Dispenser container and method for producing dispenser container

Abstract

A method for producing a dispenser container (1), comprising the steps of: a) providing an outer container (2) formed from a dimensionally stable material, having an outer container bottom (16), an outer container body (5) and an outer container mouthpiece (10); b) providing a preform (20), the preform having a cup-shaped molded body (21) consisting of at least two parts (21.6, 21.7), a first part (21.6) consisting of a blow-moldable elastomeric plastic being used to form the inner container body (6) and a second part (21.7) consisting of a dimensionally stable plastic being used to form the inner container dispensing part (7), the first part (21.6) being used to form the inner container body (6), and the second part (21.7) being used to form the inner container dispensing part (7), the second part (21.7) being used to form the inner container dispensing part (7). The second part is provided with at least one groove-shaped concave part on the outer surface of the second part and is used for forming an exhaust pipeline (4); c) heating the preform; d) introducing the preform into the outer container and introducing a stretch blow molding pin (30) into the preform; e) stretch blow molding to form the inner container (3) while discharging the air contained in the space (12) between the preform and the outer container, where the air escapes into the environment via an exhaust duct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser container having an outer container and an inner container for holding a filling material, and a method for producing such a dispenser container. Background Art

[0002] From various embodiments of the prior art, dispenser containers with an outer container and an inner container are known. The filling material of the dispenser container is always kept in the corresponding inner container.

[0003] For example, dispenser containers are known which consist of an elastically deformable outer container and a plastically deformable inner container arranged in the outer container. The dimensional stability of the outer container is selected in such a way that, after the outer container has been compressed, the outer container returns to its original shape. The inner container consists of a plastically deformable material, so that when subjected to pressure, it folds almost completely together and can thus be emptied easily. In order for the outer container to retain its aesthetic shape, it is necessary to ensure that the pressure in the space between the outer container and the inner container is equalized.

[0004] In this regard, for example, DE 4027539 A1 describes a squeeze bottle having an essentially dimensionally stable but elastically deformable outer container, inside which an easily deformable inner container is arranged. The closure seals the space between the inner container and the outer container. The closure has a sealing lip through which air can flow into the intermediate space once the process of squeezing out the contents of the tube is completed. This ensures that the outer container will assume its original shape again.

[0005] In another type of dispenser container, the dispensing process is not carried out by compressing the container, but by generating a negative pressure in the container by means of a pump and a suction tube extending into the filling material. This type of dispenser container makes it possible to use an outer container made of a dimensionally stable material. As has been demonstrated, this is because many consumers consider an outer container made of a dimensionally stable material, such as glass in particular, to be more valuable than an outer container made of a deformable material, and therefore products offered in such glass containers often sell better than the same products in a deformable plastic container.

[0006] For example, dispenser containers of this type, as described, for example, in DE 10 2019 120 624 A1, are used for dosed dispensing of cosmetic or medical products in fluid form.

[0007] DE102014113535A1 describes a dispenser container consisting of an outer container and an inner container. In this case, the outer container and the inner container consist of two different blow-molded plastics, wherein the two plastics are not connected to each other by any material. Here, the plastic constituting the inner container has a higher elasticity than the plastic constituting the outer container, so that the inner container is deformed by the negative pressure acting on it, while the outer container remains dimensionally stable. The outer container has a pressure equalization opening for equalizing the pressure in the area between the outer container and the inner container.

[0008] The dispenser container in DE102014113535A1 is manufactured by a spraying bow molding process, wherein a preform is first produced. In order to form the preform, in a first step, a first layer is sprayed onto a blow mold core in a first cavity of a multi-component injection molding device. The inner container of the dispenser container is then formed by the first layer. Then, the blow mold core with the first layer thereon is introduced into a second cavity. Then, a second layer is sprayed onto a blow mold core in a second cavity of a multi-component injection molding device. The outer container of the dispenser container is then formed by the second layer. In another process stage, the preform is brought to the temperature required for stretch blow molding, introduced into a stretch blow molding device, and expanded there into a desired dispenser container with a flexible inner container and a dimensionally stable outer container.

[0009] Finally, the following dispenser container is also known from the prior art: the plastic container made of a flexible material is formed in a dimensionally stable outer container by a blow molding process. For example, EP2246267B1 discloses a dispenser container, which consists of an external, rigid container and a foldable bag contained in the interior thereof. The foldable bag is introduced into the interior of the outer container as a preform made of a thermoplastic material and is inflated there in a blow molding process. The bag thus formed produces a flexible, pressure-pressurizable inner container. The dimensionally stable outer container can be made of glass, aluminum or corresponding plastic.

[0010] US2007 / 0267437 A1 describes a dispenser container of similar construction. The dispenser container is provided with an inner container of variable volume, which is accommodated in an outer container made of a rigid material (e.g. aluminum). The inner container, which is manufactured from a preform in a stretch blow molding process, consists of a hard, high temperature resistant plastic (e.g. nylon 66) in its neck section and a softer, flexible plastic (e.g. PET) in its pocket region.

[0011] A problem encountered when manufacturing dispenser containers of the type described in EP2246267B1 and US2007 / 0267437A1 is that when the inner container is formed by expanding a preform inside a rigid outer container, the air trapped in the outer container is generally unable to escape completely because the air from the lower volume of the outer container (i.e. from the area adjacent to the bottom (16) of the outer container) has not yet completely flowed out of the outer container when the formed inner container contacts the wall of the outer container in the upper region of the outer container (i.e. in the region adjacent to the outer container mouth).

[0012] As the preform expands, the inner container gains volume from its top, so to speak, with the result that air is trapped in the lower region. As a result, the inner container does not develop the actual desired volume, which makes filling with filling material difficult and leads to undesirable dead volumes in the outer container. This problem is particularly frequently encountered in outer containers with a pronounced outer container shoulder, wherein a complete escape of air from the lower volume of the outer container cannot be achieved even during the expansion of the inner container.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a dispenser container in which a flexible inner container occupies as completely as possible the volume of a dimensionally stable outer container and a method for producing the same. Summary of the invention

[0014] As stated in the claims, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a dispenser container which makes it possible to arrange a flexible inner container within a dimensionally stable outer container, wherein the inner container accommodates the volume of the outer container as completely as possible.

[0015] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for producing a dispenser container according to claim 1 and a dispenser container according to claim 5. Further advantageous details, aspects and configurations of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims, the description, the examples and the figures.

[0016] The method for producing a dispenser container according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0017] a) providing an outer container consisting of a dimensionally stable material, wherein the outer container has an outer container bottom, an outer container body and an outer container spout having an outer container opening,

[0018] b) providing a preform, wherein the preform has a cup-shaped molded body, wherein the molded body consists of at least two parts, wherein a first part forms a closed end of the molded body and a second part forms an open end of the molded body, wherein the closed end is opposite to the open end, wherein the first part is provided to form an inner container body, and the second part is provided to form an inner container dispensing part having a dispensing opening, wherein the first part consists of a blow-moldable elastic plastic, wherein the second part consists of a dimensionally stable plastic, wherein the second part has a groove-like recess on its outer surface to form an exhaust duct,

[0019] c) heating the preform,

[0020] d) introducing the preform into the outer container and introducing a stretch blow molding pin into the preform, wherein the stretch blow molding pin is introduced into the preform before or after the preform is introduced into the outer container,

[0021] e) stretch blow molding to form an inner container while expelling air contained in the space between said preform and the outer container, wherein said air escapes to the environment via at least one said exhaust duct.

[0022] According to the invention, the inner container is formed using a preform, the second part of which, provided to form the dispensing portion of the inner container, has at least one groove-like recess on its outer surface. Thus, during the stretch blow molding process, the air extruded from the space between the preform and the outer container to form the inner container has the ability to escape to the environment through the exhaust duct formed by the groove-like recess.

[0023] The features of the method according to the invention for producing a dispenser container ensure that, regardless of the type of outer container, while the inner container is inflated, air will escape completely from the entire volume of the outer container, in particular including from the area of ​​the outer container bottom. The inner container is thus formed as intended and, ideally, practically completely fills the volume of the outer container. In this way, the dead volume in the area of ​​the outer container bottom between the inner container and the outer container, which is well known in the prior art, is avoided and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0024] After stretch blow molding to form the inner container, the dispenser container is cooled, the stretch blow molding device is removed and the dispenser container can be directly provided with filling material.

[0025] Preferably, the stretch blow molding is performed in step e) until the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the bulge of the outer container bottom. Particularly preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container bottom, preferably over the entire bulge of the outer container bottom.

[0026] In this case, the stretch blow molding is performed at least until the outer surface of the inner container body comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire swollen portion of the outer container bottom.

[0027] Within the framework of this text, the term "bulge of the outer container bottom" refers to the corresponding surface area of ​​the outer container bottom. If the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least 90% of the bulge of the outer container bottom, this therefore means that the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the outer container bottom. The same applies to the interpretation of the bulge of the outer container body and the outer container shoulder.

[0028] Preferably, in step e), the stretch blow molding is carried out until the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 90% of the expanded portion of the outer container body. This preferred embodiment ensures that, regardless of the type of outer container, air escapes substantially from the entire volume of the outer container, in particular from the region of the outer container body, during the entire process of expansion of the inner container. Thus, the inner container is formed in the desired manner and substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container, in particular including the region of all possible corners of the outer container. This avoids dead volumes in the outer container and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stretch blow molding is carried out in step e) until the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 99% of the expanded portion of the outer container body. In this case, the inner container and the outer container are in contact with each other substantially over the entire expanded portion of the inner surface of the outer container body. This embodiment ensures in an ideal manner that, regardless of the type of outer container, during the expansion of the inner container, in particular also in the case where the outer container has a significant outer container shoulder, the air escapes completely from the entire volume of the outer container, in particular also from the region of the outer container body. Thus, the inner container is formed in the desired manner and substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container, in particular including the region of all possible corners of the outer container. This avoids dead volumes in the outer container, and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0030] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulged portion of the outer container bottom and further over at least more than 99% of the bulged portion of the outer container body.

[0031] Particularly preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer container prepared in step a) has an outer container shoulder in addition to the outer container bottom, the outer container body and the outer container nozzle. In step e), the stretch blow molding is performed until the outer surface of the inner container body contacts the inner surface of the outer container over at least 90% of the expanded portion of the outer container shoulder.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer container provided in step a) has an outer container bottom, an outer container body, an outer container nozzle and an outer container shoulder. The stretch blow molding is carried out according to step e) until the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least 99% of the expanded portion of the outer container shoulder. This embodiment ensures in an ideal way that, regardless of the type of outer container, during the expansion of the inner container, and in particular also in the case where the outer container has a significant outer container shoulder, air escapes completely from the entire volume of the outer container, and in particular also from the area of ​​the outer container body. Thus, the inner container is formed in the desired manner and substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container, in particular including the area of ​​all other possible corners of the outer container. This avoids dead volumes in the outer container, and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the inner container body contacts the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container bottom, over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container body, and over at least 90%, preferably at least 99%, of the bulge of the outer container shoulder. In this case, the inner container and the outer container contact each other not only over the entire bulge of the inner surface of the outer container bottom, but also over a substantial portion of the bulge of the outer container shoulder.

[0034] It is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that the inner container dispensing part consisting of dimensionally stable plastic extends over the entire bulge of the outer container mouthpiece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the dispenser container, due to the fact that a ventilation duct is formed extending from the space between the preform and the outer container to the environment. This creates a fluid connection between the environment and the space between the preform and the outer container.

[0035] It is also self-evident to the person skilled in the art that expressions such as "completely escaped air", "contact over the entire expansion" etc. are associated with a certain degree of ambiguity. The air does not completely escape from the space between the inner container and the outer container in the sense of forming a vacuum, but only "completely" in the sense that no visible bubbles or inclusions remain between the outer container and the inner container. From a mathematical point of view, "the entire expansion" also cannot mean 100%, but only means that no visible areas remain, in which the inner container and the outer container are not in contact in the corresponding container part (for example the container bottom).

[0036] Within the framework of this text, the expressions "space between the inner container and the outer container" and "space between the preform and the outer container" are used in a synonymous manner. As explained, the preform is first introduced into the outer container and then formed into the inner container in the stretch blow molding process. Depending on the progress of the stretch blow molding process, at a certain point in time, reference can still be made to the preform or to the inner container.

[0037] The external container used within the framework of the present invention can be divided into an external container bottom, an external container body, an external container nozzle and an external container shoulder. These terms are well known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art also realize that, considering the extremely large variety of geometric shapes of the external container, it is difficult to clearly define the various parts. Despite this fact, those skilled in the art can determine the various parts such as the external container bottom, the external container body, the external container nozzle and the external container shoulder without any problem, and define these parts from each other for external containers of any shape. In all cases, the external container bottom is suitable for placing the external container on the substrate. During the use of the dispenser container as intended, this also applies to the "upside-down" placement, such as on the sealing cover fixed to the external container. The external container body limits the part of the external container that holds the filling material in the horizontal direction. This also applies to the dispenser container whose longitudinal axis does not extend perpendicular to the substrate. The optional external container shoulder connects the external container body with the external container nozzle, which is usually equipped with an external thread.

[0038] The invention also relates to a dispenser container having an outer container made of a dimensionally stable material and an inner container arranged in the outer container for holding a filling material, wherein the outer container has an outer container bottom, an outer container body and an outer container mouth with an outer container opening. The inner container comprises an inner container body located in the region of the outer container body and an inner container dispensing part with a dispensing opening arranged in the region of the outer container mouth, wherein the inner container dispensing part extends over the entire bulge of the outer container mouth in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the dispenser container. The inner container body consists of a blow-molded elastic plastic, while the inner container dispensing part consists of a dimensionally stable plastic. According to the invention, the surface of the inner container dispensing part facing the outer container mouth has at least one groove-shaped recess for forming at least one exhaust duct, wherein the exhaust duct forms a fluid connection between the environment and the space located between the inner container and the outer container. The outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 90% of the bulge of the outer container bottom.

[0039] The dispenser container according to the invention overcomes the problems known in the prior art, in which during the expansion of the preform, the volume of the inner container increases from top to bottom, thereby trapping air in the lower region. The inner container is fully formed to the desired overall volume, which avoids difficulties in the filling process of the filling material and the problem of undesirable dead volume in the outer container.

[0040] According to the invention, the outer container consists of a dimensionally stable material. In the context of this document, "dimensionally stable" means that a container consisting of a dimensionally stable material deforms only slightly to a negligible degree or not at all when using the usual pressures of the dispenser container.

[0041] The filling material may be any substance with a sufficiently low viscosity for the dispensing process. Pastes, creams, gels and liquids are preferably used as filling materials.

[0042] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 99% of the bulge of the outer container bottom. These preferred embodiments ensure that, regardless of the type of the outer container, the inner container substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container in the desired manner, in particular including the area of ​​all possible corners of the outer container.

[0043] Thus, dead volumes in the outer container are avoided and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0044] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container bottom, preferably over the entire bulge of the outer container bottom.

[0045] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 90%, particularly preferably at least more than 99%, of the bulge of the outer container body. These preferred embodiments ensure that, regardless of the type of outer container, the inner container substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container in the desired manner, in particular including the area of ​​all possible corners of the outer container. Thus, dead volumes in the outer container are avoided and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0046] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulged portion of the outer container bottom and further over at least more than 99% of the bulged portion of the outer container body.

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer container has an outer container bottom, an outer container body, an outer container nozzle and an outer container shoulder, wherein the outer surface of the inner container body is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container over at least more than 90%, particularly preferably at least more than 99%, of the bulge of the outer container shoulder. These preferred embodiments ensure that, regardless of the type of outer container, and in particular also in the case of an outer container with a significant outer container shoulder, the inner container substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container in the desired manner, in particular including the area of ​​the outer container shoulder and all other possible corners of the outer container. Thus, dead volumes in the outer container are avoided, and the inner container can be easily and completely equipped with filling material.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the inner container body contacts the inner surface of the outer container over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container bottom, over substantially the entire bulge of the outer container body, and over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the bulge of the outer container shoulder. In this case, the inner container and the outer container contact each other not only over the entire bulge of the inner surface of the outer container bottom, but also over a substantial portion of the bulge of the outer container shoulder.

[0049] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner container dispensing portion has a continuous collar portion in an area adjacent to the dispensing opening, wherein the collar portion is flush with an edge area of ​​the outer container nozzle facing away from the outer container body. On the surface of the collar portion that is flush with an edge area of ​​the outer container nozzle facing away from the outer container body, the collar portion has a groove-shaped recess extending around the dispensing opening to form an exhaust groove, and at least one groove-shaped recess extends away from the dispensing opening to form at least one exhaust cutout. At least one groove-shaped recess forming at least one exhaust duct is fluidly connected to the groove-shaped recess to form an exhaust groove, and the groove-shaped recess forming the exhaust groove is fluidly connected to the groove-shaped recess to form an exhaust cutout, wherein the exhaust duct, the exhaust groove, and the exhaust cutout form a fluid connection between the environment and the space between the inner container and the outer container.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove-shaped recess provided in the collar portion and extending around the dispensing opening to form the venting groove extends concentrically to the dispensing opening. A venting groove of this type can be manufactured particularly easily and ensures an additional improved venting of the volume between the outer container and the inner container during expansion of the inner container. The outer container mouthpiece of a dispenser container usually has a cylindrical shape, because a closure or a pump head is usually screwed on.

[0051] If the inner container dispensing part has several groove-shaped recesses on its surface facing the outer container nozzle, in order to form several exhaust ducts, special advantages will be produced. In this case, the exhaust duct can be arranged on the whole circumference of the inner container dispensing part as desired. These exhaust ducts are all connected with the circumferential exhaust groove fluid, and as a result, the air squeezed out from the outer container can leave from the whole circumference of the inner container dispensing part. The displaced air is guided into the exhaust groove and is released into the environment through the exhaust cutout. The arrangement of the exhaust duct can be adjusted according to any geometrical feature of the outer container. If the outer container is an asymmetric design, and it is expected that the volume exhaust between the outer container and the inner container is particularly suppressed, then a particularly large number of exhaust ducts can be provided in the corresponding area of ​​the inner container dispensing part.

[0052] The groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust duct preferably extend parallel to one another and particularly preferably parallel to the dispenser container longitudinal axis. According to this embodiment, the exhaust is direct and therefore particularly effective.

[0053] Preferably, the groove-like recesses for forming the exhaust ducts are provided evenly distributed over the circumference of the inner container dispensing portion.Since the outer container is usually of symmetrical design, even and effective ventilation over the entire circumference should advantageously take place during the stretch blow molding process.

[0054] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the collar portion has several groove-shaped recesses to form several exhaust cutouts extending from the distribution opening. In this case, the exhaust cutout can be arranged on the entire circumference of the inner container distribution portion as desired. These exhaust cutouts are all connected with the circumferential exhaust groove fluid, and as a result, the air forced to be squeezed out from the outer container can leave from the entire circumference of the inner container distribution portion. The displaced air is directed into the exhaust groove and is released into the environment by the exhaust cutout.

[0055] The arrangement of the venting cutouts can be adjusted to any geometrical features of the outer container. If the outer container is of asymmetrical design and it is intended to particularly suppress the volume venting between the outer container and the inner container, a particularly large number of venting cutouts can be provided in the corresponding region of the inner container dispensing portion.

[0056] Preferably, the groove-like recesses for forming the venting cutouts are provided evenly distributed over the circumference of the inner container dispensing portion.Since the outer container is usually of symmetrical design, even and effective venting over the entire circumference should advantageously take place during the stretch blow molding process.

[0057] When several groove-shaped recesses for forming several exhaust ducts are combined with several groove-shaped recesses for forming exhaust slits, special advantages are obtained with regard to effective exhaust during the stretch blow molding process. Although the number of exhaust ducts is essentially independent of the number of exhaust slits, a particularly uniform and unrestricted air flow is produced during the stretch blow molding process if the number of exhaust ducts corresponds to the number of exhaust slits and the exhaust slits are distributed in the same way over the circumference of the inner container dispensing part. In this case, the outflowing air can flow from the exhaust ducts directly into the corresponding exhaust slits via the exhaust duct grooves.

[0058] Preferably, the outer container nozzle is provided with an outer thread. A pumping device of any desired design for removing the filling material present in the inner container can be screwed onto the outer thread. However, it is also possible to provide only a closure cap which seals the outer container opening arranged at the end of the outer container nozzle facing away from the outer container body.

[0059] Structure of the fluid link between the environment and the space located between the preform and the external container:

[0060] at least one groove-like recess for forming at least one exhaust duct on the surface of the dispensing part of the inner container facing the outer container mouthpiece,

[0061] a groove-like recess extending around the dispensing opening, which serves to form a venting groove on the surface of the collar portion which lies flush against the edge region of the outer container mouth facing away from the outer container body, and

[0062] a groove-like recess extending away from the dispensing opening, which serves to form at least one venting cutout in the surface of the collar portion which rests flush against the edge region of the outer container mouthpiece facing away from the outer container body

[0063] It has been proven to be ideal to discharge the air in the space between the preform and the outer container during the stretch blow molding process. Since the exhaust groove extends around the distribution opening, both the exhaust duct and the exhaust cutout can be arranged on the entire circumference of the inner container distribution part as desired, and can also be arranged relative to each other as desired. The circumferential exhaust groove ensures the fluid connection between the exhaust duct and the exhaust cutout in each case. The exhaust cutout and the exhaust duct are connected to the circumferential exhaust groove fluid here, and via the exhaust duct, the exhaust groove and the exhaust cutout, the space between the inner container and the outer container is formed to be connected to the external atmosphere.

[0064] The dimensionally stable material of the outer container particularly preferably consists of glass, plastic, metal, metal alloy or composite material. In the context of the present invention, “dimensionally stable” is understood to mean that the corresponding outer container or the corresponding plastic deforms only slightly to a negligible extent or not at all under the pressure and / or negative pressure generated during use of the dispenser container.

[0065] The blow-molded elastic plastic of the inner container body is preferably a thermoplastic, in particular a polyamide, a polyolefin or a polycarbonate. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene are particularly preferably used. The materials mentioned have particularly advantageous properties in terms of melting temperature and viscosity and are particularly suitable for blow molding processes.

[0066] Particularly preferably, the blow-molded elastic plastic of the inner container body of the inner container and the dimensionally stable plastic of the inner container dispensing part have different viscosities and / or melting temperatures. As a result, various plastics can be combined with one another. The plastic of the inner container body can be adjusted to the requirements of the filling material stored therein.

[0067] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensionally stable plastic of the inner container dispensing part has a higher melting temperature than the blow-molded elastic plastic of the inner container body. As a result, the desired properties of the preform expanding with the formation of the inner container are particularly well met. A temperature can be set so that the elastic plastic of the inner container body is already melted and has a low viscosity, while the dimensionally stable material of the inner container dispensing part has a constant dimensional stability. The preform can then be expanded smoothly with the formation of the inner container body.

[0068] The present invention also includes a dispenser container as described above, which is manufactured by one of the processes described above.

[0069] The preform used in the process according to the invention has a cup-shaped molded body and is composed of at least two parts, wherein a first part forms a closed end of the molded body and a second part forms an open end of the molded body, wherein the closed end is opposite to the open end. The first part of the preform is provided to form an inner container body, and the second part of the preform is provided to form an inner container dispensing part with a dispensing opening. The first part is composed of a blowable elastic plastic, and the second part is composed of a dimensionally stable plastic.

[0070] The second part has a circumferential collar portion in an area adjacent to the open end of the cup-shaped molded body. On the outer surface of the second part, the second part has at least one groove-shaped recess for forming at least one exhaust duct. On the surface of the collar portion facing the first part, the collar portion has a groove-shaped recess extending around the distribution opening to form an exhaust groove, and at least one groove-shaped recess extending away from the distribution opening to form at least one exhaust cutout. The at least one groove-shaped recess for forming at least one exhaust duct is fluidically connected to the groove-shaped recess for forming the exhaust groove. The groove-shaped recess for forming the exhaust groove is in turn fluidically connected to the exhaust cutout.

[0071] The preform is used to manufacture the inner container of a dispenser container of one of the above-mentioned dispenser containers. The preform has all the features required to obtain the corresponding feature combination of the dispenser container consisting of the outer container and the inner container. The expansion of the preform in the dimensionally stable outer container results in the dispenser container according to the invention. All the advantages discussed in conjunction with the dispenser container and the components forming the outer container and the inner container of such a dispenser container are also obtained in conjunction with the preform according to the invention. This also applies to the preferred embodiments of the preform indicated below.

[0072] The blow-moldable elastic plastic of the first part of the preform is preferably a thermoplastic material, in particular polyamide, polyolefin and polycarbonate. Particularly preferred are polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0073] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensionally stable plastic of the second portion of the preform has a higher melting temperature than the blow-moldable elastic plastic of the first portion.

[0074] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the second part of the preform has several groove-shaped recesses on its outer surface for forming several exhaust ducts. These several groove-shaped recesses for forming several exhaust ducts particularly preferably extend parallel to each other, and these several groove-shaped recesses particularly preferably are evenly distributed on the circumference of the second part. The advantages associated with these embodiments have already been discussed in conjunction with the corresponding embodiments of the dispenser container.

[0075] Particularly preferably, the groove-like recess provided on the surface of the collar portion facing the first portion and extending around the dispensing opening for forming the degassing groove is designed concentrically with the dispensing opening.

[0076] According to another preferred embodiment, the surface of the collar portion facing the first portion has several groove-shaped recesses for forming several exhaust cutouts, which extend away from the dispensing opening. These groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust cutouts are particularly preferably evenly distributed on the circumference of the inner container dispensing portion. In this case as well, the advantages of the preferred embodiment have been discussed in conjunction with the corresponding embodiment of the dispenser container of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be clearly pointed out that the present invention is not limited to the indicated examples. As shown:

[0078] Figure 1 is a vertical section of a dispenser container according to the present invention;

[0079] Figure 2A is a side view of a preform according to the present invention;

[0080] Figure 2B It is viewed from the bottom diagonally. Figure 2A A perspective view of a preform;

[0081] Figure 3A is an outer container with a preform and a stretch blow pin prior to the blow molding process;

[0082] Figure 3B It is an outer container with an inner container and a stretch blow pin during the blow molding process.

[0083] Reference numerals list

[0084] 1. Dispenser container; 2. External container; 3. Internal container; 4. Groove-shaped recess for forming exhaust duct; 5. External container body; 6. Internal container body; 7. Internal container dispensing part; 8. Groove-shaped recess for forming exhaust groove; 9. External container shoulder; 10. External container nozzle; 10.R. Edge area of ​​external container nozzle; 11. Dispensing opening; 12. Space between preform and external container; 13. Ring part; 14. Groove-shaped recess for forming exhaust cutout; 15. External thread; 16. External container bottom; 20. Preform; 21. Molded body; 21.6. First part of molded body; 21.7. Second part of molded body; 30. Stretch blow molding pin; SBLA. Dispenser container longitudinal axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Figure 1 A vertical section of a dispenser container 1 is shown. The dispenser container 1 comprises an outer container 2 and an inner container 3 arranged inside the outer container 2. In the inner container 3 a filling material may be accommodated.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer container 2 consists of an outer container bottom 16, an outer container body 5, an outer container shoulder 9 and an outer container mouth 10. The outer side of the outer container mouth 10 is provided with an outer thread 15. A pumping device designed as desired can be screwed onto the outer thread 15 to remove the filling material. However, it is also possible to screw on only a closure cap, which seals the outer container opening provided at the upper end of the outer container mouth 10 (i.e., the end facing away from the outer container body 5).

[0087] The outer container 2 consists of a dimensionally stable material. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer container 2 is made of glass.

[0088] The inner container 3 has an inner container body 6 arranged in the region of the outer container body 5, and an inner container dispensing part 7 arranged in the region of the outer container spout 10 and having a dispensing opening 11. The inner container dispensing part 7 extends in the direction of the dispenser container longitudinal axis (SBLA) over the entire bulge of the outer container spout 10 until it enters the region of the outer container shoulder 9.

[0089] The inner container body 6 consists of a blow-molded elastic plastic and the inner container dispensing part 7 consists of a dimensionally stable plastic. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner container body 6 is made of polyethylene and the inner container dispensing portion 7 is made of cross-linked polyurethane.

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the stretch blow molding process for forming the inner container is performed until the outer surface of the inner container body 6 contacts the inner surface of the outer container 2 over the entire bulge of the outer container bottom 15, over the entire bulge of the outer container body 5, and over 90% of the bulge of the outer container shoulder 9. The inner container and the outer container are therefore in contact with each other not only over the entire bulge of the inner surface of the outer container bottom 16 and over the entire bulge of the inner surface of the outer container body 5, but also further contact each other over most of the bulge of the outer container shoulder 9.

[0091] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Additional features and characteristics of the inner container dispensing portion 7 are shown, as shown from the side ( Figure 2A ) and from the diagonal below ( Figure 2B ) is a preform 20 seen in perspective. Such preforms are used to make Figure 1Inner container 3 of dispenser container 1 of the kind shown. Preform 20 has a cup-shaped molded body 21 and is composed of two parts 21.6, 21.7. The first part 21.6 forms the closed end of the molded body 21, while the second part 21.7 forms the open end of the molded body 21, wherein the closed end is opposite to the open end.

[0092] A first portion 21.6 is provided to form the inner container body 6 and a second portion 21.7 is provided to form the inner container dispensing portion 7. The first portion 21.6 consists of a blow mouldable elastic plastic, in the present case polyethylene, and the second portion 21.7 consists of a dimensionally stable plastic, in the present case cross-linked polyurethane.

[0093] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B A dispensing opening is provided at the upper end (i.e. at the inner container dispensing portion 7 facing away from the first portion 21.6 (see Figure 1 ) is marked with reference numeral 11 at the end thereof. The outer surface of the second part 21.7 provided to form the inner container dispensing part 7 has several groove-like recesses to form a corresponding number of exhaust ducts 4. The groove-like recesses extend parallel to each other and parallel to the dispenser container longitudinal axis SBLA (see Figure 1 ). The exemplary embodiment shown has a total of ten slot-like recesses in order to form a corresponding number of exhaust ducts 4 .

[0094] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is also clear from the above that a circumferential collar portion 13 is provided in the region of the inner container dispensing portion 7 adjacent to the dispensing opening 11. A groove-like recess is provided in the collar portion 13 for the subsequent formation of the venting cutout 14.

[0095] exist Figure 2B The perspective view of , shows a groove-like recess for forming the venting groove 8 , which extends concentrically around the dispensing opening 11 and is present in the surface of a collar portion 13 , which is provided so as to abut flush against an edge region of the outer container mouthpiece 10 facing away from the outer container body 5 .

[0096] The groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust cutouts 14 and the groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust ducts 4 are here fluidly connected to the circumferential groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust grooves 8. After the preform 20 is introduced into the outer container 2, these recesses form the exhaust ducts, exhaust grooves and exhaust cutouts, respectively, resulting in a space 12 (see Figure 3A ) forms a fluid connection with the external atmosphere.

[0097] exist Figure 1In the dispenser container 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust duct is arranged on the surface of the inner container dispensing part 7 facing the outer container nozzle 10. The collar part 13 is flush with the edge area 10.R of the outer container nozzle 10 facing away from the outer container shoulder 9. The exhaust cutout provided in the collar part 13 is fluidly connected with the circumferential exhaust groove and the exhaust duct, and in this way a fluid connection is established between the space 12 located between the inner container 3 and the outer container 2 and the external atmosphere. The exhaust cutout, the exhaust groove and the exhaust duct are arranged in a circular manner. Figure 1 Not visible in the cross-section view.

[0098] The following will be based on Figure 3A and Figure 3B , for manufacturing the Figure 1 The method of the dispenser container 1 shown in the figure is described. First, an outer container 2 (see Figure 3A ), the outer container is combined with Figure 1 In addition, a preform 20 is provided, the features and characteristics of which have been combined Figure 2A and Figure 2B The preform 20 is heated to a temperature that satisfies the stretch blow molding process, the preform is introduced into the outer container 2, and the stretch blow molding pin 30 is introduced into the preform 20, thereby obtaining Figure 3A The stretch blow moulding pin 30 can also be introduced into the preform 20 before the preform 20 is introduced into the outer container 2 .

[0099] Then the stretch blow molding process is carried out. Figure 3B The flow of the introduced gas is indicated by several arrows. The stretch blow molding process produces an inner container 3. The preform 20 and the outer container 2 ( Figure 3A ) is exhausted here, escaping to the environment through the exhaust duct, exhaust grooves and exhaust cutouts. Stretch blow molding to form the inner container is performed until the outer surface of the inner container body 6 contacts the inner surface of the outer container 2 over the entire bulge of the outer container bottom 15, over the entire bulge of the outer container body 5, and over 90% of the bulge of the outer container shoulder 9. As a result, the inner container 3 is formed in the desired manner and substantially completely fills the volume of the outer container 2 (see Figure 3B ), in particular the area including the outer container shoulder 9.

Claims

1. A method for producing a dispenser container (1), comprising the following steps: a) providing an outer container (2) made of a dimensionally stable material, wherein the outer container (2) comprises an outer container bottom (16), an outer container body (5) and an outer container spout (10) having an outer container opening, b) providing a preform (20), wherein the preform (20) has a cup-shaped molded body (21), wherein the molded body (21) consists of at least two parts (21.6, 21.7), wherein a first part (21.6) forms a closed end of the molded body (21), and a second part (21.7) forms an open end of the molded body (21), wherein the closed end is opposite to the open end, wherein the first part (21.6) is provided to form an inner container body (6) and the second part (21.7) is provided to form an inner container dispensing part (7) having a dispensing opening (11), wherein the first part (21.6) consists of a blow-moldable elastic plastic, wherein the second part (21.7) consists of a dimensionally stable plastic, wherein the second part (21.7) has a groove-like recess on its outer surface to form an exhaust duct (4), c) heating the preform (20), d) introducing the preform (20) into the outer container (2) and introducing a stretch blow moulding pin (30) into the preform (20), wherein the stretch blow moulding pin (30) is introduced into the preform (20) before or after the preform (20) is introduced into the outer container (2), e) stretch blow molding to form an inner container (3) while exhausting air contained in a space (12) between the preform (20) and the outer container (2), wherein the air escapes to the environment via at least one of the exhaust ducts.

2. Method for producing a dispenser container (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that In step e), the stretch blow molding is carried out until the outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the expanded portion of the outer container bottom (16).

3. Method for producing a dispenser container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In step e), the stretch blow molding is carried out until the outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the expanded portion of the outer container body (5).

4. Method for producing a dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The outer container (2) prepared in step a) comprises the outer container bottom (16), the outer container body (5), the outer container nozzle (10) and the outer container shoulder (9), wherein the stretch blow molding is carried out in step e) until the outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the expanded portion of the outer container shoulder (9).

5. A dispenser container (1) comprising an outer container (2) and an inner container (3) arranged in the outer container (2) for holding a filling material, wherein: The outer container (2) comprises an outer container bottom (16), an outer container body (5) and an outer container spout (10) having an outer container opening. wherein the outer container (2) consists of a dimensionally stable material, wherein the inner container (3) comprises an inner container body (6) arranged in the region of the outer container body (5) and an inner container dispensing part (7) having a dispensing opening (11) arranged in the region of the outer container spout (10), wherein the inner container dispensing part (7) extends over the entire bulge of the outer container spout (10) in the direction of the dispenser container longitudinal axis (SBLA), The inner container body (6) is composed of a blow-molded elastic plastic and the inner container dispensing part (7) is composed of a dimensionally stable plastic, wherein the surface of the inner container dispensing part (7) facing the outer container nozzle (10) has at least one groove-shaped recess to form an exhaust duct (4), wherein the exhaust duct forms a fluid connection between the environment and the space (12) located between the inner container (3) and the outer container (2), and wherein the outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90% of the expansion part of the outer container bottom (16).

6. Dispenser container (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 99% of the bulged portion of the outer container bottom (16).

7. Dispenser container (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the expanded portion of the outer container body (5).

8. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The outer container (2) comprises the outer container bottom (16), the outer container body (5), the outer container nozzle (10) and the outer container shoulder (9), wherein the outer surface of the inner container body (6) is in contact with the inner surface of the outer container (2) over at least more than 90%, preferably at least more than 99%, of the expanded portion of the outer container shoulder (9).

9. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The inner container dispensing part (7) has a continuous collar portion (13) in a region adjacent to the dispensing opening (11), wherein the collar portion (13) abuts flush with an edge region (10.R) of the outer container mouthpiece (10) facing away from the outer container body (5), The collar portion (13) has a groove-shaped recess on a surface thereof which abuts flush with the edge region (10.R) of the outer container mouthpiece (10) facing away from the outer container body (5), and the groove-shaped recess surrounds the dispensing opening (11) to form a venting groove (8), The collar portion (13) has at least one groove-shaped recess on a surface of the collar portion (13) which abuts flush with the edge region (10.R) of the outer container mouthpiece (10) facing away from the outer container body (5), and the at least one groove-shaped recess extends away from the dispensing opening (11) to form a venting cutout (14), wherein the at least one groove-shaped recess for forming at least one exhaust duct (4) is fluidically connected to the groove-shaped recess for forming the exhaust groove (8), and the groove-shaped recess for forming the exhaust groove (8) is fluidically connected to the groove-shaped recess for forming at least one exhaust cutout (14), The exhaust duct, the exhaust groove and the exhaust cutout form a fluid connection between the environment and a space (12) between the inner container (3) and the outer container (2).

10. Dispenser container (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The groove-like recess provided in the collar portion (13) and surrounding the dispensing opening (11) for forming the air exhaust groove (8) extends concentrically to the dispensing opening (11).

11. Dispenser container (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The inner container dispensing part (7) has on its surface several groove-shaped recesses facing the outer container nozzle (10) for forming several exhaust ducts (4), wherein the groove-shaped recesses for forming the exhaust ducts (4) preferably extend parallel to each other and particularly preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis (SBLA) of the dispenser container.

12. Dispenser container (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The groove-like recesses for forming the exhaust duct (4) are provided evenly distributed over the circumference of the inner container dispensing portion (7).

13. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The collar portion (13) has a plurality of groove-shaped recesses for forming a plurality of venting cutouts (14) extending away from the dispensing opening (11), wherein the groove-shaped recesses for forming the venting cutouts (14) are preferably provided to be evenly distributed on the circumference of the inner container dispensing portion (7).

14. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that The dimensionally stable material of the outer container (2) comprises glass, plastic, metal, metal alloy or a composite material.

15. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that The blow-molded elastic plastic of the inner container body (6) is a thermoplastic material, in particular a polyamide, a polyolefin or a polycarbonate, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene.

16. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that The dimensionally stable plastic of the inner container dispensing part (7) has a higher melting temperature than the blow-molded elastic plastic of the inner container body (6).

17. Dispenser container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 16, manufactured using the method according to claims 1 to 4.

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