WO1999055468A2

WO1999055468A2 - Dosing dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO1999055468A2
Application number: PCT/DE1999/001180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard Brugger; Anton Brugger
Original assignee: Gerhard Brugger; Anton Brugger
Priority date: 1998-04-24
Filing date: 1999-04-19
Publication date: 1999-11-04
Also published as: GB0025926D0; WO1999055468A3; JP2002512881A; GB2353741A; AU4497399A; DE19980732D2

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

description

DOSAGE DISPENSER

9. The invention relates to a metering dispenser for high or low viscosity mixtures, for example pasty or liquid mixtures.

A dosing dispenser is known from EP 0 755 721 A2, in which the mixing ratio of two pasty or liquid fluid components is infinitely adjustable. A metering dispenser of this type can be used particularly advantageously, for example, as a sun milk dispenser to mix two sun milk components with a sun protection factor of 1 and, for example, 25, so that the sun protection factor can be set continuously in the range from 1 to 25. This new dispenser is a great relief for the consumer because he can choose the sun protection factor depending on the sun exposure and the habituation of the skin and no longer has to carry several containers with different sun protection factors.

In the solution proposed in EP 0 755 721 A2, the metering dispenser has two pumps, each of which is assigned a replaceable cartridge, each of which contains a type of sun milk (for example, sun protection factor 1 or light protection factor 25). The pumps are operated via two eccentric levers that are operatively connected to a pump or nozzle head, which is mounted in a housing of the dispenser and is operated by the consumer. The light protection factor is set via a rotary knob mounted on the housing, which acts on the pumps via an adjusting device, so that their relative position with respect to the pivot point of the eccentric lever can be adjusted. By changing the distance to the pivot point of the eccentric lever, the stroke of the pumps can be set in the range between zero (no stroke) and the maximum stroke. The adjusting device acts in such a way that the stroke of the two pumps can be changed in opposite directions.

A disadvantage of the construction described above is felt that the construction engineering and manufacturing costs are relatively high. The overall length is also longer than that of conventional sun milk containers due to the arrangement of the pumps and cartridges one behind the other.

DE 198 18 434.4 shows a metering dispenser as shown in FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawing, to which reference is already made.

2, this metering dispenser has a nozzle head 2 which is accommodated in a housing 4 in an axially displaceable manner. An outlet nozzle 6 is formed in the nozzle head 2, through which a high- or low-viscosity mixture emerges when the nozzle head 2 is actuated in the F direction (arrow in FIG. 2). Here, the dosing dispenser is provided, for example, for dosing and mixing sun milk, the mixing being carried out in such a way that a spectrum from a minimum sun protection factor 1 to a maximum sun protection factor of, for example, 25 can be covered. To adjust the mixture, a rotary knob 8 is mounted in the housing 4, which is in operative connection with an adjusting device. 2, two cartridges 10a, 10b are accommodated, which have an identical structure. One of the cartridges contains sun milk with a sun protection factor of 1, while the other cartridge contains sun milk with the maximum adjustable sun protection factor, for example 25. The delivery from the two cartridges is carried out by means of a pump 12a, 12b. A suction port 14 of the pump is connected to a cartridge outlet through which the sun milk can be sucked out of the cartridge. The pumps are each a piston pump, the pump piston 16 of which is axially displaceably guided in a pump housing 18. The pump piston 16 is actuated in each case via eccentric levers 20, which are each mounted in the pump housing 4 via a pivot bearing 22. The two eccentric levers 20 for dosing the sun milk are pivoted via the nozzle head 2, which can be displaced in the F direction and acts on the two pivot levers via a print head 24. On the lower side surface of the eccentric lever 20 in FIG. 2 there is a pump head 26 which is connected to the pump piston 16 and via which the movement of the eccentric lever 20 is transmitted to the pump piston 16. A pressure connection 28 is formed in the pump head 26 of each pump 12, through which the sun milk component conveyed by the pump 12 can escape. This milk emerging from the pump 12 is conveyed via an elastic line (not shown) to a mixing device in which the two components are mixed and fed to the nozzle head 2. If necessary, a separate mixing device, for example a mixing chamber or the like, can also be dispensed with and the pumps 12 or their pressure connections 28 are connected directly to the nozzle head with a Y-piece or the like.

The mixing ratio is adjusted by adjusting the pump piston stroke. The pumps 12 are pivotally mounted so that the lever length of the eccentric lever 20 acting on the pump 12 can be adjusted. This lever length is determined by the distance between the pivot bearing 22 and the point of application of the pump head 26 on the eccentric lever 20. The setting is made via a link disk 30 connected to the rotary knob 8, the link guide of which two guide pins of a guide block gels 32 lead. This engages around the two pumps 12a, 12b, so that their simultaneous pivoting is ensured. The pivoting movement of the pumps 12 is made possible by a ball joint 34.

When the dosing dispenser 1 is started up, two filled cartridges are accommodated in the housing 4. The predetermined sun protection factor can be set by the consumer via the dosing button 8, as a result of which the link plate 30 is rotated, so that the guide bracket 32 is displaced in the transverse direction depending on the position of the link plate via the link pins engaging in the link guide (view according to FIG. 2) . This actuating movement of the guide bracket 32 is transmitted to the pumps 12a, 12b, so that they are pivoted accordingly about their ball joint 34. In the position shown in FIG. 2, the two pumps are in an end swivel range in which the pump 12a has the maximum distance from the swivel bearing 22 with its pump head, while the axis of the other pump 12b intersects the swivel bearing 22. This means that when the two eccentric levers 20 are actuated, the pump piston 16 of the pump 12a performs a maximum stroke (view according to FIG. 2), while the pump piston 16 of the second pump 12b does not perform any stroke. Accordingly, only sun milk is pumped out of the cartridge 10a, so that either the sun protection factor 1 or the maximum sun protection factor is set. By turning the rotary knob 8, the two pumps can be brought into their vertical position, in which the line of action of the two pump pistons 16 each have the same distance from the pivot bearings 22 assigned to them, so that both pumps carry out the same stroke. In this case a mixing ratio of 1: 1 is set. If the rotary knob 8 is turned further, the other extreme state can be set, in which only the component located in the cartridge 10b is pumped out. With regard to further details of this dispenser, reference is expressly made to DE 198 18 434.4; To this extent, full reference is made to the disclosure content there.

The dosing dispenser according to DE 198 18 434.4 has proven itself in practice; however, he still suffers from the lack of detail that the setting mechanism for setting the mixing ratio still has a comparatively complicated structure. The need to pivot the two cartridges in the ball joints is comparatively complex and expensive.

In contrast, the invention has for its object to provide a metering dispenser that has a structurally simple and reliable adjustment mechanism for the individual pumps.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1 and 9 respectively.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a metering dispenser for high- and low-viscosity mixtures is accordingly created, with a housing in which at least two adjustable pumps, preferably piston pumps, are stored, the flow rates of which can be adjusted via an adjusting device, and each of which has a component a cartridge can be conveyed to a mixing device connected to a nozzle outlet. According to the invention, each cartridge has an indentation on a pump-side end face into which a pump foot is immersed at least in sections.

As a result of the measure of providing the cartridge of the metering dispenser with a bulge into which the pump base with a pump inlet is immersed, the cartridge and the pump practically overlap in the axial direction, so that the overall length compared to the conventional solution is significantly reduced without the cartridge capacity being restricted. Piston pumps are preferably used. The installation space can be further reduced if the pump is mounted in a housing receptacle, the geometry of which is adapted to the curvature of the cartridge, so that the associated end face of the cartridge lies flat against the housing receptacle.

The pump bearing is advantageously designed as a ball joint. Emptying the cartridge is particularly simple if a suction opening is formed in the depression of the arch of the housing receptacle, which opens into a cartridge outlet which is formed in the lowest point of the cartridge bulge.

In a preferred embodiment, similar to toothpaste dispensers, the cartridge is provided with an axially displaceable piston head which is displaced depending on the filling level within the cartridge. This piston crown is provided with a bulge which is essentially adapted to the geometry of the bulge described above, so that the piston crown in its end position - that is to say when the cartridge is completely empty - can be brought into flat contact with the bulge.

It is particularly preferred if a vent opening is formed in the apex of the bulge of the piston head, via which venting can take place when the cartridge is filled, so that complete filling is ensured.

In the case of the metering dispenser according to the invention in accordance with the first embodiment, it is preferred if the pumps are actuated via eccentric levers which in turn can be pivoted via the nozzle head. In the prior art, the eccentric lever acted directly on the pump piston. shear forces could occur from the relative position of the pump with respect to the eccentric lever, which could cause the piston to tilt and thus jam. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, it is proposed to have the eccentric lever act on the piston via a pump head which is displaceably guided in the pump housing, so that no transverse forces can act on the piston.

The transverse forces acting on the pump piston can be further reduced if the latter plunges with a radially recessed end section into a driving section of the pump head. To prevent the pump head from tilting, it is provided with a spherical contact surface for the associated eccentric lever. In order to ensure synchronous adjustment of the two pumps, in one embodiment they can be coupled via a guide bracket. As an alternative to this, the pump housings could also be designed with corresponding connecting elements, so that the pump housings could be connected directly without an additional component.

In the event that a guide bracket is used to connect the pump housing, this preferably encompasses the two pump housings. The latter carry pegs which are immersed in corresponding mounts of the guide bracket.

The guide bracket - or in the alternative version the pump housing - has link pins which are guided in the link guides of a link plate which can be adjusted via the rotary knob on the housing of the metering dispenser. The pump stroke can be adjusted over a wide range if the link is divided into two spiral link sections, in which the two link pins of the guide bracket or the two pump housings are guided. To prevent accidental actuation of the dispenser, an end position can be set via the rotary knob in which an axial displacement of the nozzle head is not possible.

In a particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment, the nozzle head acts on the two eccentric levers via a print head, the latter being designed with a mixing device to which the outlets of the pump heads are connected and which opens into the nozzle of the nozzle head. The number of moving parts can be reduced if a static mixer is used as the mixer.

The fill level of the metering dispenser can be read off easily if the cartridges are formed at least in sections from a transparent material and windows are provided in the housing of the metering dispenser.

The cartridge is preferably inserted into the metering dispenser via a handling section which is formed in a base cover of the cartridge. The geometry of this handling section is adapted approximately to the shape of the bulge in the piston crown, so that there is no increase in the axial length and comfortable handling is made possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a metering dispenser for a liquid medium is provided, comprising: a container which is divided into at least two receiving compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one outlet device on each of the receiving compartments; one pump device on each of the receiving compartments, each of which is connected to one of the outlet devices; optionally a mixing device which can be connected to the outlet devices; a one-piece device with which a change in the pump outputs of the respective Pump devices the ratio of the components of the medium is adjustable; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed from the dispenser. This metering dispenser is characterized in that the parting device has a component which is rotatable about its vertical axis and is arranged essentially horizontally in a neutral position, the underside of which rests on the pumping devices for their actuation, the component about a perpendicular to the vertical axis and in the plane of the Component axis is pivotable.

Through the use of a component which is rotatable about its vertical axis and which is arranged essentially horizontally in a neutral position and whose underside rests on the pump devices for their actuation, the component being pivotable about an axis running perpendicular to the vertical axis and in the plane of the component on the comparatively complicated adjustment mechanism according to DE 198 18 434.4 with the two eccentric levers, as well as on the eccentric disk for pivoting or tilting the two pump housings in order to be able to adjust their pump stroke and thus pump quantity and to store the cartridges in the Ball joints.

It is particularly advantageous that the rotation of the component and its tilting can be carried out by a single operating element, for example in the form of a nozzle head which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and depressed along this longitudinal axis and which then simultaneously has the outlet nozzle for the medium. A separate actuation of the nozzle head and adjusting disc for setting the mixing ratio, for example according to DE 198 18 434.4, is therefore also no longer necessary in the subject matter of the present invention according to the second embodiment thereof. This in turn makes it possible to make the entire metering dispenser structurally simpler and therefore cheaper. The component is preferably essentially ring-shaped or disk-shaped, that is to say rotationally symmetrical, which can further simplify the structure of the metering dispenser according to the invention.

The component can preferably be rotatable about its vertical axis via a turning handle.

Furthermore, each pump device preferably has, in a manner known per se, a piston which can be actuated by the component, the ratio of the piston strokes to one another being changeable depending on the amount of pivoting of the component about the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis.

Just for the sake of good order, it should be pointed out again that the coupling of the two pump housings, the shape of the cartridges and the interposition of the pump head between the eccentric lever and the pump piston represent their own inventions and can also be followed up in separate applications for industrial property rights. The invention is by no means limited to the metering of pasty substances, but also low-viscosity substances, such as paints or liquids, can be mixed. If necessary, more than two pumps can be integrated into the housing so that three or more components can be mixed.

Further details, aspects and advantages result from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

1 shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a metering dispenser according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the dispenser

Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section along the line A-A in Fig. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detailed illustration of a pump from FIG. 2;

5 shows a guide bracket of the metering dispenser from FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6, 7 a link plate of the metering dispenser from FIG. 1;

Figures 8, 9 views of a printhead of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

10 shows a static mixer of the print head from FIGS. 8, 9;

11 shows a pump housing of a second exemplary embodiment of a metering dispenser;

12A to 12F show different operating states of the setting device of a third exemplary embodiment of the metering dispenser according to the invention; and

13 shows a section through the metering dispenser known from DE 198 18 434.4.

1 to 3 show overall views of a first exemplary embodiment of a metering dispenser 1. According to FIG. 1, this metering dispenser has a nozzle head 2 which is accommodated in a housing 4 in an axially displaceable manner. An outlet nozzle 6 is formed in the nozzle head 2, through which a high- or low-viscosity mixture emerges when the nozzle head 2 is actuated in the F direction (arrow in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment described, the metering dispenser 1 is provided for metering and mixing sun milk, the mixing being carried out in such a way that a spectrum from a minimum sun protection factor 0 to a maximum sun protection factor of, for example, 25 can be covered.

To adjust the mixture, a rotary knob 8 is mounted in the housing 4, which is operatively connected to an adjusting device described below. For easier handling, the rotary knob is designed with two handle recesses 10a, 10b, so that a web 12 is formed between them, which can be gripped by the consumer for turning. The setting is facilitated by printing a scale (not shown) 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.

According to FIG. 2, two cartridges 14a, 14b are accommodated in the interior of the housing 4, which have an identical structure, so that they are simply provided with the reference number 14 below. One of the cartridges 14 contains sun milk with a sun protection factor of 0 (for example normal body lotion without a sun protection factor), while the other cartridge contains sun milk with the maximum adjustable sun protection factor, for example 25.

To check the fill level, the cartridges 14, which will be described in more detail below, are made of a transparent material and viewing windows 16 are formed in the housing, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, so that the fill status can be checked at any time. Further design details are explained below using the sectional views. FIG. 2 shows a section through the metering dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the delivery from the two cartridges 14 is carried out by means of a pump 18a, 18b, the construction of which is identical, so that the description of a pump 18 is given below is restricted. A suction port 20 of the pump is connected to a cartridge outlet 22 through which the sun milk can be sucked out of the cartridge 14. The pump 18 is a piston pump, the pump piston 24 of which is guided axially displaceably in a pump housing 26. The pump piston 24 is actuated in each case via eccentric levers 28, which are each mounted in the pump housing 4 via a pivot bearing 30.

The pivoting of the two eccentric levers 28 for metering the sun milk takes place via the nozzle head 2 which can be displaced in the F direction and which acts on the two pivot levers via a print head 32. On the free end sections of the eccentric levers 28 which are to face one another, engagement lugs 34 are formed which engage in an engagement recess 36 of the print head 32, so that there is a positive coupling of the eccentric levers 28 to the print head 32. A pump head 38 bears against the lower side surface of the eccentric lever 28 in FIG. 2, which is connected to the pump piston 24 and via which the movement of the eccentric lever 28 is transmitted to the pump piston 24. A pressure connection 40 is formed in the pump head 38 of each pump 18, through which the sun milk component conveyed by the pump 18 can escape. This milk emerging from the pump 18 is conveyed via an elastic line (not shown) to a mixing device 42 (see FIG. 3) in which the two components are mixed and fed to the nozzle head 2.

The mixing ratio is adjusted by adjusting the pump piston stroke. In the embodiment shown, the pumps 18 are pivoted, so that the lever length of the eccentric lever 28 acting on the pump 18 can be adjusted. This lever length is determined by the distance between the pivot bearing 30 and the point of application of the pump head 38 on the eccentric lever 28. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this setting is made via a link disk 44 connected to the rotary knob 8, the link guide 46 of which guides two link pins 48, 49 of a guide bracket 50. This surrounds the two pumps 18a, 18b, so that their simultaneous pivoting is ensured. The pivoting movement of the pumps 18 is made possible by a ball 52 which is guided in an articulated socket 54 of the housing 4. The ball joint with the ball 52 and the socket 54 enables the pumps 18 to be supported and guided with as much friction as possible, with all necessary degrees of freedom, so that jamming can be avoided.

Further technical details of the pump 18 are explained below with reference to FIG. 4, which shows an enlarged detailed view of the pump 18a in FIG. 2.

4, the housing 4 has an intermediate floor 56, in which a bayonet receptacle 58 is formed for fastening the cartridge 14. Furthermore, the intermediate floor 56 has a housing receptacle 60 which is concave or shell-shaped in the view according to FIG. 4 to the pump 18 and in which the joint socket 54 is formed. In the depression of the housing receptacle 60, a projection 62 is formed which extends downward in a nozzle-like manner (view according to FIG. 4) and in which a suction opening 64 is provided. The socket 54 engages around the ball 52, which is penetrated by a central bore 66. The latter opens on the one hand in the suction opening 64 of the housing receptacle 60 and on the other hand in the suction connection 20 of the pump 18. For fastening the ball 52, the pump housing 26 has a projection which plunges into the central bore 66 of the ball 52 and is pressed or otherwise connected to it . In the muzzle A suction valve 70, indicated by dashed lines, is formed between the suction port 20 and a cylinder chamber 68 of the pump housing 26 and allows fluid flow from the cartridge 14 into the cylinder chamber 68, but prevents flow in the opposite direction. This suction valve 70 is preferably spring-biased in the closing direction. The pump piston 24 is designed as a hollow piston and bears with a guide collar 72 on the inner peripheral wall of the pump housing 26. A radially recessed projection extends out of the guide collar 72 and plunges into a receiving bore of the pump head 38. This covers the projection 74 in a bell shape. The end face of the projection 74 lying at the top in FIG. 4 lies against an annular shoulder 76 of the pump head 40, so that an axial movement of the pump head 38 is transmitted to the pump piston 24.

In the bell-shaped bottom of the pump head 38, the pressure connection 40, which extends obliquely downwards in the view according to FIG. 4, opens, in which a pressure valve (not shown) is arranged which prevents the sun milk from flowing back into the cylinder chamber 68. On the end section of the pump head 38 which extends out of the pump housing 26, a crowned projecting contact surface 76 is arranged, which defines a defined contact surface for the assigned eccentric lever 28. The inclination of the pressure connection 40 and the geometry of the eccentric lever 28 are designed such that no collision between these components can take place in the entire swivel range of the pump 18. The pump head 38 is further provided with guide projections (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 4) which are slidably received in corresponding guide receptacles (not shown) of the pump housing 26, so that the pump head 38 is axially guided. This has proven to be particularly advantageous since the eccentric lever 28 always acts on the pump head 38 through a lateral force component and through the guide this shear force component can be accommodated in the pump housing 26, so that the pump piston 24 is essentially only acted upon in the axial direction and therefore cannot jam.

As already mentioned above, two diametrically and perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing arranged pins are formed on the outer circumference of the pump housing, which plunge into corresponding receptacles of the guide bracket 50. This guide bracket is shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, it has a circumferential peripheral edge 78 in which receptacles 80 (not shown) on the pump housing 26, indicated by dashed lines, are provided. Two wedge surfaces 82, 84 (see FIG. 4) are formed on the narrow surfaces of the peripheral edge 78 and serve as stops for the pump housing 26 in its end positions and thus define the swivel range.

The peripheral edge 78 also carries the two link pins 48, 49, over which the guide bracket 50 is guided in the link plate 44. This link plate 44 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The two spiral-shaped link guide sections 46, 47, in which the link pins 48 and 49 are guided, are shown on the large surface of the link plate visible in FIG. 6. The two-part design of the link guides 46, 47 is necessary in order to be able to effect the widest possible adjustment range of the pump stroke over the smallest possible turning range of the link disk. The link guide 46 has a stop 82, via which the end pivot position of the pumps is limited. With the arrangement of the link guide sections 46, 47 selected in FIG. 6, it follows that in some pivoting areas only one of the link pins 48, 49 is guided in the link 46 and 47, respectively. In principle, other geometries or transmission devices could also be used, which allow an exact adjustment with the least possible actuating movement Allow link plate 44. As can be seen from FIG. 7, which shows a side view of the link plate 44, it bears on the large surface facing away from the link guides 46, 47 a central bearing pin 84 and a driver 86 arranged offset therefrom, via which the link plate 44 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary knob 8 is. The link plate 84 is mounted on the journal 84 in the intermediate floor 56 of the housing 4.

As explained at the beginning, the actuation of the two pivot levers 28 takes place via the print head 32, which is actuated via the nozzle head 2. In the representations according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the nozzle head 2 is in its end position, that is to say in the position pressed into the housing 4. This end position is limited by a stop shoulder 88, on which the nozzle head 2 runs when actuated. The nozzle head 2 is guided via a guide collar 90 of the housing 4. The print head 32 is shown in FIG. 2 from the narrow side, in FIG. 3 in a side view, in FIG. 8 in a top view from above and in FIG. 9 in one View from below (based on Fig. 3) shown. Accordingly, the print head 32 has a central guide sleeve 92 into which a guide pin 94 of the nozzle head 2 is immersed.

According to FIGS. 8 and 9, the components 92 and 94 are designed with a rectangular cross section. The guide sleeve 92 carries a mushroom-shaped downwardly extending armature 96 which engages around the engaging nose 34 of the eccentric lever 28 and thus delimits the engaging recess 36. In the view according to FIGS. 8, 9 and 3, two inlet connections 98, 100 of the mixing device 42 are formed on the side next to the guide sleeve 92 and are connected to the pressure connections 40 of the pumps 18a and 18b via elastic lines. According to FIGS. 8 and 9, the two input connections 98, 100 go into a common mixing line 102, through which in turn a horizontal line extending mixing channel 106 opens. In this a static mixer 104 is inserted as an insert. This static mixer 104 is shown in FIG. 10 as an individual illustration. Accordingly, it has a multiplicity of screw helix sections 105a, 105b, 105c ... lying axially one behind the other, through which the two components entering the mixing channel 102 are thoroughly mixed. The delivery pressure of the pumps 18a, 18b must be designed so that it is sufficient to move the components through the static mixer 104.

The output of the mixing channel 102 is connected to the nozzle outlet 6. The two cartridges 14a, 14b are received in the lower section of the housing 4 and inserted into the intermediate floor 56 of the housing 4 via a bayonet lock. As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3, the pump-side end face of each cartridge 14 is provided with a bulge 108, the geometry of which is adapted approximately to the bell-shaped housing receptacle 60. When the cartridge 14 is inserted, the curvature 108 runs approximately parallel or in contact with a section of the housing receptacle 60, so that the cartridge 14 is also centered over the latter.

In the depression of the indentation 108, the cartridge outlet 22 is formed, which is closed with a membrane 110 or another closure, which is penetrated by the projection 62 of the housing receptacle 60 when the cartridge 14 is inserted. An axially displaceable piston head 111 is accommodated in the cartridge 14, the bottom surface of which is embodied with a bulge 112, the geometry of which corresponds approximately to that of the bulge 108 and the housing receptacle 60. A ventilation opening 114 is formed in the apex of the bulge 114 and is closed to the surroundings when the cartridge 14 is filled. When filling, this ventilation opening 114 is opened, so that an air inclusion in the cartridge 14 is prevented and one , -jg.

complete filling is guaranteed. Due to the negative pressure built up in the cartridge 14 by means of the pumps 18, the piston head 111 moves upward depending on the fill level in the illustration according to FIG. 3 until it has reached its end position indicated on the right in FIG. 2, in which the bulge 108 of the cartridge 14 dips into the inside of the bulge 112 of the piston crown 111. Due to the flat contact, complete emptying of the cartridge 14 is then ensured. This state can be detected via the viewing window 16, so that the cartridge 14 can be changed in good time.

In order to avoid damage to the piston crown 111, the cartridge 14 is closed at its lower end section in FIG. 3 with a cartridge cover 116 which engages around the corresponding peripheral edge of the cartridge 14 with a bearing section. Screwing in the cartridge 14 is facilitated if the cartridge cover 116 is provided with retracted handling sections 118, into which the consumer can engage in order to fasten the cartridge 14, that is to say to insert it into the bayonet receptacle 58. In the event that the cartridge cover 116 seals, it is not necessary to close the ventilation hole 114.

When the metering dispenser 1 is started up, two filled cartridges are accommodated in the housing 4, so that the piston heads 111 assume the lower position shown in FIG. 3. The predetermined sun protection factor can be set by the consumer via the dosing button 8, as a result of which the link plate 44 is rotated so that the guide bracket 50 in the transverse direction depending on the position of the link plate 44 via the link pins 48, 49 engaging in the link guide 46 (view according to Fig. 2). This adjusting movement of the guide bracket 50 is transmitted to the pumps 18a, 18b, so that they are pivoted accordingly about their ball joint 52, 54. In In the position shown in FIG. 2, the two pumps are in an end swivel range in which the pump 18b has the maximum distance from the swivel bearing 30 with its pump head, while the axis of the other pump 18a intersects the swivel bearing 30. This means that when the two eccentric levers 28 are actuated, the pump piston 24 of the pump 18b performs a maximum stroke (view according to FIG. 2), while the pump piston 24 of the second pump 18a does not perform any stroke. Accordingly, only sun milk is pumped out of the cartridge 10b, so that either the sun protection factor 0 or the maximum sun protection factor is set. By turning the rotary knob 18, the two pumps can be brought into their vertical position (FIG. 2), in which the line of action of the two pump pistons 24 are each at the same distance from the swivel bearings 30 assigned to them, so that both pumps carry out the same stroke. In this case a mixing ratio of 1: 1 is set. If the rotary knob 8 is turned further, the other extreme state can be set, in which only the component located in the cartridge 14a is pumped out.

The components emerging from the pressure connections 40 of the pump heads 38 when the nozzle head 2 is actuated are fed to the mixing device 42 via the input connections 98, 100 and mixed intimately in the mixing duct 102, so that a very fine distribution is present. The mixture is then dispensed through the horizontal bore 106 and the nozzle outlet 6. After releasing the nozzle head, it springs back into its starting position by spring action, the pistons 24 also being moved back into their upper end position due to a spring preload or another suitable return mechanism. The dispenser is ready for another delivery stroke.

The cartridges 14a, 14b are refillable so that they are circulated as deposit cartridges. , ₂ <| ,

that can. As a result, the packaging outlay can be considerably reduced compared to conventional sun milk containers, since these are only designed as disposable packs. The dosing dispenser according to the invention as such with the pump mechanism remains with the consumer. This circulation is only to be regarded as an option, of course the cartridges 14 can also be used as single-use products. To improve operational safety, the pump mechanism can be brought into a locked position by turning the rotary knob 8 into an end position, in which the nozzle head 2 cannot be actuated.

In the exemplary embodiments described above, the two pumps 18a, 18b are coupled via a guide bracket 50. 11 shows a simplified exemplary embodiment in which the two pump housings 26 are provided with engagement sections 120, 122, via which the two pump housings 26 can be connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. The two engagement sections 120, 122 allow the two pump housings 26 to be pivoted relative to one another, since a bearing journal 124 of the engagement section 122 is guided in an arcuate receptacle 126 of the engagement section 120. In this case, the link pins 48, 49, etc. must be formed directly on the pump housing 26.

As a modification of the above-described exemplary embodiments, a linear drive with a gear transmission or other guide elements could also be used instead of the link plate 44. It is intended to manufacture the dispenser 1 essentially from injection molding, so that the product is completely recyclable. To make it easier to read the fill level, the cartridges 14 are made of transparent material, for example PMMA, and the piston crowns 112 are colored so that the fill level can be read at a glance. In the embodiment described above, two components were mixed together. Of course, the principle of the invention can also be applied to more component mixtures, with a pump mechanism being assigned to each component. The dispenser can also be used with other substances, for example for color mixing, for mixing adhesives or for cosmetics.

In summary, a dosing dispenser for multi-component mixtures has been described in which the components are accommodated in cartridges. Each cartridge is assigned a pump, which dips with its pump foot into an arching of the cartridge, so that the axial length of the dispenser is minimal.

FIGS. 12A to 12F each show a simplified, perspective representation of the basic principle of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention for realizing an adjustment device for a metering dispenser. The one-piece device shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F can in principle also be used in the metering dispenser approximately as shown in FIG. 13 (corresponds to other reference numerals in FIG. 2), in which case the structural elements identified by reference numerals 20 to 34 can largely be dispensed with . In other words, the levers 20 mounted in the bearings 22, the adjusting disk 30 with the guide bracket 32 and the mounting of the pumps 12 in the ball joints 34 are dispensable in the case of the third embodiment of the present invention.

According to FIGS. 12A to 12F, an adjusting device for a metering dispenser according to the invention, designated overall by reference symbol 36A, essentially has a component 38A, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is ring-shaped or disk-shaped. Component 38A is about a vertical axis illustrated in phantom in FIG. 12A H rotatable and also pivotable about an axis 40A running perpendicular to the vertical axis H and in the plane of the component 38A.

The underside of component 38A bears against pump heads 26A of the two pumps 12a and 12b or can be brought into abutment with these pump heads 26A.

FIGS. 12A, 12C and 12E each show the state where the ring-shaped or disc-shaped component 38A is not pivoted about its axis 40A and FIGS. 12B, 12D and 12F each show states in which this component

38A is pivoted downward about its axis 40A.

The pivoting or pressing down of the component 38A about its axis 40A can be carried out approximately analogously to FIG. 13 by a nozzle head, in which the outlet nozzle for the medium is also arranged. Furthermore, component 38A can preferably be rotated about its vertical axis H by means of connecting means (not shown in the drawing) via this nozzle head, so that the position of the pivot axis 40A running perpendicular to the vertical axis relative to the pumps 12a and 12b changes, as shown directly in FIGS. 12A to 12F emerges. For example, the component 38A can be mounted by means of its axis 40A in a bearing or holder which is non-rotatably connected to the nozzle head and, when the nozzle head is rotated accordingly, causes the component 38A to rotate from the outside.

12A shows a neutral position of the component 38A, where it is oriented essentially horizontally and does not exert any pressure on the pump heads 26A of the pumps 12a and 12b. This neutral position is preferably spring-assisted, ie component 38A assumes the neutral position without external force, for example spring support, or returns to it after the force has been applied. If the component 38A is pressed down or deflected, for example by depressing the nozzle head, it carries out a pivoting movement according to FIG. 12B about the axis 40A running perpendicular to the vertical axis H, so that the pump head 26A of the pump 12b on the right in FIG. 12B is depressed becomes. As a result, the pump 12b has a stroke or a delivery volume of 100% and the pump 12a, which is not acted upon by the underside of the component 38A, since it lies below the axis 40A, has a stroke or a delivery volume of 0%.

If the component 38A is rotated 180 ° about its vertical axis H, for example via the nozzle head or another suitable device, the component 38A assumes the position according to FIG. 12C in its neutral position, in which the axis 40A corresponds to the pump head 26A of the right-hand pump 12b is adjacent or comes to lie above it. If, starting from the position shown in FIG. 12C, the component 38A is pivoted downward about its axis 40A, its underside comes into contact with the pump head 26A of the left pump 12a and presses it down, so that the left pump is now shown in FIG. 12D 12a has a stroke or delivery volume of 100% and the right pump 12b has a stroke or delivery volume of 0%.

When the component 38A is rotated by 90 ° from the position shown in FIG. 12A or 12C, an alignment of the axis 40A according to FIG. 12E is obtained. If the component 38A is pressed down again starting from the position according to FIG. 12E, the two pump heads 26A of the pumps 12a and 12b are pressed downward, as shown in FIG. 12F, so that both pumps have a stroke or a delivery volume of 50%. to have.

With corresponding intermediate layers of the component 38A or its axis 40A, there are corresponding intermediate ratios between the strokes or delivery volumes of the pumps 12a and 12b, so that they can be changed continuously between 0%: 100% and 100%: 0%.

Compared to the known metering dispenser, for example according to DE-198 18 434.4, the object of the present invention according to the third embodiment, because of the configuration of the one-piece device 36A there, has the advantage that a plurality of components or structural details can be dispensed with, for example point to the two pivotably mounted levers and the mounting of the pumps in the ball joints as shown in FIG. 2 or 13.

The adjustment, i.e. The component 38A can be rotated and pressed down using one and the same control element, which in a particularly advantageous manner includes the nozzle head with the outlet nozzle.

The currently set mixing ratio, i.e. The stroke ratio of the two pumps 12a and 12b to one another can be made readable on an external scale or the like.

The first embodiment of the present invention accordingly comprises a metering dispenser for high- and low-viscosity mixtures, with a housing 4, in which at least two adjustable pumps, preferably piston pumps 18a and 18b are stored, the delivery rates of which can be adjusted via an adjusting device, and via which one Component can be conveyed from a cartridge 14a and 14b to a mixing device 4 connected to a nozzle outlet 6. Each cartridge has an indentation 108 on an end face on the pump side, into which a pump foot is immersed at least in sections. Here, the pump foot carries a pump bearing 52, 54, which is mounted in a housing receptacle 66, the geometry of which is adapted to that of the arch 108.

The pump bearing has an articulated socket 54 in which a ball 52 of the piston pump 18 is mounted.

In a depression of the housing receptacle 66, a suction opening 64 is formed, which opens into a cartridge outlet 22.

The cartridge has an axially displaceable piston head 111, which is provided with a bulge 112, the geometry of which corresponds approximately to that of the end face of the cartridge, so that piston head 111 and end face of the cartridge overlap in the axial direction in a piston end position.

A ventilation opening 114 is provided in the depression of the piston head 111.

Each pump piston can be actuated by means of an eccentric lever 28, which is operatively connected to a nozzle head 2 which is displaceably guided in the housing 4, the stroke of the eccentric lever 28 being transmitted to the pump piston 24 via a pump head 38 which is axially displaceable in a pump housing 26.

The pump piston 24 dips into the pump head 38 with a radially recessed projection 74.

The pump head 38 has a spherical contact surface 76 on its eccentric lever-side end section.

The pump head 38 has a pressure connection 40 which is connected to the mixing device 42 via a line. At least two pump housings 26 are preferably connected to one another via a guide bracket 50. Here, the guide bracket 50 encompasses the pump housing 26 and is connected to it via pin receptacles.

The two pump housings 26 can also be connected directly to one another.

The adjusting device has a rotatable link plate 44, in the link guide of which link pins 48 and 49 of the guide bracket 50 or the pump housing 26 are guided. The link plate 44 has two spirally curved link guide sections 46 and 47, in each of which at least one link pin 48 and 49 can be guided.

The link guide 46, 47 determines an end position in which the nozzle head 2 is locked.

The mixing device 42 is preferably formed in a print head 32 arranged as a transmission element between the eccentric lever 28 and the nozzle head 2 and contains a static mixer 104. The static mixer 104 has a multiplicity of screw spiral sections 105a, 105b, 105c,.

The present invention furthermore relates to a cartridge for a metering dispenser of the type described above, an arch 108 having a suction opening 64 being formed in an end face.

The cartridge has a piston head 111 with a bulge 112, the geometry of which corresponds to that of the bulge 108 and a ventilation opening 114 is formed in the apex.

Furthermore, the cartridge has a cartridge cover 116 which is designed as a handling section. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a metering dispenser for high and low viscosity mixtures, comprising: a container which is divided into at least two receiving compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one outlet device on each of the receiving compartments; one pump device on each of the receiving compartments, each of which is connected to one of the outlet devices; optionally a mixing device which can be connected to the outlet devices; an adjusting device 36 with which the quantity ratio of the components of the medium can be adjusted by changing the pump outputs of the respective pump devices; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed from the dispenser. According to the invention, the adjusting device 36 has a component 38 which can be rotated about its vertical axis H and is arranged essentially horizontally in a neutral position, the underside of which rests on the pump devices 12a and 12b for their actuation, the component 38 being perpendicular to the vertical axis H and axis 40 extending in the plane of component 38 is pivotable.

The component 38 is essentially ring-shaped or disk-shaped.

The component 38 can also be pivoted about its vertical axis by means of a turning handle.

Each pump device 12a and 12b has a piston which can be actuated by the component 38, the ratio of the piston strokes to one another being changeable depending on the amount of pivoting of the component 38 about the axis 40 which is perpendicular to the vertical axis H.

Claims

Expectations

1. Dosing dispenser for high- and low-viscosity mixtures, with a housing (4) in which at least two adjustable pumps, preferably piston pumps (18a, 18b) are stored, the flow rates of which can be adjusted via an adjusting device (8, 44), and Via which a component can be conveyed from a cartridge (14a, 14b) to a mixing device (42) connected to a nozzle outlet (6), characterized in that each cartridge (14a, 14b) has an arch (108 ) into which a pump foot is immersed at least in sections.

2. Dosing dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump base carries a pump bearing (52, 54) which is mounted in a housing receptacle (66), the geometry of which is adapted to that of the arch (108).

3. Dosing dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the pump bearing has an articulated socket (54) in which a ball (52) of the piston pump (18) is mounted.

4. Dosing dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a suction opening (64) is formed in a depression of the housing receptacle (66), which opens into a cartridge outlet (22).

5. Dosing dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (14a,

14b) has an axially displaceable piston head (110) which is provided with a bulge (112) whose geometry corresponds approximately to that of the cartridge end face, so that the piston head (110) and cartridge end face overlap in the axial direction in a piston end position.

6. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pump piston (24) can be actuated by means of an eccentric lever (28) which is operatively connected to a nozzle head (2) which is displaceably guided in the housing (4), the stroke of the eccentric lever (28) is transmitted to the pump piston (24) via a pump head (38) which is axially displaceable in a pump housing (26).

7. Dosing dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing device (42) in a between the eccentric lever (28) and nozzle head (2) is arranged as a transmission element arranged print head (32) and contains a static mixer (104).

8. Dosing dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that the static mixer (104) has a plurality of screw spiral sections arranged axially one behind the other (105a, 105b, 105c, ...).

9. Dispenser for high and low viscosity mixtures, comprising: a container which is divided into at least two receiving compartments for a corresponding number of different components of the medium to be dispensed; one outlet device on each of the receiving compartments; one pump device on each of the receiving compartments, each of which is connected to one of the outlet devices; optionally a mixing device which can be connected to the outlet devices; an adjusting device (36) with which the quantity ratio of the components of the medium can be adjusted by changing the pump outputs of the respective pump devices; and a dispenser nozzle for the medium to be dispensed by the dispenser, characterized in that the adjusting device (36) has a component (38) which can be rotated about its vertical axis (H) and is arranged essentially horizontally in a neutral position and which has its underside on the pumping devices (12a, 12b) for actuation thereof, the component (38) being pivotable about an axis (40) running perpendicular to the vertical axis (H) and in the plane of the component (38).

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that the component (38) is substantially annular or disc-shaped.

11. Dosing dispenser according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the component (38) can be pivoted about its vertical axis via a turning handle.

12. Dispenser according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that each pump device (12a, 12b) has a piston which can be actuated by the component (38), the ratio of the piston strokes to one another depending on the pivoting amount of the component (38 ) can be changed about the axis (40) perpendicular to the vertical axis (H).