EP0972722B1 - Dispenser for pasty materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The closure body (28) for the air intake valve (V) in the dispenser (Sp) is formed by a disc (32) secured on top of the roof (31) of a dome (25) in the bottom of the dispenser, and made from the same material as the bellows (B) used to generate air pressure for moving the dispensing piston (8). Paste (3) is dispensed from a device comprising an outer casing (1) with an open top end and a dome in the bottom end, the roof of the dome forming the closure body for an air intake valve, which is maintained in the open position when a vacuum is generated in the outer casing. An inner casing (2) is provided with a head piece (7) that includes an actuator surface (6) and a nozzle opening (4). The actuator surface is used to press the inner casing against a spring force generated by bellows (B) housed in the outer casing, so that applying pressure to the inner casing will generate an air overpressure for moving a piston (8) used to dispense paste in the direction (x) of the nozzle.

Description

The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing pasty masses, such as toothpaste, with a Outer housing with an open top and a bottom side Dome, the ceiling of which is under pressure in the outer casing closing body entering the open position has an air inlet valve, further one from the Outer housing protruding inner housing, which at its head an operating surface and has a mouthpiece opening, via which actuating surface the inner housing against spring pressure of a bellows in the outer casing sealed against this is depressible, so that under this actuation via one in the inner housing towards the mouthpiece opening migrating transport piston according to one on the back the same built up air pressure before the mass pushes itself.

A donor of this kind is EP 0 648 180 B1 known. The air inlet valve there consists of a rubber or plastic strip framed at both ends. It spans a central air passage opening in the ceiling of the cathedral. He is extended peripherally by a collar in the dispensing direction. As a backup, a pot-shaped is designed Valve chamber closed by a clip-on cap. It is perforated. The cap protects the valve body and limits its bulge.

In addition, peripherally hinged are hinged in the prior art Valve flaps and also ball valves are known. The first technical concept sets high standards Manufacturing precision ahead; Ball valves have that Disadvantage of the influence component due to gravity.

The object of the invention is a generic Dispenser regarding the formation of the air inlet valve to simplify and also the functional reliability increase.

This task is first and foremost a dispenser with the features of claim 1 solved, it is based on the fact that the closure body is designed with lateral band-shaped webs, the disc made of the material of the bellows and is made in one piece with it. That brings you extremely economically producible closure body high Reliability. The resilience of the Material for exercising the spring function of such Balges is now also used sensibly for the corresponding Resilience of the closure body. The molding of a disc can be easily mastered, wherein it is in terms of the assignment of the closure body to its valve seat and in With regard to the connection of the two functional parts proves to be favorable that from the disc on the ceiling Go out of the overlying webs, which are directed towards the front edge of the bellows. The latter act as positioning favors Ties and guarantee over the assignment phase Piece design. There is also an advantageous one Design through separation points between the bars integrally molded with bellows and the washer. The decoupling takes place via this, so that the Bellows its spring function intended for it from home can exercise. A is used to secure the position of the disc Measure in that the disc by means of Ceiling projecting cones or the like on the Ceiling is positioned. Such positioning pins perform dowel function. Depending on the basic concept, this is sufficient a central positioning pin for the disc, in the center of a central valve ring lying. The positioning can also be done outside of the Washer made, for example. By several positioning pins in the area of the webs. Will be a corresponding Plug connection not via mushroom-like pins accomplished, also offers itself in an advantageous manner the solution to the fact that the positioning pin after Push on to be deformed like a rivet. Your ends will be thermally compressed to rivet heads, under Use according to thermoplastic material understood. Assembly technology and stabilization it then proves advantageous that the front edge of the bellows has a U-shaped cross section, which is from Inner case is encompassed and its on the outer surface of the dome sliding U-leg to the separation point under an angled end of the web. The appropriate stabilization of this connection area allows the web to be given a predetermined tear, so that only when the dispenser is put into operation and bellows experience their separation from each other. The even results in a covert tamper-evidence. The unit disc / bellows then has an additional function to, which is that the foot of the as Bellows designed bellows with an outward directed ring shoulder between the lower edge of the Clamped outer housing and a screw cap of the dome is. The foot rim acts as a ring seal.

An advantageous method of making a donor then according to claim 1 is that first Dome and bellows sprayed separately the disc with its webs are injection molded in one piece with the bellows, then the bellows from the ceiling of the Domes forth on this is that webs from the Lock body disc on positioning pin center that protrude on the cathedral ceiling. After such Kind of dowel pin function is continued in such a way that after positive locking bracket on the positioning pin the separation point between the front edge of the Bellows and the webs is cut, this as an alternative to the predetermined tear separation point explained above.

Fig. 1

den erfindungsgemäßen Spender im Vertikalschnitt in Grundstellung, vergrößert,

Fig. 2

den gleichen Schnitt bei in Gebrauch genommenem Spender,

Fig. 3

den Balg in isolierter Wiedergabe in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 5

die Vormontageeinheit Balg/Schraubkappe, beide Teile zapfenpositioniert,

Fig. 6

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 7

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Wiedergabe des unteren Bereichs des Spenders, bezüglich der Positionierung von Balg und Schraubkappe eine Variante wiedergebend,

Fig. 8

den Schnitt gemäß Linie VIII-VIII in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine Herausvergrößerung der Fig. 7,

Fig. 10

den diesbezüglichen Balg in isolierter Wiedergabe, und zwar in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 11

die Draufsicht hierzu,

Fig. 12

die Einheit Balg/Schraubkappe, positioniert, im Vertikalschnitt,

Fig. 13

die Draufsicht hierzu.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

the dispenser according to the invention in vertical section in the basic position, enlarged,

Fig. 2

the same cut with the dispenser in use,

Fig. 3

the bellows in isolated reproduction in side view,

Fig. 4

the top view of this,

Fig. 5

the bellows / screw cap pre-assembly unit, both parts positioned in the journal,

Fig. 6

the top view of this,

Fig. 7

1 corresponding representation of the lower area of the dispenser, showing a variant with regard to the positioning of the bellows and screw cap,

Fig. 8

the section along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

an enlargement of Fig. 7,

Fig. 10

the relevant bellows in isolated reproduction, namely in side view,

Fig. 11

the top view of this,

Fig. 12

the bellows / screw cap unit, positioned, in vertical section,

Fig. 13

the top view of this.

The dispenser Sp shown is realized as a standing device. It has a long cylindrical outer housing 1. This takes an axially longitudinal inner housing 2 on.

With regard to the inner housing 2, it is a sleeve-shaped structure, which is to be dispensed pasty Mass 3 contains.

Regarding mass 3, it can be toothpaste, cream or trade food. The sleeve-shaped Inner housing 2 is basically cup-shaped and at one end it is completely open to cross-sections. The opening side The end points downwards according to the drawing.

The other, practically closed end of the inner casing 2 forms a side mouthpiece opening 4 with tamper-evident closure 5. It can both in this regard a kind of stopper or just a sealed one Foil section with gripping tab.

There is a side of the mouthpiece opening 4 Actuating area 6. The latter is part of a Head piece 7, formed from above freely from the outer housing 1 protruding end of the inner housing 2. The The direction of actuation is indicated by arrow P in FIG. 2 made. Effected under such pressure actuation a dispenser mechanism M given to the dispenser Sp gradual shifting of a transport piston 8. The latter pushes the pasty with its front 9 Mass 3 in the direction of delivery (arrow x), i.e. the mouthpiece opening 4 to.

The displacement of the transport piston 8 takes place under Air pressure load, specifically according to one when actuated built on the back of the transport piston 8 Positive air pressure. The pressure-loaded rear of the transport piston 8 bears the reference number 10. The zone of generated air pressure is denoted by D.

The excess air pressure is built up by means of a bellows B. It is in the direction of arrow P compressible bellows. The consists of resettable Material such as rubber or rubber-like plastic. The folds of the bellows B are designated by 11. The fold-forming wall is basically cylindrical.

The bellows B acts as a return spring. He counteracts a lower, widened edge 12 of the inner housing Second

The bellows B itself is supported on an annular base 13 a screw cap 14 of the dispenser Sp. The support point is also realized as seal a. The appropriate sealing effect can be derived from the elasticity of the material.

A foot rim 15 of bellows B forms a sealing ring. This occurs with an outwardly directed ring shoulder 16 between the lower edge 17 of the outer housing 1 and a groove bottom 18 of the ring base 13 of the Screw cap 14.

Between the lower edge 12 of the wall section 2 'of the Inner housing 2 and the bellows adjoining at the bottom B is a seal realized by the reference number b is identified. It is (b) between the flat underside of the lower edge 12 and a corresponding upper, plane-parallel Ring shoulder 19 of the bellows B. It is a horizontal, circumferential step. The sealing material here also represents the bellows B. Following the horizontal Ring shoulder 19, the bellows B goes into a plug-in projection 20 about. It protrudes into the lower, open end of the inner housing 2, be it in basic equipment or as a refill cartridge. The jacket wall of the plug-in projection 20 is cylindrical. It is also sealing on the corresponding cylindrical inner surface of the Inner housing 2 in the area of the air pressure generating Zone D.

The entire front edge 21 forming the projection Bellows B has a U-shaped cross section. The one in the direction of the ring bottom 13 open U space has the reference symbol 22. During the one, increasing in the direction of delivery Leg of the U-shaped cross section provides sealing part of the plug projection 20, forms the U-leg 23 falling parallel in the opposite direction a longitudinal guide. It slides on a lateral surface 24 one cylindrical over the entire guide stroke designed, fixed cathedral 25.

The dome 25 is an integral part of the screw cap 14. It is this as a feed piston-side retraction molded, then to the inside of the Ringboden 13. The base zone there is also initially cylindrical. Your ring wall bears the reference symbol 26. The is supported on the lateral surface Inside of the area of the bellows B on the edge of the foot from. The foot edge 15 cannot evade in this way. The Ring wall 26 then goes into a truncated cone Wall intermediate section 27 over. It connects to the mentioned dome 25 with a cylindrical outer surface 24th

A valve V is assigned to the dome 25. It deals around an air inlet valve V. This opens in a vacuum situation the pump-like dispenser mechanism M. Components of the aforementioned air inlet valve V are a closure body then entering the open position 28. The dispenser-side part of the air inlet valve V contributes the dome 25, this in the form of a valve seat 29. According to the basic version (Fig. 1) is the Valve seat 29 from a hole 30 located centrally there of the cathedral 25.

The variant of this basic version relies on a valve perforated ring 30 '(see FIGS. 7 and 8) as a valve seat 29. There are four arch slots with the same angle. They lie on a circular line.

Both the hole 30 and the elongated holes of the valve ring of holes 30 'are in a ceiling 31 of the dome 25 educated. The ceiling 31 is placed horizontally and carries the closure body 28 as attached to the ceiling 31 Disc 32.

The disc 32 is made of the material of the bellows B. There is integral training.

From the lying on the ceiling 31 of the cathedral 25 Disc 32 go out to webs 33 leading to bellows B. These are band-shaped material bridges. Latter are separable. The separation points between the injection molded in one piece with bellows B and washer 32 Crosspieces 33 are designated by 34.

The separation can take place when the donor Sp occur. In that case the separation points 34 are as Design crack separation points designed. They tear from the brow 21 of bellows B when the dispenser is activated for the first time from. The front edge 21 of the bellows B has the necessary Strength on, given in the above U-shape of the front edge 21. One guide ring collar For this purpose, the U-leg 23 functions as a rotationally symmetrical one all-round reinforcement rib. recognizable the separation point 34 is rectified to one lying angled end 33 'of the web 33 through the U-leg 23 underlaid.

The leading over the ceiling edge, plane-parallel to Ceiling 31 horizontal portion 33 '' of the Crosspieces 33 are diametrical with respect to the center Z of the ceiling aligned.

The cornering of the web 33 does not support lastly also with regard to the shape of the valve's bracket Share of the bellows B for a good support at Tear at. The exposed temple shape or bridges comparable shape of disc 32 and webs 33 leaves 3 and 10 can be seen well in FIGS.

The separation of the functional parts of the closure body 28, bellows B as a seal and return spring can also be cut the webs 33 can be reached. Such a cut can be attached to the attachment of the Make disc 32.

The disc 32 is without special fasteners Cathedral 25 supported. This is done at the top of the Cover 31 protruding cones formed. Let them form the screw cap 14 by injection molding. According to the basic version (Fig. 5) there are two Positioning pin 35 realized. The crackdown one opening 36 each of the webs 33. The basic version sees one outside the circular outline of the Washer 32 lying attachment. After attaching of bellows B become the openings 36 which protrude free ends of the positioning pin 35 rivet-like deformed. Accordingly, it is thermal appealing material.

The variant, however, sees only one attachment point for the disc 32 before. It is located in the center of Z the ceiling 31. The one that can be formed somewhat larger in cross section here Single positioning pin 35 is concentric surrounded by valve ring 30 '. Basically the ring of holes 30 'also extends close to the center in the ceiling 31.

All centering pins 35 form one end the taper that favors the alignment of the pencil out. The rivet head that forms lies with the resulting lower flank increases in width over the edge the opening 36. There is a reliable Fixing the closure body 28 before.

The procedure is such that first the Dome 25 or the screw cap 14 and the bellows B separately are sprayed from each other. Then the Bellows B in this way from the ceiling 31 of the dome 25 this put that the webs 33 of the closure body disc 32 over the congruently placed openings 36 center on the positioning pin 35, which are formed on the mandrel cover 31 above.

The situation according to the variant is accordingly the disc 32 itself in the center Z of its opening 36 in which the single positioning pin 35 retracts.

After this form-fitting bracket on the positioning pin or pins 35 is the separation point 34 between brought about the end wall 21 of the bellows B and the webs 33, cut here, for example.

The function and use of the Sp dispenser are as follows Briefly explained: If the dispenser Sp is equipped, the portioned output of its content a force in Exercised in the direction of arrow P on the head piece 7. This leads to an overflow of the cathedral 25, namely in Meaning a volume reduction of the air pressure developing zone D of the donor. This can be done by going of the entire available stroke or by exercising only a partial stroke the dispenser mechanism M. The valve V is in Closed position. In Fig. 2 is maximum compression shown by the folds 11 of the bellows B lay on top of each other on a block. The volume Zone D is reduced. The one in bellows B. Air content can between an annular gap 37 the dome casing wall 24 and the bellows leg 23 to breathe. The compressed, trapped air practices a pressure on the back 10 of the transport piston 8 out. The latter pushes mass 3 over the mouthpiece opening 4 extruded. The actuation happens against the restoring force of the pressure spring bellows sealed to the outside.

If the actuating surface 6 is now released, pushes the spring force of the bellows B the inner housing 2 again in the direction of arrow x. This position is stroke-limited. The edge 12 of the inner housing forms a stop 2. The edge 12 comes up against a stop 38 of the outer housing 1. With regard to this stop 38 it is downward-sloping End faces of several guide ribs 39 on the inside of the cylindrical inner housing 2. Such strip-like Guide ribs 39 go out particularly clearly Fig. 1 and provide only a small guide surface between the leading outer housing 1 of the dispenser Sp and the guided inner housing 2 of the same.

A slight sagging movement of the pasty mass 3 and the transport piston 8 brings an advantageous Side effect by having a protruding residual mass above the strand of mass 3 through the mouthpiece opening 4 sucks. Otherwise, however, is the air cushion secured against escape of air by valve V, because that is between the back 10 and the top of the ring bottom 13 reducing axial spacing allows air cushions so high that the valve V as it were as a flat valve to close against the edge the holes 30, 30 'formed valve seat 29 is pressed.

In return, hole 30 or holes 30 ' the air balance in the amount of the delivered volume causes. In its basic position limited by the stroke resigned, the inner case 2 for the next Output stroke can be used, etc.

The screw cap 14 unscrewed and a new refill cartridge inserted. This is conveniently done by pointing downwards Dispenser head. By insertion or screwing of the screw cap 14, the bellows B enters Docking assignment to the cartridge or to the wall section 2 '. Zone D is hermetically sealed. One already when the plug-in projection 20 enters resulting pre-compression in zone D contributes to Formation of a pressure cushion supply at. The donor is ready for use.

The ring wall 26 faces the inside of the bellows a continuous circumferential ring bead 40, forming another seal as well as a clamp for the Plug pre-assembly of parts B and 14.

All the features disclosed are essential to the invention.
The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims (12)

1. Dispenser (Sp) for dispensing paste-type materials (3) such as toothpaste, for example, having an outer casing (1) with an open upper side and a dome (25) on the base side, the cover (31) of which has a locking member (28) of an air inlet valve (V) moving into the open position with an underpressure in the outer casing (1), additionally having an inner casing (2), which projects upwards out of the outer casing (1) and which on its head piece (7) has an actuation surface (6) and a mouth piece opening (4), by means of which actuation surface (6) the inside casing (2). can be pressed against the resilient pressure of a bellows means (B) into the outer casing (1) sealed relative thereto so that when actuated a transport plunger (8), travelling within the inside casing (2) in the direction (arrow x) of the mouth piece opening (4), pushes the material (3) in front of it as a result of an excess air pressure built up to the rear thereof, wherein the locking member (28) is constructed as a disc (32) secured to lie on the cover (31) of the dome (25), characterised in that the locking member (28) is constructed with lateral band-type webs (33), wherein angled off ends (33') of the webs (33) are directed towards the front edge (21) of the bellows means, and in that the disc (32) with its webs (33) is made from the material of the bellows means (B) and originally in one piece with this.
2. Dispenser according to Claim 1, characterised by separation points (34) between the webs (33) of the disc (32) and the front wall (21) of the bellows means (B).
3. Dispenser according to Claim 2, characterised in that the separation points (34) are predetermined tearing points.
4. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the disc (32) is positioned on the cover (31) by means of spigots or the like projecting out of the cover (31).
5. Dispenser according to Claim 4, characterised by a central positioning spigot (35) for the disc (32) in the centre (Z) of a central perforated valve collar (30').
6. Dispenser according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised by several positioning spigots (35) respectively in the region of the webs (33).
7. Dispenser according to Claim 4, 5 or 6, characterised in that the positioning spigots (35) are deformed in the manner of rivets after the positioning of the disc (32) has been accomplished.
8. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterised in that the front edge (21) of the bellows means (B) has a U-shaped cross-section, which is encompassed by the inside casing (2) and the U-leg (23) of which sliding on the shell surface (24) of the dome (25) is placed below the separation point (34) to an angled off end (33') of the web (33).
9. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterised in that the base edge (15) of the bellows means (B) constructed as a concertina-type bellows is clamped at an outwardly directed annular shoulder (16) between the lower edge (17) of the outer casing (1) and a screw cap (14) of the dome (25).
10. Process for the production of a dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that firstly the dome (25) and bellows means (B) are injected separately from one another, wherein the disc (32) with its webs (33) is injected in one piece with the bellows means (B), the bellows means (B) is then inverted from the cover (31) of the dome (25) onto this in such a way that the disc (32) is located (centred) with its webs (33) onto the positioning spigots (35) projecting out of the cover (31).
11. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that after the positioning of the disc (32), the positioning spigots (35) are deformed at their ends in the manner of rivets.
12. Process according to Claim 10 or 11, characterised in that after positive mounting onto the positioning spigots (35), the separation points (34) between the front wall (21) of the bellows means (B) and the angled off web ends (33') are cut, as a result of which the bellows means (B) is separated from the disc (32) and webs (33) injected in one piece therewith.

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