WO2007062824A1

WO2007062824A1 - Delivery device with a reinforced, flexible wall

Info

Publication number: WO2007062824A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/011455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reinhard Neuhaus; Reiker Canfield
Original assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-12-01
Filing date: 2006-11-29
Publication date: 2007-06-07
Also published as: ATE494959T1; DE502006008739D1; DE102005060167A1; EP1954404B1; ES2359436T3; DE102005060167B4; US20100032451A1; EP1954404A1

Abstract

A delivery device is proposed with an elastically deformable component preferably bounding a pump chamber. In order to achieve improved resetting and/or protection of the component, which is preferably composed of a thermoplastic material, a wall of the component is connected to and/or is covered by an element made of a different material.

Description

DISTRIBUTION DEVICE WITH REINFORCED FLEXIBLE WALLING

The present invention relates to a dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1 or 16.

The term "dispensing device" in the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a metering pump or hand-operated pump for dispensing a preferably cosmetic fluid. However, it can also be any other dispensing device, such as a container, dispensing or spraying head, dispenser or the like, in particular for a cosmetic liquid act.

The term "cosmetic liquid" in a narrower sense means personal care and cleaning products, cosmetics or the like. In principle, it may be a lotion, a gel, a suspension or other liquid, but if appropriate also a fluid with a gas phase or the like. There are also technical fluids and fluids into consideration. However, for reasons of simplification and because of the focus of use, only cosmetic liquid is often referred to below.

EP 0 442 858 A2 discloses a dispenser having a base and an elastic top. Between the upper part and the lower part of a pumping chamber is formed. By depressing the upper part or at least one operating portion of the upper part, a liquid can be displaced from the pumping chamber and released. Subsequently, an automatic elastic resetting of the upper part or actuating portion, wherein new liquid is sucked into the pumping chamber. It is difficult to find a suitable material for the upper part in order to achieve the desired properties - in particular high chemical resistance and high restoring forces.

DE 1 934 235 U discloses a similar dispensing device, wherein an elastically deformable upper part is formed approximately hemispherical and on the outside has radial stiffening ribs to increase the restoring force, which ends in an annular bead on the head of the upper part. The annular bead also serves to guide a finger when depressing the upper part. Here too the right choice of material for the upper part or the achievement of the desired properties is problematic.

WO 01/34485 A1 discloses a dispensing device with an elastically deformable pumping chamber, in which a separate insert is used for elastic recovery of the pumping chamber. Here, the production by the separate use over the aforementioned prior art is more complicated. Furthermore, there is the problem that a sufficiently chemically resistant material for the liquid to be pumped must be found both for use and for the walls of the pumping chamber.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved dispensing device, the output of higher viscous or pasty liquids or products and / or an improvement in the elastic properties, such as the provision, and / or with a simple, inexpensive construction in particular an improved protection of a particular elastically deformable component or material, preferably against the liquid allows.

The above object is achieved by a dispenser according to claim 1 or 16. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

One aspect of the present invention resides in a wall or another section of the component-preferably in the region of a pumping space and / or another region that is elastically deformable and / or in contact with the liquid, in use-with an element of a second Material to connect. This allows for a simple design and easy installation of the dispenser much greater design freedom and greater freedom in the choice of materials.

Namely, the element or material can improve or modify the elastic or restoring properties of the component and / or protect it against chemical or other influences.

Another aspect of the invention, which can also be implemented independently, is the covering of the wall or of the first material by the element or second material, preferably on the side of the liquid. In particular, forms According to a preferred embodiment variant, the element or second material is a continuous material layer or covering of the component, the wall or the first material, in particular at least in the region of the pumping space and / or another surface area coming into contact with the liquid. Thus, the first material can be protected from chemical and / or other influences and / or unwanted contact of the liquid with the first material can be avoided, accordingly, such materials can be used as the first material, usually for the liquid or cosmetics or the food industry not suitable or not permitted.

According to another preferred embodiment, the element does not completely cover the wall made of the first material, at least in the region of the pumping space. In particular, the element has arcuate and / or rib-like or web-like sections extending over the wall. In particular, an optimal or desired return or elasticity of the component can be achieved.

The element is preferably molded directly onto the component or its wall. This allows a simple production, for example by so-called "bi-injection", ie in particular injection molding in the same injection mold, in which the wall and possibly other areas of the component are produced.

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device according to a first embodiment;

2 shows a schematic section of a proposed dispensing device according to FIG

Fig. 3 is a schematic section of a component and a lower part of

Dispensing device according to a third embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective plan view of a component of

Dispensing device according to a fourth embodiment; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective bottom view of a component of

Dispensing device according to a fifth embodiment.

In the figures, which are not to scale, only schematic figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, with corresponding or comparable properties and advantages being achieved, even if a repeated description has been omitted.

1 shows a first embodiment of a proposed dispensing device 1 for dispensing a preferably cosmetic liquid 2, in the sense mentioned at the outset. The liquid 2 can be much higher than water viskos or possibly even pasty.

The dispensing device 1 is preferably associated with a container 3 for the supply of the liquid 2, to which the dispensing device 1 is, if necessary, releasably attached bar. Thus, if necessary, an exchange of the container 3 and / or a refilling of the liquid 2 take place. Alternatively, the dispensing device 1 can also form a reservoir for the liquid 2 or the container.

The dispensing device 1 has a lower part 4 and a component 5, in particular an upper part. The terms "lower part" and "upper part" correspond in the representation according to FIG. 1 of the preferred arrangement or alignment of

Dispensing device 1 during normal use. However, this is not necessarily the case. Accordingly, depending on needs, application, training u. Like. The lower part 4 and the building or upper part 5 are also in any spatial orientation to each other or be aligned.

The lower part 4 is preferably rigid and / or integrally formed, in particular injection molded from a suitable plastic.

The component 5 is formed elastically deformable. The proposed design of the component 5 will be explained later. The dispensing device 1 further has a receiving or pumping chamber 6 for the liquid 2, which is in particular formed or limited exclusively before or between the component 5 and the lower part 4.

Preferably, the component 5 optionally together with the lower part 4 forms an inlet valve 7 and / or an outlet valve 8. However, the valves 7, 8 may also be formed separately. Due to the valves 7, 8, the functionality of a pump is preferably made possible. The valves 7, 8 are preferably designed as self-closing one-way valves.

When the pumping space 6 is filled with liquid 2, as shown in FIG. 1, the volume of the pumping space 6 can be reduced by deforming the component 5, thereby displacing and expelling liquid 2 from the pumping space 6. In particular, for this purpose, an optional actuator 9 is preferably depressed manually in the direction of the arrow N and thereby at least one operating portion 10 of the component 5. However, it is also possible, for example, for an unillustrated user to press directly on the component 5 or the actuating portion 10 for dispensing liquid 2.

The displaced liquid 2 is discharged via the outlet valve 8 and discharged. The opening of the outlet valve 8 takes place in particular automatically, preferably due to the fluid pressure, and / or - possibly additionally - due to a corresponding deformation of the component 5 during depression.

Due to the inherent elasticity or the restoring force: of the attachment portion 10 and the component 5 then takes place after releasing an automatic reset according to arrow R in the starting position shown in Figure 1, wherein new liquid 2 received via the inlet valve 7 into the pump chamber 6, sucked in particular. The opening of the inlet valve 7 during the reset is preferably carried out due to the then prevailing in the pump chamber 6 negative pressure. The elasticity or restoring force of the component 5 is adapted to the viscosity and / or the flow resistance in order to ensure a sufficiently fast and / or safe resetting and thus refilling the pump chamber 6. During the return or refilling of the pump chamber 6, the exhaust valve 8 remains closed. The component 5 preferably has an at least substantially circumferential annular portion 1 1, which forms in particular the inlet valve 7 and / or the outlet valve 8.

The ring portion 1 1 is preferably at least substantially over its entire peripheral extent of the lower part 4 radially supported from the outside and / or inside. However, the annular portion 11 is elastically deflectable at least in regions radially inwardly, namely at least in the region of an inlet opening 12 formed preferably in the lower part 4. In undeflected state covers and closes the ring section 9, the inlet opening 12. When resetting the component 5 or suction of liquid 2, the annular portion 1 1 is deflected due to the resulting liquid pressure in the inlet opening 12, thereby releasing the inlet opening 12 for the liquid 2. The ring section 1 1 thus forms, together with the lower part 4 or the inlet opening 12 in the illustration example, the intake valve 7.

The ring portion 1 1 is preferably formed at least substantially hollow cylindrical. Preferably, the annular wall is reduced or tapered towards its free axial end in its radial thickness.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the annular section 9 can also be provided with an opening, a recess, an axial slot or the like in order to form a desired passage and / or to permit a desired, in particular radial deflection or deformation.

For supplying the liquid 2, the dispensing device 1 in the illustrated embodiment, preferably a connecting piece 13 with a connected thereto, extending into the container 2 suction hose 14 od. Like. On. Preferably, the connecting piece 13 is integrally formed on the lower part 4.

The outlet valve 8 is preferably arranged with respect to the axis of the annular portion 1 1 diametrically opposite to the inlet valve 7. In the region of the outlet valve 8, the ring section 11 is supported radially inward, preferably by a wall section 15 of the lower section 4. 15 formed by an inner elevation of the lower part 4 in the pump chamber 6.

To form the outlet valve 8, the annular section 11 covers an outlet opening 16 formed in the wall section 15 radially on the outside. In particular, the ring portion 1 1 elastically against the outlet opening 16 - that is radially inwardly - biased or covers the outlet opening 16 at least loosely.

Upon actuation or depression of the component 5 or operating portion 10, in particular in the depression direction N, liquid 2 located in the pump chamber 6 is pressurized so that it deflects the annular portion 11 in the area of the outlet opening 16 radially outward, whereby the outlet valve 8 is opened and the output of the liquid 2, in particular via a subsequent, for example, trunk-like discharge channel 17, can take place.

Subsequently, the exhaust valve 8 closes again - at least substantially completely, in particular due to the inherent elasticity or restoring force of the annular section 11.

In the illustrated example, the valves 7, 8 open and close at least substantially by axial movement or deflection or deformation of the ring section 11 and / or at least substantially perpendicular to the main operating direction or depression direction N of the component 5 or of the actuating section 10, however Arrangements possible.

The dispensing of liquid 2 by the dispensing device 1 takes place in particular in a non-atomized state. In principle, however, an atomization of the liquid 2 by means of the dispensing device 1 is possible.

The dispensing device 1 preferably has a connecting part 18 for holding the component 5 and in particular connection of the component 5 to the lower part 4. In particular, the connecting part 18 is substantially sleeve-shaped and / or rigid - at least in comparison to the component 5 - formed. Particularly preferably, the connecting part 18 is injection molded directly onto the component 5, in particular by so-called "bi-injection", ie spraying of another material against a first material. Particularly preferably, the component 5 is mounted peripherally peripherally on the connecting part 18 and held.

The lower part 4 is preferably inserted into the connecting part 18, for example glued, clamped or engaged.

However, it is also possible that the component 5 is connected only directly to the lower part 4 or is preferably held at least substantially self-sealing and / or self-holding on the lower part 4. If necessary, in addition can intermesh for connection and undercut sections, detents or the like.

So far, the component 5 was made in one piece from a single material. However, according to the proposal, the component 5 is modified, as explained in particular below and / or disclosed in the claims.

In the illustrated embodiment, the component 5 forms a preferably continuous, in particular curved wall 19 at least in the region of the pump chamber 6. The wall 19 forms in particular the primary deformable region, in particular actuating portion 10, of the component 5. In the illustrated example, the component 5 or Wall 19 preferably dome-shaped or dome-shaped, in particular hemispherical, formed. However, other shapes and / or other purposes of the component 5, for example, for container walls, valve parts, spring sections or the like - depending on the application - possible.

The wall 19 is made of a first material. Preferably, the component 5 at least substantially consists of this first material, in particular its other sections or areas, as in the illustrated embodiment of the ring section 1 1, alternatively or additionally but also other preferably integrally molded sections, such as valve flaps, supports, holding sections, flange sections, Reinforcements, od. Like.

According to the proposal, the component 5 is in particular at least in the region of the pump chamber 6 or the wall 19 with an element 20 of a second

Material provided. In the first imple mentation form of FIG. 1, the element Integrated into the component 5 and the wall 19, in particular injected into the first material or encapsulated by this.

The element 20 is formed here, for example, flat, fibrous or lattice-like. Preferably, the element 20 is also made by injection molding or other suitable means.

The component 5 is preferably injection-molded. The first material is preferably a plastic, in particular an elastomer and / or thermoplastic. However, it can basically also be a different material. This is especially true if the component 5 is not (only) the wall 19 for the pump chamber 6 or another pump part, but another component of the dispensing device 1 forms.

The first material is preferably an elastomer, rubber or other thermoplastic. Preference is given to using TBE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPV, TEEE (thermoplastic elastomers with ether and ester groups) or TPO (thermoplastic urethanes).

Preferably, the second material is also an elastomer and / or a thermoplastic, but if necessary also another material.

Particularly preferably, the second material is a polyolefin, in particular PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

It should be noted that the first material and the second material are different, ie have at least different properties and / or at least different compositions. The combination of different materials makes it much easier to achieve the desired properties of the component 5, for example in the region of the wall 19 or in the region which is elastically deformable for pumping.

In the first embodiment according to FIG. 1, the element 20 serves, in particular, to optimize the elastic properties of the component 5 or the wall 19, in particular the elastic return. Due to the integration in the first material or the wall 19, the second material does not come into contact with the liquid 2. Accordingly, an optimum material for the elastic properties can be used regardless of its chemical resistance to the liquid 2.

The element 20 is permanently connected to the component 5 or its wall 19. As an alternative to injecting, the element 20 may also be injection-molded on its own or, conversely, the wall 19 may be sprayed against the element 20, particularly preferably by the "bi-injection" already mentioned. Alternatively, the element 20 can in principle also be connected to the component 5 or the wall 19 by gluing, welding or in any other suitable manner.

A second embodiment of the proposed dispensing device 1 will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2, which shows a schematic section corresponding to FIG. 1. Only essential differences from the first embodiment are highlighted. The previous statements and explanations therefore apply accordingly or at least supplementary.

In the second embodiment, the first material of the component 5 is preferably completely covered by the second material in the region which is in contact or comes into contact with the liquid 2. In particular, the element 20 thus forms a continuous cover or layer or coating of the second material. The second material or the layer is preferably fixed, insoluble and / or full surface connected to the first material. For this purpose, the second material may in particular be molded onto the first material by the so-called "bi-injection", the first material partially having or forming an at least substantially smooth or rough surface or a surface provided with undercuts, recesses, perforations or the like can. Alternatively, the element 20 or the material layer may also be connected only in regions, for the first time, or together with the latter - for example, in edge or peripheral regions. Alternatively, in addition to a chemical compounds of the two materials, therefore, a mechanical, in particular force or form liquid connection is possible. Alternatively, the element 20 may also form only a particular membrane-like part which is inserted or arranged between liquid 2 and component 5. According to an alternative, not shown, the second Material also form a shell, which preferably completely surrounds the first material. Also in this case, a direct connection of the two materials is not required.

The liquid-side or inside arrangement of the second material or cover of the first material protects the first material against chemical influences, in particular by the liquid 2 and / or the liquid 2 from chemical influences of the first material or other interactions. It is thus possible, for example, to use non-food-grade materials and / or non-liquid-resistant materials as the first material in order, for example, to achieve cost-effective production and / or certain mechanical or other properties. The second material can then fulfill the desired food-fastness or resistance to the liquid 2.

In the illustrated example, the element 20 or the second material covers the pump chamber 6 facing surface of the wall 19, the inside, outside and the end face of the adjoining ring portion 11 and the radially adjacent annular region of the annular die 24 of the component 5. In particular, this extends second material or the layer or cover formed therefrom up to or even below another material or component that is resistant or inert to the liquid 2, in the illustrated example the lower part 4 or the connecting part 18.

In addition to the shielding of the first material, the second material or element 20 can also serve to modify the elastic properties or other properties of the component 5.

It should be noted that in the present invention under elastic Eigen- shanks and provision in particular also generally the deformability of the component 5 is to be understood as a significant or related property.

However, the present invention is not limited to elastic or flexible, in particular so deformable components. Rather, the covering by the second material can generally also be applied to any type of component of a delivery device. Device 1 are used in the context of the present invention, in particular to prevent direct contact between liquid 2 and material.

Hereinafter, further embodiments of the proposed modified component 5 are explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, but only essential differences are highlighted. The previous statements and explanations therefore apply accordingly or at least supplementary. In the third embodiment according to FIG. 3, the element 20 is arranged on the side of the component 5 or wall facing away from the pump chamber 6-that is to say the outside. The element 20 is designed here in particular as a continuous material layer or cover. Preferably, the element 20 is injected directly onto the first material, in particular by means of the aforementioned "bi-injection" or the like. The element 20 serves in this case again in particular to optimize the return properties, in particular in order to be able to achieve a sufficiently high restoring force. Alternatively or additionally, the element 20 may protect the component 5, in particular the wall 19 or the actuating portion 10, against mechanical or other influences.

Alternatively or additionally, the cover formed by the element 20 can also prevent the escape of plasticizers from the first material so as to be able to ensure desired material properties of the first material.

According to an embodiment variant not shown, the element 20 can additionally be arranged on the side facing the pumping space 6-that is, inside-of the component 5 or the wall 19. In this case, as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned properties or effects, the element 20 may protect the first material against chemical influences, in particular by the liquid 2. Thus, it is possible, for example, to optimize or optimally select the first material with regard to its elastic properties or restoring properties, regardless of its chemical resistance or other properties.

Preferably, the material that is in contact or coming into contact with the pumping space 6 or the liquid 2 is the first and / or second material. food safe and / or at least sufficiently chemically resistant.

The element 20 is preferably connected to the wall 19 over its entire surface. However, in principle it is also possible that the element 20 is only partially connected to the wall 19, for example only along welding lines.

4 shows a fourth embodiment of the proposed component 5. The element 20 is arranged here on the outside of the wall 19. The element 20 does not cover the wall 19 completely, so it is not formed continuously, but in particular provided with openings or openings. In the illustrated example, the element 20 in particular rib-like or web-like portions 21 which connect an inner ring 22 with an outer ring 23 of the element 20 - preferably radially and / or with a curved course. By appropriate adaptation, for example of number, cross-section, width, height, course of the sections 21, the dimensioning of the inner ring 22 and / or the outer ring 23, selection of a corresponding material u. Like., The desired recovery behavior is very easy to implement.

The outer ring 23 is preferably connected on the axial side or the entire surface with an annular flange 24 of the component 5, which connects radially to the wall 19.

In addition, the ring 22 or another region of the wall 19, possibly reinforced or covered by the element 20, can form the actuating section 10 or an abutment or support for the actuating element 9.

Fig. 5 shows a fifth imple mentation form of the proposed component 5 from below. Here, the element 20 on the pump chamber 6 side facing - ie inside - arranged and preferably formed according to the third embodiment.

Individual features and constructive solutions of the embodiments and variants mentioned can also be combined as desired with one another and / or used in other dispensing devices. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 dispenser

2 liquid

3 containers

4 lower part

5 component

6 pump room

7 inlet valve

8 exhaust valve

9 actuator

10 operating section

11 ring section

12 inlet opening

13 connecting pieces

14 suction hose

15 wall section

16 outlet opening

17 discharge channel

18 connecting part

19 wall (component)

20 element

21 sections

22 inner ring

23 outer ring

24 ring flange

Claims

claims:

1. Dispensing device (1) for a preferably cosmetic liquid (2), with an elastic or flexible component (5), characterized in that the component (5) has a wall (19) made of a first material and an associated and / or this overlapping element (20) comprises a second material.

2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (20) is inseparably connected to the wall (19).

3. Dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the element (20) with the wall (19) is glued or welded.

4. Dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the element (20) is injection-molded onto the wall (19) or injected into it.

5. Dispensing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the element (20) in the wall (19) is arranged.

6. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the element (20) forms a continuous material layer or cover.

7. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (20) has arcuate and / or ribbed or web-like, over the wall (19) extending portions (21).

8. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (20) protects the first material or the wall (19) from chemical and / or mechanical effects.

9. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (20) causes or supports elastic recovery of the component (5) significantly or alone.

10. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (20) over its entire surface with the wall (19) or the first material is connected.

1 1. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (19) is curved or dome-shaped.

12. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (5) or the wall (19) defines a pump chamber (6) of the dispensing device (1) or forms.

13. Dispensing device according to claim 12, characterized in that liquid (2) from the pump chamber (6) by particular manual deformation of the component (5), in particular depression of an actuating portion (10) of the component (5), deliverable and / or liquid ( 2) in the pump chamber (6) by preferably automatic elastic resetting of the component (5) or actuating portion (10) can be received, preferably sucked, is.

14. Dispensing device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the element (20) on the pump chamber (6) facing side of the wall (19) is arranged.

15. Dispensing device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the element (20) on the pump chamber (6) facing away from the wall (19) is arranged.

16. Dispensing device (1) for a preferably cosmetic liquid 2, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a preferably elastic or flexible component (5) made of a first material, characterized in that the component (5) or first material of a second material is covered so that the surface of the component or first material is protected against direct contact with the liquid.

17. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component forms a wall (19) for the liquid (2).

18. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the second material with the first material over its entire surface or only partially connected.

19. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is sprayed on or on the first material.

20. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second material are different in their composition, resistance to the liquid (2) and / or their other properties.

21. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material forms a continuous layer or cover.

22. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is resistant to the liquid (2).

23. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is food safe.

24. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene.

25. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material is a plastic, in particular an elastomer and / or thermoplastic.