CONTAINER AND DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FLUID

Abstract

A container (2; 2) comprises: a cylindrical body (11; 32); a plunger (6; 38) inserted into the body, the plunger being movable along the body; a plug (18; 43) fixedly positioned within the body at a longitudinal distance from the plunger such that the body, the plug (18; 43) and the plunger form a cavity (19; 44); a channel (20) leading through the plug; and a needle (7) connected with the channel (20), a free end of the needle being positioned outside the cavity, wherein the needle is fully housed within the hollow cylindrical body. A dispensing device (1) for dispensing specific amounts of fluids comprises: at least one attachment means (17) for removably attaching a respective container (2; 2) and at least one actuating device comprising at least one stem (3), wherein each stem is movable to engage a respective container.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: a hollow cylindrical body; a plunger inserted into the body, the plunger being movable along a longitudinal axis of the body; a plug fixedly positioned within the body at a longitudinal distance from the plunger such that the body, the plug and the plunger form a cavity; a channel leading through the plug; and a needle fluidly connected with the channel, a free end of the needle being positioned outside the cavity, wherein the needle is fully housed within the hollow cylindrical body.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the free end of the needle is level.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the needle has an inner diameter of at least 0.4 mm.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the needle has an inner diameter of not more than 0.55 mm.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the needle has a length of not more than 15 mm.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the channel is entirely formed by the needle.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a handling region for attaching the container, the handling region being made of metal; and wherein at least the hollow cylindrical body, the plunger, and the plug are made of plastic.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the handling region is a metal ring positioned at the outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body.

9. The container according to claim 7, wherein metal parts and plastic parts of the container have been formed by co-injection moulding.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises at least one protrusion laterally protruding into or in front of an end face of the body neighbouring the plunger.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a spindle drive adapted to move the plunger along the longitudinal axis of the body.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the spindle drive is positioned within the body.

13. The container according to claim 11, wherein the spindle drive comprises a gear rim, a spindle fixedly connected to the gear rim, and the plunger, wherein the plunger is in threaded mesh with the spindle, and wherein the gear rim is accessible at a first face end of the body while the channel opens towards a second face end of the body.

14. The container according to claim 11, wherein the plunger comprises a position detection element.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the position detection element is a magnet.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container contains at least one ingredient or component for making a fragrance blend.

21. A dispensing device for dispensing specific amounts of fluids, comprising: at least one attachment means for removably attaching a container according to claim 1; and at least one actuating device comprising at least one stem, wherein the at least one stem is movable to engage the container so as to release an amount of liquid via the needle.

22. The dispensing device according to claim 21, wherein the stem is movable so as to press the plunger of the container towards the plug.

23. The dispensing device according to claim 21, wherein the actuating device is adapted to contact and rotate a gear rim of the container, and wherein the stem is a rotary shaft which is linearly movable to engage a rotatable drive head thereof with the pear rim.

24. (canceled)

25. The dispensing device according to claim 21, comprising: at least two attachment means for removably attaching respective containers; and at least two actuating device comprising at least one stem, wherein each stem is individually movable to engage the respective container so as to release a respective amount of liquid via the needle.

Description

[0079] The above described features and advantages of the invention as well as their kind of implementation will now be schematically described in more detail by at least one embodiment in the context of one or more figures.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a dispensing device containing a container;

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of a first example of a container for the device of FIG. 1;

[0082] FIG. 3 shows the container of FIG. 2 in another oblique view;

[0083] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the container of FIG. 2;

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a top section of the container of FIG. 2;

[0085] FIG. 6 shows an oblique view of a second example of a container for the device of FIG. 1,

[0086] FIG. 7 shows another oblique view of a cut-out of the container of FIG. 6;

[0087] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the container of FIG. 6; and

[0088] FIG. 9 shows components of the container of FIG. 6 housed in a hollow body of the container of FIG. 6.

[0089] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view into an inside of a dispensing device 1 containing a container 2, 2. There is only one container 2, 2 and one rod or stem 3, 3 shown while generally more than one container 2, 2 and/or more than one stem 3, 3 may be present.

[0090] The container 2, 2 is removably attached to the dispensing device 1 by being inserted into a respective attachment means that may comprise a seat 17, 17. The seat 17, 17 may be part of a cartridge (not shown) that houses several containers 2, 2.

[0091] By virtue of the seat 17, 17, the container 2, 2 is fixed in a vertical orientation with a first end section 4, 4 above a second end section 5, 5. The first end section 4, 4 faces the stem 3, 3. The second end section 5, 5 comprises a needle 7 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 8).

[0092] The longitudinal stem 3, 3 is located above the container 2, 2. An electric motor 8 is used to linearly move the stem 3, 3, i.e. along its longitudinal axis. To this effect, the stem 3, 3 is connected to the motor 8 via a linkage 9. The linkage 9 comprises a guidance in form of rails 10 for a particularly precise movement of the stem 3, 3.

[0093] In some embodiments, such as shown for example in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 described below, the stem may be movable so as to engage and press the plunger of the respective container towards the plug. Alternatively, such as for example in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 described below, the stem may be a rotary shaft, linearly movable to engage a spindle drive of the respective container and rotatable to move the plunger towards the plug by means of the spindle drive.

[0094] For using the dispensing device 1, a user may insert a new container 2, 2 into the seat 17, 17. If a cartridge is used, the user may fill the cartridge with containers 2, 2. To facilitate replacement of the containers 2, 2, the cartridge may be removable from the dispensing device 1. A correct seating of the container 2, 2 may be detected by the dispensing device 1.

[0095] Additionally, the dispensing device 1 may comprise a reader 21 (e.g., a barcode reader, a QR code reader, an RFID reader, A NFC reader etc.) to read labels of the containers 2, 2. The labels may contain information regarding the type of the containers 2, 2, the content of the containers 2, 2 etc., expiration dates etc. This information may be used by the dispensing device 1 to adjust settings, user choices etc. The reader 21 may also write new or modified information into the label for updating the position of the plunger, information about the liquid inside the container, dates, etc.

[0096] A user may choose to dispense a certain fluid, in particular a liquid, in particular a blend, in particular a fragrance blend, from the dispensing device 1. To this effect, the user may operate the dispensing device 1 via a man machine interface (MMI, not shown) of the dispensing device 1 or remotely, e.g. via a mobile device (not shown).

[0097] After the user has chosen a certain blend to be dispensed, the dispensing device 1 automatically selects containers 2, 2 needed to produce the chosen blend and automatically operates the stem 3, 3. To this effect, different containers 2 may comprise different ingredients (e.g., pure ingredients or ingredient mixes). Selection of the containers 2, 2 may involve rotating the cartridge into a position in which one of the containers 2, 2 can be actuated by the stem 3, 3. Different containers 2, 2 needed to produce the blend may be selected in a sequential manner, e.g. by rotating the cartridge into respective angular positions.

[0098] When a selected container 2, 2 is positioned below the dispensing device 1, the dispensing device 1 may automatically move the stem 3, 3 (which was in higher rest position) towards the container 2, 2 in line with the stem 3, 3, i.e., downwards in the present embodiment. This contact may be detected by the dispensing device 1. If several stems 3, 3 and containers 2, 2 are present, the stems 3, 3 are moved for individual lengths. The stem 3, 3 moving in the downward direction engages with the container 2, 2 such that a respective amount of liquid may be caused to be released via the needle(s) 7, as will be described in greater detail further below.

[0099] The liquid gives out via the needle 7 may flow into a blending chamber (not shown) where it is mixed with other liquids to give the desired blend. The chosen blend may then be dispensed from the dispensing device 1, e.g. into a bottle (not shown). However, in general, there may also not be any kind of mixing chamber, but the content of a container 2, 2 is directly dispended into a final receptacle or onto a test strip in order to avoid scent contamination by previous blends.

[0100] To replace a spent container 2, 2 or to switch to another container 2, 2 during a blending process, the stem 3, 3 may be moved back into its rest position or moved to a replacement position.

[0101] In particular, the dispensing device 1 may be a fragrance blender. The container(s) 2, 2 may contain a fragrance, a mix of fragrances and/or solvent for being blended into a fragrance blend like a perfume, a cologne etc.

[0102] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the container 2 in its new or unused state. FIG. 3 shows the container 2 in an oblique view on the needle 7. FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the container 2 with frontal view on the needle 7. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the first end (top) section 4 of the container 2.

[0103] In the shown new state, the plunger 6 is located at a (first) face of the first end section 4 of a hollow cylindrical body 11. The plunger 6 is movable inside the body along a longitudinal axis L, and the stem 3 of the device 1 may be movable downwards to push the plunger 6 downwards into the container 2. The plunger 6 has a basic cylindrical shape with two ring-like groves at its side. Two respective O-ring seals 12 are inserted into these groves that prevent leakage of fluid through a gap between the plunger 6 and the body 11. Thus, the plunger 6 may also be described as a sealing plunger. On its outward facing frontal side 13, the plunger 6 comprises a central blind hole 14 that may be used as a meshing means to achieve precise mesh with the stem 3. The plunger 6 may be made of plastic, metal, glass etc. or a combination thereof.

[0104] The plunger 6 may be inserted into the body 11 via the first face. To prevent the plunger 6 to slide out of the body 11, there may be a protrusion 15 that laterally protrudes into the hollow space of the body 11, see FIG. 5.The protrusion 15 may be removable, e.g. by being a clip.

[0105] At the first end section 4, the lateral outer surface of the body 11 is structured to provide a handling region. This can be achieved by structuring the outer wall or surface of the body 11 itself. In this case the outer wall may have a metallic layer. Alternatively, the handling region can be provided by attaching a ring 16 to the outer wall or surface of the body 11, as shown. The ring 16 may be made of metal. Alternatively, the first end section 4 is fully made of metal. In this case, the rest of the body 11 may be made of plastic.

[0106] At the second end section 5, the hollow inner space of the body 11 is blocked by a plug 18 (sealing plug) in form of a partition wall. The plug 18 may be integrally manufactured with the body 11, i.e. as one common moulded part, or may be manufactured separately and then inserted into the body 11.

[0107] In a new container 2, the plunger 6 and the plug 18 are positioned apart from each other. The plunger 6, the body 11 and the plug 18 form a cavity 19. For example, the cavity 19 may have an initial volume of 20 ml. The cavity 19 may be filled with the fluid, e.g. a fragrance or fragrance mix.

[0108] A channel 20 leads through the plug 18. In the present embodiment, the channel 20 starts in the middle of the face of the plug 18 facing the cavity 19. After some length, the channel 20 is tapered, so that its diameter is reduced towards the needle 7. The channel 20 is fluidly connected to the needle 7 such that a free end of the needle 7 is positioned outside the cavity 19. Therefore, fluid can be dispensed from the container 2 by flowing through the channel 20 and through the needle 7. The needle 7 may also be regarded as section of the channel 20. In particular, the needle 7 may be fixed or held by the plug 18. In a variant, the channel 20 is entirely formed by the needle 7.

[0109] The needle 7 is fully housed within the hollow cylindrical body 11 and thus does stick out of the body 11. This prevents pricking by a user. To the same effect, the free end of the needle 7 is level.

[0110] To achieve a high dispensing accuracy and a low loss rate, the needle 7 has an inner diameter of at least 0.4 mm and of not more than 0.45 mm, in particular of 0.41 mm. Furthermore, the needle 7 has a length of about 12.7 mm. Generally, metal parts like the ring 16 and plastic parts like the body 11 and the plug 18 of the container 2 may be formed by co-injection moulding. The needle 7 may be inserted into a moulding tool before moulding.

[0111] FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 show a second embodiment of a container 2 that may be contained in the dispensing device of FIG. 1, in combination with a stem, analogous to stem 3 of the previous embodiment, but which in this case is a rotary shaft 3. More than one container 2 and/or more than one stem in the form of a rotary shaft 3 may be present.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary shaft 3 is located above the container 2. The electric motor 8 is used to linearly move the rotary shaft 3, i.e. along its longitudinal axis, via the linkage 9 and guided by the rails 10, until it contacts or engages the container 2. Furthermore, the rotary shaft 3 is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, e.g. by another electric motor (not shown), and may comprise a gear head at its lower end.

[0113] When a selected container 2 is positioned below the rotary shaft 3, the dispensing device 1 may move the rotary shaft 3 (which was in higher rest position) downwards until the rotary shaft 3 contacts a gear rim 33 of a spindle drive of the container 2, which will be described below. This contact may be detected by the dispensing device 1. After contact with the gear rim 33, the rotary shaft 3 may rotate the gear rim 33 such that a respective amount of liquid is given out via the needle 7.

[0114] FIG. 6 shows an oblique view of the container 2 of FIG. 1. The container 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 32 which, in the present embodiment, has a mostly square cross-sectional shape on its inner contour (inside) as well as on its outer contour (outside). Only at the top section 4, the cross-section is round. Thus, a gear rim 33 of a spindle drive inserted into the hollow body 32 at the top section 4 has a disk-like shape while an outer dentate handling region 34 is ring-like. The gear rim 33 may be made of metal or plastic. The handling region 34 may be made of plastic but is preferably made of metal.

[0115] The gear rim 33 is inserted into the hollow body 32 so that the top section 4 protects it. As shown in FIG. 7, the gear rim 33 has a dentate ring 35 at its outward facing face 36 to engage the gear head of the rotary shaft 3 in a locking mesh regarding rotation.

[0116] On its outside, the body 32 has two linear grooves 37 that are positioned on opposing sides and that are aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the container 2. The longitudinal axis L may be identical to the rotation axis of the gear rim 33.

[0117] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the container 2. FIG. 9 shows components of the container 2 housed in the body 32 of the container 2. The container 2 comprises a plunger 38 inserted into the body 32, the plunger 38 being movable along the longitudinal axis L of the body 32. To this effect, the disk-shaped plunger 38 comprises a threaded central hole 39 that is in threaded mesh with a threaded surface of a spindle 40. The spindle 40 is fixedly connected to the gear rim 33. By rotation of the gear rim 33, the spindle 40 is rotated in the same manner, thus leading to a linear movement of the plunger 38 along the longitudinal axis. To provide a simple way to prevent rotation of the plunger, an inner wall 41 of the body 32 as well as the plunger 38 have a rectangular, in particular square, cross-section. Alternatively, preventing rotation of the plunger could be also achieved using a descentration of the rotation axis or using joints for sealing and also for blocking the rotation movement. In these solutions, the manufacturability is easier due to the symmetric form of the cylindrical geometries.

[0118] To give positional stability to the gear rim 33 and/or the spindle 40, there is provided a rectangular base 42 just below the gear rim 33, through which the spindle is lead in a freely rotatable manner. The base 42 may be fixed with the body 32 or be an integral part of the body 32.

[0119] At the bottom section 5 the body 32 provides a plug 43 that is fixedly positioned within the body 32 at a longitudinal distance from the plunger 38. The plug 43 may be an integral part of the body 32. For example, the plug 43 may be formed as a partition wall.

[0120] The body 32, the plug 43 and the plunger 38 form a cavity 44 that contains content to be released through a channel 20 leading through the plug 43. Thus, the gear rim 33 is accessible at a first face end of the body 32 while the channel 20 opens towards a second face end of the body 32.

[0121] The channel 20 and the needle 7 may be made in one piece, e.g. by placing the metal needle 7 into a moulding form.

[0122] The channel 20 leads to the needle 7 such that the channel 20 is fluidly connected with the needle 7. A free end of the needle 7 is positioned outside the cavity 44 but is fully housed within the body 32. In particular, the needle 7 has an inner diameter of 0.41 mm and a length of 12.7 mm.

[0123] To prevent the content of the cavity 44 from passing the plunger 38, the plunger 38 comprises two seals, namely an O-ring-like seal 46a at its lateral surface and a threaded seal 46b positioned between the central hole 39 of the plunger 38 and the spindle 40. The seals 46a, 46b may be made of PTFE. However, a non-threaded seal may also be used if it exhibits elastic properties that conform the seal to the thread.

[0124] To be able to determine a position of the plunger 38 inside the body 32, e.g. for determining a remaining volume of the cavity 44, the plunger comprises a position detection element in form of a magnet 47. The magnet 47 is positioned at a lateral side of the plunger 38. The dispensing device 1 may be equipped with a position detector, e.g. a reed switch or a reed relay, to determine the position of the magnet 47 and thus the plunger 38.

[0125] To release fluid, in particular liquid, from the cavity 44, the rotary shaft 3 is brought into contact with the gear rim 33. Rotating the gear 33 rim generates a similar rotation of the spindle 40. This generates a linear movement of the plunger 38 towards the plug 43, thus compressing the cavity 44. This, in turn, effects that fluid is pressed through the channel 20 and through the needle 7 and consequently released from the container 2. By specifying the rotation, a very precise linear movement of the plunger 38 and thus a very precise dosage of the fluid from the container 2 can be achieved.

[0126] Of course, the invention is not restricted to the described embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0127] 1 Dispensing device

[0128] 2, 2 Container

[0129] 3, 3 Stem, rotary shaft

[0130] 4, 4 First end section

[0131] 5, 5 Second end section

[0132] 6 Plunger

[0133] 7 Needle

[0134] 8 Motor

[0135] 9 Linkage

[0136] 10 Rail

[0137] 11 Body

[0138] 12 O-ring seal

[0139] 13 Frontal side of the plunger

[0140] 14 Blind hole

[0141] 15 Protrusion

[0142] 16 Ring

[0143] 17, 17 Seat

[0144] 18 Plug

[0145] 19 Cavity

[0146] 20 Channel

[0147] 21 Reader

[0148] 32 Body

[0149] 33 Gear rim

[0150] 34 Handling region

[0151] 35 Dentate ring

[0152] 36 Face

[0153] 37 Groove

[0154] 38 Plunger

[0155] 39 Central hole

[0156] 40 Spindle

[0157] 41 Inner wall

[0158] 42 Base

[0159] 43 Plug

[0160] 44 Cavity

[0161] 46a O-ring-like seal

[0162] 46b Threaded seal

[0163] 47 Magnet

[0164] L Longitudinal axis