Dispensing point and donor

Abstract

Dispensing head (3) for a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid (F), wherein the dispensing head (3) includes a movable actuator (4) for actuating the dispensing head (3) orThe dispenser (1) and a fastening part (5) for attaching the dispensing head (3) to a container (2) of the dispenser (2), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a display device (15) for indicating initial use of the dispensing head (3) and is designed to automatically move the display device (15) from a first position to a second position before or during initial actuation of the actuator (4), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a locking mechanism designed to lock the display device (15) against movement back from the second position to the first position, characterized in that the actuator (4) has a driver (16) for moving the display device (15) from the first position to the second position during movement, in particular rotation, of the actuator (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing head for a dispenser for dispensing a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a dispenser.

[0002] The fluid is preferably a cleaning product or a cosmetic product, for example a bathroom or glass cleaner, a shower gel, a shampoo, a cream, a perfume or the like.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to provide packaging or a container for a product, particularly in the food and cosmetics sectors, with a tamper-evident seal. A tamper-evident seal is, in particular, a device by which a user or consumer can recognize that the packaging or container is still in its original packaging or sealed and has not yet been opened. For example, such a tamper-evident seal can be formed by a sticker affixed in such a way that the sticker is damaged or destroyed upon (first) opening of the packaging or container. Plastic rings, which must be removed or destroyed before (first) opening, are also known as tamper-evident seals.

[0004] The tamper-evident seals known from the state of the art are unaesthetic, unhygienic, prone to errors and / or require an additional step before the product is used for the first time, in which the tamper-evident seal must be removed or destroyed and / or in which parts must be disposed of separately, making the use of the product cumbersome or uncomfortable for the user.

[0005] Furthermore, dispensing heads for fluid dispensers are known from the prior art. These dispensing heads feature a rotatable actuator, which is secured against actuation in one rotational position and can be actuated or depressed in another rotational position. This function is also referred to as a twist-to-lock function.

[0006] A corresponding dispensing head is described, for example, in US 2003 / 0150876 A1. The mechanism for implementing the twist-to-lock function requires a relatively large amount of space, and the dispensing head consists of numerous separate parts. This leads to high overall production costs and complex assembly of the dispensing head.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a dispensing head or dispenser in which first-time use is recognizable or indicated and / or which can be secured against actuation, wherein the dispensing head or dispenser has a simple and / or compact design; is easy to manufacture, saves material and / or is inexpensive, and / or is safe and / or comfortable to use.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a dispensing head according to claim 1 or a dispenser according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0009] The present invention relates to a dispensing head for a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, wherein the dispensing head has a movable actuator for actuating the dispensing head or dispenser and a fastening part for fastening the dispensing head to a container of the dispenser.

[0010] The dispensing head preferably has an indicator for indicating the first use of the dispensing head. This allows a user to determine whether the dispensing head or dispenser has already been used.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the dispensing head is designed to automatically move the display device from a first position to a second position before or upon initial actuation of the actuator. The dispensing head has a locking mechanism designed to lock the display device against returning from the second position to the first position. This enables reliable indication of initial use or completed use. Furthermore, the automatic movement of the display device before or upon initial actuation of the actuator automatically indicates initial use or completed use, thus eliminating the need for an additional step such as destroying or removing a security device or tamper-evident seal before initial use. Operating the dispensing head or dispenser is thus more convenient and easier for the user.Furthermore, the locking mechanism is less prone to errors than conventional tamper-evident seals or security devices.

[0012] According to a further, also independently implementable aspect of the present invention, the indicator device is designed to indicate first-time use without damaging, destroying, or removing any part of the dispensing head. This promotes hygiene and prevents injuries from sharp-edged components that can occur if parts of the dispensing head are damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, removed parts do not need to be disposed of separately, which facilitates recycling of the dispensing head or dispenser and makes operation more convenient and easier. Finally, the proposed non-destructive solution is also less error-prone than conventional tamper-evident seals or security devices.

[0013] The actuator is preferably linearly movable and / or rotatable, in particular relative to the fastening part, in particular in order to lock the actuator against actuation or to unlock it for actuation and / or to release a fluid by means of the actuator.

[0014] The first and second positions of the display device are preferably different rotational positions of the display device, in particular with respect to a movement axis of the actuator. In other words, the display device is preferably rotatable, in particular about the movement axis of the actuator. The movement axis of the actuator is in particular an axis along which the actuator can be moved linearly, in particular to convey and / or dispense a fluid, and / or about which the actuator can be rotated, in particular to block or enable actuation of the actuator. This solution is particularly reliable and easy to implement, as well as safe and convenient for the user.

[0015] The actuator preferably has a driver for moving the indicator device from the first position to the second position upon (initial) movement, in particular rotation, of the actuator. This enables automatic actuation or movement of the indicator device before or upon initial use, so that initial or completed actuation / use is reliably indicated, and eliminates an additional step such as destroying or removing a tamper-evident seal or security device before using the dispensing head.

[0016] The locking mechanism preferably comprises two mutually corresponding locking elements, in particular a locking piece and a lock, for preferably positively locking the display device against a return movement to the first position. Preferably, the locking elements are moved past each other when the display device is moved from the first position to the second position. In particular, this creates a (mechanical) backstop or ratchet. This solution is particularly reliable and easy to implement. Furthermore, the locking mechanism represents a particularly hygienic and user-friendly solution.

[0017] The display device is preferably ring-shaped and / or rotatably arranged or attached to the fastening part, in particular to an upper edge of the fastening part. This enables a simple, reliable, and easily understandable and recognizable indication of initial use or completed use for the user.

[0018] The locking mechanism is preferably located on the inside of the dispensing head and / or invisible from the outside. This is hygienic, error-resistant, and protects against injuries. Furthermore, it is particularly aesthetically pleasing, as the external appearance of the dispensing head or dispenser is not compromised.

[0019] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the actuator is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. Furthermore, the dispensing head has a blocking device for blocking actuation of the actuator in the first rotational position and / or outside the second rotational position. The actuator has a cylindrical outer wall and an actuating surface arranged at one end thereon, and the blocking device is arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall. This enables material-saving and cost-effective production and a compact design of the dispensing head, as well as eliminating the need for additional components.

[0020] The blocking device preferably has a blocking surface, particularly arranged on a side of the cylindrical outer wall of the actuator opposite the actuating surface, preferably with the blocking surface projecting or protruding radially outward from the cylindrical outer wall of the actuator. This arrangement or construction contributes to a material-saving and compact design.

[0021] The blocking device preferably comprises a blocking element arranged on the fastening part, in particular one that projects radially inward, preferably with one or more ribs. This contributes to a material-saving and compact design and eliminates the need for additional components.

[0022] The blocking surface and the blocking element preferably correspond to one another, wherein in the first rotational position of the actuator, the blocking surface and the blocking element are arranged in the same angular position, so that actuation of the actuator is blocked by the blocking surface and the blocking element. In the second rotational position of the actuator, the blocking surface is arranged outside the blocking element, so that actuation of the actuator is permitted. This enables simple, convenient, and intuitive operation and eliminates the need for additional components such as cover caps for covering the dispensing head or actuator.

[0023] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, comprising a container and a dispensing head attached thereto, wherein the dispensing head is configured as described herein. The dispenser accordingly achieves the advantages of the dispensing head.

[0024] The above-mentioned aspects and features as well as further aspects and features resulting from the claims and the following description can be realized independently of one another and in various combinations.

[0025] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic section of a dispenser with a proposed dispensing head; Fig. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the dispensing head, with an indicator of the dispensing head in a first position; Fig. Figure 2B is a schematic perspective view of the dispensing head with the indicator in a second position; Fig. 3A is a schematic section of the dispensing head perpendicular to a movement axis of the actuator, with the indicator in the first position; Fig. 3B is a schematic section of the dispensing head perpendicular to the axis of movement of the actuator, with the indicator in the second position; Fig. 4A is a schematic, perspective and partially sectioned view of parts of the dispensing head with the indicator in the first position; Fig. 4B is a schematic, perspective and partially sectioned view of parts of the dispensing head with the indicator in the second position; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator, the display device and a mounting part of the dispensing head; Fig. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the actuator and the fastening part, wherein the actuator is in a first rotational position; and Fig. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the actuator and the mounting part, with the actuator in a second rotational position.

[0026] In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are merely schematic, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar parts, whereby corresponding or comparable properties and advantages can be achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 has a container 2 for receiving a schematically indicated fluid F and a dispensing head 3 for dispensing the fluid F from the container 2.

[0028] The fluid F is preferably a cosmetic product, a medical product, a hygiene product, a cleaning product or the like, for example a deodorant, a perfume, a cream, a lotion, a shaving foam, a shower gel, a shampoo, a hair gel, a hairspray, a bathroom cleaner, a dishwashing liquid, an oven cleaner or the like.

[0029] The fluid F is preferably contained in the dispenser 1 or container 2. Via the dispensing head 3, the fluid F can be conveyed from the container 2 and / or dispensed from the dispenser 1 or to a user (not shown).

[0030] The dispensing head 3 preferably has an actuator 4 for actuating the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 and a fastening part 5 for fastening the dispensing head 3 to the container 2. The actuator 4 preferably has an outlet channel 28 for dispensing the fluid F.

[0031] The dispensing head 3 or actuator 4 is preferably designed to dispense the fluid F as a liquid, spray, foam, gel, cream or paste.

[0032] The fastening part 5 is preferably fastened or can be fastened to the container 2, in particular to an upper edge 2A of the container 2, for example can be screwed or screwed onto the container 2 or edge 2A.

[0033] The fastening part 5 can be designed in several parts or can have or consist of several parts that are firmly, in particular non-rotatably, connected to one another.

[0034] Preferably, the dispensing head 3 does not have a housing part within which the fastening part 5 is arranged or which bypasses or encloses the fastening part 5.

[0035] The actuator 4 is movable, in particular relative to the fastening part 5 and / or the container 2. In particular, the actuator 4 is movable relative to a movement axis A. The movement axis A is in particular a central or middle axis of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1.

[0036] Relative terms such as “above”, “below” or the like refer in particular to the Fig. 1 shows the position of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1, in which the dispensing head 3 is located above the container 2 and / or the movement axis A is aligned vertically.

[0037] Relative terms such as “inside”, “outside” or the like refer in particular to the relative position with respect to the axis of movement A.

[0038] Terms such as “axial”, “radial” or the like refer in particular to the movement axis A. A radial direction or extension is in particular a direction or extension radial to the movement axis A. An axial movement is in particular a movement along the movement axis A or parallel to the movement axis A.

[0039] The actuator 4 is movable linearly along or parallel to the movement axis A, in particular, it can be pushed down in the direction of the container 2 or the fastening part 5. By pushing down the actuator 4, the fluid F can preferably be conveyed from the container 2 or dispensed from the dispensing head 3. The term "pushing down" therefore refers in particular to a linear movement of the actuator 4 along the movement axis A downwards or in the direction of the fastening part 5 and / or container 2.

[0040] Preferably, the actuator 4 is rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A and / or between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, in particular from the first rotational position to the second rotational position and from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. The actuator 4 is rotatable in particular relative to the fastening part 5 and / or the container 2.

[0041] The first rotational position of the actuator 4 is in Fig. 2A and Fig. 6A and the second rotational position of the actuator 4 is shown in Fig. 2B and Fig. 6B.

[0042] The dispensing head 3 preferably has a reset device 6 for automatically returning the actuator 4 to an initial position after the actuator 4 has been pressed down or actuated to dispense fluid F. The reset device 6 is, in particular, a spring. In the illustrated example, the reset device 6 or spring is designed as a bellows or convoluted bellows and is preferably made of plastic.

[0043] The return device 6 is preferably arranged such that it does not come into contact with the fluid F.

[0044] Preferably, the return device 6 is arranged between the actuator 4 and the fastening part 5 and / or connected to the actuator 4 and / or the fastening part 5.

[0045] The dispensing head 3 preferably comprises a pump 7 for conveying the fluid F, in particular from the container 2. The pump 7 comprises, in particular, a pump housing 8, a piston 9, a pump chamber 10, an inlet 11, an outlet 12, an inlet valve 13, and an outlet valve 14.

[0046] The pump 7 pumps a fluid F from the container 2 of the dispenser 1 and dispenses it via the dispensing head 3. The piston 9 is axially movable to pump the fluid F via the inlet 11 into the pump chamber 10 and from the pump chamber 10 to the outlet 12.

[0047] Preferably, the pump 7 or the pump housing 8 is fastened to the fastening part 5 and / or held by the fastening part 5.

[0048] The return device 6 is preferably arranged outside the pump 7 or the pump housing 8 and / or the piston 9.

[0049] The actuator 4 is preferably attached to the piston 9, in particular such that the piston 9 and the actuator 4 move together, in particular when the actuator 4 is actuated or pressed down in the direction of the container 2 and / or moved back into the starting position, in particular by means of the return device 6.

[0050] The piston 9 is preferably fluidically connected to the outlet channel 28, so that fluid F to be dispensed can enter the outlet channel 28 from the piston 9 and be dispensed via the outlet channel 28 from the dispensing head 3 or actuator 4.

[0051] The dispensing head 3 preferably has a display device 15. The display device 15 is designed in particular to indicate the first use or completed use or actuation of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 or actuator 4.

[0052] In particular, the display device 15 can indicate whether or not the dispensing head 3 has already been used. A user can therefore determine from the display device 15 whether the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 is new or unused or has already been used or activated.

[0053] The display device 15 preferably has a first position and a second position different from the first position. Preferably, the first and second positions of the display device 15 are different rotational positions of the display device 15 and / or the display device 15 is rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A and / or (exclusively and / or once) from the first position or rotational position to the second position or rotational position.

[0054] In Fig. 2A shows the first position of the display device 15 and in Fig. 2B shows the second position of the display device 15.

[0055] The dispensing head 3 is preferably designed to automatically move or rotate the display device 15 from the first position to the second position before or upon a first actuation of the actuator 4, in particular a first rotation of the actuator 4 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.

[0056] Furthermore, the dispensing head 3 preferably has a locking mechanism for blocking movement or return movement of the display device 15 from the second position to the first position. In other words, the dispensing head 3 is preferably designed such that the display device 15 can no longer be moved back to the first position or starting position once it has been moved from the first position to the second position.

[0057] The locking mechanism is particularly in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, where the Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A show the indicator 15 in the first position and the Fig. 3B and Fig. 4B show the display device 15 in the second position. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B only the fastening part 5 and the display device 15 are shown, while the other parts of the dispensing head 3 are omitted.

[0058] The indication of a first-time actuation of the actuator 4 or dispensing head 3 by the indication device 15 is carried out in particular in such a way that no parts of the dispensing head 3 are destroyed or damaged and / or need to be removed from the dispensing head 3. The indication device 15 is therefore preferably designed for the non-destructive indication of a first-time actuation or use of the dispensing head 3.

[0059] The display device 15 is preferably fastened or arranged on the fastening part 5, in particular on an upper side or an upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The display device 15 is preferably arranged on a side of the fastening part 5 facing away from the container 2 and / or facing the actuator 4.

[0060] The display device 15 is preferably rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A. The first and second positions of the display device 15 are preferably different rotational positions of the display device 15, in particular with respect to the movement axis A. Preferably, there is a rotation angle of at least 60°, in particular at least or approximately 90°, between the first and second positions.

[0061] Preferably, the display device 15 is designed in a ring-like manner and / or the display device 15 surrounds or encloses the actuator 4, in particular radially to the movement axis A.

[0062] In particular, the display device 15 has a cylindrical portion 15A and a radial portion 15B, which is arranged in particular at the end or at an end of the cylindrical portion 15A facing away from the container 2. The cylindrical portion 15A and the radial portion 15B are preferably formed in one piece or are different portions of the same component.

[0063] The actuator 4 preferably has a driver 16 for driving the display device 15 or moving, in particular rotating, the display device 15 from the first position to the second position.

[0064] The driver 16 is designed in particular to move the display device 15 from the first position to the second position upon a first rotation of the actuator 4 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.

[0065] Preferably, the display device 15 has a stop 17, in particular corresponding to the driver 16 or assigned to the driver 16.

[0066] The driver 16 and the stop 17 are particularly in Fig. 5 shown.

[0067] The indicator device 15 can be moved from the first position to the second position by means of the driver 16 and / or the stop 17. In particular, the dispensing head 3 is designed such that the indicator device 15 is automatically moved from the first position to the second position by means of the driver 16 and / or the stop 17 when the actuator 4 is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position for the first time.

[0068] The actuator 4 preferably has a cylindrical outer wall 18. Furthermore, the actuator 4 preferably has an actuating surface 19 arranged at its end, in particular on a side of the actuator 4 facing away from the fastening part 5 or container 2. The actuating surface 19 is in particular a surface designed to allow a user to exert pressure on the surface and thus the actuator in order to press down the actuator 4, in particular to dispense the fluid F.

[0069] The driver 16 is preferably arranged outside or on the outside of the outer wall 18. In particular, the driver 16 protrudes radially from the outer wall 18.

[0070] The stop 17 is preferably arranged on the radial portion 15A of the display device 15, in particular on an inner edge of the radial portion 15A and / or on an underside of the radial portion 15A.

[0071] The stop 17 is preferably arranged on the display device 15 in such a way that the driver 16 contacts the stop 17 upon (first) actuation of the actuator 4 or movement of the actuator 4 from the first to the second rotational position and thus moves or rotates the display 15 from the first position to the second position.

[0072] Upon a subsequent return movement of the actuator 4 from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the driver 16 preferably detaches from the stop 17, so that the movement of the actuator 4 does not induce any movement or rotation of the display device 15, or the display device 15 remains in the second position. Furthermore, the display device 15 is preferably locked against return movement to the first position by means of the locking mechanism.

[0073] The dispensing head 3 can have several pairs of mutually associated drivers 16 and stops 17. In the illustrated example, the dispensing head 3 has three pairs of drivers 16 and stops 17, which are each arranged at a rotation angle of 120° to each other.

[0074] The locking mechanism is designed in particular as a ratchet or mechanical backstop.

[0075] The locking mechanism preferably comprises two mutually corresponding locking elements 20, 21. In particular, the locking element 20 forms a locking piece or locking wheel, and the locking element 21 forms a locking element or locking pawl.

[0076] A locking piece is, in particular, a part that is or will be locked against movement by means of a locking device. Accordingly, a locking device is, in particular, a part that locks a locking piece against movement.

[0077] The locking mechanism or the locking elements 20, 21 are designed in particular for positively locking or blocking a movement of the display device 15 from the second position to the first position.

[0078] Preferably, the display device 15 has or forms the locking element 20, in particular the locking piece or locking wheel, and / or the fastening part 5 or a component fixedly or non-rotatably connected to the fastening part 5 and / or container 2 has or forms the locking element 21, in particular the lock or the locking pawl.

[0079] The locking mechanism or the locking elements 20, 21 is / are preferably arranged so as to be invisible and / or concealed for a user and / or arranged on an inner side of the dispensing head 3.

[0080] The locking element 20 is preferably arranged on the inside of the display device 15, in particular on the inside of the cylindrical section 15A. The locking element 20 preferably protrudes inward from the cylindrical section 15A. In particular, the locking element 20 is formed as an elongated and / or web-like protrusion on the inside of the cylindrical section 15A. The locking element 20 is preferably formed integrally with the display device 15, in particular injection-molded together with the display device 15.

[0081] The locking element 21 is preferably arranged on the upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The locking element 21 is preferably formed integrally with the fastening part 5, in particular injection-molded together with the fastening part 5.

[0082] The locking element 21 preferably has a flat flank 21A and a steep flank 21B. The flat flank 21A preferably runs at least substantially tangentially or at a small angle, in particular less than 20°, to the tangential. The steep flank 21B preferably runs at least substantially radially or at a small angle, in particular less than 20°, to the radial.

[0083] Preferably, the locking element 20 is arranged radially outside the locking element 21.

[0084] The dispensing head 3 is preferably designed such that when the display device 15 is moved or rotated from the first to the second position, the blocking element 20 - in particular on the outside - is moved past the blocking element 21, preferably wherein the blocking element 20 contacts the blocking element 21, in particular its flat flank 21A.

[0085] Preferably, the fastening part 5, the display device 15, the locking element 20 and / or the locking element 21 is / are designed to be flexible and elastically deformable in such a way that the locking element 20 can be moved past the locking element 21, in particular wherein this past movement is made possible by an elastic deformation which is generated by the pressure which the locking elements 20, 21 exert on one another as they move past.

[0086] During the movement of the locking element 20 past the locking element 21, the locking element 21 is preferably pressed inwards and / or elastically deformed and / or the locking element 20 is pressed outwards and / or elastically deformed.

[0087] The locking elements 20, 21 prevent, in particular, a return movement of the display device 15 from the second to the first position, in particular by contact of the locking element 20 with the steep flank 21A of the locking element 21, which prevents or blocks a movement of the locking element 20 past the locking element 21, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

[0088] Preferably, in the second position of the display device 15, the blocking element 20 contacts the blocking element 21 or its steep flank 21A.

[0089] The dispensing head 3 can have several pairs of mutually associated locking elements 20, 21. In the illustrated example, the dispensing head 3 has three pairs of locking elements 21, which are each arranged offset from one another by approximately 120° around the movement axis A.

[0090] The dispensing head 3 preferably has a marking 22 for marking the position of the dispensing device 15. In particular, the marking 22 allows a user to identify the position of the display device 15 or whether the dispensing head 3 has already been used for the first time.

[0091] Preferably, the marking 22 is formed by one or more elevations on an outer side of the fastening part 5 and / or the display device 15. In the illustrated example, the marking 22 is formed by an elevation, in particular a line-like or web-like elevation, on the outer side of the fastening part 5 and a (separate) elevation on the outer side of the display device 15 or the cylindrical section 15A of the display device 15, in particular wherein the elevations are located in different angular positions with respect to the movement axis A in the first position of the display device 15 and are located in the same angular position with respect to the movement axis A in the second position of the display device 15. As a result, the position of the display device 15 and thus whether the dispensing head 3 has already been used can be recognized or read by a user.

[0092] However, the marking 22 can also be designed differently, for example, it can be glued, printed, or embossed onto the fastening part 5 and / or the display device 15 and / or it can have one or more symbols, a color coding, or the like to indicate the position of the display device and / or initial or completed use. Furthermore, it is also possible for the display device 15 or the fastening part 5 to have one or more windows, wherein in the first and second positions of the display device 15, different markings, symbols, and / or colors are displayed in the window or are visible through the window.

[0093] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the dispensing head 3 has a blocking device for blocking an actuation of the actuator 4, in particular an axial movement or a downward movement of the actuator 4. The blocking device preferably blocks an actuation or downward movement of the actuator 4 in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position. In the second rotational position of the actuator 4, an actuation or downward movement is preferably enabled or released.

[0094] The blocking device or its blocking surface 23 and blocking element 24 explained in more detail below is / are particularly in the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 5, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B.

[0095] Furthermore, for clarification, the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B the actuator 4 and the fastening part 5, wherein the actuator is in Fig. 6A in the first rotation position and in Fig. 6B is in the second rotational position.

[0096] The blocking device is preferably arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall 18 of the actuator 4. The blocking device preferably comprises a plurality of components or elements, in particular a blocking surface 23 and / or a blocking element 24, each of which is arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall 18 of the actuator 4. This enables a particularly space-saving and material-saving design or a small design of the dispensing head 3, in particular a small diameter or cross-section of the dispensing head 3 and / or actuator 4 perpendicular to the movement axis A.

[0097] By arranging the blocking device radially outside the outer wall 18, in particular the diameter (in particular perpendicular to the movement axis A) of the dispensing head 3, fastening part 5 and / or actuator 4 or the outer wall 18 can be reduced, so that a compact and material-saving design is possible.

[0098] The blocking device preferably consists of elements arranged on the actuator 4 and elements arranged on the fastening part 5, which correspond to one another in such a way that in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position, an actuation of the dispensing head 3 or a pressing down of the actuator 4 is blocked and in the second rotational position, an actuation of the dispensing head 3 or a pressing down of the actuator 4 is released.

[0099] The blocking device preferably has a blocking surface 23 for blocking, in particular in a form-fitting manner, an axial movement or a downward movement of the actuator 4 in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position of the actuator 4. Preferably, the actuator 4 has the blocking surface 23 or the blocking surface 23 is arranged on the actuator 4.

[0100] Furthermore, the blocking device preferably has a blocking element 24. Preferably, the fastening part 5 has the blocking element 24 or the blocking element 24 is arranged on the fastening part 5.

[0101] The blocking surface 23 and the blocking element 24 preferably correspond to one another, in particular in such a way that in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position, a downward pressing of the actuator 4 is blocked by contact of the blocking element 24 with the blocking surface 23 (positively locking) and in the second rotational position, a downward pressing of the actuator 4 is released or enabled.

[0102] The blocking surface 23 is preferably arranged at the end and / or opposite the actuating surface 19 on the actuator 4. In particular, the blocking surface 23 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical outer wall 18.

[0103] The blocking element 24 preferably has or is formed by one or more ribs 24A, in particular elongated and / or extending parallel to the movement axis A. In particular, the blocking element 24 or the ribs 24A are arranged inside the fastening part 5 and / or on the upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The ribs 24A are preferably identical. In the illustrated example, the blocking element 24 has (exactly) two ribs 24A or a pair of ribs.

[0104] In the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position of the actuator 4, the blocking surface 23 and the blocking element 24 are preferably in the same angular position relative to the movement axis, as in particular in Fig. 6A. In the second rotational position, the blocking surface 23 is preferably in a different angular position than the blocking element 24, as shown in particular in Fig.6B. This blocks the downward movement of the actuator 4 in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position and releases it in the second rotational position.

[0105] Outside the blocking surface 23, the actuator 4 has a smaller radial extension than in the region of the blocking surface 23, so that a free space 25 is formed outside the blocking surface 23 through which the blocking element 24 can pass in the second rotational position or can be moved past the blocking surface 23. This enables the actuator 4 to be pushed down.

[0106] The blocking device can have a plurality of mutually associated blocking surfaces 23 and blocking elements 24 or pairs of ribs. In the illustrated example, the blocking device has (exactly) three blocking surfaces 23 and (exactly) three blocking elements 24, each of which is preferably formed by a pair of ribs. In the illustrated example, the blocking surfaces 23 and blocking elements 24 are each offset from one another by approximately 120° around the movement axis A. A free space 25 is preferably located between each of the blocking surfaces 23.

[0107] In the second position of the display device 15, the locking element 20 is preferably arranged between the locking element(s) 21 and the blocking element(s) 24, in particular clamped and / or positively secured. The blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 preferably block movement of the display device 15 beyond the second position and / or define or fix the second position of the display device 15.

[0108] In this way, the locking mechanism and the blocking device preferably work together synergistically.

[0109] The dispensing head 3, in particular the actuator 4, preferably has one or more stops 26 for limiting rotation of the actuator 4.

[0110] In the illustrated example, the dispensing head 3 has three, in particular identically designed, stops 26. The stops 26 are preferably arranged symmetrically and / or offset from one another by approximately 120° around the movement axis A.

[0111] In particular, the stops 26 define the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, or the stops 26 determine the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, in particular together with the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24. The stops 26 preferably cooperate with the blocking elements 24. The blocking elements 24 are designed, in particular together with the stops 26, to block or limit rotation of the actuator 4.

[0112] The stops 26 are preferably arranged at the end of the actuator 4 facing the fastening part 5, in particular at the blocking surface 23. Particularly preferably, the stops 26 project downwards or in the direction of the fastening part 5 and / or container 2 from the blocking surface 23.

[0113] In the first rotational position, the stops 26 preferably block rotation of the actuator 4 from the first rotational position in a direction opposite to the second rotational position, in particular by contact of the stop 26 with one of the blocking elements 24. From the first rotational position, the actuator 4 is therefore preferably only rotatable in the direction of the second rotational position, while rotation in the opposite direction is prevented by a stop 26 or the stops 26, in particular by the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 contacting the stop 26 or the stops 26.

[0114] In the second rotational position, the stops 26 preferably block rotation of the actuator 4 from the second rotational position in a direction opposite to the first rotational position, in particular by contact of the stop 26 with one of the blocking elements 24. From the second rotational position, the actuator 4 is therefore preferably only rotatable in the direction of the first rotational position, while rotation in the opposite direction is prevented by a stop 26 or the stops 26, in particular by the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 contacting a stop 26 or the stops 26.

[0115] The or each blocking element 24 is preferably arranged between two stops 26.

[0116] The blocking element(s) 24 and the stops 26 are preferably designed and / or arranged such that when the actuator 4 rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, a rotation angle of approximately 90° is covered, or the first and second rotational positions differ by a rotation angle of approximately 90°. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0117] The dispensing head 3, in particular the actuator 4, preferably has at least one or two, in the illustrated example six, locking elements 27. The locking elements 27 are preferably arranged at the end of the actuator 4 facing the fastening part 5.

[0118] The locking elements 27 preferably interact with the blocking elements 24 or their ribs 24A and / or the stops 26. In particular, the locking elements 27 serve to define the first and / or second rotational position or to engage and / or fix the actuator 4 in the first and / or second rotational position.

[0119] Preferably, each blocking element 24 is assigned two locking elements 27.

[0120] In the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, one of the ribs 24A of a blocking element 24 is preferably arranged between a stop 26 and a locking element 27, in particular clamped and / or locked.

[0121] By means of the locking elements 27, in particular in cooperation with the stops 26 and / or blocking elements 24, an (improved) locking or snapping of the actuator 4 in the first and / or second rotational position is achieved.

[0122] The dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 is operated as follows: In the delivery state or before first operation / use, the actuator 4 is preferably arranged in the first rotational position. In particular, the actuator 4 is locked in the first rotational position by means of the blocking elements 24, stops 26, and locking elements 27. Furthermore, in the delivery state or before first operation / use, the display device 15 is preferably arranged in the first position.

[0123] In the first rotational position, pressing down of the actuator 5 in the direction of the container 2 is preferably blocked, so that in the first rotational position no discharge of the fluid F is possible.

[0124] In order to enable fluid release, the actuator 4 must therefore preferably first be moved from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, in particular rotated about the movement axis A.

[0125] When this rotation from the first rotational position to the second rotational position is carried out for the first time, the display device 15 is preferably moved from the first position to the second position, in particular by means of the driver 16 and the stop 17.

[0126] A movement beyond the second rotational position is preferably prevented by the blocking elements 24 and stops 26 in that the blocking elements 24 contact the stops 26 when the second rotational position is reached and thus a further movement beyond the second rotational position is blocked.

[0127] Preferably, the actuator 4 is locked in the second rotational position by means of the blocking elements 24, stops 26 and locking elements 27.

[0128] In the second rotational position, it is preferably possible to push down the actuator 5, in particular by positioning the free space 25 or the free spaces 25 above the blocking elements 24.

[0129] Fluid is released by actuating the actuator 4 or moving it axially or pressing it down towards the container 2.

[0130] When the actuator 4 is pressed down, the piston 9 of the pump 7 is preferably moved or pressed down with the actuator 4. This increases the pressure in the pump chamber 10, which in turn leads to an (automatic) opening of the outlet valve 14, so that the fluid F in the pump chamber 10 is pressurized by the movement of the piston 9 and flows out via the outlet 12 and is finally discharged via an outlet channel 28 of the actuator 4.

[0131] It may be necessary to actuate the actuator 4 several times during the first use in order to first fill the pump chamber 10 with fluid F before fluid is released when the actuator 4 is pressed down.

[0132] After dispensing the fluid F, the user preferably releases the actuator 4. This is followed by an automatic reset of the actuator 4, in particular by means of the reset device 6. During the reset, the actuator 4 is moved upward again, and simultaneously with the actuator 4, the piston 9 is moved upward. This creates a negative pressure in the pump chamber 10, which opens the inlet valve 13 and draws fluid F from the container 2 into the pump chamber 10 via the inlet 11.

[0133] A further actuation of the dispensing head 3 or dispensing of the fluid F can then take place or the actuator 4 can be rotated from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position, in particular in order to (temporarily) block a further or accidental actuation of the dispensing head 3.

[0134] Individual features and aspects of the present invention can be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination. List of reference symbols: 1 donor 2 containers 2A upper edge 3 Dispensing head 4 Actuator 5 Fastening part 5A upper edge 6 Reset device 7 Pump 8 pump housing 9 pistons 10 Pump chamber 11 Entrance 12 Outlet 13 Inlet valve 14 Exhaust valve 15 Display device 15A cylindrical section 15B radial section 16 drivers 17 stop 18 Exterior wall 19 Actuating surface 20 locking element 21 Locking element 21A flat flank 21B steep flank 22 Marking 23 Blocking area 24 Blocking element 25 free space 26 stop 27 locking element 28 Exit channel A movement axis F Fluid QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 20030150876 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Dispensing head (3) for a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid (F), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a movable actuator (4) for actuating the dispensing head (3) or dispenser (1) and a fastening part (5) for fastening the dispensing head (3) to a container (2) of the dispenser (2), characterized by , that the dispensing head (3) has a display device (15) for displaying a first-time use of the dispensing head (3) and is designed to automatically move the display device (15) from a first position to a second position before or upon a first actuation of the actuator (4), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a locking mechanism designed to lock the display device (15) against a return movement from the second position to the first position; and / or that the dispensing head (3) has a display device (15) for displaying a first-time use of the dispensing head (3), wherein the display device (15) is designed to display a first-time use without damaging, destroying or removing a part of the dispensing head (3); and / or that the actuator (4) is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position and the dispensing head (3) has a blocking device for securing the actuator (4) against actuation in the first rotational position, wherein the actuator (4) has a cylindrical outer wall (18) and an actuating surface (19) arranged at the end thereon, wherein the blocking device is arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall (18). [2] Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuator (4), in particular relative to the fastening part (5), is rotatable and / or linearly movable. [3] Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the first and second positions of the display device (15) are different rotational positions of the display device (15) and / or the display device (15) is rotatable, in particular with respect to a movement axis (A) of the actuator (4). [4] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator (4) has a driver (16) for moving the display device (15) from the first position to the second position upon movement, in particular rotation, of the actuator (4). [5] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking mechanism has two mutually corresponding locking elements (20, 21), in particular a locking piece and a lock, for preferably positively locking the display device (15) against a return movement into the first position, preferably wherein the locking elements (20, 21) are moved past one another when the display device (15) is moved from the first position into the second position. [6] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display device (15) is ring-shaped and / or rotatably arranged on the fastening part (5), in particular an upper edge (5A) of the fastening part (5). [7] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking mechanism is arranged on an inner side of the dispensing head (3) and / or is invisible from the outside. [8] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the blocking device has a blocking surface (23), in particular arranged on a side of the cylindrical outer wall (18) of the actuator (4) opposite the actuating surface (19), preferably wherein the blocking surface (23) protrudes radially outwards from the cylindrical outer wall (18) of the actuator (4). [9] Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the blocking device has a blocking element (24) arranged on the fastening part (5), in particular projecting radially inwards, preferably wherein the blocking element (24) has one or more ribs (24A). [10] Dispensing head according to claims 8 and 9, characterized bythat the blocking surface (23) and the blocking element (24) correspond to one another, wherein in the first rotational position of the actuator (4) the blocking surface (23) and the blocking element (24) are arranged in the same angular position, so that actuation of the actuator (4) is blocked by the blocking surface (23) and the blocking element (24), and wherein in the second rotational position of the actuator (4) the blocking surface (23) is arranged outside the blocking element (24) so ​​that actuation of the actuator (4) is enabled. [11] Dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid (F) with a container (2) and a dispensing head (3) attached thereto, wherein the dispensing head (3) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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