Pump dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump dispenser (11) for the metered removal of a liquid from a container on which the pump dispenser (11) can be placed, having a housing (13) which can be held on the container by a cap (21) and in which a metering chamber (15) is formed, and having a pump head (29) with a dispenser opening (27), the pump head can move in the axial direction. The pump head (29) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a control element (41) having a first external thread (53). A control sleeve (43) with a first internal thread (65) is arranged between the closing ring (35) and the control element (41). The overall length of the control element (41) and the control sleeve (43) is defined as a function of the angle of rotation by means of the control element (41) extending and retracting the control sleeve (43) telescopically.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump-type distributor according to the preamble of claim 1 and a pump system according to claim 24. Existing technology

[0002] Pump dispensers are used to remove liquids, which may also have increased viscosity (creams or gels), from a storage container by pressing the dispenser head. In some embodiments, a dispenser extension is formed on the dispenser head and thus moves with the dispenser head.

[0003] Pump systems typically include a container for the product and a pump dispenser attached to an opening in the container.

[0004] The pump head can operate relative to the housing during the pump stroke to change the volume of the metering chamber and distribute it through the outlet passage, typically via an outlet valve. After the piston is depressed, it is lifted by the inlet valve to refill the metering chamber, usually driven by a return spring.

[0005] Although alternative solutions exist, the piston is typically connected directly or indirectly to the pump head. Due to the excellent memory properties of metals, the spring is usually made of stainless steel. However, to improve recyclability, it is desirable to manufacture all components from the same material (preferably polypropylene). However, this material has very low memory properties.

[0006] For the pump head to return to its highest position, the force of the spring must overcome at least the internal frictional resistance of the components plus the fluid resistance. Since these resistances can vary, the spring has what is known as preload in the upper position.

[0007] For transportation and safety reasons, pump systems are typically sold with the distributor head in the lower position. In this position, the spring is compressed and locked until its stroke is complete, usually secured by a threaded locking mechanism. In this position, the spring force is even greater than the preload in the upper position.

[0008] The end user can unlock the spring by rotating the pump head, after which the pump head returns to its initial position.

[0009] It is already difficult to guarantee the strength of plastic springs under preload in the upper position over a long period of time, but according to the current technology, it is impossible to guarantee the strength of polypropylene under full load in the transport position. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pump dispenser in which the plastic spring is not unloaded not only in the operating position but also when the pump head is retracted, such that the plastic spring is compressed or loaded only during the use of the pump dispenser, while requiring as little space as possible during storage and transportation.

[0011] With regard to the pump-type dispenser, the objective is achieved by the features listed in the characterizing portion of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to developments and / or advantageous alternative embodiments.

[0012] The present invention is preferably characterized in that the pump head is torsionally connected to a control element having a first external thread, the control element being in the form of a cylinder with a housing, and a control sleeve having a first internal thread is arranged between the closing ring and the control element, wherein the control element is rotatably and centrally mounted within the control sleeve, and the first internal thread and the first external thread interact to define the total length of the control element and the control sleeve according to the rotation angle by the telescopic retraction and extension of the control element and the control sleeve, the total length being used to compress the plastic spring according to the total length of the control element and the control sleeve. The stated objective is achieved by the fact that the plastic spring is not permanently compressed and loaded in the transport position of the pump head, but is permanently relaxed and unloaded. The plastic spring is only compressed for pumping operation when using a pump dispenser. This significantly extends the life of the plastic spring because the plastic spring is only loaded when using a pump dispenser.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element is pressed against the closure ring from below by a plastic spring, and there is a form-fit engagement between the control element and the closure ring. This is designed to allow the control element to extend out of the closure ring in a specific rotational position of the pump head, thereby pushing the pump head into a second upper position. This allows the pump head to rotate into an active position in which liquid can be pumped out of the container in a known manner when the pump head is pressed down by the user and then springs back. The pump head extending after counterclockwise rotation indicates to the user that they are correctly operating the pump dispenser and have correctly moved the pump head from the transport position to the pumping position.

[0014] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element has a first shoulder formed in the circumferential direction, wherein a first control portion is located above the first shoulder and a second control portion is located below the first shoulder. The first shoulder allows the control element to have an increased diameter only in the region of the first control portion, which is necessary to ensure sufficient space for a torsionally resistant connection of the pump head to the control element. The first shoulder can also abut against the second shoulder of the control sleeve in the transport position for stability in that position.

[0015] Preferably, the control sleeve has a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, which are connected to each other by a second shoulder. This forms a shoulder for the piston, which the piston can strike when the pump head is pressed down.

[0016] Advantageously, the second control section protrudes into the second sleeve section for axially guiding the control element and is axially displaceable within the second sleeve section. Thus, the fluid path from the metering chamber to the distributor opening is clearly defined, and the control element is simultaneously held or guided in the closed loop and the second sleeve section in each axial position.

[0017] In the above embodiment, it is advantageous that a seal is disposed at the lower end of the second control portion, which seals the interior of the second sleeve portion relative to the interior of the first sleeve portion. The seal allows for sealing relative to the first sleeve portion and axial displacement of the lower end of the second control portion within the second sleeve portion.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a skirt is formed on the closed ring for axially and rotationally fixedly guiding the control sleeve. An axially oriented first guide element is provided on the inner side of the skirt, which works in conjunction with a second guide element formed on the first sleeve portion. These guide elements act as linear guide cams for the first sleeve portion, thereby converting rotational movement of the control element into linear movement of the control sleeve. The guide elements also serve as anti-torsion protection between the control sleeve and the closed ring. Alternatively, such anti-torsion protection can also function between the control sleeve and the housing by means of appropriate guide elements.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the form-fit engagement is achieved by the control element having a circular cross-section with a flat portion, and the through opening of the closing ring having a negative shape corresponding to the cross-section of the control element. When the cross-section and the negative shape are aligned at a specific rotation angle of the pump head, the control element, preloaded by the spring, can be pushed upward and pushed out of the closing ring. This provides the user with clear feedback that they have activated the pump function.

[0020] Advantageously, the lower end of the flat portion is limited by the third shoulder. Therefore, the control element and control sleeve are stably held in the upper position of the pump head because the first sleeve portion and the third shoulder press against the underside of the closing ring.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the form-fit engagement is achieved by having a first groove on its housing, in which a nose portion formed in a through-opening is guided. Here, the form-fit engagement is effective when the nose portion aligns with the groove at a specific rotation angle.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the form-fit engagement is achieved by forming a second external thread at the upper end of the housing of the control element, which interacts with a second internal thread formed at the edge of the through-opening. An advantage of this design is that the pump head's height changes during rotation before the first control portion is pushed out of the closing ring.

[0023] Advantageously, a rib extending in the axial direction is formed on the housing, which enables the first external thread to connect with the second external thread. Preferably, a second groove is provided on the closing ring, in which the rib is guided. This ensures that, in embodiments with a second external thread and a second internal thread, the first control portion is pressed axially upward in a rotationally fixed and stable manner.

[0024] Advantageously, the plastic spring is connected to the control sleeve by a spring seat. This allows the spring to reliably press against the lower end of the second sleeve portion. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a flange is formed on the second sleeve portion instead of a spring seat.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the piston on the control sleeve is displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the piston is against the spring seat when the pump head is pushed upward, and in the second position, the piston is against the second shoulder when the pump head is pushed downward. This, combined with the liquid opening described in the next paragraph, allows for the simple implementation of the outlet valve, since in any case there are upper and lower stops for the piston.

[0026] Preferably, the control sleeve is provided with at least one fluid opening, which, together with the piston, serves as an outlet valve. The fluid opening opens when the pump head is pushed downwards by the piston, and closes when the pump head is pushed upwards by the piston. Therefore, the fluid opening is always reliably open when the pump head is pressed downwards and liquid is forced from the metering chamber into the channel formed by the second sleeve portion, the second control portion, and the first control portion.

[0027] Particularly preferred is that the pump head is pressed against the closing ring by a spring during rotation, and when the form-fit engagement is effective, the pump head is locked in the direction of rotation and pushed axially upward by the spring. This allows the pump head to be moved from its transport position to the pumping position by simply twisting it.

[0028] Particularly preferred is that, in the transport position of the pump head, the pump head is retracted into the closed ring, and in this position, the pump head rotates at a 0-degree angle relative to the closed ring. Furthermore, in this position, the control element is fully retracted into the control sleeve, thereby relaxing the plastic spring. This ensures that the plastic spring remains relaxed and is therefore protected throughout the entire storage and transport period in the retail store. Consequently, the spring's lifespan can be significantly increased, and the spring will not break or lose tension even if the container is refilled several times.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element can be unscrewed from the control sleeve as the pump head rotates counterclockwise, thereby compressing the plastic spring more tightly the pump head rotates further. This allows the plastic spring to remain almost tension-free, even when the pump head is in a space-saving and securely sealed transport position. Only through the telescopic extension formed by the control element and the control sleeve can the plastic spring be compressed when needed to push the pump head upward and out of the closure ring, allowing the pump head to reach the pumping position.

[0030] Advantageously, the pump head rotates at a specific angle, specifically 270 degrees, when the control element is fully axially extended from the control sleeve and the plastic spring is maximally compressed. The pitch of the first internal and first external threads is adapted to the 270-degree rotation angle, such that the control element is fully extended from the control sleeve at this angle. Further counterclockwise rotation is prevented by the form-fit engagement between the control element and the closing ring.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the pump head rotation angle has a specific value, particularly 270 degrees, when the form-fit engagement between the closed ring and the control element is effective. With the rotation angle at which the control element fully extends out of the control sleeve and the form-fit engagement is effective, the threaded connection between the control element and the control sleeve will not be overtightened.

[0032] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the form-fit engagement between the closing ring and the control element only functions when the control element is fully axially extended from the control sleeve. This ensures that maximum spring compression is achieved when the control element extends from the closing ring.

[0033] Advantageously, a notch is provided on the first internal thread, into which the lower end of the first external thread can engage. This locks the control element or pump head in the direction opposite to the opening rotation direction. This prevents user error and makes the pump dispenser more user-friendly.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a pump system comprising a container and a pump-type dispenser attached to the container, as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings. In the drawings, in schematic diagrams not drawn to scale: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a pump dispenser in its transport position is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head is rotated 60 degrees and the control element portion extends axially out of the control sleeve; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head is rotated 270 degrees and the control element extends axially out of the control sleeve. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head is rotated 270 degrees and the control element portion extends axially upwards from the closed ring; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the control element extends fully axially upward from the closed loop; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head has already covered a portion of the pump stroke distance downwards; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head has been extended downwards to cover the entire pump stroke distance; Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a pump-type distributor is shown, in which the pump head has been extended upwards to cover the entire pump stroke distance; Figure 9 An isometric sectional view of the control unit of the pump dispenser is shown, in which the control element in the transport position is fully housed in the control sleeve; Figure 10 An isometric sectional view is shown, in which the control element extends fully axially out of the control sleeve; Figure 11 An isometric sectional view is shown, in which the control element extends fully axially out of the control sleeve and the control element extends fully axially out of the closed ring, thereby activating the pump head; Figure 12 An isometric sectional view of a pump dispenser is shown, in which the control element extends fully axially upward from the closed loop, and the pump dispenser is ready for use; Figure 13 An isometric sectional view of the control unit in the first embodiment is shown. Figure 14 An isometric sectional view of the control unit in the second embodiment is shown; Figure 15 An isometric sectional view of the control unit in the third embodiment is shown; Figure 16An isometric sectional view of the control unit in the fourth embodiment is shown, wherein the control element extends out of the closed loop; Figure 17 An isometric sectional view of the control unit in the fourth embodiment is shown, wherein the control element is retracted into a closed loop; Figure 18 An isometric view of a control sleeve with a notch on its internal thread is shown; and Figure 19 An isometric view is shown of the control sleeve and the control section that interacts with the control sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 12 A pump dispenser is shown, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 11 in the figure.

[0037] The housing 13, in which a metering chamber 15 with a variable volume is formed, forms a component of the pump dispenser 11, and most other components are arranged on the housing. The housing 13 preferably has the form of a rotating cylinder having an open end at the top and a base 17. At the upper end, a flange 19 is provided on the outer side of the housing 13, and a cap 21 is held on this flange. The cap 21 is rotatable relative to the housing 13 and can be screwed onto the container 12 (in) by means of a pipe-connected nut with internal threads. Figure 1 (As shown in the image)

[0038] At the base 17, a suction tube 23 is connected to the housing 13 in a fluid-permeable manner. Liquids (such as liquid soap or cream) can be drawn into the metering chamber 15 through the suction tube 23. An inlet valve in the form of a plastic ball 25 is implemented at the inlet into the housing 13. If a vacuum exists in the metering chamber 15, the inlet valve opens and liquid is drawn into the metering chamber 15. If an overpressure exists in the metering chamber 15, the inlet valve closes, and liquid is pumped from the metering chamber 15 to the distributor opening 27 of the pump head 29.

[0039] The pump head 29 is movable vertically between a first lower position and a second upper position to perform a pump stroke relative to the housing 13 along the longitudinal axis 31 of the distributor 11. The pump head 29 can also rotate relative to the housing 13 about the longitudinal axis 31. The pump head 29 has a pressure plate 33 by which it can be pressed downward. The pump head 29 penetrates a sealing ring 35 that closes the open end of the housing 13. After the user has pushed the pump head 29 downward to pump liquid, a plastic spring 37 indirectly pushes the piston 39 upward. Thus, the plastic spring 37 returns the pump head 29 and piston 39 to their original positions. The piston 39 is movable along the inner wall of the housing 13 in a liquid-impermeable manner to deliver liquid.

[0040] The pump head 29 is torsionally connected to the control element 41. The control element 41 is centrally and rotatably mounted within the control sleeve 43. The control element 41 is essentially a cylindrical shape with a housing 45. The control element 41 has a first shoulder 47 formed in the circumferential direction. A first control portion 49 is located above the first shoulder 47, and a second control portion 51 is located below the first shoulder 47. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Because of the first shoulder 47, the diameter of the second control portion 51 is smaller than the diameter of the first control portion 49. Above the shoulder 47, a first external thread 53 is formed on the first control portion 49 of the sheath 45, as shown. Figures 9 to 16 As shown. The first external thread 53 terminates in the lower region of the first control section 49.

[0041] The closing ring 35 has a downwardly extending skirt 55. A control sleeve 43 is arranged between the skirt 55 and the control element 41. The control sleeve 43 also has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a second shoulder 57 formed in the circumferential direction. A first sleeve portion 59 is located above the second shoulder 57, and a second sleeve portion 61 is located below the second shoulder 57. The second sleeve portion 61 is closed at its lower end. A spring seat 63, mounted to the lower end of the second sleeve portion 61, forms a shoulder for a plastic spring 37, thereby connecting the plastic spring to the control sleeve 43. The piston 39 can slide up and down between the spring seat 63 and the second shoulder 57 on the outside of the second sleeve portion 61 according to the movement of the pump head 29. The distance between the second shoulder 57 and the spring seat 63 is correspondingly greater than the height of the piston 39. A liquid opening 64 is provided on the second sleeve portion 61, which, together with the movable piston 39, constitutes an outlet valve.

[0042] A first internal thread 65 is formed on the inside of the first sleeve portion 59, which interacts with the first external thread 53. This allows the control element 41 to extend telescopically out of the control sleeve 43 as the pump head 29 rotates. Therefore, the total length of the control sleeve 43 and the control element 41 is defined by the rotation angle. Preferably, the control element 41 extends fully out of the control sleeve 43 when the pump head 29 has rotated 270 degrees from the transport position.

[0043] The second control portion 51 protrudes into the second sleeve portion 61 for axially guiding the control element and is axially displaceable within the second sleeve portion. A seal 67 is provided at the lower end of the second control portion 51, thereby sealing the interior of the second sleeve portion 61 relative to the first sleeve portion 59 even when the second control portion 51 is fully extended out of the second sleeve portion 61.

[0044] In order for the pump head 29 to extend axially out of the closing ring 35 after the control element 41 has fully extended out of the control sleeve 43, a form-fit engagement is required between the first control portion 49 and the closing ring 35. Four embodiments of the form-fit engagement are described below: According to Figure 13 In the first embodiment, the first control portion 49 has a first groove 69 on its housing, and a nose 73 formed in the through opening 71 of the closing ring 35 is guided in the first groove. The first groove 69 terminates at its lower side at a step (not shown) abutting the nose 73. Thus, the highest point of the pump head 29 is defined, and the spring pressure cannot push the pump head 29 further upward. Additionally, in this upper position of the pump head 29, the upper ends of the first sleeve portion 59 and the first internal thread 65 abut against the closing ring 35.

[0045] According to Figure 14 In the second embodiment, the first control portion 49 has a circular cross-section, on which a flat portion 75 is formed. The flat portion 75 is a rectangle with a vertical long side and a horizontal wide side. The third shoulder portion 77 ( Figure 10 A third shoulder is formed at the lower end of the flat portion 75, and in the upper position, the third shoulder is close to the closing ring 35. The through opening 71 of the closing ring 35 has a negative shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first control portion 49.

[0046] According to Figure 15 In the third embodiment, a second external thread 79 is formed at the upper end of the housing of the first control portion 49. The second external thread 79 interacts with a second internal thread 81, which is formed at the edge of the through opening 71. If the second external thread 79 is unscrewed from the second internal thread 81, the spring 37 pushes the control element 41 and the control sleeve 43 axially upward until the upper ends of the first sleeve portion 59 and the first external thread 53 are abutting the closing ring 35. An advantage of this embodiment is that it indicates a change in height to the user during the rotation of the pump head 29 from the transport position, thus indicating "correct" operation. Considering current products on the market, this method of operation constitutes a more intuitive unlocking method.

[0047] According to Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the fourth embodiment, the third embodiment is extended by a feature of a rib 83 extending in the axial direction. The rib 83 connects the first external thread 53 to the second external thread 79. A second groove 85 is provided on the closing ring 35, in which the rib 83 is guided. When extended to the second position, the rib 83 is guided in the second groove 85 until the upper end of the first sleeve portion 59 and the first external thread 53 abuts against the closing ring.

[0048] like Figure 18 and Figure 19As schematically illustrated, in all four embodiments, it can be specified, for example, by providing a notch 93 on the first internal thread 65, to prevent reverse rotational movement of the control element 41 relative to the control sleeve 43. When the plastic spring 37 has reached its full compression due to the rotation of the control element 41, the lower end 95 of the first external thread 53 locks into the notch 93, thereby preventing the control element 41 from rotating backward or allowing the control element to rotate backward with increased resistance compared to an unlocked control element 41. This reliably prevents user error when operating the pump dispenser 11.

[0049] Figures 1 to 8 The function of the pump dispenser 11 is illustrated step by step using implementation scheme 2 as an example: exist Figure 1 In this position, the pump dispenser 11 or pump head 29 is in the transport position and fully retracted into the closing ring 35 or housing 13. In this position, the control element 41 and control sleeve 43 are pushed together as much as possible and together have the height of the control sleeve 43. This has the significant advantage that the plastic spring 37 is not compressed or is only slightly compressed in this compressed position. Even if the pump dispenser 11 remains in the closed transport position for an extended period, the spring 37 will not be loaded or damaged.

[0050] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, the pump head 29 rotates counterclockwise by 60 degrees together with the control element 41. This direction of rotation is chosen because the user associates counterclockwise rotation with loosening. To prevent the control sleeve 43 from rotating with the control element 41 and instead moving axially downward, a first guide element 87 and a second guide element 89 are formed on the skirt 55 and the first sleeve portion 59, respectively. For example, the first guide element 87 may be an axial ramp, and the second guide element 89 may be an axial sheet that slides in the ramp. In this position, the control sleeve 43 has been slightly pushed axially downward out of the control element 41 and the spring 37 is compressed. The upper end of the first control portion 49 is pressed against the closing ring 35 from below by the spring, but not yet through the closing ring. Therefore, the two guide elements 87, 89 act as guide cams to convert rotational movement into linear movement.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, the pump head 29 rotates 270 degrees counterclockwise together with the control element 41, and the control sleeve 43 extends fully downward. This results in the maximum compression of the spring 37.

[0052] like Figure 4 As can be seen, in this rotated position, the form-fit engagement between the closing ring 35 and the first control portion 49 is effective because the flat portion 75 coincides with the corresponding portion of the through opening 71. Since the spring 37 is compressed to its maximum extent, the first control portion 49 is forced upward through the closing ring 35.

[0053] Figure 5 The first control portion 49 is shown fully extended from the closing ring, and thus the upper end of the first sleeve portion 59 and the third shoulder 77 are close to the lower side of the closing ring 35. This is the second upper position of the pump head 29.

[0054] Now the user can press down on pressure plate 33 ( Figure 6 The pumping operation is initiated by drawing air into the housing 13 through the air inlet 91, so that no vacuum is created in the metering chamber 15 during the downward movement of the piston 39. The air inlet 91 also ventilates the container 12 to prevent the formation of a vacuum therein.

[0055] exist Figure 7 In this position, the pump head 29 has reached the first lower position and can begin the suction process to allow liquid to enter the metering chamber 15. During the suction process, the inlet valve opens, and liquid is drawn into the metering chamber 15 by the rising of the ball 25.

[0056] exist Figure 8 In the first pump cycle, the inlet valve closes when the pump head 29 is pressed down. The outlet valve opens because the piston 39 is in the upper position and presses against the second shoulder 57 during downward movement. This opens the liquid opening 64 and allows liquid to be forced through this opening into the second sleeve portion 61, into the second control portion 51 and the first control portion 49, and into the distributor opening via the pump head 29. For optimal operation of the suction and pumping cycles, it is important that the interiors of the first sleeve portion 59 and the second sleeve portion 61 are sealed by 67.

[0057] In summary, in the pump-type dispenser 11 of the present invention, the rotational movement of the pump head 29 is converted into two linear axial movements: on the one hand, the control sleeve 43 moves linearly downward by rotational movement, and on the other hand, the pump head 29 moves linearly upward through the closed ring 35 together with the control element 41 and the control sleeve 43.

[0058] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 11 Pump-type distributor 12 containers 13. Shell 15 Metering Chambers 17. Base 19 Flange 21 hats 23. Suction tube 25 plastic balls 27 Distributor opening 29 Pump head 31. Longitudinal axis 33 Pressure Plate 35 Closed loop 37 Plastic Springs 39 Pistons 41 Control Components 43 Control sleeve 45. Housing of control components 47 First shoulder 49 First Control Section 51 Second Control Section 53 First external thread 55 Skirt 57 Second shoulder 59 First sleeve section 61 Second sleeve section 63 Spring seat 64 Liquid opening 65 First internal thread 67 Seals 69 First trench 71 Through-opening 73. Nose 75 Flat area 77 Third shoulder 79 Second External Thread 81 Second Internal Thread 83 ribs 85 Second trench 87 First guiding element 89 Second guiding element 91 Air intake opening 93. Notch on the first internal thread 95 Lower end of the first external thread

Claims

1. A pump dispenser (11) for meteringly removing liquid from a container (12), the pump dispenser (11) being placeable on the container, the pump dispenser having: - A housing (13) that can be held on the container (12) by a cap (21) and forms a metering chamber (15) in the housing. - A pump head (29) with a distributor opening (27), the pump head (29) being movable up and down between a first lower position and a second upper position to perform a pump stroke relative to the housing (13) along the longitudinal axis (31) of the distributor (11), the pump head being rotatable relative to the housing (13) about the longitudinal axis (31) and having a rotation angle. - A piston (39) that is movable together with the pump head (29) in the metering chamber (15) to deliver the liquid. - A plastic spring (37) that returns the pump head (29) to its original position relative to the housing (13) and positions it between the lower end of the housing (13) and the piston (39). - A closing ring (35) that closes the upper end of the housing (13) and through which the pump head (29) penetrates. - A suction tube (23) is used to draw liquid from the container into the metering chamber (15), and - An inlet valve in the form of a ball (25), the ball (25) defining the direction of delivery of the liquid from the suction tube (23) to the distributor opening (27) and preventing delivery in the opposite direction. Its features are, The pump head (29) is torsionally connected to a control element (41) having a first external thread (53), the control element being in the form of a cylinder with a housing (45), and A control sleeve (43) having a first internal thread (65) is arranged between the closed ring (35) and the control element (41), wherein the control element (41) is rotatably and centrally mounted within the control sleeve (43), and the first internal thread (65) and the first external thread (53) interact to define the total length of the control element (41) and the control sleeve (43) according to the rotation angle by the telescopic retraction and extension of the control sleeve (43) by the control element (41), the total length being used to compress the plastic spring (37) according to the total length of the control element (41) and the control sleeve (43).

2. The pump-type distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (41) is pressed against the closure ring (35) from below by the plastic spring (37), and there is a form-fit engagement between the control element (41) and the closure ring (35), which is intended to allow the control element (41) to extend out of the closure ring (35) in a specific rotational position of the pump head (29), thereby pushing the pump head (29) into the second upper position.

3. The pump-type distributor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (41) has a first shoulder (47) formed in the circumferential direction, wherein a first control portion (49) is located above the first shoulder (47) and a second control portion (51) is located below the first shoulder (47).

4. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control sleeve (43) has a first sleeve portion (59) and a second sleeve portion (61), the first sleeve portion (59) and the second sleeve portion (61) being connected to each other by a second shoulder portion (57).

5. The pump-type distributor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second control portion (51) protrudes into the second sleeve portion (61) for axially guiding the control element (41) and is axially displaceable within the second sleeve portion.

6. The pump-type distributor according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A seal (67) is arranged at the lower end of the second control portion (51), the seal sealing the interior of the second sleeve portion (61) relative to the interior of the first sleeve portion (59).

7. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, A skirt (55) is formed on the closed ring (35) for axially and rotatably guiding the control sleeve (43). An axially oriented first guide element (87) is provided on the inner side of the skirt, which works in conjunction with a second guide element (89) formed on the first sleeve portion (59).

8. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The shape fit is achieved by the following: the control element (41) has a circular cross-section with a flat portion (75), and the through opening (71) of the closed ring (35) has a negative shape corresponding to the cross-section of the control element (41).

9. The pump-type distributor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower end of the flat portion (75) is limited by the third shoulder portion (77).

10. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The shape-fitting engagement is achieved by the control element (41) having a first groove (69) on its housing (45), and the nose (73) formed in the through opening (71) being guided in the first groove.

11. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The shape-fitting engagement is achieved by forming a second external thread (79) at the upper end of the housing (45) of the control element (41), which interacts with a second internal thread (81) formed at the edge of the through opening (71).

12. The pump-type distributor according to claim 11, characterized in that, A rib (83) extending in the axial direction is formed at the housing (45), which is capable of connecting the first external thread (53) to the second external thread (79).

13. The pump-type distributor according to claim 12, characterized in that, A second groove (85) is provided on the closed ring (35), and the rib (83) is guided in the second groove.

14. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plastic spring (37) is connected to the control sleeve (43) by a spring seat (63).

15. The pump-type distributor according to claim 14, characterized in that, The piston (39) on the control sleeve (43) is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, when the pump head (29) is pushed upward, the piston is close to the spring seat (63), and in the second position, when the pump head (29) is pushed downward, the piston is close to the second shoulder (57).

16. The pump-type distributor according to claim 15, characterized in that, At least one liquid opening (64) is provided on the control sleeve (43), which together with the piston (39) serves as an outlet valve.

17. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that, The pump head (29) is pressed against the closed ring (35) by the spring (37) when rotating, and when the shape fit is effective, the pump head is locked in the rotational direction and pushed axially upward by the spring (37).

18. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the transport position of the pump head (29), the pump head is retracted into the closed ring (35), and in the transport position, the pump head (29) presents a rotation angle of 0 degrees relative to the closed ring (35), and in the transport position, the control element (41) is fully retracted into the control sleeve (43), thereby relaxing the plastic spring (37).

19. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the pump head (29) rotates counterclockwise, the control element (41) can be unscrewed from the control sleeve (43), so that the further the pump head (29) rotates, the more tightly the plastic spring (37) is compressed.

20. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the control element (41) extends axially fully out of the control sleeve (43) and the plastic spring (37) is compressed to the maximum extent, the rotation angle of the pump head (29) has a specific value, in particular 270 degrees.

21. The pump-type distributor according to claims 2 and 20, characterized in that, When the shape-fit engagement between the closed ring (35) and the control element (41) is effective, the rotation angle of the pump head (29) has a specific value, particularly a value of 270 degrees.

22. The pump-type distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 21, characterized in that, The shape-fit engagement between the closed ring (35) and the control element (41) only works when the control element (41) is fully axially extended from the control sleeve (43).

23. The pump-type distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A notch (93) is provided on the first internal thread (65), and the lower end (95) of the first external thread (53) can engage in the notch.

24. A pump system comprising a container (12) and a pump-type dispenser (11) attached to the container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images