Dispensing cap for pressurised containers and container with pressurised container and dispensing cap

Abstract

Dispensing cap (30) for a pressure vessel (10) with a valve (11), wherein the valve (11) has a movable valve stem (12) and can be opened by moving the valve stem (12) from a closed position, wherein the dispensing cap (30) comprises a cap body (31), a confirmation element (32) which is movably attached to the cap body (31) and is suitable for moving the valve stem (12) from the closed position, and a locking element (34), characterized in that the locking element (34) in a first locking position is substantially located in a receiving space (35) of the cap body (31) and fixes the valve stem (12) in the closed position, wherein the actuating element (32) has driving means by which, when the actuating element (32) is moved, the locking element (34) is at least partially moved from the receiving space (35) from the first locking position to a second locking position.in which a handle end (38) of the locking element (34) protrudes from the cap body (31), so that the locking element (34) can be pulled out of the receiving space of the cap body (31) by the fingers of a human hand without tools. The invention also relates to a container (1) comprising the dispensing cap (30) and the pressure vessel (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing cap for a pressure vessel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a container comprising the pressure vessel and the dispensing cap.

[0002] Such a container is widely known and produced in very large quantities worldwide. For example, German patent DE 31 21 238 A1 discloses a pressure vessel in the form of a cylindrical aerosol can equipped with a valve. The valve has a movable valve stem. The valve can be opened by pressing the valve stem downwards, thus moving it out of a closed position. The dispensing cap comprises a cap body and an actuating element, which is movably attached to the cap body. By pressing the actuating element, the valve stem moves out of the closed position, allowing the pressurized product from the aerosol can to be dispensed through the hollow valve stem.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to assure the buyer or user of such a container that it is unused by means of suitable methods, such as a tamper-evident adhesive seal. It is also known to ensure that the product does not unintentionally escape from the pressure vessel by using a locking element that prevents the valve from being opened and must be removed or unlocked before use. The need to unlock or remove the locking element before use should be readily apparent to the user, which promotes ease of handling and acceptance of the container.

[0004] The object underlying the invention is to provide a dispensing cap for a pressure vessel that enables safe and intuitive handling of the pressure vessel.

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Exemplary embodiments can be found in the dependent claims to claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, the locking element is located essentially within a receiving space of the cap body in a first locking position and secures the valve stem in the closed position. The actuating element has driving means by which, when the actuating element is moved, the locking element is at least partially moved out of the receiving space into a second locking position, in which a handle end of the locking element protrudes from the cap body, so that the locking element can be completely pulled out of the receiving space of the cap body by the fingers of a human hand without tools.

[0007] In the first locking position, the locking element prevents the valve stem from moving out of the closed position, thus preventing the valve from opening. Due to the actuating mechanism, the locking element is visibly moved out of its recess, with the distance traveled between the first and second locking positions being several millimeters, for example, 2 to 15 mm or 4 to 10 mm. In the second locking position, the handle end of the locking element protrudes clearly from the cap body. The user can now intuitively grasp the handle end of the locking element and move it completely out of the recess of the dispensing cap, thereby releasing the locking mechanism (which holds the valve stem in the closed position).It should be noted that even in the first locking position the handle end may (slightly) protrude from the cap body, but not to the same extent as in the second locking position, where it is easily possible to grasp the handle end by hand.

[0008] The cap body may have fastening means for attaching it to the pressure vessel. These fastening means may, for example, have a circumferential rim with an undercut that is slid onto the pressure vessel and snaps into place.

[0009] Even in the second locking position, the locking element secures the valve stem in the closed position. To open the valve, it is therefore necessary to remove the locking element from this second locking position by pulling it completely out of the receiving chamber. The user thus performs an intuitive yet deliberate action to unlock the dispensing cap.

[0010] The valve stem can be displaceable along its longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the valve stem must be pressed along its longitudinal axis towards the pressure vessel. Alternatively or additionally, the valve stem can be moved from its closed position by a lateral force.

[0011] The closed position can be spring-loaded. This means that the force of a spring must be overcome to move the valve stem out of the closed position. In other words, the spring holds the valve stem in the closed position with a certain force.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking element is essentially U-shaped and has two parallel legs which, in the first or second locking position of the locking element, engage in an annular groove of the valve stem. The engagement of the legs in the annular groove of the valve stem prevents axial movement of the valve stem. Only when the legs no longer engage with the annular groove of the valve stem can the valve stem be moved axially and the valve opened accordingly. The base of the U-shaped locking element, which connects the two legs, can form the handle end of the locking element.

[0013] When the locking element is in the first or second locking position and an attempt is made to move the valve stem from the closed position, forces act on the locking element that must be absorbed. The locking element can rest against a support surface of the cap body with each of its two legs. In this embodiment, the base of the U-shaped locking element serves only as a handle: the locking function of the locking element is achieved solely by its two legs.

[0014] The actuating element can be designed as an actuating lever, which is rotatably attached to the cap body about a pivot axis. To form a pivot joint, the actuating lever can have two outwardly projecting pivot pins, each engaging in a pin receptacle on the cap body. The mutually aligned pivot pins define the pivot axis. Alternatively, the stationary cap body can have two pivot pins that engage in pin receptacles on the actuating lever.

[0015] The actuating lever can have a recess between an outer lever end and the pivot axis for a discharge nozzle of the pressure vessel, so that the discharge nozzle does not restrict the movement of the actuating lever. The discharge nozzle can be integrally formed on the valve stem. The discharge nozzle can extend along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the actuating lever is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem. The movement from the first locking position to the second locking position of the locking element can be a linear movement. Preferably, this linear movement is perpendicular to both the pivot axis of the actuating lever and the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0017] The driving means can have a contact surface which, when the actuating element moves from an initial position, exerts a force on the locking element in the first locking position, with one component of the force directed towards the second locking position. In the embodiment with the actuating lever, the lever, as it rotates, can press against the contact surface on the locking element and thereby generate a force in the direction of movement of the locking element.

[0018] The actuating element and the locking element can be integrally connected in their initial state. The connection between the actuating element and the locking element can be achieved by at least one predetermined breaking point in the form of a thin connecting rib. Preferably, the actuating element and the locking element are manufactured by injection molding. The actuating element and the locking element can thus form a single injection-molded plastic part. When the locking element is moved from the first locking position to the second locking position, the thin connecting ribs break, allowing the locking element to be easily pulled out of the receiving space. The connecting ribs can be part of the drive mechanism that moves the locking element into the second locking position when the actuating element is actuated.

[0019] A further object of the invention, namely the provision of a container comprising a dispensing cap and a pressure vessel, is achieved by the combination of features according to claim 10. The dispensing cap can assume the different embodiments described herein.

[0020] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing. The drawing shows: Figure 1 shows a pressure vessel and a dispensing cap in two perspective views; Figure 2 shows the pressure vessel and the dispensing cap of the Figure 1 , however with a changed position of an actuating lever; Figure 3 the movement of the actuating lever from an initial position to a position in which a valve of the pressure vessel is open; Figure 4 a longitudinal section of the pressure vessel and discharge cap; Figure 5 a section along line VV in Figure 4Figure 6 shows an axial offset of a valve stem of the valve; and Figure 7 shows a section along a line VII-VII in Figure 6 .

[0021] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows in two perspective views a container 1 comprising a pressure vessel 10 and a dispensing cap 30 (see Figure 1). Figures 1A, 1B ). Especially the Figures 4 and 5 As can be seen in the two longitudinal sections showing container 1, the pressure vessel 10 has a valve 11 that can be opened using the dispensing cap 30. The pressure vessel 10 can be, for example, an aerosol can or spray can filled with a flowable product (for example, adhesive, PU foam, sealant).

[0022] The dispensing cap 30 comprises a cap body 31 and an actuating element 32 in the form of an actuating lever. The actuating lever 32 is pivotally connected to the cap body 31 and serves to open the valve 11. A pivot axis of the actuating lever is designated 33 and extends in the illustration of the Figure 4 perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0023] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows the actuating lever 32 in an initial position. From this initial position, the actuating lever 32 can be rotated into a working position. The actuating lever 32 in its working position is in Figure 2 (see Figure 2A, 2B ) shown. Figure 3 The figure shows in several stages the movement of the actuating lever 33 from the initial position (see stage a) to the operating position (see stage f). Furthermore, it shows Figure 3 the actuating lever 32 in a dispensing or activation position (see g), which results in the opening of the valve 11. From the Figure 6 It becomes clear that by pivoting the actuating lever 32 from the operating position ( Figure 6 , left side) into the storage position ( Figure 6 , right side) a movable valve stem 12 of the valve by a distance S in the representation of the Figure 6 is pressed downwards. This movement of the valve stem 12 along its longitudinal axis 13 opens the valve 11. The valve stem 12 is thereby moved from a closed position ( Figure 6 , left side) into a submission position ( Figure 6 (right side) moved.

[0024] The dispensing cap 30 further comprises a locking element 34, which is arranged in a receiving chamber 35 of the cap body 31. The locking element 34 serves to prevent unintentional opening of the valve 11.

[0025] The Figure 1 and the Figure 3(see stage a) show the locking element 34 in a first locking position. When the actuating lever 32 is turned from the initial position (see stage a) towards the operating position (see stage f), the locking element 34 is moved into a second locking position. This second locking position is shown in stage d. Figure 3 As shown. In the second locking position, the locking element 34 protrudes from the cap body 31 in such a way that it can be grasped with the fingers of a human hand and removed from the cap body 31. When removed, the locking element 34 is pulled out of the receiving space 35 of the cap body 31. In the first locking position ( Figure 3 , stage a) the locking element 34 also protrudes from the cap body 31, but the protrusion is so small that gripping the locking element 34 by hand without tools is practically impossible.

[0026] The clearly perceptible movement of the locking element 34 draws the user's attention to the locking element 34 when the operating lever 32 is actuated. Once the locking element 34 has reached the second locking position, the user will intuitively continue its movement by pulling it completely onto the receiving space 35 and laying it to the side.

[0027] As from Figure 5 As becomes clear, the locking element 34 interacts with an annular groove 14 of the valve stem 12 in the respective locking position and also on the way to the second locking position. In particular, two legs 36, 37 of the U-shaped locking element 34 engage in the annular groove 14, thereby axially fixing the valve stem 12. The locking element 34 thus holds the valve stem 12 in the closed position.

[0028] The two legs 36, 37, each with an angled cross-section, are connected by a base 38, which extends transversely to the legs 36, 37 and forms a handle end 38 of the U-shaped locking element 34. The locking element 34 can be pulled out of the cap body 31 using the handle end 38. The legs 36, 37 are supported by two support surfaces of the cap body 31, one of which is located in Figure 5 is designated as 39

[0029] Figure 7 It can be seen that in the usage situation ( Figure 6 , left side; Figure 3 , stage f) the actuating lever 32 rests against a shoulder 15 of the valve stem 12. In Figure 7 Furthermore, the ring groove 14 can be seen, into which, however, in contrast to the state according to Figure 5, the legs 36, 37 of the locking element 34 do not engage, since the locking element 34 has been previously removed. It is therefore possible to further pivot the actuating lever into the dispensing position ( Figure 6 (right side), to press the valve stem 11 downwards, thereby opening the valve 11 and allowing the product stored in the pressure vessel 10 to be dispensed through a dispensing nozzle 16. Only the force of a valve spring 17 needs to be overcome.

[0030] The cap body 31 has two opposing wall sections 40, 41, which laterally define the receiving space 35. Wall section 40 has a rounded outer surface 42 and a substantially flat inner surface 43. A pin receptacle 44 for a pivot pin of the actuating lever 32 is formed in wall section 40. The actuating lever 32 has two pivot pins, which are not visible in the figures or are obscured by other components.

[0031] Wall section 41 is symmetrical to wall section 40. Reference is made to the descriptions for wall section 40.

[0032] To allow pivoting from the initial position to the dispensing position despite the dispensing nozzle 16, the actuating lever 32 has a recess 45. The recess 45 extends from a pivot end 46 to an outer end 47 of the actuating lever 32. The pivot pins, not visible in the figures, are integrally formed at the pivot end 46.

[0033] In an initial state, the locking element 34 and the actuating lever 32 are connected to each other via thin connecting webs 48. The actuating lever 32 and the locking element 34 form a single injection-molded plastic part. The connecting webs 48 are designed as predetermined breaking points. The connecting webs 48 break before the locking element reaches its second locking position.

[0034] When the actuating lever 32 is rotated about the pivot axis 33, a contact surface 49 presses against it (see Figure 4 ) of the actuating lever 32 against the locking element 34. One component of this pressure force is in the direction of the second locking position, i.e., in the representation of the Figures 3 and 4 to the left. This force component automatically moves the locking element 32 linearly from the first locking position to the second locking position when the actuating lever 32 is pivoted. At the beginning of the rotational movement, the connecting webs, which are not yet separated, can also contribute to the force transmission between the actuating lever 32 and the locking element 34. Reference symbol list

[0035] 1 package 10 Pressure vessel 11 Valve 12 Valve stem 13 Longitudinal axis 14 Ring groove 15 Shoulder 16 Discharge nozzle 17 Valve spring 30 Discharge cap 31 Cap body 32 Actuating element / Actuating lever 33 Swivel axis 34 Locking element 35 Receptacle 36 Leg 37 Leg 38 Base / Handle end 39 Support surface 40 Wall part 41 Wall part 42 Outer side 43 Inner side 44 Pin receptacle 45 Recess 46 Hinge end 47 Outer end 48 Connecting web 49 Contact surface

Claims

1. Dispensing cap (30) for a pressure vessel (10) with a valve (11), wherein the valve (11) has a movable valve stem (12) and can be opened by moving the valve stem (12) from a closed position, wherein the dispensing cap (30) comprises a cap body (31), a confirmation element (32) which is movably attached to the cap body (31) and is suitable for moving the valve stem (12) from the closed position, and a locking element (34), characterized by the fact thatThe locking element (34) in a first locking position is essentially located in a receiving space (35) of the cap body (31) and fixes the valve stem (12) in the closed position, wherein the actuating element (32) has driving means by which, when the actuating element (32) is moved, the locking element (34) is moved at least partially from the receiving space (35) from the first locking position to a second locking position, in which a handle end (38) of the locking element (34) protrudes from the cap body (31), so that the locking element (34) can be pulled out of the receiving space of the cap body (31) by the fingers of a human hand without tools.

2. Dispensing cap (30) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the valve stem (12) is displaceable along a longitudinal axis (13) of the valve stem (12).

3. Dispensing cap (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe locking element (34) is essentially U-shaped and has two legs (36, 37) which engage in an annular groove (14) of the valve stem (12) in the first locking position and in the second locking position of the locking element (34).

4. Dispensing cap (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (34) is designed as an actuating lever (34) which is rotatably attached to the cap body (31) about a pivot axis (33).

5. Dispensing cap (30) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the actuating lever (32) has a recess (45) for a discharge nozzle (16) of the pressure vessel (10) between an outer end (47) and the pivot axis (33), so that the discharge nozzle (16) does not restrict the movement of the actuating lever (32).

6. Dispensing cap (30) according to claim 2 and claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the pivot axis (33) runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13).

7. Dispensing cap (30) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe movement from the first locking position to the second locking position of the locking element (34) is a linear movement that runs perpendicular to the pivot axis (33) of the actuating lever (32) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13) of the valve (11).

8. Dispensing cap (30) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the driving means have a contact surface (49) which, when the actuating element (32) moves from an initial position, exerts a force on the locking element (34) located in the first locking position, wherein a component of the force is directed in the direction of the second locking position.

9. Dispensing cap (30) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the actuating element (32) and the locking element (34) are integrally connected in the initial state and form an injection-molded part, wherein the actuating element (32) and the locking element (34) are connected to each other by predetermined breaking points in the form of thin connecting webs (48).

10. Container (1) with pressure vessel (10) and a dispensing cap (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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