EP3059181A1 - Drop dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing drops with a cap (1) forming a grommet (2), the grommet (2) having a wall adjoining a diameter-sized end section (8, 10), which in some regions is in the form of a ring throat (6, FIG. 7) and has a small diameter end section (4) adjoining the annular groove (6, 7) with an opening (4 '), an extension axis (A) of the nozzle (2) passing through the opening (4') and the large diameter end portion (8, 10) extends. The wall of the annular groove (7, 8) is so flexible that the extension axis (A) of the nozzle (2) inclines by an angle (³) upon application of a force (K) to the small diameter end portion (4) and in the region the annular groove (6, 7) forms a concavity (13). The small diameter end portion (4) is a transversely projecting to the extension axis (A) projecting actuating projection (5) for applying the force (K), which is formed by a collar having a circular outline.

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing drops with a spout forming a cap, wherein the spout has a wall adjoining a large diameter end portion, which is partially formed as a ring throat, and having a diameter adjacent to the annular throat end portion having an opening, wherein an extension axis of the spout extends through the opening and the large-diameter end portion.

Drop dispensers are for example from the US 2,684,789 known. A cap closing a storage container has a spout which has a closure collar associated with a large diameter portion of the spout. The diameter of the spout decreases in the direction of an extension axis of the spout to form a ring throat, so that forms a concave outer wall. The outer wall merges into a small diameter end portion, in which there is an outlet opening for a stored in the container liquid or pasty mass. By pressure on the side surfaces of the container, its volume is reduced and a portion of the liquid stored in the container is forced through the outlet opening. A similarly designed and functioning drop dispenser describes the DE 30 28 079 A1 ,

The invention has for its object to further develop a generic device nutzsvorteilhaft. The problem is solved by the invention specified in the claims, wherein the dependent claims are not only advantageous developments of the main claim, but also independent solutions to the problem.

First and foremost, it is proposed that the wall of the annular throat is flexible. A force applied transversely to the extension direction of the extension axis on the spout leads to a tendency of the spout or by the Opening of the spout extending extension axis. On the side against which the nozzle is tilted, a concavity forms in the area of the annular throat. The wall of the annular throat bulges in the inner volume of the cap. This leads to a reduction of the surrounding of the wall of the spout inner volume of the cap. The cap is preferably located on an opening of a cup part, which forms a storage container for a liquid or pasty mass. The container is thus enclosed around. The liquid or pasty mass in the container can only escape through the opening of the spout. If the drop dispenser is turned upside down before tilting of the small-diameter end portion so that the inner volume of the cap fills with the liquid or the pasty mass, part of the pasty mass or liquid escapes from the volume reduction caused by tilting and arching Outlet opening out. The flexible wall of the annular groove has sufficient restoring force to move the spout back to its original position after the transverse force has been removed. This leads to a slight suction effect, so that the part of the liquid or pasty mass, which is located in the small diameter end portion, is sucked back into the container. The spout is preferably made of a soft plastic, in particular polypropylene. It has sections with different wall thicknesses. Preferably, the two end portions have a greater wall thickness, as the portion of the spout, which forms the annular groove. The annular groove may have a plurality of sections which follow one another in the axial direction. It is thus provided in particular that directly adjoining a diameter-largest edge of the spout, a strongly curved annular groove section follows. At this highly curved annular groove portion, a weakly curved annular groove section connects, which merges into the substantially cylindrical end portion. The end section is preferably associated with an actuation zone or an actuation section. This operating zone is haptically different from the adjacent zones. It can be a cylindrical zone. In the zone, the surface of the spout may be roughened. It may have radially outwardly projecting nubs. The end section is preferably a transversely to the direction of extension in the radial outward direction - with respect to the extension axis - projecting abragender actuating projection. This actuating projection forms a haptic resistance against which a user's finger can exert a force. This force may include an axial component and a radial component directed toward the axis to tilt the small diameter end portion of the spout relative to the large diameter end portion of the spout to form the above-mentioned indentation. However, it is basically sufficient if an axial force is exerted against the actuating projection. Since the actuating projection is spaced from the axis, a torque is formed, which has the tilting of the opening-side Tüllenabschnitts result. The actuating projection may extend around the entire circumference of the rotationally symmetrical end portion. For this purpose, the projection may be formed by a collar protruding radially from the outer wall of the end section. But it is also envisaged that protrude several individual projections in different directions of the spout. It is, for example, provided that four identically shaped projections project in a uniform circumferential distribution about the extension axis in the radial direction outward from the spout. Each projection may have a fingertip attack surface. The fingertip attack surface may originate from the slightly grooved area of the spout to form a curve. One of the fingertip attack surface opposite flank portion of the actuating projection may lie in a plane. It may be a transverse plane to the extension axis. However, the actuating projection or the plurality of actuating projections may also have a floor plan which, like the outline of the collar, extends on a circular arc line. The spout is preferably formed as a rotational body. The wall of the curvature preferably extends continuously between a diameter-sized end section and a diameter-reduced end section on a convex curvature line, so that the inner wall of the spout has a funnel shape. The spout is made of a soft plastic, especially made of polypropylene and has the lowest wall thickness in the area of the annular throat. In the area of the opening of the small diameter end portion may be provided with a smaller diameter outlet opening. The outlet opening is preferably surrounded by an edge and lies in the axial direction away from the opening of the small-diameter end portion. The diameter of the outlet opening can thus be adapted to the viscosity of the material stored in the container. For dosing a liquid with a low viscosity, the outlet opening has a small diameter. For dosing a pasty mass with a high viscosity, the outlet opening has a large diameter. The diameter of the outlet opening can be widened to the diameter of the tubular diameter-small end portion, without having to change the design of the spout otherwise. The large diameter end portion of the spout is preferably connected to a mounting collar. The mounting collar is preferably made of a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. The cap is preferably made by 2K injection molding, for which purpose first the mounting collar is made and in the opening of the mounting collar, the spout is injected. The mounting collar is then in a radially outwardly projecting annular groove of the spout, so that the spout protrudes beyond the mounting collar in the axial direction of the extension axis of the spout in both directions. With the mounting collar, the attachment of the cap takes place on a preferably cup-shaped container, wherein the cap, an edge of the container is closed. A portion of the spout forms a sealing function by sealing against the inner wall of the edge of the container. The mounting collar preferably has latching means, for example an annular latching projection which engages over a Gegenrastwulst of the edge of the container when attaching the cap to the container. Means can be provided with which a rotationally fixed connection of the cap to the container is achieved. The anti-rotation preferably has interlocking positive locking means. Thus, the edge of the container may have a plurality of tooth-like projections extending around the entire circumference of the edge, leaving between them inlet openings for a securing projection of the fastening collar. It is further preferably provided that the cap with a lid is closed. The lid preferably has a peripheral wall with an opening edge which can be placed on the large diameter end portion of the spout. There may be provided a thread having a threaded rib which cooperates with a threaded portion of the mounting collar, so that the lid is screwed onto the mounting collar. In the closed state, the cap protrudes into the cavity of the lid, the bottom of which preferably has closure means which, when the lid is placed on the cap, close the opening of the small-diameter end section. The closure means may have a central sealing projection, which protrudes in the closed state into the opening of the small-diameter end portion. The tubular diameter-low end portion protrudes into an annular groove of the lid and is surrounded by an annular projection. The diameter-reduced end portion may have a sealing bead. This can be arranged within the opening, so be directed radially inwardly. He then lies on the central sealing projection. Preferably, the sealing bead is in cross section in a point system on the sealing projection. It then forms a line-shaped seal around the sealing projection. The lid is preferably formed so that it can be plugged only in a straight direction, so that the spout does not kink when plugging the lid. However, the sealing bead can also point in the radial outward direction to abut against the inner wall of the annular projection. The latter can have a funnel-shaped opening, which simplifies the sliding in of the end section. The annular groove has sections with a different curvature. A highly curved groove portion, whose contour line extends, for example, on a circular arc with a small radius, immediately adjoins the edge of the large diameter portion. At this highly curved annular groove portion, a weakly curved annular groove section connects, which adjoins the actuating projection. This ring groove section also has a contour line which runs on a circular arc line. However, the arc has a larger radius.

The filling of the device according to the invention is carried out in an assembled state in which the cap is inserted in the lid and the mounting collar of the spout is not yet connected to the container. The filling of the container can take place through the large diameter opening of the container. Only after filling the container, the spout inserted in the lid is placed on the edge of the container. The anti-rotation projections engage in the anti-rotation recesses and the locking projection engages behind the counter-locking projection, so that the cap is rotatably and tensile strength connected to the container. By a quarter-circle rotation of the lid relative to the cap can be brought into a release position and withdrawn in the axial direction.

Fig. 1

den Schnitt durch einen kappenseitigen Abschnitt eines Tropfenspenders entlang der Schnittlinie I-I in Figur 2;

Fig. 2

die Draufsicht auf den Tropfenspender,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt wie Figur 1, jedoch mit vollständigem Gehäuse,

Fig. 4

den Behälter 20,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch einen Befestigungskragen 15,

Fig. 6

das Detail VI in Figur 5,

Fig. 7

eine Darstellung der Tülle 2 im gekippten Zustand,

Fig. 8

die Verschlusselemente 27, 28 und den durchmessergeringen Endabschnitt 4 eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung gemäß Figur 1 eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 10

eine Explosionsdarstellung wesentlicher Bestandteile der in Figur 9 dargestellten Vorrichtung,

Fig. 11

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie XI-XI in Figur 10,

Fig. 12

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Darstellung auf die Austrittsöffnung 3 und die Betätigungsvorsprünge 5,

Fig. 13

eine Seitenansicht auf den Befestigungskragen 15 und

Fig. 14

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie XIV-XIV in Figur 13.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

the section through a cap side portion of a drop dispenser along the section line II in FIG. 2 ;

Fig. 2

the top view of the drop dispenser,

Fig. 3

a cut like FIG. 1 but with a complete housing,

Fig. 4

the container 20,

Fig. 5

a section through a mounting collar 15,

Fig. 6

the detail VI in FIG. 5 .

Fig. 7

a representation of the spout 2 in the tilted state,

Fig. 8

the closure elements 27, 28 and the small-diameter end section 4 of a second embodiment,

Fig. 9

a representation according to FIG. 1 a third embodiment,

Fig. 10

an exploded view of essential components of in FIG. 9 illustrated device,

Fig. 11

the section according to the line XI-XI in FIG. 10 .

Fig. 12

an enlarged perspective view of the outlet opening 3 and the actuating projections 5,

Fig. 13

a side view of the mounting collar 15 and

Fig. 14

the section according to the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13 ,

The FIG. 3 shows the essential elements of a drop dispenser according to the invention, namely a cup forming a container 20 with a flat, circular disk-shaped bottom 22 and a circular cylindrical side wall 21 having an upper opening edge on which a mounting collar 15 of a spout 2 is attached, the part of a cap. 1 is on a lid 25 is attached.

The FIG. 1 shows the upper section of the FIG. 3 increases, so that it can be seen that protrudes from the edge of the cup portion 20, a counter-locking projection 24 which is engaged behind by a locking projection 16 of the mounting collar 15. The mounting collar 15 has a Z-shape in cross-section and is formed overall as a ring. While the locking projection 16 is directed radially inwardly, a threaded rib 17 is directed in the radial outward direction. The latching projection 16 and the counter-latching projection 24 may be formed by a circumferential rib.

The threaded rib 17 cooperates with a radially inwardly directed thread rib 26 of the lid 25. The threaded rib 17 and the counter-threaded rib 26 have a length such that a quarter-circle rotation is sufficient to disengage the thread 17, 26.

The mounting collar 15 is made of a harder polypropylene plastic part, which is part of a 2K injection molded part 1. It is a cap 1, which forms a spout 2. The spout 2 is made of a soft, elastic plastic, in particular of polypropylene and forms a cylindrical first end portion 10. The end portion 10 forms a radially outwardly directed circumferential recess in which the mounting collar 15 rests. The fastening collar 15 catching portion of the spout 2 forms a sealing edge 11. The sealing edge 11 is formed by a radially outwardly directed portion of the nozzle wall and forms together with a radially inwardly directed wall portion of the mounting collar 15 an annular gap in which an outermost edge portion of the edge of the cup member 20 inserted, so that the sealing edge 11 sealingly the inner wall of the edge of the cup member 20 is supported. But it is also intended to use other Abdichtvarianten.

The large-diameter end portion 10 has an outer diameter of 25 to 35 mm and adjacent to a first heavily grooved annular throat portion 7 at. The strongly curved annular groove region 7 forms a wall section of the nozzle 2, which extends in a longitudinal section through an extension axis A on a circular arc line, which may have a radius of about 10 mm. The strongly grooved area 7 is followed by a slightly grooved area, the wall of which runs along a circular arc whose radius is about 45 mm. The two grooved areas 6, 7 form a ring groove section, which runs rotationally symmetrical to the extension axis A, the extension axis A passing through the center of the diameter End portion 10 and the center of a small diameter end portion 4 of the spout 2 extends, which adjoins the slightly grooved area 6. The wall thicknesses of the two end sections 4, 10 are greater than the wall thicknesses of the grooved areas 6, 7.

The axial length of the spout 2 corresponds approximately to the diameter of the large diameter end portion 10. The diameter of the small diameter end portion 4 is about 5 mm. In the region of the transition zone between the cylindrical diameter-reduced end section 4 and the slightly grooved area 6 there is an actuating projection in the form of a collar 5 or annular projection. The annular projection projects beyond the outer wall of the spout 2 by about 3 to 5 mm and forms in cross section a disc whose plane is perpendicular to the extension axis A.

The small diameter end portion 4 has at its free end an opening 4 'with an opening width of about 3 mm. On its outwardly facing wall extends a sealing bead 19th

In the in the FIG. 8 The sealing projection 27 'has an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter surrounded by the sealing bead 19'. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing projection 27 is a cylindrical surface on which a crest line of the sealing bead 19 'rests in a line system.

Approximately 3 to 5 mm from the outermost edge of the opening 4 extends within the nozzle 2, an edge 3 ', which surrounds a central outlet opening 3. The diameter of the outlet opening 3 can be between 1 and 3 mm, depending on the viscosity of the medium stored in the cup part 20.

The bottom of the lid 25 has a central sealing projection 27, which engages with the lid 2 mounted on the lid 25 in the opening 4 '. In the in the FIG. 8 illustrated embodiment, the sealing bead 19 'is in sealing contact with the sealing projection 27. In the in the FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, the inner wall of the opening 4 'is in sealing engagement with the sealing projection 27th

The sealing projection 27 is surrounded by an annular projection 28, so that between the sealing projection 27 and annular projection 28 an annular groove remains. The end section 4 is in this annular groove. The inner wall of the annular projection 28 may be inclined in a funnel shape. At the inner wall of the annular projection 28 is located in the in the FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment of the sealing bead 19 sealingly.

From the FIGS. 4 to 6 remove the anti-twist device. The outermost edge of the cup 20 has a tooth system with tooth gaps, the anti-rotation recesses 23 form. The fastening collar 15 has one or more anti-rotation projections 18 which, when the fastening collar 15 is put on the edge of the cup part 20, enter in each case an anti-rotation recess 23.

The FIG. 7 shows the operation of the spout 2. The extending through the center of the opening 4 'and the center of the opening of the cup member 20 extension axis A, which is also the axis of rotational symmetry of the entire device, is perpendicular to a plane in which the edge 8 of the large diameter end portion 10 lies.

Is on the operating projection 5, a force K in the direction of the arrow FIG. 7 exercised, wherein the force K can also extend in the direction of the axis A, a torque in the direction of the arrow D is exerted on the spout 2. As a result, the extension axis A inclines by an angle γ in an extension direction A '. Along with this inclination or the tilting of the spout 2 forms on the opposite side of the force acting side Side in the region of the grooved areas 6, 7 a concavity 13 from. The radius of curvature in the transition region between weakly grooved area 6 and heavily grooved area 7 decreases and a large area of the thin-walled sleeve wall section bulges into the contour volume of the force-unstressed cap 1. This reduces the internal cap volume, so that the device can be turned upside down Medium can escape through the outlet opening 3. The discharge amount can be influenced by the degree of tilting of the spout 2.

The ring encircling, rotationally symmetrical actuating projection 5 allows easy operation. It is prevented that the force required for tilting K applied finger with the emerging from the opening 4 'liquid or pasty mass comes into contact. The fingertip finds a secure hold on the radially projecting actuating projection 5. The rotational position of the device is irrelevant due to its rotational symmetry.

Instead of an actuating projection 5, the nozzle 2 but also have a haptic opposite the adjacent surface differently configured operating zone. This operating zone may be an annular zone around the entire circumference of the spout. It can be a roughened surface section. The actuation zone may also be formed by a knob arrangement.

In the embodiment, the connection of the cap 1 with the cup 20 is a plug-in assembly. Alternatively, the connection of the cap 1 with the cup portion 20 but also be realized by a threaded connection. The cup may have a volume between 10 and 50 ml.

The elasticity of the material of the spout 2 is sufficiently large to shift the spout 2 back to the initial position shown in dashed lines after the removal of the force K back.

The FIGS. 9 to 14 show a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the embodiments described above substantially by the configuration of an actuation zone 5 at the small diameter portion of the slightly grooved portion 6 of the spout 2. The spout 2, which becomes slimmer in the direction of the outlet opening 3, merges into a fingertip attack surface 5 '. The fingertip engagement surface 5 'forms a ring throat region in which the diameter of the spout 2 increases. The fingertip-attack surface 5 'thus forms an attack flank of a radially projecting actuating projection 5. In the embodiment, a plurality, in particular four in uniform circumferential distribution about the extension axis A arranged actuating projections 5 are provided, each having a curved fingertip-attack surface 5'. A surface facing away from the fingertip-engaging surface 5 'forms a plane 5 ".This plane 5" faces the edge of the outlet opening 3. All actuating projections 5 have an edge directed towards the outlet opening 3, all flanks lying in the plane 5 " 5 "runs transversely to the extension axis A.

From the FIGS. 11 and 12 It will be understood that the contour contour line of the plane 5 "is composed of four semicircular arcuate portions which are connected together to form oppositely directed arcuate portions.

The contour lines of the actuating projections 5 lying on semicircular arc sections have a vertex which has a projection 31 protruding radially outward.

The FIGS. 13 and 14 show a mounting collar 15 having radially outwardly facing projections 30. There are a total of three at an angular distance provided by 120 ° projections 30 which allow a bayonet-like closure of the lid 25.

The material of the nozzle 2 forms radially outwardly projecting locking projections 24. The latching projections 24 are located on the inner wall of the outer edge of the cup portion 20, which forms counter-projections 26 or intermediate grooves for this purpose. An outer edge portion of the cup portion 20 thus lies in an annular opening between an existing of a harder plastic edge of the mounting collar 15 and a portion of the existing of a softer plastic nozzle 2.

The above explanations serve to explain the inventions as a whole, which further develop the state of the art independently, at least by the following feature combinations, namely:

A device, which is characterized in that the wall of the annular groove 7, 8 is so flexible that the extension axis A of the nozzle 2 tilts upon application of a force K to the low-diameter end portion 4 by an angle γ and in the region of the annular groove. 6 , 7 forms a concavity 13.

A device which is characterized in that the small diameter end portion 4 is associated with an actuating zone 5, for applying a force K.

A device, which is characterized in that the actuating zone has at least one actuating projection 5, which protrudes in particular transversely to the extension axis A.

A device which is characterized in that the at least one actuating projection 5 has a rounded fingertip-engaging surface 5 'or by a knob or a collar, in particular a collar with a circular Floor plan is formed or that the actuation zone 5 is a roughened surface portion.

A device which is characterized in that the annular groove 6, 7 has a strongly curved section 7 adjoining directly to an edge 8 of the large-diameter end section 10 and a slightly curved section 6 adjacent thereto and adjoining the actuating projection 5.

A device, which is characterized in that the wall thickness of the wall in the region of the annular groove 6, 7 is less than in the region of the two end sections 4, 10.

A device which is characterized in that the spout 2 is a body of revolution about the extension axis A and consists of a soft plastic, in particular polypropylene.

A device which is characterized in that the spout 2 is connected to a mounting collar 15 made of a hard plastic, in particular polypropylene.

A device which is characterized by a smaller diameter outlet opening 3 arranged inside the opening 4 ', which is surrounded by an edge and which is spaced in the direction of the extension axis A from the edge of the opening 4' of the end section 4.

A device which is characterized by a cover 25 which has closure means 27, 28, with which the opening 4 'is closed with the cover 4 placed on the cap 1, the opening 4'.

A device which is characterized in that the cap 1 closes the opening of a cup portion 20 and is non-rotatably connected to the cup portion, wherein from the spout 2, a sealing edge 11 is formed, against which an edge portion of the cup portion 20 sealingly.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize with their features independent inventive developments of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES </ b>: 1 cap 23 Rotation recess 2 spout 24 Against locking projection 3 outlet opening 25 cover 3 ' edge 26 thread ridge 4 end 27 sealing projection 4 ' opening 28 annular projection 5 Operating, ring projection, collar 29 slope 5 ' Finger-engaging surface 30 radial projection 5 ' level 31 head Start 6 weakly grooved area 7 heavily grooved area 8th edge 10 end 11 sealing edge 12 folding zone 13 concavity 15 fixing collar A extension axis 16 catch projection A ' extension direction 17 thread ridge D arrow 18 Verdrehsicherungsvorsprung K force 19 sealing bead 19 ' sealing bead 20 Cup, mug 21 Side wall γ angle 22 ground

Claims (11)

Device for dispensing drops with a cap (1) forming a spout (2), wherein the spout (2) has a wall adjoining a diameter-sized end section (8, 10), which is formed in regions as a ring throat (6, 7) and a small diameter end portion (4) having an opening (4 ') adjoining the annular groove (6, 7), wherein an extension axis (A) of the nozzle (2) through the opening (4') and the large diameter end portion (8 , 10), characterized in that the wall of the annular groove (7, 8) is so flexible that the extension axis (A) of the nozzle (2) upon application of a force (K) on the small diameter end portion (4) to a Angle (γ) tends and forms a concavity (13) in the region of the annular groove (6, 7). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the small diameter end portion (4) is associated with an actuating zone (5) for applying a force (K). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating zone has at least one actuating projection (5), which protrudes in particular transversely to the extension axis (A). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actuating projection (5) has a rounded fingertip attack surface (5 ') or by a knob or a collar, in particular a collar with a circular outline is formed or that the actuating zone ( 5) is a roughened surface portion. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular groove (6, 7) has a strongly curved section (7) immediately adjoining an edge (8) of the large-diameter end section (10) and adjoining the actuating projection (8). 5) has adjacent weakly curved portion (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall thickness of the wall in the region of the annular groove (6, 7) is less than in the region of the two end portions (4,10). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (2) is a rotational body about the extension axis (A) and consists of a soft plastic, in particular polypropylene. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (2) with a mounting collar (15) made of a hard plastic, in particular polypropylene, is connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an inside the opening (4 ') arranged diameter lower outlet opening (3) which is surrounded by an edge and in the direction of the axis of extension (A) of the edge of the opening (4') of the end portion (4) is spaced. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cover (25) which has closure means (27, 28) with which the opening (4 ') is closed when the cover (4') is placed on the cap (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap (1) closes the opening of a cup part (20) and is non-rotatably connected to the cup part, wherein of the spout (2) a sealing flank (11) is formed on the one Edge portion of the cup part (20) sealingly.

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