Metering device and container

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering pump for integration into a container, with the metering pump comprising a pump housing, wherein the pump housing forms a pump chamber and has a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pumping chamber is delimited by a pump chamber base and an elastically deformable pump dome. The pump housing is formed at least by a first pump housing section and a second pump housing section, wherein the pump dome is a component of the first pump housing section and the pump chamber base is a component of the second pump housing section. The metering pump also has an outlet valve. The outlet valve is arranged in a fluidic connection from the pump chamber to the pump outlet and is in the form of a backflow preventer. The invention also relates to a thin-walled container with an integrated metering pump.

Description

[0001] Dosing device and container

[0002] The present invention relates to a dosing device for liquid and flowable products, as well as a container with an integrated dosing device.

[0003] Liquid and flowable products, substances, and mixtures of substances include, in particular, low- to high-viscosity liquids or liquid mixtures, as well as viscoelastic materials. In addition to solutions, emulsions, suspensions, and dispersions are also mentioned. These products can include, for example, liquids, gels, creams, ointments, or lotions for personal care and / or cleansing, pharmaceuticals, technical fluids, oils and fats, and similar products.

[0004] For storage, transport, sale, and use, liquid or free-flowing products are typically kept in a container / container or sales or transport packaging. In this context, a large number of different types of containers and packaging have been developed in the past. Bottles, cans, tubes, canisters, containers, and composite cartons, among others, are just a few examples.

[0005] If a more precise dosing of the liquid or flowable product is necessary or desired, the aforementioned containers can often be equipped with a screw-on pump cap with a lifting pump, a pipette or another dosing device.

[0006] Commercially available bottles with dosing devices often consist of a large number of components which require complex assembly and are difficult to recycle, and in particular cannot be completely recycled, due to the different materials used (e.g. components made of various plastics together with metal components, such as springs, etc.).

[0007] Over the entire product life cycle, this leads to high material and energy consumption as well as high CO2 emissions.

[0008] Film pouches, also known as "pouches," are considered one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly packaging options for liquid and free-flowing products today. Film pouches have been around for many years, but were relatively unpopular due to their poor handling and high sensitivity to mechanical damage. Film pouches, for example, in stand-up pouches, spout bags, flat pouches, and side-gusseted bags, are now experiencing increasing popularity due to the advantages described above.

[0009] The majority of innovative film bags, especially in the food, cosmetics, and home & self-care sectors, are now made from easily recyclable monomaterials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). A well-developed recycling infrastructure for polypropylene and polyethylene already exists worldwide.

[0010] However, one disadvantage of film bags, especially those with a tear-off edge, is their lack of resealability. In addition to the obvious disadvantage that such opened film bags are difficult to transport, the contents of the opened film bag are also exposed to an increased risk of, for example, hygienically questionable contamination and microbial contamination, as well as faster oxidation.

[0011] Foil bags with a sealed, resealable spout, also known as a "spout," at least partially mitigate the problem described. However, they also lack reproducible dosing, which severely limits the possible applications of the foil bags.

[0012] While existing dosing pumps for film bags overcome this disadvantage, they consist of a multitude of components, often made of different materials, and are therefore not economically viable for packaging inexpensive mass-produced products. Recycling is also difficult when using different materials.

[0013] A dosing pump made of a monomaterial, which is very economical to manufacture and which forms a monomaterial system together with the film bag surrounding it, can be recycled very efficiently because the components do not have to be laboriously separated from one another for recycling.

[0014] A challenging task in the design of such a dosing pump integrated into a film bag, which consists of a PP monomaterial or a PE monomaterial, lies in creating a robust construction that retains its mechanical properties throughout the entire application cycle and functions flawlessly even after extended use. This means that the flexible elements of the dosing pump, which are repeatedly deformed when the dosing pump is actuated, must exhibit a defined tension or recovery force even after extended or frequent use and must not undergo plastic deformation. Plastic deformation can, for example, lead to a reduction in the dosing quantity, a compromised seal, or jamming of the dosing device, ultimately rendering it inoperable.

[0015] The technical challenges mentioned are seen as the main reason why dosing devices for film bags have not yet been able to establish themselves on the market.

[0016] One of the objects to be achieved by the invention is therefore to provide a dosing device for liquid and flowable products which is improved, in particular, in the points mentioned, and which has a low complexity, simple and efficient manufacture with low material usage, robust functionality and good recyclability.

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a metering pump having the features of independent patent claim 1 and a container having the features of independent patent claim 15 are proposed.

[0018] It is noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures. The features described in connection with the dosing device according to the invention can also be advantageous embodiments of the container or system according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0019] It should also be noted that a conjunction “and / or” used herein between two features and linking them together is always to be interpreted in such a way that in a first embodiment only the first feature can be present, in a second embodiment only the second feature can be present and in a third embodiment both the first and second features can be present.

[0020] As mentioned, the present disclosure relates to a dosing device, hereinafter also referred to as a dosing pump, for integration into a container.

[0021] The metering pump comprises a pump housing with a pump chamber. The pump housing also has a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump chamber is defined by a pump chamber base and an elastically deformable pump dome.

[0022] If the elastically deformable pump dome is pressed in when the metering pump is actuated while the fluid connection from the pump inlet to the pump chamber is closed, the volume reduction in the pump chamber causes fluid to be pumped from the pump chamber to the pump outlet or out of the pump outlet. The fluid connection can be closed, for example, by covering the pump inlet with a container wall (or film) adjacent to the metering pump when the pump dome is pressed in. Alternatively or additionally, a backflow preventer, often referred to as a check valve, can be provided in the fluid connection between the pump inlet and the pump chamber.

[0023] As soon as the pump dome elastically springs back to its original state, the pump chamber fills again with fluid that flows from the direction of the pump inlet or is sucked in there.

[0024] The pump chamber floor can be rigid, i.e., inflexible, or in some embodiments, flexible. The pump housing is advantageously designed with thin walls. A pump housing is considered "thin-walled" if the majority (>50%) of the surface, particularly in areas with a homogeneous wall thickness, has a material thickness of less than 3 mm, in particular less than 1.5 mm, and preferably less than 0.8 mm.

[0025] The pump housing can be assembled from a first pump housing section and a second pump housing section. The pump dome is then a component of the first pump housing section, and the pump chamber base is a component of the second pump housing section.

[0026] The dosing pump also features an outlet valve. The outlet valve is located in a fluid connection from the pump chamber to the pump outlet and is designed as a backflow preventer. On the one hand, a backflow preventer between the pump chamber and pump outlet supports the efficiency of the pump. On the other hand, it also prevents ambient air from being sucked into the fluid connection or the pump chamber. This is advantageous from a hygienic perspective and can extend the shelf life of a product being pumped with the dosing pump.

[0027] A dosing pump as described above can be manufactured particularly easily and efficiently in just a few steps. The material requirements are very low. This not only reduces the cost but also reduces energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and plastic waste compared to other packaging solutions with more complex dosing devices.

[0028] The dosing pump according to the invention enables the economical packaging of bulk fluid products and thus expands the application possibilities of thin-walled containers, especially film bags. The film bag with the integrated dosing pump according to the invention can be a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional bottles with dosing devices in various fluid product industries. A dosing pump integrated into the container is also particularly advantageous from a hygienic perspective.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments of metering pumps according to the invention result from the features specified in the subclaims and the features described below.

[0030] The first pump housing section and the second pump housing section can be formed together as an integral component and connected by a film hinge. Advantageously, the integral component has no undercuts in a defined demolding direction, starting from the parting line of the injection molding tools. On the one hand, this aspect significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and the necessary tools. On the other hand, it also simplifies the handling of the semi-finished products, since the integral component only needs to be folded over at the film hinge. This also facilitates the relative positioning of the first pump housing section and the second pump housing section. At the same time, the number of parts to be handled is reduced.

[0031] Alternatively, the metering pump according to the invention can be assembled from two or three, preferably no more than five, components. The first pump housing section and the second pump housing section are manufactured as separate components. Even with separate manufacturing, it is advantageous if the components have no or only minimal undercuts, at least in a defined demolding direction. This allows for easy manufacturing and demolding.

[0032] The first pump housing section and the second pump housing section can comprise or consist of a thermoplastic material and be welded together in a joining area. Laser transmission welding or ultrasonic welding, for example, is particularly suitable for this purpose. Thermoplastic materials are readily available and inexpensive, are very easy to recycle, and have material properties that are ideal for the application.

[0033] Alternatively, the first pump housing section and the second pump housing section can be connected to one another by means of a positive fit, for example by means of a locking or snap connection. For example, the first pump housing section and the second pump housing section can have corresponding, circumferential sealing profiles such that the sealing profiles each have corresponding locking geometries and either an inner or a corresponding outer sealing surface. At least one of the sealing profiles is elastically prestressed in such a way that it presses against the other sealing profile and the contacting sealing surfaces form a circumferential seal. This configuration allows a pump housing joined by means of a positive fit to still be manufactured to be leak-tight.

[0034] This type of connection is also particularly fast and energy-efficient to establish.

[0035] The dosing pump can therefore be manufactured entirely from a flexible plastic material using plastic injection molding, vacuum pressing, thermoforming, injection blow molding or other suitable processes.

[0036] The outlet valve may have a closure part and a sealing seat corresponding to the closure part. The sealing seat is also referred to as the outlet valve seat.

[0037] Preferably, the closure part of the outlet valve can be mounted in a prestressed outlet valve membrane.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the outlet valve membrane has a substantially conical shape or a shape curved in the direction of the outlet valve seat.

[0039] The pre-tensioning of the outlet valve membrane and its specific design ensure a secure seal. This type of outlet valve, also referred to as a "poppet valve" in the disclosure, is particularly suitable for low-viscosity fluids.

[0040] Further preferably, the closure part and the outlet valve membrane can be an integral part of the first or the second pump housing section and the sealing seat can accordingly be an integral part of the other pump housing section, i.e. the second or the first pump housing section.

[0041] In some variants, the closure part of the outlet valve can comprise a sealing surface and a sealing bead surrounding the sealing surface. Optionally, the sealing seat of the outlet valve can also have an annular web corresponding to the sealing bead. When the outlet valve is closed, the web in the sealing bead then rests against the closure part on at least one side and preferably on both sides.

[0042] According to a further advantageous aspect, the metering pump can have a clamping bead and / or a diaphragm collar, wherein the clamping bead and / or the diaphragm collar surround the outlet valve diaphragm and are positioned and / or guided by a corresponding centering ring. The guidance of the outlet valve diaphragm improves the tightness of the outlet valve.

[0043] Alternatively, the outlet valve can also be designed as a so-called "tube valve." A tube valve according to the understanding of this disclosure is formed by an elastic tube section that collapses in the resting state. The tube section is formed cooperatively by a region of the first pump housing section and a region of the second pump housing section and is fluidically tight in the collapsed state. Tube valves can preferably be used for dosing relatively high-viscosity products.

[0044] The dosing pump can optionally have an additional backflow preventer in the fluid connection from the pump chamber to the pump outlet. The additional backflow preventer can, in particular, be an additional check valve connected in series with the outlet valve for fluid communication. Multiple sealing levels arranged one behind the other increase the reliability of the seal. This reduces the risk of fluid accidentally escaping from the dosing pump or the container, or of air accidentally entering the container.

[0045] The additional backflow preventer can be a second outlet valve. The second outlet valve can then have a similar design to the first outlet valve.

[0046] In some variants, the outlet valve at the bottom of the pump chamber features a free outlet opening, particularly a spray nozzle. A spray nozzle allows low-viscosity liquids to be applied quickly and evenly to relatively large areas.

[0047] In some versions, the dosing pump can feature one or more reed valves arranged around the circumference of the pump dome as inlet valves. This can reduce the dosing pump's refilling speed, especially for highly viscous products.

[0048] For example, an opening can be formed in a wall of the first and / or second pump housing section in the region of the pump chamber, with the respective other pump housing section having a flexible valve blade corresponding to the opening and sealingly covering the opening from the inside when not deflected. Additional inlet valves shorten the duration of the pump dome's expansion following an application process.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the pump dome can have a so-called decompression crown. The decompression crown comprises a plurality of decompression teeth, which are configured and spaced apart from one another in a ring around the pump inlet such that two adjacent decompression teeth each form a decompression channel between them. Decompression teeth are elevations / protrusions on the outer pump dome surface that are of such a height and have such small radii that gaps form between the pump dome and the container wall / film surrounding the metering pump. Pressure equalization can occur at any time via the decompression channels, even if the film / wall of the surrounding container / film bag clings directly to the pump dome.

[0050] In advantageous embodiments, the decompression channels can become flatter toward the pump inlet, and the decompression teeth can combine to form a one-piece, annular sealing surface profile surrounding the pump inlet. This type of decompression crown has proven particularly easy to use.

[0051] The pump inlet in a decompression crown can also be equipped with a foil stop. This reduces the risk of damage to the foil during operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the decompression crown can be surrounded by a crown spring bead. This crown spring bead improves usability.

[0053] Preferably, the pump dome can have pump dome ribs and / or one or more areas with a reduced wall thickness. The ribs can extend from the pump inlet on the pump dome surface away from the pump inlet and, if necessary, be omitted in the area with reduced wall thickness. These features reduce the risk of the pump dome jamming and rendering the metering pump unusable, at least temporarily.

[0054] According to a further advantageous aspect, the pump dome can have at least one circumferential and preferably several concentrically arranged spring ridges. The spring ridges can have a thinner material than the rest of the pump dome. The spring ridges improve the function and the tactile / haptic sinking behavior of the pump dome.

[0055] The pump inlet can be positioned centrally in the pump dome. In these variants, the pump inlet is covered by the container wall / film pressed on when the pump dome is pressed in. A separate inlet valve as a backflow preventer can then be omitted.

[0056] Alternatively, the pump inlet can be arranged not centrally, but offset / off-center, in the pump dome. In other variants, the pump inlet can be located elsewhere or outside the pump chamber. The metering pump then includes an inlet valve, which is arranged in a fluid connection between the pump inlet and the pump chamber and is designed as a backflow preventer.

[0057] The backflow preventer in the fluid connection between the pump inlet and the pump chamber ensures that the liquid or flowable product is pumped in the correct direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the pump chamber floor can have one or more stiffening beads as an alternative to stiffening ribs in order to increase the stiffness while saving material.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first pump housing section and the second pump housing section have congruent alignment geometries. For example, these can include centering pins or cones and corresponding holes, or a circumferential groove and a corresponding tongue. This simplifies precise alignment of the pump housing sections.

[0060] In addition, the first and second pump housing sections can have corresponding fastening areas for forming a snap connection to join the pump housing sections in a form-fitting manner. For example, the fastening areas can have one or more locking tabs, locking lugs, positioning rings, positioning pins, and / or edges for engaging behind or their counterparts.

[0061] Among other things, the positioning pins fulfill a holding and positioning function, as they engage with corresponding snap cylinders and create a ring snap connection, but at the same time they also ensure a relative alignment of the components, especially so that the membrane sits correctly, which is important for tightness.

[0062] Preferably, the first and the second pump housing section also each have circumferential sealing profiles corresponding to one another.

[0063] According to a further advantageous aspect, the pump housing may comprise at least one bacteriostatic, bactericidal or fungicidal element, which is preferably arranged in a fluid connection from the pump chamber to the pump outlet.

[0064] In some designs, the dosing pump may include a leak protection device. The leak protection device is then configured to seal a fluid connection between the pump chamber and the pump outlet. The leak protection device is designed so that it can be removed, loosened, or mechanically destroyed by a user to release the fluid connection.

[0065] According to a further advantageous aspect, the pump housing can comprise a cap for reversibly closing the pump outlet. The cap can be designed as a standing cap, i.e., have a flat contact surface and a geometry such that the container can be placed "upside down" on the cap.

[0066] Preferably, the dosing pump includes a weldable base, which can be welded into a foil bag like the welding nozzle of a standard spout.

[0067] In some variants, a hinged lid can be arranged on the weldable base. Additionally, a tamper-evident indicator can be molded onto the weldable base. This indicator has a thin, tear-off tab and a locking geometry at its end. The hinged lid can have a corresponding locking geometry, which is designed such that the tamper-evident indicator irreversibly locks into the locking geometry when the hinged lid is closed for the first time, and the tab is destroyed when the hinged lid is subsequently opened for the first time.

[0068] Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, a tamper-evident indicator is formed on the weldable base of the dosing pump, which tamper-evident indicator has a thin, tear-off flag and a locking geometry at the end thereof; furthermore, the hinged lid has a corresponding locking geometry, which is designed such that the tamper-evident indicator irreversibly locks into the locking geometry when the hinged lid is closed for the first time, and the flag is destroyed when the hinged lid is subsequently opened for the first time.

[0069] The dosing pump described above is intended to be arranged in a thin-walled container and welded to the container.

[0070] The present disclosure also relates to such a container with an integrated dosing pump.

[0071] Preferably, the container and the dosing pump are made of the same or at least a similar thermoplastic material.

[0072] The containers can be film bags. Alternatively, the container can also be a thin-walled plastic container where the wall thickness is so stiff that it is no longer generally considered film (e.g., from a wall thickness of approximately 0.3 mm), but still includes at least locally limited flexible areas. The flexible areas can be provided, for example, by means of articulated beads with a reduced wall thickness. Such containers with a low wall thickness are also referred to as "thin-wall packaging" and are used, for example, in body cleansing and care products. In principle, the container can be used for dispensing fluid products from areas such as perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hygiene, personal care, home care, food (especially beverages and dairy products), dietary supplements, technology, and other sectors.

[0073] The containers, if they are film bags, can be edge-sealed bags, Doypacks, flowpacks, flat bags, tubular bags with Euro holes, chain bags, contour bags, gusseted bags, bag-in-box bags, Easy Packs, block-bottom bags, and other types of film bags. Alternatively, the containers can also be made of thin-walled plastic, which is, however, too strong to be considered film. Containers of this type then have elastic sections, for example, through articulated ribs.

[0074] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These drawings schematically show:

[0075] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dosing pump in the unassembled state;

[0076] Fig. 2A is a vertical sectional view of a variant of the dosing pump to illustrate the actuation process;

[0077] Fig. 2B is a plan view of the decompression crown of the dosing pump;

[0078] Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a variant of the dome of the metering pump; Figs. 4A and 4B are vertical sectional views of a blade inlet valve of the metering pump in the closed and open states;

[0079] Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of another dosing pump;

[0080] Figs. 6A, 6B vertical sectional views of the hose valve of the metering pump from Fig. 5 in a closed state and in an open state;

[0081] Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C vertical sectional views of variants of the hose valve;

[0082] Figs. 8A, 8B perspective views of variants of the hose valve;

[0083] Fig. 9 perspective view of another dosing pump;

[0084] Fig. 10A a front view of a dosing pump with a standing frame;

[0085] Fig. 10B a side sectional view of the dosing pump with the cover open;

[0086] Fig. 10C is a side sectional view of the dosing pump with the cover closed; Fig. 11A is a sectional view of a dosing pump with a side outlet; Fig. 11B is a bottom view of the dosing pump with the side outlet.

[0087] To avoid unnecessary repetition, identical or equivalent parts—even across different embodiments—are provided with the same reference numerals and will be described once unless their function and effect are already clearly evident from the above description in conjunction with the illustration. Therefore, the differences between the embodiments are particularly emphasized below.

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a metering pump 1 in an open, unassembled state. The metering pump 1 comprises the lower part 2 (also referred to as the second pump housing section) and the upper part 3 (also referred to as the first pump housing section). The two pump housing sections 2, 3 can be manufactured by plastic injection molding or other commercially available methods, for example, from polypropylene, polyethylene, other suitable thermoplastics or polymers in general, and in particular from environmentally friendly pseudo- or bioplastics.

[0089] The lower part 2 comprises a pump chamber base 5 and a valve chamber base 7, in which (preferably centrally) a through hole with an associated seal or valve seat is arranged. The valve seat can also be referred to as an outlet valve seat 400. A spring 407 acting as a centering ring essentially surrounds the valve chamber base 7. An intermediate channel 408 extends from the pump chamber base 5 to the valve chamber base 7. Two positioning pins 405 are arranged on either side of the intermediate channel 408 and are preferably designed as snap cylinders. The centering ring 407 is guided by the intermediate channel

[0090] 408 interrupted.

[0091] In a front area of ​​the lower part 2, the base 14 of the dosing pump 1, which can be sealed in a container / foil bag, is arranged. On its outer wall, this base comprises a dispensing console that has a type of extension or spout with a dispensing opening from which the fluid product is dispensed.

[0092] Although the dispensing opening is designed as a simple drip opening with a resealable cap

[0093] 409, a sponge or brush attachment can also be provided instead. This can be used to apply the liquid or flowable product to surfaces, for example, for cleaning or coating purposes.

[0094] Alternatively, the dispensing opening can also be designed as a spray nozzle (see Fig. 11A). This can be used to apply the fluid product as a spray mist to large surfaces, e.g., as a disinfectant solution or solution for medical or technical applications.

[0095] A stop 424 is formed on the valve chamber floor 7. The stop 424, which is arranged laterally offset on the pump chamber floor 5, limits the movement range of the pump dome 17 in the lower region and, due to its asymmetrical arrangement on the pump chamber floor 5, causes the pump dome 17 to assume a tilted position upon maximum deflection from its rest position. This prevents the pump dome 17 from becoming jammed when fully depressed. The stop 424 can be designed, for example, as a rib or, due to the constant wall thickness, preferably as a bead.

[0096] The valve chamber bottom 7 and the pump chamber bottom 5 are surrounded by an outer sealing profile 413, which extends upwards as a wall from the edge region of the second pump housing section and has a snap edge in the end region.

[0097] Clamping tabs 403 extend radially outwards from both sides of the valve chamber base 5.

[0098] In the area of ​​the pump chamber floor 5, two openings, also referred to as reed valve windows 417, are arranged opposite one another in the outer sealing profile 413. Located in the direction of the pump chamber behind the reed valve windows 417, reed valve chambers 416 are formed at the edges of the pump chamber floor 5 for receiving valve reeds 415 of the first pump housing section 3. Reed valve stops 418 are formed in the reed valve chambers 416 on the pump chamber side. Furthermore, clamping hooks 433 are formed on both sides of the reed valve window 417 on the outer sealing profile 413 to ensure a robust and tight, positive connection of the pump housing sections 2, 3.

[0099] The number of inlet valves is primarily determined by the viscosity of the product to be dispensed. The more inlet valves the dosing pump has, the shorter the time required for the pump dome 17 to return to its resting state. Therefore, the higher the viscosity, the more inlet valves should be provided. The pump chamber base 5 can therefore have none, one, two, or more reed valves 417, depending on the viscosity of the product to be dispensed.

[0100] The second pump housing section 2 (lower part) has a weldable base 14, with which the metering pump 1 can be sealed, for example, into a foil bag instead of a spout. On the front side of the weldable base 14 of the metering pump 1, facing away from the pump, a hinged lid 409 is provided, which can reversibly close the pump outlet 16. The hinged lid 409 is connected to the weldable base of the metering pump 14 by means of a lid tab 410.

[0101] The upper part 3 (the first pump housing section) of the metering pump 1 shown comprises the pump diaphragm 17 (also referred to here as the pump dome), in which a filling opening 18 (also referred to as the pump inlet) is arranged centrally. Furthermore, the upper part 3 comprises, in a position corresponding to the valve chamber base 7 in the lower part 2, an outlet valve (more specifically: a closure part 34 of the outlet valve) centrally mounted in an outlet valve diaphragm 401 (also referred to as a "poppet valve").

[0102] The outlet valve diaphragm 401 has a "dish-like, sagging" shape toward the valve chamber base 7, and can therefore essentially be described as inverted dome-like, conical, or funnel-shaped. Due to this special shape, the outlet valve diaphragm 401 is preloaded against the valve seat 400, so that the outlet valve diaphragm 401 reliably presses the closure part 34 into the valve seat 400 and ensures excellent sealing of the outlet valve. The closure part 34 has an upwardly directed conical base.

[0103] Snap hooks 402 are provided on both sides of the outlet valve membrane 401, which engage in the corresponding clamping tabs 403 and ensure a tight, positive connection of the pump housing sections.

[0104] The pump dome 17 and the outlet valve membrane 401 are each enclosed by an inner sealing profile 412 as an extension of a circumferential clamping bead 419. The clamping bead 419 prestresses the inner sealing profile 412 against the corresponding outer sealing profile 413, so that, on the one hand, the inner sealing profile 412 engages with the snap edge of the outer sealing profile 413, and, on the other hand, the sealing surfaces of the inner sealing profile 412 and the outer sealing profile 413 form a static contact seal.

[0105] In a section between the pump dome 17 and the outlet valve diaphragm 401, the clamping beads 419 converge and together form a stiffening rib 426. A snap cylinder 404 is formed on each side of the stiffening rib 426. The annular snap connections of the snap cylinders 404 with the positioning pins 405, together with the intermediate stiffening rib 426, ensure that the outlet valve system is firmly seated on the one hand, and behaves independently of the pump chamber 11 with respect to deformation during actuation, on the other.

[0106] In the area of ​​the pump dome 17, the inner sealing profile 412 is extended in sections and forms the downwardly directed flexible valve leaves 415. The outer side of the pump diaphragm 17 (facing away from the pump chamber) also includes a decompression crown 39 that surrounds the filling opening 18.

[0107] Pump dome ribs 411 are optionally formed on the outer side of the pump dome 17. This increases the clamping force / spring stiffness of the pump dome 17. However, if suitable materials are selected, the pump dome ribs 411 can also be omitted. Preferably, the pump dome ribs can be distributed unevenly across the pump dome. Furthermore, the pump dome 17 can comprise an area with a reduced wall thickness 425 on one side. The resulting asymmetrical stiffness of the pump dome 17 results in an asymmetrical deformation of the pump dome when pressed in. The asymmetrical deformation reduces the risk of the pump dome 17 jamming or not springing back in the pressed-in state.

[0108] It has also been found that the measures described above and / or a laterally offset, off-center decompression crown 37, particularly for polyethylene, but generally also for other plastics, can delay or prevent plastic deformation or “wearing out” during use.

[0109] Fig. 2A shows a variant of the dosing pump 1 in the assembled state, wherein the upper part 3 is connected to the lower part 2 by means of a snap connection.

[0110] When the upper and lower pump housing sections 2 and 3 are connected, two functional cavities are formed, namely the pump chamber 11 and the valve chamber 12, with the two cavities fluidically communicating with each other via the transfer channel 408. The pump chamber 11 is formed between the pump chamber base 5 and the flexible pump dome 17, and the valve chamber 12 is delimited by the valve chamber base 7 and the outlet valve membrane 401.

[0111] For the dosing pump 1 to function properly, the pump housing sections 2 and 3 must be fluidically sealed, i.e., hermetically sealed. This can be achieved by welding (as shown in Figs. 5, 6, 8A, 8B, for example) or by means of a positive connection (as shown here).

[0112] For assembly, the first pump housing section 3 is inserted into the second pump housing section 2 in such a way that the inner sealing profile 412 (which borders the first pump housing section 3) engages with the outer sealing profile 413 (which borders the second pump housing section 2) like a click, latch, or snap connection. Although the inner sealing profile 412 and its clamping step 443 are wider in cross-section than the outer edge of the negative clamping profile 444 of the outer sealing profile 413, the entire inner sealing profile 412 is deformed during the assembly process and inserted into the outer sealing profile 413 in such a way that the components latch together. The elastic deformation of the inner sealing profile 412 is made possible in particular by the great flexibility of the clamping bead 419, which prestresses the inner sealing profile 412 against the outer sealing profile 413.

[0113] Due to its pre-tension, the inner sealing profile 412 immediately expands again after being inserted into the outer sealing profile 413, which leads to a positive connection of the clamping step 443 and the negative clamping profile 444.

[0114] In order to facilitate the insertion of the first pump housing section 3 into the second pump housing section 2, the lower edge of the inner sealing profile 412 is wedge-shaped.

[0115] In the assembled positive connection 429 of the pump housing sections, the outer wall of the inner sealing profile 412 touches the inner wall of the outer sealing profile 413, whereby this circumferential contact surface effectively seals the connection.

[0116] The pressure generated in the cavities of the metering pump 1 during operation presses the inner sealing profile 412 against the outer sealing profile 413 in addition to the preload force, thereby self-reinforcingly sealing the contact surface between the inner sealing profile 412 and the sealing profile 413. The positive connection of the clamping step 443 and the negative clamping profile 444 prevents the vertical unlatching of the two pump housing sections 2 and 3.

[0117] The outlet valve diaphragm 401 formed in the first pump housing section 3 is surrounded by a diaphragm collar 420. The diaphragm collar 420, in turn, is positioned by a centering ring 407 formed on the second pump housing section 2. This enables precise centering of the closure part 34 of the poppet valve in the outlet valve seat 400.

[0118] The flexible pump dome 17 is a component subject to high mechanical stress and must withstand numerous deformations at various temperatures over the service life without experiencing plastic deformation, loss of clamping force, or jamming of the pump dome 17 at the lower low point.

[0119] In particular, the pump dome 17 must function reliably when using PP or PE monomaterials, even though the frequently moving flexible elements have a strong tendency toward plastic deformation. To avoid plastic deformation, loss of clamping force, and jamming of the pump dome 17, the design of the pump dome 17 and the other components of the metering pump 1 should have a defined shape, specific wall thicknesses, and specified proportions.

[0120] The pump dome 17 is enclosed by a circumferential clamping bead 419. During actuation, the pump dome 17 expands outward in response to the vertical compression proportional to the compression. The clamping bead 419, as a flexible, resilient area, allows the edge of the pump dome 17 to expand outward with only minimal resistance. The clamping bead 419 thus prevents both the risk of jamming the pump dome 17 and the necessary actuation force. This is particularly advantageous for older operators and children because it simplifies use.

[0121] For proper function of the pump dome 17, especially when made of softer materials such as polypropylene, the pump dome 17 must have a design or geometry that provides good clamping force, does not lead to plastic deformation, and does not provoke pinching. In the drawing, the outer diameter is marked "B" and the height or depth of vertical deformation is marked "A." The following parameters of the pump dome 17 allow for optimal functionality.

[0122] The preferred ratio of the outer diameter "B" to the height of vertical deformation "A" of the pump dome 17 is between 1:3 and 1:9. Ratios of 1:5 to 1:7 are particularly preferred. For example, with an exemplary ratio of 1:6, if the outer diameter of the pump dome 17 is 50 mm, the permissible height of vertical deformation for softer materials, such as polyethylene, is approximately 8 mm.

[0123] The wall thickness of a pump dome 17 made of polyethylene can be between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.6 mm and 1.1 mm. Furthermore, for softer materials such as polyethylene, the profile of the pump dome 17 can have a slightly outwardly curved, conical, or dome-like shape.

[0124] In addition, the dosing pump 1 comprises a hinged lid 409, which is connected to the weldable base 14 via a foldable lid tab 410. The weldable base is sometimes also referred to as a "weld-in socket" or, for short, simply "weld socket."

[0125] The rear wall of the hinged lid 409 and the lid flap 410 are designed and arranged during production such that they are designed without undercuts in a demolding direction of the injection molding tools. The weldable foot 14 of the embodiment variant of the metering pump 1, as shown in Fig. 1, for example, is formed without an open side of the outlet channel. This has the advantage of easier welding into the film bag, since the metering pump is welded like a standard spout and the tightness of the weld seam is better ensured. The weldable foot 14 can be dimensioned significantly flatter than the welding nozzles (spout, pouring outlet) of commercially available models, since a large diameter of the outlet is not necessary for metering due to the metering pump.

[0126] Fig. 2B shows a top view of the decompression crown 39 of the dosing pump 1 in detail.

[0127] The decompression crown 39 comprises a plurality of decompression teeth 24, which are designed and arranged in a ring-shaped manner around the pump inlet 18 at a distance from one another, such that two adjacent decompression teeth 24 each form a narrow decompression channel 25.

[0128] The decompression teeth 24 each have a substantially triangular or shoe-shaped base, which tapers towards the pump inlet. The upper surfaces of the decompression teeth 24 facing away from the pump chamber together form a substantially bowl-shaped or funnel-shaped contour. The diameter of the decompression crown 39 roughly corresponds to the width of a finger and thus between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm, preferably approximately between 1 cm and 2 cm.

[0129] The decompression channels 25 each have a substantially triangular base area that widens toward the pump inlet 18. As the width of the compression channels 25 increases, the channel depth decreases simultaneously, so that the free cross-section of the decompression channels 25 (flow gaps) remains, while not necessarily constant, in the flow direction, but at least similar. In the area of ​​the pump inlet 18, the decompression teeth 24 converge and combine to form a one-piece, annular sealing surface profile 422 that completely surrounds the edge of the pump inlet 18.

[0130] In other words, the decompression channels 25 are narrower at the radially outer edges and wider in the areas of the sealing surface profile 422. This shape protects the upper foil 160 from damage and ensures smooth flow. Wider channels would damage the upper foil 160 with their edges.

[0131] After actuation, the decompression crown 39 and the decompression channels 25 formed by it ensure that the upper film of the film bag cannot adhere to the dosing pump 1 and thus interrupts the volume flow in the direction of the pump inlet 18.

[0132] A foil stop 427 is formed in the center of the pump inlet 18. This prevents excessive deformation of the foil when pressed into the filling opening 18 and thus damage to the upper foil 160.

[0133] The decompression crown 39 solves the following three tasks: It serves as the actuation point of the dosing pump 1, as a filling opening and as a safeguard against accidental (unwanted) actuation of the dosing pump 1, for example during transport.

[0134] The sectional views in Figs. 2A and 3 also show that the decompression crown 39 is surrounded by a crown spring bead 431. Thanks to its flexible design, the crown spring bead 431 prevents the formation of cracks between the pump dome 17 and the decompression crown 39 during and after actuation. In addition, the resulting joint-like connection reduces the actuation force required.

[0135] An advantageous variant of the decompression crown 39 protrudes with its decompression teeth 24 between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably approximately 2-5 mm, more preferably approximately 2-5 mm. The specified range describes the height from the transition of the pump dome 17 to the decompression crown to the highest point of the decompression teeth 24. This raises the actuation point, creating space for longer fingernails. This is particularly advantageous for users in cosmetic applications and provides greater comfort.

[0136] In the design variant shown here, the pump inlet 18 is located centrally on the pump dome 17.

[0137] During the actuation process, the user presses the decompression crown 39 with his fingertip with or through the upper foil 160. In doing so, the upper foil 160, which is located between the decompression crown 39 and the fingertip, is deformed in such a way that the upper foil 160 comes into annular contact with the sealing surface profile 422, thereby creating a seal on the pump inlet 18 (filling opening).

[0138] The foil stop 427 is arranged by means of two stop legs 428 within the pump inlet 18 of the decompression crown 39, wherein the foil stop 427 is located in the center of the pump inlet 18 and below the level of the sealing surface profile 422. The foil stop limits the deformation of the upper foil 160, which prevents plastic deformation or buckling of the upper foil 160 (i.e., damage). The stop legs 428 can be designed as required, e.g., as zigzag-like (meandering) spring legs, in which case the foil stop 427 can be higher than the level of the sealing surface profile 422. Upon actuation, the user's fingertip, together with the upper foil 160, presses the flexibly mounted (spring-loaded) foil stop 427 downwards, which leads to sealing of the sealing surface profile 422.As soon as the pressure of the finger is released, the film 160 is lifted again by the spring-loaded film stop 427, which accelerates the filling process.

[0139] This diameter of the sealing surface profile 422 enables sealing during actuation even with the smallest fingertips and at the same time the pump inlet 18 is still sufficiently large for a sufficiently fast filling process of a not very viscous liquid.

[0140] Fig. 3 shows a vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the pump dome 17. It shows the structure of the metering pump 1, as previously described. A decompression crown with decompression teeth 24 is arranged on the pump dome. The decompression crown is surrounded by a circumferential crown spring bead 431. The pump dome also has a more pronounced curvature 434 than the previously illustrated metering pumps 1.

[0141] A pump dome designed in this way is particularly suitable for harder materials such as polypropylene, achieving comfortable operation with comparatively low actuation force.

[0142] The locking connection 429 of the first and second pump housing sections 3, 2 is also shown in detail. The first pump housing section 3 and the second pump housing section 2 have corresponding, circumferential sealing profiles 412, 413, such that the sealing profiles 412, 413 each have corresponding locking geometries 443, 444 and either an inner or a corresponding outer sealing surface. At least one of the sealing profiles 412, 413, here the sealing profile 412 of the first pump housing section 3, is elastically prestressed by a circumferential clamping bead 419 such that it presses against the other sealing profile 413, and the mutually contacting sealing surfaces form a circumferential seal.

[0143] Figs. 4A and 4B show vertical sectional views of a reed inlet valve 430 of the metering pump 1 in the closed and open states. The inlet reed valve 430 comprises a flexible valve reed 415 extending from the lower edge of the inner sealing profile 412 of the first pump housing section 3 toward the second pump housing section 2.

[0144] In the second pump housing section 2, further elements of the inlet reed valve 430 such as the reed valve windows 417, the reed valve chamber 416, each with a reed valve stop 418, are formed.

[0145] During assembly of pump housing sections 2 and 3, valve blade 415 is inserted into the blade valve chamber 416 such that the valve blade 415 is positioned behind the blade valve window 417 on the pump chamber 11 side. The valve blade 415 is wider than the blade valve window 417. Thus, the sealing contact surface is created between the edges of the front wall of valve blade 415 and the rear wall of the blade valve window 417.

[0146] As soon as the dosing pump 1 is actuated for application or dosing, the pressure generated in the pump chamber 11 presses the valve leaf 415 against the inner wall of the leaf valve window 417, which leads to the sealing of the inlet leaf valve 430 or the inlet leaf valves.

[0147] Fig. 4B shows how, after dosing, the restoring force creates a vacuum in the pumping chamber 11, which bends the flexible valve leaves 415 inward. This vacuum opens the path for product flow from the main bag volume 162 into the pumping chamber 11. The leaf valve stop 418, which is formed in the leaf valve clamp 416, serves to limit the bending of the valve leaf 415 to prevent plastic deformation.

[0148] Fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of another variant of the dosing pump. This is particularly suitable for dosing highly viscous products.

[0149] The outlet valve is formed here by an elastic hose section which collapses due to the existing residual stresses in the rest state, which is formed cooperatively by a region 436 of the first pump housing section 3 and a region 437 of the second pump housing section 2 and is fluidically tight in the collapsed state.

[0150] A prechamber 439 is formed between the pump dome 17 and the hose section. The first pump housing section 3 and the second pump housing section are welded in this embodiment and have corresponding weld contours 438 at the edges.

[0151] On the side of the second pump housing section 2 facing away from the pump chamber 11, an outlet duct 421 is formed at the end of the hose section. Furthermore, the front side of the second pump housing section 2 is provided with a weldable base for the metering pump 14.

[0152] In the assembled metering pump 1, i.e., when the two pump housing sections 2, 3 have been welded at the weld contours 438, three or four functional cavities are formed. The first cavity is the pump chamber 11, the second cavity is the pre-chamber 439, and the third cavity is a hose valve channel 440, which, however, only opens when the metering pump in the hose section is actuated and is otherwise collapsed. The fourth cavity is the outlet tract 421.

[0153] Figures 6A and 6B show vertical sectional views of the hose valve 435 of the dosing pump 1 in a closed and an open state. The dosing pump 1 is sealed in a foil bag.

[0154] The dosing pump 1 is welded inside the film bag, namely between the upper film 160 and the lower film 161. The upper film 160 and the lower film 161 are integrally connected at the welded areas 438 to the welded base 14 of the dosing pump 1. The dispensing console is arranged outside the film bag 100.

[0155] In the closed state, the inner smooth wall of the upper tube valve leaf 436 is in contact with the inner smooth wall of the lower tube valve leaf 437, thereby interrupting or sealing the path between the outlet tract 421 and the prechamber 439. The tube valve leaves 436 and 437 are flexible and are additionally pressed together under the internal pouch pressure.

[0156] When the dosing pump 1 is actuated, a higher pressure is created in the pump chamber 11 and in the pre-chamber 439 than in the main bag volume 162. As a result, the tube section formed by the tube valve blades 436, 437 expands against the internal stresses and the tube valve channel 440 opens. The dosed liquid escapes through this tube valve channel 440 via the outlet tract 421 through the pump outlet 16 and can be applied. After the dosing pump is actuated and with the resulting decreasing pressure, the flexible tube valve blades 436, 437 return to their original shape due to their inherent internal stresses, which leads to the collapse of the tube section and a seal in the contact point between the tube valve blades 436 and 437. Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C show vertical sectional views of variants of the tube valve.

[0157] To increase the residual stresses of the hose valve leaves 436, 437 and the tightness of the hose valve, the two hose valve leaves 436 and 437 can have a bend as shown in Fig. 7A.

[0158] Alternatively, the hose valve leaves 436 and 437 can be designed with a positive-locking obstacle in the form of a spring groove 441, as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0159] Furthermore, the two hose valve leaves 436 and 437 can alternatively be bent in a dome-like or spoon-like manner, see Fig. 7C.

[0160] Figs. 8A and 8B show perspective views of further variants of the hose valve.

[0161] Alternatively, for the purpose of increasing the residual stresses of the tube valve leaves 436, 437, the outer walls of the tube valve leaves 436, 437 may have a tube valve ribbing 442. For example, this may be a meandering, spring-like ribbing (see Figure 8A) and / or several successively placed zigzag-like ribbings extending transversely across the tube section (see Figure 8B).

[0162] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of another dosing pump. Regardless of the choice of material, the pump dome 17, 434 can have a round, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or other shape in the horizontal projection. The perspective view in Fig. 9, for example, shows a variant of the dosing pump 1 with two opposing pump domes 432. In other words, the pump chamber floor is also designed as a flexible pump dome. The upper pump dome 432 is provided with a decompression crown 39 including a pump inlet, while the lower pump dome has no pump inlet and accordingly no pump dome. In the variant shown, both pump housing sections 2, 3 are welded together at the welding contour 438. This variant is suitable for smaller dosing quantities.

[0163] Fig. 10A shows a frontal view of a dosing pump 1 with a standing frame. Fig. 10B shows a side sectional view of the dosing pump 1 with the cover open. Fig. 10C shows a side sectional view of the dosing pump 1 with the cover closed.

[0164] So that a film bag with the dosing pump 1 can stand upright, even though it is not a stand-up bag, for example, the dosing pump 1 can comprise a stand-up frame 445. The frontal plan view of Fig. 10A illustrates the front side of the weldable base 14 of the dosing pump 1 with an opened hinged lid 409. The hinged lid 409 is equipped with a stand-up frame 445. The stand-up frame 445 surrounds the hinged lid 409. To further save material, saving windows 448 with material cutouts are formed in the stand-up frame 445.

[0165] At the bottom of the weldable base of the dosing pump, a tamper-evident clamp tab 447 is formed, which is connected to the weldable base of the dosing pump by means of a thin tear-off flag.

[0166] The sectional view in Fig. 10C shows the pouch standing on the stand frame 445, with the hinged lid 409 closed. When the hinged lid is closed during the assembly process, the clamp 446 engages the tamper-evident clamp tab 447. When the hinged lid is first opened, the tamper-evident clamp tab 447 is separated from the weldable base of the dosing pump and remains attached to the clamp 446. This makes it very easy to determine whether the foil pouch has already been opened.

[0167] Fig. 11 A shows a sectional view of a dosing pump with a side outlet. Fig. 11 B shows a bottom view of the dosing pump with the side / bottom outlet.

[0168] The second pump housing section 2 has on its underside a dispensing console in which a spray nozzle 32 with a dispensing opening 16 is formed.

[0169] The sectional view in Fig. 11A and a bottom view in Fig. 11B show a further embodiment of the metering pump 1 with a downward-facing lateral outlet. This embodiment includes outlet nozzle 32 (spray nozzle), which is located directly below the outlet valve 34. This embodiment of the metering pump 1 is welded to the lower film 161 of a film bag at the welding ring 449, with a film opening 450 punched or produced in the lower film 161 at the corresponding location (in the center of the welding rings 449).

[0170] Of course, the dosing pump 1 can be welded the other way around, i.e. alternatively to the upper film 160.

[0171] This version of the dosing pump 1 is particularly suitable for spraying low-viscosity liquid products such as glass cleaner. For dosing high-viscosity products, a wide outlet opening with a large cross-section should be provided instead of the spray nozzle 32.

[0172] The outlet valve as a single element or the dosing pump as a whole can also be used for certain applications in doypacks (stand-up pouches), particularly in the bottom area. In this case, such a stand-up pouch includes an outlet valve or a dosing pump in the lower area, particularly in the bottom area where the folds of the stand-up pouch are located.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Dosing pump for integration into a container, the dosing pump comprising a pump housing, wherein the pump housing forms a pump chamber and has a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump chamber is delimited by a pump chamber base and an elastically deformable pump dome, wherein the pump housing is joined from at least a first pump housing section and a second pump housing section, wherein the pump dome is a component of the first pump housing section and the pump chamber base is a component of the second pump housing section, wherein the dosing pump has an outlet valve, and wherein the outlet valve is arranged in a fluid connection from the pump chamber to the pump outlet and is designed as a backflow preventer.

2. Dosing pump according to claim 1, wherein the outlet valve has a closure part and a corresponding outlet valve seat, wherein the closure part is mounted in a prestressed outlet valve membrane.

3. Dosing pump according to claim 2, wherein the outlet valve membrane has a substantially conical shape or a shape curved towards the outlet valve seat.

4. Dosing pump according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the closure part and the outlet valve membrane are an integral part of the first or the second pump housing section and the outlet valve seat is an integral part of the other pump housing section.

5. Dosing pump according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the dosing pump has a clamping bead and / or a diaphragm collar, wherein the clamping bead and / or the diaphragm collar surround the outlet valve diaphragm and are positioned and / or guided by a corresponding centering ring.

6. Dosing pump according to claim 1, wherein the outlet valve is formed by an elastic hose section which is collapsed in the rest state, the hose section being formed cooperatively by a region of the first pump housing section and a region of the second pump housing section and being fluidically tight in the collapsed state.

7. Dosing pump according to claim 1, wherein the outlet valve has a free outlet opening, in particular a spray nozzle, at the pump chamber bottom.

8. Dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an opening is formed in a wall of the first and / or the second pump housing section in the region of the pump chamber, wherein the respective other pump housing section has a flexible valve leaf corresponding to the opening and tightly covering the opening from the inside in the undeflected state.

9. Dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pump housing section and the second pump housing section have corresponding, circumferential sealing profiles such that the sealing profiles each have mutually corresponding locking geometries and either an inner or a corresponding outer sealing surface, and wherein at least one of the sealing profiles is elastically prestressed such that it presses against the respective other sealing profile and the mutually contacting sealing surfaces form a circumferential seal.

10. Dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump dome has a decompression crown, wherein the decompression crown comprises a plurality of decompression teeth which are designed and arranged annularly around a pump inlet at least in regions spaced apart from one another in such a way that two adjacent decompression teeth each form a decompression channel therebetween, wherein in the direction of the pump inlet the decompression channels become flatter and the decompression teeth combine to form a one-piece annular sealing surface profile surrounding the pump inlet.

11. Dosing pump according to claim 10, wherein the decompression crown has a foil stop, the foil stop being arranged within the pump inlet.

12. Dosing pump according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the decompression crown is surrounded by a crown spring bead.

13. Dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump dome has a region with a reduced wall thickness, wherein the region with reduced wall thickness is arranged asymmetrically on the pump dome; and / or wherein the pump dome has spring beads and / or spring ribs, wherein the spring beads and / or spring ribs extend with a radial portion away from a pump inlet in the pump dome, optionally wherein the spring beads and / or spring ribs are arranged unevenly on the pump dome.

14. Dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a hinged lid, wherein a tamper-evident indicator is formed on the weldable base of the dosing pump, said tamper-evident indicator having a thin, tear-off tab and a locking geometry at the end thereof; further wherein the hinged lid has a corresponding locking geometry, which is designed such that the tamper-evident indicator irreversibly locks into the locking geometry when the hinged lid is closed for the first time, and the tab is destroyed when the hinged lid is subsequently opened for the first time.

15. Thin-walled container with an integrated dosing pump according to one of the preceding claims.

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