Pump Head and Metering Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump head (I) with a specially designed flexible valve (20) which securely connects the pump head. The valve ensures the pump head is securely closed. The invention also relates to a metering device which can be designed, for example as a squeeze bottle, as a non-airless system or as an airless-system. Said metering device comprises the claimed pump head.

Description

[0001] Pump head and dosing device

[0002] The present invention relates to a pump head with a specially designed elastic valve that enables a secure closure of the pump head. The valve ensures a secure closure of the pump head. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a dispensing device, which can be designed, for example, as a squeeze bottle, a non-airless system, or an airless system, wherein the dispensing device comprises a pump head according to the invention.

[0003] Dosing systems such as squeeze bottles, non-airless systems, or airless systems are known from the prior art. These systems are characterized by portion-wise dosing of the fluid to be dispensed or by continuous dispensing of fluid when a corresponding pressure is applied to the dosing device.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a pump head that does not exhibit the aforementioned disadvantages. The pump head should close reliably and provide a tight seal; easy opening, even after the pump head has been stationary for an extended period, as well as a reliable seal between the reservoir and the pump head from the external environment, should be ensured. Furthermore, the pump head should have sufficiently simple mechanical operation, so that strong springs and the associated high operating forces can be largely dispensed with. In addition, a pump head according to the invention should exhibit a lower tendency to jam.

[0005] This problem is solved with respect to a pump head having the features of claim 1, and with respect to a metering device having the features of claim 40. The respective dependent claims represent advantageous embodiments.

[0006] The present invention thus relates to a pump head for a metering device for the metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising

[0007] a head base with an outlet opening for the fluid to be discharged, wherein the head base has an inner surface,

[0008] an elastic valve having a surface facing the inner surface of the head, wherein at least one sealing lip is formed on the surface running continuously around the outlet opening, a first component (“liner”) having a passage opening for the fluid to be discharged, through which the fluid is allowed to flow between the head and the elastic valve under deformation of the elastic valve and / or the at least one sealing lip and the formation of a space between the at least one sealing lip and the head (actuation state), wherein the head and the first component are connected in a form-fit and force-fit manner, including the elastic valve between the head and the first component.

[0009] In storage condition, at least one sealing lip of the elastic valve is pressed against the inner surface of the head around the outlet opening, thus sealing the gap against the environment.

[0010] The pump head according to the present invention thus comprises an elastic valve enclosed between a head section and a (first) component, the valve having at least one, preferably several, sealing lips on its surface facing the head section. The sealing lips project from the surface of the elastic valve facing the head section. By pressing the valve against the head section, the outlet opening of the head section can be fluidly sealed by the sealing lip and thus closed. The seal arranged between the head section and the first component thus enables a seal between the head section and the component.

[0011] The gap is formed when at least one sealing lip, which is in contact with the inner surface of the valve head during storage, is displaced, for example, by escaping fluid. This creates a gap between the elastic valve and the inner surface. The fluid can then flow through this gap between the valve and the inner surface towards the outlet opening.

[0012] A particularly advantageous feature of the pump head according to the present invention is that not the entire surface of the valve head rests on the component, but rather only a substantially point-like contact occurs between the sealing lips and the head in the storage state. The risk of the elastic valve sticking to the head, as described above, is minimized due to the limited contact area between the valve and the head. Because the valve rests only on the head via the lips, the spring force with which the valve is pressed against the head can also be lower, resulting in easier operation.

[0013] Due to the reduced contact area between the elastic valve and the valve head, resulting from the presence of sealing lips, the valve's contact pressure on the head is also increased. With the same contact force, which can be achieved, for example, by a spring pressing the valve against the valve head, the minimized contact area of ​​the valve on the head maximizes the contact pressure at the sealing lip interface compared to a valve head with full contact on the inner surface of the head. This significantly increases the valve's sealing effect. The elastic valve thus enables a particularly efficient seal of the outlet from the environment. This seal compensates for manufacturing defects, ensuring reliable performance even with less-than-ideal geometric design or...The arrangement of all components of the pump head ensures an efficient seal of the internal flow path of the liquid and / or gases to be metered.

[0014] Due to the improved sealing, the risk of unwanted ingress of bacteria or other contaminants from the external environment is also minimized.

[0015] The safety of the pump head according to the invention is therefore significantly increased.

[0016] The pump head according to the present invention thus ensures full functionality of the pump head even after prolonged periods of inactivity – and any drying of the fluid to be dispensed, which may still be present in the space between the valve and the head part – while simultaneously improving the sealing function.

[0017] According to the present invention, the head and the elastic valve with sealing lips are thus matched to each other. Due to the fact that the elastic valve is at least partially elastic, the valve can deform during the metering process and release a gap or space through which the fluid can flow towards the outlet opening.

[0018] According to this preferred embodiment, the wall of the elastic valve is elastically designed, whereas the head can be rigid or equally flexible and is thus directly adapted to the properties of the inner surface of the head section. This ensures that the head of the elastic valve engages securely with the sealing lips on the inner surface of the head section in the area of ​​the outlet opening.

[0019] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the elastic wall has at least one predetermined buckling point where the elastic wall buckles or folds when transitioning from the bearing state to the actuation state.

[0020] The elastic wall can, for example, be designed in a stepped shape and have at least one vertical and one horizontal area (or surface), with the intended buckling point being formed in particular at a connection point of the vertical and horizontal areas.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the elastic wall and / or the head is made of an elastically deformable material, in particular a thermoplastic plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber and / or silicone, preferably with a thickness of 0.01 to 2.0 mm, and / or the head is solid, wherein, in the case of a stepped design of the wall, the at least one horizontal area is thinner than the at least one vertical area, wherein in particular the at least one vertical area has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm and / or the at least one horizontal area has a thickness of 0.01 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.5 mm.

[0022] The head of the elastic valve can preferably be made of the same material as the elastic wall. In particular, the head and elastic wall are formed in one piece and, for example, manufactured simultaneously by an injection molding process.

[0023] The elastic valve preferably has 1 to 5 sealing lips, more preferably 2 to 4 sealing lips, wherein, in the case of multiple sealing lips, these are formed circumferentially around each other. The circumferential arrangement of several sealing lips relative to each other can also be described as a concentric arrangement of the respective sealing lips.

[0024] It is advantageous if at least one sealing lip protrudes 0.01 to 2 mm, preferably 0.03 to 1 mm, from the surface of the valve head.

[0025] It is further preferred that the elastic valve has at least one first sealing lip, which, if the elastic valve has multiple sealing lips, is located closest to the outlet opening. This first sealing lip is thus arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outlet opening. The first sealing lip preferably forms an angle Q with its inner surface, preferably 1° < Q < 85°, more preferably 5° < Q < 60°, and particularly preferably 10° < Q < 45°. This angle Q ensures that when the valve is pressed against the head, the first lip experiences tangential pressure and may deform and conform to the wall of the head. This increases the contact area of ​​the lip against the wall, thus enhancing the sealing effect. The contact force of the valve against the wall of the head can also be reduced without compromising the sealing effect.The ease of use of the pump head is thus also improved.

[0026] In the event that multiple sealing lips are present, the additional sealing lips can also be designed according to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0027] The geometric design of the sealing lips in projection onto the outlet opening is not restricted. However, it is advantageous if the circumferential path of at least one sealing lip around the outlet opening is circular.

[0028] Preferably, the elastic valve is fluidically sealed to the component.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, the elastic valve has at least one fixing element by which the elastic valve is forcefully connected to at least one corresponding fixing element of the first component, wherein preferably the fixing element of the elastic valve and the fixing element of the first component are designed as a snap-fit ​​connection or latching connection.

[0030] It is further preferred if the first component has a wall that closes off the gap, with the through-opening allowing fluidic communication between the gap and an area located beyond the wall as seen from the gap. According to this embodiment, separate areas can be designed within the pump head, enabling safe metering of the liquid.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, the passage opening is led directly through the wall from the area beyond the wall and opens into the area, or is carried through a lateral wall of the first component in the area beyond the wall, is guided in a notch on an outer surface of the first component which can be limited by the component, and is again led through the lateral wall of the first component in the area and opens into an area located between the valve head and head part.

[0032] In particular, the latter possibility, whereby a notch is provided in the outer surface of the component, enables a preferential guidance of the fluid into the space between the head part and the elastic valve.

[0033] In particular, the indentation on the outer surface of the first structure is partly horizontal and / or vertical.

[0034] It is further advantageous that the angle formed by the passage opening with a point where a new passage passes through the side wall of the first component and a center point of the first component is from 10 to 350°, preferably from 90 to 270°.

[0035] Particularly preferred is the arrangement of an element between the elastic valve and the first component, which exerts a restoring force on the elastic valve, wherein the restoring force causes the gap formed in the actuated state to close, returning to the bearing state. The element is, in particular, a spring.

[0036] A further advantage is that the first component is connected at its end opposite the elastic valve to a (second) component, via which the pump head can be connected to a reservoir for storing the fluid to be dispensed. This connection can be direct or indirect.

[0037] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if at least one means for sterile filtration of incoming air is present between the first component and the second component (non-airless system), in particular a bacterial filter, or if the first component is hermetically sealed against the second component (airless system).

[0038] The at least one means for sterile filtration of incoming air preferably has at least one passage channel for the fluid, wherein the at least one means is arranged in the pump head such that the passage channel opens into the through-opening of the first component.

[0039] The pump head, designed for non-airless systems, can be used particularly with squeeze bottles or corresponding dosing devices with a pump head.

[0040] In the case of squeeze bottles, the pump head is actuated passively, since the fluidic pressure is generated by actuating the squeeze bottle connected to the pump head.

[0041] In this configuration, the first component can be fixed relative to the second component. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for dispensing devices that include a squeeze bottle.

[0042] In the case of dosing systems where pressure is generated by actuating the pump head itself, active actuation of the pump head takes place. Such pump heads can be designed for both airless and non-airless dosing systems.

[0043] In such systems, it is preferred that the first component is movable relative to the second component, wherein at least one means exerting a restoring force on the first component is arranged between the first and second components, the latter preferably being a spring. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for actively operated pump heads, as pressure can be exerted on the fluid to be metered by moving the individual first and second components.

[0044] Another preferred embodiment provides that the pump housing includes a bottom inlet which can preferably be closed by means of a valve, in particular a disc valve or ball valve, during the actuation process and opened when the pump head is moved from the actuation state to the storage state. Such an embodiment is particularly preferred for actively actuated airless and / or non-airless pump heads.

[0045] When the pump head is moved from the actuated state to the storage state, liquid stored in a reservoir flows into the pump housing through the opening of the valve.

[0046] A riser pipe can also be arranged at the bottom inlet of the pump housing. This design is particularly advantageous for non-airless systems with an actively operated pump head. In the case of an airless system with actively operated pump heads, a riser pipe may not be necessary.

[0047] Another preferred variant of the pump head provides that, when connecting the pump head to the storage vessel via the second component, a seal is arranged between the second component and the storage vessel, or, when connecting via the pump chamber to the storage vessel, a seal is arranged between the pump chamber and the storage vessel.

[0048] The pump head according to the invention is preferably designed in such a way that a second elastic valve is arranged between the first component and the second component, which closes the passage channel of the component in a storage state and releases it in an operating state by deformation.

[0049] It may be provided that the second valve has a base body that closes the passage channel in projection onto the passage channel and has at least one passage opening arranged outside the passage channel in projection onto the passage channel, in particular two passage openings arranged superimposed on each other.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is particularly provided that the at least one passage opening, and especially the two opposing passage openings, are designed as circular segment-shaped recesses in the base body. When the second valve is deformed during the metering process, the fluid to be dispensed can thus pass through the circular segment-shaped recesses exposed by the deformation, while the base body closes the passage channel in its upright position.

[0051] It is further preferred that the base body has a guide element and / or stopper on the side facing the first component, which limits the valve deformation, e.g., a pin, and which interacts with a corresponding guide element of the first component, e.g., a recess that receives the pin, when the flow channel is released. When the liquid is dispensed, the valve is deformed and thus opened. The deformation of the valve must not be arbitrarily extensive so that it can still return to its original shape after the liquid has been dispensed. The guide element thus prevents the valve from being completely surrounded by liquid.

[0052] In particular, the second component can include at least one actuating device, especially a cantilever.

[0053] In the event that the pump head is designed for the active dispensing of a fluid, for example by actuation, the second component is preferably indirectly connectable to a storage vessel, wherein the pump head additionally

[0054] a cylindrical pump body (80) comprising a first hollow cylindrical pump body section open towards the reservoir and a second hollow cylindrical pump body section open towards the second component,

[0055] an inner hollow cylinder (90) open at both ends, which can be attached to or is attached to the first pump body section and is arranged concentrically to it, a piston having a continuous channel, which is movably mounted concentrically in the pump body and in the inner hollow cylinder, and is designed to seal with an inner wall of the inner hollow cylinder, wherein the second component can be connected to or is connected to the pump body and is movably mounted relative to the pump body, and the continuous channel opens into the passage channel.

[0056] In the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferable if the second component has a recess for receiving an upper end of the piston.

[0057] Preferably, an element is arranged between the second component and the pump body which exerts a restoring force on the component during and / or after actuation, in particular a spring element.

[0058] Furthermore, the first pump body section may have a device for attaching the pump head to the reservoir.

[0059] It is further preferred that a seal can be arranged or is arranged in the area of ​​the first pump body section, which seals the storage vessel against the pump head.

[0060] It is also advantageous if a riser pipe can be arranged or is arranged at the end of the inner hollow cylinder that is open towards the storage container.

[0061] Furthermore, it may be provided that a sealing element for sealing the piston can be arranged or installed between the outside of the piston and the inside of the second pump body section on the inside of the second pump body section.

[0062] Preferably, the headpiece can contain an antibacterial material, preferably metals or metal ions, in particular silver particles or silver ions. In particular, the headpiece can be manufactured by injection molding; in this process, for example, an antibacterial material can be directly compounded with the thermoplastic material used to manufacture the injection-molded part.

[0063] The invention also relates to a dosing device comprising a pump head as described above. The pump head is connected to a reservoir.

[0064] Preferably, the storage container can be designed as a squeeze bottle or as a rigid container.

[0065] It is also possible that the storage container includes an inner bag which is hermetically sealed against the pump head, the inner bag being designed in particular as a bellows.

[0066] This embodiment is particularly suitable for airless systems.

[0067] The dosing device according to the present invention is suitable for storing both fluids or solutions containing preservatives, but especially for storing fluids or solutions free of preservatives.

[0068] The present invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, without limiting the invention to the embodiments specifically illustrated.

[0069] This shows:

[0070] Figure 1 shows an elastic valve in cross-section, which is used in a pump head according to the invention (not shown in Figure 1).

[0071] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of an elastic valve in various perspective views, which is used in a pump head according to the invention (not shown in Figure 2).

[0072] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a pump head according to the invention.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a pump head according to the invention as shown in Figure 3, which is mounted on a squeeze bottle,

[0074] Figure 5 is an exploded view of another invention

[0075] Pump head, which is designed as an active pump head,

[0076] Figure 6 shows different perspective views of the elastic valve.

[0077] 201 in Figure 5,

[0078] Figure 7 shows the pump head according to the invention, as depicted in Figure 5 as an exploded view, in assembled form.

[0079] Figure 8 shows the pump head depicted in Figure 7 in the actuated state.

[0080] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of an invention

[0081] Pump head for lateral application of the fluid, as well as

[0082] Figure 10 shows the pump head depicted in Figure 9 in the actuated state.

[0083] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of an elastic valve 20 used in a pump head according to the invention (not shown in Figure 1). The elastic valve 20 has a head 21a and an elastic wall 21b. The elastic wall 21b is designed in a stepped shape and has horizontal and vertical sections that form the steps. A predetermined bending point 24 is formed where a vertical and a horizontal section of the elastic wall 21b meet. The thickness of the vertical section (reference numeral V) is greater than the thickness of the horizontal section (reference numeral H). The head of the wall has an outer surface 22 on which, in the exemplary case of the valve 20 according to Figure 1, four concentrically arranged sealing lips L are attached. The sealing lips L protrude from the surface 22 of the head 21a of the elastic valve 20.The surface 22 can also have a valve head element 25 that can engage in the outlet opening 11 of the head section (not shown in Figure 1). This element serves to reduce the residual volume in the outlet area. In the closed state, the elastic valve 20 closes the outlet opening by sealing the interior of the pump head against the movement 12 of the head section 10, thus sealing it off from the environment. The head 21a of the valve 20 can be solid, with the elastic wall 21b attached to the head 21a as a tubular wall. The completely elastic valve 20 can be manufactured in one piece using injection molding. The elastic wall 21b has retaining elements 23, for example, a circumferential spring. The function and use of the elastic valve shown in Figure 1 are explained in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.

[0084] Figure 2a shows various perspective views of an elastic valve 20, which essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 2, perspective a), shows—as does Figure 1—a section through the elastic valve. The elastic valve is designed identically to the valve shown in Figure 1. The perspective view b) shows a top view of the valve 20. In this view, the wall 21a and the elastic wall 21b are visible. It is evident that the four lips L are arranged concentrically around the valve head element 25 and are located in the area of ​​the head 21a. The perspective view c) is identical to the embodiment shown in perspective view a), however, the valve 20 is shown in its operating state in perspective view c).It can be seen that the diving of the head section 21a occurs via deformation of the elastic wall 21b, particularly at the predetermined bending point 24. The deformation is illustrated by the two horizontal lines, which represent the vertical position of the valve head element 25.

[0085] Figure 2b shows an enlarged section of the valve 20 and the interaction of the elastic valve 20, including the lips L, with the inner surface 12 of the head 10. The first two lips, LI and L2, of the valve 20 are shown. In this example, the first lip LI is designed such that the angle of attack Q with the inner surface 12 of the component 10 forms an acute angle, e.g., 10°–45°. This ensures that the sealing lips L always conform correctly to the inner surface 12 of the head 10. The partial deformation during compression increases the contact area of ​​the lip against the wall 12 of the head, thus enhancing the sealing effect.

[0086] Figure 2c shows an example of such an assembly. It illustrates the interaction of the head 10 with the elastic valve 20. On the left side of Figure 2c (to the left of the vertical line), the valve is shown in the closed position. In this position, the lips L are pressed against the inner wall 12 of the head 10. Due to the geometry of the lips shown in Figure 2b, the elastic lips L curvature, ensuring a secure closure.

[0087] To the right of the vertical line is the hypothetical shape of the lips. The slight play that contributes to the deformation of the lips, as shown on the left, is clearly visible.

[0088] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a pump head I, which is particularly suitable as a dosing head for a squeeze bottle. The pump head I comprises a head section 10 with an outlet opening 11, which is preferably designed for the droplet-shaped dispensing of fluids. However, it is also possible to design the outlet opening so that a spray mist can be generated when the fluid is dispensed. The head section 10 sits directly on a component 40 and is positively and force-fit connected to it. The head section 10 has an internal recess with an inner surface 12. The elastic valve 20 described in Figure 1 is arranged between the head section 10 and the component 40. The valve 20 has a head 21a and an elastic wall 21b. The elastic valve 20 is fixed to the component 40 by means of the fixing elements 23.For this purpose, the fixing elements 23 are snapped into corresponding fixing elements 43, for example, a circumferential groove, of component 40. Component 40 has a wall 42 that structurally separates the pump head I into an upper part (the part that includes the head part 10 and the elastic valve 20) and a lower part (below the wall 42). A component 60 is inserted below the wall 42 of component 40 and can be positively connected to component 40. A gap 40-60 results between component 60 and component 40. The component 40 has a passage opening 41, which in the exemplary case shown in Figure 1 is designed such that in the lower part of the component 40 (at the level of the gap 40-60) the passage opening 41 is carried through the wall 44 of the component 40 and is guided horizontally around the component 40 in a (not shown) notch or groove on the outer surface of the component 40.The notch communicates with an upward-leading channel (not shown in Figure 3) through which the fluid can be guided towards the valve 20 or the head 10. The channel, which runs along the surface of component 40, is bounded and closed by the attached head 10. Component 60, designed for connection to a reservoir bottle II, has a through-channel 61 for the fluid to be dispensed. Component 60 is inserted into component 40 to such an extent that the wall 62 does not directly abut the wall 42 of component 40, but rather an intermediate area 40-60 remains (see also Figure 4). In the exemplary case of the pump head I according to Figure 3, a bacteria-filtering material 50 is located between component 40 and component 60, allowing air exchange between the inner area of ​​the pump head and the environment.The bacteria filter 50 has a through-channel 51, which is arranged in line with the through-opening 41 of component 40. Thus, a fluid to be metered can flow through the through-channel 61 of component 60, then through the through-channel 51 of the bacteria filter 50 (which runs horizontally in the upper part of the bacteria filter), and further through the through-opening 41 of component 40, and be fed via the notch (not shown) on the outer surface of component 40 to the upward-leading channel (not shown). In addition, the pump head can have a sealing element (not shown) that allows the pump head I to be sealed against a storage vessel II (not shown in Figure 3).

[0089] Figure 4 shows a pump head I according to Figure 3, mounted on a reservoir II, in the case of Figure 4 a squeeze bottle. The same reference numerals as shown in Figure 3 have been used here. The squeeze bottle II is not shown in its entirety. It is also made of an elastic material and can be actuated by pressing on its side walls. For dispensing, the dispensing device is held upside down so that the fluid can enter the through-channel 61. When pressure is applied to the squeeze bottle II, the fluid is forced into the pump head I.In Figure 4, the arrow X, which passes through the passage channel 61 of component 60, through the intermediate area 40-60 between component 60 and component 40, through the passage opening 41, through the gap 10-20 that results when the metering device according to Figure 4 is actuated, and finally in the direction of the outlet opening 11, indicates the path of the fluid from the reservoir II towards the outlet opening 11. The gap 10-20 is formed because the fluid to be dispensed is forced by the actuating pressure on the squeeze bottle II, deforming the elastic valve 20, between the contact point of the sealing lips L and the inner wall 12 of the head part 10. The gap formed by the deformation of the valve 20 is sufficient for the sealing lips to allow a flow passage towards the outlet opening 11.The deformation of the elastic valve 20 also ensures that the outlet opening 11 is released, so that the fluid to be discharged can escape from the outlet opening 11.

[0090] An embodiment as an active pump head, which enables the dispensing of a fluid by actuating the pump head (and not the squeeze bottle), and / or an embodiment as a self-dosing dosing device is also possible. In this regard, reference is made to the international patent application WO 2018 / 010890 Al and, in particular, to the embodiments illustrated in the figures therein.

[0091] Corresponding active embodiments of a pump head according to the invention are shown below by way of example.

[0092] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a pump head I according to the invention, which is designed as an active pump head and can therefore be actuated. The reference numerals according to Figure 5 (as well as those of the further figures discussed below) are identical to those in Figures 3 and 4 and denote identical components. The definitions of the reference numerals are not repeated again in connection with Figure 5 and the following figures; what has already been said regarding Figures 3 and 4 applies without limitation to the figures described below.

[0093] The pump head I is identical in design, with respect to the head section 10 and the first component 40, to the pump head shown in Figure 3. An elastic valve 20, as shown in Figure 2 (i.e., comprising 4 concentric lips L), is incorporated between the head section 10 and component 40. An additional elastic valve 201 is incorporated between the first component 40 and the second component 60. The second component 60 also includes a projection 62 by means of which the pump head can be actuated, i.e., pressed downwards by a user, for example. Furthermore, another elastic valve 201, which will be described in more detail below, is incorporated into the second component 60. The valve 201 has a guide element 204, in the exemplary case of Figure 5 a pin, which can engage in a corresponding guide element 47 of the first component 40, in the exemplary case of Figure 5 a corresponding recess.The elastic valve 201 opens the passage channel 61 of the second component 60 in the actuation state of the pump head I.

[0094] In the case of the pump head I according to Figure 5, the second component 60 has a projection 62 by means of which the pump head can be actuated.

[0095] Furthermore, the pump head I according to Figure 5 comprises a cylindrical pump body 80, which can engage the second component 60 from below. A spring 63 is also formed between the second component 60 and the cylindrical pump body 80, which, after actuation of the pump head I, can release the second component 60 and the cylindrical pump body 80 from each other and thus return the pump head I to its bearing state.

[0096] The cylindrical pump body has a central through-hole into which a piston 100 with a corresponding through-channel 101 can be inserted. The through-channel is aligned with the through-channel 61 of component 60. The piston 100 can be received by a receiving opening or recess 64 of the second component 60.

[0097] The cylindrical pump body 80 has an upper pump body section 81 and a lower pump body section 82, both of which are hollow cylindrical and divide the cylindrical pump body into two parts.

[0098] The piston 100 is movably mounted in a pump body 90 and can reduce the volume of the pump body's inlet opening by shifting its position, thus forcing liquid through the continuous channel towards the outlet opening 11. The pump body 90 also has a valve 95 at its base, which can close the inlet opening during the metering process. Furthermore, a seal (not shown) can be installed between the pump head I and the reservoir II (not shown in Figure 5) to create a sealing connection between the pump head I and the reservoir II.

[0099] Figure 6 shows various perspective views of the second elastic valve 201, which is installed in the pump head according to Figure 5 between the first component 40 and the second component 60. Perspective a) shows a side projection of the valve 201. The valve comprises a base body 202, which is designed such that, in a closed state, the through-opening 61 of the second component 60 is closed by contact. Also shown is the guide element 204, which ensures reliable movement of the second valve in the direction of the first component 40 when actuated. The view shown in perspective b) is a top view of the valve 201.Two circular segment-shaped recesses 203 are visible. When the through-opening 61 of the second component 60 is released by the valve 201, these recesses allow the fluid to flow around the base body 202 of the valve 201 and thus be directed towards the first component 40. Perspective c) shows another lateral projection of the valve 201, starting from the view in perspective b). Perspective d) shows the deformation of the valve 201 during an actuation process. The view shown in perspective d) is a section through the valve 201. The deformation of the elastic valve 201 in the actuated state is visible. The valve deforms upwards (due to the valve 201 being fixed by the first component 40), thereby releasing the through-opening 61 of the second component 60.The deformation of the valve is represented by the two horizontal lines, which represent the lower end of the valve 201, and the two arrows.

[0100] Figure 7 shows the pump head according to Figure 5 in its assembled state. The pump head I is additionally mounted on a reservoir II, which has a bellows 105 inside containing the fluid to be dispensed. For the meaning of the identical reference numerals, reference is also made to the embodiment according to Figure 5. Figure 7 shows the pump head I in a storage state.

[0101] Figure 8 shows the pump head according to Figure 7 in the actuated state. The actuated state is achieved when a user presses on the projection 62, thereby pushing the second component, including the piston 100, downwards. The movement is illustrated by the two arrows. The spring assembly 63 is compressed in this process. Due to the reduction in volume caused by the insertion of the piston 100 into the pump body 90, fluid located in the pump body 90 is discharged upwards along the line shown in Figure 8 through the continuous channel 101 of the piston 100, through the opening 61 of the second component 62, and thereby deforms the elastic valve 201, which is located in the space 40-60 between the first component 40 and the second component 60. This opens the channel 41 in the first component 40.This allows fluid to flow into the space 10-20 between head part 10 and elastic valve 20, which further releases the outlet opening 11 in the manner already shown in connection with Figures 3 and 4, so that the fluid is ultimately released into the environment.

[0102] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a pump head according to the invention, designed for lateral application. The pump head is actuated by pressure on the first component 40. Identical reference numerals have been used here as in the preceding figures. The pump head according to Figure 9 also includes an elastic valve 20, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In addition, the pump head I according to Figure 9 includes a second elastic valve 201. The operating principle is identical to that of pump head I as described in Figures 7-9; only the path of the fluid flow through pump head I is designed differently.

[0103] Figure 10 describes the pump head according to Figure 9 in the actuation state, the pressure point is described by the large arrow shown above; the discharge of fluid through the discharge opening 11 is shown by the small arrow.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pump head (I) for a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising a head base (10) with an outlet opening (11) for the fluid to be discharged, wherein the head base (10) has an inner surface (12), an elastic valve (20) having a surface (22) facing the inner surface (12) of the head part (10), wherein at least one sealing lip (L) is formed on the surface circumferentially around the outlet opening (11), a first component (40) (“liner”), which has a passage opening (41) for the fluid to be discharged, through which the fluid is allowed to flow between the head part (10) and the elastic valve (20) under deformation of the elastic valve (20) and / or the at least one sealing lip (L) and formation of a space (10-20) between the at least one sealing lip (L) and the head part (10) (actuating state), wherein head part (10) and first component (40) are connected in a form-fit and force-fit manner including the elastic valve (20) between head part (10) and first component (40).

2. Pump head (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic valve comprises a head (21a) and an elastic wall (21b).

3. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elastic wall (21b) has at least one predetermined buckling point (24) at which the elastic wall (21b) buckles or folds when transitioning from the storage state to the actuation state.

4. Pump head (I) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic wall (21b) is designed in a stepped shape and has at least one vertical (V) and one horizontal (H) area.

5. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the predetermined bending point (24) is formed in particular at a connection point of the vertical (V) and horizontal (H) area.

6. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the elastic wall (21b) is formed from an elastically deformable material and / or the head (21a) is solid, wherein in the case of a stepped design of the wall (21b) the at least one horizontal area (H) is thinner than the at least one vertical area (V).

7. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the elastic wall (21b) and / or the head (21a) is formed from a thermoplastic material, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber and / or silicone.

8. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the elastic wall (21b) has a thickness of 0.01 to 2.0 mm.

9. Pump head (I) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of a stepped design of the wall (21b), the at least one horizontal area (H) is thinner than the at least one vertical area (V), wherein the at least one vertical area (V) has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm and / or the at least one horizontal area (H) has a thickness of 0.01 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.5 mm.

10. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the head (21a) and elastic wall (21b) are formed in one piece. are formed and, in particular, are manufactured simultaneously by an injection molding process.

11. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic valve (20) has 1 to 5 sealing lips (L), preferably 2 to 4 sealing lips (L), wherein, in the case of a plurality of sealing lips (L), these are formed circumferentially around each other.

12. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sealing lip (L) protrudes 0.01 to 2 mm, preferably 0.03 to 1 mm from surface (22).

13. Pump head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic valve (20) has at least one first sealing lip (LI), which, in the case that the elastic valve (20) has several sealing lips (L), is arranged closest to all sealing lips (11) at the outlet opening (11), wherein the first sealing lip (LI) forms an angle Q with the inner surface (12), wherein preferably 1° < Q < 85°, more preferably 5° < Q < 60°, and particularly preferably 10° < Q < 45°.

14. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation of the at least one sealing lip (L) around the outlet opening (11) is circular.

15. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic valve (20) is fluidically sealed to the first component (40).

16. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic valve (20) has at least one fixing element (23) by means of which the elastic valve (20) is force-fit connected to at least one corresponding fixing element (43) of the first component (40), wherein preferably the fixing element (23) of the elastic valve (20) and the fixing element (43) of the first component (40) is designed as a snap-in connection or snap connection.

17. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (40) has a wall (42) which closes off the space (10-20), wherein fluidic communication of the space (10-20) with an area (40-60) located on the other side of the wall (42) is enabled via the through-opening (41).

18. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the passage opening (41) is passed through a lateral wall (44) of the first component (40) in the region (40-60), is guided on an outer surface of the first component (40) in a notch which can be limited by the component (10), and passes through the lateral wall of the first component again in the region (10-20). (40) is led and leads into the area (10-20).

19. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indentation on the outer surface of the first component (40) is guided horizontally and / or vertically.

20. Pump head (I) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the angle formed by the through-hole (41) with a point which includes a renewed passage through the lateral wall of the first component (40) and a center point of the first component (40), of 10 to 350°, preferably of 90 to 270°.

21. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an element (30) which exerts a restoring force on the elastic valve (20) is arranged between the elastic valve (20) and the first component (40), wherein the restoring force causes the space (10-20) formed in the actuated state to be sealed by returning to the bearing state, wherein the element (30) is in particular a spring.

22. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (40) is connected at its end facing away from the elastic valve (20) to a second component (60) having a passage channel (61), via which the pump head (I) can be connected directly or indirectly to a storage vessel (II) for storing the fluid to be discharged.

23. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that between the first component (40) and the second component (60) at least a means (50) for sterile filtration of incoming air is present, in particular a bacteria filter, or the first component (40) is designed to be hermetically sealed against the second component (60).

24. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one means (50) for sterile filtration of incoming air has at least one passage channel (51) for the fluid, wherein the at least one means (50) is arranged in the pump head (I) such that the passage channel (51) opens into the passage opening (41).

25. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first component (40) is fixed relative to the second component (60) or is designed to be movable, wherein at least one means which exerts a restoring force on the first component (40) is arranged between the first component (40) and the second component (60), wherein the component is preferably a spring.

26. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of direct connection of the pump head (I) via the second component (60) with a storage vessel (II), a seal (70) is arranged between the second component (60) and the storage vessel (II).

27. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that a second elastic valve (201) is arranged between the first component (40) and the second component (60), which closes the passage channel (61) of the component (40) in a storage state and releases it in an operating state by deformation.

28. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second valve (201) has a base body that closes the passage channel (61) in projection onto the passage channel (61). (202) with at least one passage opening arranged outside the passage channel (61) in projection onto the passage channel (61) (203), in particular two oppositely arranged Passage openings (203).

29. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one passage opening (203), in particular the two oppositely arranged passage openings (203), are designed as circular segment-like recesses in the base body.

30. Pump head (I) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (202) has on the side facing the first component (40) a guide element and / or stop that limits the valve forming (204), e.g. a pin, which interacts with a corresponding guide element (47) of the first component (40), e.g. a recess receiving the pin, when the passage channel (61) is released.

31. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that the second component (60) comprises at least one actuating means (62), in particular a projection.

32. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the second component can be indirectly connected to a storage vessel, wherein the pump head (I) is additionally connected via a cylindrical pump body (80) comprising a first hollow cylindrical pump body section (81) open towards the reservoir (II) and a second hollow cylindrical pump body section (82) open towards the second component (60), an inner hollow cylinder (90) open at both ends, which can be attached to or is attached to the first pump body section (81) and is arranged concentrically to it, a piston (100) having a continuous channel (101), which is movably mounted concentrically in the pump body (80) and in the inner hollow cylinder (90), and is designed to seal against an inner wall of the inner hollow cylinder (90), wherein the second component (60) is connectable or connected to the pump body (90) and is movably mounted relative to the pump body (90), and the continuous channel (101) opens into the passage channel (61).

33. Pump head (I) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second component (60) has a recess (64) for receiving an upper end of the piston (100).

34. Pump head (I) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that an element (63) is arranged between the second component (60) and the pump body (80), which exerts a restoring force on the component (60) during and / or after actuation, in particular a spring element.

35. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the first pump body section (81) has a device for attaching the pump head to the storage vessel (II).

36. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that a seal (70) can be arranged or is arranged in the area of ​​the first pump body section (81) which seals the storage vessel (II) against the pump head (I).

37. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that a riser tube can be arranged or is arranged at the end of the inner hollow cylinder (90) open towards the storage vessel (II).

38. Pump head (I) according to one of claims 32 to 37, characterized in that a sealing element for sealing the piston (100) can be arranged or is arranged between the outside of the piston (100) and the inside of the second pump body section (82) on the inside of the second pump body section (82).

39. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head part (10) comprises an antibacterial material, preferably metals or metal ions, in particular silver particles or silver ions.

40. Dosing device comprising a pump head (I) connected to a storage vessel (II) according to one of the preceding claims.

41. Dosing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the storage vessel (II) is designed as a squeeze bottle or as a rigid container.

42. Dosing device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the storage vessel (II) comprises an inner bag which is hermetically sealed against the pump head (I), wherein the inner bag is in particular designed as a bellows.

43. Metering device according to one of claims 40 to 42 in the form of an airless or non-airless system.

44. Metering device according to one of claims 40 to 43 in the form of a dropper or spray system.

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