Abstract
A dispensing device for a fluid dispenser has a housing, a dispensing mechanism and a dispensing nozzle which can be displaced parallel to a longitudinal extension of the dispensing device by means of the dispensing mechanism. A fluid container is connectable to the dispensing device of the fluid dispenser for the passage of fluid through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing mechanism has an actuating handle which can be actuated substantially transversely to the longitudinal extension. The actuating handle comprises two actuating elements which are arranged opposite to one another in relation to the dispensing nozzle, wherein at least one actuating arm is assigned to each actuating element, the actuating arm extending on the inside of the actuating handle between the actuating element and an actuating surface of the dispensing nozzle, the actuating surface being formed perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the dispensing nozzle.
Claims
1. A dispensing device for a fluid dispenser, which has a housing, a dispensing mechanism and a dispensing nozzle, which can be displaced parallel to a longitudinal extension of the dispensing device by means of the dispensing mechanism, and to which a fluid container of the fluid dispenser can be connected for the passage of fluid through the dispensing nozzle, wherein the dispensing mechanism has an actuating handle, which can be actuated substantially transversely to the longitudinal extension and the actuating movement of which is deflectable in a displacement of the dispensing nozzle counter an emptying direction, which is defined parallel to the longitudinal extension, wherein the actuating handle further has two actuating elements, which are arranged opposite to one another in relation to the dispensing nozzle and which are connected to actuating arms of the dispensing mechanism in one piece, said actuating arms being formed in one piece with the dispensing nozzle, wherein the actuating elements and the actuating arms are arranged in a substantially M-shaped manner in relation to a longitudinal section through a plane spanned by the actuating arms, wherein an actuating arm has a curved elastically resilient impact section and a connecting section, wherein the impact section is arranged between the connecting section and the dispensing nozzle, and wherein the impact section is curved in the direction of the fluid container such that an apex of the curve faces away from the fluid container, and the impact section is connected to the connecting section by means of an elastically resilient area, so as to provide for a setup movement of the impact section in the course of the actuation of the actuating handle.
2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating elements are elastically resilient partial housing areas of the housing of the dispensing device, in particular are formed as membrane.
3. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating elements protrude beyond the surrounding housing, so that a peripheral section of the actuating element has a larger distance to the dispensing nozzle than an assigned peripheral section of the housing in the same direction.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will be described in more detail below by means of exemplary embodiments.
(2) FIG. 1 shows a dispensing device in a perspective view,
(3) FIG. 2 shows a dispensing device according to a first embodiment (not an embodiment according to the invention) in a longitudinal section in a non-actuated position,
(4) FIG. 3 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 2 in an exploded illustration,
(5) FIG. 4 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 2 in an actuated position,
(6) FIG. 5 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 2 in a longitudinal section rotated by 90 degrees,
(7) FIG. 6 shows a dispensing device according to a second embodiment (not an embodiment according to the invention) in a longitudinal section (open position),
(8) FIG. 7 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 in an exploded illustration,
(9) FIG. 8 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 in a longitudinal section rotated by 90 degrees,
(10) FIG. 9 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 in a closed position,
(11) FIG. 10 shows a modification of the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 with only one actuating element,
(12) FIG. 11 shows a dispensing mechanism of the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 in a top view,
(13) FIG. 12 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 6 in a perspective cross section,
(14) FIG. 13 shows the dispensing mechanism according to FIG. 11 in a perspective view,
(15) FIG. 14 shows a dispensing device according to a third embodiment (not an embodiment according to the invention) in a longitudinal section in a non-actuated position,
(16) FIG. 15 shows the dispensing device according to FIG. 14 in an actuated position,
(17) FIG. 16 shows the detailed view of a dispensing mechanism of the dispensing device according to FIG. 14,
(18) FIG. 17 shows a first partial housing area of the dispensing device according to FIG. 14,
(19) FIG. 18 shows a second partial housing area of the dispensing device according to FIG. 14,
(20) FIG. 19 shows a dispensing device according to a fourth embodiment in a longitudinal section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
(21) FIG. 1 shows a fluid dispenser 2 comprising a fluid container 6 and a dispensing device 1 arranged thereon. The fluid container 6 is formed for example as aerosol can here. The dispensing device 1 is pressed onto the fluid container 6. The fluid container 6 as well as the dispensing device 1 are formed cylindrically.
(22) The dispensing device 1 has a housing 3 comprising a frontal dispensing opening 16 for dispensing a fluid conveyed from the fluid container 6. An actuating handle 7 comprising two actuating elements 8 here is arranged on the peripheral surface of the dispensing device 1. The actuating elements 8 are inserted into corresponding recesses (partial housing areas 11) of the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1. The actuating elements 8 are substantially flush with the peripheral plane of the housing 3.
(23) FIG. 2 shows the dispensing device 1 and an upper partial area of the fluid container 6, at which the dispensing device 1 is arranged. The dispensing device 1 has a dispensing mechanism 4, which is located inside the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1. The dispensing mechanism 4 has the actuating handle 7 with the two actuating elements 8. Two actuating arms 9 are in each case assigned to each actuating element 8. The actuating elements 9 are immovably arranged on the actuating element 8. The actuating arms 9 in each case extend inside the housing 3 between the actuating element 8 and a dispensing nozzle 5, which guides a fluid from the fluid container 6 to the dispensing opening 16 of the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1. The dispensing nozzle 5 is arranged parallel to a longitudinal extension of the dispensing device 1, i.e. the longitudinal axis of the cylinder here, so as to be displaceable inside the dispensing device 1. The end areas of the actuating arms 9 located opposite the actuating elements 8 bear on an actuating surface 10 of the dispensing nozzle 5, so that a displacement of the actuating arms 9 can be transferred into a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5. The dispensing mechanism 4 furthermore has a connecting link 13, by means of which the dispensing mechanism 4 is held inside the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1. The housing 3 has the partial housing areas 11, through which the actuating elements 8 engage for actuation by a user of the fluid dispenser 2.
(24) The fluid container 6 has a valve 29, which can be actuated by means of the dispensing device 1. In the usual manner, the valve 29 has a piston 18 here, which can be displaced parallel to the longitudinal extension of the dispensing device 1 and which can be displaced from an illustrated locked position into a passage position against the force of a spring 19. A sealing element 20 is arranged between the piston 18 and a cylinder wall of the valve 29, against which sealing element the piston 18 abuts in the locked position and to which the piston 18 has a distance in the passage position, so that fluid can flow from the fluid container 6 through the spring 19 and into the dispensing nozzle 5 between the piston 18 and the sealing element 20. To actuate the piston 18, a tappet 21 is arranged on the dispensing nozzle 5, which tappet effects a displacement of the piston 18 into the passage position as a result of a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 in the direction of the fluid container 6.
(25) FIG. 3 shows the dispensing device 1 in an exploded illustration as well as the upper part of the fluid container 6, to which the dispensing device 1 can be connected. The housing 3 comprising the dispensing opening 16 as well as the partial housing areas 11 for guide-through of the actuating elements 8 of the dispensing mechanism 4, is illustrated. The dispensing mechanism 4 illustrated therebelow has a connecting link 13, which can be arranged on the inner wall of the housing 3 in a shape-corresponding manner. Here, the connecting link 13 is connected to the actuating elements 8 via integral hinges 12 in an exemplary manner, wherein the actuating elements 8 are located on opposite sides of the dispensing mechanism 4. The actuating elements 8 are pivotable relative to the connecting link 13 by means of the integral hinges 12. One actuating arm 9 is in each case arranged on each actuating element 8. The illustration shows the state of the dispensing mechanism 4 immediately after the production thereof. Advantageously, the dispensing mechanism 4 is made of a plastic, which can be processed in the injection molding process. The actuating elements 8 are pivoted relative to the connecting link 13 only for arranging the shown dispensing mechanism 4 inside the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1, so that the actuating arms 9 are substantially oriented towards one another. Here, the dispensing nozzle 5 is formed as separate component in an exemplary manner. They can, however, also be integrally molded to the dispensing mechanism 4 in one piece and so as to be capable of being displaced. The dispensing nozzle 5 has a substantially annular actuating surface 10 for attaching the free end areas of the actuating arms 9 as well as the tappet 21 for opening the valves 29 of the fluid container 6.
(26) FIG. 4 shows the dispensing device 1 according to FIG. 2 in an open state. The actuating elements 8 are thereby pivoted into the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1, whereby the actuating arms 9 are simultaneously also pivoted and the dispensing nozzle 5 is pressed across the actuating surface 10 in the direction of the fluid container 6. The valve 29 of the fluid container 6 is thus shifted into the open position, wherein the piston 18 is spaced apart from the sealing element 20 and the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid container 6 into the dispensing device 1 and through the dispensing opening 16 into the environment.
(27) FIG. 5 shows a view of the dispensing device 1, which is rotated by 90 degrees. In this illustration, the dispensing device 1 is cut perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the actuating arms 9. Two actuating arms 9, which, with their free end area, bear on the actuating surface 10 on opposite peripheral sides of the dispensing nozzle 5, are in each case arranged at each of the two actuating elements 8. The actuating arms 9 of a first actuating element 8 are thereby arranged closer to the dispensing nozzle 5 than the actuating arms 9 of a second actuating element 8. Both actuating arms 9 of the respective actuating element 8 are arranged at the same distance to the dispensing nozzle 5, so that the force, which acts on the actuating surface 10 by means of the actuating arms 9, is distributed substantially symmetrically to the dispensing nozzle 5. In the case of the embodiment shown here, the dispensing mechanism 4 is mirror-symmetrically to a plane, which runs through the dispensing nozzle 5 and which is oriented parallel to the actuating arms 9.
(28) The invention according to this embodiment works in such a way that a user actuates the dispensing device 1, which is connected to the fluid container 6, for dispensing fluid from the fluid container 6. For this purpose, the user pushes the actuating elements 8 of the actuating handle 7, which protrude through the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1, into the housing 3. The actuating elements 8 are thus pivoted about the integral hinges 12, wherein the actuating arms 9, which are fastened to the actuating elements 8, are tilted and are displaced downwards inside the dispensing device 1, i.e. in the direction of the fluid container 6, with their free end areas. The free end areas act on the actuating surface 10 of the dispensing nozzle 5, whereby the latter is also displaced in the direction of the fluid container 6. The tappet 21, which is arranged on the dispensing nozzle 5, actuates the valve 29, which is arranged inside the fluid container 6. Said valve is moved into an open position, so that fluid reaches from the fluid container through the dispensing nozzle 5 to the dispensing opening 16 and can be carried to the outside from there. To end the dispensing of fluid, the user ends the actuation of the actuating elements 8. The spring 19 of the valve 29 can thus displace the dispensing mechanism 4 back into the closed position of the dispensing device 1 again. In this position, the valve 29 is closed again and the actuating elements 8 are located substantially in the peripheral plane of the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1 and are thus available for an actuation again.
(29) FIGS. 6 to 13 show a second embodiment of the invention, in the case of which the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1 can be rotated relative to the connecting link 13 and the dispensing mechanism 4. The housing 3 is thereby rotatably supported on the connecting link 13 of the dispensing device 1, so that the dispensing device 1 can be displaced from a closed position, in which a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 is prevented, into an open position, in which a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 is made possible. The displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 and thus also the output of fluid from the fluid container 6, is prevented in that the actuating elements 8 are rotated out of the partial housing areas 11, with which the actuating elements 8 engage during the open position of the dispensing device 1, by means of a rotation of the housing 3 about the dispensing mechanism 4. So that the actuating elements 8 do not make it possible to view the dispensing mechanism 4 during the closed position, the housing 3 of the dispensing device 1 in the partial housing areas 11 has pivotable housing elements 14, which can be pivoted into the dispensing device 1 analogously to the actuating elements 8 of the dispensing mechanism 4.
(30) The connecting link 13, which is connected to the dispensing mechanism 4 in one piece, has a partial locking part 26, which engages with a corresponding groove 28 of the housing 3, which is formed along the periphery of the housing 3 in a annular manner. When the partial locking area 26 reaches into the partial housing areas 11 by means of the rotation of the housing 3 about the dispensing mechanism 4, the pivoting of housing elements 14 of the housing 3 to the inside is prevented, because the housing elements 14 only act against the partial locking areas 26 of the connecting link 13 in response to a displacement, but not against the actuating elements 8, which are unscrewed from the partial housing areas 11. When the user now transfers the housing 3 from the closed position into the open position, i.e. rotates the housing 3 relative to the dispensing mechanism 4 about such an angle of rotation that the actuating elements 8 are located upstream of the pivotable housing element 14 of the housing 3 again, the housing elements 14 and thus also the actuating elements 8 can be pivoted inwards into the dispensing device 1, and, as already described above, can effect the displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5.
(31) FIG. 7 shows the housing 3 and connecting link 13 comprising the dispensing mechanism 4. The connecting link 13, the dispensing mechanism 4, including the actuating handle 7 and the actuating arms 9 as well as the dispensing nozzle 5 are formed as a one-piece plastic injection molded part. Integral hinges 12, which provide for a pivoting of the actuating elements 8, are arranged between the connecting link 13 and the actuating elements 8. The dispensing nozzle 5 is arranged on an elastically deformable partial area of the connecting link 13, so that the dispensing nozzle 5 can be displaced relative to the connecting link 13 in response to a pressure of the actuating arms 9 onto the actuating surface 10 of the dispensing nozzle 5. To indicate to a user of the dispensing device 1 that the closed position or open position has been reached, respectively, during the rotation of the housing 3 about the dispensing mechanism 4, the connecting link 13 has collision elements 15, which cooperate with corresponding connecting elements 15 of the housing 3 (see FIG. 11). In response to a rotation of the housing 3 about the dispensing mechanism 4, the collision elements 15 of the housing 3 pass along the collision elements 15 of the connecting link 13, which causes a clicking noise, which signals an imminent reaching of the open position or closed position, respectively, to the user. Provided that the user then further rotates the housing 3, end stops 17 formed on the partial locking area 26 of the connecting link 13 come into contact with the collision elements 15 of the housing 3. The collision elements 15 of the housing 3 are not able to move past the end stops 17 of the partial locking area 26, so that a further rotation of the housing 3 about the dispensing mechanism 4 is prevented. The open position or closed position, respectively, is thus reached. To once again get from the open position into the closed position, or to reach the open position, starting at the closed position, respectively, the user needs to rotate the housing 3 in the opposite direction.
(32) FIG. 8 shows the dispensing device 1 according to FIG. 6 in a view rotated by 90 degrees. It can be seen here that the partial locking area 26 of the connecting link 13 engages with the partial locking area 27 of the housing 3, but not in the area of the housing element 14, behind which the actuating elements 8 are currently arranged. The housing elements 14 and the actuating elements 8 can thus be pivoted.
(33) In contrast, FIG. 9 shows the closed position of the dispensing device 1, in which the partial locking area 26 of the connecting link 13 is rotated into the area of the housing elements 14, so that a pivoting of the housing elements 14 is prevented. The actuating elements 8 are located in a partial peripheral area of the housing 3, which does not have a housing element 14 for actuating the actuating elements 8.
(34) FIG. 10 shows a modification of the dispensing device 1, in the case of which the actuating handle 7 only has one actuating element 8 and only one actuating arm 9. This results in an asymmetrical construction of the dispensing device 1.
(35) FIG. 11 shows the dispensing mechanism 4 illustrated in FIG. 7, the connecting link 13 as well as the dispensing nozzle 5 in a view from the top. The dispensing nozzle 5 is connected to the connecting link 13 in one piece via movable arms 28, wherein a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 parallel to the longitudinal extension of the dispensing device 1 is possible due to an elastically deformable embodiment of the arms 28.
(36) FIG. 12 shows a perspective cross section trough the dispensing device 1. The section is located in the area of the partial locking area 27, which is formed on the housing 3. The collision elements 15 of the housing 3, which are formed for cooperating with the collision elements 15 of the connecting link 13 or the end stops 7 of the partial locking area 26 of the connecting link 13, respectively, can be seen.
(37) FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the dispensing mechanism 4, of the connecting link 13 as well as of the dispensing nozzle 5 according to FIG. 11.
(38) Lastly, FIGS. 14 to 18 show a third embodiment of the invention, in the case of which the housing 3 has a first partial housing area 24 and a second partial housing area 25. The first partial housing area 24 is connected to the fluid container 6 in a rotationally fixed manner, while the second partial housing area 25 is rotatably arranged on the first partial housing area 24. The first partial housing area 24, the dispensing mechanism 4, the dispensing nozzle 5, and the connecting link 13 are formed in one piece. At the same time, the actuating elements 8 are thereby pivotable partial areas of the housing 3. The actuating arms 9 are formed with these actuating elements 8 and the dispensing nozzle 5 in one piece, wherein each actuating arm 9 has an impact section 22 and a connecting section 23. The connecting section 23 is connected to the impact section 22 as well as to the actuating element 8 in an articulated manner by means of an integral hinge 12. The impact section 23 simultaneously forms the actuating surface 10 of the dispensing nozzle 5 and is obstructed from moving transversely to the displacement direction of the dispensing nozzle 5, but can be displaced in the direction of the fluid container 6, so that the displacement of the impact section 22 simultaneously requires a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5. In the course of an actuation of the actuating element 8 of the housing 3, the connecting section 23 is set up, so that it occupies a smaller angle relative to the longitudinal extension of the dispensing nozzle 5. This setup is made possible by the elastic formation of the integral hinges 12 in the area between the connecting section 23 and the actuating element 8 or the impact section 22 and the connecting section 23, respectively. As a result of the setup of the connecting section 23, a force is simultaneously exerted on the impact section 22, which results in a displacement of the dispensing nozzle 5 in the direction of the fluid container 6. As described above, this displacement effects an actuation of the valve 29 into the open position, so that fluid can flow from the fluid container 6 into the dispensing nozzle 5. The open position of the dispensing device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 15.
(39) FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of the housing 3, including the dispensing mechanism 4, connecting link 13 and dispensing nozzle 5, which are formed therewith in one piece. FIGS. 17 and 18 show perspective views of the first partial housing area 24 or of the second partial housing area 25, respectively, The collision elements 15 and end stops 17 of the second partial housing 25 can be seen, which cooperate with the collision elements 15 of the first partial housing area 24 as described above.
(40) FIG. 19 shows a fourth embodiment of a dispensing device 1, in the case of which the actuating elements 8, the actuating arms 9 and the dispensing nozzle 5 are embodied in one piece. Here, the actuating arms 9 have a curved elastically resilient impact section 22 as well as a connecting section 23, which is formed in a rigid and one-piece design with the actuating element 8. The curved impact section 22 is arranged between the connecting section 23 and the dispensing nozzle 5. An integral hinge 12, which provides for a pivoting of the connecting section 23 relative to the impact section 22 or vice versa, respectively, is furthermore arranged between the rigid connecting section 23 and the elastically resilient impact section 22. The impact section 22 is curved in the direction of the fluid container 6, i.e. the apex of the curve points in a direction, which faces away from the fluid container 6. In response to an actuation of the actuating elements 8 or of the housing elements 14, respectively, the connecting sections 23 of the actuating arms 9 are pivoted in a direction towards the dispensing nozzle 5. By pivoting the connecting section 23, the partial area of the impact section 22, which is arranged on the connecting section 23, is pushed in the direction of the dispensing nozzle 5, so that a setup movement of the impact section 22 takes place. The setup movement is supported by the integral hinge 12, which is arranged between the impact section 22 and the connecting section 23. As a result of the setup movement of the impact section 22, a force is exerted on the dispensing nozzle 5 in the direction of the fluid container 6, so that the dispensing nozzle 5 is displaced in the direction of the fluid container 6, and the valve 29 is opened for dispensing a fluid from the fluid container 6 into the dispensing nozzle 5.
(41) In particular and preferably, the fluid container 6 is an aerosol container. It contains a fluid, in particular a liquid, which is pressurized due to an overpressure of a gas blanket, which is further provided inside the fluid container. In response to the actuation of the valve 29, a constant fluid flow thus escapes as long as a pressure, which displaces the valve into the open position, is exerted via the actuating elements.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
(42) 1 dispensing device 29 valve 2 fluid dispenser 3 housing 4 dispensing mechanism 5 dispensing nozzle 6 fluid container 7 actuating handle 8 actuating element 9 actuating arm 10 actuating surface 11 partial housing area 12 integral hinge 13 connecting link 14 housing element 15 collision element 16 dispensing opening 17 end stop 18 piston 19 spring 20 sealing element 21 tappet 22 impact section 23 connecting section 24 first partial housing area 25 second partial housing area 26 partial locking area 27 partial locking area 28 arm
