Discharge container for connection to a container, a container and a system for connection of a container
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023776313
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-21
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing dispensing systems for reusable containers are prone to contamination and require significant effort to clean during the refilling process, as residues often adhere to the riser pipe and users risk getting dirty, and the process of changing products is cumbersome.
A dispensing device with an axially movable connecting element that forms a snap connection with the container, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while preventing accidental release, and a container closure that ensures a fluid-tight connection, reducing material usage and simplifying the refilling process.
The solution minimizes contamination and simplifies the refilling process by providing a secure, easy-to-clean connection between the dispensing device and the container, reducing material usage and enhancing user safety.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Dispensing device for connecting to a container, a container and a system for connecting a container
[0002] The present invention relates to a dispensing device for connection to a container and a corresponding container as well as a system comprising a dispensing device and a container according to the preamble of the independent claims.
[0003] For some time now, society has felt the need to conserve resources and reuse everyday objects more than once. For this reason, refillable systems have become established on the market. These typically involve a high-quality, sturdy container that can hold a liquid, such as hand soap. Such containers are typically equipped with a device for dispensing the liquid, such as a pump dispenser or a spray dispenser.
[0004] To ensure reuse, the liquid dispensing device is removed from the container, and a product equivalent to the original is refilled into the container from a refill pack. Refill packs are often bags made of thin film, which require significantly less material than reusable containers.
[0005] During this refilling process there is always a risk that the reusable container will become dirty and / or the user will get dirty.
[0006] The dispensing device is typically equipped with a riser tube so that the product can be dispensed from the reusable container. This riser tube typically retains residues of the liquid previously contained in the reusable container. Accordingly, there is a risk of spillage on the user. Changing the product requires cleaning the entire dispensing device and the reusable container, which can be a considerable effort.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to remedy at least one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a dispensing device, and preferably a container and / or a system thereof, is to be provided which makes it possible to reduce the material consumption and, in particular, to reduce contamination during the refilling process and, in particular, to simplify the refilling process.
[0008] This object is achieved by the devices defined in the independent patent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.
[0009] A dispensing device according to the invention for connection to a container comprises a dosing dispenser with a base body. An axially movable connecting element for connecting the container to the dispensing device is arranged in the base body. The connecting element can be brought into or out of operative connection with the container.
[0010] By arranging an axially movable connecting element, this element can be moved axially accordingly, thus creating a suitable plug-in connection between the dispensing device and the container. Plug-in connections are typically effective and clean.
[0011] The connecting element is axially movable in relation to the dispensing device and thus also in relation to the base body and is designed in particular as a separate and independent element.
[0012] The connecting element can have a flange for snap-on connection to the container. The snap-on connection can be used to create a connection between the connecting element and the container, or the container can be arranged at a corresponding position on the connecting element. The snap-on connection reliably prevents these two elements from becoming unintentionally loose. The snap-on connection can be implemented by axial snapping in, or alternatively it can be implemented by lateral insertion. By definition, lateral insertion means insertion transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container. The longitudinal axis of the container is defined by a connection between a base and a dispensing opening of the container. The longitudinal axis also defines the axial direction.
[0013] The flange can be provided with an inwardly directed projection. This allows for lateral insertion, while also allowing the container to be supported by an inwardly directed projection with a correspondingly outwardly projecting element. An axial force acting on the container can be absorbed by the inwardly directed projection.
[0014] Additionally, an axially extending stop can be arranged on the connecting element to prevent rotation. An axially extending stop reliably prevents rotation of the connecting element, but at the same time allows the connecting element to be moved axially.
[0015] For axial displacement or movement of the connecting element, a thread can be arranged on the connecting element. A thread allows the conversion of a rotary movement into a linear movement. Accordingly, the connecting element can be moved axially by turning a corresponding counterpart, which is operatively connected to the thread.
[0016] For this purpose, a counter-thread can be arranged on the base body for engagement with the thread of the connecting element. Thus, by rotating the base body, the connecting element can be moved axially. Rotation of the connecting element is prevented by the axially extending stop.
[0017] Preferably, therefore, the base body is arranged rotatably on a receiving container.
[0018] The receptacle can be designed to be appropriately appealing to the user. Furthermore, the receptacle can provide a vessel or a holding device that can accommodate the container, which is manufactured with little material expenditure, particularly as a refill container. In other words, the receptacle can be designed for multiple use and exhibit appropriate stability. Accordingly, the container described here no longer needs to meet high strength requirements, since any forces that occur can be absorbed by the receptacle.
[0019] Preferably, the axially extending stop is operatively connected to the receiving container. Accordingly, the axially movable connecting element can be held fixedly on the receiving container with respect to rotation, so that it moves or can be moved only axially relative to the receiving container.
[0020] The axially extending stop can be designed as a cam that is designed to engage in a groove on the receiving container. Accordingly, a corresponding groove can be arranged on a receiving container.
[0021] By designing it as a cam and a groove, an axially extending stop can be created relatively easily. Such a combination also has a high level of accuracy. Forces can be transmitted evenly. An axially extending flange can be arranged on the dispenser for engagement with a corresponding receiving element on the container. The flange is particularly formed as part of a sliding connection. An axially extending flange is easy to manufacture and has a high level of accuracy. In addition, it can be manufactured in such a way that it tapers towards an open end, so that a tight connection can be created with a corresponding counterpart. By designing it as a sliding connection, the flange can be connected to a corresponding counterpart easily and securely.
[0022] The flange can be designed as a tubular socket. Such a design eliminates the need to provide means for circumferentially positioning the corresponding elements before the connection is made.
[0023] A further aspect relates to a container for connection to a dispensing device, in particular to a dispensing device as described here. The container has a container closure. This makes it possible to reliably and securely close the container or to keep its contents under lock and key.
[0024] A receiving element can be arranged on the container closure for receiving an axially extending flange, in particular a flange of the dispensing device as described herein. Accordingly, the dispensing device and the container can be easily connected to one another, so that a fluid-tight connection is established between the container and the dispensing device.
[0025] The receiving element can be designed as part of a sliding connection. A sliding connection is easy to establish and requires no special instructions for the user. Such connections are also reliable and can ensure a high level of tightness.
[0026] The container may be designed as a flexible bag.
[0027] Flexible bags can be made from very thin materials, thus reducing environmental impact by reducing material consumption. Furthermore, a flexible bag allows for the contents to be dispensed almost completely.
[0028] Alternatively, it can be provided that the container is designed as a dimensionally stable container.
[0029] The dimensional stability allows the container to interact with a corresponding receiving container, for example. Furthermore, a dimensionally stable container makes it easier for a user to manipulate it.
[0030] To completely empty the container, a riser pipe can be installed at the container closure in the rigid container. This pipe ends, in particular, near the bottom of the rigid container. This allows the contents of the container to be dispensed almost completely.
[0031] The container closure can be permanently connected to the container with a press fit. Alternatively, a welded connection is also possible. The container can thus be provided as a tight and closed system.
[0032] A further aspect relates to a system for connecting a container, in particular a container as described here, to a dispensing device, in particular a dispensing device as described here, this system comprising a container closure arranged on the container and an axially movable connecting element arranged on the dispensing device. An axially extending flange is arranged on the dispensing device and a receiving element is arranged on the container. The flange and the receiving element can be brought into engagement with one another by an axial movement of the connecting element.
[0033] This allows a container to be easily connected to a dispensing device and enables the corresponding elements to be matched to one another so that a reliable and tight connection can be created.
[0034] The invention is explained below with reference to schematic figures: It shows:
[0035] Figure 1: a perspective view of a receiving container together with a dispensing device;
[0036] Figure 2 : a cross section through the arrangement according to the
[0037] Figure 1 ;
[0038] Figure 3: a perspective view of the arrangement according to Figure 1 during the changing process;
[0039] Figure 4 : a detailed view of the cross-section according to Figure 2 ;
[0040] Figure 5 : a sectional view along the line AA according to Figure 2 ;
[0041] Figure 6 : an isolated representation of a connecting element;
[0042] Figure 7: the view according to Figure 4 in the ready-to-use state of the dispensing device.
[0043] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a receiving container 50 with a dispensing device 30 arranged thereon.
[0044] The dispensing device 30 comprises a dosing dispenser 40. A container 20 is arranged within the receiving container 50 and is operatively connected to the dispensing device 30. In other words, the dispensing device 30 is connected to the container 20. The receiving container 50 has a lateral opening not further described here.
[0045] Figure 2 shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 in a sectional view. As can be seen, the container 20 is connected to the dispensing device 30. A riser pipe 23 is arranged within the container 20. The container 20 is designed as a dimensionally stable container.
[0046] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the arrangement according to Figure 1 during the changing process. In order to insert a container 20 into the receiving container 50 or to remove it from the latter, the dispensing device 30 is brought into the position according to Figure 4. In other words, a connecting element 42 arranged inside the base body 41 (see Figure 4) is moved axially downwards. The container 20 is pushed laterally in an inclined position into the lateral opening 48 of the dispensing device 30. For this purpose, the container 20 has outwardly directed projections at its upper end. Accordingly, the dispensing device 30 has corresponding elements. In the present case, these are arranged on a flange 43 of the connecting element 42 (see Figure 4).
[0047] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the cross section of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows in particular a cross section through the dispensing device 30. The dispensing device 30 has a dosing body 40 with a base body 41. A connecting element 42 is arranged in the base body 41. The connecting element 42 is axially movable and can be brought into operative connection with the container 20. In the present illustration, the connecting element is moved axially downwards and is therefore shown in a lower position. As can be seen, the base body 41 is arranged on a receiving container 50. The base body 41 and the receiving container 50 are connected to one another by a snap connection, this snap connection being designed such that the base body 41 can be rotated relative to the receiving container 50.
[0048] The axially movable connecting element 42 has a thread 44 that engages a mating thread 45 of the base body. The connecting element 42 is also provided with an axially extending stop that is rotationally fixed relative to the receiving container 50. The axially extending stop will be explained in detail later with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
[0049] As can be seen , the connecting element 42 has a flange 43 at its lower end in the present illustration , which has an inwardly directed projection which is not further designated .
[0050] The container 20 has a container closure 21 which is permanently connected to the container 20. The container 20 also has an outwardly directed projection at its upper end in the present illustration. This projection is formed in the present case by the container 20 and by the container closure 21. This projection interacts with the inwardly directed projection of the flange 43. In other words, the projection of the container 20 rests on the inwardly directed projection of the flange 43. The connecting element 42 has a lateral opening 48 into which the container 20 can be inserted accordingly (see Figure 6).
[0051] The dosing dispenser 40 is arranged in the base body 41 and has an axially extending flange 46. This axially extending flange 46 is designed in the present case as a tubular nozzle. The flange 46 is intended to engage in a corresponding receiving element 22 on the container 20. Accordingly, the container closure 21 has a corresponding element, the receiving element 22, for receiving the flange 46. The receiving element 22 is designed in the present case as an annular recess. The flange 46 can be introduced into this recess, thus creating a fluid-tight connection between the container closure 21 and the dosing dispenser 40. The corresponding process will be explained later with reference to Figure 7.
[0052] Figure 5 shows a sectional view along the line AA from Figure 2, wherein the container 20 has been omitted. As can be seen, the axially movable connecting element 42 is arranged inside the receiving container 50. The receiving container 50 is open at the side so that a corresponding container 20 can be inserted. In the region of the section, the connecting element 42 is also provided with a lateral opening 48 (see Figure 6). An axially extending stop is arranged on the connecting element 42. In the present case, this stop comprises three radially projecting cams 47 which extend axially. These cams 47 engage in corresponding grooves 51 on the receiving container 50. Accordingly, the connecting element 42 can be moved axially, in this case into and out of the plane of the drawing. For the sake of better clarity, only one of the cams and the associated elements is designated in Figure 5.
[0053] Figure 6 shows an isolated illustration of the connecting element 42 in a perspective view. As can be seen, the connecting element 42 has a lateral opening 48 in the lower area in the present illustration, into which opening a corresponding container 20 can be inserted. Above this lateral opening 48, the connecting element is designed to be circumferentially closed and has a thread 44. The thread 44 is intended to cooperate with a corresponding mating thread 45 on the base body 41. In the present illustration, one of the axially extending cams 47 can be seen below this thread 44. The connecting element 42 also has a flange (not shown in more detail here) between the thread 44 and the cam 47 for stopping a movement.
[0054] Figure 7 shows the view according to Figure 4 in the ready-to-use state of the dispensing device 30. The flange 46, which is designed as a tubular nozzle, is in engagement with the receiving element 22, which is designed as an annular recess. The tubular nozzle extends into the recess. For this purpose, the connecting element 42 was moved axially so that the container 20 was placed onto the flange 46. In order to realize this axial movement, the thread 44 is arranged on the periphery of the connecting element 42. The thread 44 is in engagement with a mating thread 45 on the base body. By rotating the base body 41, the connecting element 42 was moved axially upwards and relative to the base body 41. At the same time, the container 20 was moved upwards and the receiving element was pushed over the axially extending flange 46.The rotation of the connecting element 42 is prevented by the axially extending stop. In other words, the connecting element 42 is guided on the receiving container 50 so that it is axially movable relative to this receiving container 50. By rotating the base body 41, a fluid-tight connection is created between the dosing dispenser 30 and the container 20. To change the container 20, this process is carried out in reverse order. By rotating the base body 41 in the opposite direction, the container 20 can be detached from the flange 46. The container 20 can then be removed from the connecting element 42 by pulling it sideways.
Claims
Patent claims 1. Dispensing device (30) for connecting to a container (20) comprising a dosing dispenser (40) with a base body (41), characterized in that an axially movable connecting element (42) for connecting the container (20) to the dispensing device (30) is arranged in the base body (41), wherein the connecting element (42) is or can be brought into operative connection with the container (20).
2. Dispensing device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (42) has a flange (43) for snap connection to the container (20).
3. Dispensing device (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the flange (43) has an inwardly directed projection.
4. Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an axially extending stop is arranged on the connecting element (42) to prevent rotation.
5. Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a thread (44) is arranged on the connecting element (42) for axial displacement.
6. Dispensing device (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that a counter thread (45) is arranged on the base body (41) for engagement with the thread (44) of the connecting element (42).
7. Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base body (41) is rotatably arranged on a receiving container (50). Dispensing device (30) according to claims 7 and 5, characterized in that the axially extending stop is in operative connection with the receiving container (50). Dispensing device (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the axially extending stop is designed as a cam (47) for engagement in a groove (51) on a Receptacle (50) . Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an axially extending flange (46) for engagement in a corresponding receiving element (22) on the container (20) is arranged on the dosing dispenser (40), wherein the flange (46) is designed in particular as a component of a sliding connection. Dispensing device (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that the flange (46) is designed as a tubular nozzle. Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the axially movable connecting element (42) is axially movable with respect to the dispensing device. Dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the axially movable connecting element (42) is designed as a separate element. Container (20) for connection to a dispensing device (30), in particular a dispensing device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the container (20) has a container closure (21). Container (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that a receiving element (22) is provided on the container closure (21). is arranged to receive an axially extending flange (46). Container (20) according to claim 15, characterized in that the receiving element (22) is designed as a component of a sliding connection. Container (20) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the container (20) is designed as a flexible bag. Container (20) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the container (20) is designed as a dimensionally stable container. Container (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that in the dimensionally stable container a riser pipe (23) is arranged on the container closure. Container (20) according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the container closure (21) is non-detachably connected to the container (20) by a press connection.System for connecting a container (20), in particular a container according to one of claims 14 to 20, to a dispensing device (30), in particular a dispensing device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a container closure (21) arranged on the container (20) and an axially movable connecting element (42) arranged on the dispensing device (30), characterized in that an axially extending flange (46) is arranged on the dispensing device (30) and a receiving element (22) is arranged on the container (20), wherein the flange (46) and the receiving element (22) can be brought into engagement with one another by an axial movement of the connecting element (42).