GB2353741A

GB2353741A - Dosing dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2353741A
Application number: GB0025926A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anton Brugger
Original assignee: Gerhard Brugger
Current assignee: Gerhard Brugger
Priority date: 1998-04-24
Filing date: 1999-04-19
Publication date: 2001-03-07
Also published as: GB0025926D0; AU4497399A; JP2002512881A; WO1999055468A2; DE19980732D2; WO1999055468A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing dispenser (1) for multicomponent mixtures in which the components are accommodated in cartridges (14). A pump (18) is assigned to each cartridge (14). Said pump dips with the pump base thereof into an indentation (108) of the cartridge (14) thus minimizing the axial length of the dosing dispenser (1).

Description

PATENT OFFICE - DEFINITIVE COFf Application documents as originally filed

Description

PROPORTIONING DISPENSER The invention relates to a proportioning dispenser for mixtures having a high or low viscosity, e.g. pasty or liquid mixtures, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 or 9, respectively.

From EP 0 755 721 A2 a proportioning dispenser is known, wherein the mixing ratio of two pasty or liquid fluid components may be adjusted continuously. A like proportioning dispenser may, for example, in a particularly advantageous manner be used as a sun lotion dispenser. for mixing two sun lotion components having sun protection factors of 1 and 25, for example, so that the sun protection factor may be adjusted continuously in the range from 1 to 25. This novel proportioning dispenser constitutes a considerable convenience to the consumer inasmuch as he may choose the sun protection factor depending on insolation and a degree of adaptation of the skin, while no more having to carry along several containers with different sun protection factors.

In the solution proposed in EP 0 755 721 A2, the proportioning dispenser includes two pumps each having associated a replaceable cartridge, wherein a respective type of sun lotion (sun protection factor 1 or 25, for example) is contained. The pumps are actuated by means of two eccentric levers which are operatively connected with a pump head or nozzle head mounted in a housing of the proportioning dispenser and actuated by the consumer. Adjustment of the sun protection factor is performed with the aid of a turning knob mounted on the housing and acting on the pumps through adjustment means, so that the relative positions of the pumps are adjustable with respect to the fulcrum of the eccentric levers. Due to this change in distance from the fulcrum of the eccentric levers, the strokes of the respective pumps may be adjusted in the range between zero (no stroke) and the maximum stroke. The adjustment means herein acts in such a way that the stroke of the two pumps is adjustable in respective opposite directions.

It is felt to be a drawback in the above described structure that the expenditure in terms of construction technology and manufacture is relatively high. Moreover the structural length is greater in comparison with the conventional sun lotion containers owing to the successive arrangement of the pumps and of the cartridges.

DE 198 18 434.4 shows a proportioning dispenser as represented in Fig. 2 of the annexed drawing, which shall be referred to as early as now.

In accordance with Fig. 2, this proportioning dispenser comprises a nozzle head 2 received in an axially displaceable manner in a housing 4. In the nozzle head 2, an outlet nozzle 6 is formed through which a mixture having a high or low viscosity exits when the nozzle head 2 is actuated in the direction F (arrow in Fig. 2).

Herein the proportioning dispenser is, e.g., intended for apportioning and mixing sun lotion, with mixing being effected in such a way that a range from a minimum sun protection factor 1 to a maximum sun protection factor of, say, 25 may be covered. For adjusting the mixture, a turning knob 8 operatively connected with adjustment means is mounted in the housing 4. Inside the housing 4 two cartridges 10a, 10b having an identical construction are accommodated in accordance with Fig. 2. One of the cartridges contains sun lotion having a sun protection factor 1, while the other cartridge contains sun lotion having the maximum settable sun protection factor, e.g. 25.

Conveying from the two cartridges is performed by means of respective pumps 12a, 12b. A suction port 14 of the pump communicates with a cartridge outlet through which the sun lotion may be sucked from the cartridge. The pumps are respective reciprocating pumps, the respective pump plungers 16 of which are 1 -3- guided in a pump housing 18 such as to be axially displaceable. Actuation of the pump plungers 16 is effected through eccentric levers 20 each mounted in the pump housing 4 by means of a pivotal mount 22. Rotation of the two eccentric levers 20 for apportioning the sun lotion is achieved by means of the nozzle head 2 which is displaceable in direction F and acts on two pivoting levers through a push button 24. The lower side face of the eccentric lever 20 in Fig. 2 is contacted by a pump head 26 which is connected to the pump plunger 16 and through which the movement of the eccentric lever 20 is transmitted to the pump plunger 16. Inside the pump head 26 of each pump 12, a pressure port 28 is formed through which the sun lotion component conveyed by the pump 12 may exit. This lotion exiting from the pump 12 is conveyed via an elastic conduit not represented here to mixing means wherein the two components are mixed and guided to the nozzle head 2. Optionally it is also possible to omit separate mixing means, for example a mixing chamber or the like, and the pumps 12 or their pressure ports 28, respectively, are directly connected with the nozzle head by means of a Y-member or the 1 i ke.

Adjustment of the mixing ratio is carried out by adjusting the stroke of the pump plunger. The pumps 12 are mgunted pivotally, with the lever length of the eccentric lever 20 acting on the pump 12 accordingly being adjustable. This lever length is determined by the distance between the pivotal mount 22 and the engagement location of the pump head 26 on the eccentric lever 20. Adjustment is carried out by means of a cam disc 30 connected with the turning knob 8, the cam guide of which guides two cam follower pins of a guide bracket 32. The latter encompasses the two pumps 12a, 12b so as to ensure their simultaneous rotation. The pivoting motion of the pumps 12 is made possible by a ball joint 34.

In operation of the proportioning dispenser 1, two filled cartridges are received in the housing 4. The predetermined sun protection factor may be adjusted by the consumer with the aid of the apportioning knob 8, whereby the cam disc 30 is rotated so that the guide bracket 32 is displaced in accordance with the position of the cam disc through the cam follower pin engaging the cam guide in a transverse direction (view of Fig. 2). This actuation movement of the guide bracket 32 is transferred to the pumps 12a, 12b, so that the latter are correspondingly rotated about their ball joint 34. In the position represented in Fig. 2, the two pumps are in a pivotal end range wherein the pump 12a has the maximum distance between its pump head and the pi votal mount 22, whi 1 e the axi s of the other pump 12b intersects the pivotal mount 22. In other words, upon an actuation of the two eccentric levers 20, the pump plunger 16 of pump 12a performs a maximum stroke (view of Fig. 2), whereas the pump plunger 16 of the second pump 12b does not perform any stroke.

Accordingly, sun lotion is pumped only from cartridge 10a, so that either sun protection factor 1 or, conversely, the maximum sun protection factor is adjusted. By turning back the turning knob 8, the two pumps may be taken into their vertical positions wherein the lines of effect of the two pump plungers 16 each have an identical distance from the pivotal mounts 22 associated therewith, so that both pumps perform the same stroke. In this case, a 1:1 mixing ratio is adjusted. Upon further turning the turning knob 8, the other extreme condition may be adjusted wherein only the component located in cartridge 10b is withdrawn.

Concerning further details of this proportioning dispenser, reference is expressly made to DE 198 18 434.4, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herewith by way of reference.

The proportioning dispenser according to DE 198 18 434.4 was found to be reliable under practical conditions; it nevertheless is afflicted with the detail drawback of the adjusting mechanism for adjusting the mixing ratios still having a comparatively complicated construction. Moreover the necessity of pivotally mounting the two cartridges in the ball joints is comparatively expensive and costly.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of furnishing a proportioning dispenser having a constructionally simple and operatively safe adjusting mechanism for the individual pumps.

This object is attained by the features of claim 1 or 9, respectively.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present inventi.on, what is accordingly furnished is a proportioning dispenser for high- and low viscosity mixtures, including a housing wherein at least two adjustable pumps, preferably reciprocating pumps are mounted, the displacement volumes of which are adjustable with the aid of adjustment means, and whereby one respective component each may be conveyed from a cartridge to mixing means connected with a nozzle outlet. In accordance with the invention, each cartridge includes at a pump-side front surface a concavity into which a pump foot plunges at least with a portion thereof.

Owing to the measure of providing the cartridge of the proportioning dispenser with a concavity into which the pump foot plunges with a pump inlet, the cartridge and the pump practically overlap in an axial direction, so that the constructional length is considerably reduced in comparison with the conventional solution, without a restriction of the cartridge capacity ensuing.

Reciprocating pumps are preferably used. The structural space may be further reduced if mounting of the pump is effected in a housing reception having a geometry which is adapted to the concavity of the cartridge, so that the associated front surface of the cartridge is in surface contact with the housing reception.

Advantageously the pump bearing is given the form of a ball joint. Emptying the cartridge is particularly simple if a suction opening is formed in the hollow of the concavity of the housing reception, with this suction opening opening into a cartridge outlet formed in the deepest point of the cartridge concavity.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge - similarly to toothpaste dispensers - is provided with an axially displaceable piston bottom which is displaced within the cartridge in accordance with the filling condition. This piston bottom is provided with a convexity substantially adapted to the above described geometry of the concavity, so that the piston bottom may be taken into surface contact with the concavity in its end position, i.e., when the cartridge has been emptied completely.

Herein it is particularly preferred if a vent is formed in the apex of the convexity of the piston bottom, through which venting may be performed during filling of the cartridge, so that complete filling is ensured.

In the proportioning dispenser of the invention in accordance with the first embodiment, it is preferred if the pumps are actuated through eccentric levers wh ich may in turn be pivoted with the aid of the nozzle head. In the prior art, the eccentric lever acted directly on the pump plunger, wherein lateral forces could occur in dependence on the relative position of the pump with respect to the eccentric lever, to bring about tilting of the pistons and thus jamming. In order to eliminate this drawback, it is proposed to have the eccentric lever act on the piston through a pump head slidingly guided in the pump housing, so that no lateral forces may act on the piston.

The lateral forces acting on the pump plunger may be further reduced when a radially recessed end portion of the latter plunges into a driving portion of the pump head. In order to prevent tilting of the pump head, the latter is provided with a spherical contact surface for the associated eccentric lever. In order to ensure synchronous adjustment of the two pumps, these may be coupled with each other by means of a guide bracket in one embodiment. As an alternative, the pump housings may also be designed to have corresponding connection members, so that a direct connection of the pump housings might take place without any additional component.

For the case that a guide bracket is used for connecting the pump housings, it preferably encompasses the two pump housings. The latter carry pegs which plunge into corresponding receptions of the 5 guide bracket.

The guide bracket - or in the alternative design the pump housings include cam follower pins guided in cam guides of a cam disc which is adjustable with the aid of the turning knob on the housing of the proportioning dispenser. The pump stroke may be adjusted over a wide range when the cam means is subdivided into two spiral-shaped cam portions wherein the two cam follower pins of the guide bracket or of the two pump housings are guided.

In order to preclude inadvertent actuation of the proportioning dispenser, it is possible to adjust an end position with the aid of the turning knob, in which end position an axial displacement of the nozzle head is not possible.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the nozzle head acts via a push button on the two eccentric levers, wherein the latter is formed to include mixing means to which the outlets of the pump heads are connected and which opens into the nozzle of the nozzle head. The number of movable parts may be reduced if a static mixer is used as a mixer.

The filling condition of the proportioning dispenser may be read in a simple manner if the cartridges are at least in portions formed of a transparent material, and windows are provided in the housing of the proportioning dispenser.

Insertion of the cartridge into the proportioning dispenser is preferably performed with the aid of an operating portion formed in a bottom lid of the cartridge. The geometry of this operating portion is about adapted to the shape of the convexity in the piston bottom, so that the axial length will not be increased thereby, and comfortable manipulation is made possible.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a proportioning dispenser for a liquid medium is provided which comprises: a container which is subdivided into at least two accommodation compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one respective outlet means on each of the accommodation compartments; one respective pump means on each of the accommodation compartment, each of which is connected with one of the outlet means; optionally, mixing means which may be connected with the outlet means; an adjustment means whereby the quantity ratio of the components of the medium is adjustable by modifying the pump capacities of the respective pump means; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed by the dispenser. This proportioning dispenser is characterized in that the adjustment means includes a component whi ch may be rotated about its vertical axis, and in a neutral position has a substantially horizontal arrangement, the bottom side of which contacts the pump means for their actuation, with the component being pivotable about an axis which extends perpendicularly to the vertical axis and within the plane of the component.

Due to use of a component which is rotatable about its vertical axis and in a neutral position has a substantially horizontal arrangement, which contacts the pump means with its bottom side for actuating them, wherein the component may be pivoted about an axis extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis and within the plane of the component, it is possible to omit the comparatively complicated adjusting mechanism in accordance with DE 198 18 434.4 including the two eccentric levers as well as the eccentric disc for pivoting or tilting the two pump housings in order to be able to adjust their pump strokes and thus their displacement volumes, and omit mounting the cartridges in the ball joints.

It is particularly advantageous that rotation of the component and its tilting may be achieved through a single operating member, for example having the form of a nozzle head rotatable about its longitudinal axis and depressable along this longitudinal axis, which then at the same time presents the outlet nozzle for the medium. Separate actuation of nozzle head and adjustment disc for adjustment of the mixing ratios about in accordance with DE 198 18 434.4 is thus also not necessary any more in the subject matter' of the present invention in accordance with the second embodiment thereof. Hereby it is in turn possible to devise the entire proportioning dispenser with a simpler construction and thus more economically.

The component is preferably substantially annular or disc- shaped, i.e. rotationally symmetrical, whereby the construction 'of the proportioning dispenser according to the invention may be further simplified.

The component may preferably be pivoted about its vertical axis with the aid of operating means for rotating it.

In addition, each pump means preferably comprises, in a manner known per se, a piston which may be actuated by the component, with the ratio of the piston strokes being adjustable depending on the amount of rotation.of the component about the axis extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis.

Merely for the sake of good order it is once again pointed out that coupling of the two pump housings, the shape of the cartridges, and the intermediate arrangement of the pump head between eccentric lever and pump plunger constitute separate inventi.ons when taken by themselves and may also be further pursued in separate applications for protective rights. The invention is in no way limited to apportioning pasty substances, but low-viscosity substances such as, for example, paints or liquids may also be mixed. Where necessary, more than two pumps may be integrated into the housing, so that three and more components may be mixed.

Further details, aspects and advantages result from the following description of embodiments by referring to the drawing, wherei n:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of a proportioning dispenser according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the proportioning dispenser of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section along the line A-A in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an enlarged representation of a detail of a pump in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows a guide bracket of the proportioning dispenser of Fig. 1; Figs. 6, 7 show a cam disc of the proportioning dispenser of Fig. 1; Figs. 8, 9 are views of a push button of the proportioning dispenser of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 shows a static mixer of the push button of Figs. 8, 9; Fig. 11 shows a pump housing of a second embodiments of a proportioning dispenser; Figs. 12A to 12F show various operating conditions of the adjustment means of a third embodiment of the proportioning dispenser according to the invention; and Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the proportioning dispenser known from DE 198 18 434.4.

Figures 1 to 3 show overall views of a first embodiment of a proportioning dispenser 1. In accordance with Fig. 1, this proportioning dispenser includes a nozzle head 2 which is received in a housing 4 such as to be axially displaceable. In the nozzle head 2, an outlet nozzle 6 is formed through which a mixture having a high or low viscosity exits when the nozzle head 2 is operated in the direction F (arrow in Fig. 1). In the described embodiment, the proportioning dispenser 1 for apportioning and mixing sun lotion is provided, with mixing being carried out such that a range from a minimum sun protection factor 0 to a maximum sun protection factor of, e.g., 25 may be covered. 5 For adjusting the mixture, a turning knob 8 operationally connected with adjustment means described further below is mounted in the housing 4. For easier manipulation, the turning knob is designed with two gripping recesses 10a, 10b, so that between these a web 12 is formed which may be grasped by the consumer for turning. Adjustment is facilitated by having a scale (not represented) printed on the housing 4, so that the arrow on the web 12 is set to the desired scale value in order to select the desired sun protection factor.

In accordance with Fig. 2, two cartridges 14a, 14b are received inside the housing 4, which have an identical construction so that they shall hereinafter only receive the reference symbol 14. One of the cartridges 14 contains sun lotion having a sun protection factor 0 (i.e., for example body lotion without any sun protection factor), while the other cartridge contains sun lotion having the maximum adjustable sun protection factor, for example 25.

For monitoring the filling condition, the cartridges 14, which shall be described in more detail in the following, are fabricated of a transparent material, and windows 16 are formed in the housing such as along the cartridge's longitudinal axis, so that the filling condition may be checked at any time. Further construction details shall be explained in the following by referring to the sectional views. 1 Fig. 2 shows a section through the proportioning dispenser 1 represented in Fig. 1. Accordingly, conveying from the two cartridges 14 is effected by respective pumps 18a, 18b having an identical constructional structure, so that the following description will be restricted to description of one pump 18. A suction port 20 of the pump communicates with a cartridge outlet 22 through which the sun lotion may be sucked from the cartridge 14. The pump 18 is a reciprocating pump, the pump plunger 24 of which is guided such in a pump housing 26 as to be axially displaceable.

Actuation of the pump plunger 24 is achieved with the aid of respective eccentric levers 28 each mounted in the pump housing 4 through a pivotal mount 30.

Pivoting the two eccentric levers 28 for apportioning the sun lotion is performed with the aid of the nozzle head 2 which is displaceable in the direction F and acts on two pivoting levers through a push button 32. At the mutually facing free end portions of the eccentric levers 28, engagement protrusions 34 are formed which engage an engagement recess 36 of the push button 32, so that positive coupling of the eccentric levers 28 to the push button 32 exists. The lower lateral surfaces of the eccentric levers 28 in Fig. 2 are contacted by a pump head 38 which is connected to the pump plunger 24 and whereby the movement of the eccentric lever 28 is transferred to the pump plunger 24. Within the pump head 38 of each pump 18, a pressure port 40 is formed through which the sun lotion component conveyed by means of the pump 18 may exit. This lotion exiting from the pump 18 is conveyed by means of an elastic conduit, not represented here, to mixing means 42 (cf. Fig. 3) wherein the two components are mixed and guided to the nozzle head 2.

Adjustment of the mixing ratio is effected by adjusting the pump plunger stroke. In the shown embodiment, the pumps 18 are mounted pivotally, so that the lever length of the eccentric lever 28 acting on the pump 18 may be adjusted. This lever length is determined by the distance between the pivotal mount 30 and the engagement location of the pump head 38 at the eccentric lever 28.

In the shown embodiment ' this adjustment takes place by way of a cam disc 44 connected with the turning knob 8, the cam guide 46 of which guides two" cam follower pins 48, 49 of a guide bracket 50. The latter encompasses the two pumps 18a, 18b, whereby their simultaneous rotation is ensured. The pivoting movement of the pumps 18 is made possible by a ball 52 which is guided in a joint socket 54 of the housing 4. The ball joint including the ball 52 and the joint socket 54 enables largely frictionless mount and guidance of the pumps 18 with any required degrees of freedom, whereby jamming may be avoided.

Further technical details of the pump 18 shall be explained below by referring to Fig. 4 which shows an enlarged detail view of the pump 18a in Fig. 2.

As is shown in Fig. 4, the housing 4 includes an intermediate bottom 56 in which a bayonet reception 58 for fastening the cartridge 14 is formed. The intermediate bottom 56 moreover includes a housing reception 60 having a concave or saucer-type shape towards the pump 18 in the view according to Fig. 4, wherein joint socket 54 is formed. Inside the depression of the housing reception 60, a projection 62 extending downwardly (view of Fig. 4) in the manner of a nozzle is formed in which a suction opening 64 is provided. The joint socket 54 encompasses the ball 52 through which a center bore 66 extends. The latter opens into the suction opening 64 of the housing reception 60 on the one hand and into the suction port 20 of the pump 18 on the other hand. For fastening the ball 52, the pump housing 26 comprises a projection which plunges into the center bore 66 of the ball and is press-fitted to the ball 52 or otherwise connected thereto. In the area where the suction port 20 opens into a cylinder space 68 of the pump housing 26, a suction valve 70 indicated in phantom line is formed which permits a fluid flow from the cartridge 14 into the cylinder space 68, however prevents flow in the opposite direction. This suction valve 70 is preferably spring- biased in the closing direction. The pump plunger 24 has the form of a 'hollow piston, with a a guide collar 72 guide collar thereof contacting the inner peripheral wall of the pump housing 26. Out of the guide collar 72 there extends a radially stepped-back projection which plunges into a reception bore of the pump head 38. The I atter covers the projection 74 in the shape of a bel 1. The upper face of the projection 74 in the representation of Fig. 4 contacts a ring shoulder 76 of the pump head 40, so that an axial displacement of the pump head 38 is transferred to the pump plunger 24. 5 Into the bell-shaped bottom of the pump head 38 there opens the pressure port 40 extending in an oblique downward direction in the view of Fig. 4, wherein a pressure valve not represented here is arranged to preclude a return flow of the sun lotion into the cylinder space 68. On the end portion of the pump head 38 protruding from the pump housing 26, a spherically protruding contact surface 76 is arranged which delimits a defined contact surface for the associated eccentric lever 28. The inclination of the pressure port 40 and the geometry of the eccentric lever 28 are designed such that a collision between these components may not occur in the entire range of rotation of the pump 18. The pump head 38 is moreover provided with guide projections (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 4) slidingly received in corresponding guide receptions (not represented) of the pump housing 26, whereby axial guidance of the pump head 38 is achieved. This has been found to be particularly advantageous, for as a result of the eccentric lever 28 a lateral force component always acts on the pump head 38, and this lateral force component may be received by the guide means in the pump housing 26, so that the pump plunger 24 substantially only receives a force in the axial direction and therefore cannot jam.

As was already mentioned above, two pegs which are arranged diametrally and perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing and plunge into corresponding receptions of the guide bracket 50, are formed at the outer periphery of the pump housing 26. This guide bracket is represented in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the latter comprises a continuous peripheral rim 78 wherein the receptions 80 (indicated in phantom line) for the pegs (not represented) are provided at the pump housing 26. At the small surfaces of the peripheral rim 78, two wedge surfaces 82, 84 (cf. Fig. 4) are formed which serve as stops for the pump housing 26 in its end positions and thus define the range of rotation.

The peripheral rim 78 moreover carries the two cam follower pins 48, 49 whereby the guide bracket 50 is guided in the cam disc 44. This cam disc 44 is represented in Figs. 6 and 7. On the major surface of the cam disc visible in Fig. 6, the two spiral-shaped cam guide portions 46, 47 are represented, wherein the cam follower pins 48 and 49, respectively, are guided. The two-part design of the cam guides 46, 47 is necessary in order to be able to effect maximum width of adjustment range of the pump stroke through a rotation range of the cam disc which is as small as possible. The cam guide 46 includes a stop 82 whereby the pivot end position of thepumps is limited. In the arrangement of the cam guide portions 46, 47 selected in Fig. 6, it results'that in some pivot ranges only one of the cam follower pins 48, 49 is guided in the cam 46 or 47, respectively. In pr.inciple it would also be possible to employ other geometries or transfer means permitting accurate adjustment of the cam disc 44 at a minimum actuation movement. As can be seen from Fig. 7, which shows a lateral view of the cam disc 44, the latter carries on a major surface facing away from the cam guides 46, 47 a central bearing pin 84 and a driver 86 having a staggered arrangement relative thereto, whereby the cam disc 44 is connected to the turning knob 8 such as to rotate therewith as a unit. The cam disc 84 is mounted in the intermediate bottom 56 of the housing 4 by means of the bearing pin 84.

As was explained at the beginning, actuation of the two pivoting levers 28 is effected through the push button 32 which is operated by means of the nozzle head 2. In the representations according to Figs. 2 and 3, the nozzle head 2 is i.n its end position, i.e. in the position depressed into the housing 4. This end position is delimited by a stop shoulder acting as a stop for the nozzle head 2 upon actuation. Guiding of the nozzle head 2 is effected with the aid of a guide collar 90 of the housing 4. The push button 32 is represented in a view from its small surface in Fig. 2, in lateral view in Fig. 3, in plan view from above in Fig. 8, and in Fig. 9 in a view from below (in relation to Fig. 3). Accordingly, the push button 32 comprises a central guide sleeve 92 into which a guide pin 94 of the nozzle head 2 plunges. 5 In accordance with Figs. 8 and 9, components 92 and 94 are formed to have a rectangular cross-section. The guide sleeve 92 carries an armature 96 extending downwardly in a mushroom shape which encompasses the engagement protrusion 34 of the eccentric levers 28 and thus the engagement recess 36. In the view according to Figs. 8, 9 and 3, laterally of the guide sleeve 92, two components 98, 100 of the mixing means 42 are formed which are connected to the pressure ports 40 of the pump 18a or 18b, respectively, by elastic conduits. In accordance with Figs. 8 and 9, the two components 98, 100 continue into a common mixing conduit 102 which, in turn, opens into a horizontally extending mixing passage 106. Herein a static mixer 104 is arranged as an insert. This static mixer 104 is represented separately in Fig. 10. Accordingly, the latter comprises a multiplicity of helical portions 105a, 105b, 105c 20... having a successive axial arrangement, whereby the two components entering into the mixing passage 102 are mixed intimately. The supply pressure of the pumps 18a, 18b must be designed such as to be sufficient for moving the components through the static mixer 104.

The exit from the mixing passage 102 is connected to the nozzle outlet 6. The two cartridges 14a, 14b are accommodated in the lower portion of the housing 4 and inserted into the intermediate bottom 56 of the housing 4 through a bayonet joint. As can particularly be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the face on the pump side of each cartridge 14 is provided with a concavity 108, the geometry of which is approximately adapted to the bell-shaped housing reception 60. When a cartridge 14 is inserted, the concavity 108 extends about in parallel or in contact with a portion of the housing reception 60, whereby centering of the cartridge 14 is also effected.

In the depression of the concavity 108, the cartridge outlet 22 is formed which is closed by a membrane 110 or some other closure that is pierced by the projection 62 of the housing reception 60 when the cartridge 14 is inserted. Inside the cartridge 14, an axially displaceable piston bottom 111 is received, the bottom surface of which is designed to present a convexity 112, the geometry of which about corresponds to that of the concavity 108 and of the housing reception 60. In the apex of the convexity 114, a vent 114 is formed which is closed against the environment in the filled condition of the cartridge 14. This vent 114 is opened during filling, so that air is prevented from being trapped in the cartridge 14, and complete filling is ensured.. On account of the negative pressure built up in the cartridge 14 with the aid of the pumps 18, the piston bottom 111 travels upwards depending on the filling condition. in the representation according to Fig. 3 until it reaches its final position indicated on the right in Fig. 2, wherein the concavity 108 of the cartridge 14 plunges into the convexity 112 of the piston bottom 111. As a result of surface contact, complete emptying of the cartridge 14 is then ensured. This condition may be detected through the window 16, so that the cartridge 14 may be exchanged in time.

In order to avoid damage to the piston bottom 111, the cartridge 14 is closed at its lower end portion in the view of Fig.

3 by a cartridge lid 116 which encompasses the corresponding peripheral rim of the cartridge 14 with a bearing portion. Screwing in of the cartridge 14 is facilitated if the cartridge lid 116 is provided with retracted operating portions 118 for the consumer to grasp in order to fasten the cartridge 14, i.e. for insertion into the bayonet reception 58. For the case that the cartridge lid 116 closes sealingly, closing of the vent bore 114 may be omitted.

During operation of the proportioning dispenser 1, two filled cartridges are accommodated inside the housing 4, so that the piston bottoms 111 have the lower' positions shown in Fig. 3. The predetermined sun protection factor may be adjusted by the consumer with the aid of the apportioning knob 8 to rotate the cam disc 44, so that the guide bracket 50 is displaced, by the cam follower pins 48, 49 engaging the cam guide 46 in a transverse direction (view of Fig. 2), in accordance with the position of the cam disc 44. This actuation movement of the guide bracket 50 is transferred to the pumps 18a, 18b, so that the latter are correspondingly pivoted about their ball joints 52, 54. In the position represented in Fig. 2, the two pumps are located in a pivotal end range in which the pump head of the pump 18b presents the maximum distance from the pivotal mount 30, while the axis of the other pump 18a intersects the pivotal mount 30. In other words, upon an actuation of the two eccentric lever 28, the pump plunger 24 of the pump 18b performs a maximum stroke (view of Fig. 2) while the pump plunger 24 of the second pump 18a does not perform any stroke. Accordingly, sun lotion is withdrawn from cartridge 10b only, so that either the sun protection factor 0 or, conversely, the maximum sun protection factor is adjusted. By turning back the turning knob 18, the two pumps may be taken into their vertical positions (Fig. 2) wherein the lines of effect of the two pump plungers 24 have an identical distance from the pivotal mounts 30 associated with them, so that both pumps perform the same stroke. In this case, a mixing ratio 1:1 is set. By further rotating the turning knob 8, the other extreme condition may be adjusted in which only the component present in cartridge 14a is withdrawn.

The components exiting from the pressure ports 40 of the pump heads 38 upon operation of the nozzle heads 2 are supplied to the mixing means 42 through components 98, 100 and intimately mixed in the mixing passage 102, whereby distribution with maximum fineness is achieved. The mixture is then discharged through horizontal bore 106 and nozzle outlet 6. After the nozzle head is released, it returns into its home position owing to spring effect, with the pistons 24 also being returned into their upper end positions due to spring bias or any other suitable reset mechanism. The proportioning dispenser is now ready for another conveying stroke.

The cartridges 14a, 14b are designed to be refillable, so that they may be recycled in the form of deposit cartridges. Her eby the package expenditure may be reduced considerably in comparison with conventional sun lotion containers only designed as throw-away packages. The proportioning dispenser of the invention as such, including the pump mechanism, remains with the consumer. This recycling should be understood to merely constitute an option; the cartridges 14 may, of course, also be used as single-use products. For improving operational safety, the pump mechanism may be taken into a locked position by turning the turning knob 8 into an end position wherein no actuation of the nozzle head 2 is possible.

In the above described embodiments, the two pumps 18a, 18b are coupled by a guide bracket 50. Fig. 11 shows a simplified embodiment in which the two pump housings 26 are provided with engagement sections 120, 122, whereby the two pump housings 26 may be positively connected to each other. The two engagement sections 120, 122 permit rotation of the two pump housings 26 relative to each other, for a bearing pin 124 of the engagement section 122 is guided 20 in a reception 126 of the engagement section 120 which has the form of an arc of a circle. In this case, the cam follower pins 48, 49 etc. must be formed directly on the pump housing 26. In a modification of the above described embodiments, it would also be possible to use a linear drive comprising gear transmission or other guide members instead of the cam disc 44. It is intended to substantially manufacture the proportioning dispenser 1 by injection molding to make the product fully recyclable. In. order to facilitate reading of the filling condition, the cartridges 14 are manufactured of transparent material, for example PMMA, and the piston bottoms 112 are dyed, so that the filling condition may be read at one gl ance.

In the above described embodiment, two components were mixed together. The principle of the invention may, of course, also be applied to mixtures of more components, wherein one pump mechanism is associated with each component. The proportioning dispenser may also be employed with other substances, for example for paint mixing, for mixing adhesives, or for cosmetics.

In summary thus far, a proportioning dispenser for multi component mixtures has been described wherein the components are received in cartridges. To each cartridge a pump is associated, the pump foot of which plunges into a concavity of the cartridge, so that the axial length of the proportioning dispenser is a minimum 1 ength.

Figs. 12A to 12F respectively show, in perspective representation and schematically simplified, the basic principle of another preferred embodiment of the present invention for realising adjustment means for a proportioning dispenser. The adjustment means shown in Figs. 12A to 12F may in principle also be applied in the proportioning dispenser in accordance with, e.g., Fig. 13 (which corresponds to Fig. 2 apart from different reference symbols), in which case the components designated by reference numerals 20 to 34 may largely be omitted. In other words, the levers 20 mounted in bearings 22, the adjustment disc 30 including the guide bracket 32, and mounting of the pumps 12 in den ball Joints 34 is dispensable in the subject matter of the third embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with Figs. 12A to 12F, an adjustment means for a proportioning dispenser in accordance with the invention, generally shown under reference numeral 36A, essentially comprises a component 38A which is annular or disc-shaped in the represented embodiment.

Component 38A may be rotated about a vertical axis H illustrated by a dash-dotted line in Fig. 12A, and moreover may be pivoted about an axis 40A extending perpendicularly to the vertical and within the.

plane of component 38A.

The bottom side of component 38A contacts the pump heads 26A of the two pumps 12a and 12b, or may be taken into contact with these pump heads 26A, respectively.

Figs. 12A, 12C and 12E each show the condition in which the annular or disc-shaped component 38A is not pivoted about its axis 40A, and Figs. 12B, 12D and 12F each show conditions in which this 5 component 38A is pivoted downwards about its axis 40A.

Pivoting or depressing the component 38A about its axis 40A may, e.g., take place in analogy with Fig. 13 by means of a nozzle head wherein the outlet nozzle for the medium is also arranged.

Moreover, preferably with the aid of connecting means not represented in the drawing, component 38A may be rotated about its vertical axis H with the aid of this nozzle head, so that the position of the pivoting axis 40A extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis changes with respect to the pumps 12a and 12b, as can directly be seen in Figs. 12A to 12F. For example, component 38A may be mounted through its axis 40A in a bearing or mount connected to the nozzle head and bringing about a rotation of component 38A upon a corresponding rotation of the nozzle head from the outside, so that component 38A rotates as a unit with this bearing or mount.

Fig. 12A shows a neutral position of component 38A, where the latter has a substantially horizontal orientation to exert no pressure on the pump heads, 26A of the pumps 12a and 12b. This neutral position is preferably spri ng- supported, i.e., component 38A assumes the neutral position without the influence of an external force, e.g., spring support, and returns into it after application of force, respectively.

If component 38A is, for example, depressed or displaced by depressing the nozzle head, it performs a pivoting movement about axis 40A extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis H in accordance with Fig. 12B, so that the pump head 26A of the righthand pump 12b in Fig. 12B is depressed. As a result, pump 12b has a 100% stroke or displacement volume, and the pump 12a, which is not influenced by the bottom side of the component 38A as it is located underneath the axis 40A, has a 0% stroke or displacement volume.

When component 38A is, for example, rotated through 180' about its vertical axis H by means of the nozzle head or other suitable means, then component 38A assumes the position according to Fig. 12C in its neutral position, wherein axis 40A of pump head 26A is adjacent the right-hand pump 12b or located above it, respectively. If, starting out from the position in accordance with Fig. 12C, component 38A is pivoted downwards about its axis 40A, its bottom side contacts the pump head 26A of the left-hand pump 12a so as to depress it, so that in accordance with Fig. 12D the left-hand pump 12a now has a 100% stroke or displacement volume, and the right-hand pump 12b has a 0% stroke or displacement volume.

Upon a 900 rotation of component 38A starting out from the position in accordance with Fig. 12A or 12C, an orientation of axis 40A in accordance with Fig. 12E is obtained. If, starting out from the position in accordance with Fig. 12E, component 38A is again depressed in a downward direction, then the two pump heads 26A of the pumps 12a and 12b are pushed downwards, as is shown in Fig. 12F, so that bot h pumps have a 50% stroke or displacement volume.

Corresponding intermediate positions of component 38A or of its axis 40A, respectively, result in corresponding intermediate ratios of the strokes or displacement volumes of the pumps 12a and 12b, so that these are continuously variable between 0%: 100% and 100% 0%.

In comparison with the known proportioning dispensers, e.g. in accordance with DE-198 18 434.4, there thus results the advantage in the subject matter of the present invention in accordance with the third embodiment, owing to the design of the adjustment means 36A thereof, that a plurality of components or constructional details may be omitted, such as for example the two pivotally mounted levers, and mounting of the pumps in the ball joint such as in accordance with Fig. 2 or 13.

Adjustment, i.e. rotation and concavity of component 38A may be effected with the aid of one and the same operating member which, in a particularly advantageous manner, includes the nozzle head with the outlet nozzle. 5 A currently set mixing ratio, i.e. stroke ratio of the two pumps 12a and 12b, may be made readable by means of an externally positioned scale or the like.

The first embodiment of the present invention accordingly includes a proportioning dispenser for having high and low viscosity mixtures, including a housing 4 wherein at least two adjustable pumps, preferably reciprocating pumps 18a and 18b are mounted, the displacement volumes of which are adjustable with the aid of adjustment means, and whereby one respective component each may be conveyed from a cartridge 14a and 14b to mixing means 4 connected with a nozzle outlet 6. Each cartridge comprises at a pump-side front surface a concavity 108 into which a pump foot plunges at least with a portion thereof.

Herein the pump foot carries a pump bearing 52, 54, which is mounted in a housing reception 66 having a geometry which is adapted to that of the concavi ty 108.

The pump bearing has a joint socket 54 wherein a ball 52 of the reciprocating pump 18 is mounted.

A suction opening 64 communicating with a cartridge outlet 22 is formed in a depression of the housing reception 66.

The cartridge includes an axially displaceable piston bottom 111 provided with a convexity 112 having a geometry which approximately corresponds to that of the cartridge front face, so that piston bottom 111 and cartridge front face overlap in the axial direction in a piston end position.

A vent 114 is provided in the depression of the piston bottom Each pump plunger may be actuated by means of an eccentric lever 28 operatively connected with a nozzle head 2 displaceably guided in the housing 4, with the stroke of the eccentric lever 28 being transmitted to the pump plunger 24 through a pump head 38 which is axially displaceable in a pump housing 26.

The pump plunger 24 plunges into the pump head 38 at least with a radially stepped-back projection 74 thereof.

The pump head 38 includes at its eccentric-lever side end portion a spherical contact surface 76.

The pump head 38 has a pressure port 40 connected to the mixing means 42 via a conduit.

At least two pump housings 26 are preferably connected to each other by a guide bracket 50. Herein the guide bracket 50 encompasses the pump housing 26 and is connected thereto by means of pin receptions.

The two pump housings 26 may also be directly connected with each other.

The adjustment means includes a rotatable cam disc 44, in the cam guide of which cam follower pins 48 and 49 of the guide brackets 50 or of the pump housing 26 are guided. The cam disc 44 has two spiral curve cam guide portions 46 and 47 wherein at least one cam follower pin 48 and 49 each may be guided.

The cam guide 46, 47 determines an end position wherein the nozzle head 2 is blocked.

The mixing means 42 is preferably formed in a push button 32 arranged as a transmission member between eccentric lever 28 and nozzle head 2, and contains a static mixer 104. The static mixer 104 has a multiplicity of helical portions 105a, 105b, 105c,... having 5 a successive axial arrangement.

Subject matter of the present invention is furthermore a cartridge for a proportioni.ng dispenser of the above described type, wherein a concavity 108 having a suction opening 64 is formed in a front surface.

The cartridge includes a piston bottom 111 including a convexity 112 having a geometry which corresponds to the one of the concavity 108, and having formed a vent 114 in its apex.

Moreover the cartridge presents a cartridge lid 116 formed as an operating portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, subject matter thereof is a proportioning dispenser for mixtures having high and low viscosities, including: a container subdivided into at least two accommodation compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one outlet means on each of the accommodation compartments; one pump means on each of the accommodation compartments, connected with a respective one of the outlet means; optionally, mixing means which may be connected with the outlet means; an adjustment means whereby the quantity ratio of the components of the medium may be adjusted by changing the displacement volumes of the respective pump means; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed by the dispenser medium. Herein the adjustment means 36, in accordance with the invention, comprises a component 38 which is rotatable about its vertical axis H and has a substantially horizontal arrangement in a neutral position, which contacts the pump means 12a and 12b by its bottom side for actuating them, with the component 38 being pivotable about an axis 40 which extends perpendicularly to the vertical axis H and within the plane of component 38.

Component 38 is substantially annular or disc-shaped.

Component 38 may moreover be pivoted about its vertical axis with the aid of operating means for rotating it.

Each pump means 12a and 12b includes a piston actuatable by component 38, wherein the ratio of the piston strokes is variable in dependence on the amount of rotation of component 38 about the axis 40 extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis H.

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Claims

1 A proportioning dispenser for high and low viscosity mixtures, including a housing (4) wherein at least two adjustable pumps, preferably reciprocating pumps (18a, 18b) are mounted, the displacement volumes of which are adjustable with the aid of adjustment means (8, 44), and whereby one respective component each may be conveyed from a cartridge (14a, 14b) to mixing means (42) connected with a nozzle outlet (6), characterized in that each cartridge (14a, 14b) comprises at a pump-side front surface a concavity (108) into which a pump foot plunges at least with a portion thereof.

2. A proportioning dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that said pump foot carries a pump bearing (52, 54) which is mounted in a housing reception (66) having a geometry which is adapted to that of said concavity (108).

3. A proportioning dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that said pump bearing has a joint socket (54) wherein a ball (52) of said reciprocating pump (18) is mounted.

4. A proportioning dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a suction opening (64) communicating with a cartridge outlet (22) is formed in a depression of said housing reception (66).

5. A proportioning dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cartridge (14a, 14b) includes an axially displaceable piston bottom (110) provided with a convexity (112) having a geometry which approximately corresponds to that of the cartridge front face, so that piston bottom (110) and cartridge front face overlap in the axial direction in a piston end position.

6. A proportioning dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pump plunger (24) may be actuated by means of an eccentric lever (28) operatively connected with a nozzle head (2) displaceably guided in said housing (4), with the stroke of said eccentric lever (28) being transmitted to said pump plunger (24) through a pump head (38) which is axially displaceable in a pump housing (26).

7. A proportioning dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mixing means (42) are formed inside push button (32) arranged between eccentric lever (28) and nozzle head (2) as a transmission member and containing a static mixer (104).

8. A proportioning dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that said static mixer (104) includes a multiplicity of helical portions (105a, 105b, 105c,...) having a successive axial arrangement.

g. A proportioning dispenser for mixtures having high and low viscosities, including: a container subdivided into at least two accommodation compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one outlet means on each of said accommodation compartments; one pump means on each of said accommodation compartments, connected with a respective one of said outlet means; optionally, mixing means which may be connected with said outlet means; an adjustment means (36) whereby the quantity ratio of the components of the medium may be adjusted by changing the displacement volumes of said respective pump means; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed by said dispenser, characterized in that said adjustment means (36) includes a component (38) which is rotatable about its vertical axis (H) and has a substantially horizontal arrangement in a neutral position, which contacts said pump means (12a, 12b) with its bottom side for actuating them, wherein said component (38) may be pivoted about an axis (40) extending perpendicularly to said vertical axis (H) and within the plane of said component (38).

10. A proportioning dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that said component (38) is substantially annular or discshaped.

11. A proportioning dispenser according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said component (38) may be pivoted about its vertical axis with the aid of operating means for rotating it.

12. A proportioning dispenser according to any one of claims 9 to is 11, characterized in that each pump means (12a, 12b) includes a piston actuatable by said component (38), wherein the ratio of the piston strokes is adjustable as a function of the amount of rotation of said component (38) about axis (40) extending perpendicularly to said vertical axis (H).