Pump dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump dispenser (11) for the metered withdrawal of a liquid from a container. The dispenser (11) comprises a housing (13), in which a metering chamber (15) is formed, a closure cap (17), and a pump head (19). The dispenser (11) also comprises a plunger (23), which can be moved in the metering chamber (15) in order to convey the liquid, a dispenser opening (27), through which metered liquid can exit the pump dispenser (11), and a spring (29), which returns the pump head (19). A first screw thread (45) is spaced apart from the pump head (19) by a spacer element (35) and moves linearly together with the pump head (19). A second screw thread (49), which is located in the housing (13), interacts with the first screw thread (45) in order to fix the pump head (19) in the lower position.

Description

[0001] Pump dispenser

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a pump dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Pump dispensers are used to dispense a liquid, which may have a high viscosity (creams or gels), from a storage container in a measured manner by pressing down on a dispensing head. The dispensing extension is formed on the dispensing head and therefore moves with the dispensing head. A spring is integrated into the dispenser to reset the dispensing head. The valve function, which is necessary to ensure that the liquid is pumped into the dispensing extension when the head is pressed and that liquid is sucked into the pump dispenser when the head is returned, is implemented by a ball. The dispensing head can therefore be moved linearly between an upper and a lower position and is automatically returned to the upper position by the spring. The dispensing head can be moved relative to a closure cap, which can be attached to a container neck.

[0006] Particularly for transport purposes, it is known from the prior art that the dispenser head can be fixed in the lower position, thus preventing any unwanted pumping movement of the dispenser head. To fix the dispenser head in the lower position, an external or internal thread can be provided on the dispenser head, which interacts with an internal or external thread formed on the closure cap. This allows the dispenser head to be screwed onto the closure cap in the lower position. However, the threads are inevitably visible in the upper position of the dispenser head, which leads to an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the pump dispenser. The threads are also susceptible to contamination during use.

[0007] Object of the invention

[0008] The disadvantages of the described prior art give rise to the task of creating a pump dispenser with a more aesthetic appearance. Description

[0009] The stated problem is solved in a pump dispenser by the features stated in the characterizing portion of patent claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0010] The invention is preferably characterized in that the device is realized in that a first thread is spaced from the pump head by a spacer element and moves linearly together with the pump head and in that a second thread, which is arranged in the housing, cooperates with the first thread in order to fix the pump head in the lower position. Due to the spacer element, the first thread projects into the housing in both the upper and lower positions of the pump head. The second thread is arranged in the housing anyway. As a result, the first and second threads are invisible. The pump dispenser thus has an attractive and aesthetic design with no visible threads. Since the first thread projects into the housing in every position of the pump head, it is well protected against dirt and damage.In addition, the sealing of the piston rod against the housing is made easier, which means that no contaminants, such as shower water, can penetrate from the outside to the liquid held in the container.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the spacer element is a first sleeve, which is connected to the pump head at its first end and has the first thread formed at its second end. The sleeve has a smooth surface, which, when the pump head is in the upper position, is free of any thread or other protrusions. The first sleeve, which is also free of contamination, is correspondingly pleasing in appearance. A sealing lip can slide reliably and sealingly along the first sleeve.

[0012] It has proven to be expedient if the second thread is arranged in a second sleeve, which second sleeve is positioned in the housing. The second thread can be formed more easily on the second sleeve than on the housing. By inserting the second sleeve, the second thread is positioned at the required height in the housing. In addition, the second sleeve serves as a support for the spring. It is preferred if the first thread is an external thread and the second thread is an internal thread. A reversed design of the interacting first and second threads would also be conceivable. The embodiment preferred here enables a simplified design of the first and second threads.

[0013] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the first sleeve and the piston rod are formed as a single piece. This eliminates a production step in which the first sleeve must be connected to the piston rod.

[0014] Conveniently, the spring is positioned in a first cavity between the piston rod and the first sleeve. This ensures that the first sleeve does not interfere with the spring's compression.

[0015] It is preferred if the base of the first cavity and the second end of the second sleeve provide support for the spring. Thus, the first and second sleeves fulfill the additional function of supporting the first and second ends of the spring.

[0016] Conveniently, a second cavity is formed between the piston rod and the first sleeve, in which a retaining extension of the pump head is fixed. This allows the pump head to snap onto the piston rod or be clamped to it instead of being glued.

[0017] The invention is also preferably characterized in that the first sleeve and the piston rod are connected to each other by a web. The provision of the web allows the first sleeve to be manufactured in one piece with the piston rod and does not require subsequent connection to the piston rod.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the web separates the first cavity from the second cavity and provides support for the spring. Thus, the web fulfills several functions simultaneously in an elegant and efficient manner. Further assembly steps can be eliminated in the manufacture of the pump dispenser because the piston rod, the first sleeve, the first thread, and the web are formed integrally in an injection mold, and the first and second cavities are provided simultaneously.

[0019] It has proven expedient if a first shoulder is formed on the first end of the second sleeve, which shoulder rests against the upper end of the housing and by means of which the second sleeve is positioned in the housing. In this way, the second thread receives its exact position in the housing by simply inserting the second sleeve into the housing. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is placed on the closure cap, which seals the transition between the first sleeve and the housing. The seal can be achieved, for example, with a sealing lip which slides along the outer surface of the first sleeve when the pump head is moved between the upper and lower positions. The seal reliably prevents impurities from entering the interior of the container. If the liquid to be dispensed is a shower gel, washing water cannot penetrate into the container and dilute the shower gel.

[0020] It is preferred if the sealing element has the same outer contour as the side of the pump head facing the sealing element, whereby the sealing element sits flush with the pump head in the lower position. This ensures that the pump dispenser has an attractive shape not only in the upper position of the pump head, but also in the lower position of the pump head. This is important because the pump head occupies the lower, locked position on store shelves, and the elegant appearance of the pump dispenser can have a sales-enhancing effect.

[0021] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the schematic representations. These are not to scale:

[0022] Figure 1 : an axonometric view of a pump dispenser with a pump head in an upper position;

[0023] Figure 2: an axonometric view of the pump dispenser according to Figure 1 in which the pump head is moved into a lower position;

[0024] Figure 3: a sectional view of the pump dispenser with the pump head in the upper position and

[0025] Figure 4: a sectional view of the pump dispenser with the pump head in the lower position.

[0026] Figures 1 to 4 show a pump dispenser, designated overall by the reference numeral 11. By means of the pump dispenser 11, a liquid can be pumped from a container onto which the pump dispenser 11 is placed. The pump dispenser has a housing 13 in which a dosing chamber 15 is formed. A closure cap 17 is connected to the housing 13 and can be screwed onto the container. A seal 18 is inserted into the closure cap to seal it against the container. This holds the pump dispenser 11 to the container. A pump head 19 can be moved up and down relative to the housing 13 along the longitudinal axis 21 of the dispenser 11 between an upper and a lower position to execute a pumping stroke. A piston 23 is attached to the pump head 19 via a piston rod 25 and slides on the housing 13 with a piston seal 26.The piston 23 can be moved up and down in the dosing chamber 15 to convey the liquid. Dosed liquid leaves the pump dispenser 11 through a dispensing opening 27, which is connected to the dosing chamber via the hollow piston rod 25. A spring 29 resets the pump head 19 relative to the housing 13, as it is compressed in the lower position of the pump head 19 and automatically pushes the pump head 19 back to the upper position. A valve in the form of a ball 31 defines the conveying direction of the liquid from the container into the dispensing opening 27 and blocks conveying in the opposite direction. The liquid is sucked into the dosing chamber 15 via a suction pipe 33.

[0027] The pump head 19 can be fixed in its lower position by the following device, which can prevent unwanted pumping of liquid, especially when the container is transported together with the pump dispenser 11: A first sleeve 35 is formed integrally with the piston rod 25 on its outer side. The first sleeve 35 is connected to the piston rod 25 only by a web 37 and is spaced from the latter. The piston rod 25 projects into the first sleeve 35 and is partially surrounded by the first sleeve 35. A first cavity 39 and a second cavity 41 are provided above and below the web 37 between the first sleeve 35 and the piston rod 25. At its first end 36a, the first sleeve 35 is connected to the pump head 19 by a holding extension 43 of the pump head 19 being locked in the second cavity 41.

[0028] At its second end 36b, the first sleeve 35 has an external thread 45, whereby the external thread 45 is spaced from the pump head 19. A second sleeve 47, which also has a first and a second end 48a, 48b, is inserted into the housing 13. At the second end 48b of the second sleeve 47, an internal thread 49 is formed, which interacts with the external thread 45. For this purpose, the pump head 19 must be pressed downward into its lower position against the spring pressure 29. By turning the pump head 19, the external thread 45 engages the internal thread 49 and is screwed into it, whereby the pump head is fixed in its lower position. The lower position can also be referred to as a transport position. By turning the pump head in the opposite direction, the external thread 45 is unscrewed from the internal thread 49 and the pump head 19 can be pressed into its upper position by the spring 29.

[0029] The second sleeve 47 has a first radially outwardly projecting shoulder 51 at its first end 48a, which rests against the upper end of the housing 13. As a result, the second sleeve 47, and in particular the internal thread 49, is positioned at a specific height of the housing 13. At its second end 48b, the second sleeve 47 has a radially inwardly projecting second shoulder 53.

[0030] The spring 29 is received in the first cavity 39. The web 37 and the second shoulder 53 provide support for the spring 29 and its ends.

[0031] A sealing element 55 is placed on the closure cap 17, sealing the transition between the first sleeve 35 and the housing. For a reliable watertight seal, a sealing lip 57 is formed on the sealing element 55, along which the first sleeve 35 can slide when the pump head 19 is moved. This prevents water from outside from penetrating the liquid in the container and diluting it. This is an advantage of the pump dispenser, especially when shower gels are filled.

[0032] As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, neither the external thread 45 nor the internal thread 49 is visible from the outside. This gives the pump dispenser 11 an aesthetic appearance, and the threads 45, 49 are protected from external contamination. The aesthetic appearance of the pump dispenser 11 is improved in the lower, fixed position of the pump head 19 by the fact that the diameter of the sealing element 55 is the same size as the diameter of the pump head 19. This ensures a flush and seamless transition between the pump head and the sealing element 55. Key:

[0033] 11 pump dispensers

[0034] 13 housings

[0035] 15 Dosing chamber

[0036] 17 Cap

[0037] 18 Seal

[0038] 19 Pump head

[0039] 21 Longitudinal axis

[0040] 23 pistons

[0041] 25 Piston rod

[0042] 26 Piston seal

[0043] 27 Donor opening

[0044] 29 spring

[0045] 31 Ball, valve

[0046] 33 intake manifold

[0047] 35 First sleeve, spacer element

[0048] 36a First end of the first sleeve

[0049] 36b Second end of the first sleeve

[0050] 37 jetty

[0051] 39 First cavity

[0052] 41 Second cavity

[0053] 43 Retaining process

[0054] 45 First thread, external thread

[0055] 47 Second sleeve

[0056] 48a First end of the second sleeve

[0057] 48b Second end of the second sleeve

[0058] 49 Second thread, internal thread

[0059] 51 First paragraph

[0060] 53 Second paragraph

[0061] 55 Sealing element

[0062] 57 Sealing lip

Claims

A pump dispenser (11) for the metered withdrawal of a liquid from a container onto which the pump dispenser (11) can be placed, comprising a housing (13) in which a metering chamber (15) is formed, a closure cap (17) which is connected to the housing (13) and can be placed onto the container, a pump head (19) which is movable up and down relative to the housing (13) along the longitudinal axis (21) of the dispenser (11) between an upper and a lower position to carry out a pump stroke, a piston (23) which is fixed to the pump head (19) by a piston rod (25) and is movable in the metering chamber (15) to convey the liquid, a dispenser opening (27) which is connected to the metering chamber (15) and through which metered liquid can leave the pump dispenser (11), a spring (29) which resets the pump head (19) relative to the housing (13), a valve (31),which defines the conveying direction of the liquid from the container into the dispensing opening (27) and blocks conveying in the opposite direction and a device for fixing the pump head in the lower or upper position, characterized in that the device is realized in that, - a first thread (45) through a spacer element (35) from the pump head (19) and moves linearly together with the pump head (19) and that - a second thread (49), which is arranged in the housing (13), cooperates with the first thread (45) to fix the pump head (19) in the lower position. Pump dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer element is a first sleeve (35) which is connected to the pump head (19) at its first end (36a) and at whose second end (36b) the first thread (45) is formed.

3. Pump dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second thread (49) is arranged in a second sleeve (47), which second sleeve (49) is positioned in the housing (13).

4. Pump dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first thread is an external thread (45) and the second thread is an internal thread (49).

5. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first sleeve (35) and the piston rod (25) are formed in one piece.

6. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the spring (29) is positioned in a first cavity (39) between the piston rod (25) and the first sleeve (35).

7. Pump dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom of the first cavity (39) and the second end (48b) of the second sleeve (47) provide supports for the spring (29).

8. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a second cavity (41) is formed between the piston rod (25) and the first sleeve (35), in which a holding extension (43) of the pump head (19) is fixed.

9. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the first sleeve (35) and the piston rod (25) are connected to one another by a web (37).

10. Pump dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that the web (37) separates the first cavity (39) from the second cavity (41) and provides support for the spring (29).

11. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that a first shoulder (51) is formed at the first end (48a) of the second sleeve (47), which shoulder rests against the upper end of the housing (13) and by means of which the second sleeve (47) is positioned in the housing (13).

12. Pump dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that a sealing element (55) is placed on the closure cap (17), which seals the transition between the first sleeve (37) and the housing (13).

13. Pump dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that the sealing element (55) has the same outer contour as the side of the pump head (19) facing the sealing element (55), whereby the sealing element (55) is flush with the pump head (19) in the lower position.

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