CN118613332A - Valve springs, pumps, dispensing units and dispensing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve spring made of plastic is proposed, in particular for prestressing a valve stem against a valve seat of a dispensing unit for dispensing a product, which is preferably a liquid, wherein the valve spring has a plurality of spring elements arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, in particular along an axis or longitudinal axis. According to a first aspect, each spring element has two curved parts, which are designed to be mirror images of each other and are connected to each other at their ends. According to another aspect, the valve spring has a leaf spring-like or coil spring-like design.

Description

Valve springs, pumps, dispensing units and dispensing equipment

Technical Field

The invention relates to a valve spring made of plastic according to the preamble of claim 1, a pump for dispensing a preferably liquid product, a dispensing unit for dispensing a preferably liquid product and a dispensing device for dispensing a preferably liquid product.

The term “dispensing device” is preferably understood in the present invention to mean a device for dispensing or dispensing a preferably liquid product, in particular dispensing or dispensing the product in the form of a spray, particularly preferably dispensing or dispensing the product as an aerosol.

Preferably, a dispensing device in the sense of the present invention comprises a container as a reservoir containing a product or for a product, a pump for delivering the product and a dispensing head for dispensing the product, in particular as a spray, to a user. Preferably, a dispensing device in the sense of the present invention can be manually operated or a dispensing device in the sense of the present invention has a manual or manually operable pump.

The term "dispensing unit" is preferably understood in the present invention to be a preferably multi-part component that can be connected to a container. Preferably, the dispensing unit can be screwed onto the container. The dispensing unit preferably has a dispensing head and a pump. Preferably, the dispensing device is formed by the container and the dispensing unit.

The term "pump" is preferably understood in the present invention to mean a device designed to convey a product, in particular a fluid or a liquid. In particular, the product can be sucked out of a container, subjected to pressure and/or delivered, for example, as an aerosol, by means of a pump. Preferably, the pump in the sense of the present invention is designed as a positive displacement pump, in particular a manually operable positive displacement pump, in particular as a metering pump, particularly preferably as a reciprocating piston pump, in particular, wherein a defined volume of product is conveyed or can be conveyed by (manually) actuating the pump, in particular actuating the pump during each reciprocating stroke.

Preferably, the pump according to the present invention has a piston, a pump chamber, an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet can be opened or closed by an associated valve, respectively. In particular, a product of a defined volume can be delivered to the pump chamber or sucked in by the reciprocating movement of the piston, can be pressurized in the pump chamber and can be dispensed from the pump chamber through the outlet.

The term "product" in the sense of the present invention is understood in particular to mean a fluid, such as a liquid, a suspension, etc. A product in the sense of the present invention can be dispensed, for example, as an ointment, spray, jet or mist or an aerosol or in another way, for example as a foam or a gel.

Background Art

WO 2018/108535 A1 discloses a dispensing device of the type described at the outset, which has a pump of the type described at the outset. The pump has a spring sleeve, which separates a spring from the product, by means of which the piston is preloaded in an initial position. The spring is designed as a helical spring in the example shown and is made of metal. The spring sleeve prevents the spring from corroding or rusting and thus affecting the product quality, and prevents the spring from forming a flow barrier for the product.

WO 01/47641A1 discloses a dispensing unit having a pump and a dispensing head of the type described at the outset. The piston of the dispensing head and the pump can be preloaded or reset to an initial position by means of an elastic member, in particular a compression spring. The compression spring is made of plastic and surrounds the piston so that the compression spring does not come into contact with the liquid. In addition, the pump has an outlet valve having a valve spring, a rod and a valve seat, wherein the piston of the pump forms the valve seat. The valve rod is preloaded into a closed position by means of a separate elastic member made of a non-metallic elastic material or a thermoplastic rubber.

WO 95/08400A1 discloses a dispensing unit having a pump and a dispensing head of the type described at the outset. A return spring is arranged in the pump chamber and is flushed by the product in all directions therein, and is used to preload or reset the dispensing head and the piston to the initial position. The outlet valve of the pump has a valve spring, a valve stem and a valve seat, wherein the valve seat is formed by the piston. The valve stem is preloaded in the closed position against the valve seat by a separate helical spring.

WO 2019/175349 A1 discloses a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, which has a pumping device for conveying the fluid from a container. The pumping device can be manipulated by means of a lever of the dispensing device and has a flexible bellows for conveying the fluid. A conduit forming a conveying channel for the fluid leading to the bellows is sealedly seated in a guide. The pipeline has a tapered portion on the outside so that the pipeline is lifted from the guide when the dispensing device is manipulated and in this way a ventilation gap is formed between the guide and the conduit for ventilating the container. The ventilation gap is thus directly generated when the conduit moves.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved valve spring or a pump and/or an improved pump outlet valve, which can be manufactured more simply and/or more cost-effectively and/or enable the valve spring or the pump or the dispensing unit or the dispensing device to have improved recyclability.

This object is achieved by a valve spring according to claim 1, a pump according to claim 18, a dispensing unit according to claim 23 or a dispensing device according to claim 24. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The proposed valve spring is made of plastic and is designed in particular for prestressing a valve stem onto a valve seat of a dispensing unit for dispensing a preferably liquid product. The valve spring has a plurality of spring elements arranged axially, in particular along an axis or longitudinal axis, one behind the other.

In particular, in the proposed valve spring each spring element has two bent sections which are designed mirror-images of one another and are connected to one another at the ends of the sections. Alternatively or additionally, the proposed valve spring has a leaf spring-like or disc spring-like design.

The proposed pump preferably has a pump housing, a piston, a pump chamber, an inlet, an outlet, an inlet valve and/or an outlet valve.

The piston is movable in an axial direction to deliver product into the pump chamber via the inlet and to deliver product from the pump chamber to the outlet.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the piston is guided in a guide, in particular a guide of a pump housing. Preferably, the piston has a first part and a second part, wherein in the initial position of the piston the first part rests radially and sealingly on the guide and the second part is at least partially spaced apart from the guide. In addition, the pump is preferably designed such that when the piston moves out of the initial position up to a certain stroke, the radial sealing of the piston relative to the guide is maintained, and when the certain stroke is exceeded, a ventilation gap is formed between the piston and the guide, in particular a ventilation gap is formed between the second part and the guide.

The ventilation gap in particular allows air to pass between the piston and the guide and thereby in particular into a container associated with the pump. This prevents the occurrence of negative pressure in the container when the product is conveyed from the container by means of the pump. The above-mentioned design of the piston and the guide achieves an improved seal between the piston and the guide or an improved seal of the associated container. In particular, it is achieved that a reliable seal is still achieved even when the reset device for prestressing or resetting the piston to the initial position is no longer able to move the piston completely to the initial position, for example due to wear and/or aging.

According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the outlet valve of the proposed pump has a valve spring, a valve seat and a valve body or a rod, wherein the rod is prestressed against the valve seat into a closed position by means of the valve spring, and wherein the valve spring and the rod are designed as one piece or are formed from different parts of a one-piece component. In particular, the valve spring and the rod are made of the same material.

The one-piece design simplifies the assembly of the pump, since the number of components to be assembled is reduced compared to pumps in which the valve spring and the rod are formed from different components. In addition, the cost of manufacturing the valve spring and the rod and their recycling are also simplified.

The determined stroke is preferably at least 2 mm or more, particularly preferably at least 3 mm or more, and/or is at most 6 mm or less, more preferably at most 5 mm or less, particularly preferably at most 4 mm or less. Thus, even if the piston is not completely reset to the initial position, a reliable seal is achieved.

Preferably, the second part of the piston is designed to be at least partially conical and/or the first part has a first diameter and the second part has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter. In this way, it can be achieved particularly easily that the radial sealing of the piston relative to the guide is maintained up to a certain stroke and that a ventilation gap is not formed until the certain stroke is exceeded.

Preferably, the guide has a circumferential sealing lip which in the initial position radially and sealingly rests on the piston, in particular on the first part of the piston. The sealing lip is preferably designed as one piece with the guide and/or is formed by a protrusion or the like of the guide.

The component whose different parts form the valve spring and the valve body or the rod is preferably made of plastic and/or is preferably an injection molded part. This allows simple and/or cost-effective production of the pump or the component.

The components or valve spring and the rod are preferably at least partially arranged in the housing. The housing is preferably fastened or arranged on the piston and/or is arranged inside the pump chamber and/or inside the pump housing and/or can preferably move in the axial direction inside the pump chamber and/or inside the pump housing. Preferably, the housing is fastened to the piston so that the housing moves with the piston when the piston moves axially.

Preferably, the valve spring is spaced apart from the product or the valve spring does not come into contact with the product. Preferably, the housing is arranged between the valve spring and the product and/or the valve spring is spaced apart from the product by the housing. The separation of the product from the spring generally contributes to a longer durability of the spring or the pump, since chemical reactions and/or swelling phenomena can be avoided in particular. Furthermore, an influence on the quality of the product due to contact with the spring can thereby be prevented. The distribution of the product or the spray pattern is also improved, since a flow of the product around the spring and thus fewer eddies are prevented.

The component preferably has a partitioning portion which separates the valve spring from the product. The partitioning portion is preferably designed as an integral part with the valve spring and the rod and/or is arranged between the valve spring and the rod. Particularly preferably, the valve spring is separated from the product on one side by the housing and on the other side by the partitioning portion of the component. In other words, a sealed spring chamber for the valve spring is preferably formed by the housing and the partitioning portion, wherein the valve spring is arranged in the spring chamber.

Preferably, the pump has a pre-compression mechanism and/or the pre-compression mechanism is formed by the piston, the rod, the valve spring and the housing. This allows for an improved distribution of the product and in particular prevents dripping. The pre-compression mechanism also allows or enables a particularly fine atomization when dispensing the product as a spray or aerosol.

The inlet valve and/or the outlet valve are preferably designed as spontaneously opening valves.

Preferably, the piston has or forms the valve seat of the outlet valve. This contributes to a simple construction.

Preferably, the piston, the pump chamber, the valve spring, the inlet valve and/or the outlet valve are at least partially arranged in the pump housing.

According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the invention relates to a dispensing unit for dispensing a preferably liquid product. The dispensing unit has in particular a pump designed as described above and/or below. Furthermore, the dispensing unit according to the proposal has a dispensing head connected to the piston of the pump, via which the product delivered by the pump can be dispensed. In particular, the pump is then fluidically connected to the dispensing head, so that the product delivered by the pump can be dispensed via the dispensing head.

The dispensing unit preferably has a restoring device, in particular a restoring spring, in order to preload and/or return the piston and/or the dispensing head to an initial position.

Preferably, the restoring device is designed as an elastic bellows and/or is made of plastic.

Preferably, the resetting device is arranged between the dispenser head and the pump and/or the resetting device or the bellows at least partially surrounds the pump and/or the piston. In particular, the resetting device is arranged outside the pump and/or the pump chamber. This prevents the resetting device from coming into contact with the product and/or separates the resetting device from the product and achieves corresponding advantages, in particular avoiding chemical reactions and/or swelling phenomena.

According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a preferably liquid product, wherein the dispensing device has a dispensing unit as described above and/or below and a container containing or for the product. In the dispensing device, a dispensing head of the dispensing unit is connected to the container fluid via a pump, so that the product can be conveyed from the container by the pump and dispensed via the dispensing head.

The above-mentioned and following aspects and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired, but can also be realized independently of one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects, features, advantages and properties of the present invention are derived from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

FIG1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the proposal;

FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit according to the proposal, wherein the pump according to the proposal is in an initial position;

FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit according to the proposal, wherein the pump according to the proposal is in an end position;

FIG4A shows the piston of the pump and the guide for the piston in an initial position;

FIG. 4B shows the piston and guide portion of FIG. 4A , wherein the piston has moved a certain distance from the initial position;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view according to FIG. 2 , wherein the pump has a valve spring in an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a valve spring and a valve stem according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components and devices, wherein the same or corresponding advantages and features can be obtained even if a repeated description is not given.

1 shows a schematic section through a dispensing device 1 according to the proposal for dispensing a product 2. In the state shown, the dispensing device 1 is not actuated or is in an initial position or rest position.

The product 2 is preferably a fluid, in particular a liquid.

The dispensing device 1 preferably has a container 3 which contains or is used for the product 2 .

Preferably, the container 3 is designed as a reservoir for the product 2. Particularly preferably, the volume of the dispensing device 1 or the container 3 is greater than 5ml or 10ml, particularly greater than 50ml or 100ml, and/or less than 1000ml or 130ml, particularly less than 600ml or 500ml.

The container 3 is preferably designed to be elongated, cylindrical and/or rigid. Particularly preferably, the container 3 is made of metal, plastic or glass.

Furthermore, the dispensing device 1 preferably has a dispensing unit 4 for dispensing the product 2 to a user (not shown).

Preferably, the dispensing unit 4 is connected or connectable to the container 3 , in particular mechanically and/or fluidically. The dispensing unit 4 can preferably be screwed onto the container 3 .

The dispensing device 1 or the dispensing unit 4 preferably has a dispensing head 5 for dispensing the product 2 to a user (not shown).

Preferably, the dispensing unit 4 or the dispensing head 5 has a nozzle 5B for dispensing the product 2 in the form of a spray or dispensing the product 2 as an aerosol or spray S.

The dispensing device 1 or the dispensing unit 4 preferably has a pump 6, in particular a pump of the type described at the outset. The pump 6 is particularly preferably designed as a positive displacement pump, in particular a metering pump or a reciprocating piston pump.

Figures 2 and 3 each show a schematic cross section of a dispensing unit 4 with the pump 6 in different states or positions. Figure 2 shows the pump 6 in an initial position and Figure 3 shows the pump 6 in an end position.

The pump 6 is preferably designed to draw or convey the product 2 , in particular a predefined volume of the product 2 , from the container 3 , to put it under pressure and/or to dispense it under pressure.

Particularly preferably, the dispensing head 5 is fluidically connected to the container 3 via a pump 6 or can be fluidically connected to the container via a pump.

The pump 6 is preferably arranged at least partially inside the container 3. In particular, the pump 6 extends from the dispensing head 5 into the container 3.

The dispensing head 5 is preferably mechanically and/or fluidically connected or can be mechanically and/or fluidically connected to the pump 6. In particular, the pump 6 is connected or can be connected to the container 3 and/or the dispensing head 5 in a form-fitting, force-coupling and/or material-joined manner.

In the embodiment shown, the dispensing unit 4 has a connection piece 7. The connection piece 7 is preferably connectable to the container 3 or can be fastened to the container 3, in particular by means of a threaded connection or by screwing. The dispensing unit 4 and/or the pump 6 is preferably connectable to the container 3 or can be fastened to the container 3 by means of the connection piece 7.

The pump 6 preferably has a pump housing 8 , a housing cover 9 , an inlet 10 , an outlet 11 , an inlet valve 12 , an outlet valve 13 , a piston 14 and/or a pump chamber 15 .

Preferably, pump housing 8 , housing cover 9 , inlet 10 , outlet 11 , inlet valve 12 , outlet valve 13 and/or piston 14 are manufactured and/or injection molded from plastic, particularly preferably all components or parts of pump 6 are manufactured and/or injection molded from plastic.

The pump 6 , in particular the pump housing 8 , is preferably designed to be elongated and/or rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the pump 6 or the pump housing 8 has a longitudinal axis A, wherein the longitudinal axis is preferably the rotation axis of the pump 6 or the pump housing 8 .

Descriptions such as "axial" and "radial" are particularly referred to the longitudinal axis A. Accordingly, for example, the axial direction is a direction extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis A, while the radial direction is a direction extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis A.

The pump housing 8 is preferably designed, in particular, as an elongated hollow cylinder.

The pump housing 8 preferably has or is formed by an at least approximately cylindrical and/or sleeve-like lower part 8A and a housing cover 9 .

The housing cover 9 preferably at least substantially closes the pump housing 8 , particularly preferably substantially closes the pump housing 8 in the axial direction.

The housing cover 9 and the pump housing 8 are preferably connected to each other in a form-fitting, force-locking and/or materially bonded manner. In the embodiment shown, the housing cover 9 is plugged onto or clipped onto the pump housing 8 and/or is designed as a cap.

Preferably, flow can be passed through the pump 6 axially or along the longitudinal axis A and/or from the inlet 10 to the outlet 11 .

Preferably, the inlet 10 is arranged at a first end of the pump 6 which is located at the bottom in the normal use position of the dispensing device 1 , and the outlet 11 is arranged at a second end of the pump 6 which is located at the top in the normal use position of the dispensing device 1 .

The conventional position of use of the dispensing device 1 is shown in FIG. 1 .

Preferably, the inlet 10 and the outlet 11 form axial ends of the pump 6 , in particular wherein the inlet 10 is assigned to the container 3 and the outlet 11 is assigned to the dispensing head 5 .

Preferably, the product 2 or a predefined volume of the product 2 can be supplied to the pump chamber 15 via the inlet 10 and/or from the pump chamber 15 via the outlet 11 to the dispensing head 5 .

The inlet valve 12 is preferably assigned to the inlet 10 and/or is arranged between the inlet 10 and the pump chamber 15. Preferably, the outlet valve 13 is assigned to the outlet 11 and/or is placed between the outlet 11 and the pump chamber 15.

Preferably, the inlet valve 12 comprises a valve seat 12A and a valve body 12B, wherein preferably the valve body 12B is movable relative to the valve seat 12A, in particular in order to open or close the inlet valve 12 .

In the embodiment shown, the valve seat 12A is preferably formed by the pump housing 8, in particular by the lower part 8A, or the pump housing 8 or the lower part 8A has a valve seat. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the valve body 12B is formed by a ball or a bead. However, other embodiments are also possible for the inlet valve 12 or for the valve seat 12A and the valve body 12B.

Preferably, the valve body 12B can be lifted from the valve seat 12A, in particular when the pump chamber 15 expands or when the pressure in the pump chamber 15 decreases, in particular so that the inlet valve 12 opens.

Preferably, the valve body 12B can be lowered onto the valve seat 12A, in particular when the pump chamber 15 is reduced or when the pressure in the pump chamber 15 increases, particularly preferably so that the inlet valve 12 is closed.

Preferably, the flow through the pump 6 can be controlled by means of an inlet valve 12 and/or an outlet valve 13 .

Preferably, the inlet valve 12 is designed to selectively enable or prevent a flow of the product 2 from the container 3 into the pump chamber 15 , in particular depending on the pressure in the pump chamber 15 .

Preferably, the outlet valve 13 is designed to selectively enable or prevent a flow of the product 2 from the pump chamber 15 to the outlet 11 , in particular depending on the pressure in the pump chambers 15 , 15 .

Particularly preferably, the inlet valve 12 and/or the outlet valve 13 (respectively) are designed as spontaneously opening or spontaneously closing valves, wherein the inlet valve 12 or the outlet valve 13 preferably opens or closes depending on the pressure in the pump chamber 15 .

Preferably, the pressure in the pump chamber 15 or the volume of the pump chamber 15 can be varied by actuating the dispensing device 1 or the pump 6 or by a reciprocating movement of the piston 14 .

Particularly preferably, the volume of the pump chamber 15 can be reduced by operating the dispensing device 1 or by moving the piston 14 downward or toward the container 3 and/or the pressure in the pump chamber 15 can be increased by operating the dispensing device 1 or by moving the piston 14 downward or toward the container 3.

Particularly preferably, the outlet valve 13 opens (spontaneously) when a certain pressure is exceeded in the pump chamber 15 or when the pump chamber 15 is reduced by means of the piston 14, and/or the outlet valve 13 closes (spontaneously) when a certain pressure is below the pump chamber 15 or when the pump chamber 15 is expanded by means of the piston 14.

Particularly preferably, the inlet valve 12 opens when the pressure in the pump chamber 15 is below a certain pressure or when the pump chamber 15 is expanded by means of the piston 14, and/or the inlet valve 12 closes (spontaneously) when the pressure in the pump chamber 15 exceeds a certain pressure or when the pump chamber 15 is reduced by means of the piston 14.

The valves 12 , 13 can thus be opened and closed according to the movement of the piston 14 , in particular can be opened and closed spontaneously, preferably wherein the outlet valve 13 and the inlet valve 12 can be opened and closed oppositely to each other or can be actuated by the movement of the piston 14 .

Preferably, the inlet valve 12 , the outlet valve 13 , the piston 14 and/or the pump chamber 15 are at least partially arranged in the pump housing 8 or are surrounded by the pump housing 8 .

The piston 14 is preferably designed to be elongated and/or preferably has a particularly elongated piston rod 14A and/or a piston head 14B which is—in particular—enlarged in comparison to the piston rod 14A.

Preferably, the piston 14 , in particular the piston rod 14A, has or forms the outlet 11 . In particular, the piston 14 or the piston rod 14A has an (axial) outlet channel 14C, preferably wherein the outlet channel 14C opens into the outlet 11 .

As explained at the beginning, the dispensing head 5 is preferably connected or connectable to the pump 6 in a form-fitting, force-coupling and/or material-joined manner. In the embodiment shown, the dispensing head 5 is inserted on the pump 6, in particular on the piston 14 or the piston rod 14A. However, other solutions are also feasible here.

The piston 14 is preferably movable axially or along the longitudinal axis A, in particular in order to draw the product 2 from the container 3 or to expand the pump chamber 15, to apply pressure to the drawn product 2 in the pump chamber 15 or to reduce the pump chamber 15 and to dispense the product 2 through the outlet channel 14C or the outlet 11, in particular to or through the dispensing head 5.

Preferably, the piston 14 is designed to be reciprocated in the pump housing 8 or relative to the pump housing 8. In particular, the piston 14 can be moved by actuating or pressing the dispensing head 5 downward or in the direction of the container 3 or the inlet 10, in particular to reduce the pump chamber 15 or to apply pressure to the product 2 in the pump chamber 15.

Preferably, the diameter of the piston head 14B is greater than the diameter of the piston rod 14A and/or the piston 14 is guided laterally or radially in the pump housing 8 by the piston head 14B.

Preferably, the piston 14 or the piston head 14B has an in particular circumferential guide surface 14D, wherein the guide surface 14D is preferably in contact with the inner surface 8B of the pump housing 8 or the lower part 8A or can be moved in a sliding manner on the inner surface 8B of the pump housing 8 or the lower part 8A.

Preferably, the piston 14 or the piston head 14B has an in particular circumferential seal 14E, wherein the seal 14E preferably contacts the inner surface 8E of the pump housing 8 , in particular so that the pump chamber 15 is sealed off to the outside or axially or upwardly.

In the embodiment shown, the seal 14E is preferably designed as a single piece with the piston 14 or the piston 14, in particular the piston head 14B, forms the seal 14E. However, other solutions are also feasible, in particular, the seal 14E is designed as a piston ring and/or is embedded in a surrounding groove on the piston head 14B.

The dispensing device 1 or the dispensing unit 4 preferably has a restoring device 16 for prestressing and/or restoring the piston 14 into an initial position.

The dispensing device 1 or the dispensing unit 4 or the pump 6 preferably has an initial position and/or an end position. The pump 6 and/or the piston 14 are preferably movable between the initial position and the end position.

The initial position is the position depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the end position is the position depicted in FIG. 3 .

The piston 14 is preferably preloaded into the initial position by means of a restoring device 16. Preferably, the restoring device 16 is designed to preload and/or reset the piston 14 into the initial position, in particular after actuation of the dispensing unit 4 or the pump 6, in particular by pressing the dispensing head 5 downwards.

Pressing down the dispensing head 5 is understood in particular to mean pressing or moving the dispensing head 5 in the direction of the pump 6 or the container 3. In FIG. 3 the dispensing head 5 has been pressed down or actuated, while the piston 14 or the pump 6 has been moved to the end position.

The resetting device 16 is preferably arranged outside the pump 6, the pump housing 8 and/or the pump chamber 15. Preferably, the resetting device 16 at least partially surrounds the pump 6, in particular at least partially surrounds the piston 14. The resetting device 16 preferably extends in the axial direction or axially relative to the longitudinal axis A.

The resetting device 16 is preferably arranged between the pump 6 and the dispensing head 5. In particular, the resetting device 16 is arranged between the housing cover 9 and/or the connecting piece 7 on the one hand and between the housing cover 9 and the dispensing head 5 on the other hand, and/or is arranged so that the resetting device 16 is compressed or compacted by actuating or pressing the dispensing head 5 downward.

The restoring device 16 is preferably designed as a spring or in a spring-like manner. In the example shown, the restoring device 16 or the spring is formed in particular by a bellows or an elastic bellows.

The restoring device 16 or the elastic bellows is preferably made of plastic and/or an elastic material.

The restoring device 16 or the elastic bellows preferably has a wavy wall, in particular so that the wall is compacted when the dispensing unit 4 or the dispensing head 5 is operated and after the operation or when the dispensing head 5 is dispensed, the dispensing head 5 and/or the piston 14 return to the initial position due to the restoring force of the compacted elastic bellows.

However, it is not mandatory to design the reset device 16 as an elastic bellows. In principle, the reset device 16 can also be formed by a spiral spring or the like.

The piston 14 of the pump 6, in particular the piston rod 14A, is preferably guided in a guide 17. Preferably, the pump 6 has or forms the guide 17, particularly preferably the housing cover 9 has or forms the guide 17. Preferably, the guide 17 is formed by a preferably axial and/or central opening of the housing cover 9. However, other solutions are also possible here, for example a guide 17 that is separate from the housing cover 9.

Preferably, the piston 14, in particular the piston rod 14A, projects outward from the pump housing 8 or the housing cover 9. The piston rod 14A preferably extends through the guide 17 or the opening of the housing cover 9, in particular to the dispensing head 5.

The guide 17 is preferably designed to be cylindrical and/or is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis A and/or is arranged centrally on the pump 6 or on the housing cover 9 .

The piston 14 preferably has a first portion 14F and a second portion 14G.

1 and 2, the piston 14 or the first part 14F preferably bears radially in a sealed manner against the guide 17. In particular, air cannot penetrate between the piston 14 and the guide 17 in the initial position.

Furthermore, the second portion 14G is at least partially spaced apart from the guide portion 17 in the initial position.

“Partially spaced apart” in this context means in particular that a gap or free space is formed at least at one location between the second part 14G and the guide 17. It is also possible that the second part 14G mainly rests on the guide 17 and that a gap or free space is formed between the second part 14B and the guide 17, for example, by a gap or a recess on the outer side of the second part 14B.

When the piston 14 is moved out of the initial position, a ventilation gap 18 is preferably formed between the guide 17 and the piston 14. Air can preferably pass through the ventilation gap 18, in particular in order to ventilate the container 3 fastened to the pump 6 or the dispensing unit 4 or in order to ventilate the container 3 on the dispensing device 1. The ventilation gap 18 is particularly shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 3 .

In particular, the ventilation gap 18 is not formed directly when the piston 14 is moved out of the initial position or when the dispensing unit 4 or the dispensing head 5 is actuated, but is formed only later or only after the movement begins or only when a certain stroke H is exceeded. As a result, the seal is ensured when the piston 14 is slightly moved out of the initial position, so that no product 2 can accidentally pass through between the piston 14 and the guide 17 or escape from the container 3.

Preferably, the pump 6 is designed or the piston 14 and the guide portion 17 are adapted to each other so that the radial sealing of the piston 14 relative to the guide portion 17 is maintained until the piston 14 moves out of the initial position until a certain stroke H. Preferably, a ventilation gap 18 is formed between the piston 14, in particular the second portion 14G, and the guide portion 17 when the certain stroke H is exceeded.

Preferably, when a certain stroke H is exceeded, the first portion 14F moves out of the guide portion 17 .

This is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , in which only the piston 14 and the housing cover 8 or the guide 17 are shown for the sake of clarity:

In Fig. 4A, the piston 14 is in the initial position. In Fig. 4B, the piston 14 is actuated by a stroke H or moved by a stroke H from the initial position.

4B , the guide 17 or its surrounding sealing lip 17A still rests on the piston 14 or the first part 14F, so that the ventilation gap 18 has not yet been formed. When the piston 14 is further moved out of the initial position, a ventilation gap 18 is formed between the guide 17 and the piston 14.

The ventilation gap 18 is formed in particular in the following manner, that is, the second part 14G is at least partially separated from the guide part 17 and thus the first part 14F moves out of the guide part 17 when a certain stroke H is exceeded, so that the ventilation gap 18 is formed by the gap or free space between the second part 14G and the guide part 17.

Preferably, the first portion 14F has a first diameter D1 and the second portion 14G has a second diameter D2. The second diameter D2 is preferably smaller than the first diameter D1. This is particularly illustrated in the enlarged view of FIG.

In particular, different diameters D1 , D2 of the first and second parts 14F, 14G ensure that the piston 14 or the first part 14F is sealed or rests sealingly against the guide 17 in the initial position and forms a ventilation gap 18 when a certain stroke H is exceeded.

The ventilation gap 18 is preferably annular.

The first portion 14F is preferably designed to be at least partially cylindrical.

In the example shown, the second part 14G is designed to be at least partially conical and/or the second part 14G has a particularly conical taper 14H. In particular, the piston 14 or the piston rod 14A in the example shown therefore has a first part 14F and a second part 14G, wherein the diameter D1 of the first part 14F is larger than the diameter D2 of the second part 14G, and wherein the first part 14F is connected to the cylindrical part of the second part 14G via the conical taper 14H of the second part 14G. In other words, the conical taper 14H is preferably arranged between the two cylindrical parts or the conical taper 14H connects the two cylindrical parts. However, other solutions are also possible here.

In the enlarged view of FIG. 3 , the second diameter D2 is drawn as the diameter of the cylindrical part of the second part 14G. However, this is not mandatory. The second diameter D2 can also be the diameter at a certain position of the tapered part or the tapered tapered portion 14H. Even at the tapered portion 14H, the diameter D2 of the second part 14G is smaller than the diameter D1 of the first part 14F. Accordingly, when the first part 14F comes out of the guide portion 17, the ventilation gap 18 is already formed.

Instead of the illustrated example in which the second portion 14G is designed as a partial cone, both the first portion 14F and the second portion 14G can be designed as cylindrical, wherein the diameter D1 of the first portion 14F is greater than the diameter D2 of the second portion 14B, and a particularly radial shoulder is formed between the first portion 14F and the second portion 14G, in particular replacing the tapered portion 14H.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the second part 14G has approximately the same diameter as the first part 14F and the piston 14 has a recess or channel or the like on its outer circumference, so that the second part 14G is thereby spaced apart from the guide portion 17 and a ventilation gap 18 is formed between the recess or channel and the guide portion 17 when a certain stroke H is exceeded.

The guide portion 17 preferably has a sealing lip 17A. The sealing lip 17A is preferably designed to be circumferential. In particular, the sealing lip 17A is made of the same material as the guide portion 17 and/or the sealing lip 17A is designed to be integral with the guide portion 17. The sealing lip 17A preferably forms a bulge of the guide portion 17 and/or protrudes from the guide portion 17, in particular radially and/or inwardly.

In the initial position and/or before a certain travel H is exceeded, the sealing lip 17A preferably bears radially in a sealing manner against the piston 14 , in particular against the first section 14F.

The improved sealing described is achieved in particular by providing a radial seal as described between the piston 14 and the guide 17. In contrast, axial seals are often used in the prior art, for example in WO 2019/175349 A1 already mentioned at the outset. In such axial seals, unlike the radial seals proposed here, any movement of the piston out of the initial position already results in the formation of a ventilation gap.

The radial seal described is particularly advantageous when an elastic bellows is used as the reset device 16. The elastic bellows particularly offers the advantage that the elastic bellows is arranged outside around the pump 6 or the piston 14 and thus does not come into contact with the product 2. Chemical reactions and/or the occurrence of swelling can thus be particularly avoided. On the other hand, however, it has been observed with such elastic bellows that, as the use time increases and/or after multiple manipulations or reciprocating movements, there is a risk that the elastic bellows "relaxes" and/or can no longer completely preload or reset the piston 14 to the initial position. The radial seal described above ensures that even in this case, when the piston 14 is no longer completely moved back to the initial position by the reset device 16 or the elastic bellows after manipulation, the seal between the piston 14 and the guide 17 is ensured or no product 2 escapes from the container 3. In particular, by designing the reset device 16 as a combination of an elastic bellows and the radial seal described between the piston 14 and the guide 17, the advantages of the elastic bellows can be achieved without having to take into account its disadvantages. The combination of the elastic bellows and the radial seal is therefore a particularly advantageous synergistic combination.

Preferably, the pump 6 or the pump housing 8 has a ventilation channel 22. The ventilation channel 22 preferably extends from the pump chamber 15 to the outside of the pump housing 8. With the help of the ventilation channel 22, air that enters the pump 6 or the pump chamber 15 through the ventilation gap 18 can in particular escape from the pump 6 or the pump chamber 15 again and/or enter the container 3.

In the example shown, a ventilation channel 22 is formed between the housing cover 9 and the lower part 8A.

Preferably, the ventilation channel 22 has a plurality of different parts. In particular, the ventilation channel has a first part or radial part 22A, a second part or part extending in the circumferential direction and/or a circumferential line-shaped part 22B and/or a third part or axial part or part 22C extending in the axial direction, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis A. However, other solutions are also possible here.

In the example shown, the first part or radial part 22A is formed by a preferably rectilinear and/or radially extending recess or a radially extending channel in the housing cover 9 or in its inner wall, in particular radially extending relative to the axis A. Furthermore, in the example shown, the second part or the part extending in the circumferential direction and/or the circumferential line-shaped part 22B is formed by a recess or channel in the housing cover 9 or in its inner wall. The third part or axial part 22C is formed in the example shown by a recess or channel in the housing cover 9 or in its inner wall and/or in the upper end or the outer edge of the lower part 8A.

The first part or radial part 22A and the third part or axial part 22C are preferably arranged to be offset from each other, in particular, so that the first part or radial part 22A is connected to the third part or axial part 22C through the second part or circumferential linear part 22B and/or does not directly transition to the third part or axial part 22C. Preferably, the first part or radial part 22A and the third part or axial part 22C are arranged to be radially opposite to each other and/or at least approximately 180° to each other. However, other solutions are also feasible here, for example, arranging the first part or radial part 22A and the third part or axial part 22C to be offset by less than 180°.

The ventilation channel 22 allows ventilation of the container 3 on the one hand, but on the other hand, in particular by means of different sections, prevents the product 2 from escaping from the container 3 through the ventilation channel 22 .

FIG. 3 schematically shows a path W through which air can enter the container 3 via the ventilation gap 18 and preferably via the ventilation channel 22 .

The outlet valve 13 preferably has a valve spring 13A, a valve seat 13B and a valve body or rod 13C. Preferably, the valve body or rod 13C is preloaded against the valve seat 13B by means of the valve spring 13A, in particular so that the valve seat 13B is in a closed position and/or the outlet valve 13 is closed.

Preferably, the piston 14 has a valve seat 13B of the outlet valve 13 and/or the valve seat 13B is formed by the piston 14 or a part of the piston 14. Particularly preferably, the piston 14 has a projection or a shoulder on its inner side which forms the valve seat 13B.

The outlet valve 13 is shown closed in both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .

The valve spring 13A and the rod 13C are preferably designed in one piece and/or are formed from different parts of a one-piece component 19 .

The component 19 or the valve spring 13A and/or the rod 13C are preferably made of the same material and/or of plastic, in particular polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP). Preferably, the component 19 is an injection molded part.

The valve spring 13A preferably has or is formed by a plurality of plates 13D extending preferably at least approximately in the circumferential direction and/or a plurality of support bodies 13E extending preferably at least approximately in the axial direction. The plates 13D and the support bodies 13E are preferably located at least approximately on the cylindrical surface.

In particular, a free space 13F is formed between the plate 13D and the support body 13E. Preferably, the free space 13F enables compression or compaction of the valve spring 13A, in particular in combination with the plastic and/or elastic material of which the valve spring 13A or the plate 13D and the support body 13E are made.

The plates 13D are preferably designed to be annular and/or circular. Preferably, the plates 13D are connected to each other via the support body 13E. The plates 13D and the support body 13E preferably form a frame.

In particular, a spring is formed by the plate 13D and the support body 13E, so that the valve spring 13A or the plate 13D and the support body 13E can be pressed together or compressed, and a spring force or a restoring force is generated by compression or compaction, through which the valve spring 13A spontaneously or when the force compressing the spring is removed, breaks away from the compacted state or returns to the assumed pre-compacted (Vorderstauchung) position.

Preferably, two adjacent plates 13D are connected to one another via at least two, preferably exactly two, support bodies 13E, wherein in particular the two support bodies 13E are radially opposite to one another.

Preferably, one or more support bodies 13E are arranged on each side of the plate 13D, in particular on the upper side and the lower side. The upper side and the lower side are in particular the axially opposite sides of the plate 13D. The support bodies 13E arranged on different sides of the plate 13D are preferably staggered with each other, in particular staggered by 90°.

An alternative embodiment of a valve spring 13A is shown in FIG. 5 .

Even in the embodiment of the valve spring 13A of FIG. 5 , the valve spring 13A and the rod 13C are preferably designed as one piece and/or are formed from different parts of an integral component 19 .

5, the component 19 or the valve spring 13A and/or the rod 13C are also preferably made of the same material and/or of plastic, in particular polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP). Preferably, the component 19 is an injection molded part.

Unless specific special properties are involved which are only suitable for one of the two embodiments of the valve spring 13A shown in the drawings, the above and the following descriptions are explicitly applicable to both embodiments of the valve spring 13A. However, the embodiment in FIG. 5 will first be explicitly described in more detail below.

5 is distinguished from the embodiment of the valve spring 13A in FIGS. 1 to 4 by a different design of the spring element, in which the spring element is formed by a plate 13D and a support body 13E.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the valve spring 13A preferably has a leaf spring-like or coil spring-like design.

Preferably, the valve spring 13A has at least one, preferably at least two or more spring elements 13G. The spring elements 13G are preferably arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, in particular one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A is in particular the longitudinal axis of the valve spring 13A and is mostly abbreviated as axis A in the following text.

The spring elements 13G are preferably designed to be of the same type, in particular to be identical.

The spring elements 13G preferably each have two parts 13H of the same type, in particular identical and/or designed as mirror images of each other, or are formed by such parts. The parts 13H preferably extend approximately transversely to the axis A, in particular the axis A of the valve spring 13A. Preferably, the parts 13H are designed to be flat.

The spring element 13G and/or the part 13H are preferably each made of plastic, in particular polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP), and/or of an elastic material.

Preferably, the parts 13H of the spring element 13G are each designed and/or arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane SE, wherein the mirror plane SE preferably extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis A. This is particularly illustrated in FIG. 5 .

The portions 13H are preferably bent or curved. In cross section, as shown in particular in FIG. 5 , the portions 13H preferably each form an arch that bends outwardly from a (hypothetical) plane arranged horizontally relative to the axis A.

The two parts 13H of the spring element 13G are preferably bent or curved in opposite directions, in particular, bent singly and/or in an arc shape, as shown in particular in FIG5. Preferably, each part 13H has a singly curved surface or each part 13H is a singly curved part. In particular, each of the two parts 13H of the spring element 13G is bent away from the corresponding mirror surface SE, so that the distance between the two parts 13H of the spring element 13G decreases as the distance from the axis A increases.

Preferably, the two parts 13H of the spring element 13G are connected to one another in a direction transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis A at their ends spaced apart from the axis A. The spring element 13G is preferably designed to be annular.

The spring element 13G is preferably compressible. By bending the parts 13H in combination with the connected ends, a spring element 13G is formed which has a free space 13F between the parts 13H and extending approximately transversely to the axis A. The free space 13F is in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to the corresponding mirror surface SE of the spring element 13G. Preferably, the free space 13F or the spacing between the two parts 13H of the spring element 13G is maximum at the axis A and decreases with increasing distance from the axis A until the parts 13H meet each other at the end.

Preferably, the free space 13F enables compression or compaction of the valve element 13A, in particular in combination with the plastic and/or elastic material of which the valve spring 13A or the spring element 13G or its part 13H is made. In the event of compression or compaction, the parts 13H of the spring element 13G preferably move toward each other and/or the free space 13F of the spring element 13G is reduced.

Preferably, two adjacent spring elements 13G are each connected to each other via a connecting piece 13I. The one or more connecting pieces 13I are preferably made of the same material as the spring element 13G and/or are preferably designed to form an integral piece with the spring element 13G.

The connecting element 13I is preferably arranged centrally and/or in the region of the axis A.

Preferably, the connecting element 13I is designed to be elongated and/or linear, and/or the connecting element extends transversely to the axis A, in particular perpendicularly.

The portions 13H preferably each have an at least approximately constant thickness. The thickness of the portions 13H is preferably at least 0.2 mm or more, preferably 0.4 mm or more, and/or at most 0.8 mm or less, preferably 0.6 mm or less, in particular about 0.5 mm.

The maximum distance between the two parts 13H of the spring element 13G or the height of the partial free space 13F, in particular at the center or along the axis A and/or perpendicular to the mirror surface SE, is preferably at least 0.75 mm or more, preferably 0.85 mm or more, and/or a maximum of 1.15 mm or less, preferably 1.05 mm or less, in particular about 0.95 mm.

The width of the free space 13F, i.e., in particular, the extension of the free space perpendicular to the axis A or parallel to the mirror surface SE and/or within the mirror surface SE is preferably at least 3.0 mm or more, preferably 3.5 mm or more, and/or a maximum of 5.0 mm or less, preferably 4.5 mm or less, in particular about 3.9 mm.

The width of the connecting element 13I is preferably at least 0.6 mm or more, preferably 0.7 mm or more, and/or at most 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.9 mm or less, in particular about 0.8 mm.

It is also feasible that the valve spring 13A and the rod 13C are designed to be separated from each other or to be formed by two separate components. This is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a valve spring 13A corresponding to the second embodiment in FIG. 5. It is also feasible in principle that the valve spring 13A and the rod 13C are designed to be separated from each other or to be formed by two separate components, wherein the valve spring 13A is designed to correspond to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4.

In particular, the valve spring 13A according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 forms a separate aspect which can also be realized independently.

Component 19 or valve spring 13A and rod 13C are preferably arranged in housing 20. Housing 20 is preferably arranged inside pump housing 8 and/or is displaceable inside pump housing 8 and/or pump chamber 15, in particular axially or along axis A.

Preferably, the housing 20 is arranged or fastened on the piston 14A, in particular so that the housing moves with the piston 14 when the piston 14 moves. Preferably, the housing 20 is fastened on the piston 14 and/or snaps into place on the piston 14 by means of a snap connection.

Preferably, the housing 20 is designed in a sleeve-like manner and/or the housing 20 forms a chamber for the valve spring 13A.

The housing 20 is preferably designed to be elongated and/or at least approximately cylindrical. Particularly preferably, the inner diameter of the housing 20 corresponds at least approximately to the outer diameter of the valve spring 13A or the component 19 .

The housing 20 is preferably filled with a compressible medium, in particular with a gas, particularly preferably with air.

Preferably, the housing is arranged centrally within the pump housing 8 and/or coaxially with the pump housing 8 or the piston 14 .

The pump chamber 15 preferably extends around the housing 20 , particularly preferably in an annular manner around the housing, in particular such that the product 2 can flow around the housing 20 .

In particular, the pump chamber 15 is delimited laterally or radially by the housing 20 and the pump housing 8 and/or the housing 20 forms an inner wall and the pump housing 8 forms an outer wall of the pump chamber 15 .

The component 19 preferably has a partition 21. The partition 21 is preferably arranged between the valve spring 13A and the rod 13C. Preferably, the partition 21 is sealed against the housing 20 or the inner wall of the housing 20. In particular, a sealed spring chamber is formed by the partition 21 and the housing 20, and the valve spring 13A is arranged inside the spring chamber.

The partition part 21 in particular forms a seal for sealing contact against the housing 20 or has such a seal.

In the example shown, the partition part 21 forms a sealing lip or has a sealing lip. However, other embodiments are also possible, for example in which the partition part has or forms two or more sealing lips.

The valve spring 13A is preferably separated from the product 2 by the partition 21. In other words, in this way the product 2 cannot come into contact with the valve spring 13A, thereby achieving corresponding advantages. In particular, chemical reactions and/or swelling phenomena can be avoided thereby.

In particular, the partition portion 21 and/or the rod 13C are movable relative to the housing 20 and/or the valve spring 13A is compressible.

The pump 6 preferably has a pre-compression mechanism. Such a pre-compression mechanism is described, for example, in WO 95/08400 A1. Particularly preferably, the pre-compression mechanism is formed by the piston 14, the rod 13C, the valve spring 13A and the housing 20.

The individual components of the pump 6, in particular the pre-compression mechanism or the piston 14, the rod 13C, the valve spring 13A, the housing 20 and the pump 15, preferably cooperate with each other so that the outlet valve 13 is opened only when the product 2 is at a pressure that enables spray-type dispensing by means of the dispensing head 5 and dispenses the product 2 without dripping. Preferably, the mentioned parts are designed so that the outlet valve 13 closes as soon as the pressure in the pump chamber 15 is too low.

The pre-compression mechanism can particularly prevent underpressure of the product 2 to be dispensed. This results in that the pre-compression mechanism preferably prevents dripping of the dispensing head 5 or the dispensing unit 4 and/or enables particularly fine atomization when dispensing the product 2 as an aerosol or spray S.

According to a preferred aspect which can also be realized independently, all parts and/or components of the pump 6, the dispensing unit 4 and/or the dispensing device 1 are made of the same basic material or of a material of the same material class, in particular of plastic, particularly preferably of polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP). In particular, the container 3, the dispensing unit 4, the dispensing head 5, the nozzle 5B, the pump 6, the connecting piece 7, the pump housing 8, the housing cover 9, the valve body 12B, the piston 14, the resetting device 16, the component 19 and/or the housing 20 are made of the same basic material or of a material of the same material class, in particular of plastic, particularly preferably of polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP). Optimized and/or complete recycling is thereby achieved.

Even if different parts are made from the same base material, they can still differ in properties such as hardness, density, elasticity, color, strength, stiffness, durability, etc. The base material polyethylene, for example, exists in different variants with different properties, mainly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This enables different parts with different requirements to be manufactured from the same base material.

The movement process of the dispensing device 1 or the pump 6 will be explained in more detail below.

1 and 2 show the dispensing device 1 or the pump 6 in the unactuated state or in the initial position. FIG. 3 shows the pump 6 in the end position, in which the piston 14 has been moved completely downwards or in the direction of the inlet 10 .

The initial position or rest position of the dispensing device 1 or the pump 6 is preferably the position which the pump 6, in particular the piston 14, assumes in the unoperated state and/or spontaneously or by the restoring force or spring force of the restoring device 16. In the initial position, the volume of the pump chamber 15 is at a maximum and/or the restoring device 16 presses the piston 14 upwards or presses it against the pump housing 8 or the housing cover 9.

Preferably, the initial position of the piston 14 or its movement out of the initial position is limited (axially or upwardly) by the piston 14 , in particular the piston head 14B, abutting against a stop of the pump housing 8 or the housing cover 9 .

The end position is preferably the position which the pump 6, in particular the piston 14, assumes when the pump 6 is fully actuated. In particular, the piston 14 is moved or pressed completely downward or in the direction of the inlet 10 in the end position. In the end position, the volume of the pump chamber 15 is minimal and/or smaller than in the initial position.

Preferably, the end position of the piston 14 or its movement out of the end position is limited (axially or downwardly) by the piston 14 , in particular the piston head 14B, coming into contact with a stop of the pump housing 8 .

Preferably, the pump 6 can be transferred from an initial position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , to an end position, as shown in FIG. 3 , by (manually) actuating or pressing the dispenser head 5 .

Preferably, the reset device 16 is designed to be used for the pump 6 to be transferred from the end position to the initial position, in particular by means of a spring force or spontaneously. In particular, after the pump 6 is operated, the pump 6 or the piston 14 is automatically reset to the initial position by the reset device 16.

The piston 14 is preferably prestressed in the initial position by means of a restoring device 16. In particular, the restoring device 16 presses the piston 14 or the piston head 14B against the pump housing 8 or the housing cover 9.

By actuating the dispensing device 1 or the dispensing head 5 , the piston 14 can be moved against the spring force of the restoring device 16 and in the normal use position downwards or in the direction of the container 3 , preferably thereby reducing the volume of the pump chamber 15 and/or increasing the pressure in the pump chamber 15 .

By reducing the volume of the pump chamber 15 or by increasing the pressure in the pump chamber 15 , the inlet valve 12 is (automatically) closed and/or the valve body 12B is pressed against the valve seat 12A, in particular so that the product 2 in the pump chamber 15 cannot flow back into the container 3 .

The outlet valve 13 is designed to open spontaneously when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the pump chamber 15. In particular, the pressurization in the pump chamber 15 or the actuation of the dispensing device 1 or the actuation of the dispensing head 4 or the pump 6 causes the rod 13C to move relative to the valve seat 13B or relative to the valve 14 against the spring force of the valve spring 13A, or to be lifted from the valve seat 13B or from the piston 14, preferably so that the outlet valve 13 is opened and/or the product 2 can flow from the pump chamber 15 through the outlet valve 13 into the outlet channel 14C of the piston 14.

Opening the opening valve 13 causes the pressure in the pump chamber 15 to drop to such an extent that the outlet valve 13 will preferably close again without further actuation of the dispensing device 1 or the dispensing head 5. However, by continuously actuating the dispensing device 1 or the dispensing head 5 or the pump 6, the volume of the pump chamber 15 is further reduced or the product 2 in the pump chamber 15 is under pressure, preferably so that the outlet valve 13 remains open until the end position shown in FIG. 3 is reached.

After or when the end position is reached, the dispensing process ends and/or the outlet valve 13 closes, in particular in that the pressure in the pump chamber is now reduced due to the dispensing of the product 2 and the rod 13C is pressed again against the valve seat 13B by the valve spring 13A.

After dispensing of the product 2 or by releasing the dispensing head 5 , the pump chamber 15 is preferably filled spontaneously.

As soon as the dispensing head 5 is released, the restoring device 16 presses the piston 14 or the piston head 14B upwards or in the direction of the dispensing head 5 back into the starting position.

By resetting the pump 6 from the end position to the initial position, in particular resetting the piston 14 from the end position to the initial position, the volume of the pump chamber 15 is expanded and/or the pressure is reduced due to the volume expansion of the pump chamber 15, preferably, thereby opening the inlet valve 12 or the valve body 12B is lifted off the valve seat 12A.

By moving the piston 14 from the end position into the starting position or upwards in the normal use position of the dispensing device 1 , a predefined volume of the product 2 is sucked or conveyed from the container 3 through the inlet 10 and/or the inlet valve 12 into the pump chamber 15 .

When the piston 14 is returned to the initial position, the product 2 flows through the inlet valve 12 laterally past the housing 20 into the pump chamber 15 .

As soon as the starting position is reached, the filling of the pump chamber 15 is completed. By actuating the dispensing device 1 or the dispensing head 5 again, the product 2 located in the pump chamber 15 can then be dispensed, as already explained.

In particular, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects, which can be implemented independently or in combination with the above-described aspects, features and characteristics.

1. a pump 6 for the preferably liquid product 2,

The pump 6 comprises a pump housing 8, a piston 14, a pump chamber 15, an inlet 10, an outlet 11, an inlet valve 12 and an outlet valve 13.

The piston 14 can move in the axial direction to deliver the product 2 into the pump chamber 15 via the inlet 10 and to deliver the product from the pump chamber 15 to the outlet 11.

It is characterized in that

The piston 14 is guided in the guide 17 and has a first portion 14F and a second portion 14G, wherein in the initial position of the piston 14, the first portion 14F is radially sealed against the guide 17 and the second portion 14G is at least partially spaced apart from the guide 17, and when the piston 14 is moved out of the initial position up to a certain stroke H, the radial sealing of the piston 14 relative to the guide 17 is maintained, and when the certain stroke H is exceeded, a ventilation gap 18 is formed between the piston 14 and the guide 17, in particular, a ventilation gap 18 is formed between the second portion 14G and the guide 17, and/or

The outlet valve 13 has a valve spring 13A, a valve seat 13B and a rod 13C which is prestressed into a closed position against the valve seat 13B by means of the valve spring 13A and which are formed by different parts of a one-piece component 19 .

2. A pump according to aspect 1, characterized in that the determined stroke is at least 2 mm or greater, preferably at least 3 mm or greater, and/or is a maximum of 6 mm or less, preferably a maximum of 5 mm or less, particularly preferably a maximum of 4 mm or less.

3. The pump according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the second portion 14G is designed to be at least partially conical, and/or the first portion 14F has a first diameter D1 and the second portion 14G has a second diameter D2 smaller than the first diameter D1.

4. The pump according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the guide 17 has a circumferential sealing lip 17A which, in the initial position, bears against the piston 14 , in particular against the first portion 14F, in a radially sealing manner.

5. The pump according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the component 19 is made of plastic and/or is an injection molded part and/or all parts of the pump 6 are made of the same basic material, in particular plastic, particularly preferably polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

6. A pump according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the component 19 or the valve spring 13A and the rod 13C are at least partially arranged in the housing 20, preferably, wherein the housing 20 is arranged or fastened on the piston 14, and/or the housing is arranged inside the pump chamber 15 and/or the pump housing 8 and/or is able to move inside the pump chamber 15 and/or the pump housing 8.

7. A pump according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the valve spring 13A is separated from the product 2, in particular by a separation portion 21 of the housing 20 and/or the component 19, preferably wherein a sealed spring chamber for the valve spring 13A is formed by the housing 20 and the separation portion 21, and the valve spring 13A is arranged in the spring chamber.

8. The pump according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the pump 6 has a pre-compression mechanism and/or the pre-compression mechanism is formed by the piston 14 , the rod 13C, the valve spring 13A and the housing 20 .

9. The pump according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the inlet valve 12 and/or the outlet valve 13 is designed as a spontaneously opening valve and/or the piston 14 has or forms a valve seat 13B of the outlet valve 13 .

10 . The pump according to claim 1 , wherein the piston 14 , the pump chamber 15 , the valve spring 13A, the inlet valve 12 and/or the outlet valve 13 are at least partially arranged in the pump housing 8 .

11. Dispensing unit 4 for dispensing a preferably liquid product 2, wherein the dispensing unit 4 has a pump 6 according to any of the preceding aspects and a dispensing head 5 connected to the piston 14 of the pump 6, via which the product 2 conveyed by the pump 6 can be dispensed.

12. The dispensing unit according to aspect 11, characterized in that the dispensing unit 4 has a reset device 16, in particular a reset spring, which is used to preload and/or reset the piston 14 and/or the dispensing head 5 to an initial position.

13. Dispensing unit according to aspect 12, characterized in that the resetting device 16 is designed as an elastic bellows and/or is made of plastic.

14. The dispensing unit according to aspect 12 or 13 is characterized in that the reset device 16 is arranged between the dispensing head 5 and the pump 6, and/or the reset device at least partially surrounds the pump 6 and/or the piston 14, and/or the reset device is arranged outside the pump 6 and/or the pump chamber 15.

15. A dispensing device 1 for dispensing a preferably liquid product 2, wherein the dispensing device 1 has a dispensing unit 4 according to any one of aspects 11 to 14 and a container 3 comprising or for the product 2, and wherein a dispensing head 5 is fluidly connected to the container 3 via a pump 6, so that the pump 6 can be used to transport the product 2 from the container 3 and dispense the product via the dispensing head 5.

The various aspects and features of the present invention can be implemented independently of each other, but also in any combination and/or in any order.

Reference numerals list

1 Dispensing equipment 13B Valve seat

2 Products 13C Rod

3 Containers 13D Plates

4 Distribution unit 13E Support body

5 Distributor head 13F Free space

5B Nozzle 13G Spring element

6 Pump 13H Section

7 Connector 13I Connector

8 Pump housing 14 Piston

8A Lower part 14A Piston rod

8B Inner surface 14B Piston head

9 Housing cover 14C Outlet channel

10 Inlet 14D Guide surface

11 Outlet 14E Seal

12 Inlet valve 14F Part I

12A Valve Seat 14G Part 2

12B Valve body 14H Tapered section

13 Outlet valve 15 Pump chamber

13A Valve spring 16 Reset device

17 Guide 22C Part 3

17A Sealing lip

18 Ventilation gap D1 First diameter

19 Component D2 Second diameter

20 Shell S Spray

21 Divider SE Mirror

22 Ventilation channel H Determined stroke

22A Part I W Path.

22B Part II.

Claims (24)

1. A valve spring (13A) made of plastic, in particular for pre-tightening a valve stem (13C) against a valve seat (13B) of a dispensing unit (4) for dispensing a product (2), preferably a liquid product, wherein the valve spring (13A) has a plurality of spring elements (13G) arranged one after the other in an axial direction, in particular along an axis (A) or a longitudinal axis,

It is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

Each spring element (13G) has two curved portions (13H) which are designed to mirror each other and are connected to each other at their ends, and/or

The valve spring (13A) has a leaf spring or coil spring-type structure.

2. Valve spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (13G) and/or the part (13H) are designed of the same type, in particular the spring element and/or the part are designed identically.

3. Valve spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said portion (13H) extends substantially transversely to said axis (a).

4. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (13H) is designed flat.

5. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portions (13H) each have an at least substantially constant thickness.

6. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the portion (13H) is at least 0.2mm or more, preferably the thickness of the portion is 0.4mm or more, and/or the thickness of the portion is at most 0.8mm or less, preferably the thickness of the portion is 0.6mm or less, in particular the thickness of the portion is about 0.5mm.

7. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (13G) and/or the part (13H) are each made of plastic, in particular the spring element and/or the part are each made of Polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP).

8. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portions (13H) of the spring element (13G) are each designed and/or arranged to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a mirror Surface (SE).

9. Valve spring according to claim 8, characterized in that the mirror (SE) extends transversely to the axis (a), in particular the mirror (SE) extends perpendicularly to the axis (a).

10. Valve spring according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the two parts (13H) of the spring element (13G) are each bent away from the respective mirror surface SE such that the distance between the two parts (13H) of the spring element (13G) decreases with increasing distance from the axis (a).

11. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum distance between two of said parts (13H) of the spring element (13G) is at least 0.75mm or more, preferably the maximum distance between two of said parts of the spring element is 0.85mm or more, and/or the maximum distance between two of said parts of the spring element is 1.15mm or less, preferably the maximum distance between two of said parts of the spring element is 1.05mm or less, in particular the maximum distance between two of said parts of the spring element is about 0.95mm, in particular the maximum distance between two of said parts of the spring element is the maximum distance at the centre or the maximum distance along the axis (a).

12. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (13G) is compressible.

13. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring element (13G) is formed by bending the portions (13H) in combination with connecting the ends, the spring elements each having a free space (13F) between the portions (13H), the free space extending substantially transversely to the axis (a).

14. Valve spring according to claim 13, characterized in that the width of the free space (13F) is at least 3.0mm or more, preferably 3.5mm or more, and/or the width of the free space is at most 5.0mm or less, preferably 4.5mm or less, in particular about 3.9mm, in particular the width of the free space is the extension of the free space (13F) perpendicular to the axis (a).

15. Valve spring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two adjacent spring elements (13G) are each connected to each other by a connection (13I).

16. Valve spring according to claim 15, characterized in that one or more of the connections (13I) are made of the same material as the spring element 13G and/or are designed as one piece with the spring element 13G.

17. Valve spring according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that one or more of the connections (13I) are arranged centrally and/or in the region of the axis (a).

18. A pump (6) for a product (2), preferably a liquid product,

Wherein the pump (6) has a pump housing (8), a piston (14), a pump chamber (15), an inlet (10), an outlet (11), an inlet valve (12) and an outlet valve (13),

Wherein the piston (14) is axially movable to convey the product (2) through the inlet (10) into the pump chamber (15) and from the pump chamber (15) to the outlet (11),

It is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

The outlet valve (13) has a valve spring (13A) according to any of the preceding claims, and/or

All parts of the pump (6) are made of the same base material or of the same class of materials.

19. Pump according to claim 18, characterized in that the outlet valve (13) has the valve spring (13A), a valve seat (13B) and a stem (13C), wherein the stem (13C) is preloaded against the valve seat (13B) into a closed position by means of the valve spring (13A), wherein the valve spring (13A) and the stem (13C) are formed by different parts of a one-piece member (19).

20. Pump according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the base material is plastic, particularly preferably polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

21. Pump according to any of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the member (19), or the valve spring (13A) and the rod (13C), is at least partially arranged within a housing (20).

22. Pump according to claim 21, characterized in that the housing (20) is arranged or fastened on the piston (14) and/or the housing is arranged inside the pump chamber (15) and/or inside the pump housing (8) and/or movable inside the pump chamber and/or inside the pump housing.

23. Dispensing unit (4) for dispensing a product (2), preferably a liquid product, wherein the dispensing unit (4) has a pump (6) according to any one of claims 18 to 22 and a dispensing head (5) connected to a piston (14) of the pump (6) via which the product (2) delivered by the pump (6) can be dispensed.

24. Dispensing device (1) for dispensing a product (2), preferably a liquid product, wherein the dispensing device (1) has a dispensing unit (4) according to claim 23 and a container (3) with the product (2) or for the product, and wherein the dispensing head (5) is in fluid connection with the container (3) via the pump (6) such that the product (2) can be transported out of the container (3) by the pump (6) and dispensed via the dispensing head (5).