Dispenser cartridge and dispenser arrangement

Abstract

A dispenser cartridge for use in a dispenser arrangement for introducing at least one dispensed substance into a liquid, includes an enveloping element with a continuous central space and with at least two openings for the entry and exit of the liquid respectively, wherein the dispensed substance is provided in the central space wherein first and second sealing means are provided which seal the openings completely in an initial configuration, wherein the sealing means can be brought into an operating configuration in which a flow path through the enveloping element is opened for the liquid.

Claims

1. A dispenser arrangement for introducing a dispenser substance into a liquid, comprising: a dispenser attachment having at least one dispensing opening and being constructed for connection with a liquid source or a container for receiving and storing a liquid, said dispenser attachment being configured to allow flow of at least a portion of the liquid through the dispenser attachment and to the at least one dispensing opening; and a dispenser cartridge, said dispenser cartridge containing a dispenser substance, wherein the dispenser cartridge is operably arranged in or on the dispenser attachment or is operatively connectable with the dispenser attachment, wherein a defined main flow passage for flow of the liquid therethrough is formable in the dispenser arrangement, said flow passage extending in a direction toward the dispensing opening so as to bypass the dispenser cartridge, and wherein a defined bypass passage is formable, which is fluidly separated from the main flow passage, and extends through the dispenser cartridge in the direction toward the dispenser opening so as to contact and take up a portion of the dispenser substance, wherein the dispenser cartridge is reversibly exchangeably insertable into the dispenser arrangement.

2. The dispenser arrangement of claim 1, wherein a predominant portion of the liquid flows via the main flow passage or wherein a ratio between an amount of liquid that flows through the main flow passage and an amount of liquid that flows through the bypass passage is at least 1:1.

3. The dispenser arrangement of claim 1, wherein the main flow passage and the bypass passage are fluidly connectable to each other or meet before the dispensing opening, and wherein a proportion of the liquid flowing in the main flow passage is united and mixed with a proportion of the liquid flowing in the bypass passage.

4. The dispenser arrangement of claim 1, wherein a mixing chamber is formable in the dispenser attachment, said mixing chamber being arranged between the dispensing opening and the dispenser cartridge, said mixing chamber being fluidly connected with the main flow passage and the bypass passage.

5. The dispenser arrangement of claim 1, wherein the main flow passage surrounds at least a portion of the bypass passage, the main flow passage being configured in the form of multiple separate channels or in the form of an essentially ring-shaped channel.

6. The dispenser arrangement of claim 1, wherein the dispenser attachment comprises activating or actuating means for actuating a closure means, so as to open the dispenser cartridge and/or adjust an amount of the liquid flowing through the bypass passage.

7. The dispenser arrangement of claim 6, wherein the dispenser attachment includes a base unit and an activating unit adjustable relative to the base unit, wherein the activating or actuating means are provided in the base unit and in the activating unit for acting on the closure means and for opening the dispenser cartridge thereby opening the bypass passage.

8. The dispenser arrangement of claim 7, wherein in the base unit a first seat for a first end of the dispenser cartridge is formed, wherein at a side of the seat, which is distal to the dispensing opening, a first one of the activating or actuating means is arranged for opening a first one of the closure means.

9. The dispenser arrangement of claim 8, wherein in the activating unit a second seat for another end opposite the first end of the dispenser cartridge is formed, wherein at a side of the second seat, which is proximate to the dispensing opening, a second one of the activating or actuating means is arranged for opening a second one of the closure means.

10. The dispenser arrangement of claim 9, wherein the base unit and the activating unit are supported for adjustment of a distance between each other, whereby a linear distance of the first activating or actuating means to the second activating or actuating means is adjustable, and wherein a decrease of the distance causes the closure means being pushed into the interior of the dispenser cartridge.

11. The dispenser arrangement of claim 6, wherein the closure means are movable or displaceable toward each other by a same respective distance.

12. The dispenser arrangement of claim 7, wherein in the base unit a first seat for a first end of the dispenser cartridge is formed, wherein at a side of the seat, which is distal to the dispensing opening, a first one of the activating or actuating means is arranged for opening a first one of the closure means, wherein in the activating unit a second seat for another end opposite the first end of the dispenser cartridge is formed, wherein at a side of the second seat, which is proximate to the dispensing opening, a second one of the activating or actuating means is arranged for opening a second one of the closure means, and wherein the activating or actuating means are dimensioned so that they force and/or form fittingly engage into the closure means.

13. The dispenser arrangement of claim 12, wherein an increase of the linear distance between the first activating or actuating means and the second activating or actuating means results in a movement of the closure means in a direction of an original position of the closure means in a flow through capacity which is reduced by at least 50% relative to a maximal flow through capacity of the dispenser cartridge.

14. The dispenser arrangement of claim 7, further comprising a stop for limiting a maximal displacement of the base unit relative to the activating unit.

15. The dispenser arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the dispenser attachment has a threading and is screwable onto a bottle.

16. The dispenser arrangement according to claim 7, further comprising a closure unit which is supported for adjustment relative to the activating unit, and configured for closing the bypass passage and optionally the main flow passage.

17. The dispenser arrangement according to claim 16, wherein a mixing chamber is formed when the closure unit is lifted from the activating unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the included drawings.

(2) In the following the invention is schematically illustrated by way of particularly advantageous, but not limiting exemplary embodiments, and is explained exemplarily with reference to the drawings.

(3) FIG. 1 shows a dispenser cartridge according to the invention in an exploded view.

(4) FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a dispenser cartridge.

(5) FIG. 3 shows a dispenser cartridge in a sectional view in a closed starting configuration.

(6) FIG. 4 shows a dispenser cartridge and a sectional view in an open operating configuration.

(7) FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 7a show different embodiments of dispenser cartridges.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a dispenser arrangement according to the invention in a closed position in a sectional view.

(9) FIG. 9 shows the dispenser arrangement in an open position and a sectional view.

(10) FIG. 10 shows the dispenser arrangement in adjusted, open position in a sectional view.

(11) FIG. 11 shows the section XI through the dispenser arrangement.

(12) FIG. 12 shows the section XII through the dispenser arrangement.

(13) FIG. 13 shows the section XIII through the dispenser arrangement.

(14) FIG. 14 shows the section XIV through the dispenser arrangement.

(15) FIG. 15 shows a perspective representation of the entire dispenser arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(16) FIG. 1 shows a dispenser cartridge 1 according to the invention in an exploded view. The dispenser cartridge 1 includes a tubular sleeve element 2 with a continuous central space 3 and with two openings 11a, 11b provided at the opposing sides of the sleeve element 2. In this way the liquid can enter into the central space 3 through the first opening 11a, completely flow through the central space 3 and exit out of the sleeve element 2 on the opposite side through the second opening 11b. The sleeve element 2 has a longitudinal configuration and is arranged rotation symmetric about the central longitudinal axis 5. It has approximately the shape of a hollow cylinder, however with waved walls. The wall thickness is small relative to the length, however, it is sufficient to provide the sleeve element 2 with an integral stability. The sleeve element 2 is preferably made from a translucent plastic material.

(17) In the central space 3 a dispenser substance is provided, which when coming into contact with the liquid, can at least partially enter the liquid. This dispenser substance ideally is soluble or dispersible in the liquid. Dispenser substances include flavoring agents, drugs, various additives, vitamins, minerals, dyes or other substances that one may want introduce into the liquid.

(18) The dispenser substance can be arranged in the central space 3 in different ways. In the present case of FIG. 1, the dispenser substance is arranged on a separate rod-shaped dispenser element 15. This dispenser element 15 has a porous matrix made of a polymer material with an internal network of channels and pores on its surface, wherein the dispenser substance is incorporated in this matrix. When coming into contact with the liquid, small amounts of dispenser substance re then washed out and enter the liquid.

(19) As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 the dispensing element 15 can have different shapes and cross-sections. In FIG. 5 it has the shape of a square, and FIG. 5 it has a cross-shaped cross-section and in FIG. 7 a cylindrical shape. The dispenser element is an integral component of the dispenser cartridge and cannot be removed from the dispenser cartridge.

(20) Between the outer surface of the dispenser element 15 and the inner surface 6 of the sleeve element 2 an intermediate region, which is permanently open and permanently permits flow remains, through which the liquid can flow. In FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 these intermediates regions are indicated as flow-through channels 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the cylindrical dispenser element 15 forms an almost sealing closure with the radially innermost wall parts of the sleeve element 2, however, the flow-through channels 16 formed by the waved configuration remain permanently free. In this way the liquid can permanently flow through of the dispenser cartridge 1 and effectively take up and entrain the dispenser substance.

(21) FIG. 7a shows an alternative embodiment of the dispenser cartridge 1 in, a cross-section. The sleeve element 2 or the dispenser cartridge 1 is configured as a straight hollow cylinder and has a triangular outer contour and an also triangular inner contour. The corners of the sleeve element 2, which is configured as isosceles triangle, are rounded and the legs of the sleeve element 2 shown in cross-section or the side surfaces or the walls of the dispenser cartridge 1 are outwardly curved.

(22) As an alternative the sleeve element 2 or dispenser cartridge 1 can also be configured triangular, preferably as isosceles triangle, or the dispenser cartridge can be configured in the form of a hollow polygonal profile according to DIN 32711 (P3G) and DIN 32712 (P4C).

(23) The openings 11a and 11b are closed or closable by first and second closure means 4a and 4b. In the present embodiment the closure means 4a, 4b respectively include a guide element 9a, 9b and a plug 8a, 8b. The guide element 9a, 9b is hereby inserted into the corresponding opening 11a, 11b and arranged lowered into the interior of the central space 3. Each guide element 9a, 9b has a central recess 12a, 12b, which completely traverses the guide element 9a, 9b. In this recess 12a, 12b the plug 8a, 8b is inserted, i.e., so that the plug 8a, 8b ends flush with the respective bottom side of the guide element 9a, 9b.

(24) FIG. 3 shows the dispenser cartridge 1 in its closed starting configuration in which the plug 8a, 8b is inserted in the central recesses 12a, 12b of the guide elements 9a, 9b and with this represent a fluid-tight and gas-tight barrier and thereby effectively prevents entry of liquid into the central space 3 as well as exit of the dispensers substance out of the dispenser cartridge 1. In this configuration the dispenser cartridges 1 are sold and can be stored over a long period of time because the dispenser substance is well protected against environmental influences.

(25) FIG. 4 shows the dispenser cartridge 1 in an open operating configuration. Here a flow passage for the liquid through the central space 3 exists, bypassing the dispenser element 15. This flow passage is released by adjustment of the closure means 4a, 4b, wherein in FIG. 4 the two plugs 8a, 8b are moved toward the interior of the central space 3 and are no longer seated in the guide elements 9a, 9b. This allows liquid to enter through the central recesses 12, 12b into the interior of the central space 3 and exit therefrom again.

(26) The closure means 4a, 4b in the present case, more specifically the plugs 8a, 8b are, as shown in FIG. 2, adjustable via externally actuatable activating or actuating means 27a, 27b. First the actuating means 27a, 27b engage in actuating guides 14a, 14b formed on the respective outsides 13a, 13b of the plugs 8a, 8b and in this way displace the plugs 8a, 8b along the central longitudinal axis 5 linearly into the central space 3. Ideally, the actuating means are insertable force-fittingly and/or form-fittingly, i.e., clearance-free with friction fit into the actuating guides 14a, 14b, so that also a movement in opposite direction is possible and the plugs 8a, 8b can be pulled outwardly again. In this way the flow passage through the central space 3 is reduced again or the openings 11a, 11b or the central recesses 12a, 12b are at least partially or even entirely closed.

(27) The dispenser cartridge 1 is constructively and also functionally configured to be inserted and used in a corresponding dispenser arrangement 20. Such a dispenser arrangement 20 includes a dispenser attachment 21, which is or can be connected with a liquid source or a container for receiving and storing liquids, for example a bottle or the like. The dispenser arrangement 20 also includes the dispenser cartridge 1, which is operably arranged in or on the dispenser attachment 21 or can be operatively connected with the dispenser attachment 21, so that the liquid, which flows through the dispenser attachment 21, can take up the dispenser substance from the dispenser cartridge 1.

(28) The following FIGS. 8 to 15 show a particularly advantageous but not limiting exemplary embodiment of a dispenser arrangement 20 according to the invention for introducing a dispenser substance into a liquid. The dispenser arrangement 20 includes dispenser attachment 21 through which liquid from a container or a liquid source can flow, wherein the liquid can be brought to a dispenser opening 23. In, this way the liquid or the mixture reaches the user or consumer.

(29) The dispenser arrangement 20 also contains a dispenser cartridge 1 inserted into the dispenser arrangement 20, which dispenser cartridge is essentially constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and which can be operated with the dispenser attachment 21 and is functionally connected with the dispenser attachment 21. In the dispenser arrangement 20 a defined main flow passage 24 for the liquid is formed, which extends from the source in the direction toward the dispenser opening 23 by avoiding the dispenser cartridge 1 or by bypassing the dispenser cartridge 1. In addition a defined bypass passage 25 is formed, which is fluidly completely separated from the main flow passage 24 and which extends through the dispenser cartridge 11 also from the liquid source in the direction to the dispenser opening 23, so as to contact the dispenser element 15 and to take up at least a portion of the dispenser substance.

(30) The predominant portion of the liquid flows via the main flow passage 24, i.e., more than 50%. The amount, however, can be adjusted and depends inter alia on the dispenser substance to be added and the desired concentration. It is possible without problems to increase the ratio of the liquid amounts of the main flow passage to the bypass passage 24 for example to at least 5:1 or 9:1.

(31) FIG. 8 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment of the dispenser arrangement 20. The dispenser cartridge 1 corresponds to the dispenser cartridge of FIGS. 1 to 4. The dispenser attachment 21 includes a base unit 28, and activating unit 29 and a closure unit 31 as basic components.

(32) The base unit 28 has an inner threading 32, with which the dispenser attachment 21 can be screwed onto a bottle. The base unit 28 also includes a first seat 30a for the dispenser cartridge 1. This seat 30a includes a hollow cylindrical part 38, which extends downward along the longitudinal axis 5 toward the liquid source. The inner surface of the first sea 30a or the hollow cylindrical part 38 is configured mirror symmetrically or corresponding to the outer shape of the sleeve element 2 (FIG. 12). The dispenser cartridge 1 is thereby protected against rotation in the base unit 28 or in the first seat 30a or in the hollow cylindrical part 38. In the lowermost end region the grid element 39 (FIG. 12) is provided, which has a central upwardly oriented bolt 27a. This bolt 27a functions as a first activating or actuating means 27a and engages into the actuating guide 14a of the plug 8a of the dispenser cartridge 1.

(33) In the upper region of the base unit 28 a number of passage openings 33 are provided, which are arranged circularly about the dispenser cartridge 1. This can also be seen in detail in FIG. 11, which shows a view taken along the sectional line XI from the activating unit 29 in the direction of the base unit 28. The annularly arranged passage openings 33 can be seen as viewed downward onto the first bolt 27a. In FIG. 11 the dispenser cartridge 1 is not shown for clarity reasons.

(34) FIG. 12 Shows a view taken along the sectional line XII through the grid element 39, which carries and supports the first bolt 27a in its center. The activating unit 29 adjoins the base unit 28 upwardly and can be adjusted relative to the base unit 28 or respectively is supported rotatably via a threading 40. In this way the distance between the base unit 28 and the activating unit 29 can be changed. The activating unit 29 includes as an essential element a second seat 30b for the opposite end of the dispenser cartridge 1. Also in this case a grid element, in particular identical to the first grid element 39, is provided which carries a second bolt 27b, which is oriented downwardly in the direction of the base unit 28. The inner surface of the second seat 30b is configured circular cylindrical (FIG. 13). As a result the dispenser cartridge 1 can rotate in or respectively relative to the second seat 30b. The activating unit 29, like the base unit 28, is configured so that the liquid can fully flow through it. Thus the liquid can enter at the bottom through inflow openings 34. This is shown in detail in FIG. 13, which represents a view taken the along the sectional line XIII, in the direction from the base unit 28 to the activating unit 29. The slot-shaped inflow openings 34 can be seen, which are arranged about the not shown dispenser cartridge 1, and the centrally arranged bolt 27b. During operation the dispenser cartridge 1 is thus seated in the first seat 30a, as well as in the second seat 30b and is held and surrounded from all sides by the base unit 28 and activating unit 29.

(35) As further components the dispenser arrangement also includes the closure unit 31. The closure unit serves for closing the bypass passage 25 and optionally also the main flow passage 24. In the closure unit 31 the dispensing openings 23 are formed. These are shown in more detail in FIG. 14, in which a section according to the sectional line XIV from the bottom this shown. The closure unit 31 can be linearly moved up and down via a number of webs 36, which are displaceably supported in guides 37 of the activating unit 29, and in this way are suited for closing the flow passageways.

(36) FIG. 15 shows the individual elements in the assembled state. At the bottom, the outside of the first seat 30a including the hollow cylindrical part 38 can be seen, which represents the lower part of the base unit 28. Adjoining at the top is the activating unit 29 and adjoining the activating the 29th the closure unit 31 with the dispensing openings 23. In order to enable easy drinking, the diameters of the components narrow from the base unit 28 via the activating unit 29 to the closure unit 31, wherein the diameter of the uppermost region of the closure unit 31 corresponds to the diameter of a conventional mouthpiece of a drinking bottle.

(37) FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through a particularly advantageous embodiment of the dispenser arrangement 20, i.e., in a position in which the dispenser cartridge 1 is already activated and opened, but the closure unit 31 is still closed. The reference numeral 24 indicates the main flow passage, which initially can freely traverse a space 41 of the base unit 28, exits the base unit 28 through the flow-through passages 33, enters the activating unit 29 through the inflow openings 34, and flows form the activating unit through the space 42 upwards and leaves the dispenser arrangement 20 through the outlet openings 23. In the present embodiment, the outlet openings 23 are not closable by the closure unit 31, but are rather permanently open. In this way the pure liquid from the source can thus permanently flows through and exit from the dispenser arrangement 20. However, it would also be easily possible to configure the dispenser arrangement 20 so that the closure unit 31 also blocks the main flow passage 24, for example by arranging the dispensing openings 23 further inwardly, whereby the web of the activating unit 29 closes the dispensing openings 23. The reference numeral 25 indicates the bypass passage extending through the dispenser cartridge 1. The liquid takes up the dispenser substance and exits from the central recess 12b out of the dispenser cartridge 1 and enters an annular space 43, which is divided into regions by the grid element 39. This annular space 43 however is closed by the closure unit 31, whereby the liquid can pass through the dispenser cartridge 1, however, it cannot leave the dispenser 20 and cannot connect with the main flow passage 24. In this position thus only pure liquid reaches the consumer.

(38) FIG. 9 shows the dispenser arrangement 20 in a position in which the closure unit 31 is opened. The flow passages of the bypass passage 25 and the main flow passage 24 through the dispenser arrangement 20 are initially not changed. However, as a result of the upward displacement of the closure unit 31 relative to the activating unit 29, a mixing chamber 26 is formed, which is positioned downstream of the dispensing openings 23 upstream of the outlet end regions of the main flow passage 24 and the bypass passage 25. The main flow passage 24 hereby leads from the annular space 43 into the mixing chamber 26 where it can be distributed. Also the bypass passage 25 leads from the annular space 43 into the mixing chamber where it can be distributed. In the mixing chamber 26 the two streams mix and the pure liquid is mixed with the liquid that was containing the dispenser substance. The thus mixed streams can then exit the mixing chamber 26 via the dispensing opening 23.

(39) FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively show the dispenser cartridge 1 in a maximally opened position, in which the flow passage through the dispenser arrangement 1 is maximally opened, i.e., the plugs 8a, 8b are maximally displaced inwardly into the central space 3. In this way the greatest possible amount of dispenser substance is taken up into the liquid.

(40) FIG. 10 shows a position of the dispenser arrangement 20 in which the mixing chamber 26 is formed, i.e., the closure unit 31 is opened, however, in which the flow passage through the dispenser cartridge 1 is decreased. This is caused by rotation of the activating unit 29 relative to the base unit 28 (indicated by the arrow), whereby a gap region 44 is formed between these units. As a result, the linear distance between these two bolts 27a, 27b increases. Due to the fact that the bolt 27b engages in the plug 8b with friction fit and clearance-free, the bolt 27b caries the plug 8b along upwardly when the activating unit 29 is displaced upwardly. In this way the plug 8b decreases the central recess 12b and with this reduces the amount of liquid exiting from the dispenser cartridge 1. In FIG. 10 the exiting is almost entirely prevented because the plug 8b already almost sealingly contacts the central recess 12b. A complete closure is possible, however, in practice the flow amount is reduced by at least 50%, in particular cases at least 70% or at least 90%, compared to the maximally possible flow amount at full opening, i.e., a certain residual flow always remains and a slight amount of liquid enriched with dispenser substance always flows through the dispenser cartridge 1 in the direction of the annular space 43 or the mixing chamber 26. In FIG. 10 the bypass passage is therefore closed to the most degree and only a very small amount of dispenser substance reaches the mixing chamber 26 and subsequently the dispenser openings 23. As a result of rotating the activating unit 29 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10, relative to the base unit 28 and the associated linear increase or decrease of the distance between the bolts 27a, 27b, the content of dispenser substance in the liquid that exits the dispenser arrangement, 20 can be adjusted or regulated within wide ranges.

(41) As an alternative to the above-mentioned embodiment, the inner circumference of the hollow cylindrical part 38 in the base unit 28 can have an inner smooth circular cylindrical cross section. The dispenser cartridge 1 can hereby be secured against rotation by configuring the inner circumference of the second seat 30b mirror inverted or corresponding to the outer shape of the sleeve element 2. As an alternative also the inner circumference of the second seat 30b can have an internally smooth circular cylindrical cross section so that the dispenser cartridge 1 can rotate about its longitudinal axis in the first seat 30a as well as in the second seat 30b.

(42) By way of a preferred exemplary embodiment the functional principle or the practical use of the dispenser cartridge 20 is explained below:

(43) In the present example a dispenser arrangement 20 is described which is configured as a bottle attachment, which can be screwed onto a drinking bottle, which is filled with water or mineral water.

(44) First the base unit 28 is attached with the threading 32 to the outer threading of the bottle. The first seat 30a hereby extends into the interior of the bottle, wherein the seat 30a is situated above the liquid level. This prevents the dispenser substance from entering the liquid.

(45) In a next step a closed dispenser cartridge 1 is inserted into the base unit 28. In the present case a flavor agent is used as dispenser substance. The insertion and the secure fit are facilitated in that the dispenser cartridge 1 as well as the corresponding recess or the first seat 30a have a corresponding waved shape. In this way the dispenser cartridge 1 is also secured against rotation.

(46) In a further step the activating unit 29 is attached to the base unit 28 and screwed downward by rotation via the threading 40. This reduces the distance between the bolts 27a and 27b and both plugs 8a and 8b are pushed inwards by a perceptible clicking. The dispenser cartridge 1 is thus activated and has assumed the open operating configuration in which a flow passage is established through the dispenser cartridge 1.

(47) In a next step the closure unit 31 is opened by lifting the closure unit relative to the activating unit 29, whereby the chamber 26 is formed and all flow passages are open.

(48) When the bottle is now tilted, the water flows out of the bottle through the main flow passage 24 into the mixing chamber 26 and also through the bypass passage 25 through the dispenser cartridge 1 into the mixing chamber 26. In this position the bypass flow 25 entrains the maximal amount of flavor agent, and water enriched with flavor agent can be withdrawn from the dispensing openings 23.

(49) When the amount of flavor agent is to be reduced, the activating unit 29 is rotated upward relative to the base unit 28, which reduces the bypass flow 25 as shown in FIG. 10 and the amount of flavor agent is reduced.

(50) When desiring to drink pure water, the bypass passage 25 can be fully closed by closing the closure unit 31.