EP3441324B1 - Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium - Google Patents

Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3441324B1
EP3441324B1 EP17185629.7A EP17185629A EP3441324B1 EP 3441324 B1 EP3441324 B1 EP 3441324B1 EP 17185629 A EP17185629 A EP 17185629A EP 3441324 B1 EP3441324 B1 EP 3441324B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
exchange unit
liquid
outlet
mixing chamber
receiving space
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17185629.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3441324A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Bruder
Frédéric Duquet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Original Assignee
Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aptar Radolfzell GmbH filed Critical Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Priority to EP17185629.7A priority Critical patent/EP3441324B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2018/070740 priority patent/WO2019030055A1/en
Priority to CN201880051562.5A priority patent/CN110914174B/en
Priority to KR1020207006787A priority patent/KR102671523B1/en
Priority to US16/637,410 priority patent/US11046503B2/en
Publication of EP3441324A1 publication Critical patent/EP3441324A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3441324B1 publication Critical patent/EP3441324B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/68—Dispensing two or more contents, e.g. sequential dispensing or simultaneous dispensing of two or more products without mixing them
    • B65D83/682—Dispensing two or more contents, e.g. sequential dispensing or simultaneous dispensing of two or more products without mixing them the products being first separated, but finally mixed, e.g. in a dispensing head
    • B65D83/685—Dispensing two or more contents, e.g. sequential dispensing or simultaneous dispensing of two or more products without mixing them the products being first separated, but finally mixed, e.g. in a dispensing head with one product being located in a chamber within, or forming part of, the dispensing head, e.g. for admixture during dispensing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0054—Cartridges, i.e. containers specially designed for easy attachment to or easy removal from the rest of the sprayer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0078—Arrangements for separately storing several components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2402—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device
    • B05B7/244—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device using carrying liquid for feeding, e.g. by suction, pressure or dissolution, a carried liquid from the container to the nozzle

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a liquid dispenser which has a liquid reservoir with a main liquid and an additional medium which is mixed with the main liquid in the course of the liquid being discharged.
  • the main liquid and the additional medium as two components may only be mixed immediately before discharge, because the effect of the mixed liquid would be reduced if the additional medium were already mixed with the main liquid.
  • a corresponding need arises when the additional medium is intended to allow an individual mixture based on the same main liquid to be dispensed, i.e. to be able to produce and dispense different mixtures with the addition of different additional media using the same liquid dispenser.
  • a dispenser which has a mixing chamber which can be screwed on for the purpose of introducing an additional medium.
  • a discharge head in which an additional medium is used in the form of a kind of tablet, in order to release an additional medium when the liquid flows through it.
  • a discharge head which has a receiving space into which an additional medium can be used in the form of a type of tablet.
  • a dispenser which has a container and an attachment container, the contents of which are mixed and discharged when discharged according to the airbrush principle.
  • a household dispenser with a liquid reservoir is known, which is designed to hold a capsule with an additional liquid. After opening the capsule, the additional liquid flows into the liquid reservoir.
  • the object of the invention is to further develop a liquid dispenser of this type in such a way that an additional medium can be added to the main liquid in a convenient and hygienic manner and there is also the possibility of optionally using different additional media.
  • a liquid dispenser according to claim 1 is proposed for this purpose.
  • the liquid dispenser In order to discharge liquid, the liquid dispenser has a discharge head that has a discharge opening.
  • a discharge channel connects the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir, ie a channel section of the liquid reservoir beyond the switching valve or the delivery device, to the discharge opening.
  • the discharge head can be depressed to actuate the switching valve or the delivery device. As a result, main liquid is discharged at the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir, flows into the discharge channel of the outlet head up to its discharge opening, from where the discharge takes place.
  • the liquid dispenser has an exchangeable exchange unit which, in a functional state, forms the discharge channel at least in sections.
  • This exchange unit includes a mixing chamber in which an additional medium is arranged.
  • the mixing chamber is intended to be flowed through by the main liquid during a discharge process, which flows into the mixing chamber via an inlet, mixes in the mixing chamber with the powdery, solid or liquid additional medium and flows out of the mixing chamber again through the outlet, which is separate from the inlet.
  • the mixing chamber is thus arranged in the discharge channel in such a way that the inlet communicates with the storage outlet and the outlet communicates with the discharge opening.
  • the replacement unit In a storage state before being used by the end user, the replacement unit has closures at the inlet and at the outlet, by means of which the mixing chamber is closed in a liquid-tight manner in a storage state. These closures are intended to be opened in the course of preparing or using the liquid dispenser. Until then, however, they isolate the additional medium in the mixing chamber on the side of the inlet and the outlet of the mixing chamber from the environment, so that there is no risk of leakage or the like, nor of a short-term deterioration of the medium through contact with ambient air.
  • the liquid reservoir with the switching valve or the delivery device and the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir are intended for repeated use with several exchange units, so that the liquid volume of the main liquid is at least twice the volume of the additional medium or, in particular, the additional liquid in the mixing chamber.
  • the volume is preferably between 100 ml and 500 ml.
  • the discharge head is basically intended for reuse and is occasionally connected to an exchange unit.
  • a discharge head has a receiving space which is designed to receive the exchangeable unit.
  • the exchange unit is designed in such a way that when it is inserted into the receiving space, it assumes a desired position in which the mouth of the feed channel section communicates with the inlet of the mixing chamber of the exchange unit.
  • the main liquid flows from the storage outlet into a feed channel section of the discharge channel, which opens into the receiving space of the discharge head.
  • the replacement unit is positioned in it and secured with a non-positive or positive fit.
  • the supply channel section is flush with the inlet or an inlet channel, so that the liquid does not get into an intermediate area between the walls of the receiving space and the outer walls of the exchange unit, and this area therefore remains clean for reusability.
  • the receiving space has an opening element, which is arranged and configured in such a way that it is adapted to the exchange unit, such that by introducing the exchange unit into the receiving space or by closing a closing element that closes the receiving space, the closure at the inlet of the mixing chamber or the closure at the outlet of the mixing chamber is opened in a destructive manner becomes.
  • opening element comes into mechanical contact with one of the closures and thereby opens this closure.
  • the opening element is pointed or sharp-edged, so that it can puncture or cut the closure, so to speak.
  • the opening element is preferably made of plastic, but can also be made of metal.
  • the closure can in particular be a thin-walled surface section molded directly onto the housing of the exchange unit or a separate thin-walled and/or film-like surface section.
  • the receiving space can be designed as a receiving space that completely isolates the exchange unit from view.
  • the discharge head has a closing element which delimits the receiving space and which can be moved between a closed position and an open position with respect to a base component of the discharge head.
  • the receiving space can be designed as a receiving shaft that is open at least on one side from an outside of the discharge head and into which the replacement unit can be inserted in an insertion direction.
  • the reusable part of the discharge head does not need a part that can be moved relative to one another, like the closing element mentioned above.
  • the chute may be oriented for insertion counter to the discharge direction of the discharge opening, particularly in a design where the discharge opening is provided on the exchange unit.
  • the shaft can be designed for insertion of the replacement unit in the discharge direction, wherein in a special configuration the shaft can be designed as a continuous shaft into which the replacement unit is intended to be inserted in the discharge direction. The exchange unit can then protrude through the shaft and directly have the discharge opening.
  • the direction of insertion is preferably not aligned parallel to the direction of actuation, so that accidental actuation during insertion is unlikely.
  • An angle of approximately 90° is preferred, in particular between 75° and 105°.
  • a design is considered to be particularly advantageous in which the mixing chamber of the exchange unit is at least partially and preferably in relation to the surface predominantly delimited by foil walls.
  • Such an exchange unit can be produced particularly cheaply.
  • the foil wall can have a simple plastic wall.
  • an advantage is a combination of foil layers, which together ensure that the additional medium is stored in a non-ageing manner.
  • different foil layers, possibly also metallic foil layers can be expedient.
  • the exchange unit has a rigid section.
  • the exchange unit is then constructed as a type of composite unit from a flexible, bag-like section and a rigid section, which is adjoined by the flexible section.
  • the exchange unit and in particular its rigid section are preferably adapted to the receiving space in such a way that the rigid section can be positively fixed in a defined position on the receiving space. This facilitates the insertion of the replacement unit and ensures precise orientation, such as is required for opening the closure assigned to the inlet and/or outlet.
  • the rigid section is penetrated by the discharge channel on the inlet side or outlet side.
  • the outlet channel on the inlet or outlet side is therefore also precisely positioned by the positioning of the rigid section in the receiving space, which serves to connect to discharge head-side sections of the discharge channel or to precisely position the discharge opening as part of the rigid section.
  • the closure at the inlet and/or at the outlet of the mixing chamber can be designed with a peel-off film.
  • a peel-off foil usually has an adhesive side with which it is glued to a surface that is perforated by the discharge channel on the inlet side or outlet side.
  • the release liner further has a free portion which does not adhere to the surface and therefore can be easily grasped for the purpose of peeling off the release liner.
  • closures provide a closure surface which is destroyed by an opening element in the course of placing the exchange unit on the storage outlet or the connecting piece.
  • the opening element which is preferably at least partially sharp-edged, is arranged in the installed or attached state of the exchange unit where the closing surface of the exchange unit was previously arranged. When the replacement unit is moved into the intended position, the opening element therefore comes into contact with the closure surface and punctures, tears or breaks it.
  • a closure surface intended for destruction can preferably be designed with local weakening in order to ensure a defined bursting.
  • the receiving space and the exchange unit are designed in terms of their outer shape in such a way that when the exchange unit is inserted into the receiving space, an elastic tension is generated in the walls of the receiving space and/or the exchange unit, which is discharged in this way as the insertion continues that in this way the opening element is pressed against the closure surface and destroys it.
  • the insertion of the exchange unit due to the shape of the exchange unit and receiving space, leads to temporary storage through elastic deformation, which supports the same towards the end of the insertion movement and thus ensures an increased force impact when the opening element hits the closure surface.
  • Such a design is particularly useful when both a sealing surface at the inlet as well as at the outlet is to be destroyed during the same insertion movement.
  • Another way to create a closure surface that delimits the mixing chamber of the exchange unit on the inlet or outlet side is to design the closure surface in such a way that it can be opened in a destructive manner by means of an opening pressure that is lower than that of the pressure accumulator or pressure that can be generated by the conveyor.
  • the pressure from the pressure accumulator or the conveying device is therefore sufficient to destroy the closure surface as intended.
  • Such a closure surface can therefore remain intact until the liquid dispenser is actuated for the first time with a previously unused replacement unit. However, as soon as pressurized liquid from the side of the liquid reservoir presses against the closure surface, this is destroyed so that the liquid can pass through.
  • the maximum liquid pressure depends solely on the structural design of the accumulator and the pressure built up in it at the factory. In the case of a manually operated delivery device in the form of a pump, the maximum pressure may depend on the operating force.
  • said closure surface is preferably designed in such a way that it can be destroyed when the discharge head is pressed down with a constant force of 20 Newtons, preferably already with a constant force of 10 Newtons.
  • the invention primarily relates to a liquid dispenser of the type mentioned, which comprises the reusable unit, comprising the liquid reservoir and, if applicable, a reusable discharge head, and an exchange unit with the closures mentioned, the closures being still intact on delivery and only from the end user be opened.
  • Such a dispenser is preferably intended to be used in succession with a number of exchange units of the same construction with the same or different additional media.
  • the invention therefore also relates to a corresponding set, which includes the liquid dispenser of the type described and at least one additional replacement unit, so that at least two identical replacement units are part of the set.
  • the replacement units to complement a previously purchased liquid dispenser can be purchased individually or in multiples separately, so that the separate Exchange units of the type described are understood individually or in sets of at least two exchange units as part of the invention.
  • the main liquid in the liquid reservoir is a skin cream or lotion, particularly for face care.
  • the exchange units can then be used to customize the skin cream according to the personal needs of the skin, for example with active ingredients that specifically treat various effects of skin aging such as wrinkles, uneven skin or enlarged skin pores.
  • a similar purpose is served by the use of replacement units infused with a tanning medium of varying amount or potency to provide a subtle change rather than a very short term change from a tanning cream treatment.
  • the main liquid can be a shampoo, a conditioner or a hair treatment, which is individualized via the exchange units, for example with additional media to improve the hair shine, to prevent dandruff or to treat/soothe the scalp.
  • the 1 and FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment not covered by the invention.
  • the liquid dispenser 100 according to the invention comprises a liquid reservoir 110 with a reservoir outlet 120.
  • an in 1 switching valve 112 By pressing down the reservoir outlet 120 in the form of an outlet nozzle 122 in the direction of arrow 2, an in 1 switching valve 112, which is only indicated, can be switched, so that the previously pressurized liquid can be conveyed out of the liquid reservoir 110 in the direction of a discharge head 10 through the reservoir outlet 120 designed as a hollow socket.
  • the discharge head 10 comprises a sleeve-shaped component 21 which delimits a mixing chamber 22 and on which reference is made to FIG Figure 1A
  • a closure 90 , 92 with a closure surface 91 , 93 is provided on both sides of the mixing chamber 22 in the area of an inlet 23 and an outlet 24 .
  • this has a coupling connection 26 which is designed for coupling to the outlet socket 122 .
  • the housing 15 and the sleeve-shaped component 21 are firmly connected to one another and could also be designed in one piece.
  • a main liquid or carrier liquid by depressing the Discharge head 10 can be released.
  • This liquid is intended to be released together with an additional medium, which is in the delivery and storage condition Figure 1A located in the mixing chamber 22.
  • the discharge head 10 as a whole represents an exchange unit 20 , different exchange units 20 with different additional media usually being kept in the mixing chamber 22 .
  • an actuation takes place, through which the main liquid is conveyed from the liquid reservoir 110 in the direction of the discharge channel 14 and towards the discharge opening 12 .
  • the liquid flows through the mixing chamber 22 and mixes here with the additional medium previously stored therein.
  • the closure 90 provided on the side of the inlet 23 comprises a closure surface 91 which can be formed in one piece with the sleeve 21 or introduced as a separate component. How based on the transition from the state of Figure 1A to the state of Figure 1B As can be seen, placing the discharge head 10 on the outlet nozzle 122 is intended to result in the closure surface 91 being broken through. this is in Figure 1B shown.
  • the embodiment of 2 which is also not covered by the invention, differs from the embodiment of FIG 1 in that the housing 15 as a main part of the discharge head 10 is provided for reuse.
  • the exchange unit 20 is formed solely by the sleeve 21 and the mixing chamber 22 with inlet 23 and outlet 24 surrounded by it and filled with additional medium.
  • the exchange unit 20 is coupled in the region of a coupling stub 30 to a coupling stub 18 of the discharge head 10 by plugging it in, and the assembly of the discharge head 10 or its housing 15 and the exchange unit 20 are coupled together to the outlet stub 122 using an inlet stub 32.
  • the manner of opening the shutters 90, 92 at the inlet 23 and outlet 24 remains identical.
  • the liquid reservoir 110 is not designed as a pressure reservoir, but instead as a pump reservoir with a schematically illustrated delivery device 114 in the manner of a pump, which is activated by pressing down the discharge head 10 in the direction of actuation 2 can be actuated and then delivers liquid from the liquid reservoir 110 to the reservoir outlet 120.
  • the discharge head 10 in this configuration has the special feature that a discharge opening 12 provided on the housing 15 of the discharge head can be used without attaching a replacement unit 20 to the discharge head 10 .
  • an exchange unit 20 can also be used. This is in the through the Figures 3A and 3B illustrated way pushed from the outside onto a connecting section 11, where it is held by a latching connection. How based on Figure 3B As can be seen, when the exchange unit 20 is slid onto the connection section 11 , this is pushed so far into the exchange unit 20 that it opens the closure 90 on the inlet side 23 by destroying the closure surface 91 . On the side of the outlet 24, however, the closure 92 with the closure surface 93 initially remains intact.
  • the closure surface 93 on the closure 92 is not destroyed until the first actuation, since the conveying device 114 is designed to provide a sufficiently high pressure so that when the discharge head 10 is pressed down in the direction of the Arrow 2 to be opened with at least 10 Newton actuating force.
  • the housing of the discharge head has a base 17A and a closing element 17B which can be folded in relation to it about a film hinge and which together delimit a receiving space 16 .
  • the exchange units 20 in this embodiment are well based on the Figure 4A to recognize.
  • the exchange units 20 have a mixing chamber 22 surrounded by a flexible foil wall 36, the membrane being attached to a rigid section 38 which is penetrated by part of the discharge channel 14 and at the end of which the discharge opening 12 is provided.
  • the receiving space 16 is made accessible by opening the closing element 17B and the exchange unit 20 is inserted in such a way that an annular web 38A on the rigid section 38 engages in a corresponding groove 13 on the two housing parts 17A, 17B.
  • FIGS 5A to 5C and 6A to 6D show another variant of a discharge head 10 according to the invention Figures 5A to 5C
  • the discharge head 10 which is intended for reuse except for the insertable replacement unit, has a receiving space 16 in the form of a receiving shaft 16A.
  • the exchange unit 20 is pushed in transversely to the direction of actuation 2 in the direction of the arrow 4, so that a discharge opening 12 provided on the exchange unit 20 reaches the opposite side when it is pushed in.
  • the inserted state is in Figure 5B to recognize.
  • an inlet-side closure into the mixing chamber 22 is already open, as will be explained below. It is therefore only necessary to open the closure 94 by removing the closure surface designed as a peel-off film 95 .
  • FIGS 7A to 7D show another embodiment of the invention, as a variant of the configuration of Figures 5A to 6D can apply.
  • the discharge opening 12 is not part of the exchange unit 20 as in the previous variant, but is provided on the housing 15 of the discharge head 10 .
  • an opening element 80 is also assigned to the discharge opening 12 on this housing of the discharge head 10, which is intended to destroy a corresponding closure surface 91 on the side of the outlet 24 of the mixing chamber 22.
  • FIG. 8A to 8C only one discharge head 10 is shown, which at the same time forms the exchange unit 20 as a whole and thus for placing on a liquid reservoir in accordance with, for example, the 1 and 3 is provided. There is a certain agreement with the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 1B , in which the entire discharge head also represents the exchange unit.
  • the special feature of the discharge head 10 der Figures 8A to 8C is that it is composed of two components 39, 40 as a two-part replacement unit 20, component 39 being the main component, which is attached to the outlet connector 122 of the liquid reservoir.
  • component 39 being the main component, which is attached to the outlet connector 122 of the liquid reservoir.
  • the other component 40 of the exchange unit 20 is approximately in the shape of an inverted cup and is locked on its underside by a lock 90 with a locking surface 91 .
  • an outlet-side closure surface in this sense is not provided.
  • the state of Figure 8A shows an intermediate state during assembly, in which the component 40 is not yet inserted into the main component 39. At this point in time, the mixing chamber 22 can be filled with the additional medium through the outlet 24 . Subsequently, the state of Figure 8B produced in which the outlet 24 is blocked by inserting the component 40 .
  • the discharge head 10 forming the exchange unit 20 is placed on the outlet socket 122 of the liquid reservoir 110 and the component 40 is pressed deeper into the component 39 .
  • an opening element 80 on component 39 comes into contact with the closure 90 with closure surface 91 on the inlet side of the mixing chamber 22 and destroys it, as shown in FIG Figure 8C is evident.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Description

ANWENDUNGSGEBIET UND STAND DER TECHNIKFIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Flüssigkeitsspender, der über einen Flüssigkeitsspeicher mit einer Hauptflüssigkeit verfügt sowie über ein Zusatzmedium, welches im Zuge des Austrags der Flüssigkeit mit der Hauptflüssigkeit vermengt wird.The invention relates to a liquid dispenser which has a liquid reservoir with a main liquid and an additional medium which is mixed with the main liquid in the course of the liquid being discharged.

Ein entsprechender Bedarf besteht, wenn die Hauptflüssigkeit und das Zusatzmedium als zwei Komponenten erst unmittelbar vor dem Austrag vermengt werden dürfen, weil die Wirkung der vermengten Flüssigkeit verringert wäre, wenn das Zusatzmedium bereits mit der Hauptflüssigkeit vermengt vorgehalten würde. Vor allem aber entsteht ein entsprechender Bedarf, wenn das Zusatzmedium es gestatten soll, eine individuelle Mischung auf Basis der gleichen Hauptflüssigkeit ausgeben zu können, also mit dem gleichen Flüssigkeitsspender wahlweise unterschiedliche Mischungen unter Hinzufügung unterschiedlicher Zusatzmedien herstellen und ausgeben zu können.There is a corresponding need if the main liquid and the additional medium as two components may only be mixed immediately before discharge, because the effect of the mixed liquid would be reduced if the additional medium were already mixed with the main liquid. Above all, however, a corresponding need arises when the additional medium is intended to allow an individual mixture based on the same main liquid to be dispensed, i.e. to be able to produce and dispense different mixtures with the addition of different additional media using the same liquid dispenser.

Aus der US 3593894 A ist ein Spender bekannt, der über eine Mischkammer verfügt, die zum Zwecke der Einbringung eines Zusatzmediums aufgeschraubt werden kann.From the US 3593894A a dispenser is known which has a mixing chamber which can be screwed on for the purpose of introducing an additional medium.

Aus der JP H02-160068 A ist ein Austragkopf bekannt, in dem ein Zusatzmedium in einer Art Tablettenform eingesetzt ist, um beim Durchströmen mit Flüssigkeit an diese ein Zusatzmedium abzugeben.From the JP H02-160068 A a discharge head is known, in which an additional medium is used in the form of a kind of tablet, in order to release an additional medium when the liquid flows through it.

Aus der EP 1166885 A1 ist ein Austragkopf bekannt, der über einen Aufnahmeraum verfügt, in den ein Zusatzmedium in einer Art Tablettenform eingesetzt werden kann.From the EP 1166885 A1 a discharge head is known which has a receiving space into which an additional medium can be used in the form of a type of tablet.

Aus der DE 102011078476 A1 ist ein Spender bekannt, der über einen Behälter und einen Aufsatzbehälter verfügt, deren Inhalt beim Austrag nach dem Airbrush-Prinzip vermengt und ausgetragen wird.From the DE 102011078476 A1 a dispenser is known which has a container and an attachment container, the contents of which are mixed and discharged when discharged according to the airbrush principle.

Aus der US 2017/0014843 A1 ist ein Haushaltsspender mit einem Flüssigkeitsspeicher bekannt, der zur Aufnahme einer Kapsel mit einer Zusatzflüssigkeit ausgebildet ist. Nach Öffnen der Kapsel fließt die Zusatzflüssigkeit in den Flüssigkeitsspeicher.From the US 2017/0014843 A1 a household dispenser with a liquid reservoir is known, which is designed to hold a capsule with an additional liquid. After opening the capsule, the additional liquid flows into the liquid reservoir.

AUFGABE UND LÖSUNGTASK AND SOLUTION

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, einen gattungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitsspender dahingehend weiterzubilden, dass auf bequeme und hygienisch einwandfreie Weise ein Zusatzmedium der Hauptflüssigkeit beigemengt werden kann und die Möglichkeit gegeben ist, auch wahlfrei verschiedene Zusatzmedien zu verwenden.The object of the invention is to further develop a liquid dispenser of this type in such a way that an additional medium can be added to the main liquid in a convenient and hygienic manner and there is also the possibility of optionally using different additional media.

Erfindungsgemäß wird hierzu ein Flüssigkeitsspender gemäß Anspruch 1 vorgeschlagen.According to the invention, a liquid dispenser according to claim 1 is proposed for this purpose.

Zum Austragen von Flüssigkeit weist der Flüssigkeitsspender einen Austragkopf auf, der über eine Austragöffnung verfügt. Ein Austragkanal verbindet den Speicherauslass des Flüssigkeitsspeichers, also einen Kanalabschnitt des Flüssigkeitsspeichers jenseits des Schaltventils oder der Fördereinrichtung mit der Austragöffnung.In order to discharge liquid, the liquid dispenser has a discharge head that has a discharge opening. A discharge channel connects the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir, ie a channel section of the liquid reservoir beyond the switching valve or the delivery device, to the discharge opening.

Der Austragkopf ist zur Betätigung des Schaltventils oder der Fördereinrichtung niederdrückbar. Hierdurch wird Hauptflüssigkeit am Speicherauslass des Flüssigkeitsspeichers abgegeben, strömt in den Austragkanal des Auslasskopfes bis zu dessen Austragöffnung, von wo die Abgabe stattfindet.The discharge head can be depressed to actuate the switching valve or the delivery device. As a result, main liquid is discharged at the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir, flows into the discharge channel of the outlet head up to its discharge opening, from where the discharge takes place.

Der Flüssigkeitsspender weist erfindungsgemäß eine wechselbare Austauscheinheit auf, die in einem Funktionszustand zumindest abschnittsweise den Austragkanal bildet. Diese Austauscheinheit umfasst eine Mischkammer, in der ein Zusatzmedium angeordnet ist. Die Mischkammer wird bestimmungsgemäß bei einem Austragvorgang von der Hauptflüssigkeit durchströmt, welche hier über einen Einlass in die Mischkammer einströmt, sich in der Mischkammer mit dem pulverförmigen, festen oder flüssigen Zusatzmedium vermengt und durch den vom Einlass getrennten Auslass wieder aus der Mischkammer ausströmt. Die Mischkammer ist also derart im Austragkanal angeordnet, dass der Einlass mit dem Speicherauslass kommunizierend verbunden ist und der Auslass mit der Austragöffnung kommunizierend verbunden ist.According to the invention, the liquid dispenser has an exchangeable exchange unit which, in a functional state, forms the discharge channel at least in sections. This exchange unit includes a mixing chamber in which an additional medium is arranged. The mixing chamber is intended to be flowed through by the main liquid during a discharge process, which flows into the mixing chamber via an inlet, mixes in the mixing chamber with the powdery, solid or liquid additional medium and flows out of the mixing chamber again through the outlet, which is separate from the inlet. The mixing chamber is thus arranged in the discharge channel in such a way that the inlet communicates with the storage outlet and the outlet communicates with the discharge opening.

Die Austauscheinheit weist in einem Lagerzustand vor Nutzung durch den Endbenutzer am Einlass und am Auslass Verschlüsse auf, durch die die Mischkammer in einem Lagerzustand flüssigkeitsdicht verschlossen ist. Diese Verschlüsse werden bestimmungsgemäß im Zuge der Vorbereitung oder Nutzung des Flüssigkeitsspenders geöffnet. Bis dahin jedoch isolieren sie das Zusatzmedium in der Mischkammer auf Seiten des Einlasses und des Auslasses der Mischkammer gegenüber einer Umgebung, so dass weder ein Auslaufen oder dergleichen noch eine kurzfristige Verschlechterung des Mediums durch Umgebungsluftkontakt zu befürchten ist.In a storage state before being used by the end user, the replacement unit has closures at the inlet and at the outlet, by means of which the mixing chamber is closed in a liquid-tight manner in a storage state. These closures are intended to be opened in the course of preparing or using the liquid dispenser. Until then, however, they isolate the additional medium in the mixing chamber on the side of the inlet and the outlet of the mixing chamber from the environment, so that there is no risk of leakage or the like, nor of a short-term deterioration of the medium through contact with ambient air.

Der Flüssigkeitsspeicher mit dem Schaltventil oder der Fördereinrichtung sowie der Speicherauslass des Flüssigkeitsspeichers sind für die mehrmalige Verwendung mit mehreren Austauscheinheiten vorgesehen, so dass das Flüssigkeitsvolumen der Hauptflüssigkeit mindestens doppelt so groß wie das Volumen des Zusatzmediums bzw. insbesondere der Zusatzflüssigkeit in der Mischkammer ist. Vorzugsweise beträgt das Volumen zwischen 100 ml und 500 ml.The liquid reservoir with the switching valve or the delivery device and the storage outlet of the liquid reservoir are intended for repeated use with several exchange units, so that the liquid volume of the main liquid is at least twice the volume of the additional medium or, in particular, the additional liquid in the mixing chamber. The volume is preferably between 100 ml and 500 ml.

Bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Gestaltung ist der Austragkopf grundsätzlich zur Wiederverwendung vorgesehen und wird fallweise mit einer Austauscheinheit verbunden. Ein solcher Austragkopf weist erfindungsgemäße einen Aufnahmeraum auf, der zur Aufnahme der Austauscheinheit ausgebildet ist. Ein Zufuhrkanalabschnitt des Austragkanals, der einen Teil des Austragkopfes bildet, mündet in diesen Aufnahmeraum. Die Austauscheinheit ist derart ausgebildet, dass sie beim Einfügen in den Aufnahmeraum eine Solllage einnimmt, in der die Mündung des Zufuhrkanalabschnittes in kommunizierende Verbindung mit dem Einlass der Mischkammer der Austauscheinheit gelangt.In a design according to the invention, the discharge head is basically intended for reuse and is occasionally connected to an exchange unit. According to the invention, such a discharge head has a receiving space which is designed to receive the exchangeable unit. A feed channel section of the discharge channel, which forms part of the discharge head, opens into this receiving space. The exchange unit is designed in such a way that when it is inserted into the receiving space, it assumes a desired position in which the mouth of the feed channel section communicates with the inlet of the mixing chamber of the exchange unit.

Die Hauptflüssigkeit strömt demnach vom Speicherauslass in einen Zufuhrkanalabschnitt des Austragkanals, der in den Aufnahmeraum des Austragkopfes mündet. Darin ist die Austauscheinheit positioniert und kraft- oder formschlüssig gesichert. Der Zufuhrkanalabschnitt liegt bündig am Einlass oder einem Einlasskanal an, so dass die Flüssigkeit nicht in einen Zwischenbereich zwischen Wandungen des Aufnahmeraums und Außenwandungen der Austauscheinheit gelangt und dieser somit für die Wiederverwendbarkeit sauber bleibt.Accordingly, the main liquid flows from the storage outlet into a feed channel section of the discharge channel, which opens into the receiving space of the discharge head. The replacement unit is positioned in it and secured with a non-positive or positive fit. The supply channel section is flush with the inlet or an inlet channel, so that the liquid does not get into an intermediate area between the walls of the receiving space and the outer walls of the exchange unit, and this area therefore remains clean for reusability.

Vorzugsweise weist der Aufnahmeraum ein Öffnungselement auf, das derart angepasst an die Austauscheinheit angeordnet und ausgebildet ist, dass durch Einbringen der Austauscheinheit in den Aufnahmeraum oder durch Schließen eines den Aufnahmeraum verschließenden Schließelements der Verschluss am Einlass der Mischkammer oder der Verschluss am Auslass der Mischkammer zerstörungsbehaftet geöffnet wird.Preferably, the receiving space has an opening element, which is arranged and configured in such a way that it is adapted to the exchange unit, such that by introducing the exchange unit into the receiving space or by closing a closing element that closes the receiving space, the closure at the inlet of the mixing chamber or the closure at the outlet of the mixing chamber is opened in a destructive manner becomes.

Ein solches Öffnungselement gerät im Zuge des Einsetzens mit einem der Verschlüsse in mechanischen Kontakt und öffnet diesen Verschluss hierdurch. Vorzugsweise ist das Öffnungselement spitz oder scharfkantig ausgebildet, so dass es den Verschluss gleichsam punktieren oder schneiden kann. Das Öffnungselement ist vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff gefertigt, kann aber auch metallisch ausgebildet sein.In the course of being inserted, such an opening element comes into mechanical contact with one of the closures and thereby opens this closure. Preferably, the opening element is pointed or sharp-edged, so that it can puncture or cut the closure, so to speak. The opening element is preferably made of plastic, but can also be made of metal.

Der Verschluss kann, wie im Weiteren noch detaillierter beschrieben, insbesondere ein unmittelbar am Gehäuse der Austauscheinheit angespritzter dünnwandiger Flächenabschnitt oder ein separater dünnwandiger und/oder folienartiger Flächenabschnitt sein.As described in more detail below, the closure can in particular be a thin-walled surface section molded directly onto the housing of the exchange unit or a separate thin-walled and/or film-like surface section.

Der Aufnahmeraum kann als vollständig die Austauscheinheit blickisolierender Aufnahmeraum ausgestaltet sein. Bei einer solchen Gestaltung kann insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass der Austragkopf ein Schließelement aufweist, das den Aufnahmeraum begrenzt und das zwischen einer Schließstellung und einer Öffnungsstellung gegenüber einem Basisbauteil des Austragkopfes beweglich ist.The receiving space can be designed as a receiving space that completely isolates the exchange unit from view. In such a design, it can be provided in particular that the discharge head has a closing element which delimits the receiving space and which can be moved between a closed position and an open position with respect to a base component of the discharge head.

Alternativ kann der Aufnahmeraum als von einer Außenseite des Austragkopfes mindestens einseitig offener Aufnahmeschacht ausgebildet sein, in den die Austauscheinheit in einer Einschubrichtung einschiebbar ist. Hierfür braucht der wiederverwendbare Teil des Austragkopfes keinen gegeneinander beweglichen Teil wie das oben genannte Schließelement. Der Schacht kann für eine Einfügung entgegen der Austragrichtung der Austragöffnung ausgerichtet sein, insbesondere bei einer Gestaltung, bei der die Austragöffnung an der Austauscheinheit vorgesehen ist. Alternativ kann der Schacht für eine Einfügung der Austauscheinheit in Austragrichtung ausgebildet sein, wobei bei einer besonderen Gestaltung der Schacht als durchgehender Schacht ausgebildet sein kann, in den die Einfügung der Austauscheinheit in Austragrichtung vorgesehen ist. Die Austauscheinheit kann dann durch den Schacht hindurchragen und unmittelbar die Austragöffnung aufweisen.Alternatively, the receiving space can be designed as a receiving shaft that is open at least on one side from an outside of the discharge head and into which the replacement unit can be inserted in an insertion direction. For this purpose, the reusable part of the discharge head does not need a part that can be moved relative to one another, like the closing element mentioned above. The chute may be oriented for insertion counter to the discharge direction of the discharge opening, particularly in a design where the discharge opening is provided on the exchange unit. Alternatively, the shaft can be designed for insertion of the replacement unit in the discharge direction, wherein in a special configuration the shaft can be designed as a continuous shaft into which the replacement unit is intended to be inserted in the discharge direction. The exchange unit can then protrude through the shaft and directly have the discharge opening.

Vorzugsweise ist die Einschubrichtung nicht parallel zur Betätigungsrichtung ausgerichtet, so dass ein versehentliches Betätigen während des Einschiebens unwahrscheinlich ist. Bevorzugt wird ein Winkel von etwa 90°, insbesondere zwischen 75° und 105°.The direction of insertion is preferably not aligned parallel to the direction of actuation, so that accidental actuation during insertion is unlikely. An angle of approximately 90° is preferred, in particular between 75° and 105°.

Ausgestaltungen, bei denen die Austragöffnung Teil der Austauscheinheit ist, sind möglich und zweckmäßig. Solchen Gestaltungen ist gemein, dass der Austausch der Austauscheinheit auch zum Austausch aller Teile führt, die mit dem Zusatzmedium in Kontakt gelangt sind. Eine solche Gestaltung ist daher insbesondere für Anwendungsfälle zweckmäßig, bei denen unterschiedliche Sorten von Zusatzmedium bestimmungsgemäß oder üblicherweise mit dem gleichen Flüssigkeitsspender verwendet werden.Configurations in which the discharge opening is part of the exchange unit are possible and expedient. Such configurations have in common that the exchange of the exchange unit also leads to the exchange of all parts that have come into contact with the additional medium. Such a design is therefore particularly useful for applications in which different types of Additional medium is used as intended or normally with the same liquid dispenser.

Bei einer Gestaltung des Flüssigkeitsspenders mit einem Aufnahmeraum zur Aufnahme der Austauscheinheit, wird eine Gestaltung als besonders vorteilhaft angesehen, bei der die Mischkammer der Austauscheinheit zumindest teilweise und vorzugweise bezogen auf die Fläche zum überwiegenden Teil von Folienwandungen begrenzt ist. Eine solche Austauscheinheit ist besonders günstig herzustellen. Die Folienwandung kann eine einfache Kunststoffwandung aufweisen. Von Vorteil ist jedoch ein Verbund von Folienlagen, die gemeinsam dafür sorgen, dass das Zusatzmedium alterungsbeständig gelagert wird. Je nach Art des Zusatzmediums können verschiedene, ggf. auch metallische Folienlagen zweckmäßig sein.In a design of the liquid dispenser with a receiving space for receiving the exchange unit, a design is considered to be particularly advantageous in which the mixing chamber of the exchange unit is at least partially and preferably in relation to the surface predominantly delimited by foil walls. Such an exchange unit can be produced particularly cheaply. The foil wall can have a simple plastic wall. However, an advantage is a combination of foil layers, which together ensure that the additional medium is stored in a non-ageing manner. Depending on the type of additional medium, different foil layers, possibly also metallic foil layers, can be expedient.

Es ist von besonderem Vorteil, wenn die Austauscheinheit über einen starren Abschnitt verfügt. Die Austauscheinheit ist dann als eine Art Verbundeinheit aus einem flexiblen beutelartigen Abschnitt und einem starren Abschnitt aufgebaut, an den der flexible Abschnitt angrenzt. Die Austauscheinheit und insbesondere deren starrer Abschnitt sind vorzugsweise derart an den Aufnahmeraum angepasst, dass der starre Abschnitt formschlüssig in einer definierten Position am Aufnahmeraum festlegbar ist. Hierdurch wird das Einsetzen der Austauscheinheit erleichtert und eine genaue Orientierung gewährleistet, so wie sie für das Öffnen des dem Einlass und/oder Auslass zugeordneten Verschlusses erforderlich ist.It is of particular advantage if the exchange unit has a rigid section. The exchange unit is then constructed as a type of composite unit from a flexible, bag-like section and a rigid section, which is adjoined by the flexible section. The exchange unit and in particular its rigid section are preferably adapted to the receiving space in such a way that the rigid section can be positively fixed in a defined position on the receiving space. This facilitates the insertion of the replacement unit and ensures precise orientation, such as is required for opening the closure assigned to the inlet and/or outlet.

Der starre Abschnitt wird bei einer besonders vorteilhaften Variante einlassseitig oder auslassseitig vom Austragkanal durchdrungen. Der Auslasskanal auf Seiten des Einlasses oder des Auslasses wird demnach durch die Positionierung des starren Abschnittes im Aufnahmeraum ebenfalls präzise positioniert, was dem Anschluss an austragkopfseitige Abschnitte des Austragkanals oder der präzisen Positionierung der Austragöffnung als Teil des starren Abschnittes dient.In a particularly advantageous variant, the rigid section is penetrated by the discharge channel on the inlet side or outlet side. The outlet channel on the inlet or outlet side is therefore also precisely positioned by the positioning of the rigid section in the receiving space, which serves to connect to discharge head-side sections of the discharge channel or to precisely position the discharge opening as part of the rigid section.

Für die Ausgestaltung der Verschlüsse der Mischkammer auf Seiten des Auslasses und des Einlasses sind verschiedene Möglichkeiten gegeben. Dabei sind insbesondere Gestaltungen möglich und bevorzugt, bei denen eine dünne und vorzugsweise folien- oder membranartige Verschlussfläche vorgesehen ist, die entweder im Zuge des Einsetzens der Austauscheinheit und der Erstbetätigung zerstört oder entfernt werden.There are various options for designing the closures of the mixing chamber on the outlet and inlet sides. Designs are particularly possible and preferred in which a thin and preferably foil or membrane-like closure surface is provided, which is either destroyed or removed during the course of inserting the replacement unit and the first actuation.

Bei den genannten dünnen und vorzugsweise folien- oder membranartigen Verschlussflächen sind mehrere Gestaltungen möglich, wobei für den Einlass und den Auslass auch unterschiedliche Arten von Verschlussflächen und/oder auch von den genannten Schaltventilen vorgesehen sein können.Several configurations are possible for the thin and preferably film-like or membrane-like closure surfaces mentioned, it also being possible for different types of closure surfaces and/or the switching valves mentioned to be provided for the inlet and the outlet.

So kann der Verschluss am Einlass und/oder am Auslass der Mischkammer mit einer Abziehfolie ausgestaltet sein. Eine solche Abziehfolie hat üblicherweise eine haftende Seite, mit der sie auf einer vom Austragkanal auf Einlassseite oder Auslassseite durchbrochenen Fläche aufgeklebt ist. Vorzugsweise weist die Abziehfolie weiterhin einen freien Abschnitt auf, der nicht an der Fläche anhaftet und daher leicht zum Zweck des Ablösens der Abziehfolie ergriffen werden kann.For example, the closure at the inlet and/or at the outlet of the mixing chamber can be designed with a peel-off film. Such a peel-off foil usually has an adhesive side with which it is glued to a surface that is perforated by the discharge channel on the inlet side or outlet side. Preferably, the release liner further has a free portion which does not adhere to the surface and therefore can be easily grasped for the purpose of peeling off the release liner.

Eine andere Form eines solchen Verschlusses sieht eine Verschlussfläche vor, die im Zuge des Aufsetzens der Austauscheinheit auf den Speicherauslass oder den Anschlussstutzen durch ein Öffnungselement zerstört wird. Bei einer solchen Gestaltung ist vorgesehen, dass das Öffnungselement, welches vorzugsweise zumindest partiell scharfkantig ausgestaltet ist, im eingebauten oder angebauten Zustand der Austauscheinheit dort angeordnet ist, wo zuvor die Verschlussfläche der Austauscheinheit angeordnet war. Bei der Bewegung der Austauscheinheit in die bestimmungsgemäße Position gelangt das Öffnungselement daher in Kontakt mit der Verschlussfläche und punktiert, zerreißt oder zerbricht diese.Another form of such a closure provides a closure surface which is destroyed by an opening element in the course of placing the exchange unit on the storage outlet or the connecting piece. With such a design, it is provided that the opening element, which is preferably at least partially sharp-edged, is arranged in the installed or attached state of the exchange unit where the closing surface of the exchange unit was previously arranged. When the replacement unit is moved into the intended position, the opening element therefore comes into contact with the closure surface and punctures, tears or breaks it.

Eine zur Zerstörung vorgesehen Verschlussfläche kann vorzugsweise mit lokalen Schwächungen ausgebildet sein, um ein definiertes Bersten zu gewährleisten.A closure surface intended for destruction can preferably be designed with local weakening in order to ensure a defined bursting.

Bei einer besonderen Ausgestaltung mit Öffnungselement im Aufnahmeraum sind der Aufnahmeraum und die Austauscheinheit bezüglich ihrer Außenform derart ausgebildet, dass beim Einfügen der Austauscheinheit in den Aufnahmeraum eine elastische Spannung in Wandungen des Aufnahmeraums und/oder der Austauscheinheit erzeugt wird, die sich beim fortgesetzten Einfügen derart entlädt, dass hierdurch das Öffnungselement gegen die Verschlussfläche gedrückt wird und diese zerstört.In a special configuration with an opening element in the receiving space, the receiving space and the exchange unit are designed in terms of their outer shape in such a way that when the exchange unit is inserted into the receiving space, an elastic tension is generated in the walls of the receiving space and/or the exchange unit, which is discharged in this way as the insertion continues that in this way the opening element is pressed against the closure surface and destroys it.

Bei einer solchen Gestaltung ist demnach vorgesehen, dass das Einfügen der Austauscheinheit aufgrund der Formgebung von Austauscheinheit und Aufnahmeraum zu einer zwischenzeitlichen Speicherung durch elastische Verformung führt, die gegen Ende der Einfügebewegung dieselbe unterstützt und dadurch einen erhöhten Kraftstoß beim Auftreffen des Öffnungselements auf der Verschlussfläche gewährleistet. Eine solche Gestaltung ist insbesondere auch dann sinnvoll, wenn sowohl eine Verschlussfläche am Einlass als auch am Auslass bei der gleichen Einschubbewegung zerstört werden soll.With such a design, it is therefore provided that the insertion of the exchange unit, due to the shape of the exchange unit and receiving space, leads to temporary storage through elastic deformation, which supports the same towards the end of the insertion movement and thus ensures an increased force impact when the opening element hits the closure surface. Such a design is particularly useful when both a sealing surface at the inlet as well as at the outlet is to be destroyed during the same insertion movement.

Ein weiterer Weg, um eine Verschlussfläche, die auf Seiten des Einlasses oder des Auslasses die Mischkammer der Austauscheinheit begrenzt, sieht vor, dass die Verschlussfläche so gestaltet ist, dass sie mittels eines Öffnungsdruckes zerstörungsbehaftet geöffnet werden kann, der geringer als der vom Druckspeicher bzw. von der Fördereinrichtung erzeugbare Druck ist. Der Druck aus dem Druckspeicher oder der Fördereinrichtung reicht demzufolge aus, um die Verschlussfläche bestimmungsgemäß zu zerstören. Eine solche Verschlussfläche kann daher bis zur Erstbetätigung des Flüssigkeitsspenders mit zuvor unbenutzter Austauscheinheit intakt bleiben. Sobald von der Seite des Flüssigkeitsspeichers druckbeaufschlagte Flüssigkeit gegen die Verschlussfläche drückt, wird diese jedoch zerstört, so dass die Flüssigkeit hindurchtreten kann.Another way to create a closure surface that delimits the mixing chamber of the exchange unit on the inlet or outlet side is to design the closure surface in such a way that it can be opened in a destructive manner by means of an opening pressure that is lower than that of the pressure accumulator or pressure that can be generated by the conveyor. The pressure from the pressure accumulator or the conveying device is therefore sufficient to destroy the closure surface as intended. Such a closure surface can therefore remain intact until the liquid dispenser is actuated for the first time with a previously unused replacement unit. However, as soon as pressurized liquid from the side of the liquid reservoir presses against the closure surface, this is destroyed so that the liquid can pass through.

Im Falle eines Druckspeichers hängt der maximale Flüssigkeitsdruck alleine von der baulichen Ausgestaltung des Druckspeichers und dem ab Werk darin aufgebauten Druck ab. Im Falle einer manuell betätigten Fördereinrichtung in Art einer Pumpe ist der maximale Druck ggf. abhängig von der Betätigungskraft. In einem solchen Falle ist die genannte Verschlussfläche vorzugsweise derart beschaffen, dass sie bei einem Niederdrücken des Austragkopfes mit konstant 20 Newton zerstörbar ist, vorzugsweise bereits mit konstant 10 Newton.In the case of an accumulator, the maximum liquid pressure depends solely on the structural design of the accumulator and the pressure built up in it at the factory. In the case of a manually operated delivery device in the form of a pump, the maximum pressure may depend on the operating force. In such a case, said closure surface is preferably designed in such a way that it can be destroyed when the discharge head is pressed down with a constant force of 20 Newtons, preferably already with a constant force of 10 Newtons.

Die Erfindung betrifft primär in der beschriebenen Weise einen Flüssigkeitsspender der genannten Art, der die wiederverwendbare Einheit, umfassend den Flüssigkeitsspeicher und ggf. einen wiederverwendbaren Austragkopf, und eine Austauscheinheit mit den genannten Verschlüssen umfasst, wobei die Verschlüsse im Lieferzustand noch intakt sind und erst vom Endverbraucher geöffnet werden.In the manner described, the invention primarily relates to a liquid dispenser of the type mentioned, which comprises the reusable unit, comprising the liquid reservoir and, if applicable, a reusable discharge head, and an exchange unit with the closures mentioned, the closures being still intact on delivery and only from the end user be opened.

Ein solcher Spender ist vorzugsweise dafür vorgesehen, nacheinander mit mehreren baugleichen Austauscheinheiten mit dem gleichen oder unterschiedlichen Zusatzmedien verwendet zu werden. Die Erfindung betrifft daher auch ein entsprechendes Set, welches den Flüssigkeitsspender der beschriebenen Art und mindestens eine zusätzliche Austauscheinheit umfasst, so dass mindestens zwei baugleiche Austauscheinheiten Teil des Sets sind.Such a dispenser is preferably intended to be used in succession with a number of exchange units of the same construction with the same or different additional media. The invention therefore also relates to a corresponding set, which includes the liquid dispenser of the type described and at least one additional replacement unit, so that at least two identical replacement units are part of the set.

Vorzugsweise können die Austauscheinheiten zur Ergänzung eines zuvor bereits erworbenen Flüssigkeitsspenders einzeln oder zu mehreren auch separat erworben werden, so dass auch die separaten Austauscheinheiten der beschriebenen Art einzeln oder in Sets von mindestens zwei Austauscheinheiten als Teil der Erfindung verstanden werden.Preferably, the replacement units to complement a previously purchased liquid dispenser can be purchased individually or in multiples separately, so that the separate Exchange units of the type described are understood individually or in sets of at least two exchange units as part of the invention.

Bevorzugte Anwendungszwecke eines erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitsspenders sind insbesondere die Haut- und Haarpflege. Für den Bereich der Hautpflege wird es als vorteilhaft angesehen, wenn die Hauptflüssigkeit im Flüssigkeitsspeicher eine Hautcreme oder -lotion ist, insbesondere für die Gesichtspflege. Die Austauscheinheiten können dann verwendet werden, um die Hautcreme entsprechend der persönlichen Bedürfnisse der Haut zu individualisieren, beispielsweise mit Wirkstoffen, die gezielt verschiedene Auswirkungen der Hautalterung behandelt wie Falten, eine ungleichmäßige Haut oder vergrößerte Hautporen. Einem ähnlichen Zweck dient die Verwendung von Austauscheinheiten, die mit einem Bräunungsmedium in verschiedener Menge oder Wirksamkeit befühlt sind, um bei einer Behandlung mit Bräunungscreme eine nur sanfte Veränderung statt einer sehr kurzfristigen zu erzielen. Im Bereich von Haarpflegeprodukten kann die Hauptflüssigkeit ein Shampoo, ein Conditioner oder eine Haarkur sein, die über die Austauscheinheiten individualisiert wird, beispielsweise mit Zusatzmedien zur Verbesserung des Haarglanzes, zur Vermeidung von Schuppenbildung oder zur Behandlung/ Beruhigung der Kopfhaut.Preferred applications of a liquid dispenser according to the invention are in particular skin and hair care. In the field of skin care, it is considered advantageous if the main liquid in the liquid reservoir is a skin cream or lotion, particularly for face care. The exchange units can then be used to customize the skin cream according to the personal needs of the skin, for example with active ingredients that specifically treat various effects of skin aging such as wrinkles, uneven skin or enlarged skin pores. A similar purpose is served by the use of replacement units infused with a tanning medium of varying amount or potency to provide a subtle change rather than a very short term change from a tanning cream treatment. In the area of hair care products, the main liquid can be a shampoo, a conditioner or a hair treatment, which is individualized via the exchange units, for example with additional media to improve the hair shine, to prevent dandruff or to treat/soothe the scalp.

KURZBESCHREIBUNG DER ZEICHNUNGENBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Weitere Vorteile und Aspekte der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Ansprüchen und aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, die nachfolgend anhand der Figuren erläutert sind.

  • Fig. 1 sowie 1A und 1B zeigen einen ersten Flüssigkeitsspender und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme. Diese Gestaltung ist nicht von der Erfindung umfasst und nur zu Veranschaulichungszwecken hier beschrieben.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt einen Austragkopf für einen zweiten Flüssigkeitsspender. Auch diese Gestaltung ist nicht von der Erfindung umfasst und nur zu Veranschaulichungszwecken hier beschrieben.
  • Fig. 3 sowie 3A und 3B zeigen einen dritten Flüssigkeitsspender und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme. Auch diese Gestaltung ist nicht von der Erfindung umfasst und nur zu Veranschaulichungszwecken hier beschrieben.
  • Fig. 4 sowie 4A bis 4C zeigen einen vierten Flüssigkeitsspender, der gemäß der Erfindung gestaltet ist, und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme.
  • Fig. 5A bis 5C und 6A bis 6D zeigen einen Austragkopf für einen fünften Flüssigkeitsspender, der gemäß der Erfindung gestaltet ist, und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme.
  • Fig. 7A bis 7D zeigen einen Austragkopf für einen sechsten Flüssigkeitsspender, der gemäß der Erfindung gestaltet ist, und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme.
  • Fig. 8A bis 8C zeigen einen Austragkopf für einen siebten Flüssigkeitsspender, der gemäß der Erfindung gestaltet ist, und die Schritte zu dessen Inbetriebnahme. Diese Gestaltung ist nicht von der Erfindung umfasst und nur zu Veranschaulichungszwecken hier beschrieben.
Further advantages and aspects of the invention result from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.
  • 1 and Figures 1A and 1B show a first liquid dispenser and the steps for putting it into operation. This configuration is not encompassed by the invention and is described herein for illustrative purposes only.
  • 2 shows a discharge head for a second liquid dispenser. This design is also not covered by the invention and is only described here for illustrative purposes.
  • 3 and Figures 3A and 3B show a third liquid dispenser and the steps for putting it into operation. This design is also not covered by the invention and is only described here for illustrative purposes.
  • 4 and Figures 4A to 4C show a fourth liquid dispenser designed in accordance with the invention and the steps for putting it into operation.
  • Figures 5A to 5C and 6A to 6D show a discharge head for a fifth liquid dispenser designed according to the invention and the steps for putting it into operation.
  • Figures 7A to 7D show a discharge head for a sixth liquid dispenser designed according to the invention and the steps for putting it into operation.
  • Figures 8A to 8C show a discharge head for a seventh liquid dispenser designed according to the invention and the steps for putting it into operation. This configuration is not encompassed by the invention and is described herein for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILLIERTE BESCHREIBUNG DER AUSFÜHRUNGSBEISPIELEDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Die Fig. 1 sowie 1A und 1B zeigen ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel, welches nicht von der Erfindung umfasst ist. Der erfindungsgemäße Flüssigkeitsspender 100 umfasst einen Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 mit einem Speicherauslass 120. Durch Niederdrücken des Speicherauslasses 120 in Form eines Auslassstutzens 122 in Richtung des Pfeils 2 kann ein in Fig. 1 lediglich angedeutetes Schaltventil 112 geschaltet werden, so dass die zuvor schon unter Druck stehende Flüssigkeit durch den als Hohlstutzen ausgebildeten Speicherauslass 120 aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 in Richtung eines Austragkopfes 10 gefördert werden kann.The 1 and FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment not covered by the invention. The liquid dispenser 100 according to the invention comprises a liquid reservoir 110 with a reservoir outlet 120. By pressing down the reservoir outlet 120 in the form of an outlet nozzle 122 in the direction of arrow 2, an in 1 switching valve 112, which is only indicated, can be switched, so that the previously pressurized liquid can be conveyed out of the liquid reservoir 110 in the direction of a discharge head 10 through the reservoir outlet 120 designed as a hollow socket.

Der Austragkopf 10 umfasst neben einem Gehäuse 15 und einer Austragöffnung 12, die das Gehäuse 15 durchdringt, ein hülsenförmiges Bauteil 21, welches eine Mischkammer 22 begrenzt und an dem Bezug nehmend auf Fig. 1A in einem Liefer- und Lagerzustand beidseitig der Mischkammer 22 im Bereich eines Einlasses 23 und eines Auslasses 24 jeweils ein Verschluss 90, 92 mit einer Verschlussfläche 91, 93 vorgesehen ist. Am unteren Ende des hülsenförmigen Bauteils 21 weist dies einen Kopplungsanschluss 26 auf, der zur Ankopplung an den Auslassstutzen 122 ausgebildet ist. Das Gehäuse 15 und das hülsenförmige Bauteil 21 sind fest miteinander verbunden und könnten auch einstückig ausgebildet sein.In addition to a housing 15 and a discharge opening 12 which penetrates the housing 15, the discharge head 10 comprises a sleeve-shaped component 21 which delimits a mixing chamber 22 and on which reference is made to FIG Figure 1A In a delivery and storage state, a closure 90 , 92 with a closure surface 91 , 93 is provided on both sides of the mixing chamber 22 in the area of an inlet 23 and an outlet 24 . At the lower end of the sleeve-shaped component 21 , this has a coupling connection 26 which is designed for coupling to the outlet socket 122 . The housing 15 and the sleeve-shaped component 21 are firmly connected to one another and could also be designed in one piece.

Bestimmungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass bei einem Spender gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 1B aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 mehrfach eine Hauptflüssigkeit oder Trägerflüssigkeit durch Niederdrücken des Austragkopfes 10 abgegeben werden kann. Diese Flüssigkeit wird bestimmungsgemäß zusammen mit einem Zusatzmedium abgegeben, welches sich im Liefer- und Lagerzustand der Fig. 1A in der Mischkammer 22 befindet. Der Austragkopf 10 stellt als Ganzes eine Austauscheinheit 20 dar, wobei üblicherweise verschiedene Austauscheinheiten 20 mit verschiedenen Zusatzmedien in der Mischkammer 22 vorgehalten werden. Bestimmungsgemäß erfolgt nach Ankoppeln des eine Austauscheinheit 20 bildenden Austragkopfes 10 am Auslassstutzen 122 eine Betätigung, durch die Hauptflüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 in Richtung des Austragkanals 14 und hin zur Austragöffnung 12 gefördert wird. Hierbei durchströmt die Flüssigkeit die Mischkammer 22 und vermengt sich hier mit dem darin zuvor gespeicherten Zusatzmedium.Provision is made that in a donor according to Figures 1 to 1B from the liquid reservoir 110 several times a main liquid or carrier liquid by depressing the Discharge head 10 can be released. This liquid is intended to be released together with an additional medium, which is in the delivery and storage condition Figure 1A located in the mixing chamber 22. The discharge head 10 as a whole represents an exchange unit 20 , different exchange units 20 with different additional media usually being kept in the mixing chamber 22 . As intended, after the discharge head 10 forming an exchange unit 20 has been coupled to the outlet connection 122 , an actuation takes place, through which the main liquid is conveyed from the liquid reservoir 110 in the direction of the discharge channel 14 and towards the discharge opening 12 . The liquid flows through the mixing chamber 22 and mixes here with the additional medium previously stored therein.

Da die Austauscheinheiten 20 in Form der Austragköpfe 10 über einen längeren Lagerzeitraum eine Isolation der Mischkammer 22 und des darin befindlichen Zusatzmediums aufrechterhalten sollen, sind die genannten Verschlüsse 90, 92 vorgesehen. Der auf der Seite des Einlasses 23 vorgesehene Verschluss 90 umfasst eine Verschlussfläche 91, die einstückig mit der Hülse 21 ausgebildet sein kann oder als separates Bauteil eingebracht ist. Wie anhand des Übergangs vom Zustand der Fig. 1A zum Zustand der Fig. 1B ersichtlich ist, führt das Aufsetzen des Austragkopfes 10 auf dem Auslassstutzen 122 bestimmungsgemäß dazu, dass die Verschlussfläche 91 durchbrochen wird. Dies ist in Fig. 1B dargestellt.Since the exchange units 20 in the form of the discharge heads 10 are intended to maintain insulation of the mixing chamber 22 and the additional medium located therein over a longer period of storage, the closures 90, 92 mentioned are provided. The closure 90 provided on the side of the inlet 23 comprises a closure surface 91 which can be formed in one piece with the sleeve 21 or introduced as a separate component. How based on the transition from the state of Figure 1A to the state of Figure 1B As can be seen, placing the discharge head 10 on the outlet nozzle 122 is intended to result in the closure surface 91 being broken through. this is in Figure 1B shown.

Der Verschluss 92 mit der Verschlussfläche 93 an der Seite des Auslasses 24 der Mischkammer 22 ist zu diesem Zeitpunkt jedoch noch intakt. Sobald jedoch in der in Fig. 1 verdeutlichten Weise der Austragkopf 10 in Richtung des Pfeils niedergedrückt wird, kommt es zu einem Überdruck in der Mischkammer 22, durch die die Verschlussfläche 93 zerstört wird, so dass nunmehr der Austragkanal 14 mit der in ihm integrierten Mischkammer 22 für den freien Austrag bereitsteht. Dass erst der Überdruck die Mischkammer auslassseitig öffnet, begünstigt die Vermengung zwischen dem zuvor in der Mischkammer 22 gelagerten Zusatzmediums und der Hauptflüssigkeit, die über den Einlass 23 in die Mischkammer 22 einströmt.However, the closure 92 with the closure surface 93 on the side of the outlet 24 of the mixing chamber 22 is still intact at this point. However, as soon as in the in 1 If the discharge head 10 is pressed down in the direction of the arrow as illustrated, overpressure occurs in the mixing chamber 22, which destroys the sealing surface 93 so that the discharge channel 14 with the mixing chamber 22 integrated in it is now available for free discharge. The fact that only the overpressure opens the mixing chamber on the outlet side promotes the mixing between the additional medium previously stored in the mixing chamber 22 and the main liquid, which flows into the mixing chamber 22 via the inlet 23 .

Das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2, welches ebenfalls nicht von der Erfindung umfasst ist, unterscheidet sich vom Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 dadurch, dass das Gehäuse 15 als Hauptbestandteil des Austragkopfes 10 zur Wiederverwendung vorgesehen ist. Die Austauscheinheit 20 wird bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel einzig durch die Hülse 21 und die hiervon umgebene und mit Zusatzmedium befüllte Mischkammer 22 mit Einlass 23 und Auslass 24 gebildet.The embodiment of 2 , which is also not covered by the invention, differs from the embodiment of FIG 1 in that the housing 15 as a main part of the discharge head 10 is provided for reuse. In this exemplary embodiment, the exchange unit 20 is formed solely by the sleeve 21 and the mixing chamber 22 with inlet 23 and outlet 24 surrounded by it and filled with additional medium.

Anders als beim Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 bis 1B wird demnach zur Inbetriebnahme die Austauscheinheit 20 im Bereich eines Kopplungsstutzens 30 an einen Kopplungsstutzen 18 des Austragkopfes 10 durch Stecken angekoppelt und der Verbund aus dem Austragkopf 10 bzw. dessen Gehäuse 15 und der Austauscheinheit 20 gemeinsam unter Nutzung eines Einlassstutzens 32 an den Auslassstutzen 122 angekoppelt. Die Art des Öffnens der Verschlüsse 90, 92 am Einlass 23 und Auslass 24 bleibt jedoch identisch.Unlike the embodiment of Figures 1 to 1B Accordingly, for commissioning, the exchange unit 20 is coupled in the region of a coupling stub 30 to a coupling stub 18 of the discharge head 10 by plugging it in, and the assembly of the discharge head 10 or its housing 15 and the exchange unit 20 are coupled together to the outlet stub 122 using an inlet stub 32. However, the manner of opening the shutters 90, 92 at the inlet 23 and outlet 24 remains identical.

Bei der Ausgestaltung gemäß der Fig. 3, welches auch nicht von der Erfindung umfasst ist, ist zunächst exemplarisch als Unterschied vorgesehen, dass der Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 nicht als Druckspeicher ausgebildet ist, sondern stattdessen als Pumpspeicher mit einer schematisch dargestellten Fördereinrichtung 114 in Art einer Pumpe, die durch Niederdrücken des Austragkopfes 10 in Betätigungsrichtung 2 betätigt werden kann und dann Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 zum Speicherauslass 120 fördert.In the design according to 3 , which is also not covered by the invention, is initially provided as an example as a difference that the liquid reservoir 110 is not designed as a pressure reservoir, but instead as a pump reservoir with a schematically illustrated delivery device 114 in the manner of a pump, which is activated by pressing down the discharge head 10 in the direction of actuation 2 can be actuated and then delivers liquid from the liquid reservoir 110 to the reservoir outlet 120.

Der Austragkopf 10 bei dieser Ausgestaltung weist die Besonderheit auf, dass eine am Gehäuse 15 des Austragkopfes vorgesehene Austragöffnung 12 verwendet werden kann, ohne eine Austauscheinheit 20 am Austragkopf 10 zu befestigen.The discharge head 10 in this configuration has the special feature that a discharge opening 12 provided on the housing 15 of the discharge head can be used without attaching a replacement unit 20 to the discharge head 10 .

Allerdings kann auch eine Austauscheinheit 20 Verwendung finden. Diese wird in der durch die Fig. 3A und 3B verdeutlichten Weise von außen auf einen Anschlussabschnitt 11 aufgeschoben, wo sie durch eine Rastverbindung gehalten wird. Wie anhand der Fig. 3B zu ersehen ist, wird beim Aufschieben der Austauscheinheit 20 auf den Anschlussabschnitt 11 dieser so weit in die Austauscheinheit 20 eingeschoben, dass er den Verschluss 90 an der Einlassseite 23 durch Zerstörung der Verschlussfläche 91 öffnet. An der Seite des Auslasses 24 bleibt der Verschluss 92 mit der Verschlussfläche 93 jedoch zunächst intakt. Entsprechend dem vorangegangenen Ausführungsbeispiel ist es auch hier vorgesehen, dass die Verschlussfläche 93 am Verschluss 92 erst bei Erstbetätigung zerstört wird, da die Fördereinrichtung 114 dafür ausgebildet ist, einen ausreichend hohen Druck zur Verfügung zu stellen, um bei einem Niederdrücken des Austragkopfes 10 in Richtung des Pfeils 2 mit mindestens 10 Newton Betätigungskraft geöffnet zu werden.However, an exchange unit 20 can also be used. This is in the through the Figures 3A and 3B illustrated way pushed from the outside onto a connecting section 11, where it is held by a latching connection. How based on Figure 3B As can be seen, when the exchange unit 20 is slid onto the connection section 11 , this is pushed so far into the exchange unit 20 that it opens the closure 90 on the inlet side 23 by destroying the closure surface 91 . On the side of the outlet 24, however, the closure 92 with the closure surface 93 initially remains intact. In accordance with the previous exemplary embodiment, it is also provided here that the closure surface 93 on the closure 92 is not destroyed until the first actuation, since the conveying device 114 is designed to provide a sufficiently high pressure so that when the discharge head 10 is pressed down in the direction of the Arrow 2 to be opened with at least 10 Newton actuating force.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 4 ist als Besonderheit vorgesehen, dass das Gehäuse des Austragkopfes eine Basis 17A und ein demgegenüber um ein Filmscharnier klappbares Schließelement 17B aufweist, die gemeinsam einen Aufnahmeraum 16 begrenzen.In the embodiment of the invention 4 It is provided as a special feature that the housing of the discharge head has a base 17A and a closing element 17B which can be folded in relation to it about a film hinge and which together delimit a receiving space 16 .

Die Austauscheinheiten 20 bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel sind gut anhand der Fig. 4A zu erkennen. Die Austauscheinheiten 20 verfügen über eine von einer flexiblen Folienwandung 36 umgebene Mischkammer 22, wobei die Membran an einem starren Abschnitt 38 befestigt ist, der von einem Teil des Austragkanals 14 durchdrungen ist und an dessen Ende die Austragöffnung 12 vorgesehen ist. Zur Inbetriebnahme des Flüssigkeitsspenders 100 gemäß Fig. 4 wird der Aufnahmeraum 16 durch Aufklappen des Schließelements 17B zugänglich gemacht und die Austauscheinheit 20 so eingelegt, dass ein ringförmiger Steg 38A am starren Abschnitt 38 in eine korrespondierende Nut 13 an den beiden Gehäuseteilen 17A, 17B eingreift. In diesem Zustand wird entsprechend der Darstellung der Fig. 4B der Aufnahmeraum 16 geschlossen, wodurch der von Folienwandung 36 umgebene Beutel mit der Mischkammer 22 im Bereich eines einlassseitigen Verschlusses 90 mit Verschlussfläche 91 gegen ein Öffnungselement 80 gedrückt wird und hierdurch geöffnet wird, wie Fig. 4C verdeutlicht. Kommt es nun zur Erstbetätigung durch Niederdrücken des Austragkopfes 10, so strömt Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 in die Mischkammer 22 ein, baut hier einen ausreichend hohen Druck auf und zerstört durch diesen Druck die Verschlussfläche 93 des auslassseitigen Verschlusses 92, so dass dann der Austragkanal 14 frei von Sperren ist und die Flüssigkeit des Speicherauslasses 120 unter Hinzumengung des Zusatzmediums aus der Mischkammer 22 zur Austragöffnung 12 gefördert wird.The exchange units 20 in this embodiment are well based on the Figure 4A to recognize. The exchange units 20 have a mixing chamber 22 surrounded by a flexible foil wall 36, the membrane being attached to a rigid section 38 which is penetrated by part of the discharge channel 14 and at the end of which the discharge opening 12 is provided. To start up the liquid dispenser 100 according to 4 the receiving space 16 is made accessible by opening the closing element 17B and the exchange unit 20 is inserted in such a way that an annular web 38A on the rigid section 38 engages in a corresponding groove 13 on the two housing parts 17A, 17B. In this state, according to the representation of Figure 4B the receiving space 16 is closed, whereby the bag surrounded by the film wall 36 with the mixing chamber 22 is pressed against an opening element 80 in the region of an inlet-side closure 90 with a closure surface 91 and is thereby opened, such as Figure 4C clarified. If the discharge head 10 is actuated for the first time, liquid flows from the liquid reservoir 110 into the mixing chamber 22, builds up a sufficiently high pressure here and destroys the closure surface 93 of the outlet-side closure 92 with this pressure, so that the discharge channel 14 is free of barriers and the liquid of the storage outlet 120 is conveyed with the addition of the additional medium from the mixing chamber 22 to the discharge opening 12.

Die Fig. 5A bis 5C und 6A bis 6D zeigen eine weitere Variante eines Austragkopfes 10 erfindungsgemäßer Art. Wie die Fig. 5A bis 5C verdeutlichen, ist hierbei vorgesehen, dass der Austragkopf 10, der bis auf die einsetzbare Austauscheinheit zur Wiederverwendung vorgesehen ist, einen Aufnahmeraum 16 in Form eines Aufnahmeschachtes 16A aufweist. Hier wird die Austauscheinheit 20 quer zur Betätigungsrichtung 2 in Richtung des Pfeils 4 eingeschoben, so dass eine an der Austauscheinheit 20 vorgesehene Austragöffnung 12 bis auf die gegenüberliegende Seite beim Einschieben gelangt. Der eingeschobene Zustand ist in Fig. 5B zu erkennen. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt ist ein einlassseitiger Verschluss in die Mischkammer 22 bereits geöffnet, wie nachfolgend erläutert wird. Es bedarf daher nur noch eines Öffnens des Verschlusses 94, indem die als Abziehfolie 95 ausgebildete Verschlussfläche entfernt wird.The Figures 5A to 5C and 6A to 6D show another variant of a discharge head 10 according to the invention Figures 5A to 5C To illustrate, it is provided here that the discharge head 10, which is intended for reuse except for the insertable replacement unit, has a receiving space 16 in the form of a receiving shaft 16A. Here, the exchange unit 20 is pushed in transversely to the direction of actuation 2 in the direction of the arrow 4, so that a discharge opening 12 provided on the exchange unit 20 reaches the opposite side when it is pushed in. The inserted state is in Figure 5B to recognize. At this point in time, an inlet-side closure into the mixing chamber 22 is already open, as will be explained below. It is therefore only necessary to open the closure 94 by removing the closure surface designed as a peel-off film 95 .

Anhand der Fig. 6A bis 6D ist zu erkennen, wie das Öffnen des Verschlusses 90 auf Seiten des Einlasses 23 erfolgt. Wenn in der in Fig. 6B verdeutlichten Weise die Austauscheinheit 20 in den Aufnahmeschacht 16A eingeschoben wird, verformt sie hierbei einen Teil des Gehäuses 15 des Austragkopfes 10. Sobald die Austauscheinheit 20 weit genug eingeschoben ist, nämlich in etwa bis zur Position der Fig. 6C, löst sich diese Verformung wieder auf, da nun ein Öffnungselement 80 am Gehäuse 15 des Austragkopfes 10, welches zwischenzeitlich ausgelenkt wurde, in seine Ursprungsposition zurückspringen kann und hierbei die Verschlussfläche 91 des Verschlusses 90 auf der Seite des Einlasses 23 der Mischkammer 22 zerstört. Abschließend wird ausgehend vom Zustand der Fig. 6C, der dem Zustand der Fig. 5B entspricht, die Abziehfolie 95 an einem Ende 96 manuell entfernt, so dass der Austragkanal 14 frei ist und ein Austrag der Hauptflüssigkeit und der Hinzumengung des Zusatzmediums aus der Mischkammer 22 erfolgen kann.Based on Figures 6A to 6D it can be seen how the closure 90 is opened on the side of the inlet 23 . If in the in Figure 6B clarified way the exchange unit 20 is inserted into the receiving shaft 16A, it deforms a part of the housing 15 of the discharge head 10. As soon as the exchange unit 20 is inserted far enough, namely approximately up to the position of the Figure 6C , this deformation disappears again, since an opening element 80 on the housing 15 of the discharge head 10, which has been deflected in the meantime, can jump back into its original position and, in doing so, the closure surface 91 of the closure 90 on the side of the inlet 23 the mixing chamber 22 destroyed. Finally, starting from the state of Figure 6C , of the state of Figure 5B corresponds, the peel-off film 95 is manually removed at one end 96 so that the discharge channel 14 is free and the main liquid and the admixture of the additional medium can be discharged from the mixing chamber 22 .

Die Fig. 7A bis 7D zeigen eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung, die als Variante zur Ausgestaltung der Fig. 5A bis 6D gelten kann. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung ist die Austragöffnung 12 nicht wie bei der vorangegangenen Variante Teil der Austauscheinheit 20, sondern am Gehäuse 15 des Austragkopfes 10 vorgesehen. Wie auch zum Öffnen des Verschlusses 90 auf der Seite des Einlasses 23 ist an diesem Gehäuse des Austragkopfes 10 auch der Austragöffnung 12 ein Öffnungselement 80 zugeordnet, welches dafür vorgesehen ist, eine korrespondierende Verschlussfläche 91 an der Seite des Auslasses 24 der Mischkammer 22 zu zerstören.The Figures 7A to 7D show another embodiment of the invention, as a variant of the configuration of Figures 5A to 6D can apply. In this embodiment, the discharge opening 12 is not part of the exchange unit 20 as in the previous variant, but is provided on the housing 15 of the discharge head 10 . As well as for opening the closure 90 on the side of the inlet 23, an opening element 80 is also assigned to the discharge opening 12 on this housing of the discharge head 10, which is intended to destroy a corresponding closure surface 91 on the side of the outlet 24 of the mixing chamber 22.

Wenn die Austauscheinheit 20 in der in Fig. 7B verdeutlichten Weise in Richtung des Pfeils 4 eingeschoben wird, so wird hierbei wiederum ein Zwischenzustand der Fig. 7C erreicht, ausgehend von dem die bis dahin stattgefundene elastische Verformung sich wieder entspannen kann. Hierbei wird jedoch die Austauscheinheit 20 weiter nach links gedrückt, so dass in etwa zeitgleich durch die jeweiligen Öffnungselemente 80 die Verschlussflächen 91 auf der Seite des Einlasses 23 und des Auslasses 24 der Mischkammer 22 zerstört werden. Hierdurch erreicht wird der Zustand der Fig. 7D, in dem der Austragkanal frei ist und ein Austrag von vermengter Flüssigkeit möglich wird.If the exchange unit 20 in the in Figure 7B illustrated way is inserted in the direction of arrow 4, so this is in turn an intermediate state of Figure 7C reached, starting from which the elastic deformation that has taken place up to that point can relax again. Here, however, the exchange unit 20 is pushed further to the left, so that the closing surfaces 91 on the side of the inlet 23 and the outlet 24 of the mixing chamber 22 are destroyed approximately at the same time by the respective opening elements 80 . This achieves the state of Figure 7D , in which the discharge channel is free and a discharge of mixed liquid is possible.

Beim nicht von der Erfindung umfassten Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 8A bis 8C ist lediglich ein Austragkopf 10 gezeigt, der gleichzeitig als Ganzes die Austauscheinheit 20 bildet und somit zum Aufsetzen auf einem Flüssigkeitsspeicher entsprechend beispielsweise den Fig. 1 und 3 vorgesehen ist. Es besteht insofern eine gewisse Übereinstimmung mit dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 bis 1B, bei dem ebenfalls der gesamte Austragkopf die Austauscheinheit darstellt.In the embodiment not covered by the invention Figures 8A to 8C only one discharge head 10 is shown, which at the same time forms the exchange unit 20 as a whole and thus for placing on a liquid reservoir in accordance with, for example, the 1 and 3 is provided. There is a certain agreement with the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 1B , in which the entire discharge head also represents the exchange unit.

Die Besonderheit am Austragkopf 10 der Fig. 8A bis 8C ist, dass dieser als zweiteilige Austauscheinheit 20 aus zwei Bauteilen 39, 40 zusammengesetzt ist, wobei Bauteil 39 das Hauptbauteil ist, welches am Auslassstutzen 122 des Flüssigkeitsspeichers befestigt wird. Das andere Bauteil 40 der Austauscheinheit 20 hat in etwa die Form eines umgedrehten Napfes und ist an seiner Unterseite durch einen Verschluss 90 mit einer Verschlussfläche 91 versperrt. Eine auslassseitige Verschlussfläche in diesem Sinne ist jedoch nicht vorgesehen.The special feature of the discharge head 10 der Figures 8A to 8C is that it is composed of two components 39, 40 as a two-part replacement unit 20, component 39 being the main component, which is attached to the outlet connector 122 of the liquid reservoir. The other component 40 of the exchange unit 20 is approximately in the shape of an inverted cup and is locked on its underside by a lock 90 with a locking surface 91 . However, an outlet-side closure surface in this sense is not provided.

Der Zustand der Fig. 8A zeigt einen Zwischenzustand während der Montage, bei dem das Bauteil 40 noch nicht in das Hauptbauteil 39 eingesetzt ist. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt kann die Mischkammer 22 durch den Auslass 24 hindurch mit dem Zusatzmedium befüllt werden. Anschließend wird der Zustand der Fig. 8B hergestellt, in dem durch Einsetzen des Bauteils 40 der Auslass 24 versperrt ist.The state of Figure 8A shows an intermediate state during assembly, in which the component 40 is not yet inserted into the main component 39. At this point in time, the mixing chamber 22 can be filled with the additional medium through the outlet 24 . Subsequently, the state of Figure 8B produced in which the outlet 24 is blocked by inserting the component 40 .

In diesem Liefer- und Lagerzustand der Fig. 8B, in dem die Mischkammer 22 mit Zusatzmedium befüllt ist, ist der Auslass 24 durch ein Schiebeventil 42 verschlossen. Dieses Schiebeventil 42 wird durch Wandungen des Bauteils 39 und einen Kanal am Auslass 24 gebildet. Im Liefer- und Lagerzustand der Fig. 8B ist somit die Mischkammer 22 gegenüber einer Umgebung isoliert.In this delivery and storage condition Figure 8B , in which the mixing chamber 22 is filled with additional medium, the outlet 24 is closed by a slide valve 42. This slide valve 42 is formed by the walls of the component 39 and a channel at the outlet 24 . In the delivery and storage condition of the Figure 8B the mixing chamber 22 is thus isolated from an environment.

Sobald die Austauscheinheit 20 Verwendung finden soll, wird der die Austauscheinheit 20 bildende Austragkopf 10 auf den Auslassstutzen 122 des Flüssigkeitsspeichers 110 aufgesetzt und das Bauteil 40 wird tiefer in das Bauteil 39 hineingedrückt. Hierdurch gelangt ein Öffnungselement 80 am Bauteil 39 in Kontakt mit dem Verschluss 90 mit Verschlussfläche 91 an der Einlassseite der Mischkammer 22 und zerstört diese, wie aus Fig. 8C ersichtlich ist. Gleichzeitig kommt es im Bereich des Schiebeventils 42 zu einer kommunizierenden Verbindung zwischen dem Auslass 24 und der Austragöffnung 12. Nach Niederdrücken des Bauteils 40 ist somit der Austragkanal 14 vollständig frei und Hauptflüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsspeicher 110 kann unter Beimengung des Zusatzfluids aus der Mischkammer 22 ausgegeben werden.As soon as the exchange unit 20 is to be used, the discharge head 10 forming the exchange unit 20 is placed on the outlet socket 122 of the liquid reservoir 110 and the component 40 is pressed deeper into the component 39 . As a result, an opening element 80 on component 39 comes into contact with the closure 90 with closure surface 91 on the inlet side of the mixing chamber 22 and destroys it, as shown in FIG Figure 8C is evident. At the same time, there is a communicating connection between the outlet 24 and the discharge opening 12 in the area of the slide valve 42. After the component 40 has been depressed, the discharge channel 14 is thus completely free and the main liquid from the liquid reservoir 110 can be discharged from the mixing chamber 22 with the addition of the additional fluid .

Claims (7)

  1. Liquid dispenser (100) having the following features:
    a. the liquid dispenser (100) has a liquid reservoir (110) which is filled with a main liquid and which
    - is designed as a pressure reservoir and has a switching valve (112) by means of which the main liquid can be conveyed from the liquid reservoir (110) to a reservoir outlet (120), or
    - is designed as a pressureless liquid reservoir (110) and has a conveying device (114) by means of which the main liquid can be conveyed from the liquid reservoir (110) to a reservoir outlet (120), and
    b. the liquid dispenser (100) has a dispensing head (10) which has a dispensing opening (12) and a dispensing duct (14) which connects the reservoir outlet (120) to the dispensing opening (12),
    c. the dispensing head (10) can be pressed down in an actuating direction (2) in the direction of the liquid reservoir, with the switching valve (112) or the conveying device (114) being actuated as a result, and
    d. the liquid dispenser (100) has an interchangeable exchange unit (20) which, in a functional state, forms the dispensing duct (14) at least in certain portions, and
    e. the exchange unit (20) has a mixing chamber (22) in which an additional medium is arranged, and
    f. the mixing chamber (22) has an inlet (23) and an outlet (24) separated therefrom, wherein the exchange unit (20) is part of the dispensing duct (14) in such a way that the inlet (23) is communicatively connected to the reservoir outlet (120) and the outlet (24) is communicatively connected to the dispensing opening (12),
    characterized by the following features:
    g. the exchange unit (20) has closures (90, 92, 94) at the inlet (23) and at the outlet (24) by means of which the mixing chamber (22) is closed in a liquidtight manner in a storage state, and
    h. the liquid dispenser (100) has a dispensing head (10) which has a receiving space (16) which is designed to receive the exchange unit (20), and
    i. a feed duct portion (14A) of the dispensing duct (14), which forms part of the dispensing head (10), opens into the receiving space (16), and
    j. the exchange unit (20) is designed in such a way that, upon insertion into the receiving space (16), it assumes a desired position in which the mouth of the feed duct portion (14A) comes into communicative connection with the inlet (23) of the mixing chamber (22) of the exchange unit (20).
  2. Liquid dispenser (100) according to Claim 1 having the following additional features:
    a. the receiving space (16) has an opening element (80) which is arranged and designed so as to be adapted to the exchange unit in such a way that
    - by introducing the exchange unit (20) into the receiving space (16) or
    - by closing a closing element (17B) which closes the receiving space (16) the closure (90) at the inlet (23) of the mixing chamber (22) or the closure (90) at the outlet (24) of the mixing chamber (22) is destructively opened.
  3. Liquid dispenser (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 having the following additional feature:
    a. the receiving space (16) is designed as a receiving shaft (16A) which is open at least on one side from an outer side of the dispensing head (10) and into which the exchange unit can be inserted in an insertion direction (4),
    preferably having the additional feature:
    b. the insertion direction (4) is oriented nonparallel to the actuating direction (2), particularly preferably at an angle of 90°.
  4. Liquid dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims having the following additional feature:
    a. the closure (94) at the inlet (23) and/or at the outlet (24) of the mixing chamber (22) is configured with a peel-off film (95).
  5. Liquid dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims having the following additional features:
    a. the mixing chamber (22) of the exchange unit (20) is at least partially delimited by film walls (36),
    in particular having one of the following features:
    b. the mixing chamber (22) of the exchange unit (20) is for the most part delimited by film walls (36), and/or
    c. the exchange unit (20) has a rigid portion (38) which is penetrated on the inlet side or the outlet side by the dispensing duct (14), wherein preferably the receiving space (16) and the exchange unit (20) are adapted to one another in such a way that the rigid portion (38) can be fixed in a defined position at the receiving space (16) in a form-fitting manner.
  6. Liquid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims having the following additional feature:
    a. the dispensing opening (12) of the liquid dispenser (100) is formed by a dispensing opening (12) which is part of the exchange unit (20).
  7. Set consisting of a liquid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims and at least one second structurally identical exchange unit.
EP17185629.7A 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium Active EP3441324B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17185629.7A EP3441324B1 (en) 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium
PCT/EP2018/070740 WO2019030055A1 (en) 2017-08-09 2018-07-31 Liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid, having an additional reservoir for an additional medium
CN201880051562.5A CN110914174B (en) 2017-08-09 2018-07-31 Liquid dispenser for discharging liquid with additional reservoir for additional medium
KR1020207006787A KR102671523B1 (en) 2017-08-09 2018-07-31 Liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid, having an additional reservoir for additional media
US16/637,410 US11046503B2 (en) 2017-08-09 2018-07-31 Liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid, having an additional reservoir for an additional medium

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17185629.7A EP3441324B1 (en) 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3441324A1 EP3441324A1 (en) 2019-02-13
EP3441324B1 true EP3441324B1 (en) 2023-08-02

Family

ID=59579535

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17185629.7A Active EP3441324B1 (en) 2017-08-09 2017-08-09 Liquid dispenser for applying a liquid with an additional storage device for an additional medium

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US11046503B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3441324B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110914174B (en)
WO (1) WO2019030055A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019246101A1 (en) * 2018-06-21 2019-12-26 Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation Dispensing assembly including an additive mixing device
CA3166476A1 (en) 2020-01-29 2021-08-05 Over The Top Foods Inc. Dispensation devices and methods of manufacture and use thereof

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3258171A (en) * 1964-04-13 1966-06-28 Carter Wallace Aerosol dispenser with heating device
US3338479A (en) * 1966-04-04 1967-08-29 Leonard L Marraffino Mixing head with secondary fluid adapted for connection with discharge means of primary fluid container
US3593894A (en) 1967-11-24 1971-07-20 Colgate Palmolive Co Aerosol dispenser attachment for incorporating additives into spray compositions
JPH02160068A (en) 1988-12-14 1990-06-20 Kenjiro Mandokoro Nozzle device for spraying
US5906316A (en) * 1997-09-04 1999-05-25 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Nozzle to dispense active material
FR2810643B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2002-09-06 Oreal DISPENSING HEAD, AND PACKAGING AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY PROVIDED WITH SUCH A HEAD
FR2814155B1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2003-02-21 Oreal CONTAINER WITH AT LEAST TWO COMPARTMENTS AND MIXER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A CONTAINER
US6868990B2 (en) * 2002-09-26 2005-03-22 Emsar, Inc. Fluid dispenser with shuttling mixing chamber
CN101495602B (en) * 2005-06-13 2012-07-18 法商Bic公司 Fuels for hydrogen generating cartridges
US8444017B2 (en) * 2007-03-09 2013-05-21 Kao Corporation Pump-equipped container and duplex discharge container
WO2012032010A1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2012-03-15 Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A. Metered-dose inhaler and method of using the same
DE102011078476A1 (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-01-03 Beiersdorf Ag Dispenser for sprayable preparations
DE102014204831B4 (en) * 2014-03-14 2020-06-18 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Discharge head for a dispenser, dispenser with discharge head, and method for producing a discharge head
US9987645B2 (en) * 2015-07-17 2018-06-05 Butler's Brand, Inc. Concentrated cleaning capsule and atomizer for dispensing cleaning solution therefrom

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20200180849A1 (en) 2020-06-11
WO2019030055A1 (en) 2019-02-14
CN110914174A (en) 2020-03-24
EP3441324A1 (en) 2019-02-13
CN110914174B (en) 2023-03-24
US11046503B2 (en) 2021-06-29
KR20200040267A (en) 2020-04-17

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