U.S. patent application number 13/881736 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for dispensing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Olof Kallgren, Georg Ortner. Invention is credited to Olof Kallgren, Georg Ortner.
Application Number | 20140252029 13/881736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45401034 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140252029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kallgren; Olof ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
DISPENSING DEVICE
Abstract
A dispensing device comprising a flexible inner container having
a valve unit for dispensing a filling substance present in the
inner container and an outer container sealingly engaged with the
inner container. Pressurized gas present in an intermediate space
between the outer and inner containers is used to generate an
expulsion force for discharging the filling substance. To simplify
manufacturing and make lower quantities economically feasible to
manufacture, while also increasing the metering accuracy of the
discharge of the filling substance the intermediate space is
connected to an external pressurized gas source.
Inventors: |
Kallgren; Olof;
(Deisenhofen, DE) ; Ortner; Georg; (Koln,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kallgren; Olof
Ortner; Georg |
Deisenhofen
Koln |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
45401034 |
Appl. No.: |
13/881736 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 16, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/06386 |
371 Date: |
November 4, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/95 ; 222/646;
53/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 3/045 20130101;
B65D 83/42 20130101; B67D 1/0462 20130101; B65D 83/62 20130101;
B65B 31/00 20130101; B67D 7/0255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/95 ; 53/410;
222/646 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/62 20060101
B65D083/62; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00; B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 055 745.5 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
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19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. A dispensing device comprising: a flexible inner container
having a valve unit for dispensing a filling substance present in
the inner container; an outer container sealingly arranged with the
inner container; a pressurized gas in an intermediate space between
the outer container and the inner container for generating an
expulsion force to discharge the filling substance; and an external
pressurized gas source connected to the intermediate space.
26. The dispensing device according to claim 25, wherein the
intermediate space is connected to the external pressurized gas
source through a sealed connection attachment on the outer
container.
27. The dispensing device according to claim 25, wherein the
intermediate space is connected to the external pressurized gas
source through at least one opening formed in the outer
container.
28. The dispensing device according to claim 27, wherein the
opening formed in the outer container is formed through the bottom
or side of the outer container.
29. The dispensing device according to claim 27, wherein the
opening is at least one pierced hole, at least one perforation, or
at least one slit.
30. The dispensing device according to claim 29, wherein the
opening comprises a plurality of slits that are indented in a
gill-like or web-like pattern.
31. The dispensing device according to claim 27, further comprising
a holding device configured to hold the outer container in a sealed
arrangement, the holding device including a connection attachment
configured to engage with the opening in the outer container; and
further comprising a sealing flange formed on the outer container,
the sealing flange configured to engage the connection
attachment.
32. The dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the
sealing flange comprises a circular groove surrounding the opening
in the outer container.
33. The dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the
connection attachment is a hollow needle.
34. The dispensing device according to claim 25, wherein the
external pressure source provides constant pressure to the
intermediate space during extraction duration of the filling
substance.
35. The dispensing device according to claim 25, further comprising
a metering device associated with the valve unit.
36. The dispensing device according to claim 35, wherein the
metering device is a time control device.
37. The dispensing device according to claims 25, further
comprising an electronic control unit associated with the valve
unit.
38. The dispensing device according to claim 27, wherein the
holding device is a lid of the outer container.
39. The dispensing device according to claim 28, wherein the lid is
a bottom-side lid.
40. The dispensing device according to claims 25, wherein the outer
container is an aerosol container including a lid-side opening and
a bottom; wherein the inner container is sealingly fastened to the
lid-side opening; and wherein the outer container includes at least
one pressure opening.
41. The dispensing device according to claim 40, wherein the
pressure equalization opening is in the bottom of the outer
container.
42. The dispensing device according to claim 27 wherein the filling
substance is a room fragrance.
43. A method for manufacturing a dispensing device: the dispensing
device comprising: a flexible inner container having a valve unit;
an outer container having a lid-side opening and at least one
pressure equalization opening; wherein the inner container is
sealingly fastened within the outer container such that the valve
unit extends through the lid-side opening; and wherein an
intermediate space is created between the inner container and the
outer container, the intermediate space communicating with the
pressure equalization opening; and a holding device configured to
sealingly engage the outer container, the holding device including
a connection attachment configured to sealingly engage the pressure
equalization opening when the outer container is engaged in the
holding device, and the holding device including connection means
for connecting the holding device to an external pressurized gas
source; the method comprising: providing the dispensing device;
filling the inner container with a filling substance by injecting
the filling substance through the valve unit; connecting the outer
container with the holding device to form a sealed unit, wherein
the connection attachment sealingly engages the pressure
equalization opening; injecting pressurized gas from the
pressurized gas source through the connecting attachment of the
holding device into the intermediate space to create a pressurized
dispensing device.
44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the filling of the
inner container with the filling substance is carried out in a
pressureless condition by virtue of the pressure equalization
opening of the outer container.
45. The method according to claims 43, further comprising
establishing a connection between the intermediate space and the
external pressurized gas source by inserting the outer container in
the holding device.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing device with a flexible
inner container, which is provided with a valve unit for dispensing
a filling substance located in the inner container, and an outer
container, wherein the inner container provided with the valve unit
is sealingly arranged in the outer container, wherein for
generating an expulsion force for discharging the filling substance
pressurized gas is present in the intermediate space between the
outer container and the inner container.
[0002] Generic dispensing devices, which are also called aerosol
containers, are used for dispensing or outputting free-flowing
filling substances. Aromatic substances or cosmetic products or
body care and cleaning products can be used as filling substance.
Room fragrance, perfume, cosmetics, air spray, hair lacquer,
deodorant, foam, for example shaving foam, a gel, spray paint, sun
or skin care agents are mentioned as non-conclusive listing of such
filling substances.
[0003] Direct contact of a propellant with the filling substance,
for example an aromatic substance or a cosmetic substance is often
undesirable, since chemical reactions, for example oxidations,
could develop. In order to avoid this, the filling substance in
generic dispensing devices is located in a flexible inner container
provided with the valve unit, which is fastened in an outer
container, wherein the propellant, for example compressed gas or
compressed air as pressure gas is located in the intermediate space
between the inner container and the outer container. With such
two-chamber systems, the direct contact of the filling substance
with the propellant can be avoided.
[0004] A generic dispensing device is known from EP 1 622 818
B1.
[0005] In known dispensing devices it is disadvantageous that when
using pressure gas or compressed gas as propellant the internal
pressure of the propellant and thus the pressure of the propellant
continuously decrease in the intermediate space when removing the
filling substance. The reasons for this consist in that because of
the decreasing quantity of the filling substance in the inner
container with increasing extraction duration the propellant
located in the intermediate space expands. In addition, propellant
can escape through leaks in the region of the fastening of the
inner container to the outer container, as a result of which the
pressure of the propellant decreases. Through the decreasing
pressure of the propellant it becomes more difficult to control the
discharge quantity of the filling substance when actuating the
valve unit. In addition to this, a very high pressure has to be
employed for the propellant in order to guarantee that the filling
substance is emptied completely.
[0006] In addition, known two-chamber dispensing devices designed
as aerosol containers require elaborate manufacture and filling
with the filling substance. During manufacture and filling, the
outer container first has to be sealed with the valve unit, to
which the empty flexible inner container is fastened, for example
welded. A special machine is required for this purpose, since the
outer container before being closed with the valve unit of the
inner container, first has to be filled with a pressure gas or
compressed gas to a certain pre-pressure. Following this, the
actual filling substance is pressed through the valve unit into the
flexible inner container, as a result of which the final positive
pressure in the intermediate space is achieved. Because of
introducing the compressed propellant into the outer container
during the fastening of the empty inner container in the outer
container, as a result of which the outer container is sealed, and
subsequent introducing of the filling substance into the inner
container, generic two-chamber dispensing devices with a compressed
gas or pressure gas as propellant can only be produced economically
from large quantities of dispensing devices to be produced. In
addition, the special machine required for producing generic
two-chamber dispensing devices with a compressed gas as propellant,
with which during the fastening of the inner container provided
with the valve unit in the outer container the compressed gas can
be introduced into the outer container at a pre-pressure requires a
major investment effort.
[0007] The present invention is based on the object of making
available a generic dispensing device, which is simplified in
manufacture and economically makes possible individual manufacture
or manufacture of low quantities and which is improved with respect
to the metering accuracy of the discharge quantity of the filling
substance.
[0008] According to the invention, this object is solved in that
the intermediate space between the outer container and the inner
container for pressure generation with pressurized gas is connected
to an external pressure source. The connection to an external
pressure source of the intermediate space between the flexible
inner container filled with the filling substance and the outer
container makes it possible throughout the extraction duration and
thus during the entire extraction period of the filling substance,
wherein the flexible inner container collapses, to make available
an unchanging constant pressure of the pressure gas in the
intermediate space, as a result of which the metering accuracy of
the discharge quantity over the entire extraction duration and the
entire extraction period of the filling substance is improved and a
high metering accuracy is ensured. In addition, the manufacture of
a dispensing device according to the invention can be simplified,
since through the pressure generation in the intermediate space by
means of the connection of the intermediate space to an external
pressure source during the manufacture of the dispensing device no
pressure gas or compressed gas has to be introduced into the
intermediate space and the fastening of the empty inner container
in the outer container as well as the filling if applicable of the
inner container fastened in the outer container can take place with
the pressureless outer container. Pressureless state in this case
is to mean a state in ambient conditions, in which no pre-pressure
is present in the intermediate space. The dispensing device
according to the invention thus makes it possible through the
simplified manufacture without required special machines produce
minor series with low quantities of the dispensing devices in an
economically favorable manner and with low investment effort.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
connection of the intermediate space to the external pressure
source is effected via a sealed connection attachment to the outer
container. On the outer container, a sealed connection attachment
can be established in a simple manner, which makes it possible to
connect the intermediate space between the inner container and the
outer container to the external pressure source after the filling
of the inner container.
[0010] For connecting the intermediate space to the external
pressure source the outer container according to an embodiment of
the invention is provided with at least one opening at any
location, in particular in the region of a bottom or a bottom-side
lid. Such an opening can be produced on the outer container in a
simple manner in order to make possible the attachment to the
external pressure source. Here, the opening can be established on
the outer container before or after the filling of the inner
container. If the opening is established on the outer container
before the filling of the inner container, pressure equalization is
made possible through the opening in order to be able to fill the
inner container in the pressureless state and without a
backpressure developing in the intermediate space.
[0011] Such an opening in the outer container for the pressure
connection to the pressure source and/or as pressure equalization
opening for the pressureless filling of the inner container can be
produced with minor manufacturing effort of at least one pierced
hole, at least one perforation, in particular at least one
gill-like cheek, for at least one slit, which can be indented
gill-like, in particular a plurality of slits which can be arranged
in any way and can be indented gill-like or web-like. Here, for
example two slits can be provided in the outer container, which
delimit an indentable web delimited by two substantially parallel
slits or which are arranged gill-like or star-like. A hole or a
plurality of holes can be produced in a simple manner by piercing
the outer container with a suitable tool, for example a needle or a
specially shaped hole punch. Damaging of the unfilled or filled
inner container while producing the opening or during the
subsequent use can be avoided when instead of a simple hole in the
outer container a narrow, short and gas-permeable slit is made.
Alternatively, a plurality of slits made closely together can be
arranged on the selected location of the outer container according
to any pattern, for example web-like or star-like. The slit or
slits can be indented gill-like or web-like using a suitable punch
in order to protect the inner bag with the pressure connection so
created to the external pressure source from deliberate or
unintentional injuries through a needle or a pin. According to a
possible embodiment of the invention, for example two parallel,
preferably 3 mm short slits can be produced in the bottom of the
outer container at a close spacing of for example 2 mm, after which
the bridge-like web so created is slightly indented thus forming
the pressure connection opening and/or pressure equalization
opening.
[0012] According to an advantageous further development of the
invention, a sealing flange, in particular a circular groove is
formed on the outer container for abutting a sealing device of the
connecting flange. With such a sealing flange for a sealing device,
for example an O-ring of the connection attachment, the sealing of
the external pressure source to the surroundings can be improved in
a simple manner. Here, the sealing flange can for example be
produced with a suitable punch tool.
[0013] Preferably, the connection attachment is formed by means of
a hollow needle. With a hollow needle, the intermediate space can
be connected to the external pressure source in a simple manner. In
addition it is made possible in a simple manner to pierce the outer
container with the hollow needle in order to produce the opening
for connecting the intermediate space to the external pressure
source.
[0014] With particular advantage, the intermediate space is
subjected to an unchangingly constant pressure over the extraction
duration of the filling substance of the inner container by means
of the external pressure source according to a preferred further
development of the invention. By keeping the pressure of the
compressed gas or the pressure gas in the intermediate space
constant and thus of an isobaric state in the intermediate space
throughout the extraction duration of the filling substance it is
made possible to exactly meter the discharge quantity over the
entire extraction duration of the filling substance.
[0015] According to an advantageous further development of the
invention, the metering of the discharge quantity of the filling
substance is effected through a time control, in particular an
electronic time control of the valve unit. Because of the constant
pressure of the pressure gas or of the compressed gas in the
intermediate space over the extraction duration of the filling
substance and thus of the isobaric state in the intermediate space
independently of the filling quantity of the flexible inner
container it is made possible to exactly meter the discharge
quantity of the filling substance over the opening duration of the
valve unit. Through a suitable adjustment of the opening time of
the valve unit, the extraction quantity of the filling substance
can thus be exactly metered. Because of this it is made possible to
extract the filling substance completely and in exactly identical
portions over the extraction duration.
[0016] If the valve unit can be activated by means of an electronic
control unit, it is made possible in a simple manner to adjust the
metered quantity of the dispensed filling substance by adjusting
the opening duration of the valve unit.
[0017] According to an advantageous further development of the
invention, a holding device is provided, wherein with the
dispensing device inserted in the holding device and filled with
filling substance the connection attachment can be produced. The
sealed connection attachment for connecting the intermediate space
to the external pressure source can be produced in a simple manner
after the inserting of the filled dispensing device and thus with a
dispensing device that is inserted in a holding device and
filled.
[0018] If the sealed connection attachment can be produced by
inserting the dispensing device in a holding device, the
manufacturing effort for the sealed connection of the intermediate
space to the external pressure source can be further simplified.
Together with a hollow needle for example arranged on the holding
device, the outer container can be pierced in a simple manner when
inserting the filled dispensing device in the holding device, in
order to establish the connection of the intermediate space to the
external pressure source. In addition, when inserting the filled
dispensing device in the holding device, the outer container can be
pressed against the sealing device in a simple manner in order to
establish the sealed connection attachment.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
holding device can be formed by an additional holder which can be
provided with the connection attachment, in which an outer
container that is closed or provided with the at least one opening,
which is provided with the filled inner container, can be
inserted.
[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
holding device is formed as a lid, in particular a bottom-side lid
of the outer container. The outer container provided with the
filled inner container is thus sealed when being placed on the
holding device designed as lid, wherein preferably the connection
of the intermediate space to the external pressure source is
established at the same time.
[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the outer container is designed as an aerosol container with a
lid-side opening and a bottom, wherein through the lid-side opening
the inner container provided with the valve unit can be inserted in
the outer container and the inner container fastened to the
lid-side opening on the outer container in a sealing manner,
wherein the outer container is provided with at least one pressure
equalization opening for the intermediate space for the
pressureless filling of the inner container. Such an outer
container, which is designed as so-called standard aerosol
container, in which via the lid-side opening the empty inner
container with the valve unit is inserted and on the lid-side
opening the inner container is fastened in a sealing manner prior
to the filling, requires minor construction expenditure and can be
provided with a pressure equalization opening in a simple manner,
with which the inner container can be filled in the pressureless
state, i.e. in ambient conditions, wherein in the intermediate
space during the filling of the inner container, no pre-pressure is
generated. Because of the pressure equalization opening, filling
the inner container can be effected for example with a simple hand
pump via the valve unit of the inner container. Such an aerosol
container can be designed as a one-piece for example deep-drawn
container with a unitarily molded-on bottom. In addition, such an
aerosol container can be assembled from a casing part and a lid
part as well as a bottom part. Producing a dispensing device
according to the invention is further simplified when using such an
aerosol container.
[0022] Preferably, the pressure equalization opening is arranged in
the bottom of the outer container. In the bottom of an aerosol
container, a pressure equalization opening or a plurality of
pressure equalization openings for filling the inner container in
ambient conditions can be produced in a simple manner.
[0023] If according to a practical further development the at least
one pressure equalization opening is formed by the at least one
opening, by means of which the connection of the intermediate space
to the external pressure source of the outer container can be
established the construction effort is further simplified since on
the aerosol container, no separate openings, for example holes,
perforations or slits have to be established in order to achieve
the function of the pressure equalization opening on the one hand
and the function of the opening for connection to the external
pressure source on the other hand.
[0024] Particular advantages are obtained when using a dispensing
device according to the invention as room fragrance dispenser.
Through the isobaric states in the intermediate space during the
extraction duration of the filling substance designed as aromatic
substance it is made possible to dispense exact and continuous
quantities of the aromatic substance to the room air over the
entire extraction duration through a time control of the opening
duration of the valve unit.
[0025] The invention, furthermore, relates to a dispensing system
with a dispensing device, which is formed by a flexible inner
container, which is provided with a valve unit for dispensing a
filling substance located in the inner container, and an outer
container, wherein the inner container provided with the valve unit
is sealingly fastened in the outer container and can be connected
to an external pressure source, which for generating an expulsion
force of the filling substance located in the flexible inner
container by means of a sealed connection attachment on the outer
container to the intermediate space between the outer container and
the inner container for pressure generation with pressurized gas.
The cartridge consisting of the outer container with the filled
inner container can be produced in a simple manner through the
simplified assembly of the inner container provided with the valve
device in the outer container in the pressureless state and the
filling of the inner container in the pressureless state. Here, in
particular storage or refill cartridges of the dispensing system
according to the invention, in which the pressure in the
intermediate space for expelling the filling substance of the
cartridge is generated by an external pressure source and over the
entire extraction period a constant pressure in the intermediate
space is generated, can be produced in small quantities in an
economically favorable manner.
[0026] Preferably, the dispensing system comprises a holding
device, by means of which the sealed connection attachment between
the external pressure source and the intermediate space can be
established. In such a holding device, the outer container provided
with the filled inner container can be inserted in a simple manner
and pressed against the connection attachment in order to establish
the sealed connection attachment.
[0027] The invention, furthermore, relates to a method for
producing a dispensing device with a flexible inner container,
which is provided with a valve unit for dispensing a filling
substance located in the inner container, and an outer container,
wherein for generating an expulsion force of the filling substance,
pressurized gas in the intermediate space between the outer
container and the inner container is used. The above-mentioned
object of making available a dispensing device which is simplified
in the manufacture is solved according to the method in that the
flexible inner container provided with the valve unit is inserted
in the outer container via an opening and with pressureless
intermediate space, fastened to the outer container between inner
container and outer container, in particular fastened in a
pressure-tight manner, subsequently the inner container via the
valve unit being filled with the filling substance and subsequently
a sealed connection attachment to the outer container for attaching
the outer container to an external pressure source is established,
with which the intermediate space is put under a constant pressure.
Through the connection of the intermediate space between the filled
inner container and the closed outer container to an external
pressure source for generating the expulsion force for the filling
substance located in the inner container according to the
invention, the manufacture of a dispensing device according to the
invention is simplified, since inserting and fastening of the inner
container provided with the valve unit in the outer container can
take place without prior introducing of pressure gas in the
intermediate space and thus with pressureless intermediate space
under ambient conditions. Because of this, the manufacture of a
dispensing device according to the invention is possible without
elaborate special devices and special machines, as a result of
which preferably small series of dispensing devices can be produced
with low investment expenditure.
[0028] According to a preferred further development of the method,
the filling of the inner container with filling substance is
carried out with the pressureless intermediate space. The filling
of the inner container thus takes place by connecting the
intermediate space to the surroundings at ambient conditions and
thus in the pressureless state without establishing a backpressure
in the intermediate space. Through this type of filling of the
inner container, the production of a dispensing device according to
the invention is further simplified since the filling of the inner
container can take place without elaborate special devices and
special machines with a filling device designed for example as a
hand pump.
[0029] The pressureless filling of the inner container without
backpressure can be achieved when on the outer container before or
during the filling of the inner container at least one pressure
equalization opening is established, with which the intermediate
space between inner container and outer container is connected to
the surroundings.
[0030] According to a preferred further development of the
invention, the connection attachment is formed on a holding device
for the outer container, wherein the connection of the intermediate
space to the external pressure source is established by inserting
the outer container in the holding device. Because of this,
establishing the connection of the intermediate space to the
external pressure source is made possible by means of the sealed
connection attachment with little effort and in a simple manner
when inserting the filled outer container in the holding
device.
[0031] Further advantages and details of the invention are
explained in more detail in the exemplary embodiments shown in the
schematic Figures. Here it shows
[0032] FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a dispensing device according
to the invention in a longitudinal section,
[0033] FIG. 2 the outer container of a dispensing device according
to the invention,
[0034] FIG. 3 the outer container with fastened and filled inner
container,
[0035] FIG. 4 a holding device of a dispensing device according to
the invention,
[0036] FIG. 5 a second embodiment of the invention being inserted
in a holding device,
[0037] FIG. 6 a third embodiment of the invention,
[0038] FIG. 7 the outer container of FIG. 6 with fastened and
filled inner container being inserted in a holding device and
[0039] FIG. 8 a top view of the bottom of an outer container of the
FIGS. 6 and 7 in an enlarged representation.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a dispensing device 1 according to the
invention, which consists of an outer container 2 and a flexible
inner container 3 arranged in the outer container 2, which is
filled with filling substance 4, for example an aromatic substance.
The dispensing device 1 according to the invention is formed for
example as a room fragrance dispenser.
[0041] The inner container 3 for example formed by a flexible foil
bag is provided with a valve unit 5 on the upper region. The valve
unit 5 can be formed by an aerosol valve, which is preferably
welded to the flexible inner container 3.
[0042] For fastening the inner container 3 provided with the valve
unit 5 in the outer container 2, the valve unit 5 extends through
an opening 6 into a lid-side region of the outer container 2,
wherein the valve unit 5 is fastened to the outer container 2 in
the region of the opening 6 in a pressure-tight manner. Fastening
can take place for example by means of a crimped connection.
[0043] On the bottom-side region of the outer container 2, a lid 7
is provided, which can be sealingly inserted in the cylindrical
portion of the outer container 2 and fastened in a pressure-tight
manner.
[0044] For generating an expulsion force, by means of which the
filling substance 4 located in the inner container 3 can be
discharged with opened valve unit 5, compressed gas as pressure
gas, for example compressed air, is present in the intermediate
space 8 between the filled inner container 3 and the outer
container 2.
[0045] According to the invention, the intermediate space is
connected to an external pressure source 10. The external pressure
source 10 can for example be formed by a pressure gas container, in
particular a gas bottle or a compressor.
[0046] Connecting the intermediate space 8 to the external pressure
source 10 is effected by means of a sealed connection attachment 11
of the outer container 2. The connection attachment 11 in the
present exemplary embodiment is formed by an opening DV as pressure
connection opening in the outer container 2, preferably in the
bottom-side lid 7, and a hollow needle 12 connected to the pressure
source 10, which extends through the opening DV in the bottom-side
lid 7 of the outer container 2, and a sealing device 13, for
example a rubber seal. The opening DV in this case can be formed as
pierced hole by piercing the outer container 2 with the hollow
needle 12.
[0047] The hollow needle 12 is connected to the external pressure
source 10 via a connecting line 14.
[0048] The dispensing device 1, which consists of the outer
container 2 and the filled inner container 3 and forms a cartridge
K, represents a dispensing system 15 with the external pressure
source 10.
[0049] According to the invention, the pressure of the compressed
pressure gas located in the intermediate space 8 is kept constant
with the external pressure source 10 over the entire extraction
duration of the filling substance 4 and thus independently of the
filling level of the filling substance 4 in the flexible inner
container 3.
[0050] For metering the discharge quantity, the valve unit 5 in the
shown exemplary embodiment is connected to an electronic control
unit 17, which likewise belongs to the dispensing system 15. With
the electronic unit 17, the opening time of the valve unit 5 can be
adjusted and controlled. In connection with the constant pressure
in the intermediate space 8, an exactly meterable and continuous
discharge quantity can thus be extracted through the control of the
opening time of the valve unit 5 over the extraction duration of
the filling substance 4.
[0051] In FIGS. 2 to 4, the manufacturing process of a dispensing
device 1 according to the invention is explained. FIG. 2 shows the
outer container 2, in which the inner container 3 provided with the
valve unit 5 can be placed in the pressureless state in ambient
conditions via the bottom-side opening o and fastened to the
lid-side opening 6, for example through a crimped connection
between the valve unit 5 and the outer container 2 in the region of
the opening 6.
[0052] Following this--as explained in FIG. 3 by the arrow--the
flexible inner container 3 can be filled with the filling substance
4 via the valve device 5. The bottom-side opening o of the outer
container 2 makes pressure equalization possible, so that the
filling of the inner container 3 in the intermediate space 8 does
not generate any backpressure. The outer container 2 provided with
the filled inner container 3 thus forms a cartridge K.
[0053] According to FIG. 4, the bottom-side lid 7, which is
provided with the connection attachment 11 and is connected to the
external pressure source 10, forms a separate holding device 20, in
which the outer container (cartridge K according to FIG. 3)
provided with the filled inner container 3 can be inserted. A
sealing of the intermediate space 8 is additionally established in
the process.
[0054] According to FIG. 5, in which a further embodiment of a
dispensing device 1 according to the invention is shown, the outer
container 2 which is open towards the bottom can be alternatively
sealed in a pressure-tight manner with the bottom-side lid 7 prior
to the filling of the inner container 3. On filling the flexible
inner container 3 with the filling substance 4, a certain positive
pressure is created in the intermediate space 8, which however is
not sufficient in order to extract, in particular completely
extract the filling substance 4. According to FIG. 5, the cartridge
K formed by the outer container 2 and the filled inner container 3
is sealed by the bottom-side lid 7.
[0055] The holding device 20 according to FIG. 5 is formed as
additional external or separate holder 25, in which the outer
container 2 provided with the filled inner container 3 can be
inserted. Here, the connection attachment 11 can be established
when inserting the outer container 2 in the holder 25 in that the
outer container is pierced by the hollow needle 12 arranged on the
holder 25 for example on the bottom-side lid 7. Alternatively, the
hollow needle 12 can be pierced through the wall of the outer
container 2 in order to establish a sealed connection attachment 11
alternatively arranged laterally.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 it is alternatively possible to
establish a pressure equalization opening DA for example in the
bottom-side lid 7 prior to the filling of the inner container 3 in
order to achieve filling the inner container 3 in the pressureless
state without generating a backpressure. The pressure equalization
opening DA in this case can continue to have the function of the
opening DV according to FIG. 1 in order to establish the sealed
connection attachment 11 to the external pressure source 10 when
inserting the outer container 2 provided with the filled inner
container 3.
[0057] FIGS. 6 to 8 show a preferred embodiment of the invention,
according to which the outer container 2 is formed by a closed
standard aerosol container, which is provided with a deep-drawn
and/or molded-on bottom-side lid 7 and an opening 6 in a lid-side
region. The bottom-side lid 7 can be produced in one piece in one
operation with the outer container 2. Alternatively, the lid 7 is
connected to the outer container 2 in a fixed manner prior to the
filling and closing off. By way of the opening 6, the empty inner
container 3 provided with the valve unit 5 can be inserted in the
outer container 2. The pressure-tight fastening between inner
container 3 and outer container 2, likewise takes place in the
region of the opening 6, for example by means of a crimped
connection.
[0058] As shown in the FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer container 2 formed
as aerosol container comprises a slit preferably in the region of
the bottom-side lid 7, whose one limitation side in the shown
exemplary embodiment is molded into a gill-like cheek 40. The
pressure equalization opening DA so formed thus makes possible
filling the inner container 3 via the valve unit 5 without the
intermediate space 8 receiving any positive pressure in the
process. The cheek 40 continues to fulfill the function of the
pressure connection opening DA for connecting the intermediate
space 8 to the external pressure source 10.
[0059] Instead of one or a plurality of gill-cheeks 40 or
corresponding perforations, which form one or a plurality of
openings DA, at least one hole can likewise be established on the
outer container 2 in order to achieve the function of the pressure
equalization opening DA for the pressureless filling of the inner
container 3 and the function of the opening DV for attachment to
the external pressure source 10.
[0060] In addition, one or a plurality of slits can be introduced
in the outer container 2 in order to form at least one opening,
which combines the function of the pressure equalization opening DA
for the pressureless filling of the inner container 3 and the
function of the opening DV for attachment of the intermediate space
8 to the external pressure source 10. As such slits, for example
two short cuts for example arranged parallel and spaced from one
another can be introduced in the outer container, which delimit a
web or a plurality of such webs that can be indented in a
bridge-like manner. In addition, a plurality of slits according to
any pattern, for example star-like can be provided in the outer
container in order to achieve through indentation one or a
plurality of openings as pressure connection opening DV for
connecting the intermediate space 8 to the external pressure source
and as pressure equalization opening DA for the pressureless
filling of the inner container 3.
[0061] On the outer container 2, a sealing flange 45 is formed
furthermore, which for example surrounds a convex annular groove
which surrounds the cheek 40 and thus the pressure connection
opening DV. The sealing flange 45 serves as abutment for the
sealing device 13, for example an O-ring 17, of the connection
attachment 11 in order to achieve an optimal seal in the region of
the connection attachment 11.
[0062] Alternatively, the sealing flange 45 can be of concave
design and receive a corresponding sealing ring in order to
optimize the seal.
[0063] The sealing flange 45 can already be created when producing
the bottom lid 7 or when producing the outer container 2 provided
the bottom lid 7 is already connected to the outer container 2 in a
fixed manner. Alternatively it is possible to subsequently form the
sealing flange 45 on the bottom 7 of the outer container 2 formed
as standard aerosol container through a suitable punching tool
which for example is introduced via the opening 6. During this
operation, the opening DV and/or the pressure equalization opening
DA can also be practically produced at the same time in one
operation with a suitable punching/stamping tool, which serves for
connecting to the external pressure source.
[0064] Following the sealing of the outer container 2, according to
FIG. 6 with the valve unit 5 and the flexible and rolled-in inner
container 3 welded thereon, the latter can be filled with the
filling substance 4 via the valve unit 5--as is indicated by the
arrow in FIG. 7. The standard cartridge SK so completed can now be
inserted in the holding device 20 in order to establish the sealed
connection attachment 11.
[0065] The holding device 20 of FIG. 7 is formed as additional
external or separate holder 25 similar to FIG. 5, in which the
standard cartridge SK can be inserted. When inserting the standard
cartridge SK in the holder 25, the sealing device 13, for example
the O-ring 17, is pressed against the sealing flange 45 so that via
the opening DV and the attachment 12 the sealed connection
attachment 11 between the pressure source 10 and the intermediate
space 8 is established.
[0066] FIG. 7 furthermore shows the electronic control unit 17 the
time control of the valve unit 5 which in addition to the holding
device 20 and the standard cartridge SK belongs to the dispensing
system 15.
[0067] With the dispensing device 1 according to the invention and
its manufacture, a number of advantages are achieved.
[0068] With the dispensing device 1 according to the invention,
cost-effective storage/refill cartridges K for filling substances
can be produced, which make it possible with gas pressure in the
intermediate space 8 to extract exactly meterable quantities of the
filling substance 4 through a valve unit 5. The accuracy of the
metering of the discharge quantity of the filling substance 4 is
guaranteed through the electronic control unit 17 in the microgram
or microliter ranges and below.
[0069] Through the constant pressure of the external pressure
source 10 of the dispensing system 15 is achieved that the
intermediate space 8 of the cartridge K is always under exactly the
same pressure throughout the entire extraction duration of the
filling substance 4. Because of the pressure in the intermediate
space 8 which is constant over the extraction duration, the
discharge quantity can be exactly controlled through the opening
time of the valve unit 5.
[0070] The dispensing device 1 according to the invention can be
produced in a simple manner in that an empty inner container 3 with
the valve unit 5 fastened thereon is initially assembled in the
outer container 2 in a pressureless manner and thus under ambient
conditions, for example through a crimped closure. Following this,
filling of the flexible inner container 3 with the filling
substance 4 through the valve unit 5 takes place. According to FIG.
5, a certain positive pressure is created in the intermediate space
8 through the cartridge K closed with the lid 7 when filling the
inner container 3, but which is not sufficient in order to remove
the entire content of the filling substance 4 again, in particular
with exactly the same discharge quantities. If in this case at
least one pressure equalization opening DA has already been formed
in the bottom lid 7 (FIG. 7), filling of the inner container 3 can
even take place without backpressure in the intermediate space 8,
for example by means of a hand pump as filling device. On a
standard aerosol container as outer container 2, the opening DV,
which serves as pressure equalization opening DA when filling the
inner container 3, can be produced through one or a plurality of
perforations or slits in a simple manner.
[0071] In order to establish the necessary constant pressure in the
intermediate space 8 of the cartridge K, the cartridge K is placed
in a holding device 20. When inserting the cartridge K in the
holding device 20 or following the inserting of the cartridge K in
the holding device 20, the intermediate space 8 is connected to the
external pressure source 10 by means of the sealed connection
attachment 11. In the event that the bottom lid 7 does not yet have
any opening DV, it can be pierced through the hollow needle 12 and
sealed off by means of the sealing device 13.
[0072] Through the at least one opening DV, the intermediate space
8 is connected to the external pressure source and supplied with
the required pressure which is constant over the entire extraction
period as soon as the pressure source 10 is opened.
[0073] Through the constant pressure that remains the same in the
intermediate space 8 the filling substance can be extracted from
the flexible inner container 2 completely in exactly the same
portions in that the opening time of the valve unit 5 is exactly
adjusted and controlled, for example by means of the electronic
control 17.
[0074] The outer container 2 provided with the filled inner
container 3, which forms the cartridge K, can be removed from the
holding device 20 at any time, wherein the established pressure in
the intermediate space 8 can escape via the opening DV or the
pressure equalization opening DA.
[0075] Both an original cartridge provided with a pressure
equalization opening DA as well as a removed cartridge K are not
pressurized and because of this are safer in storage. Because of
this, refill cartridges can be transported in an aeroplane without
being classified as dangerous goods.
[0076] Fastening the inner container 3 provided with the valve unit
5 in the outer container 2 and filling the flexible inner container
3 with the filling substance 4 with pressureless intermediate
space, i.e. in ambient conditions without positive pressure or
pre-pressure makes possible a simplified manufacture of the
dispensing device 1 according to the invention without special
machines. Because of this it is made possible to produce low
quantities of the dispensing device 1 according to the invention in
a cost-effective manner and with low investment requirement.
* * * * *