CN1671605A - Dispensers for pasty to flowable substances - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser (SP) for pasty or even flowable substances (M). The filling volume of the dispenser is held by a dimensionally stable container (1), at least half of which consists of a bag (10). When the contents are emptied on the interface side of the container half (2), the dispenser turns upside down. In order to form an easy-to-manufacture, functionally reliable dispenser, when emptying, the bag (10) turns upside down in the direction of the free space opposite to the pump (P) due to the low pressure generated by the interface pump (P).

Description

Dispensers for pasty to flowable substances

technical field

The present invention relates to a dispenser of paste-like or even flowable substances, the fill volume of which is maintained by a dimensionally stable container, at least half of which comprises a bag which, when emptied from the mouthpiece, collapses into the volume of the container. half.

Background technique

A dispenser of this type is known from EP 0505611A2. Paste substances are delivered using positive vent pressure. The venting pressure is generated using a dimensionally stable squeezable container. The pressure generated is obtained under the control of a valve acting from the bottom of the distributor. This device is placed in the head of the dispenser. The bag surrounded by the container comprises in part a bottom half of which can be crushed and the other half reinforced from the inside by hard parts.

US Patent 2,471,852 proposes the use of a compression spring mounted on the bottom of a dimensionally stable container to generate a positive evacuation pressure. In this case, the crush bag above the container consists of a part of a cylinder, half of which in the upper container forms a dome-shaped hard part with an outlet valve at the apex of the hard part, the The output valve is actuated by a dispenser mechanism similar to a button. Use this method to open or loosen the delivery channel of the interface. The spring has a cup on it that conforms to the flattened profile of the cone.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser of a universal form which is structurally simple and functionally reliable.

This object is substantially achieved by a dispenser having the features of claim 1 . The bag of the dispenser is crushed by the negative emptying pressure generated by the connection pump in the direction of the free space corresponding to the size of the pump.

With this structure in mind, a simpler, more functionally-advanced form of dispenser was designed that eliminates the need for a squeezing action that deforms the container. However, if it is squeezed as in the past, either too much or not enough squeezing can cause a malfunction. In addition, the dispenser head can be actuated using customary manipulations. The portion dispensed can be refilled by sucking in a paste-like or even flowable substance by filling the liquid level. The bag works automatically in the dispensing direction. The pouch acts like an air-impermeable skin, sucking the pasty substance from near the bottom into the region of the dispenser head, emptying the remaining substance in the dispenser. This is done without the need for special dispensing tools in the form of said springs to assist dispensing as provided in the prior art. The negative evacuation pressure that develops in the area of the interface pump is fully available for crushing.

The individual subject matter of the other claims may be explained with reference to the subject matter of claim 1 , but is also important in form independently. For example, the edges of the inwardly protruding pockets in the region of the equatorial connection joint of the two housing halves of the container are flanged, wherein a construction with a connection pump for emptying in the apex region of the housing halves is also advantageous. The edge of the bag can also be held between the two clamping jaws. Center fastening along the longitudinal direction does not create stress on the bag; since the stress is virtually equal in both directions. If the dispenser and container are rotationally symmetrical, the flange-like edge of the bag can be secured by means of a screw connection. In addition, in the case of non-circular cross-sections, thermal bonding can be performed in this area.

Adhesive bonding is also possible, placing the connection pump for emptying in the top region of the housing halves makes the wall part multi-directional and as a result stabilizes the entire container. The half below the equator stabilizes the area concerned; the dispenser overall fits well in the hand during operation. Using a material that is highly extensible, the bag can be formed into a substantially flat membrane. Filling pressure causes the diaphragm to turn outwards in the container to form a bag; when emptying is performed, the bag is then collapsed in the reverse direction (ie in the direction of the emptying port pump) as described. The resilience of the material can be used to help achieve this. In any case, for both versions a grid can be placed in front of the passage area between the container shell half and the interface pump for emptying to support the collapsed bag. This prevents the delivery access channel from becoming clogged with pasty substances. For the same purpose, i.e. to ensure that the flow supply channels are not clogged by pasty substances, such measures can be taken: on the inner surface of the housing half with the interface pump for emptying, support ribs are formed on the bag preferably as far as the channel area . This strut system can be made by injection molding similar to buildings. Channel-blocking structures such as loops should be avoided. The bag preferably has an easily stabilized base area. This part of the mechanical load increase is particularly applicable when the dispenser is used as a single-use item when refilling. Another measure for dispensing the substance without stopping the delivery is to form the inlet opening of the evacuation interface pump adjacent to the channel region as an annular hole interrupted by webs, concentric and coaxial with the bag. The substance is sucked in at the wide front to replenish the supply. No partial pockets are formed in the bag. Instead of annular holes interrupted by webs, it is also possible to form annular holes with a ring of holes. In another case, it is advantageous to have another annular hole located on the bottom of the collecting funnel diverging opposite to the direction of transport of the substance. The collection funnel acts as an aligned feed collector. With regard to the flow, it is preferred that the diameter of the annular hole is substantially adapted to the diameter of the channel region or grid.

Description of drawings

The subject-matter of the invention will be explained in detail in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a slightly enlarged side view of the dispenser closed by a protective cap as an upright part;

Fig. 2 represents the plan view of this dispenser;

Figure 3 represents an exploded view of the dispenser;

Figure 4 is an internal view of the shell half of the container with an interface pump for emptying, showing the support ribs of the bag;

Figure 5 represents a vertical section through the container through the dispenser, still without connecting flanges;

Figure 6 represents an enlarged view of VI in Figure 5;

Figure 7 represents a cross-section in the region of the supporting ribs; and

Figure 8 shows a greatly enlarged vertical section through the port pump for evacuation.

Detailed ways

The distributor SP forms an upright part. It is used for dispensing pasty or even flowable substances M, the filling volume of which is held by a dimensionally stable container 1 .

The container 1 is elongated and flat in shape with a non-circular cross-section, preferably elliptical (see FIG. 2 ).

The assembly of the container 1 is divided into two halves with respect to its longitudinal central axis x-x.

It comprises an upper housing half 2 and a lower housing half 3 . The open ends facing each other abut together in a plane E-E perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis x-x. The cavities of the housing halves 2 , 3 are identical except for other molded structures to be explained below.

The open ends facing each other are angled outwardly at the perimeter. In this case, the upper housing half 2 forms the flange 4 and the lower housing half 3 forms the flange 5 (see also FIG. 6 ).

The flange 4 of the upper casing half 2 is folded vertically in the direction of the upstanding surface 6 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 . The corresponding angular leg 7 engages with the outward end edge 8 of the flange 5 of the lower housing half 3 .

The associated edge contour forms a groove 9 (see FIG. 3 ) for a snug fit with the flange 5 of the lower housing half 3 .

This precise connection of the peripheral edges forms a good basis for mounting the internal elements of the container 1 , allowing the precise shape of the bag 10 . The bag is collapsible, preferably inside out, and therefore needs to be elastic or flexible.

The bag 10 should match the inner lining of the lower shell half 3 and upper shell half 2 that it can touch when crushed. It should be in close contact with the corresponding inner wall of the container shell halves 2,3. The above-mentioned pasty substance M is located between the inner walls.

The bag 10, facing the plane E-E, is held by the edge 11 on the side of the container. In this case, the surfaces of the flanges 4 and 5 facing each other act as clamping jaws as connecting joints. A corresponding outwardly protruding edge 11 of the bag 10 is located in the area of the equatorial connection joint. In this case, the elastic material from which the bag is made also acts as a seal. The connecting joint is marked 12 . As shown in FIG. 6, the connection joint can have parallel walls, or be tapered and continuously thickened towards the outer edge, so that a lower cut-out area is formed. In addition to being merely nonpositive connection joints, these areas can also be used as reinforcing fixation means for positive joints. The inlet of the connection nipple has a transversely convex rounding. This avoids a cutting action on the "squash leaflet".

After the bag 10 is placed, the angled leg 7 is further bent so that it finally engages the flange 5 of the lower housing half 3 .

The angled legs 7 can be bent using heat. On the other hand, if the housing halves 2 , 3 are rotationally symmetrical at least in the region of the joint, an adhesive connection, a locking connection or even a screw connection is also possible.

On the sides facing each other away from the open end, the housing halves 2 , 3 enter into regions of narrowing in cross section. In this case, the upper conical region terminates in the channel region 13 of the container 1 through which the pasty substance M is conveyed. Said passage area, which utilizes virtually the entire flat width of the container 1 , is circular and of relatively large diameter.

The end of the lower housing half 3 facing the upright surface 6 also enters a region of narrowing in cross section. This tapered region has an upstanding edge 14 . The vertical height of the upright edge is such that it forms a gap with the upright surface 6 below the bottom 15 of the container 1 . In the center of the bottom 15 there is an air balance hole 16 . Said balancing holes make it possible to compensate the volume of the area below the bag 10 when the bag 10 moves upwards.

In this channel region 13 the upper housing half 2 extends into an upward connecting piece 17 . It is part of a whole. This connection piece 17 accommodates an annular bushing 18 of reduced diameter. Both structures are basically cylindrical.

The associated head region of the dispenser SP accommodates a manual interface pump P for emptying.

The upper structure of the evacuation interface pump P in the area of the apex of the upper housing half 2 forms a vertically movable actuating button 19 . In addition to its concave actuating surface, there is also a lateral upwardly sloping interface 20 . Said connection is tube-shaped at least in its end region and is therefore suitable for conveying a quantity of pasty or flowable substance M in strands.

The bag 10 can be completely and efficiently emptied by means of the interface pump P to generate a negative pressure. The bag 10 initially hangs downwards and is then flattened and increased in the dispensing direction, more precisely in the direction of the gap facing the connection pump P of the upper housing half 2 of the size corresponding to the bag 10 . The conveying direction is indicated by arrow y. This direction coincides with the longitudinal center axis x-x and goes into a slightly elevated transverse direction within the actuation button 19 . The actuating button 19 fitted with the interface 20 is rotatable about said longitudinal central axis x-x. This permits a separate, easy-to-manipulate dispensing, whether on the longer axis of the oval shape of the container 1, or on its shorter axis or in the intermediate region of the stepless connection.

Since the grate 21 is placed in front of the passage area 13 of the container 1, as mentioned above, no residues are left in the transport between the inner wall of the upper housing half 2 of the container and the interface pump P for emptying. The grid fills this channel region 13 and is slightly curved in a convex shape against the direction of the delivery arrow y into the region of the filling volume. This increases rigidity. The grid 21 may be a separate component. However, it is also possible to mold this basket-like structure onto the upper housing half 2 . It can also be seen that the assembly comprises an outer ring 22 and an inner ring 23 connected by radial webs 24 (see FIG. 4 ). There are six radial webs 24 spaced precisely at equal angles from each other.

Another device for dispensing the pasty substance M practically without residue is the support rib 25 of the bag 10 in the upper housing half 2 with the mouthpiece pump P for emptying inside. In this way, the bag does not even fall partially. In addition, with such an exposed strut system of support ribs 25 (cf. FIG. 7 ), the flow supply channel W is kept empty. The bags 10 or their walls can be moved in an orderly manner towards this channel region 13 in the direction of the conveying arrow y. When forming the grid 21 alone, the outer ring 22 rests on the heads 25 ′ of the support ribs 25 protruding into the channel region 13 . Said outer ring is mounted on this head 25' in a clamping manner.

There are a total of eight support ribs 25 distributed at equal angles. These ribs can be molded. The height of the rib increases continuously in the direction of the channel region 13 and tapers in the opposite direction on the inner surface of the housing surface 2 .

It can be seen from Figure 3 that the walls of the bottom region 26 of the pouch 10 are thicker than the side walls of the pouch 10 forming a cup. The wall thickness is chosen such that the overall crushability of the bag is not compromised, that is to say, the collapsible properties are maintained. The increased wall thickness acts like slightly strengthening the bottom of the bag. The increased wall thickness can extend over the entire bag bottom region 26, or as shown, just form an annular channel.

There is a protective cap 27 on the head of the dispenser SP. This simultaneously prevents undesired discharge of the contents when the container 1 is also carrying other containers or the like in the bag.

The relative position of the protective cover 27 can be determined by means of the stepped transition between the connecting piece 17 and the annular bushing 18 forming the shoulder 28 .

The cover-shaped body can be mounted by friction, but is preferably screwed (compare Fig. 8). An annular bushing 18 placed in this connection 17 is part of an insert 29 placed in the distributor head. The annular bush terminates in a seat 30, which rests on the pasty substance.

A part of the air cylinder 31 forming the above-mentioned interface pump P for evacuation protrudes from the base 30 .

A piston 32 moves in this cylinder 31 , which piston is movable against the spring load generated by the actuation button 19 . Said piston forms the upper limit position of the pump chamber 33 , which terminates at the base 30 at the lower part.

In the base 30 there is an inlet valve V ₁ . The valve is a one-way valve that controls the flow through an annular hole 34 incorporated in the base 30 and is made of elastomeric material.

An outlet valve V ₂ is mounted on the piston head 35 . This is also a one-way valve-type elastomeric piece.

The outlet valve _V2 keeps the passage opening 36 closed.

Behind the outlet valve V ₂ there is an intermediate chamber 37 in fluid communication with the central passage 38 of the actuating button 19 to which the piston 32 is connected.

The central channel itself 38 is in turn connected to the interface 20 .

In order to form this intermediate chamber 37 and accommodate this central channel 38, the shaft 39 of the piston 32, which is connected to the rear of the piston head 35, is hollow. As can be seen from the figure, the functional parts for the work are properly placed in the hollow shaft.

A cup-shaped connecting piece 40 is provided on the piston. The cup opens in the direction of the container 1 . The top of the cup is firmly connected to the actuation button 19 .

An annular stopper protrusion 41 is formed on the outside of the cup-shaped connecting member 40 . Said stop projection interacts with an axial groove 42 on the inner side of the annular bushing 18 forming a counter stop. The annular width of this axial groove determines the offset and forms a clearance with part of the pump chamber 33 .

This cup-shaped connecting piece 40 forms a spring chamber 43 like the annular wall of the cylinder 31 which is open in the opposite direction. A compression spring 44 is placed in the spring chamber. As shown in FIG. 8 , the compression spring loads the actuation button 19 in the direction of the basic position. For this reason, the spring action at the upper end is to bear against the top of the cup-shaped connector 40, while the spring action at the end facing the substance supply is to press on the base 30, so that the base is fixed tightly. Specific supports such as webs, balls etc. are utilized. The compression spring 44 is slightly deflected.

The paste-like or even flowable mass M is conveyed into the evenly divided area of the dispenser SP (initially in the pump chamber 33 ) over a wider base than through a centrally located inlet channel. This is achieved by the inlet orifice of the interface pump P for evacuation; this inlet orifice is in the form of an annular hole 34 concentric and coaxial with the bag 10 , adjacent to the passage area 13 protected by the grid. Annular holes 34 formed in the base 30 are interspersed between the central area of the base formed by the webs 45 and the area of the base concentrically and radially adjacent to the area outside the annular holes. Such webs 45 arranged in the form of spokes are preferably equally angularly spaced from each other. The same variant forms the annular hole 34 from a ring of holes. Such holes are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction.

The web interruption system and a ring of holes system can also be used in the passage holes 36 in the region of the outlet valve _V2 .

The annular hole 34 and the passage hole 36 according to the described basic structure continue in the direction of the delivery arrow y in the form of a screw-sink-like funnel-shaped widening. This can help to raise the valves V ₁ , V ₂ to open the valves during discharge and pumping.

The overall effect achieved in this way is that the area of the substance M which is "sucked" by the negative pressure of the pump P in the direction of the delivery arrow y is limited to the area from the broad front to the delivery area, so that the inclination of the bag 10 can be eliminated in a simple way . The tilting of the bag 10 can form small pockets which can cause clogging, especially at the end of dispensing.

This effect is further enhanced by the annular hole with the catch funnel 46 on the side facing the substance M. The catch funnel has been molded into this base 30 and has walls diverging in a rotationally symmetrical manner opposite to the dispensing direction arrow y. The diameter of the annular opening 34 is substantially adapted to the diameter of the channel region 13 or the grid 21 .

It should also be noted that the port pump P for emptying, completely preassembled, can be placed on the neck of the container 1 (ie the connection piece 17 ) with a screw connection. The thread is represented by 47. There is a stop screw 48 at the level of the inlet valve _V1 . The set screw extends into the shoulder wall towards the inside of the housing. As mentioned above, the shoulder arm is provided with a grille 21 . Between the grid 21 and the base 30 remains a dispensing antechamber, which will not be blocked by the walls of the bag.

Delivery takes place as follows: downward movement of the actuation button 19 causes the volume of the pump chamber 33 to decrease. Considering the closing action of the inlet valve _V1 , the substance M located in the pump chamber is not discharged in the feed direction. In addition, the enclosed substance passing through the channel hole 36 is conveyed through the intermediate chamber 37 to the central channel 38 and then discharged from there through the interface 20 . This channel is opened by opening the outlet valve _V2 . If the actuating button 19 is pressed again after delivery, the piston 32 is moved back in the direction of the basic position. In this way, a negative pressure is generated in the pump chamber 33 . As a result, the substance M is refilled from the supply source and the inlet valve _V1 is opened. External air cannot enter due to the closing action of the outlet valve _V2 . The return movement of the piston is due to the force of the compression spring 44 .

All said features are relevant to the invention. The disclosure of the relevant/attached priority documents (copies of the previous patent applications) in the specification of the patent application (including the features of these documents) is fully incorporated in the claims of the present application.

Claims (9)

1. A dispenser (SP) for paste-like or even flowable substances (M), the filling volume of which is maintained by a dimensionally stable container (1), at least half of which comprises a bag (10); When emptying, the bag is collapsible to half of the container (2); characterized in that the bag (10) is crushed by negative emptying pressure generated by the interface pump (P). 2. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the outwardly protruding edge of the bag (10) in the region of the equatorial connection joint (12) of the two housing halves (2, 3) of the container ((11) fixed in a flange-like manner, with the connection pump (P) for emptying in the top region of one housing half (2). 3. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in front of the passage area (13), in the housing half (2) of the container and the interface pump (P) for emptying A grid (21) is placed in between to support the crushed bag (10). 4. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the pocket on the inner surface of the housing half (2) housing the interface pump (P) for emptying The supporting rib (25) of (10), preferably as far as the passage area (13). 5. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bag (10) has a somewhat stable bottom region (26). 6. Dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening of the interface pump (P) for emptying adjacent to the passage area (13) forms an annular hole interrupted by a web (34), the annular hole is concentric and coaxial with the bag (10). 7. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular hole (34) is formed by a circle of holes. 8. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular hole (34) is arranged in a collecting funnel (46) diverging opposite to the conveying direction (arrow y) of the substance (M) on the base; said base simultaneously constitutes the base (30) of the pump chamber. 9. Distributor according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the annular hole (34) substantially corresponds to the diameter of the passage area (13) or grate (21).

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