Apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for dispensing a preferably solid or paste-like product (10), in particular a hygiene, skin-care or cosmetic product. The invention inter alia solves the problem of creating an apparatus (1) of the aforementioned type which can be produced in a simple and low-cost manner and reduces to a minimum the number of components needed for the functioning of the device (1).

Description

device

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a product, in particular a hygiene, skin care or cosmetic product, as well as a refill unit for such a device. State of the art

[0002] Devices for dispensing hygiene, skin care, or cosmetic products, particularly solid or pasty ones, are known from the state of the art. Unfortunately, these devices often do not allow for residue-free dispensing of the respective product.

[0003] Reusable devices are also known, in which the respective product is not contained in the housing of the device itself, but in a replaceable refill unit. However, such devices are usually characterized by a particularly complex structure or are composed of a multitude of different (usually plastic) parts. Overall, such devices are complex and expensive to manufacture.

[0004] In addition, reliable portioning of the product mass to be dispensed is generally not possible with conventional devices, especially at temperatures significantly above 20°C, since the mechanical adjustment of the position of the product in the dispenser leads to deformation of the product. Object of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a device for dispensing a product that avoids the disadvantages outlined above. In particular, the device according to the invention should be particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, and the number of components required for its operation should be reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, it should be possible to manufacture the device using tools that do not require a folding core. Furthermore, users should be able to disassemble and reassemble the device themselves, without having to resort to tools, adhesives, or other auxiliary materials.

[0006] Furthermore, deformation of the product mass should be avoided and precise adjustment of the product mass to be dispensed should be ensured. Furthermore, the device should be particularly easy to operate and handle.

[0007] Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the description. Description of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is achieved by a device for dispensing a, preferably solid or pasty, product, in particular a hygiene, skin care or cosmetic product, wherein the device comprises at least one actuating element for manually adjusting the amount of product to be dispensed, a sleeve-shaped housing with a receiving section for precisely receiving a refill unit containing the product and with a fastening section for fastening the actuating element, a retaining element, which retaining element is detachably connected or connectable to the housing in order to hold a sleeve of the refill unit in the receiving section, and an adjusting element connected to a threaded shaft, wherein an axial position of the adjusting element in the receiving section can be adjusted in the axial direction by means of the actuating element,wherein the threaded shaft is held in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner and the actuating element is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a counter-threaded part, which counter-threaded part is axially secured in the fastening section and is in operative connection with the threaded shaft.,

[0009] This device according to the invention is characterized by its particularly simple design. Overall, the device comprises only five separate parts: the sleeve-shaped housing, which a user can grip or pull from the outside.can hold; the retaining element, which retaining element secures the refill unit in the receiving section; the adjusting element connected to the threaded shaft or formed integrally with it, which adjusting element sets a portion of the dispensed product through its axial positioning within the receiving section; the counter-threaded part, which counter-threaded part is axially secured but rotatably mounted in the fastening section and engages with the threaded shaft which is non-rotatably but axially movable in the housing; and the actuating element, which actuating element gives the user the option of changing the axial position of the adjusting element - and thus the dispensable quantity of product - as desired by manually actuating the actuating element.An (empty) refill unit can be removed from the device after the retaining element has been released from the housing; after inserting a new (with fresh product) refill unit, the detailed design of which is described below. As shown, the user can close the receiving section again using the retaining element. Before inserting the refill unit, the adjusting element can preferably be brought into a basic position (described below). Naturally, the retaining element has a dispensing opening through which the product can be dispensed, for example onto the user's skin. In particular, the small number of separate components and the particularly simple manner of connecting these components enable uncomplicated, rapid and cost-effective production of the device according to the invention. The counter-threaded part fulfils a dual function: on the one hand, due to its axially secured bearing in the fastening section of the housing, the counter-threaded part is suitable for fastening the actuating element in or out of the housing.to be fixed to the housing of the device, so that no specially provided means for fastening the actuating element are required on the device; on the other hand, the counter-threaded part, due to its rotatable bearing in the fastening section, enables the rotation of the actuating element to be transmitted to the threaded shaft. The torsionally rigid connection between the actuating element and the counter-threaded part is essential for this. This makes it possible to shape or design the actuating element as desired, for example according to ergonomic aspects. The counter-threaded shaft is considered to be axially secured if movement in an axial direction, namely in the direction of a connection opening of the sleeve-shaped housing opposite the discharge opening, to which connection opening the actuating element is connected, is prevented.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the mating thread part is held axially in the housing by one or more locking projections of the fastening section. A circumferential locking projection or a groove in an inner circumferential surface of the housing can also be provided to hold the mating thread part axially in the housing. Alternatively or additionally, individual wedges, recesses, or chamfers could also be formed in or on the inner circumferential surface to hold the mating thread part axially in the housing.

[0011] It is essential that the counter-threaded part is secured against being pulled out of the housing. This means that tensile forces acting on the actuating element are absorbed by the counter-threaded part and diverted into the housing. Preferably, the counter-threaded part is also secured against being pushed in, i.e., in both axial directions. In this way, a particularly simple and elegant attachment of the actuating element to the housing can be achieved. The counter-threaded part is preferably designed to be flexible so that, after insertion of the counter-threaded part, to enable the mating thread part to engage with the locking projections through the connection opening of the housing without damaging the mating thread part and / or the locking projections and / or the housing.

[0012] Axial direction generally refers to those directions defined by a longitudinal axis of the sleeve-shaped housing. For example, the adjusting element can move axially toward the connection opening, i.e., downwards, and axially toward the discharge opening, i.e., upwards. Axially secured means that movement in at least one of these directions, namely downwards, is not possible.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, the counter-threaded part has a peripheral holding portion, which peripheral holding portion engages with the one or at least two locking projections. Alternatively, the peripheral holding portion can engage with the groove formed in the inner circumferential surface.

[0014] The peripheral holding section can be specifically designed to provide the mating threaded part with a secure hold in the locking projections or groove, while simultaneously allowing smooth rotation of the mating threaded part. Since the requirements for the holding section are fundamentally different from those required by the section of the mating threaded part that is operatively connected to the threaded shaft, this embodiment is characterized by particular flexibility in the design of the mating threaded part. For example, it is possible to manufacture the peripheral holding section from a different material than the aforementioned section of the mating threaded part, to provide it with a (different) coating, to make it thicker or thinner, etc.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the counter-threaded part has a central opening with an internal thread, wherein the internal thread engages in an external thread of the threaded shaft.

[0016] Accordingly, the central region of the mating threaded part, which central region mediates the operative connection between the mating threaded part and the threaded shaft, can be designed and constructed independently of the rest of the mating threaded part, in particular of the peripheral holding section. The central opening can be arranged in the central region of the mating threaded part. The internal thread of the central opening can be matched to the external thread of the threaded shaft in order to ensure a particularly stable force transmission to the threaded shaft. Due to the internal thread of the mating threaded part and its engagement with the external thread of the threaded shaft, a rotation of the counter-threaded part leads to an axial displacement of the threaded shaft, which is held rigidly in the housing.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the counter-threaded part has one or more locking elements, via which locking elements the actuating element is connected to the counter-threaded part.

[0018] This allows the actuating element to be connected to the mating threaded part in a particularly simple, reliable, and dimensionally stable manner—and thus fixed in the housing. For even easier connection, positioning aids can be provided on the peripheral holding section and / or on the locking projections or groove, as well as on the actuating element and / or the housing in the area of ​​the connection opening. These positioning aids coordinate the rotational position of the mating threaded part and the rotational position of the actuating element, enabling rapid locking of the mating threaded part and the actuating element.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the counter-thread part is designed as a spoked wheel, the hub of which forms the central opening and the race of which forms the peripheral holding section.

[0020] Because the peripheral holding section is connected to the section with the central opening only via spokes, the race is (minimally) movable relative to this section, so that the mating threaded part as a whole acquires the aforementioned flexibility, which facilitates its securing in the housing and enables it to overcome the locking projections / groove. At the same time, however, the central section of the spoked wheel, which contains the hub, can be dimensionally stable and solid to ensure particularly stable and reliable force transmission to the threaded shaft. Furthermore, the design of the mating threaded part as a spoked wheel allows for a further reduction in the material required to manufacture the device according to the invention.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the spoked wheel has at least two locking elements, which locking elements are arranged in pairs on opposite circumferential regions of the hub in such a way that the locking elements are accessible via spoke spaces.

[0022] This allows for a particularly simple connection between the actuating element and the counter-threaded part, and at the same time a particularly space-saving design of the counter-threaded part. The locking elements can be provided in the areas of the spoke spaces on the central section, from which protrude and / or be formed by it. Corresponding arms of the actuating element, which arms must be brought into engagement with the locking elements of the mating threaded part in order to establish a locking connection, can thus be guided, on the one hand, by run-on bevels of the locking elements and, on the other hand, laterally through the spokes. This further simplifies the assembly of the device according to the invention. However, other connections between the actuating element and the mating threaded part are also conceivable, for example, with only one locking element or any type of tongue-and-groove connection.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element is locked or can be locked via one or more clamping arms with one or more locking elements of the counter-threaded part, wherein the clamping arms extend in the axial direction and are arranged at least in sections in the fastening section of the housing.

[0024] The clamping arms can be arranged on an inner side of the actuating element, which inner side is not accessible from the outside when the device for dispensing the product is used as intended. A clamping arm can be formed, for example, by a flat projection, which projection protrudes from the inner side of the actuating element approximately in the axial direction, i.e. essentially perpendicular to a base section of the actuating element. The clamping arm(s) and the base section of the actuating element can be arranged in a T-shape. The clamping arms are preferably designed to be flexible in order to be able to engage with the locking elements of the mating threaded part without being damaged or even breaking. On the other hand, the clamping arms must also have a structural stability that ensures reliable force transmission to the mating threaded part.Particularly with two clamping arms, which are locked to two opposing locking elements of the counter-threaded part, a particularly stable fastening of the actuating element in the housing is achieved; in addition, a safe and reliable transmission of forces to the counter-threaded part or the threaded shaft is possible.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking elements are formed by locking lugs in order to be able to engage with recesses in the actuating element, in particular in the clamping arms.

[0026] In this way, a particularly simple and reliable locking connection can be created between the actuating element and the counter-threaded part.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two clamping arms arranged opposite one another are provided, which clamping arms are connected to one another via at least one reinforcing element.

[0028] It has been shown that the deflection that a clamping arm must tolerate to overcome the run-up slope of a sufficiently dimensioned locking lug often leads to excessive stress on the clamping arm or even to its failure (risk of breakage). At the same time, however, the clamping arms cannot be made arbitrarily strong, as in this case, the desired smooth operation of the locking connection would no longer be guaranteed or a locking connection would no longer be possible. Extensive series of tests have shown that the best method for giving the flexibly designed clamping arms the necessary stability is to reinforce the clamping arms in pairs. This allows bending moments to be absorbed and deformation and breakage to be prevented.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element is formed by a web, wherein the web extends from one to the opposite clamping arm in such a way that a U- or V-profile is formed.

[0030] The web is attached to the same base surface as the clamping arms themselves, for example on the inside of the base section of the actuating element, from which the clamping arms protrude in the axial direction. The web height of the web varies across the distance between the two opposing clamping arms, with the web attaching to one of the two clamping arms at a predetermined height. The web height is initially essentially constant, then drops sharply to reach its minimum approximately halfway between the two webs, and then rises sharply again to finally attach to the other of the two clamping arms at approximately the same predetermined height. This results in a U- or V-shaped web height, which has proven particularly advantageous for giving the clamping arms the right degree of stability and flexibility.

[0031] According to another preferred embodiment, a first clamping arm can be connected to a preferably axially extending inner wall section of the actuating element via a first reinforcing element, and / or a second clamping arm can be connected to a preferably axially extending inner wall section of the actuating element via a second reinforcing element. The advantages described above in connection with the reinforcing element connecting the two clamping arms can also be achieved in this way.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the internal thread of the counter-threaded part forms a full thread turn of the external thread of the threaded shaft.

[0033] Thus, a half thread can be formed on each of two opposing inner sides of the mating thread part or the central opening, with the two threads together following the path corresponding to a single (continuous) thread of the external thread of the threaded shaft. In other words, the pitch of the entire thread thus formed is preferably matched to the pitch of the external thread of the threaded shaft.

[0034] This allows for simplified molding in toolmaking and eliminates the need for tools with a collapsible core, which is typically required for demolding internal threads. This results in significant cost savings and a significant increase in productivity.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, the internal thread of the mating thread part forms at most one full thread pitch of the external thread of the threaded shaft. The internal thread of the mating thread part can also comprise less than one full thread pitch of the external thread of the threaded shaft, for example, three-quarters or half of the external thread pitch. The two opposing halves of the inner side of the central opening can each form half of the internal thread.

[0036] The advantages described above in connection with a full thread can also be achieved in this way.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, a longitudinal extension of a wall of the central opening corresponds to the pitch of the external thread of the threaded shaft. In other words, the height of the central opening (viewed in the axial direction) is identical to the pitch or axial height of a thread turn of the external thread of the threaded shaft.

[0038] This allows the device to be designed to be particularly compact. Furthermore, it allows for maximum extension of the threaded shaft—and thus of the product to be dispensed—especially since the counter-threaded part, particularly the area of ​​the counter-threaded part with the central opening, forms a stop for any limiting element of the threaded shaft that limits the axial extension.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a separating element, which separating element is arranged between the receiving portion and the fastening portion transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the axial direction and is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing.

[0040] The separating element serves to structurally separate the receiving and fastening sections. The separating element does not necessarily have to be arranged between the receiving and fastening sections, but can also be arranged (just) in the receiving section or (already) in the fastening section. Since the separating element is also connected to the housing or is part of the housing, it also gives the housing increased structural stability. The separating element can also serve as a support surface for the refill unit. For example, the separating element can be designed as a plate or cross, but must have at least one opening for the threaded shaft to pass through.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, the separating element has a rotationally asymmetrical opening in which the threaded shaft is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0042] To mount the threaded shaft in the separating element in a rotationally fixed yet axially movable manner, the separating element features an opening with a rotationally asymmetrical contour. With a suitable cross-section of the threaded shaft, guiding the threaded shaft in or through the opening prevents rotation of the threaded shaft due to the positive locking between the threaded shaft and the separating element. However, axial displacement of the threaded shaft—both upward and downward—is still possible.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment, the threaded shaft has a rotationally asymmetrical cross-section, which cross-section preferably corresponds to a contour of the opening of the separating element.

[0044] Preferably, the threaded shaft can have an elongated or oval cross-section, and the contour of the opening can form an elongated hole. Preferably, the dimensions of the threaded shaft and the opening are matched to one another in such a way that a clearance fit results. Particularly preferably, the external thread of the threaded shaft can be formed only on two opposite sides of the threaded shaft, and the two other opposite sides of the threaded shaft can be formed without an external thread, in particular flat. This allows the desired asymmetry of the threaded shaft to be achieved in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment, the counter-threaded part is held axially between the locking projections (or the groove, the wedges, ramps or run-on bevels) and the separating element.

[0046] This has the advantage that the mating thread part is secured axially in both directions; this makes assembling the device much easier. The mating thread part can first be pushed through the connection opening into the fastening section of the housing; as soon as the mating thread part has passed the locking projection(s), it is held, preferably clamped, in an area between the locking projections and the separating element. There is no longer any risk of pushing the mating thread part too far into the housing, as the separating element prevents axial upward movement of the mating thread part, i.e. axially in the direction of the discharge opening. Downward movement of the mating thread part, i.e. axially in the direction of the connection opening, is also prevented by the locking projections. This makes it possible to guide the threaded shaft through the central opening of the mating thread part orinto the internal thread of the central opening without having to hold the mating thread part in position. However, rotation of the mating thread part is still possible - even in the axially secured fastening position. As soon as the external thread of the threaded shaft and the internal thread of the mating thread part are operatively connected or engage with each other, the actuating element can be placed on the connection opening in order to lock it into the mating thread part via the holding arms. The adjusting element can then be brought into the desired axial position by turning the actuating element, which is accessible from the outside. Before a refill unit is inserted, this will naturally be the basic position in which the adjusting element contacts the separating element. However, it is also possible to connect the actuating element to the mating thread part before the threaded shaft is inserted into the central opening from above.It is also conceivable that the adjusting element does not contact the separating element in the basic position, but remains spaced from it; this is particularly the case if the external thread of the threaded shaft is designed accordingly.

[0047] Regardless of whether the adjustment element contacts the separating element in the home position or not, a positioning aid can be provided on an outer surface of the separating element facing the receiving section of the housing, which indicates to the user or by means of which the user can recognize whether the separating element is already in the home position or not. For example, this positioning aid can be formed by a ring or a protruding ring segment protruding from the outer surface of the separating element, wherein the height of this ring (or ring segment) can be selected such that the separating element and the ring are flush when the separating element is in the home position. Due to the fact that this flush closure is achieved from the outside (i.e. when viewing the empty receiving section, in particular at a slightly oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis oraxial direction) is visible, it can be prevented that the user attempts to change the position of the separating element further (in particular by actuating / rotating the actuating element or by rotating or pressing the adjusting element) in the belief that the separating element has not yet reached the home position and thereby damages the threaded shaft and / or the counter-threaded part and / or the adjusting element.

[0048] According to another preferred embodiment, the housing forms a step for supporting the actuating element in the region of the connection opening.

[0049] In this way, a positive mounting of the actuating element on the housing can be achieved, wherein a step length is preferably selected such that the clamping arms of the actuating element can just be brought into engagement with the locking elements of the counter-threaded part, but beyond that no further axial movement of the actuating element in the direction of the discharge opening opposite the connection opening is possible.

[0050] Preferably, an overlap between the actuating element and the housing can be provided in the region of the step, wherein the actuating element and the housing are connected to one another in the region of this overlap by means of a tongue and groove connection or bung.

[0051] In this way, the mounting of the actuating element on the housing can be made even more stable without restricting the rotatability of the actuating element relative to the housing.

[0052] According to another preferred embodiment, the threaded shaft has the limiting element at an end of the threaded shaft remote from the adjusting element, which limiting element is designed to limit an axial extension movement of the threaded shaft.

[0053] The limiting element prevents the threaded shaft from being accidentally pushed out of the internal thread of the counter-threaded part and thus simplifies the handling of the device.

[0054] A further object of the invention is achieved by a refill unit for a device according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the refill unit has at least one sleeve and a base part movably mounted in the sleeve, wherein a (solid or pasty) product, in particular a hygiene, skin care, or cosmetic product, is arranged in a receiving volume defined by the sleeve and the base part, and wherein an edge region of the sleeve is folded over and pressed to form a stop for the base part. Preferably, a height of the fold after pressing is no more than 5 mm, preferably no more than 3 mm, in particular approximately 2 mm.

[0055] By compressing the folded edge of the sleeve, the overall height of the refill unit can be reduced and the refill unit receiving section in the device can be smaller, allowing the device to be designed more compactly than with refill units without a compressed edge. Furthermore, compressing the folded edge creates an enlarged support area for the base part, facilitating the filling of the refill unit with product and increasing the tightness of the refill unit.

[0056] The refill unit or its sleeve and / or its base part is / are preferably made of paper, plastic, pressed paper fibers, bamboo fibers, cast fiber and / or fiber pulp.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the refill unit, the height of the stop of the refill unit corresponds to the height of the positioning aid of the separating element. This coordination allows the refill unit to be accommodated in the housing or its receiving section in a particularly compact and efficient manner, while maximizing the refill unit's storage volume.

[0058] A further object of the invention is achieved by a method for assembling a device according to one of the embodiments described above, the method comprising the following steps: Inserting the counter-threaded part into the fastening section in order to axially secure the counter-threaded part in the housing; Inserting the actuating element into the fastening section in order to connect the actuating element in a rotationally fixed manner to the counter-threaded part and to axially to secure the housing; inserting the threaded shaft into the fastening section in order to establish an operative connection between the threaded shaft and the counter-threaded part and to mount the threaded shaft in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner; rotating the actuating element in order to move the adjusting element into a desired position; if necessary, closing the receiving section by means of the retaining element. Short description of the characters

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0060] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the system according to the invention of a device including a refill unit in cross section,

[0061] Fig. 2a is a schematic view of the housing in cross section,

[0062] Fig. 2b is a schematic view of the housing in an axonometric representation,

[0063] Fig. 2c is a schematic plan view of the housing,

[0064] Fig. 3a is a schematic view of the counter thread part in axonometric view,

[0065] Fig. 3b is a schematic view of the counter-threaded part in cross section,

[0066] Fig. 3c is a schematic view of the counter-threaded part in plan view,

[0067] Fig. 4a is a schematic view of the actuating element in cross section,

[0068] Fig. 4b is a schematic view of the actuating element in an axonometric view,

[0069] Fig. 5a a schematic view of the threaded shaft with adjusting element in a side view,

[0070] Fig. 5b a schematic view of the threaded shaft with adjusting element in a further side view with partial section,

[0071] Fig. 6a is a schematic view of the retaining element in an axonometric view,

[0072] Fig. 6b is a schematic view of the retaining element in cross section,

[0073] Fig. 6c a schematic view of the cover in cross section. Ways to implement the invention

[0074] The invention is described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. This description is intended to explain the inventive concept, but is neither restrictive nor exhaustive. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can, unless otherwise stated, specified, can be combined as desired with features of other embodiments and / or embodiments described above.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a system comprising a device 1 according to the invention and a refill unit 2 according to the invention. The device 1 comprises a sleeve-shaped housing 3, a threaded shaft 4, a counter-threaded part 5, an actuating element 6, an adjusting element 7, which adjusting element 7 is designed as one piece with the threaded shaft 4, a retaining element 8 and a lid 9. The refill unit 2 contains a product 10 to be dispensed, for example a hygiene, skin care or cosmetic product, which product 10 is mounted on a movable base part 13 in a sleeve 11, the lower edge region 12 of which is folded over and pressed.

[0076] Fig. 2a, 2b and 2c show the housing 3. This consists of a housing shell 14 and a separating element 15. The separating element 15 is, as can be clearly seen in Fig. 2c, plate-shaped and comprises a central opening 16 and a positioning aid formed by a ring 17. The ring 17 surrounds the central opening 16 and protrudes from an outer surface of the separating element 15. The separating element 15 divides the housing 3 into a receiving section 18 and a fastening section 19, wherein the receiving section 18 serves to receive the refill unit 2 (cf. Fig. 1) and the fastening section 19 serves to fasten the actuating element 19.

[0077] The receiving section 18 is, when a refill unit 2 is in the receiving section 18 is arranged, is closed by means of the retaining element 8 - except for a dispensing opening 20, through which the product 10 can be dispensed, for example, onto the user's skin. In order to releasably connect the retaining element 8 to the housing 3, four equidistant retaining webs 22 and four stop points 23 arranged below each are provided in an upper edge region 21 of the housing shell 14.

[0078] The fastening section 19 has a connection opening 24, to which connection opening 24 the actuating element 6 is connected. In the area of ​​this connection opening 24, the housing shell 14 forms a step 25 for stable mounting or rotatable guidance of the actuating element 6. In addition, locking projections 26 are arranged in the fastening section 19 or the housing shell 14 forms locking projections 26 in the fastening section 19 in order to secure the mating thread part 5 in or on the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, a distance running in the axial direction 27 (i.e. axial) between the locking projections 26 and the separating element 15 corresponds approximately to a thickness of the mating thread part 5, in particular a peripheral holding section 28 of the counter-threaded part 5. The axial direction 27 refers to one of the two directions that run parallel to the longitudinal axis 27.

[0079] The counter-threaded part 5 is shown in Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c. It can basically have any shape, provided it comprises the peripheral holding section 28, with which holding section 28 the counter-threaded part 5 can be held in the fastening section 19 of the housing 3, as well as a central region (section) operatively connected to the threaded shaft 4. In the illustrated embodiment, this operative connection is established via a central opening 29 in the counter-threaded part 5, which central opening 29 has an internal thread 30. In other words: here the counter-threaded part 5 is designed as a spoked wheel, the hub of which forms the central opening 29 and the race of which forms the peripheral holding section 28. As can be seen from Figs.As can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 3a and 3b, the internal thread 30 has only a single thread, with a pitch of this thread corresponding to a pitch of a full thread of an external thread 31 of the threaded shaft 4. A half thread is formed on one half of a wall of the central opening 29, and another half thread is formed on a half of the wall opposite the one half, with the one half and the other half thread together forming the full thread, which full thread forms the internal thread 30 and corresponds to the full thread of the threaded shaft 4. A longitudinal extension of the wall of the central opening 29 corresponds to the pitch of the external thread 31 of the threaded shaft 4; or, in other words, a height of the central opening 29 (viewed in the axial direction 27) is identical to the pitch or axial height of a full thread of the external thread 31 of the threaded shaft 4.It is of course also possible for the internal thread 30 to be arranged only along an axial section of the central opening 29 - that is to say that the axial height of the central opening 29 is greater than the pitch of the internal thread 30 and / or the external thread 31; however, a compact design of the central opening 29 with regard to its axial height has the advantage that an extension height of the threaded shaft 4 - and thus of the product 10 to be dispensed - can be maximized, especially since the counter-threaded part 5, in particular the area of ​​the counter-threaded part 5 having the central opening 29, forms a stop for a possible limiting element 32 of the threaded shaft 4 that limits the axial extension. Furthermore, the counter-threaded part 5 comprises (here: four) locking lugs 33, which locking lugs 33 protrude on one side of the counter-threaded part 5 and are accessible from the other side of the counter-threaded part via spoke spaces 34.The locking lugs 33 serve for the simple fastening of the actuating element 6 to the counter-threaded part 5. As can be seen particularly well from Fig. 3b, this is. Counter-thread part 5 is made stronger (approximately twice as strong) in the area of ​​the central opening 29 than in the area of ​​the peripheral holding section 28.

[0080] The actuating element 6 comprises a substantially cup-shaped handle 35, on the outside of which the user can hold, grip, and operate the actuating element 6. Furthermore, the actuating element 6 comprises (here: two) clamping arms (first clamping arm 36a, second clamping arm 36b) which protrude approximately axially, i.e., substantially perpendicular to a base portion of the actuating element 6, from an inner side of the handle 35. Each clamping arm 36a, 36b has a recess at an end facing away from the handle 35 (recess 37a in the first clamping arm 36a, recess 37b in the second clamping arm 36b) in order to be able to engage with a respective locking lug 33 of the mating threaded part 5; for this purpose, the clamping arms 36a, 36b are designed to be flexible.The two clamping arms 36a, 36b are connected to each other via two reinforcing elements (first reinforcing element 38a, second reinforcing element 38b), wherein each reinforcing element 38a, 38b is formed by a substantially U-profile-shaped web (Fig. 4a).

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the threaded shaft 4 is formed integrally with the adjusting element 7. The adjusting element 7 forms a plate-shaped end of the threaded shaft 4 at one end thereof; at the other end of the threaded shaft 4 is the limiting element 32, which limiting element 32 is formed here by two parallel and spaced-apart expanding jaws.The expanding jaws each have a starting bevel at their lower end so that the threaded shaft 4 can be guided in the (one) axial direction 27 (downward) through the opening 16 of the separating element 15 and through the central opening 29 of the counter-threaded part 5; at their upper end, the expanding jaws each form a projection so that the threaded shaft 4 can no longer be easily guided in the opposite axial direction 27 (upward) through the opening 16 of the separating element 15 and / or through the central opening 29 of the counter-threaded part 5 (pulling out / pushing out the limiting element 32 through the opening 16 and / or the central opening 29 is only possible after the expanding jaws have been pressed together accordingly).Between the limiting element 32 and the adjusting element 7, the threaded shaft 4 has the external thread 31 at least in sections, wherein this external thread 31 is only implemented on opposite transverse sides of the threaded shaft 4 in the embodiment shown, but the longitudinal sides of the threaded shaft 4 are free of turns and flat. This gives the threaded shaft 4 a rotationally asymmetric cross-section.

[0082] Fig. 6a and 6b show the retaining element 8, which can be detachably connected to the housing 3. For this purpose, the retaining element 8, which essentially comprises a first vertical section 8a and a second vertical section 8b with a reduced diameter compared to the first vertical section 8a, has projecting angles 39 located on the inside of the first vertical section 8a. These projecting angles 39 are slightly inclined or (as here) have bevels; the arrangement of the projecting angles 39 is coordinated with the upper edge region 21 of the housing shell 14 such that the angles 39 engage under the retaining webs 22 after the retaining element 8 is pushed onto the upper edge region 21 and, after the retaining element 8 is rotated into a closed position, contact the retaining webs 22 on at least two sides, thus creating a tight closure (positive and non-positive locking).Furthermore, the first vertical section 8a comprises at least one projecting nub 40 located on the inside, which nub 40 provides additional security against further twisting by resting against one of the stop points 23 of the upper edge region 21 when the closed position is reached. The diameter of the first vertical section 8a is selected such that the retaining element 8 with the first vertical section 8a can enclose the upper edge region 21 of the housing shell 14; the diameter of the second vertical section 8b is selected such that the product 10 can (just) be guided through this vertical section and dispensed through the dispensing opening 20 formed at the upper end of the second vertical section 8b, but the sleeve 11 of the refill unit 2 is retained or held in the receiving section 18.On the outside, the second height section 8b has a (here: circumferential) rib 41 in order to lock the cover 9 (Fig. 6c) provided with a corresponding inner groove 42 in a covering position (shown in Fig. 1).

[0083] Fig. 7 shows the refill unit 2 according to the invention outside the device 1. As can be clearly seen, the refill unit 2 initially comprises the sleeve 11 and the base part 13 mounted on the folded edge region 12 of the sleeve 11. The folded edge region 12 forms a stop for the base part 13. Both the sleeve 11 and the base part 13 are made of paper in the illustrated embodiment; however, they can also be made of other materials, such as plastic, pressed paper fibers, bamboo fibers, molded fiber and / or fiber pulp. The base part 12 is loosely inserted into the sleeve 11; because the cover formed by the edge region 12 is strongly pressed, namely to a thickness of not more than 5 mm, preferably 3 mm, in particular 2 mm, the base part 13 can, on the one hand, be mounted very stably on the edge region 12 of the sleeve 11, and on the other hand, the space requirement of the receptacle 2 in the receiving section 18 of the device 1 or of the edge region 12 (in the axial direction) can be reduced. In this way, the device 1 can either be made more compact while maintaining the same product volume, or the absorbable product volume can be increased while maintaining the same height of the device 1. It is also clearly visible from Fig. 7 that the thickness or height of the folded-over edge region 12 or of the stop of the refill unit 2 is matched to a height of the ring 17. In this way, the refill unit 2 can be received particularly stably in the receiving section 18. The product 10 itself is mounted (in solid or pasty form) on the base part 13 and enclosed by the sleeve 11.By moving the base part 13 upward in the axial direction 27, the product 10 can be pushed out of the sleeve 11. To close the sleeve 11, the refill unit 2 can further comprise a removable cover (not shown) that can be pushed onto the upper edge of the sleeve 11.

[0084] The functioning of the invention will now be briefly illustrated using the above-described embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention and the refill unit 2 according to the invention: To assemble the device 1 according to the invention, the housing 3 can first be provided with the threaded shaft 4 and connected to the actuating element 6 via the counter-threaded part 5. For this purpose, the threaded shaft 4 can be inserted from above, i.e. through the receiving section 18, into the opening 16 and rotated a few turns; the user can then grip and hold the threaded shaft 4 at the adjusting element 7. The user can then insert the counter-threaded part 5 from below, i.e. through the connection opening 24, into the fastening section 19 of the housing 3 and guide it upwards in the axial direction 27 until the counter-threaded part 5 is held by the locking projections 26 on the separating element 15.In this position, the counter-threaded part 5 is axially secured but rotatably mounted in the housing 3. The user can then guide the actuating element 6, also from below, towards the connection opening 24 and place it against the step 25, whereby the clamping arms 36a and 36b - if the actuating element 6 is correctly oriented relative to the counter-threaded part 5 - are brought into engagement with the locking lugs 33 of the counter-threaded part 5. The user can now cause the counter-threaded part 5 to rotate by rotating the actuating element 6 (for example by means of the handle 35) relative to the housing 3. If the threaded shaft 4 has already been pushed deep enough into the fastening section 19 to engage the internal thread 30 of the counter-threaded part 5, this rotation causes a change in the axial position of the adjusting element 7 within the receiving section 18; otherwise. the threaded shaft 4 can be inserted a little further into the fastening section 19, for example by pressing the adjusting element 7 downwards in the axial direction 27, i.e. in the direction of the connection opening 24. As soon as the adjusting element 7 is in its basic position (shown in Fig. 1), in which basic position the adjusting element 7 is circumferentially enclosed by the ring 17 and is flush with it, the device 1 can be equipped with a refill unit 2; in this respect, the ring 17 serves as a positioning aid for the adjusting element 7.

[0085] In order to position the refill unit 2 as intended in the device 1 and to enable the intended dispensing of the product 10 by means of the device 1, the refill unit 2 can be held by the sleeve 11 and inserted from above into the receiving section 18. Due to the precise coordination of the diameter of the sleeve 11 with the diameter of the housing 3, the refill unit 2 can be very easily inserted into the receiving section 18. As soon as the edge region 12 of the refill unit 2 rests against the separating element 15, the refill unit 2 is positioned as intended in the receiving section 18. However, the entire refill unit 2 does not have to be enclosed by the housing 3; in particular, a vertical section of the sleeve 11 can protrude above the receiving section 18.

[0086] By subsequently attaching the retaining element 8, which can be connected to the housing 3 via the upper edge region 21 and the retaining webs 22 and stop points 23 provided there, which can be brought into engagement with the corresponding angles 39 and knobs 40 by twisting, the sleeve 11 of the refill unit 2 is, so to speak, locked in the receiving section 18 or held in position in the receiving section 18. The product 10 (and theoretically also the base part 13) can be pushed out of the device 1 through the dispensing opening 20. By actuating (twisting, rotating) the actuating element 6, the axial (height) position of the adjusting element 7 in the receiving section 18 can be adjusted and thus the portion of the product 10 that is to be available for dispensing (e.g., for application to the user's skin) can be precisely adjusted.

[0087] Alternatively, the base part 13 of the refill unit 2 can also be omitted and the product 10, in particular if it is sufficiently solid, can also be pushed out of the receiving section 18 directly by the adjusting element 7. Preferably, however, the refill unit 2 has a base part 13. The base part 13 can also be designed such that a positive connection can be formed with the adjusting element 7 (for example when inserting the refill unit 2 into the receiving section 18), by which positive connection the base part 13 can be pushed out when the The actuating element 6 can be pulled downwards—as axially in the direction of the separating element 15—in order to return the product 10, after proper dispensing, to the home position shown in Fig. 1 within the refill unit 2. For this purpose, the adjusting element 7 can have corresponding recesses on an outer surface, which can engage in corresponding recesses in the base part 13 (e.g., bayonet-like). Corresponding base parts 13 can be manufactured, in particular, by means of fiber-molding processes. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 refill units 3 housings 4 threaded shaft 5 Counter thread part 6 Actuating element 7 Adjustment element 8 Retaining element 8a first elevation section 8b second elevation section 9 lids 10 product 11 sleeve 12 Marginal area 13 Base part 14 Housing shell 15 Separator 16 Breakthrough 17 rings 18 Recording section 19 Fastening section 20 Discharge opening 21 upper edge area 22 Retention bridge 23 anchor points 24 connection opening 25th level 26 locking projection 27 axial direction (longitudinal axis) 28 peripheral holding section 29 centric opening 30 internal threads 31 external thread 32 Boundary element 33 locking lug 34 spoke spaces 35 handle 36a first clamping arm 36b second clamping arm 37a Recess of the first clamping arm 37b Recess of the second clamping arm 38a first reinforcement element 38b second reinforcing element 39 angles 40 studs 41 Rib 42 Groove

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1 ) for dispensing a product (10), in particular a hygiene, skin care or cosmetic product, wherein the device (1 ) has at least - an actuating element (6) for manually adjusting the quantity of product to be dispensed, - a sleeve-shaped housing (3) with a receiving section (18) for precisely receiving a refill unit (2) containing the product (10) and with a fastening section (19) for fastening the actuating element (6), - a retaining element (8), which retaining element (8) is detachably connected or connectable to the housing (3) in order to hold the refill unit (2) in the receiving section (18), and - comprises an adjusting element (7) connected to a threaded shaft (4), wherein an axial position of the adjusting element (7) in the receiving section (18) can be adjusted in the axial direction (27) by means of the actuating element (6), wherein the threaded shaft (4) is held in the housing (3) in a rotationally fixed manner and the actuating element (6) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a counter-threaded part (5), which counter-threaded part (5) is axially secured in the fastening section (19) and is in operative connection with the threaded shaft (4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) is held axially in the housing (3) by one or more locking projections (26) of the fastening section (19).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) has a peripheral holding section (28), which peripheral holding section (28) engages with the locking projections (26).

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) has a central opening (29) with an internal thread (30), wherein the internal thread (30) engages in an external thread (31) of the threaded shaft (4).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) has one or more locking elements, via which locking elements the actuating element (6) is connected to the counter-threaded part (5).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) is designed as a spoked wheel, the hub of which forms the central opening (29) and the race of which forms the peripheral holding section (28).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the spoked wheel has at least two locking elements, which locking elements are arranged in pairs on opposite circumferential regions of the hub in such a way that the locking elements are accessible via spoke spaces (34).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (6) is locked to the locking elements of the counter-threaded part (5) via one or more clamping arms (36a, 36b), wherein the clamping arms (36a, 36b) extend in the axial direction (27) and are arranged at least in sections in the fastening section (19) of the housing (3).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the locking elements are formed by locking lugs (33) in order to be able to engage with recesses (37a, 37b) in the actuating element (6), in particular in the clamping arms (36a, 36b).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least two clamping arms (36a, 36b) arranged opposite one another are provided, which clamping arms (36a, 36b) are connected to one another via at least one reinforcing element (38a, 38b).

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the reinforcing element (38a, 38b) is formed by a web, wherein the web extends from one clamping arm (36a) to the opposite clamping arm (36b) in such a way that a U- or V-profile is formed.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the internal thread (30) forms a full thread turn of the external thread (31) of the threaded shaft (4).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that a longitudinal extension of a wall of the central opening (29) corresponds to the pitch of the external thread (31) of the threaded shaft (4).

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the housing (3) comprises a separating element (15), which separating element (15) is arranged between the receiving section (18) and the fastening section (19) transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the axial direction (27) and is connected to an inner circumferential surface of the housing (3).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the separating element (15) has a rotationally asymmetrical opening (16), in which opening (16) the threaded shaft (4) is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner.

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the threaded shaft (4) has a rotationally asymmetrical cross-section, which cross-section preferably corresponds to a contour of the opening (16) of the separating element (15).

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the counter-threaded part (5) is held axially between the locking projections (26) and the separating element (15).

18. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the housing (3) forms a step (25) for supporting the actuating element (6) in the region of a connection opening (24) of the fastening section (19).

19. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the threaded shaft (4) has a limiting element (32) at an end of the threaded shaft (4) remote from the adjusting element (7), which limiting element (32) is designed in such a way as to limit an axial extension movement of the threaded shaft (4).

20. Refill unit (2) for a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the refill unit (2) has at least one sleeve (11) and a base part (13) movably mounted in the sleeve (11), wherein a product (10), in particular a hygiene, skin care or cosmetic product, is arranged in a receiving volume defined by the sleeve (11) and the base part (13), and wherein an edge region (12) of the sleeve (11) is folded over and pressed in order to form a stop for the base part (13).

21. System comprising a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19 and a refill unit (2) according to claim 20, wherein the refill unit (2) is received in the receiving section (18) of the device.

22. System according to claim 21, characterized in that a height of the stop of the refill unit (2) corresponds to a height of a positioning aid, which positioning aid is provided on an outer surface of the separating element (15) facing the receiving section (18) of the housing (3).

23. A method for assembling a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. Inserting the counter-threaded part (5) into the fastening section (19) in order to axially secure the counter-threaded part (5) in the housing (3); b. Inserting the actuating element (6) into the fastening section (19) in order to connect the actuating element (6) in a rotationally fixed manner to the counter-threaded part (5) and to axially secure it in the housing (3); c. Inserting the threaded shaft (4) into the fastening section (19) in order to establish an operative connection between the threaded shaft (4) and the counter-threaded part (5) and to mount the threaded shaft (4) in a rotationally fixed manner in the housing (3); d. Rotating the actuating element (6) in order to transfer the adjusting element (7) into a desired position; e. If necessary, closing the receiving section (18) by means of the retaining element (8).

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