DISPENSING APPARATUS, DISPENSING SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING POWDER - Patent application

Abstract

A dispensing device (1) for dispensing powder (50) from a container (2) is provided. The device (1) has a first side (4) and a second side (5). The dispensing device (1) includes a powder passage (10) extending therethrough, the powder passage (10) configured to transfer powder (50) from the first side (4) to the second side (5), and an air passage (11) extending therethrough, the air passage (11) configured to transfer ambient air from the second side (5) to the first side (4). The air passage (11) has a first path length (l1) from a surface of the second side (5) to an opening (18) in the air passage (11). Additionally, the powder passage (10) has a second path length (l2) from the surface of the second side (5) to the powder opening (19) of the powder passage (10). The first path length (l1) is greater than the second path length (l2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device, a dispensing system and a method for dispensing powder, in particular dental powder. [Background technology]

[0002] Powders may be used in the air polishing technique used in dentistry to remove stains and discoloration from teeth and to remove dental biofilms. This powder blasting technique typically uses low abrasive powders.

[0003] When powders are used in dental cavities, dust is generated during preparation of the appliance or during treatment. This dust is undesirable. To avoid this problem, soluble powders are selected that dissolve in water and therefore do not remain in the body. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using water-soluble powders, degradation occurs over time. Moisture in the air can form a layer of water on the surface of the powder particles, which changes the particles in terms of particle size (i.e. particle agglomeration) and flow behavior. Crystallographic changes can also occur in water-soluble powders, which can affect the powder's properties. The end result of this moisture effect is that the powder's flowability is impaired, which can make it unusable in the dispensing device used. In particular, clogging of the powder can occur inside the dispensing device, reducing the powder's abrasiveness and efficiency. In other words, the powder degrades during storage for a certain period of time (i.e. the powder ages).

[0005] Therefore, it is essential to protect the powder against moisture coming from the air. In the prior art, soft pouches are used to fill and store the powder. These pouches have aluminum foil between them to ensure a good barrier against moisture. First, these pouches are for one-time use. Second, the long seal around the pouch is the weak point, allowing moisture to enter and become the same as the humidity outside. Furthermore, metal canisters are used to protect the powder. However, such canisters are not suitable for use with prophylactic powders, since it is impractical and laborious to fill the powder into the dispensing device. Furthermore, due to the rigidity of the metal canister, it is not possible to deform the canister to push the powder out of the canister. As a result, the powder gets stuck in the spout or spills out, making correct dosing impossible. Furthermore, the powder may remain in the canister and not be properly dispensed.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device, a dispensing system, and a dispensing method that enable dispensing a specified amount of powder from a sealed container that prevents or suppresses deterioration of the powder over time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a dispensing device according to claim 1, 10 A dispensing system comprising the features of claim 1 and claims 2. 12 The above problem is solved by providing a method for dispensing powder comprising the features described above.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing device for dispensing powder, preferably from a closed container, the device having a first side and a second side, the dispensing device comprising a powder passage extending through the device, the powder passage configured to transfer powder from the first side to the second side, and a vent passage extending through the device, the vent passage configured to transfer ambient air from the second side of the device to the first side of the device, the vent passage having a first path length from a surface of the second side to its vent opening, and the powder passage having a second path length from a surface of the second side to its powder opening, the first path length being greater than the second path length.

[0009] Preferably, such a vent passage has an inner part inside the dispensing device extending between a first side facing the inside of the bottle in use and a second side facing away from the bottle in use, and an outer part extending on the first side to the outside of the device in a direction opposite to the second side, i.e. the outer part may extend away from the first side at any angle between 0° and 180°, preferably 30° and 150°, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the direction defined by joining the first side and the second side.

[0010] In particular, the dispensing device is intended to dispense powder from a reservoir, with a first side facing the reservoir and a second side facing away from the reservoir. This applies to dispensing devices that are attached to a container or that are a head of a container (i.e. when the dispensing device is a permanent component of or an integral part of the container).

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the dispensing device is a dispensing cap. Moreover, the dispensing device has a circular shape in a plan view. The dispensing device has a body through which a powder passage and a vent passage extend. The dispensing device can be used to dispense powder from a container in a defined manner, i.e., to expel powder from the container through the powder passage in a controlled or single-dose manner. Even when the powder is filled into a relatively small cavity or volume, the dispensing device can be used to appropriately dispense the powder in a controllable and smooth manner. The container has a cylindrical shape (e.g., a bottle) and has an opening on its axial side, i.e., when the container is in an upright position, the opening is at the top of the container.

[0012] This effect is achieved by providing a vent passage through which air can be admitted into the container during the dispensing process; i.e. only powder can be discharged from the container through the powder passage. At the same time, air can be introduced into the container to compensate for the volume loss caused by the exiting powder. As a result, the flow of powder through the powder passage is continuous and smooth and no flash effect occurs. A flash effect can occur if powder is transported through a passage and air is sucked in the opposite direction through the same passage. According to the invention, the introduction of air into the container and the discharge of powder out of the container are well separated from each other. As a result, the outflow of powder can be easily controlled, for example by tilting the bottle.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the vent passages have a longer passage length, as measured from the second side surface towards the opening of the respective passage, compared to the powder passages, in order to ensure adequate air introduction to make up for the volume of powder dispensed from the container. Thus, the vent openings located within the container are in communication with the air volume within the container when in a dispense or tilted position (i.e. above the powder) during the dispensing process. Such a dispense position is in particular a tilted position that allows powder to exit the container when the container is tilted relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of gravity such that the powder flows out of the container.

[0014] Moreover, when the dispensing device is attached to the container, the vent passage protrudes into the container. On the other hand, the powder opening is flush with the surface of the first side of the dispensing device. As a result, the entire powder contained in the container can be discharged outside the container. Alternatively, the powder passage also protrudes into the container. In either case, the passage length of the vent passage is longer than the passage length of the powder passage. As a result, each opening is arranged in a specific position that is most suitable for its respective function. That is, the opening of the powder passage (i.e., the powder opening) is arranged so that the opening communicates with the powder contained in the container. On the other hand, the opening of the vent passage (i.e., the vent opening) is arranged so that the opening communicates with the air volume in the container. The above positions depend on the shape and structure of the container. Furthermore, the above positions also depend on the amount of powder contained in the container. In general, it is advantageous to arrange the powder opening so that the powder opening is arranged at the lowest position of the container when the container is in the discharge position. On the other hand, the vent opening is arranged at a higher position in the container with respect to the powder opening with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, the extension of the vent passage into the container (i.e., the amount of protrusion from the first side) is longer than the extension of the powder passage from the first side. Furthermore, the portion of the vent passage extending from the first side of the dispensing device is flexible. As a result, when the dispensing device is attached to the container, this portion can be easily inserted into the container through the opening of the container. For example, the vent passage extension is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic and / or includes a joint so that it is flexible. The vent passage extension is referred to as the outer portion of the vent passage.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the vent passage includes a check valve configured to block powder attempting to pass through the vent passage from the first side to the second side. That is, the check valve is configured to allow air to pass from the second side to the first side of the dispensing device, but block powder from exiting the container through the vent passage. Alternatively or additionally, the vent passage includes a sieve member configured to block powder from exiting the container through the vent passage. Thus, even if some powder enters the vent passage through the vent opening, the powder cannot pass through the vent passage to the second side of the dispensing device. The sieve member is disposed at the junction of an exterior portion of the vent passage and an interior portion located within the dispensing device.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the powder is a low abrasive dental powder such as sodium bicarbonate, glycine, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, erythritol, hydroxylapatite, tagatose, or trehalose. Furthermore, the powder is hydrophilic, whereby humidity in the surrounding air can cause a layer of water to form on the surface of the powder particles, which can adversely affect the powder properties. This effect takes time and is considered as aging of the powder.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, to avoid or delay this aging of the powder, the powder is stored in a sealed container. The container is airtight such that moisture cannot enter the container. The container has an opening to which the dispensing device is attached. Furthermore, the opening of the container is the only opening of the container. Furthermore, the container is made of a rigid material. Thus, the container is configured such that it cannot be easily deformed by the user. That is, for example, the container cannot be compressed to push out the powder. The container is made of aluminum. The container has a wall thickness of at least 0.05 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, more preferably about 0.9 mm. The dispensing device is attached to the container by an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism is a snap mechanism that allows the dispensing device to be quickly and easily attached to the container. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism is configured to attach the dispensing device to the container in a sealed state. Thus, the dispensing device includes a sealing means (e.g. a sealing ring) sandwiched between the dispensing device and the container to seal the container. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism is a screw thread.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a first side of the dispensing device and a second side of the dispensing device are opposite each other. When the dispensing device is attached to a container, the first side faces the inside of the container and the second side faces the outside of the container. The dispensing device has a first surface on its first side and a second surface on its second side. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to a central axis of the dispensing device.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the powder passage is a tubular passage extending through the dispensing device. The powder passage extends through a center point of the dispensing device. In other words, the powder passage is arranged in the dispensing device so as to be centrally located (e.g., when the dispensing device has a circular shape). As a result, when the container is tilted to a dispensing position, the powder passage is arranged at a lower position relative to the vent passage. Therefore, powder is easily transported through the powder passage.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the ventilation passage is a tubular passage extending through the dispensing device. The ventilation passage has a smaller diameter compared to the diameter of the powder passage. Thus, the powder is not easily discharged by the ventilation passage. Furthermore, the ventilation passage is eccentrically arranged in the dispensing device, i.e., the ventilation passage is arranged at the edge of the dispensing device. As a result, when the container is in its discharge position, the ventilation passage is located at a higher position relative to the powder passage. As a result, air enters the container through the ventilation passage and not through the powder passage.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first and second passage lengths are measured from a surface of the dispensing device facing the second side to the end (i.e. opening) of the respective passage located on the opposite side. Moreover, the passage length is the length of the centerline of the respective passage. In other words, the passage length is the development length of the centerline of the respective passage. The opening of the passage opposite the second side is considered as the end of the respective passage. More specifically, at the powder opening at or near the first side, powder can enter the powder passage. Similarly, at the vent opening opposite the second side, air can exit the vent passage. Moreover, the dispensing device includes a check valve in the powder passage to prevent foreign objects (e.g. water, air, etc.) from entering the container through the powder passage. Moreover, the vent passage includes a check valve (as described above) to prevent powder from being discharged from the container through the vent passage. Thus, each of the passages is used for the purpose for which it is configured.

[0023] In contrast to the prior art, one aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing device used to dispense powder (e.g. dental powder) from a rigid container in a defined and precisely controllable manner. This object is achieved in particular by providing a vent passage for introducing air into the container during the dispensing process. As a result, the powder is smoothly discharged from the container. Furthermore, the present invention is particularly advantageous when the container is nearly empty or when only a small amount of powder is present in the container. This is because the vacuum caused by the reduction in the powder volume in the container by discharging the powder is suppressed by introducing air through the vent passage. On the other hand, when a large amount of powder is present in the container, the powder is pushed out of the container by itself due to gravity (i.e. the effect of the generated vacuum is much smaller). Furthermore, it is noted that even if the vent opening is submerged in the powder, air can still enter the container through the vent passage. The configuration of this aspect of the present invention provides in particular the advantage that the air enters the container by utilizing the vent passage and not the powder passage. Thus, the powder is smoothly discharged through the powder passage.

[0024] Preferably, the vent passage has an inner portion extending into the device and an outer portion extending outside the device on the first side. According to a further aspect of the invention, when the dispensing device is attached to the container, the external part protrudes into the container. The external part is made of a different material than the internal part. For example, the external part is made of a flexible material. The internal or inner part is a through hole extending through the dispensing device. The external part is a tube or hose connected to the dispensing device at a first surface so as to communicate with the internal part. The external part has sufficient rigidity and / or elasticity to always return to the operating position. In the operating position, the external part communicates with an air volume in the container. In other words, in the operating position, the vent opening is located at a higher position compared to the position of the powder opening. As a result, air is introduced into the container when the powder is discharged from the container. Furthermore, the external part is curved to describe a semicircle. That is, the vent opening faces the first side of the dispensing device. Alternatively, the external part is curved to describe, for example, a quarter circle. Thus, the vent opening is located sufficiently far from the powder opening. Furthermore, the vent passage has a curved path. For example, the ventilation passage has at least one circular course or path, such that transfer of powder through the ventilation passage is avoided during the dispensing process.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the powder passage extends along a central axis of the dispensing device. Furthermore, the inner portion extends parallel to the powder passage and the outer portion is tilted relative to the central axis. Furthermore, the outer portion is tilted relative to the central axis. As a result, the outer portion is in communication with an air volume inside the container and the vent opening is spaced from the powder opening. Thus, when the container is tilted, air is easily introduced into the container by the vent passage.

[0026] Preferably, the outer portion is angled relative to the powder passageway. According to a further aspect of the invention, the external portion is inclined with respect to at least a portion of the powder passage. For example, the external portion is inclined with respect to an axial axis of the powder opening at or near the first side of the dispensing device. Thus, the vent opening and the powder opening are sufficiently separated from each other. As a result, the discharge of powder through the powder passage and the introduction of air through the vent passage are smoothly performed.

[0027] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the passage length of the inner portion and the passage length of the outer portion are essentially the same, so that the flow resistance of air flowing through the ventilation passages is optimally related to prevent powder migration through the ventilation passages.

[0028] Preferably, the powder passage has a protruding portion protruding from the second side of the device. According to a further aspect of the invention, the protruding portion (hereinafter simply referred to as the protruding portion) is an extension of the powder passage from the second surface of the second side of the dispensing device. Alternatively, the protruding portion has a different cross section compared to the powder passage extending through the dispensing device. Preferably, the cross section of the protruding portion provides an increased discharge cross section for the powder. That is, due to the increased cross section, the flow rate of the powder is reduced. As a result, the user can properly dose the powder. Furthermore, for example, the protruding portion has a triangular cross section such that the powder can be dispensed in a defined amount. That is, the user can accurately dose the amount of powder to be dispensed. Furthermore, the protruding portion has a cross section that is open on one side. That is, the protruding portion is configured as a duct. As a result, the user is aware in time of the amount of powder transported by the powder passage and can therefore adapt the angle at which the container is tilted. Thus, the amount of powder dispensed from the container can be well regulated.

[0029] Preferably, the projecting portion has a spout extending therefrom. According to a further aspect of the invention, the spout further improves the dispensing of the powder. Moreover, the spout has a tapered shape such that the cross section of the spout decreases toward the tip of the spout. Thus, the dispensing device can be used to refill devices that only have a small refill opening. Even in such a case, the user can still easily dispense the powder from the container without spilling the powder off-target.

[0030] Preferably, the spout is disposed on the projecting portion so as to be located on the opposite side of the vent passage from the powder passage. According to a further aspect of the invention, the spout is arranged on the protrusion only in a portion that extends over at most half of the cross section of the protrusion, i.e. the other half of the cross section of the protrusion is not provided with a spout. As a result, the spout is additionally used as an indicator to identify how the container should be tilted so that the ventilation passage is above the powder passage with respect to gravity. The spout is therefore located on the opposite side of the axial axis of the powder passage to the ventilation passage. Furthermore, since the user automatically uses the spout to assist in dispensing the powder from the container in a defined amount, the user can automatically hold and tilt the container in a preferred direction and orientation, i.e. in an operating position in which the ventilation passage is disposed above the powder passage. In this way, dispensing the powder from the container in a defined amount is achieved, while air is smoothly introduced into the container through the ventilation passage.

[0031] Preferably, the dispensing device includes an external thread so that it can be screwed into the threads of the opening of the container such that the first side faces the inside of the container. According to a further aspect of the invention, a screw thread is formed on the outside of the body of the dispensing device. The body has a conical or cylindrical shape. The screw thread is configured to hold the dispensing device firmly to the container. That is, the screw thread provides a sufficient number of turns, preferably 2 to 5 turns.

[0032] Preferably, the dispensing device comprises a sealing means around its periphery. According to a further aspect of the invention, the sealing means is a seal ring disposed on the dispensing device so as to surround the dispensing device, the sealing means being sandwiched between the dispensing device and the container when the dispensing device is attached to the container, the sealing means being configured to prevent moisture from entering the container when the dispensing device is attached to the container.

[0033] Preferably, the powder is transported through the powder passage along the discharge direction, the powder passage having a cross section with a first (area) size measured in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction, and the ventilation passage having a cross section with a second (area) size measured in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction, the ratio of the second size to the first size being smaller than 0.75, preferably smaller than 0.4, more preferably smaller than 0.25, most preferably smaller than 0.1. It has been found that it is possible to dimension the ventilation passage significantly smaller than the powder passage. As a result, it is possible to use a relatively large first cross-sectional area for transporting the powder. In other words, the ventilation passage does not affect the size of the powder passage. Furthermore, the amount of gas exchanged is limited.

[0034] Preferably, the second size of the cross section of the vent passage increases from the second side towards the vent opening. In particular, the powder passage extends straight and / or has a cross-section with a constant first cross-sectional area along its extension from the second side to the powder opening, the first cross-sectional area being measured along a direction that is parallel to the discharge direction along which the powder is transported. Thus, advantageously, it is possible to avoid flow disturbances during the transport of powder inside the powder passage.

[0035] In particular, the dispensing device has a cylindrical basic shape with a central axis, and a first distance is established between the opening of the vent passage on the second side and the opening of the powder passage when measured radially relative to the central axis, and a second distance is established between the powder opening and the vent opening, the ratio of the first distance to the second distance being smaller than 0.75, preferably smaller than 0.5, most preferably smaller than 0.25. In other words, the second distance is significantly larger than the first distance. As a result, it is possible to avoid the vented gas being located close to the powder to be transported when the powder and the gas exit the respective openings.

[0036] Preferably, the dispensing device further comprises a lid element configured to be attached to the second side of the device to cover the power passage and the vent passage. According to a further aspect of the invention, the lid element is configured as a cover for closing the powder passage and the ventilation passage. The lid element is removably attachable to the dispensing device (i.e. at the second side of the dispensing device). The lid element is configured to also cover a protrusion extending from the second side of the dispensing element. The lid element includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism for removably attaching to the dispensing device. Alternatively, the lid element is permanently attached to the dispensing device and configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, the lid element is movably fixed to the dispensing device via an integral hinge. However, the lid element may be attached to the dispensing device using any other suitable connection means.

[0037] Preferably, the dispensing device has an internal thread on the second side of the device and the lid element has an external thread so as to be screwed into the internal thread of the device. As an additional advantage, the lid element can have a second use, i.e., once the container is empty, the dispensing device can be removed and discarded, and the container can then be closed by the lid element. If such a container is for example an aluminum bottle, the lid element closes such a bottle so that it can be used for many years as a drinking bottle and does not have to be thrown away. The lid element has a multi-functional purpose.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the lid element is fixedly attached to the dispensing device. Moreover, the female thread of the dispensing device on the second side also fits the thread of the container. In other words, the male thread of the lid element is the same thread as the male thread of the dispensing device on the first side. As a result, the lid element can also be screwed directly onto the container without the need to install a dispensing device between the container and the lid element. Thus, multiple uses of the lid element are possible.

[0039] Preferably, the lid element is provided with a sealing element such that the powder passage and the ventilation passage are air-tight sealed when the lid element is attached to the dispensing device. According to a further aspect of the invention, when the lid element is attached to the dispensing device, the powder in the container is reliably protected from moisture, so that the deterioration of the powder contained in the container over time is significantly suppressed, and the powder can therefore be stored for a long period of time without deterioration.

[0040] Preferably, the lid element is made of aluminium or plastic. According to a further aspect of the invention, the lid element is a barrier to moisture, thus ensuring that moisture is prevented from entering the container.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing system comprising a dispensing device as defined above and a sealed container including an opening to which the dispensing device can be attached, the container being preferably an aluminium bottle.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the container is an airtight container, so that no moisture can get inside the container, thereby preventing or slowing down the aging of the powder. Preferably the container has a wall thickness of 0.05mm, preferably between 0.3mm and 1.2mm, more preferably about 0.9mm.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the container is configured to seal the powder contained within the container from exposure to moisture that may enter through the walls of the container, thereby preventing or slowing down aging of the powder.

[0044] The features and advantages discussed above in relation to the dispenser are also applicable to the system. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispensing powder comprising the steps of providing a container having a sealed opening and containing powder, opening the opening, attaching a dispensing device as defined above to the opening, and tilting the container such that an air passage of the device is above the powder passage with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0045] Advantages and features discussed in relation to the apparatus are also applicable to the method, and vice versa. Unless expressly stated otherwise, individual embodiments or individual aspects and features thereof can be combined with or exchanged for one another without limiting or expanding the scope of the invention being described, where such combinations or exchanges are meaningful and consistent with the spirit of the invention. Advantages described with respect to one embodiment of the invention are also advantages of other embodiments of the invention, where applicable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing system and a lid element according to an embodiment of the invention, the elements being spaced apart from each other; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing system and a lid element according to an embodiment of the invention, the elements being attached to one another; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device and a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a container in a dispensing position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device 1, a lid element 3 and a container 2 (the container is only partially depicted). Firstly, the dispensing device 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 1 is a circular cap configured to be screwed onto an opening of the container 2. The dispensing device 1 has a first side 4 facing towards the container 2 and a second side 4 facing away from the container 2. The dispensing device 1 comprises a dispensing device body 12. Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 includes a powder passage 10 extending through the dispensing device 1 (i.e. through the body 12) along a central axis C. The powder passage 10 is arranged in the dispensing device 1 such that it is located at the center of the dispensing device 1. The powder passage 10 has a powder opening 19 opposite the second side 5. The powder passage 10 is configured to transfer powder 50 from the first side 4 to the second side 5, i.e. from inside the container 2 to outside the container 2. Thus, the powder 50 can enter the powder passage 10 from the powder opening 19 in the first side 4 of the dispensing device 1. The powder opening 19 at the first side 4 of the dispensing device 1 is flush with the surface of the body 12 of the dispensing device 1 (i.e. the powder opening 19 is flush with the surface of the body 12 at the first side 4). At the second side 5 the powder passage 10 has a protrusion 17 protruding from the second side 5, i.e. the protrusion 17 protrudes from the body 12 at the second side 5. Furthermore, the protrusion 17 has a spout 16 that allows a defined amount of powder 50 to be dispensed. The powder passage 10 has a powder passage length l2 measured from the surface of the body 12 at the second side 5 to the powder opening 19 at the first side 4.

[0048] Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 has a ventilation passage 11 extending through the dispensing device 1 (i.e. through the body 12). The ventilation passage 11 is arranged eccentrically in the dispensing device 1. The ventilation passage 11 is composed of an inner or internal part 20 and an outer or external part 21. The inner part 20 extends through the body 12. The external part 21 extends outside the body 12. That is, the external part 21 protrudes from the first side 4 of the dispensing device 1. The inner part 20 extends parallel to the central axis C. The external part 21 is inclined with respect to the central axis C. The ventilation part 11 has a ventilation opening 18 on a side opposite to the second side 5. That is, the ventilation opening 18 is closer to the first side 4 than to the second side 5. More specifically, the external part 21 of the ventilation passage 11 has the ventilation opening 18. Further, the vent passage 11 has a first passage length l1. More specifically, the first passage length l1 is measured from a surface of the body 12 at the second side 5 to the vent opening 18. The first passage length l1 is longer than the second passage length l2. As a result, the vent opening 18 is spaced from the powder opening 19. That is, the vent passage 11 can communicate with the air volume within the container 2 even when the container 2 is tilted to expel the powder 50 from the container 2.

[0049] Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 has an external thread 13, by means of which the dispensing device 1 can be screwed into an internal thread 40 of the container 2. The dispensing device 1 further comprises a sealing means 14 arranged on the body 12 of the dispensing device 1 adjacent to the external thread 13 of the dispensing device 1, so as to provide a seal between the dispensing device 1 and the container 2 when the dispensing device 1 and the container 2 are connected to one another. Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 has an internal thread 15 on the second side 5 of the dispensing device 1. The internal thread 15 is configured to be connected to a lid element 3, which will be described below.

[0050] Furthermore, the external part 21 of the ventilation passage 11 is made of a rigid material. The length and / or the inclination of the external part 21 are configured such that the external part 21 can pass through the opening of the container 2 when the dispensing device 1 is attached to the container 2. In a further embodiment not shown, the external part 21 is made of an elastic material. As a result, the external part can have a longer extension. That is, the external part 21 can be deformed when inserting the external part 21 into the container 2. When the external part 21 is placed in the container 2, the external part 21 can take its original shape due to its elasticity. It is therefore possible to provide a ventilation passage 11 that reliably communicates with the air volume in the container 2 even when the container is almost completely filled with powder and / or when the container is tilted.

[0051] Secondly, the container 2 is a sealed rigid container made of aluminum. In this embodiment, the container 2 has the shape of a bottle. The container 2 has only one opening on one side in its axial direction. The container 2 has an internal thread 40 at its opening, into which the external thread 13 of the dispensing device 1 can be connected by screwing it. Furthermore, the container 2 has a wall thickness of 0.9 mm. As a result, the container has such airtightness that moisture from the surrounding air cannot penetrate through the wall of the container 2 to the inside of the container 2. As a result, the powder 50 contained in the container 50 is not likely to deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture.

[0052] Advantageously, the container 2 is filled with powder 50 and closed with a foil (not shown) glued to the edge of the opening. In a further embodiment, the foil is made of aluminium. The foil is removed before using the dispensing device 1 with the container 2.

[0053] Thirdly, the lid element 3 comprises an external thread 31 configured to be screwed into the internal thread 15 of the dispensing device 2 so as to cover the second side 5 of the dispensing element 1. Furthermore, the lid element 3 comprises a sealing element 30 configured to provide a seal between the lid element 3 and the dispensing device 1 when the lid element 3 and the dispensing device 1 are attached to one another.

[0054] In Fig. 2, the lid element 3 is attached to the dispensing device 1. Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 is attached to the container 2. In this embodiment, the ventilation opening 18 is located close to the inner wall of the container 2. The effect of this is that when the container 2 is tilted to the discharge position, powder 50 can be dispensed through the powder passage 10, while the ventilation passage is still in position to introduce air into the container 2 through the ventilation passage 11. Thus, powder 50 can be dispensed smoothly and continuously.

[0055] In Fig. 3 a further embodiment of the invention is depicted. This embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in that the outer part 21 of the ventilation passage 11 is curved. Thus, the powder 50 does not easily enter into the ventilation passage 11 when the container 2 is tilted. Furthermore, in Fig. 3 the lid element 3 is not shown, but it may be attached to the dispensing device 1 similarly to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2.

[0056] In Fig. 4 the same embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 is depicted. However, in Fig. 4 the container 2 and the dispensing device 1 attached to the container 2 are tilted in a dispensing position to dispense powder from the container 2. The vent opening 18 communicates with the air volume inside the container 2; i.e. the external passage 21 extends through the layer of powder 50 and then into the air volume. As a result, a smooth and continuous dispensing of the powder 50 out of the container 2 can be ensured.

[0057] In a further embodiment, not shown, the external part 21 of the ventilation passage 11 extends almost to the bottom of the container 2. Thus, the introduction of air into the container 2 can be achieved even if the container 2 is tilted so that it is in an upside-down position.

[0058] In the following, a method for dispensing powder using the dispensing device 1 according to the present invention will be described. First, the dispensing device 1 is attached to the container 2. In this state, the container 2 is upright. The user can then tilt the container 2 so that the protruding part 17 is directed toward the object to be filled with the powder 50. Furthermore, the container 2 is oriented such that the spout 16 is located lower than the protruding part 17 with respect to gravity. Thus, inside the container 2, the ventilation passage 11 is automatically positioned above the powder passage 10. That is, the spout 16 is used as an indicator to know how the container 2 should be oriented during the dispensing process. However, any other suitable indicator can be used to check how to hold the container 2. The ventilation opening 18 is located above the powder opening 19, so that air can easily enter the container 2 through the ventilation passage 11. As a result, only the powder 50 is discharged through the powder passage 10. As a result, the powder 50 can be smoothly discharged from the container 2 without spilling the powder 50.

[0059] Once the object to be filled with powder 50 is sufficiently filled, the container 2 is placed in an upright position. In order to prevent deterioration of the powder 50 over time, the container 2 can be covered with a lid element 3 in order to hermetically seal the container 2. Since the lid element 3 can be attached to both the dispensing device 1 and the container 2, it is up to the user to decide whether or not to leave the dispensing device 1 attached to the container. In either case, the powder 50 can be stored in the container 2 in a hermetically sealed state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Dispensing device 2 containers 3 Lid element 4. First Side 5. Second Side 10 Powder passage 11 Ventilation passage 12 Dispensing device body 13 Male thread of dispensing device 14 Sealing element of dispensing device 15 Female thread of dispensing device 16 Spout 17 Powder passage protrusion 18 Ventilation openings 19 Powder opening 20 Inner part of ventilation passage 21 External portion of ventilation passage 30 Sealing element of lid element 31 Male thread of lid element 40 Container female thread 50 powder C center axis l1 Ventilation passage length l2 Powder path length

Claims

1. A dispensing device (1) for dispensing a powder (50) from a container (2), said device (1) having a first side (4) and a second side (5), said dispensing device (1) comprising: a powder passage (10) extending through the device (1), the powder passage (10) configured to transfer powder (50) from the first side (4) to the second side (5); a ventilation passage (11) extending through the device (1), the ventilation passage (11) being configured to transport ambient air from the second side (5) of the device (1) to the first side (4) of the device (1); the ventilation passage (11) has a first passage length (l1) from a surface of the second side (5) to a ventilation opening (18) of the ventilation passage (11); the powder passage (10) has a second path length (l2) from the surface of the second side (5) to a powder opening (19) of the powder passage (10); The first path length (l1) is greater than the second path length (l2); the ventilation passage (11) has an inner portion (20) extending between the first side (4) and the second side (5) and an outer portion (21) extending at the first side (4) in a direction opposite to the second side (5) to the outside of the device (1); the outer portion (21) is inclined with respect to at least one of the powder passage (10) and the inner portion (20); The powder can be transported through the powder passage (10) along a discharge direction, the powder passage (10) having a cross section having a first size measured in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction, and the ventilation passage (11) having a cross section having a second size measured in a plane perpendicular to the discharge direction, The dispensing device (1), wherein the second size of the cross section of the ventilation passage (11) increases from the second side (5) towards the ventilation opening (18).

2. 2. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the powder passage (10) has a protruding portion (17) protruding from the second side (5) of the device (1).

3. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion (17) has a spout (16) extending therefrom.

4. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the spout (16) is arranged on the projecting portion (17) so as to be located on an opposite side of the powder passage (10) to the ventilation passage (11).

5. A dispensing device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1) includes an external thread (13) by means of which the device (1) can be screwed onto a thread (40) of an opening of the container (2) so that the first side (4) faces the inside of the container (2).

6. A dispensing device (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of the second size to the first size is less than 0.

75.

7. The dispensing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the powder passage (10) extends straight and / or has a cross-section with a constant first cross-sectional area along the extension of the powder passage from the second side (5) to the powder opening (19), the first cross-sectional area being measured along a direction that is parallel to the discharge direction in which the powder is transported.

8. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dispensing device (1) has a cylindrical basic shape with a central axis, and wherein, when measured radially relative to the central axis, a first distance is established between the opening of the vent passage at the second side (5) and the opening of the powder passage at the second side (5), and a second distance is established between the powder opening (19) and the vent opening (18), and wherein the ratio of the first distance to the second distance is less than 0.

75.

9. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a lid element (3) configured to be attached to the second side (5) of the device (1) so as to cover the powder passage (10) and the ventilation passage (11), the device (1) having an internal thread (15) on the second side (5) of the device (1), and the lid element (3) having an external thread (31) that screws into the internal thread (15) of the device (1).

10. A dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A dispensing system comprising: a sealed container (3) including an opening to which the dispensing device (1) can be attached, the container (2) being an aluminum bottle.

11. The dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the container (2) has a wall thickness of at least 0.05 mm.

12. 1. A method for dispensing a powder, comprising: Providing a container (2) having a sealed opening and containing a powder (50); opening the opening; A step of attaching a dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to the opening; tilting the container (2) in a dispensing position such that the vent passage (11) of the device (1) is above the powder passage (10) relative to the direction of gravity.

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