FINGER SPRAY PUMP

Abstract

A finger spray pump for spraying a medium, which includes a finger-actuated pump head, an outlet nozzle and a pump chamber which includes an inlet valve and a pump piston which can be moved by moving the pump head. The medium passes through a medium path between the pump chamber and outlet nozzle, additionally, the pump piston forms, in cooperation with a piston rod, an outlet valve and the pump piston can be moved with respect to the piston rod counter to the force of a first spring for actuating the outlet valve, the piston rod can be moved counter to the force of a second spring. Additionally, both springs are arranged outside of the medium path. In order to obtain a compact design, both springs are arranged at a distance from each other, axially independent from the pump position.

Claims

1. A finger spray pump (1) for spraying a medium (M), comprising a finger-actuatable pump head (4), an outlet nozzle (11) and a pump chamber (36) having an inlet valve (E) and a pump piston (13) that can be moved by moving the pump head (4), wherein the medium (M) passes through a medium path (11) between the pump chamber (36) and the outlet nozzle (10), wherein, furthermore, the pump piston (13) in cooperation with a piston rod (6) forms an outlet valve (A) and the pump piston (13) can be moved relative to the piston rod (6) against the force of a first spring (F.sub.1) for actuating the outlet valve (A), wherein the piston rod (6) can be moved against the force of a second spring (F.sub.2) and wherein, furthermore, both springs (F.sub.1 and F.sub.2) are arranged outside of the medium path (11), wherein both spring (F.sub.1 and F.sub.2) are axially spaced apart from one another independent of the pump position.

2. The finger spray pump according to claim 1, wherein the first spring (F.sub.1) has a greater spring constant than the second spring (F.sub.2) or vice versa.

3. The finger spray pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump piston (13), in the actuated and/or non-actuated position, protrudes beyond an end region of the piston rod (6), which end region provides the outlet valve (A).

4. The finger spray pump according to claim 1, wherein the piston rod (6) has a central axial opening (8) for forming the medium path (11).

5. A finger spray pump (1) for spraying a medium (M), comprising a pump head (4), an outlet nozzle (11) and a pump chamber (36) having an inlet valve (E) and a pump piston (13), wherein the medium (M) passes through a medium path (11) between the pump chamber (36) and the outlet nozzle (10), wherein, furthermore, the pump piston (13) in cooperation with a piston rod (6) forms an outlet valve (A) and the pump piston (13) runs in a pump cylinder (15), wherein a latching part (19) is connected to the pump cylinder on the upper side thereof and wherein the latching part (19) is formed for supporting a pump head spring (24) which supports the pump head (4) relative to the pump cylinder (15).

6. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein a piston spring (23) acting between the piston rod (6) and the pump piston (13) is provided and wherein the piston spring (23) is at least partially accommodated in the latching part (19).

7. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the piston spring (23) and the pump head spring (24) are supported on the latching part (19).

8. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the latching part (19) forms a collar (21) which extends towards the pump head (4) and which leaves a circumferential space (22) to the piston rod (6), in which circumferential space the pump head spring (24) is accommodated.

9. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the finger spray pump (1) is formed for a crimp connection with a container (2).

10. The finger spray pump according claim 5, wherein a crimp sleeve (27) is provided which encompasses the latching part (19) and the pump cylinder (15) at the same time, at least in the region of at least the cooperation of the latching part (19) and the pump cylinder (15).

11. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the finger spray pump (1) is designed for a snap-on connection with the container (2) and wherein the elements (30) for engaging beneath a container neck (3) are formed on the latching part (19) which, at the same time, is formed for engaging over the container neck (3).

12. The finger spray pump according claim 5, wherein the latching part (19) is encompassed by a sleeve part (31), in any case in the region of its portion associated with the container neck (3).

13. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve part (31) is metallic.

14. The finger spray pump according to claim 5, wherein the latching part (19) is formed with a screw cap (33) for forming a screw connection with the container neck (3).

15. (canceled)

Description

[0024] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing which, however, merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. A part which is explained only in relation to one of the exemplary embodiments and which in a further exemplary embodiment, due to the peculiarity featured therein, is not replaced by another part, is therefore also described for this further exemplary embodiment in any case as a possible present part. In the drawing:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows in a longitudinal sectional view a finger spray pump of a first embodiment in crimp connection with a container, in regards to the non-actuated position of the finger spray pump;

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an illustration according to FIG. 1, but in regards to an intermediate position in the course of the actuation of the finger spray pump;

[0027] FIG. 3 shows an illustration subsequent to FIG. 2 in regards to the pump position;

[0028] FIG. 4 shows an illustration according to FIG. 1, but for a configuration of the finger spray pump for a snap-on connection with the container;

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a further illustration according to FIG. 1, with the finger spray pump configured for a screw connection with the container;

[0030] FIG. 6 shows an illustration according to FIG. 1, but in regards to a second embodiment of the finger spray pump;

[0031] FIG. 7 shows an intermediate position in the course of the actuation of the finger spray pump;

[0032] FIG. 8 shows an illustration subsequent to FIG. 7, in regards to the pump position;

[0033] FIG. 9 shows an illustration according to FIG. 4, but in regards to the second embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 10 shows the second embodiment with the finger spray pump configured for a screw connection with a container.

[0035] Illustrated and described, in first instance with reference to FIG. 1, is a finger spray pump 1 for spraying a medium M, in particular a liquid medium.

[0036] The finger spray pump 1 is formed for arrangement on a container 2 which stores the medium M and has a container neck 3 to which the finger spray pump 1 is substantially fixed.

[0037] The finger spray pump 1 has a finger-actuatable pump head 4 with an actuation surface 5 which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, extends substantially transverse to a central body axis x of the finger spray pump 1, and also extends transverse to the body axis of the container 2 in the associated state.

[0038] Furthermore, the pump head 4 as a whole is configured in an approximately pot-like manner and has a downward-facing pot opening.

[0039] A piston rod 6, which is formed rotationally symmetric to the body axis x and which can extend beyond the plane of the pot opening is centrally molded or secured at the lower side of the actuation surface 5.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. 1 to 3, the piston rod 6 is latched in a tube-section-like rod holder 7 which preferably is formed integrally with and from the same material as the pump head 4. The piston rod 6 is encompassed by the rod holder 7 over a sub-portion of the axial length of the piston rod 6.

[0041] The piston rod 6 has a central axial opening 8. The latter extends preferably over the entire axial length of extent of the piston rod 6 and ends at the lower side of the actuation surface 5 in radial channel 9 at the pump head. The radial channel ends in an outlet nozzle 10.

[0042] The radial channel 9 and the axial opening 8 as a whole substantially form a medium path 11.

[0043] The piston rod's 6 end facing away from the pump head 4 carries a plate-like end that widens radially with respect to the piston rod 6. The plate-like end forms a piston bottom 12 of a pump piston 13 that encompasses the piston bottom 12 and an end portion of the piston rod 6, which end portion faces the piston bottom 12.

[0044] Directly above the piston bottom 12, the piston rod 6 is provided with radial openings 14 for connecting the axial opening 8 with the space surrounding the piston rod 6 radially outside above the piston bottom 12.

[0045] The pump piston 13 is arranged in a pump cylinder 15 so as to be movable along the body axis x. The pump piston 13 has a circumferential piston wall 17 which interacts with the inner cylinder wall via sealing lips 16.

[0046] The piston wall 17 transitions into a portion of decreased diameter for sealingly interacting with the exposed outer surface of the piston rod 6. In this region too, at least one circumferential sealing lip 18 is provided.

[0047] On the inside, associated with the step-like transition of the piston wall 17 into the region of decreased diameter, the piston wall 17 forms a seal seat for the piston bottom 12.

[0048] The pump cylinder 15 opens radially upwards towards the pump head 4, wherein the respective end of the pump cylinder 15 radially encompasses the piston rod 6 and the rod holder 7 at least in the pressed-down actuation position of the pump head 4.

[0049] In the non-actuated pump head position according to FIG. 1, an upward facing peripheral edge of the pump cylinder 15 extends approximately at the height of an axially downward oriented front end peripheral edge of the rod holder 7, more preferably at an axial spacing to the downward oriented peripheral edge of the opening of the pump head 4.

[0050] The axially upward oriented end region of the pump cylinder is formed radially inside for latched fixation of a sleeve-like latching part 19. The latching part 19 has a circular cross-section that is substantially adapted to the inner wall of the pump cylinder 15 and extends further radially inside the latching portion of the pump cylinder.

[0051] Moreover, the latching part 19 is supported on the facing front end peripheral edge of the pump cylinder 15 via a radial collar 20.

[0052] Starting from this radial collar 20, a collar 21 extends which runs coaxial to the body axis x and which leaves a circumferential space 22 to the piston rod 6 and preferably also to the rod holder 7.

[0053] The pump piston 13 guided in the pump cylinder 15 is supported via a first spring F.sub.1 or, respectively, a piston spring 23 against the piston rod 6, more preferably against the rod holder 7 holding the piston rod 6.

[0054] The piston spring 23 or, respectively, the first spring F.sub.1 is preferably a cylindrical compression spring which is supported at one end on the pump piston 13 in the step-like offset region of the piston wall 17, and is supported at the other end on the end face of the rod holder 7 facing towards the pump piston 13. Here, the piston spring 23 or, respectively, the first spring F.sub.1 encompasses the diameter-reduced region of piston wall 17, which is sealingly supported on the piston rod 6, as well as the piston rod's 6 free portion protruding beyond the rod holder 7.

[0055] Moreover, a second spring F.sub.2 is provided as a pump head spring 24. The latter, while encompassing the rod holder 7 and thus the piston rod 6 in the fixation region, is supported at one end on the latching part 19 in the circumferential space 22 and, at the other end, it acts at the bottom side of the actuation surface 5 against the pump head 4. This pump head spring 24 or, respectively, second spring F.sub.2 is a cylindrical compression spring as well.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. 1 to 3 and furthermore also in the FIGS. 4 and 5, the spring constant of the first spring F.sub.1, thus the piston spring 23, is selected to be greater than the spring constant of the second spring F.sub.2 (pump head spring 24).

[0057] In cooperation with the seal seat of the piston wall 17, the piston bottom 12 forms an outlet valve A.

[0058] In the region of the pump cylinder bottom 25, an inlet valve E is formed, preferably in the form of a ball valve, at the lower side of which a connection for a suction tube is connected. The latter extends into the container interior.

[0059] In the FIGS. 1 to 3, a finger spray pump 1 of the first embodiment is formed for a crimp connection with the container 2. For this purpose, a crimp sleeve 27 is provided which encompasses the latching part 19 and the pump cylinder 15 at the same time, at least in the region of cooperation of the latching part and the latching region of the pump cylinder 15.

[0060] The crimp sleeve 27 encompasses the container neck 3, wherein supporting the finger spray pump 1 on the end face of the container neck 3 takes place via the crimp sleeve 27, preferably by interpositioning a sealing washer 28.

[0061] As an alternative, according to the illustration in FIG. 4, a finger spray pump 1 configured as described above can also be fixed to the container 2 via a snap-on connection. For this purpose, the radial collar 20 of the latching part 19 is widened in a cylinder portion 29 that runs coaxial to the body axis x and widens radially over one step. Support on the container neck 3 is provided in the region of the step with interposition of the sealing washer 28.

[0062] The radially widened region of the cylinder portion 29 carries inwardly oriented elements 30 for engaging beneath the container neck 3. Accordingly, this results in latching on the container neck 3.

[0063] The elements 30 are preferably made from the same material as and integrally with the latching part 19, for example as a result of manufacturing using the plastic injection molding method.

[0064] Further, the elements 30 are formed such that in the course of the assembly, the elements can run over the container neck 3 due to elastic deflection.

[0065] Furthermore, there is provided a sleeve part 31 which encompasses the latching part 10 radially on the outside over the axial extent thereof. The sleeve part rests against the outer wall of the cylinder portion 29 in the radially widened region thereof and is supported on the latching part 19 in the region of the step of the cylinder portion 29.

[0066] The sleeve part 31 forms a ceiling that is oriented transverse to the body axis x and has a central opening through which the pump head 4 can extend upon its actuation.

[0067] Also, according to the illustration in FIG. 5, a screw connection can be provided. For this purpose, the latching part 19 is radially widened to form a screw cap 33 for cooperating with an external thread 34 in the region of the container neck 3. In the screwed-on position, the screw cap 33 is supported on the end face of the container neck 3 with the sealing washer 28 positioned therebetween.

[0068] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4 by way of example, the pump head 4 can be covered in the non-use position by a cover cap 35.

[0069] For spraying the medium M, the pump head 4, as a result of the pressure acting on the actuation surface 5 thereof, is displaced downwards along the body axis x against the force of the pump head spring 24 or, respectively, the second spring F.sub.2, relative to the stationary latching part 19 and the pump cylinder 15.

[0070] The piston spring 23, which is stronger with respect to the pump head spring 24, in first instance puts load on the pump piston 13 in the closed position of the outlet valve A in that the piston wall 17 is pushed to the piston bottom 12 into the sealing position.

[0071] Only upon reaching a pressure exceeding the spring force of the piston spring 23 in the pump chamber 36 provided below the pump piston 13 in the pump cylinder 15, the spring force of the piston spring 23 is overcome, which results in a relative displacement of the piston rod 6 with the piston bottom 12 with respect to the pump piston 13 (compare FIG. 2).

[0072] As a result of maintaining the pressure acting on the pump head 4 and the accompanying continuous downward-pressing thereof, the medium M is discharged via the open outlet valve A and medium path 11 which is now connected to the pump chamber 36. The medium M is sprayed out under pressure through the outlet nozzle 10 until the pump piston 13, which, in the opening state of the outlet valve A runs along driven by the piston spring 23, reaches the lowered position according to FIG. 3 which is defined by a limit stop.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a displacement travel of the piston rod 6 with the piston bottom 12 relative to the pump piston 13 from 1 to 2 mm, more preferably approximately 1.5 mm is given. The total displacement travel of the pump piston 13 from the non-loaded position illustrated in FIG. 1 up to the end position limited by a stop according to FIG. 3 is, for example, 4 to 5 mm, preferably approximately 4.4 mm, so that a total stroke during spraying of approximately 5.5 to 6.5 mm, for example 5.9 mm is given.

[0074] Here, the pump chamber 36 is preferably designed such that with one spraying stroke, approximately 0.1 to 0.15 ml, for example 0.12 ml medium M is expelled.

[0075] After expelling the medium M and without pressure acting on the pump head 4, the system returns automatically to the initial position according to FIG. 1 as a result of a corresponding returning of the pump head 4 with its piston rod 6 and piston bottom 12 via the pump head spring 24 and of the pump piston 13 via the piston spring 23, wherein the returning via the stronger piston spring 23 runs ahead so as to prematurely close the outlet valve A.

[0076] In the course of the displacement of the pump piston 13 back into the initial position, medium M for refilling the pump chamber 36 is continuously fed through the inlet valve E, which opens here as a result of the suction effect, and through the suction tube 26.

[0077] The FIGS. 6 to 8 and furthermore also the FIGS. 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of a finger spray pump 1, wherein the illustrations in the FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a crimp connection, which, for comparison, is released, as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0078] The FIGS. 9 and 10 show securing solutions in the form of a snap-on connection and a screw connection. The solutions in this regard are comparable with the first embodiment as well.

[0079] In this embodiment, the piston rod 6 is in first instance secured in a rod holder 7, which, as viewed in the axial direction, is substantially shorter with respect to the first embodiment. The rod holder 7 extends only within the pump head 4.

[0080] The latching part 19 secured with the pump cylinder 15 forms a latching part bottom 37 which is oriented transverse to the body axis x. In the region of an opening, the latter is penetrated by the piston rod 6.

[0081] On the upper side of the latching part bottom 37, the second spring F.sub.2 or, respectively, the pump head spring 24 is supported. On the lower side, the first spring F1 or, respectively, the piston spring 23 abuts against the latching part 19.

[0082] As in the first exemplary embodiment, the two springs F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 or the piston spring 23 and the pump head spring 24, respectively, are arranged axially one behind the other and outside of the medium path 11 so that hereby a slim, i.e. in particular a small-diameter design can be achieved. The medium M does not flow around the two springs.

[0083] In the second embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, the piston spring 23 or, respectively, the first spring F.sub.1 is the spring with the lower spring constant with respect to the pump head spring 24 or, respectively, the second spring F.sub.2.

[0084] When spraying the medium M, while pressing the pump head 4 down against the force of the stronger pump head spring 24, the pump piston 13, if applicable, is in first instance carried along via the weaker spring 23 so that the outlet valve A remains closed. Upon reaching a pressure in the pump chamber 36 which corresponds to the spring force of the weaker piston spring 23, the piston bottom 12, which is rigidly connected to the pump head 4, is further pressed down while the pump piston 13 remains in place relative thereto, resulting in opening of the outlet valve A. By further pressing the pump head 4 down, the medium M is expelled out of the pump chamber 36 through the open outlet valve A and the medium way 11.

[0085] The above embodiments serve for explanation of the invention comprised as a whole by the patent application, which refines the prior art in each case independently by the following feature combinations, namely:

[0086] A finger spray pump, which is characterized in that both springs (F.sub.1 and F.sub.2) are axially spaced apart from one another independent of the pump position.

[0087] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the first spring F.sub.1 has a greater spring constant than the second spring F.sub.2 or vice versa.

[0088] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the pump piston 13, in the actuated and/or non-actuated position, protrudes beyond the end region of the piston rod 6, which end region provides the outlet valve A.

[0089] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the piston rod 6 has a central axial opening 8 for forming the medium path 11.

[0090] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that a latching part 19 is connected to the pump cylinder 15 at the upper side thereof, and that the latching part 19 is formed for supporting a pump head spring 24 which supports the pump head 4 relative to the pump cylinder 15.

[0091] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that a piston spring 23 acting between the piston rod 6 and the pump piston 13 is provided and that the piston spring 23 is at least partially accommodated in the latching part 19.

[0092] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the piston spring 23 and the pump head spring 24 are supported on the latching part 19.

[0093] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the latching part 19 forms a collar 21 which extends towards the pump head 4 and which leaves a circumferential space 22 to the piston rod 6, in which circumferential space the pump head spring 24 is accommodated.

[0094] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the finger spray pump 1 is formed for a crimp connection with a container 2.

[0095] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that a crimp sleeve 27 is provided which encompasses the latching part 19 and the pump cylinder 15 at the same time in the region of at least the cooperation of the latching part 19 and the pump cylinder 15.

[0096] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the finger spray pump 1 is formed for a snap-on connection with the container 2 and that elements 30 for engaging beneath a container neck 3 are formed on the latching part 19 which, at the same time, is formed for engaging over the container neck 3.

[0097] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the latching part 19, in any case in the region of its portion associated with the container neck 3, is encompassed by a sleeve part 31.

[0098] A finger spray pump, which is characterized in that the sleeve part 31 is metallic.

[0099] A finger spray pump which is characterized in that the latching part 19 is formed with a screw cap 33 for forming a screw connection with the container neck 3.

[0100] All features disclosed are (in themselves, but also in combination with one another) pertinent to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/accompanying priority documents (copy of the prior application) is also hereby included in full in the disclosure of the application, including for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subsidiary claims with their features characterize independent inventive refinements of the prior art, in particular to undertake divisional applications based on these claims.

REFERENCE LIST

[0101] 1 Finger spray pump [0102] 2 Container [0103] 3 Container neck [0104] 4 Pump head [0105] 5 Actuation surface [0106] 6 Piston rod [0107] 7 Rod holder [0108] 8 Axial opening [0109] 9 Radial channel [0110] 10 Outlet nozzle [0111] 11 Medium path [0112] 12 Piston bottom [0113] 13 Pump piston [0114] 14 Radial opening [0115] 15 Pump cylinder [0116] 16 Sealing lip [0117] 17 Piston wall [0118] 18 Sealing lip [0119] 19 Latching part [0120] 20 Radial collar [0121] 21 Collar [0122] 22 Circumferential space [0123] 23 Piston spring [0124] 24 Pump head spring [0125] 25 Pump cylinder bottom [0126] 26 Suction tube [0127] 27 Crimp sleeve [0128] 28 Sealing washer [0129] 29 Cylinder portion [0130] 30 Element [0131] 31 Sleeve part [0132] 32 Opening [0133] 33 Screw cap [0134] 34 External thread [0135] 35 Cover cap [0136] 36 Pump chamber [0137] 37 Latching part bottom [0138] A Outlet valve [0139] E Inlet valve [0140] F.sub.1 First spring [0141] F.sub.2 Second spring [0142] M Medium [0143] x Body axis