Dispenser for dispensing a fluid and method for dispensing a fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, comprising: - a dispensing device (2) operating without air intake for dispensing the fluid, in particular an airless dispensing device, e.g. an airless pump; - a container (3) for receiving the fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing device (2), wherein the container (3) comprises: a collapsible first section (31) and several rigid second sections (32), wherein the first section (31) and the second sections (32) are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the container (3); and - a guide section (4) for guiding at least a part of the container (3) during the collapse of the first section (31).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, and a method for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid.

[0002] When a dispenser dispenses a fluid, such as a liquid, it is drawn from a container. After the fluid is dispensed, the container deforms. This can result in unfavorable deformation, such as a so-called "hourglass" deformation, which can cause the contents to become trapped in the lower part of the container, preventing complete emptying. Consequently, the volume of waste is correspondingly high.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome one or more of these disadvantages. In particular, it aims to reduce the residue remaining in the container and / or the volume of waste.

[0004] These and other problems, which will be mentioned in the following description or which a person skilled in the art can recognize, are solved by the subject matter and method of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of ​​the invention in a particularly advantageous way.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, wherein the dispenser comprises: a dispensing device for dispensing the fluid that operates without air intake, in particular an airless dispensing device, e.g. an airless pump; a container for receiving the fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing device, wherein the container comprises: a collapsible first section and several rigid second sections, wherein the first section and the second sections are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis of the container; and a guide section for (in particular laterally) guiding at least a part of the container during a collapse of the first section (e.g. during dispensing of the fluid by means of the dispensing device).

[0006] The dispenser allows for a controlled collapse of the container. This prevents or significantly reduces deformation of the container that would hinder emptying, such as an "hourglass" shape. The guide section directs the deformation of the inner container along its longitudinal axis. Consequently, the dispenser offers the particular advantage of ensuring the container empties very thoroughly. After use, the container contains significantly less or even no residual fluid. This, combined with the beneficial deformation of the container, results in a particularly small volume of waste.

[0007] Furthermore, the guide section enables particularly easy handling of the dispenser by the consumer. For example, the guide section can be designed to bear loads, especially loads that act parallel ("top load") and / or perpendicular ("side load") to the longitudinal axis. Parallel loads can occur, for example, when operating the dispensing device (e.g., pump). Lateral loads can occur, for example, when operating an actuating element ("trigger"), such as for dispensing a spray.

[0008] The first section is preferably more flexible than each of the second sections. In other words, each of the second sections is preferably stiffer than the first section.

[0009] It is preferred if the first section at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container, for example in a ring shape.

[0010] It is preferred if at least one of the second sections surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container at least partially, preferably completely, for example in a ring shape.

[0011] At least one of the second sections, viewed in a longitudinal section of the container, can be curved, preferably doubly curved. The curvature stiffens the respective second section relative to the first section in a particularly simple manner.

[0012] The container can have a shoulder, a side wall (or body), and a bottom. Preferably, the side wall extends between the bottom and the shoulder. The side wall preferably extends from the bottom.

[0013] The shoulder can form one of the second sections. This makes providing this second section particularly easy, since a container often has a shoulder.

[0014] The ground can form one of the second sections. This makes providing this second section particularly easy.

[0015] At least part of the side wall can form the first section.

[0016] Viewed in a longitudinal section of the container, the shoulder can have a first shape and the bottom a second shape, with the shapes corresponding at least partially to each other. This allows the bottom to be moved particularly close to the shoulder by deforming the container along its longitudinal axis, especially close enough that the bottom and shoulder can be joined with very little space between them. Consequently, the waste volume of the used container is reduced even further.

[0017] Preferably, the shapes are at least partially curved.

[0018] At least one of the second sections can have a setback. This makes it particularly easy to provide the stiffness of the respective second section. In particular, the setback can improve the deformation of the container, especially in the first section, for example, so that the container deforms particularly well like a (drawing) accordion.

[0019] Preferably, the recess surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container at least partially, preferably completely, for example in the form of a ring.

[0020] The recess can, for example, recede towards the interior of the container. In other words, the recess can be perceived as a depression from outside the container and as a protrusion from inside the container.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least three second sections can be provided, wherein the shoulder forms one (first) of the second sections, the bottom forms one (second) of the second sections, and one or more (third) of the second sections each have a setback as described above.

[0022] In another, particularly simple embodiment, the container has only one first section and only two second sections, wherein at least part of the side wall forms the first section and the shoulder and the bottom form the second sections.

[0023] One or more of the second sections, particularly the shoulder and / or the floor, can each be heavier than the first section. This allows for a simple way to stiffen the respective second section relative to the first. For example, a (particularly increased) accumulation of material can be incorporated in the shoulder and / or the floor.

[0024] One or more of the second sections, in particular the shoulder and / or the bottom, may each have a greater wall thickness than that of the first section.

[0025] The first section, viewed in a longitudinal section of the container, can be straight, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis. This allows the first section to have minimal stiffening features in a particularly simple way, thus preserving its collapsible property.

[0026] The first section can be designed to collapse into the interior of the container. This allows for a particularly good, and especially compact, deformation of the container, which does not interfere with the guidance provided by the guide element. Consequently, a particularly simple deformation of the container can also be achieved.

[0027] The first section may have a feature to facilitate and / or direct collapse of the first section. This feature may, for example, be a weakened area of ​​the container wall and / or a hinge integrally formed with the container wall.

[0028] The first section can be foldable. This allows the container to be transformed into a particularly compact state.

[0029] The first section, viewed in a longitudinal section of the container, can have two areas extending transversely to each other, preferably at an obtuse angle, preferably such that the first section is foldable. The angle is preferably measured on the outside of the container.

[0030] It is preferred if the dispenser has several first sections as described above, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0031] The first and second sections can form a grooved, ribbed, or bellows-like structure. Deformation of the container can thus occur in a bellows-like, particularly accordion-like, manner, allowing the container to be transformed into a particularly compact state, which significantly reduces the waste volume.

[0032] The guide section can be arranged to guide at least one of the second sections. Therefore, in the event of deformation of the container, at least one of the second sections can move along a guiding direction defined by the guide section, for example, linearly. This allows for a particularly advantageous collapse of the first section and thus a particularly space-saving deformation of the container.

[0033] It is preferred if the guide section is arranged at least laterally to the side of the container and / or at least partially surrounds the container.

[0034] The guide section can be arranged at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0035] The guide section can be at least partially a hollow body, preferably a cylinder, wherein at least part of the container or the entire container is arranged within the hollow body. At least part of the guide section, preferably its upper end, can taper towards the dispensing device. The upper end can have an opening through which part of the container, for example its neck, extends.

[0036] The guide section preferably forms an outer, reusable layer of the dispenser, which is ideally stiffer or more robust than the container. This eliminates the need for a bag-in-bottle solution, which is generally difficult to recycle. The guide section can thus form a robust part of the dispenser, allowing it to remain in the dispenser and be used for a long time (e.g., many years).

[0037] The container may have a neck.

[0038] The container can be detached from the dispensing device (without damage), for example via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, preferably provided at least by the neck and / or having a thread. This allows the container to be easily disposed of after use and a new container to be easily connected to the dispensing device.

[0039] The container can have a cylindrical shape. However, the container can also have another shape, for example, a shape that is polygonal in cross-section, in particular the shape of a prism.

[0040] The container can be made of a material containing an additive, the additive preferably being designed such that thinner wall thicknesses can be achieved in the blow molding process than would be possible without the additive. This makes deformation of the container particularly easy.

[0041] The additive is preferably suitable for modifying the length of a polymer chain. Particularly preferably, the additive is a chain-breaker additive.

[0042] The container can be made of plastic, at least. Preferably, the container is made of plastic.

[0043] The plastic may comprise a polyolefin, in particular a polyethylene, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and / or a polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), especially recycled PET (rPET). The recycled PET may, for example, be post-consumer and / or post-industrial recycled PET and / or be recycled by mechanical and / or chemical means.

[0044] It is preferred if the container consists of only one layer, for example made of PET and, if applicable, the additive. The container can, for example, be a mono-layer PET container.

[0045] The first section and / or the second sections can each be curved in a section viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the container, preferably circular or oval in shape.

[0046] The container can be obtained by forming a preform.

[0047] The container can be blow-molded, for example by extrusion blow molding or stretch blow molding. However, the container can also be produced in other ways, for example by simply stretching and / or extending.

[0048] The ratio of container weight to container volume can be 30 g / L or less, preferably in a range of 23 g / L to 27 g / L, particularly preferably in a range of 25 g / L to 26 g / L.

[0049] The container volume can be 0.5 L or less, preferably in a range of 0.3 L to 0.4 L, and most preferably substantially 0.35 L.

[0050] The dispenser can be designed to dispense fluid without a dip tube (or riser tube). This prevents the dip tube from being exposed when changing containers, thus avoiding the risk of contamination, for example, of surfaces, by residual fluid adhering to it. Furthermore, this design significantly simplifies dispenser manufacturing, as dip tubes cause considerable logistical problems. Specifically, dip tubes are elaborately packaged for transport from the manufacturer to the bottler to minimize damage and are reinforced with more material than necessary to prevent kinking.

[0051] The guide section can be designed in multiple parts. This simplifies the manufacturing of the guide section and / or facilitates handling of the dispenser, particularly when changing containers.

[0052] The guide section can have a closing element, in particular a lid or another closing element such as a door, whereby the guide section can be opened via the closing element in order to insert the container into or remove it from the guide section. This simplifies the handling of the dispenser, especially with regard to changing the container.

[0053] The locking element can be detachable from a part of the guide section, in particular an upper part, preferably completely detachable. If the part is an upper part, the locking element can, for example, form a lower part. The locking element is detachable from the part of the guide section, for example, via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, in particular a screw and / or snap connection.

[0054] The locking element can be connected to a section of the guide section, particularly a side panel, via a movable connection, in particular a hinge. Thus, the guide section can be opened via the locking element while the locking element remains connected to the section of the guide section via the movable connection. The movable connection can, for example, be designed so that the guide section forms a kind of case for the container.

[0055] The closure element can have a fastening section by which it can be held in a closed position. In the closed position, the container is guided particularly well by the guide section. The fastening section can, for example, have a locking element, such as a locking lug or a locking receptacle. Preferably, the closure element can be fastened to the section of the guide section, i.e., for example, to the side panel, via the fastening section.

[0056] The closure element can be arranged laterally on the container and / or form one half of the guide section. The guide section can, for example, form a guide container, preferably comprising two container halves, one of which preferably forms the closure element. The longitudinal axis of the guide section and / or the container preferably extends between the container halves.

[0057] The guide section can have a base that extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the container. The dispenser can, for example, stand upright on its base and / or be placed on a surface. Preferably, the closure element comprises at least a portion of the base. In one embodiment, the closure element comprises the (entire) base. In another embodiment, the closure element comprises only a portion of the base.

[0058] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, wherein the method comprises the following steps: dispensing the fluid by means of a dispensing device operating without air intake, in particular an airless dispensing device, e.g. an airless pump, wherein the fluid is taken from a container comprising: a collapsible first section and several rigid second sections, wherein the first section and the second sections are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis of the container; collapsing the first section; guiding at least a part of the container by means of a guide section during the collapse of the first section; and moving at least one of the second sections along the longitudinal axis of the container and relative to a region of the container.

[0059] The above statements regarding the donor apply analogously to the procedure.

[0060] The area can have a shoulder, with at least one of the second sections moving towards the shoulder.

[0061] The container may have a bottom that moves along the longitudinal axis of the container relative to the area of ​​the container and / or forms one of the second sections.

[0062] Further embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a dispenser according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the dispenser shown in Fig. 1 The dispenser shown is without a dispensing device; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the dispenser shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 of the container shown; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a container according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 dispenser shown; Fig. 6 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the container in Fig. 1 Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view of a deformed container of a dispenser according to one embodiment; Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of an "hourglass" deformed container; Fig. 9 a schematic side view of a dispenser according to one embodiment; Fig. 10 a schematic perspective view of a dispenser according to one embodiment, wherein the guide section is in an open position; Fig. 11 a schematic perspective view of the in Fig. 11 The dispenser shown, wherein the guide section is in a closed position; Fig. 12 a schematic side view of a dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0063] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, some reference symbols for recurring features have been omitted in some of the figures.

[0064] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a dispenser 1 for dispensing a fluid according to one embodiment. The fluid can, for example, be a liquid. In other embodiments, the fluid can also be a gas or a gas mixture, for example, a gas-liquid mixture. The fluid can have a viscosity (e.g., at room temperature) of 10 mPa·s or less, preferably 5 mPa·s or less, particularly preferably 2 mPa·s or less, or of 10 mPa·s or more, for example, in the range of 10 mPa·s to 1000 mPa·s or even 10,000 mPa·s or more. The fluid can be pasty. The fluid can, for example, be water or cream.

[0065] The dispenser 1 comprises a dispensing device 2 for dispensing the fluid and a container 3 from which the fluid can be drawn. The container 3 is thus arranged to receive the fluid dispensed by the dispensing device 2. The dispensing device 2 is designed to operate without air intake. This means, in particular, that the dispensing device 2 does not allow air to enter the container 3 to the extent that the fluid is dispensed. The container 3 therefore loses capacity to the extent that the fluid is dispensed from it. The dispensing device 2 preferably operates by dispensing the fluid without the aid of air pressure. Instead, the fluid is pressurized by a pressure transmitter, such as a piston.

[0066] The dispensing device 2 is preferably designed to be operated manually. For this purpose, the dispensing device 2 can, for example, have an actuating element 21, for instance in the form of a lever. The dispensing device 2 preferably has a dispensing opening 22 through which the fluid can be dispensed outside the dispenser 1. The dispensing opening 22 can be configured to adjust the dispensing pattern of the fluid, for example, so that the fluid is sprayed.

[0067] Preferably, the dispensing device 2 is an airless dispensing device, in particular an airless pump.

[0068] The container 3 has one or more collapsible first sections 31 and several rigid second sections 32, wherein the sections 31, 32 are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis of the container 3. The first section 31 is preferably more flexible than either of the second sections 32. Consequently, when a force acts on the container 3 parallel to its longitudinal axis, the first section 31 deforms, while the second sections 32 do not deform or deform less. This is, for example, Fig. 2 indicated by the dashed lines. The increased tendency of the first section 31 to collapse, compared to the second sections 32, can be achieved through various characteristics, for example, geometric and / or material-specific features.

[0069] The container 3 can have only one first section 31 or several, for example two or more, preferably three or more, and particularly preferably four or more first sections 31. The first sections 31 are then arranged distributed along the longitudinal axis of the container 3. Each of the first sections 31 is preferably arranged between two adjacent second sections 32. In other words, a first section 31 can be defined or bounded by two second sections 32. A first section 31 is described below, and this description applies equally to the optional at least one further first section 31. The container 3 can have only two second sections 32 or three or more, preferably four or more, and particularly preferably five or more second sections 32. The second sections 32 are arranged (distributed) along the longitudinal axis of the container 3.

[0070] The first section 31 can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the longitudinal axis of the container 3. In a section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container 3, the first section 31 can be curved, preferably circular or oval.

[0071] The first section 31 can acquire its increased tendency to collide compared to each of the second sections 32 in different ways. For example, the first section 31, as seen in the longitudinal section of the container 3, can be straighter or less curved than each of the second sections 32. How Fig. 2 As can be seen, the first section 31, viewed in a longitudinal section of the container 3 (i.e., in a section along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 3), can be essentially straight and preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The first section 31 can, in particular, be designed such that it can collapse into the interior of the container 33, from which the fluid is drawn, as shown in Fig. 2 as indicated by the dashed lines. The first section 31 can have a feature, e.g., a weakened area, that facilitates and / or directs the collapse of the first section 31, for example, towards the interior of the container 33. Preferably, the first section 31 is foldable.

[0072] The first section 31 is therefore designed to transition from a non-collapsed state to a collapsed state. In the collapsed state, the first section 31 is preferably less high or long with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 3 than in the non-collapsed state. In the collapsed state, the first section 31 is preferably more curved and / or more kinked than in the non-collapsed state.

[0073] One or more of the second sections 32 can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the longitudinal axis of the container 3. In a section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container 3, one or more of the second sections 32 can be curved, preferably circular or oval.

[0074] The second sections 32 can each achieve their increased stiffness and thus reduced tendency to collide compared to the first section 31 in different ways. For example, at least one of the sections 32 can be less straight, for instance more curved, than the first section 31. How Fig. 2 As can be seen in a longitudinal section of the container 3, at least one of the second sections 32 can be curved. At least one of the second sections 32 can have a recess 321, which preferably at least partially, and preferably completely, surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container 3, for example in the form of a ring. The recess 321 can extend towards the interior 33 of the container, so that it is visible there, for example, as a projection. The recess 321 can form a groove and / or a rib. If at least one of the second sections 32 is curved, it acquires this curvature, for example, through the recess 321. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the second sections 32 can be heavier, i.e., have more weight, than the first section 31 and thereby acquire increased stiffness or a reduced tendency to collapse compared to this section.

[0075] How in particular Fig. 2 As can be clearly seen, the first section 31 and the second sections 32 can form a ribbed, grooved or folded beam-like structure, such as is known from the harmonica.

[0076] The container 3 can have a shoulder 34, a side wall (or body) 35, and a bottom 36. The side wall 35 preferably extends from the bottom 36 and / or to the shoulder 34. The shoulder 34 is preferably connected to the bottom 36 at least via the side wall 35.

[0077] The shoulder 34 preferably forms, for example due to its geometry and / or weight, one (first) of the second sections 32. For example, it is possible that one of the second sections 32 is formed by the shoulder 34 and at least one other of the second sections 32 obtains its increased stiffness in another way, for example by having the rebound 321.

[0078] The side wall 35 preferably has a region that forms the first section 31, such that at least a part of the side wall 35 forms the first section 31.

[0079] The base 36 preferably forms, for example due to its geometry and / or weight, one (second) of the second sections 32. For example, it is possible that one of the second sections 32 is formed by the base 35 and at least one other of the second sections 32 obtains its increased stiffness in another way, for example by being formed by the shoulder 34 and / or having the springback 321.

[0080] In a longitudinal section of the container 3, the shoulder 34 can have a (first) shape. This shape can, for example, be tapered. The shoulder 34 can therefore represent a taper of the container 3. Preferably, the shape of the shoulder 34 is curved and / or angled (for example, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 3 or the side wall 35).

[0081] Viewed in a longitudinal section of the container 3, the bottom 36 can have a (second) shape. This shape can, for example, project into the interior 33 of the container. The bottom 36 can be designed such that it forms a recess visible from outside the container 3. Preferably, the shape of the bottom 36 is curved and / or angled (for example, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 3 or the side wall 35).

[0082] It is preferred if the first and second forms are at least partially corresponding or complementary to each other. This allows the shoulder 34 and base 36 to be brought particularly close to each other without anything, such as the geometry, of the shoulder 34 and / or the base 36 obstructing this. In other words, the shoulder 34 and base 36 can, for example, be stacked inside one another. This allows the container 3 to be transformed into a particularly compact state, in particular, to be deformed.

[0083] The container 3 can have a neck 37, for example a 28 / 410 neck. The neck 37 can have a fastening area 371, for example in the form of a thread and / or in the form of one or more detent elements, in particular detent lugs. The container 3 can have a dispensing opening 38, which is, for example, the neck 37.

[0084] Preferably the container 3 is removable or disassemblable from the dispensing device 2 (non-destructively), for example via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, which is preferably provided at least by the neck 37, in particular its fastening area 371.

[0085] The container 3 is not limited to a specific shape. Preferably, at least a part of the container 3 has a cylindrical shape, preferably at least the part forming the side wall 35. Alternatively or additionally, the container 3, for example another part, preferably at least the part forming the shoulder 34, can have a tapered shape, such as a cone. The container 3 is particularly preferably a bottle and / or cartridge.

[0086] Container 3 is not limited to a specific material. Preferably, container 3 is made of a material containing an additive. The additive can be designed such that, in a blow molding process, thinner walls of container 3 can be achieved than if the container did not contain the additive in the same process. The additive is preferably suitable for modifying the length of a polymer chain. In particular, the additive can contain chemical compounds suitable for degrading PET or being incorporated into the polymer chain as a copolymer, such that the additive is, for example, a so-called "chainbreaker" additive. Such an additive is described, for example, in WO 2023 / 203194 A1.

[0087] Container 3 can be made of plastic. Preferably, container 3 is made of plastic. The plastic can be a polyolefin and / or a polyester. The polyolefin can be polyethylene, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The polyester can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), preferably recycled PET (rPET).

[0088] The container 3 is preferably blow-molded, for example by extrusion blow molding or stretch blow molding.

[0089] The container 3 can have a weight-to-volume ratio of 30 g / L or less, preferably in the range of 23 g / L to 27 g / L, and particularly preferably in the range of 25 g / L to 26 g / L. The container volume is preferably 0.5 L or less, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.3 L to 0.4 L. In one embodiment, the container volume is essentially 0.35 L. The container 3 can have a weight of 10 g or less, e.g., 9 g for a volume of 0.35 L.

[0090] The dispenser 1 has a guide section 4 (a so-called "keeper") which is arranged to guide at least a part of the container 3, preferably at least one of the second sections 32, in particular laterally, while the first section 31 collapses. The guide section 4 can be a receiving section, in particular a receiving container. The guidance provided by the guide section 4 prevents movement of a part of the container 3, for example at least one of the second sections 32, in a certain direction, for example in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container 3. Thus, this part of the container 3 can, for example, move along the longitudinal axis of the container 3. It is preferred if the guide section 4 is arranged at least laterally to the container 3 and / or at least partially surrounds the container 3.At least a portion of the guide section 4 surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container 3, at least partially, preferably completely. At least a portion of the guide section 4 can be arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 3.

[0091] The guide section 4 preferably has a hollow body 41 in which at least a part of the container 3 is arranged. The guide section 4 may have a side wall 42 which, viewed in a longitudinal section of the guide section 4, is preferably straight and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The guide section 4 may have a (lower) opening 43 through which at least a part of the container 3 can be inserted into the guide section 4, in particular its hollow body 41. The side wall 42 may define the opening 43. The guide section 4 preferably has a wall 44 against which the container 3 can be supported, for example via the shoulder 34, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The guide section 4 may be configured at least partially to correspond to the container 3, in particular to its shoulder 34 and / or side wall 35.The wall 44 can be at least partially formed corresponding to the shoulder 34 and / or form a shoulder of the guide section 4. The guide section 4 preferably has an (upper) opening 45 through which a part of the container 3, for example at least a part of the neck 37, can extend. As in particular also the . Fig. 12 As can be seen, the guide section 4 can have an opening 46 (e.g., in the form of a viewing window) through which the container 3, for example, the first section 31 and / or at least one of the second sections 32, is visible. The opening 46 is preferably an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the container 3, in particular an elongated hole.

[0092] The guide section 4 preferably extends over 50% or more of the length or height of the container 3.

[0093] Guide section 4 is not limited to a specific material. For example, guide section 4 can be made of wood, plastic, and / or metal. Guide section 4 can be coated, for example, with a metal coating and / or paint.

[0094] The guide section 4 can be secured against rotation relative to the container 3. For example, an anti-rotation device (not shown) can be arranged on the container 3, in particular on the shoulder 34, the side wall 35, the bottom 36 and / or the neck 37, to secure the guide section 4 against rotation relative to the container 3. The anti-rotation device can be configured as one half of a groove-and-cam connection extending along a container contour or as one half of corresponding engagement elements extending towards the neck 37. The engagement elements can be configured as complementary polygonal protrusions or recesses.

[0095] Fig. 3 shows container 3 of the Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 in a side view. It can be seen, for example, that the first section 31 and the second sections 32 can be designed such that they are recognizable from outside the container 3 as a straight, i.e., essentially smooth, section 31, for example as a kind of panel, and recesses 321, for example grooves. Thus, the sections 31, 32 form a folded-beam, in particular accordion-like, structure.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a container 3, which corresponds to container 3. Fig. 3 corresponds, but has a slightly different design of the first section 31 compared to the latter. As in Fig. 4 As shown, the first section 31, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the container 3, can also have an odd shape, in particular a bent or curved, for example convex, which promotes the collapse of the first section 31. The first section 31, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the container 3, can, for example, have two transverse regions 311, 312, which preferably extend at an obtuse angle to each other, for example, measured on the outside of the container 3. The angle is preferably less than 180° and / or preferably greater than 135°, particularly preferably greater than 150°. The regions 311, 312 each extend straight in a longitudinal section of the container 3, but transversely to the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The regions 311, 312 make the first section 31 particularly collapsible, in particular foldable.

[0097] Based on the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 A possible method for dispensing or releasing the fluid using the dispenser 1 is to be described. The fluid is dispensed through the dispensing device 2. In this process, the fluid is drawn from the container 3. No air is drawn into the container 3, which causes the container 3 to deform. At least part of the container 3 is guided by the guide section 4, at least during this deformation. Thus, the container 3 collapses under "guide" pressure, at least at the first section 31, and deforms accordingly. This deformation is described in the Fig. 5 The process is strongly schematically indicated by radial arrows. Due to the controlled collapse of the first section 31, at least one of the second sections 32 and / or the bottom 36 moves along the longitudinal axis of the container 3, as shown in Fig. 6 The arrows strongly suggest this schematically. In particular, the base 36 moves towards the shoulder 34. As a result, the container 3 undergoes a defined deformation along its longitudinal axis, specifically a deformation similar to that of a bellows, for example, of a harmonica. Consequently, the volume of the container 3 at the end of its use, i.e., when essentially its entire contents have been removed, is particularly small, as shown in Fig. 7 In particular, an "hourglass" deformation is shown, which is caused by undesirable constrictions of the container and occurs, for example, in Fig. 8 This is avoided, as shown. Therefore, the waste volume and the amount of unusable residual material contained in container 3 are particularly low.

[0098] As in the Fig. 9 As shown, the guide section 4 can have a closure part 47A, in particular a lid, wherein the guide section 4 can be opened via the closure part 47A in order to insert the container 3 into or remove it from the guide section 4, i.e., for example, into a cavity of the guide section 4. The closure part 47A can be detachable from a part of the guide section 4, in particular an upper part 48A, preferably completely detachable. The closure part 47A can, for example, be connected to and / or detachable from the part 48A via a force-fit and / or positive-locking connection (for example, a screw connection). The closure part 47A preferably forms a lower part of the guide section 4. The upper part 48A can, for example, have a shoulder 44 of the guide section 4.

[0099] In the embodiment according to Fig. 10 und Fig. 11 The guide section 4 also has a closure element 47B, via which the guide section 4 can be opened to insert the container 3 into or remove it from the guide section 4. The closure element 47B is preferably connected to a section of the guide section 4, in particular a side element 48B, via a movable connection, in particular a hinge 481. The side element 48B can comprise at least a portion of the side wall 42 and / or at least a portion of the shoulder 44. The closure element 47B can be arranged laterally to the container 3 and / or form one half of the guide section 4. It is preferred that the closure element 47B comprises at least a portion of the side wall 42 and / or at least a portion of the shoulder 44.

[0100] The locking element 47B can have a fastening section 482 by which the locking element 47B can be held in a closed position. This closed position is in Fig. 11 The guide section 4 is therefore preferably movable between a closed position and an open position, with the open position being in Fig. 10 as shown. In the open position, the container 3 can be inserted into or removed from the guide section 4. When the fastening section 482 is actuated, for example by pressing on the fastening section 482, as shown in Fig. 11 As indicated by the arrow, the locking element 47B can be released and moved into the open position. The fastening section 482 can have a detent or snap element and / or another fastening element, such as a magnet. Preferably, the locking element 47B can be fastened to the section 48B of the guide section 4 via the fastening section 482. For this purpose, the section 48B can, for example, have a fastening element corresponding to the fastening section 482, in particular a corresponding detent or snap element.

[0101] As the Fig. 9 bis 11 As can be seen, the guide section 4 can have a base 49 that extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the container 3. In the embodiment according to Fig. 9 The closure part 47A includes the (entire) base 49. In the embodiment according to Fig. 10 und Fig. 11 The closure part 47B only has a portion of the base 49. In this embodiment, the base 49 has two sections 491 and 492, wherein the closure part 47B has a first section 491 and the section 48B has a second section 492.

[0102] The guidance section 4 can be designed in multiple parts, as exemplified by the following: Fig. 9 bis 11 show. However, the guide section 4 can also be formed as a single piece.

Claims

1. Dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, comprising: - a dispensing device (2) operating without air intake for dispensing the fluid, in particular an airless dispensing device, e.g. an airless pump; - a container (3) for receiving the fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing device (2), wherein the container (3) comprises: a collapsible first section (31) and several rigid second sections (32), wherein the first section (31) and the second sections (32) are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis of the container (3); and - a guide section (4) for guiding at least a part of the container (3) during a collapse of the first section (31).

2. Dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (31) surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container (3) at least partially, preferably completely, and / or wherein at least one of the second sections (32) surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container (3) at least partially, preferably completely.

3. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) has a shoulder (34), a side wall (35) and a bottom (36), wherein preferably the shoulder (34) forms one of the second sections (32), wherein preferably the bottom (36) forms one of the second sections (32), wherein preferably at least a part of the side wall (35) forms the first section (31), wherein preferably, viewed in a longitudinal section of the container (3), the shoulder (34) has a first shape and the bottom (36) has a second shape, wherein the shapes correspond at least partially to each other, wherein the shapes are particularly preferably each at least partially curved.

4. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second sections (32) has a recess (321), wherein preferably the recess (321) surrounds the longitudinal axis of the container (3) at least partially, preferably completely, for example in the form of a ring, wherein preferably the recess (321) recedes in the direction of the interior of the container (33).

5. Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (31) is more flexible than each of the second sections (32), and / or wherein one or more of the second sections (32), in particular the shoulder (34) and / or the base (36), are each heavier than the first section (31).

6. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (31) is straight when viewed in a longitudinal section of the container (3), preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container (3), and / or wherein at least one of the second sections (32) is curved when viewed in a longitudinal section of the container (3), and / or wherein the first section (31) and / or the second sections (32) are each curved when viewed in a section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container (3), preferably circular or oval.

7. Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (31) is configured to collapse into the interior of the container (33), and / or wherein the first section (31) has a feature for facilitating and / or directed collapse of the first section (31), and / or wherein the first section (31) is foldable.

8. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (31) seen in a longitudinal section of the container has two areas (311, 312) extending transversely to each other, preferably at an obtuse angle, preferably such that the first section (31) is foldable.

9. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising several first sections (31) which are arranged distributed along the longitudinal axis of the container (3).

10. Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (31) and the second sections (32) form a grooved, ribbed or bellows-like structure.

11. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide section (4) is arranged to guide at least one of the second sections (32), and / or wherein the guide section (4) is arranged at least laterally to the container (3) and / or at least partially surrounds the container (3), and / or wherein the guide section (4) is arranged at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container (3), and / or wherein the guide section (4) is at least partially a hollow body, preferably a cylinder, wherein at least a part of the container (3) or the entire container (3) is arranged in the hollow body.

12. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) has a neck (37), and / or wherein the container is detachable from the dispensing device (2), for example via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, which is preferably provided at least by the neck (37) and / or has a thread.

13. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is made of a material comprising an additive, wherein the additive is preferably configured such that lower wall thicknesses of the container can be achieved in a blow molding process than would be possible in the blow molding process without the use of the additive, wherein the additive is preferably suitable for modifying the length of a polymer chain, wherein the additive is particularly preferably a chain breaker additive.

14. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is made at least of plastic, wherein the plastic preferably comprises a polyolefin, in particular a polyethylene, particularly preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and / or a polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), particularly preferably recycled PET (rPET).

15. Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is obtained by forming a preform, and / or wherein the container (3) is blow-molded, for example by extrusion blow molding or stretch blow molding, and / or wherein the container (3) has a cylindrical shape.

16. Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of container weight to container volume is 30 g / L or less, preferably in a range of 23 g / L to 27 g / L, particularly preferably in a range of 25 g / L to 26 g / L, and / or wherein the container volume is 0.5 L or less, preferably in a range of 0.3 L to 0.4 L, particularly preferably substantially 0.35 L.

17. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1) is configured to dispense the fluid without a dip tube.

18. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide section (4) is formed in multiple parts, and / or wherein the guide section (4) has a closure part (47A, 47B), in particular a lid, wherein the guide section (4) can be opened via the closure part (47A, 47B) in order to insert the container (3) into or remove it from the guide section (4), wherein preferably the closure part (47A) is removable from a part of the guide section (4), in particular an upper part (48A), and more preferably completely removable, wherein preferably the closure part (47B) is connected to a section of the guide section (4), in particular a side part (48B), via a movable connection, in particular a hinge (481), wherein preferably the closure part (47B) has a fastening section (482) by means of which the closure part (47B) can be held in a closed position.wherein the closure part (47B) can particularly preferably be attached to the section (48B) of the guide section (4) via the fastening section (482), wherein the closure part (47B) is preferably arranged laterally to the container (3) and / or forms half of the guide section (4), and / or wherein the guide section (4) has a base (49) which extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the container (3), wherein the closure part (47A, 47B) preferably comprises at least a part of the base (49).

19. A method for dispensing a fluid, in particular a liquid, comprising the following steps: - Dispensing the fluid by means of a dispensing device (2) operating without air intake, in particular an airless dispensing device, e.g. an airless pump, wherein the fluid is taken from a container (3) comprising: a collapsible first section (31) and several rigid second sections (32), wherein the first section (31) and the second sections (32) are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis of the container (3); - Collapsing the first section (31); - Guiding at least a part of the container (3) by means of a guide section (4) during the collapse of the first section (31); and - Moving at least one of the second sections (32) along the longitudinal axis of the container (3) and relative to a region of the container (3).

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the area has a shoulder (34), wherein at least one of the second sections (32) moves in the direction of the shoulder (34), and / or wherein the container (3) has a bottom (36) which moves along the longitudinal axis of the container (3) relative to the area of ​​the container (3) and / or forms one of the second sections (32).

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