Container and refill cartridge

Abstract

Device (10) comprising a container (12) and a refill cartridge (14), each of which is suitable for receiving a spreadable product, in particular a personal care product and / or a cosmetic product, wherein the container (12) comprises: - a container body (16) which has an elongated basic shape by which an axial direction (X) of the container (12) is defined, wherein a first container opening (20) is arranged at a first longitudinal end (18) of the elongated basic shape of the container body (16), through which spreadable product can be introduced into and removed from the container body (16), the refill cartridge (14) comprises: - a cartridge body (36) having an elongated shape by which an axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14) is defined, wherein a first cartridge opening (40) is arranged at a first longitudinal end (38) of the elongated shape of the refill cartridge (14), through which a spreadable product can be inserted into and removed from a receiving chamber (42) of the cartridge body (36), and - a cartridge base (58) which, in an assembled state thereof, is received in the receiving space (42) of the cartridge body (36) and is displaceable relative to the cartridge body (36) along the axial direction (Y) thereof, wherein, upon displacement of the cartridge base (58) in the cartridge body (36), brushable product can be expelled from the first cartridge opening (40), wherein the cartridge body (36) is arranged to be positioned with its first longitudinal end (38) on the first longitudinal end (18) of the container body (16) such that the axial direction (X) of the container (12) and the axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14) are substantially parallel, in particular coaxial, to each other, wherein, in the state of the cartridge base body (36) arranged on the container base body (16), a section (44) of the cartridge base body (36) and a section (46) of the container base body (16) overlap each other in a radial direction to the axial direction (X) of the container (12) and / or to the axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14), such that radial displacement of the cartridge base body (36) relative to the container base body (16) is limited by contact in the radial direction between the cartridge base body (36) and the container base body (16), and wherein at least one of the container base body (16) and the cartridge base body (36) is made of a material comprising a plastic, in particular entirely of plastic.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device comprising a container and a refill cartridge, each of which is suitable for receiving a spreadable product.

[0002] Refill cartridges and containers are known from the prior art and are suitable for holding a spreadable product, such as a personal care product like body or deodorant cream, or the like. Once the spreadable product in the container is used up, a user or consumer can transfer more of the same product from the refill cartridge into the container to refill it. The refill cartridge is typically disposed of after the transfer process. Since the material used for a refill cartridge is less than for the container itself, refilling the container generates less waste than replacing the entire container. This allows for compliance with sustainability requirements.

[0003] The refill cartridges known from the prior art are usually made of paper. However, this often results in insufficient stability, which can lead to problems transferring the spreadable product from the refill cartridge into the container. To ensure sufficient stability, an additional adapter ring is used, for example, which is placed between the refill cartridge and the container. This, however, increases the number of components and complicates the refilling process. Furthermore, the paper refill cartridges described above can have problems with both their sealing and storage, as paper is naturally susceptible to moisture.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved device in this respect, consisting of a refill cartridge and a container.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device comprising a container and a refill cartridge, each of which is suitable for receiving a spreadable product, in particular a personal care product and / or a cosmetic product, the container includes: - a container body having an elongated shape by which an axial direction of the container is defined, wherein a first container opening is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the elongated shape of the container body, through which spreadable product can be introduced into and removed from the container body, the refill cartridge includes: - a cartridge body having an elongated shape by which an axial direction of the refill cartridge is defined, wherein a first cartridge opening is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the elongated shape of the refill cartridge, through which spreadable product can be inserted into and removed from a receiving space of the cartridge body, and - a cartridge base which, in an assembled state, is received in the receiving space of the cartridge body and is displaceable relative to the cartridge body along its axial direction, wherein, upon displacement of the cartridge base in the cartridge body, brushable product can be expelled from the first cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge body is designed to be arranged with its first longitudinal end on the first longitudinal end of the container body in such a way that the axial direction of the container and the axial direction of the refill cartridge are essentially parallel, in particular coaxial, to each other, wherein, in the state of the cartridge base body arranged on the container base body, a section of the cartridge base body and a section of the container base body overlap each other in a direction radial to the axial direction of the container and / or to the axial direction of the refill cartridge, such that radial displacement of the cartridge base body relative to the container base body is limited by contact in the radial direction between the cartridge base body and the container base body, and wherein at least one of the container body and the cartridge body is made of a material comprising plastic, in particular entirely of plastic.

[0006] The solution according to the invention allows for the creation of a container that can be used multiple times, i.e., refilled multiple times with spreadable product from a corresponding refill cartridge. The refill cartridge can be designed as a disposable product. However, it is also conceivable that the refill cartridge can be refilled with spreadable product and thus reused. The refill cartridge and / or the container can be configured to hold spreadable product with a volume of up to 100 ml, in particular up to 50 ml, preferably up to 30 ml, and even more preferably up to 25 ml.

[0007] A cross-section of the cartridge body and a cross-section of the container body, perpendicular to their respective axial directions, can essentially have the same basic shape. Similarly, a cross-section of the cartridge base, perpendicular to the axial direction of the cartridge body, can also have an essentially the same basic shape as the aforementioned cross-section of the cartridge body. The basic shape of the aforementioned cross-sections can be chosen arbitrarily. For example, a circular, oval, square, rectangular, or rhomboid shape is conceivable.

[0008] The state of the cartridge body described above, arranged on the container base, is also referred to in the following description as the "refilling position." The radial direction can, in particular, be the direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the cartridge body or the container base and intersects a corresponding central axis. This central axis can be defined, for example, by a rotationally symmetrical outer contour and / or by connecting the centers of gravity of spaced-apart cross-sections of the basic shape of the cartridge body or the container base. For the purposes of the present invention, a circumferential direction of an element can be understood as the direction that runs orthogonal to the corresponding central axis and orthogonal to a respective corresponding radial axis.

[0009] The overlap occurring in the refill position between the overlapping section of the cartridge body and the overlapping section of the container body, viewed in a direction radial to the axial direction of the container and / or the axial direction of the refill cartridge, can mean that the aforementioned section of the cartridge body overlaps the aforementioned section of the container body radially outward, at least partially, and in particular completely. Alternatively or additionally, the section of the cartridge body can overlap the section of the container body radially inward, at least partially, and in particular completely.

[0010] Regarding the material used, it can be advantageous if both the cartridge body and / or the cartridge base, as well as the container body, are essentially, or even entirely, made of the same material, such as polypropylene. This means that the spreadable product used only needs to be adapted to a single material in terms of its compatibility. Furthermore, the use of plastic can offer additional advantages, such as low weight combined with high stability. Due to the increased stability, for example, compared to paper refill cartridges, the refill cartridges can be attached to the container without an additional adapter ring in the refill position, as the refill cartridge itself may already be sufficiently stable.If the cartridge body and / or the cartridge base, in particular the entire refill cartridge, is made of mono-recycled material, meaning it consists essentially of the same material, it can be recycled particularly well after use and can therefore be especially sustainable. The cartridge body and / or the cartridge base and / or the container body and / or all other components of the device described below can be manufactured using an injection molding process. This allows for cost-effective production of large quantities.

[0011] The cartridge base and / or the wall defining the holding space may be in direct contact with the brushable product contained within. It is also possible that a separating element, such as a film or similar material, may be positioned between the brushable product and the cartridge base and / or the wall defining the holding space, preventing direct contact between them. This separating element can facilitate the release of the brushable product from the cartridge base and / or the wall defining the holding space and / or reduce or prevent contamination, thus enabling reuse without cleaning.

[0012] To facilitate a simple refilling process, according to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the first longitudinal end of the cartridge base body can have an inner diameter that essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the first longitudinal end of the container base body. In this way, the overlapping sections of the cartridge base body and the container base body can be positively connected to each other in the refilling position, since radial displacement ("radial play") of the cartridge base body relative to the container base body can thus be minimized.

[0013] In a further development of the device according to the invention, the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the cartridge body can be larger than the inner diameter of the receiving space of the cartridge body. This allows the cartridge body to overlap the container body from the outside, as described above, in a radial direction. Advantageously, no adapter ring is required on the container to stabilize the refill cartridge, thereby reducing the complexity of the device and thus the refilling process.

[0014] It should be noted that it can be advantageous if the inner diameter of the cartridge body's receiving chamber is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the container. This prevents the spreadable product, ejected from the cartridge body's receiving chamber and transferred to the container, from being compressed radially at the transition between the two bodies, thus avoiding the need for increased force. The spreadable product in the container therefore has essentially the same or even more radial space available than in the cartridge body's receiving chamber. This results in a cleaner transfer.

[0015] In order to increase the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the cartridge base body relative to the inner diameter of the receiving space in such a way that it corresponds, for example, essentially to the outer diameter of the first longitudinal end of the container base body, in a further development of the present invention the cartridge base body can have a radially outwardly projecting collar in the region of its first longitudinal end, which is formed at least partially, in particular completely, circumferentially, or an outer surface of the cartridge base body can transition essentially flush with an outer surface of the cartridge base body in the region of its receiving space in the region of its first longitudinal end.

[0016] According to the first alternative, the wall thickness in the collar area can essentially correspond to the wall thickness of the cartridge body in the area of ​​its receiving chamber, or the respective wall thicknesses can be modified independently. For example, to save weight and / or material, the collar can allow for a thinner wall in the receiving chamber of the cartridge body.

[0017] According to the second alternative, since the outer surface of the cartridge body transitions essentially flush with the outer surface of the cartridge body in the area of ​​its receiving chamber at its first longitudinal end, the wall thickness in the receiving chamber of the cartridge body can necessarily be greater than in the first alternative. This can be the case, in particular, if the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the cartridge body is to be larger than the inner diameter of the receiving chamber of the cartridge body. Increasing the wall thickness of the cartridge body, especially in the area of ​​its receiving section, can increase the stability of the refill cartridge. Furthermore, the flush transition can improve the aesthetics of the refill cartridge.

[0018] Furthermore, in a further development of the device according to the invention, the cartridge body can have a radially inward-facing recess in the region of its first longitudinal end, which extends at least partially, and in particular completely, around the circumference. This radially inward-facing (i.e., radially inward-opening) recess can be configured to engage with a section of the container body in order to, for example, cause a perceptible click in the refill position, thus signaling to the operator that the refill position has been reached. Moreover, such engagement of the cartridge body with the container body can stabilize the arrangement in the refill position.

[0019] Furthermore, the container body can have a radially outwardly projecting projection at its first longitudinal end, which is at least partially, and in particular completely, circumferential. It is conceivable that this projection can engage with the aforementioned recess in the cartridge body in the refill position, thus reinforcing the locking mechanism described above. The pull-out forces required to release the refill cartridge and the container from the refill position can be increased by this locking mechanism, thereby further improving the stability of the assembly in the refill position.

[0020] However, it is also conceivable that the protruding section, independent of the recess in the cartridge body described above, could improve the stability of the assembly in the refilling position. For example, the protrusion could cause the outer diameter of the container to have a slight oversize compared to the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the cartridge body, so that when the cartridge body is placed onto the container, it must overcome this protrusion, for example, by elastically deforming the section of the first longitudinal end. Such deformation can generate restoring forces in the wall of the cartridge body in this area, thereby securing the cartridge body against unintentional detachment from the container body.To prevent damage to the projection and / or the section of the first longitudinal end of the cartridge body that comes into contact with it, the projection may have small dimensions in the axial direction and / or the radial direction of the container body, in particular of less than 1 mm.

[0021] Of course, it is possible that, in an analogous manner, the recess described above may be formed on the container body in a radially outward direction (opening radially outward) instead of the projection and / or the projection described above may be formed on the container body in a radially inward direction instead of the recess.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the projection of the container base, viewed in its axial direction, and an end face of its first longitudinal end can essentially correspond to the distance between the recess of the cartridge base, viewed in its axial direction, and a stop surface of the cartridge base. This stop surface can be configured to contact the end face of the first longitudinal end of the container base when the cartridge base is mounted on the container base. This ensures that a stop is provided before the cartridge base is slid onto the container base and that, in the refilling position as described above, the recess and the projection engage with each other.

[0023] In the refill position, contact between the stop surface of the cartridge body and the end face of the first longitudinal end of the container body can create a virtually fluid-tight connection between the cartridge body and the container in this area. This allows the spreadable product to be transferred from the receiving chamber of the cartridge body to the container body without any of the product escaping in the transition area between the cartridge body and the container body. A further advantage of this contact between the stop surface of the cartridge body and the end face of the first longitudinal end of the container body is that, in the refill position, the cartridge body can be secured axially in addition to the engagement of the recess and the projection.An axial force occurring during the transfer of the spreadable product from the refill cartridge into the container, acting in the direction of the container, can be absorbed by this contact with the container base, so that the cartridge base remains in the refill position and is not displaced further in the axial direction. In this way, a relative axial displacement of the cartridge base towards the container can be prevented.

[0024] To facilitate manual transfer of the spreadable product, for example, the cartridge body can have a second cartridge opening at a second longitudinal end of the elongated shape of the refill cartridge. This second opening is located at an end opposite the first longitudinal end of the elongated shape and is arranged along its axial direction. In its initial position, the cartridge base can at least partially, and in particular completely, overlap the second cartridge opening when viewed axially. This allows an operator to directly contact the cartridge base through the second cartridge opening, for example, with a finger and / or an everyday object, and to exert an axial force on the cartridge base in the direction of the second cartridge opening.If the cartridge body contains spreadable product, the axial force exerted on the cartridge base can displace the cartridge base axially towards the first cartridge opening, thereby ejecting more spreadable product in that direction. When the device is in the refill position, spreadable product can be transferred from the cartridge body into the container in this way.

[0025] Furthermore, the cartridge base can be essentially disc-shaped, with an outer contour of the cartridge base essentially corresponding to a cross-section of the receiving space of the cartridge body that is orthogonal to the axial direction. "Disc-shaped" can mean that the cartridge base can have a larger dimension in its radial direction than in its axial direction. This can have the advantage that the cartridge base occupies little volume in the axial direction within the receiving space of the cartridge body, allowing the refill cartridge to have correspondingly small dimensions, particularly in its axial direction.

[0026] In the event that the outer contour of the cartridge base essentially corresponds to a cross-section of the cartridge body's receiving space that is orthogonal to the axial direction, the ejection of the brushable product can be carried out particularly efficiently. This is because, after the cartridge body has been completely displaced towards the first cartridge opening, only very small quantities of the brushable product remain in the cartridge body. A small quantity may, for example, correspond to less than 10 percent, in particular less than 5 percent, preferably less than 1 percent of the original quantity of brushable product in the cartridge body's receiving space.Furthermore, this prevents spreadable product from being forced past the outer edge of the cartridge base (which forms its outer contour) during the transfer process, thus ensuring that the operator's finger does not come into contact with the spreadable product during the transfer process, thereby improving the user-friendliness of the device.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the cartridge base can have a protrusion whose outer contour essentially corresponds to a shape of the second cartridge opening, such that the cartridge base can be configured to engage with the second cartridge opening by means of the outer contour of the protrusion. The protrusion can be formed on the side of the cartridge base that, in the assembled state of the cartridge base, faces the opposite side of the first cartridge opening in the receiving space. This can improve the sealing of the refill cartridge in the region of its second longitudinal end, since the contact area between the cartridge body and the cartridge base, in particular the protrusion of the cartridge base, can be enlarged. Furthermore, by engaging the second cartridge opening in its initial position, the cartridge base can be secured against unintentional displacement from its initial position.

[0028] Furthermore, the raised section can advantageously improve the stability of the cartridge base, as the additional material increases its rigidity. Therefore, it may be possible to make the cartridge base thinner in areas where the raised section is absent, thus saving material and / or volume within the cartridge chamber.

[0029] To more reliably prevent the cartridge base from unintentionally detaching and shifting from its initial position, the cartridge body can have a recess or undercut located on a wall defining the receiving space at its second longitudinal end. This recess or undercut can be designed to contact the cartridge base in such a way that a greater force is required to dislodge the cartridge base from its initial position at the second longitudinal end of the cartridge body than to dislodge it along a different area of ​​the receiving space. The recess or undercut can be deep enough that the greater force required to detach the cartridge base can still be applied manually, thus ensuring continued ease of use.In this regard, it is conceivable that the cartridge base has a convex section. Applying axial force to the convex section, particularly to its concave part, can cause the cartridge base to bend, thereby reducing its radial expansion and allowing it to be released from the depression or undercut described above.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the refill cartridge can further comprise a cartridge lid which can be arranged to be detachably attached to the cartridge base body and, in a state attached to the cartridge base body, to cover the first cartridge opening, in particular to seal it in a fluid-tight manner.

[0031] Such a cartridge lid can, for example, be attached to the cartridge body for storage purposes, advantageously preventing fluidic exchange, particularly air exchange, between the brushable product and the external environment. This can, for example, reduce the drying out of the brushable product inside the refill cartridge and / or extend the possible storage period. It is conceivable that another type of cover, such as a film or the like, could be used additionally or alternatively.

[0032] The cartridge cap can include a circumferential, axially projecting projection on one of its main surfaces, which may be designed to be inserted into the first cartridge opening. This can improve the seal of the refill cartridge in the area of ​​the first cartridge opening when the cartridge cap is positioned there. Furthermore, this projection of the cartridge cap can increase its stability, which may make it possible to reduce the material thickness in the remaining area of ​​the cartridge cap. Additionally, a radially outwardly projecting projection can be formed on the radially outer side of the cartridge cap projection. This projection may be at least partially, and in particular completely, circumferential and may be designed to engage, if present, in the recess located in the area of ​​the first longitudinal end of the cartridge body.

[0033] Furthermore, the cartridge lid can have an opening section on at least one circumferential portion, which is designed in the form of a radially projecting overhang and which may be configured to provide a gripping surface for releasing the cartridge lid from the cartridge body. This can simplify the loosening and removal of the cartridge lid.

[0034] To improve handling, the cartridge body can have at least one rib, in particular a plurality of ribs, on a wall defining the receiving space, which extends parallel to the axial direction of the cartridge body and which can be configured to engage with a corresponding groove formed on the cartridge base in such a way that a rotational displacement of the cartridge base relative to the cartridge body is limited or even prevented.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the cartridge body can have at least one rib, in particular a plurality of ribs, on a wall defining the receiving space. This rib extends parallel to the axial direction of the cartridge body and is designed to contact the cartridge base in such a way that the contact area between the cartridge base and the wall defining the receiving space is reduced, thereby reducing the friction between the cartridge base and the wall during movement of the cartridge base. This can simplify the movement of the cartridge base within the receiving space, as the reduced friction means less force is required for the movement.

[0036] If a majority of the aforementioned ridges are formed on the cartridge body, they can be arranged uniformly around its circumference. Furthermore, the aforementioned ridges can improve the stability of the cartridge body, thereby allowing, for example, a reduction in the wall thickness of the cartridge body in certain sections.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the container can also include a displacement unit, wherein the displacement unit can be configured to displace spreadable product contained in the container body along the axial direction of the container body upon actuation of the displacement unit. Depending on the desired metered dispensing quantity and / or depending on the available fill quantity of spreadable product in the container, the displacement unit can thus be configured to be moved into a corresponding operating position.

[0038] In this context, the displacement unit may comprise a threaded spindle and a threaded nut, wherein the displacement unit may be configured such that, upon rotation of the threaded spindle relative to the threaded nut, the threaded nut is displaced in the axial direction of the container, so that spreadable product received in the container body can be expelled in the direction of the first container opening.

[0039] The threaded spindle can be inserted into the container body through a second opening. This second opening can be located on the container body at a second longitudinal end of the elongated shape of the container, positioned along the axial direction opposite the first longitudinal end. The threaded spindle can be connected to, and in particular integrally formed with, a rotating section, which can be configured to rotate freely relative to the container body.

[0040] For the rotational securing of the threaded nut, the container base body can have at least one web, in particular a plurality of webs, on its radially inner wall, which extends parallel to the axial direction of the container base body and which can be configured to engage with a corresponding groove formed on the threaded nut in such a way that a rotational displacement of the threaded nut relative to the container base body can be limited or even prevented.

[0041] Furthermore, the container may include a lid, which may be designed to be detachably attached to the container body, in particular by means of a screw cap, and which, when attached to the container body, covers the first opening of the container. Alternative closure types, such as a plug-in closure, click closure, hinged closure, snap closure, clamp closure, or lever closure, are also conceivable in this context.

[0042] The following describes a method for refilling a container with a spreadable product, in particular a personal care product and / or a cosmetic product, from a refill cartridge, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a container and a refill cartridge, the container comprising: - a container body made of a plastic material, which has an elongated basic shape by which an axial direction of the container is defined, wherein a first container opening is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the elongated basic shape of the container body, through which the spreadable product can be introduced into and removed from the container body, the refill cartridge includes: - a cartridge body made of a plastic material, which has an elongated shape by which an axial direction of the refill cartridge is defined, wherein a first cartridge opening is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the elongated shape of the refill cartridge, through which brushable product can be inserted into and removed from a receiving chamber of the cartridge body, and - a cartridge base which, in an assembled state, is received in the receiving space of the cartridge body and is displaceable relative to the cartridge body along its axial direction, wherein, upon displacement of the cartridge base in the cartridge body, brushable product can be expelled from the first cartridge opening,

[0043] Arranging the cartridge body with its first longitudinal end on the first longitudinal end of the container body such that the axial direction of the container and the axial direction of the refill cartridge are substantially parallel, in particular coaxial, to each other, wherein, in the state of the cartridge body arranged on the container body, a section of the cartridge body and a section of the container body overlap each other in a direction radial to the axial direction of the container and / or to the axial direction of the refill cartridge, such that radial displacement of the cartridge body relative to the container body is limited by contact in the radial direction between the cartridge body and the container body, and Applying a force to the cartridge base in such a way that spreadable product is at least partially transferred from the receiving space of the cartridge body into the container body.

[0044] It should be noted at this point that at least some, in particular all, of the features, advantages and effects mentioned with reference to the device according to the invention may also be applicable to the method, and vice versa.

[0045] Furthermore, prior to the step of applying a force to the cartridge base, the method may include the step of repositioning a repositioning unit of the container, which may comprise a threaded spindle and a threaded nut, and which may be configured to reposition spreadable product contained in the container body in the axial direction of the container body towards the first container opening, into a starting position of the repositioning unit. In such a starting position of the method, the repositioning unit may be moved such that a sufficiently large volume for the spreadable product to be transferred can be provided in the container body so that it can be completely contained within the container body.Such a starting position of the transfer unit can be arranged in the area of ​​the second longitudinal end of the container base body, in particular in the area of ​​the second container opening.

[0046] The invention will now be described in greater detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It illustrates: Fig. 1 a side cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention in a refilling position; and Fig. 2 a side cross-sectional view of a refill cartridge of the device according to the invention Fig. 1.

[0047] In Fig. 1 is a device according to the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10. The device 10 comprises a container 12 and a refill cartridge 14, each of which is suitable for holding a spreadable product, such as a personal care product and / or a cosmetic product.

[0048] The container 12 comprises a container base 16, which has an elongated shape defining an axial direction X of the container 12. The elongated shape of the container base 16 can be circular cylindrical, as shown in the embodiment. A first opening 20 is arranged at a first longitudinal end 18 of the container base 16, through which spreadable product can be introduced into and removed from the container base 16.

[0049] For the metered dispensing of spreadable product from the container base 16, the container 12 can include a displacement unit 22 which, upon actuation of the displacement unit 22, displaces spreadable product contained in the container base 16 in the axial direction of the container base 16. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the displacement unit 22 comprises a threaded spindle 24 and a threaded nut 26, wherein the displacement unit 22 is configured such that, upon rotation of the threaded spindle 24 relative to the threaded nut 26, the threaded nut 26 is displaced in the axial direction of the container 12, so that spreadable product received in the container body 16 can be expelled in the direction of the first container opening 20.

[0050] To secure the threaded nut 26 rotationally, the container base 16 can have a plurality of webs 28 on its radially inner wall, which can extend parallel to the axial direction of the container base 16. These webs 28, which are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the container base 16, can be configured to engage with a corresponding groove formed on the threaded nut 26 (not shown) in such a way that rotational displacement of the threaded nut 26 relative to the container base 16 can be prevented.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded spindle 24 is inserted into the container body 16 through a second container opening 30. The second container opening 30 is formed on the container body 16 at a second longitudinal end 32 of the elongated shape of the container body 16, which is arranged at an end opposite the first longitudinal end 18 of the elongated shape along its axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded spindle 24 can be integrally connected to a rotating section 34, which can be configured to rotate freely relative to the container body 16.

[0052] Thus, by rotating the rotating section 34, in particular manually, for example by an operator, spreadable product can be moved beyond the first container opening 20 and removed by an operator or applied in a desired manner.

[0053] The refill cartridge 14 comprises a cartridge body 36, which has an elongated basic shape by which an axial direction Y of the refill cartridge 14 is defined, wherein in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the axial directions X and Y are arranged to coincide. The elongated basic shape of the cartridge body 36 can be circular-cylindrical, as shown in the embodiment. A first cartridge opening 40 is arranged at a first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36, through which spreadable product can be inserted into and removed from a receiving chamber 42 of the cartridge body 36.

[0054] To refill container 12 with spreadable product, a Fig. 1 the “refilling position” of the device 10 is assumed, wherein the cartridge base body 36 with its first longitudinal end 38 can be arranged on the first longitudinal end 18 of the container base body 16 such that the axial direction X of the container 12 and the axial direction Y of the refill cartridge 14 are essentially parallel, in particular coaxial, to each other.In the refill position, that is, in the state of the cartridge base 36 arranged on the container base, a section 44 of the cartridge base 36 and a section 46 of the container base 16 overlap each other in a direction radial to the axial direction X of the container 12 and / or to the axial direction Y of the refill cartridge 14, such that radial contact between the cartridge base 36 and the container base 16 limits radial displacement of the cartridge base 36 relative to the container base. In the position shown in... Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, section 44 at the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge base body 36 can radially overlap section 46 at the first longitudinal end 18 of the container base body 16. As shown in Figure 1, Fig. As shown in Figure 1, section 44 at the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36 is positively connected to section 46 at the first longitudinal end 18 of the container body 16. This means that the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36 can have an inner diameter that essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the first longitudinal end 18 of the container body 16. Such a positive connection can simplify the refilling process, as it improves the stability of the assembly.

[0055] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36 is larger than the inner diameter of the receiving chamber 42 of the cartridge body 36. Furthermore, the cartridge body 36 has a radially outwardly projecting collar 48 in the region of its first longitudinal end 38, which can be formed at least partially, and in particular completely, circumferentially. This collar 48 can correspond to the section 44 described above at the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36, which can overlap the container body 16 in the refilling position.

[0056] To further improve the stability of the device 10 in the refill position, the cartridge base body 36 can also have a radially inward-facing recess 50 in the region of its first longitudinal end 38, which extends at least partially, and in particular completely, around the circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, this recess is formed on the radially inner side of the collar 48. Furthermore, the container base body 16 can have a radially outward-projecting projection 52 in the region of its first longitudinal end 18, which can extend at least partially, and in particular completely, around the circumference. In the refill position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the projection 52 engages with the recess 50, thus making it advantageously more difficult to unintentionally release the device 10 from the refilling position.

[0057] To ensure improved stabilization of the device 10 in the refilling position, particularly in the axial direction, the cartridge base 36 can have a stop surface 54 which is configured to come into contact with an end face 56 of the first longitudinal end 18 of the container base 16 such that axial movement of the cartridge base 36 in the direction of the container 12 is limited. To further ensure engagement of the projection 52 with the recess 50, the distance of the projection 52 of the container base 16, viewed in its axial direction, to the end face 56 of its first longitudinal end 38 can essentially correspond to the distance of the recess 50 of the cartridge base 36, viewed in its axial direction, to the stop surface 54 of the cartridge base 36.

[0058] The refill cartridge 14 further comprises a cartridge base 58, which, in its assembled state, is received in the receiving chamber 42 of the cartridge body 36 and is displaceable relative to the cartridge body 36 along its axial direction. Upon displacement of the cartridge base 58 in the cartridge body 36, spreadable product received in the receiving chamber 42 of the cartridge body 36 can be expelled from the first cartridge opening 36. The cartridge base 58 can be in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the initial position shown in Figure 2, a second cartridge opening 60, viewed axially, at least partially, and in particular completely, overlaps the first cartridge opening 40. The second cartridge opening 60 can be formed at a second longitudinal end 62 of the cartridge body 36, which is located at an end opposite the first longitudinal end 38 of the elongated shape of the cartridge body 36. Through this second cartridge opening 60, an operator can, for example, move the cartridge base 58 from its initial position towards the first cartridge opening 40 by means of finger pressure.

[0059] The cartridge base 58 can be essentially disc-shaped, wherein, in particular, an outer contour of the cartridge base 58 can essentially correspond to a cross-section of the receiving space 42 of the cartridge body 36 that is orthogonal to the axial direction Y. The cartridge base 58 can furthermore have a projection 64, the outer contour of which can essentially correspond to a shape of the second cartridge opening 60, such that the cartridge base 58 is configured to engage in the second cartridge opening 60 via the outer contour of the projection 64.

[0060] To prevent the cartridge base 58 from unintentionally detaching and shifting from its initial position, the cartridge body 36 may have a recess 66 or an undercut located on a wall defining the receiving space 42 in the region of its second longitudinal end 62. This recess / undercut may be configured to contact the cartridge base 58 in such a way that a greater force is required to shift the cartridge base 58 from its initial position at the second longitudinal end 62 of the cartridge body 36 than to shift the cartridge base 58 along a different region of the receiving space 42 of the cartridge body 36. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, it is possible that the cartridge base 58 has a convex section 68 in its central region, through which the central axis Y of the refill cartridge 14 runs, extending towards the first cartridge opening 40. Applying an axial force to the convex section 68 in the direction of the first cartridge opening 40 can cause the cartridge base 58 to bend, thereby reducing its radial extension and allowing it to be released from the recess 66 or undercut described above.

[0061] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the cartridge base body 36 can have at least one web 70, in particular a plurality of webs 70, on a wall defining the receiving space 42, which extends parallel to the axial direction of the cartridge base body 36 and which is arranged to come into contact with the cartridge bottom 58 in such a way that a contact area between the cartridge bottom 58 and the wall defining the receiving space 42 is reduced, so that the friction occurring in the course of the displacement of the cartridge bottom 58 between the cartridge bottom 58 and the wall can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, the refill cartridge 14 can include a cartridge lid 72, or the container 12 can include a container lid (not shown), for example to improve its storage. The in Fig. The cartridge cover 72 shown in section 2 is designed to be detachably attached to the cartridge base body 36. In a state attached to the cartridge base body 36, the cartridge cover 72 can cover the first cartridge opening 40, in particular sealing it in a fluid-tight manner.

[0063] The cartridge lid 72 can comprise a circumferential, axially projecting projection 74 on a main surface, which can be configured to be inserted into the first cartridge opening 40 in the region of the first longitudinal end 38 of the cartridge body 36. Furthermore, a radially outwardly projecting projection 76 can be formed on the radially outer side of the projection 74 of the cartridge lid 72, which is formed at least partially, and in particular completely, circumferentially and can be configured, if present, to engage in the radially inwardly projecting and circumferentially projecting recess 50 in the region of the first longitudinal end 40 of the cartridge body 36.

[0064] Furthermore, the cartridge lid 72 can have an opening section 78 on at least one circumferential section thereof, which is designed in the form of a radially projecting overhang, which can be configured to provide a surface for engagement in order to detach the cartridge lid 72 from the cartridge body 36.

[0065] The container lid (not shown) can be detachably attached to the container body 16, for example by means of a screw cap, in order to cover the first container opening 20 when attached. A corresponding thread 80 is provided for this purpose in Fig. Figure 1 shows the outer surface of the container base 16. A corresponding internal thread can be formed on the radially inner side of the container lid.

Claims

[1] Device (10) comprising a container (12) and a refill cartridge (14), each of which is suitable for receiving a spreadable product, in particular a personal care product and / or a cosmetic product, wherein the container (12) comprises: - a container body (16) which has an elongated basic shape by which an axial direction (X) of the container (12) is defined, wherein a first container opening (20) is arranged at a first longitudinal end (18) of the elongated basic shape of the container body (16), through which spreadable product can be introduced into and removed from the container body (16), the refill cartridge (14) comprises: - a cartridge body (36) having an elongated shape by which an axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14) is defined, wherein a first cartridge opening (40) is arranged at a first longitudinal end (38) of the elongated shape of the refill cartridge (14), through which a spreadable product can be inserted into and removed from a receiving chamber (42) of the cartridge body (36), and - a cartridge base (58) which, in an assembled state thereof, is received in the receiving space (42) of the cartridge body (36) and is displaceable relative to the cartridge body (36) along the axial direction (Y) thereof, wherein, upon displacement of the cartridge base (58) in the cartridge body (36), brushable product can be expelled from the first cartridge opening (40), wherein the cartridge body (36) is arranged to be positioned with its first longitudinal end (38) on the first longitudinal end (18) of the container body (16) such that the axial direction (X) of the container (12) and the axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14) are substantially parallel, in particular coaxial, to each other, wherein, in the state of the cartridge base body (36) arranged on the container base body (16), a section (44) of the cartridge base body (36) and a section (46) of the container base body (16) overlap each other in a radial direction to the axial direction (X) of the container (12) and / or to the axial direction (Y) of the refill cartridge (14), such that radial displacement of the cartridge base body (36) relative to the container base body (16) is limited by contact in the radial direction between the cartridge base body (36) and the container base body (16), and wherein at least one of the container base body (16) and the cartridge base body (36) is made of a material comprising a plastic, in particular entirely of plastic. [2] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the first longitudinal end (38) of the cartridge body (36) has an inner diameter which essentially corresponds to an outer diameter of the first longitudinal end (18) of the container body (16). [3] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end (38) of the cartridge body (36) is larger than an inner diameter of the receiving space (42) of the cartridge body (36). [4] Device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat the cartridge body (36) has a radially outwardly projecting collar (48) in the area of ​​its first longitudinal end (38), which is formed at least partially, in particular completely, circumferentially, or that an outer surface of the cartridge body (36) in the area of ​​its first longitudinal end (38) transitions essentially flush into an outer surface of the cartridge body (36) in the area of ​​its receiving space (42). [5] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cartridge body (36) has a radially inward-pointing and circumferentially at least partially, in particular completely, circumferential recess (50) in the area of ​​its first longitudinal end (38). [6] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the container body (16) has a radially outward projecting projection (52) in the area of ​​its first longitudinal end (18), which is formed at least partially, in particular completely, circumferentially. [7] Device (10) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized by , that a distance of the projection (52) of the container base body (16), viewed in its axial direction, to an end face of its first longitudinal end (18) corresponds essentially to a distance of the recess (50) of the cartridge base body (36), viewed in its axial direction, to a stop surface (54) of the cartridge base body (36), which is designed to come into contact with the end face (56) of the first longitudinal end (18) of the container base body (16) in the state of the cartridge base body (36) arranged on the container base body (16). [8] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cartridge body (36) has a second cartridge opening (60) at a second longitudinal end (62) of the elongated basic shape of the refill cartridge (14), which is arranged at an end opposite the first longitudinal end (38) of the elongated basic shape along the axial direction (Y) thereof, wherein the cartridge base (58), in a starting position, overlaps the second cartridge opening, viewed in the axial direction, at least partially, in particular completely. [9] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cartridge base (58) is essentially disc-shaped, wherein in particular an outer contour of the cartridge base (58) essentially corresponds to a cross-section of the receiving space (42) of the cartridge body (36) that is orthogonal to the axial direction (Y). [10] Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, if dependent on claim 8, characterized by, that the cartridge base (58) has a protrusion (64) whose outer contour essentially corresponds to a shape of the second cartridge opening (60), so that the cartridge base (58) is designed to engage in the second cartridge opening (60) by means of the outer contour of the protrusion (64). [11] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cartridge body (36) has a recess (66) or undercut arranged on a wall defining the receiving space (42) in the area of ​​its second longitudinal end (62), which is designed to come into contact with the cartridge base (58) in such a way that a greater force is required to displace the cartridge base (58) from its initial position at the second longitudinal end (62) of the cartridge body (36) than to displace the cartridge base (58) along a different area of ​​the receiving space (42) of the cartridge body (36). [12] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the refill cartridge (14) further comprises a cartridge lid (72) which is designed to be detachably attached to the cartridge base body (36) and, in a state attached to the cartridge base body (36), to cover the first cartridge opening (40), in particular to seal it in a fluid-tight manner. [13] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cartridge body (36) has at least one web (70), in particular a plurality of webs (70), on a wall defining the receiving space (42), which extends parallel to the axial direction (Y) of the cartridge body (36) and which is designed to engage with a corresponding groove formed on the cartridge base (58) in such a way that a rotational displacement of the cartridge base (58) relative to the cartridge body (36) is prevented. [14] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (12) further comprises a transfer unit (22), wherein the transfer unit (22) is configured to transfer, upon actuation of the transfer unit (22), spreadable product contained in the container body (16) in the axial direction (X) of the container body (16) along its axial direction (X). [15] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the displacement unit (22) comprises a threaded spindle (24) and a threaded nut (26), wherein the displacement unit (22) is configured such that, upon rotation of the threaded spindle (24) relative to the threaded nut (26), the threaded nut (26) is displaced in the axial direction (X) of the container (12) so that spreadable product received in the container body (16) can be expelled in the direction of the first container opening (20).

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