cavity of the receiving body.

The thickness of this cannula device is of course matched to the maximum width of the opening of the valve element.

The cannula device itself can be designed as a simple tube or tube. In special embodiments, it is provided that the cannula device is telescopic, that is to say has at least one section, which can be shifted in sections in another section, with sufficient liquid-tightness being maintained between the two sections.

The cannula device can have an insertion section for introduction into the opening of the valve element, as well as an adjoining flexible section which has a lower flexural strength than the insertion section.

The insertion section can also be referred to as a tip which is arranged at the end and is designed to be relatively stiff. A flexible section, for example formed by a hose or a very flexibly malleable tube, can connect to this tip. The flexible section is designed to be connected to the liquid reservoir. This embodiment has the advantage that the cannula device as a whole can be reduced to a very small pack size, for example by rolling up the flexible section. In addition, the flexible section offers a very flexible possibility of realizing a fluidic connection between the external reservoir and the receiving body.

In a further embodiment of this cannula device, it can have at least one rigid section, a flexible section being formed between the insertion section and the rigid section. Here, too, the flexible section has a lower flexural strength than the rigid section.

The cannula device in this embodiment allows the cannula to be folded or collapsed by bending the flexible section, so that the insertion section and the rigid section are aligned essentially parallel to one another will. This deformability also enables a very small pack size and also flexible handling of the cannula device.

In particular, this embodiment can be implemented in that a silicone hose is made available, the end sections of which are solidified, but have at least one section of low flexural strength in between.

Furthermore, the cannula device can be designed with at least one section which is resilient in the longitudinal direction of the cannula and which allows the cannula device to be stretched longitudinally. This also ensures increased flexibility in the handling of the cannula device. In particular, a longitudinal expansion of the cannula device can be made reversible by elastic restoring forces in the resilient section. In all of the above-mentioned embodiments of the cannula device, it is advisable for at least the end that is designed to be inserted into the opening of the valve element of the receiving body to have a bevel or crown or conical shape in order to ensure low-wear insertion of the cannula device into the opening.

In addition, in the system for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, the injection device can have a container for receiving the liquid and an injection unit for transferring the liquid into the liquid dispenser, the injection unit having a cannula for insertion into a cross-section of the Cannula complementary valve element of the liquid dispenser. Furthermore, the injection device comprises a conduit element which is fluidically coupled to the cannula and which protrudes into the liquid when the container is at least partially filled with liquid or can be displaced at least to such an extent with manual force applied to the injection unit that after the cannula has been inserted into the liquid dispenser and a Pressure difference between the cavity of the liquid dispenser and the ambient pressure liquid can flow from the container via the line element and the cannula into the cavity of the liquid dispenser.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the injection device has a cover through which the injection unit passes.

In particular, the injection unit protrudes vertically from the cover.

In this case, the lid with the container can be essentially airtight, or alternatively, it can not be airtight. With an airtight seal between the lid and the container, the gas pressure in the liquid dispenser is increased when the interior of the object is connected to the injection unit and the volume of the interior of the liquid dispenser is reduced, for example by compressing the liquid dispenser. The injection device causes a corresponding gas flow through the injection unit and the liquid into the container, so that the pressure in the container is higher than the ambient pressure. During subsequent expansion of the object, when the liquid dispenser is still fluidically connected to the injection device, liquid flows from the container into the liquid dispenser due to the overpressure in the container. In a further alternative embodiment, the container itself is deformable in such a way that when the interior of the liquid dispenser is fluidically connected to the injection unit and the volume of the interior of the liquid dispenser is reduced, for example by compressing the liquid dispenser and correspondingly increasing the gas pressure in the liquid dispenser, the container volume is increased. Due to the elastic restoring forces of the container, it can deform back to its normal size and shape when the liquid dispenser is no longer compressed. A flow of liquid from the container into the receiving space is implemented accordingly. The cannula does not necessarily have to have a pointed end area in order to be able to penetrate a tissue. However, a tapering in the end area is advantageous in order to be able to introduce it more easily into a valve in the object.

In the case of a non-airtight seal between the lid and the container, when the volume of the liquid dispenser is reduced and the liquid dispenser is subsequently expanded when the liquid dispenser is fluidically connected to the injection device, a negative pressure is generated in the liquid dispenser, so that the prevailing ambient pressure transfers the liquid from the container into the liquid dispenser lets flow.

The container can in particular have the shape of a pot, through the lid of which the injection unit extends upwards. The lid can advantageously be removed or opened for the purpose of refilling the container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is further provided that the wall of the receiving body forms a channel with respect to the opening formed by the valve element, the cross section of which is complementary to the cross section of the cannula and / or the cannula device is to implement a substantially gas-tight contact of the outside of the cannula or the cannula device on the wall of the channel.

The wall forming the channel and the cross section of the cannula or cannula device are advantageously designed such that they press elastically with a radial force on the section of the cannula or cannula device located in the channel in order to achieve gas tightness. The gas-tightness ensures that when a negative pressure is generated in the receiving body, liquid is actually sucked through the cannula or cannula device and not secondary air.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for filling a liquid for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning into the cavity of the receiving body of the liquid dispenser according to the invention, in which the liquid is injected through a valve element into the cavity of the receiving body.

This filling can also take place through a relevant valve element or the opening formed or capable of being formed there if a baffle element or its anchoring part is inserted in the valve element.

In this case, the valve element has a double function, namely to allow the liquid to be let out and to be filled in.

The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way restricted by the purely schematic drawings, it being noted that the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings are not restricted to the dimensions shown. It is shown in

Figure 1: a liquid dispenser according to the invention in a first embodiment in sectional view,

Figure 2: a liquid dispenser according to the invention of a second embodiment in sectional view,

FIG. 3: a liquid dispenser according to the invention of a third embodiment in sectional view,

FIG. 4: a liquid dispenser according to the invention of a fourth embodiment in sectional view, Figure 5: the liquid dispenser shown in Figure 4 in plan view,

FIG. 6: a liquid dispenser according to the invention in a fifth embodiment in a first sectional view,

FIG. 7: the liquid dispenser of the fifth embodiment in a second sectional view, FIG. 8: the liquid dispenser of the fifth embodiment in a perspective view, FIG. 9: an injection device according to the invention in a sectional view,

FIG. 10: the injection device according to the invention in plan view,

FIG. 11: the injection device according to the invention in a perspective view,

FIG. 12: a system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a perspective view in the view from the side,

FIG. 13: the system according to the invention for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a view from the side,

FIG. 14: the system according to the invention for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a view from above,

FIG. 15: the system according to the invention for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a side sectional view,

FIG. 16: the system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a perspective sectional view,

FIG. 17: a further alternative of the liquid dispenser according to the invention in a sectional view with a fixed suspension,

FIG. 18: a further alternative of the liquid dispenser according to the invention in a sectional view with a magnet,

FIG. 19: a further alternative of the liquid dispenser according to the invention in a sectional view with a movable closure body before closure,

FIG. 20: the further alternative of the liquid dispenser according to the invention shown in FIG. 19 in a sectional view with a movable closure body during closure,

FIG. 21: a further alternative of the liquid dispenser according to the invention in a sectional view with a movable closure body as a drip protection,

FIG. 22: a suspension device for the liquid dispenser in a sectional view,

FIG. 23: a suction cup for the liquid dispenser in a sectional view,

FIG. 24: the suction cup from FIG. 23 on the receiving body in a sectional view,

FIG. 25: a cannula device in a perspective sectional view, and

FIG. 26: a telescopic embodiment of the cannula device in perspective

Opinion. Figures 1 and 2 each show a liquid dispenser 1 in different embodiments.

Both liquid dispensers 1 comprise a receiving body 10, each configured here as a ball, which delimits an inner cavity 12 by a wall 11.

A liquid 40, that is to say a liquid, is received in the cavity 12, which liquid can be used to moisten surfaces, such as the human skin, or else to clean or disinfect the surface.

A plurality of valve elements 20 are integrated in a respective receiving body 10 or its wall 11. It can be seen that a relatively large number of these valve elements 20 are evenly distributed through the wall 11.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has valve elements 20 which are designed as elongated incisions 22.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows valve elements 20 which are designed as punctiform recesses 21.

In both of the liquid dispensers 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first magnetic element 50 is arranged in the receiving body 10.

FIGS. 3 and 4 each show a liquid dispenser with an apparent wall thickness of the wall 11.

In Figure 3, the effect of the first magnetic element 50 is shown. A device according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces here comprises a holding device 60, which in turn comprises a second magnetic element 61, of which only the south pole is shown here in FIG. If the distance between the first magnetic element 50 and the second magnetic element 61 is sufficiently short, these magnetic elements 50, 61 attract each other so that the wall 11 of the receiving body 10 is also pressed against the holding device 60 by the first magnetic element 50. With a sufficiently strong force of attraction, the entire receiving body, even with a liquid filling, can thus be fixed to the holding device 60 and the entire weight of the filled receiving body 10 can be absorbed by this.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the liquid dispenser 1 according to the invention, in which the valve elements 20 are designed as relatively short incisions 22. It can also be seen here that the opening which can be formed by a valve element 20 is at an angle 23 in relation to a radial which extends radially from the center of the receiving body 10, is aligned. This essentially serves to prevent the liquid from splashing out unhindered if the receiving body 10 is squeezed.

Figures 4 and 5 show the liquid dispenser 1 in a supplemented embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the liquid dispenser 1 comprises several impact elements 30 guided through valve elements 20 or their openings. A respective impact element 30 comprises an anchoring part 31 which leads through the wall 11 of the receiving body 10. On the outside of the receiving body, the baffle element 30 comprises a baffle surface 33, which ensures that a liquid 40 emerging from the relevant valve element 20 or its opening does not splash out unhindered, but first hits the baffle surface 33 and thus back onto the surface of the Wall 11 is steered so that the receiving body 10 wets itself.

In order to prevent the anchoring part 31 from slipping out of the valve element 20 in the event of a pressure increase in the cavity 12, the anchoring part 31 comprises at least one barb 32 on its side facing the cavity 12.

FIG. 5 shows such an embodiment provided with impact elements 30 in a view from the outside, it being evident that the impact surfaces 33 are located relatively close to the wall 11 of the receiving body 10, so that a substantially spherical shape is retained overall.

Figures 6-8 show a further embodiment of a liquid dispenser 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment shown here, the liquid dispenser 1 is also designed in the form of a ball. In contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, however, the liquid dispenser 1 here comprises only one valve element 20. This valve element 20 is designed as an opening in the wall 11 of the liquid dispenser 1. It comprises a closure element 25 which can open when an injection element is passed through the valve element 20, as well as when the pressure in the cavity 12 increases.

The closure element 25 can be formed by the wall 11, namely as a simple slot.

In an alternative embodiment, the closure element 25 is an element which differs from the wall 11, in particular as an element specially integrated in the wall 11. In this embodiment it is also provided that a first magnetic element 50 is arranged in the liquid dispenser 1 or in its cavity 12, here in a defined option, radially opposite the valve element 20. With this first magnetic element 50, the liquid dispenser 1 can be fixed or suspended in the manner already described.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 6-8 that the valve element 20 has an essentially funnel-shaped inlet to facilitate the introduction of an injection element.

The liquid dispenser shown in FIGS. 6-8 is therefore particularly suitable for interacting with an injection device 80 as shown in FIGS. 9-11.

The injection device 80 comprises a container 81, in the interior 83 of which the liquid 40 can be received or received. The interior space 83 of the injection device 80 is closed at the top by a cover 82. The cover 82 can be arranged in an airtight manner with respect to the container 81, or it can also be air-permeable.

An injection unit 90, which leads into the interior space 83 with a line element 92, the end of which is located in the liquid 40 in the liquid 40 when the container 81 is at least normal, leads through the cover 82. This is achieved in that a distance 93 between the line element and the bottom of the container 81 is made very small.

A cannula 91 encompassed by the injection unit 90 is located above the cover 82. This cannula 91 is fluidically connected to the line element 92.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the injection device 80. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the injection device 80, here without liquid.

If the cannula 91 is pushed through the valve element 20 of the liquid dispenser 1, there is a fluidic coupling of the cavity 12 of the liquid dispenser 1 with the liquid 40 in the container 81 of the injection device 80.

When a negative pressure is generated in the liquid dispenser 1, for example after the liquid dispenser 1 has been squeezed and the liquid dispenser 1 has subsequently expanded, liquid 40 is fed from the container 81 through the injection device 80 to the liquid dispenser 1. This presupposes gas permeability of the container 81, possibly between the container 81 and the lid 82. Alternatively, by squeezing the liquid dispenser 1, air can be guided from the cavity 12 of the liquid dispenser 1 via the injection device 80 into the interior space 83 of the container 81, so that the gas pressure rises in the interior space 83. During the subsequent expansion of the liquid dispenser 1, the increased gas pressure then ensures that liquid 40 is again pressed out of the container 81 via the injection device 80 into the liquid dispenser 1.

However, this presupposes an airtightness of the container 81 or an airtight connection between the container 81 and the cover 82.

Overall, the required liquid 40 can be supplied to the liquid dispenser 1 in a simple and uncomplicated manner with the injection device 80.

FIG. 12 shows a system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces of a first embodiment in a perspective view from the side, FIG. 13 shows the system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces from the side Page, and FIG. 14 shows the system according to the invention for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a view from above.

It can be seen that the injection device 80 is connected to the liquid dispenser 1 in a fixed mechanical operative relationship, so that the liquid dispenser 1 or its receiving body 10 is located above the cover 82 of the injection device 80 for the purpose of receiving liquid from the container 81.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces in a side sectional view and in a perspective sectional view.

It can be clearly seen here that the cannula 91 of the injection unit 90 of the injection device 80 extends through the valve element 20 and thus through the wall 11 of the receiving body 10 of the liquid dispenser 1 into the cavity 12 of the liquid dispenser 1. Accordingly, in the manner described, liquid can be supplied from the container 81 via the injection unit 90 to the cavity 12 of the liquid dispenser 1. After this filling process has been carried out, the liquid dispenser 1 can simply be withdrawn from the cannula 91, the valve element 20 of the liquid dispenser 1 closing automatically and preventing the liquid contained in the liquid dispenser 1 from escaping unintentionally. In FIGS. 17-21, further, different embodiments of the liquid dispenser 1 according to the invention are shown.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment which forms a fixed connection 103 between the receiving body 10 or its wall 11 and a suspension device 100 in the form of a band 101.

In contrast, FIG. 18 shows an embodiment in which a first magnetic element 50 is arranged in a magnet receiving space 104, which can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 19 and 20.

The effect of this first magnetic element 50 will be discussed further below.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 17-20 are designed with a special valve element 20. This valve element 20 serves to close the adjoining opening 121 formed by the wall 11. As can be seen from FIG.

This fixing device 140 serves to accommodate a movable closure body, which is shown in FIG. 19 as being freely movable in the cavity 12 of the receiving body 10.

If the liquid dispenser is held in the position according to FIGS. 17-20, the movable closure body 130 sinks into the funnel-shaped recess 120 and thereby reaches a fixing device 140 located there, as shown in FIG.

The fixing device 140 comprises an undercut element 141 which can engage behind the ball-shaped movable closure body 130 so that the movable closure body 130 sits directly in front of the opening 121 and closes it.

The movable closure body 130 can get into the fixation device 140 or the undercut element 141 engages behind it by compressing the receiving body 10 in the vertical direction here, so that the undercut element 141, which is here ring-shaped, expands radially so that the ball-shaped movable closure body 130 still expands can move further in the direction of the opening 121.

When the receiving body 10 is relaxed, the annular undercut element 141 contracts again, so that it engages behind the movable closure body 130. Accordingly, the movable closure body 130 can no longer move away from the opening 121 and the opening 121 is closed. A lateral compression of the receiving body 10 leads due to the contact of the Undercut element 141 on the movable closure body 130 and its sufficiently wider engagement by the undercut element 141 essentially does not lead to a release of the opening 121.

Alternatively, the delivery of fluid is also possible by applying lateral pressure to the receiving body 10, as a result of which the latter and also the fixing device 140 are deformed so that they form an oval, which creates passages on the side of the movable closure body 130 through which fluid on the side of the movable closure body 130 can flow past.

When the receiving body 10 is again compressed in the vertical direction, the ring-shaped undercut element 141 is expanded again radially, so that when the receiving body 10 is pivoted, the movable closure body 130 is moved away from the opening 121 again.

FIG. 21 shows a simpler embodiment of the liquid dispenser according to the invention. This also comprises a funnel-shaped recess 120 in front of the opening 121, as well as a ball-shaped, movable closure body 130. However, no fixation device for fixing the movable closure body 130 is provided here, but here the movable closure body 130 essentially serves as a drip protection, in which it is due to gravity enters recess 120 and sits in front of opening 121.

In this embodiment of the liquid dispenser, liquid can be dispensed from the opening 121 if the movable closure body 130 is moved away from the opening 121 by simply rotating the liquid dispenser.

Alternatively, the delivery of fluid is also possible by applying lateral pressure to the receiving body, as a result of which this and also the funnel-shaped recess 120 are deformed so that they form an oval, which creates passages on the side of the movable closure body 130 through which fluid is located on the side of the movable closure body 130 can flow past. In this embodiment, the drip protection is combined with a dosage option.

It can also be seen here that the magnet receiving space 104 for receiving the first magnetic element is located exactly radially opposite the opening 121, so that when the receiving body 10 is suspended by means of the first magnetic element, the movable closure body 130 is always automatically moved in front of the opening 121 and there prevents unintentional discharge of liquid. FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a suspension device 100 for interacting with the receiving body 10. This suspension device 100 has a second magnetic element 61 which is held on a belt 101.

The receiving body 10 can thus be held with this suspension device 100 by means of a magnetic force of attraction.

FIG. 23 shows a further embodiment of a suspension device 100. This suspension device 100 also has a second magnetic element 61 and a band 101 mechanically connected to it.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, however, here the suspension device 100 is additionally designed with a suction cup 102. The second magnetic element 61 is integrated in the suction cup 102.

As shown in FIG the second magnetic member 61 is held.

This results in a very strong mechanical connection between the receiving body 10 and the suspension device 100, which can nevertheless be released manually if necessary.

A component of the system according to the invention for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces is also a cannula device 150, as is shown by way of example in FIG. This cannula device 150 is designed essentially tubular. At at least one end it comprises an insertion section 151 which is slightly conical or pointed in order to be able to easily penetrate into the opening 121 in the receiving body 10 or to be able to displace the wall forming this opening 121.

FIG. 26 shows a special embodiment of the cannula device 150, in which it has a first shot 152 and a second shot 153, which can be telescoped into one another in a liquid-tight manner in order to be able to adjust the length of the cannula device 150 in this way. Here, too, an insertion section 151 is provided on the first shot 152, which has a bevel 154.

Reference list

I liquid dispenser

10 receiving body

II wall

12 cavity

20 valve element

21 puncture

22 incision

23 angles

24 radials

25 locking element

30 impact element

31 Anchoring part

32 barbs

33 baffle

40 liquid

50 first magnetic element

60 holding device

61 second magnetic element

80 injection device

81 containers

82 lid

83 interior

90 injection unit

91 cannula

92 line element

93 distance

100 suspension device

101 volume

102 suction cup

103 Fixed connection 104 Magnet reception area

120 recess

121 opening

130 movable closure body 140 fixing device

141 undercut element

150 cannula device

151 insertion section

152 first shot 153 second shot

154 bevel

Claims

1. Liquid dispenser (1) for receiving and dispensing a liquid (40) for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, in particular hands, wherein the liquid dispenser (1) has a receiving body (10) which has a substantially closed cavity ( 12), in which a liquid (40) can be received for moistening, disinfection and / or cleaning, characterized in that the liquid dispenser (1) has at least one valve element (20) formed by a region of the wall (11) of the receiving body (10) ) and this valve element (20) is set up in such a way that it forms an opening (121) in the event of a deformation of the receiving body (10) and / or in the event of a deformation-related increase in pressure in the cavity (12) and thus a volume flow of the liquid (40) the cavity (12) allows.

2. Liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving body (10) has exactly one valve element (20).

3. Liquid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving body (10) is designed such that it is manually deformable with a degree of deformation p, where: p> 0.2 and p <-0.2.

4. Liquid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid (40) for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning is received in the receiving body (10).

5. Liquid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving body (10) of the liquid dispenser (1) has a first magnetic element (50).

6. liquid dispenser (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first magnetic element (50) is fixed in relation to the receiving body (10).

7. liquid dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the liquid dispenser has a holding device (60) with a second magnetic element (61), wherein the two magnetic elements (50, 61) are designed and arranged in such a way that the force of attraction effective between the magnetic elements (50, 61) when the receiving body (10) is positioned on the holding device (60) is greater than the force of gravity of the receiving body (10).

8. liquid dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid dispenser (1) has a suspension device (100) with a suction cup (102) for attachment to the outside of the receiving body (10) by means of negative pressure.

9. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element comprises a movable closure body (130) which can be placed in front of the opening (121) due to gravity.

10. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (20) comprises a fixing device (140) for fixing the movable closure body (130) in front of the opening (121) in the receiving body (10).

11. System for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces, comprising a liquid dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and an injection device (80) with which a liquid (40) for disinfection and / or cleaning through a valve element (20) can be injected into the cavity (12) of the receiving body (10) of the liquid dispenser (1).

12. System for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces according to claim 11, characterized in that the injection device (80) comprises a cannula device (150) which can be or is plugged into the opening (12) of the receiving body (10) in some areas and with which, when a negative pressure is generated in the cavity (12) of the receiving body (10), a liquid (40) can be sucked in from an external reservoir and can be guided into the cavity (12) of the receiving body (10).

13. System for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces according to claim 12, characterized in that the cannula device (150) has an insertion section (151) for introduction into the opening of the valve element (20), and a flexible section adjoining it, which has a lower flexural strength than the insertion section (151).

14. System for humidifying, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces according to claim 11, characterized in that the injection device (80) has a container (81) for receiving the liquid (40) and an injection unit (90) for transferring the liquid (40) ) in the liquid dispenser (1), wherein the injection unit (90) has a cannula (91) for insertion into a valve element (20) of the liquid dispenser (1) which is complementary with regard to the cross section of the cannula (91), as well as a with the Cannula (91) fluidically coupled conduit element (92) which protrudes into the liquid (40) when the container (81) is at least partially filled with liquid (40), so that after the cannula (91) has been inserted into the liquid dispenser (1) and Generation of a pressure difference between the cavity (12) of the liquid dispenser (1) and the ambient pressure liquid (40) from the container (81) via the line element (92) and the cannula (91) into the cavity (12) of the liquid dispenser is flowable.

15. System for moistening, disinfecting and / or cleaning surfaces according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the wall (11) of the receiving body (10) has a channel with respect to the opening (121) formed by the valve element (20) forms which, in terms of its cross-section, is complementary to the cross-section of the cannula (91) and / or the cannula device (150) in order to ensure that the outside of the cannula (91) or the cannula device (150) rests on the wall ( 11) of the channel.