EP4461419A1 - Dispensing head and dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing head for a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, wherein the dispensing head has an actuator for actuating the dispensing head or dispenser and a fastening part for fastening the dispensing head to a container of the dispenser.

According to one aspect, the dispensing head has a display device for displaying a first use. According to a further aspect, the actuator is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position and the dispensing head has a blocking device for blocking an actuation of the actuator in the first rotational position.

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing head for a dispenser for dispensing a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a dispenser.

The fluid is preferably a cleaning product or a cosmetic product, for example a bathroom or glass cleaner, a shower gel, a shampoo, a cream, a perfume or the like.

It is known from the prior art to provide a packaging or a container for a product, particularly in the food and cosmetics sector, with an authenticity seal. An authenticity seal is in particular a device by means of which a user or consumer can recognize that the packaging or container is still in its original packaging or sealed and has not yet been opened. For example, such an authenticity seal can be formed by a sticker that is attached in such a way that the sticker is damaged or destroyed when the packaging or container is opened (for the first time). Plastic rings that must be removed or destroyed before opening (for the first time) are also known as authenticity seals.

The tamper-evident seals known from the state of the art are unaesthetic, unhygienic, prone to errors and/or require an additional step before the product is used for the first time in which the tamper-evident seal must be removed or destroyed and/or in which parts must be disposed of separately, making the use of the product cumbersome or uncomfortable for the user.

Furthermore, dispensing heads for dispensers for dispensing a fluid are known from the prior art, which have a rotatable actuator, wherein the actuator is secured against actuation in one rotational position and can be actuated or pressed down in another rotational position. Such a function is also referred to as a twist-to-lock function.

A corresponding dispensing head is available, for example, in the US 2003/0150876 A1 described. The mechanism for implementing the twist-to-lock function requires a relatively large amount of space and the dispensing head consists of a large number of separate parts. Overall, this leads to high production costs and complex assembly of the dispensing head.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a dispensing head or dispenser in which first-time use is recognizable or indicated and/or which can be secured against actuation, wherein the dispensing head or dispenser has a simple and/or compact structure; is easy to manufacture, saves material and/or is inexpensive and/or is safe and/or comfortable to use.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a dispensing head according to claim 1 or a dispenser according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

The present invention relates to a dispensing head for a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, wherein the dispensing head has a movable actuator for actuating the dispensing head or dispenser and a fastening part for fastening the dispensing head to a container of the dispenser.

The dispensing head preferably has a display device for indicating that the dispensing head is being used for the first time. This enables a user to see whether the dispensing head or dispenser has already been used.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the dispensing head is designed to automatically move the display device from a first position to a second position before or when the actuator is actuated for the first time. The dispensing head has a locking mechanism that is designed to lock the display device against moving back from the second position to the first position. This enables a reliable indication of first-time use or use that has already been used. Furthermore, the automatic movement of the display device before or when the actuator is actuated automatically indicates first-time use or use that has already been used, so that an additional step such as destroying or removing a security device or an authenticity seal before the first use is no longer necessary. Operating the dispensing head or dispenser is therefore more convenient and easier for the user. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is less prone to errors than known authenticity seals or security devices.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the display device for displaying a first use without damaging, destroying or removing any part of the dispensing head. This is beneficial to hygiene and prevents injuries caused by sharp-edged components that can occur if parts of the dispensing head are damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, no removed parts need to be disposed of separately, which makes recycling the dispensing head or dispenser easier and makes operation more convenient and simpler. Finally, the proposed non-destructive solution is also less prone to errors than known tamper-evident seals or security devices.

The actuator is preferably linearly movable and/or rotatable, in particular relative to the fastening part, in particular in order to lock the actuator against actuation or to unlock it for actuation and/or to release a fluid by means of the actuator.

The first and second positions of the display device are preferably different rotational positions of the display device, in particular with respect to a movement axis of the actuator. In other words, the display device is preferably rotatable, in particular about the movement axis of the actuator. The movement axis of the actuator is in particular an axis along which the actuator can be moved linearly, in particular to convey and/or dispense a fluid, and/or about which the actuator can be rotated, in particular to block or enable actuation of the actuator. This solution is particularly reliable and easy to implement, as well as safe and comfortable for the user.

The actuator preferably has a driver for moving the display device from the first position to the second position during a (first-time) movement, in particular rotation, of the actuator. This enables automatic actuation or movement of the display device before or during a first-time use, so that a first-time or completed actuation/use is reliably displayed, and saves an additional step such as destroying or removing an authenticity seal or a security device before using the dispensing head.

The locking mechanism preferably has two locking elements corresponding to one another, in particular a locking piece and a lock, for preferably positively locking the display device against a return movement into the first position. Preferably, when moving the display device from the first position to the second position, the locking elements move past each other. In particular, this creates a (mechanical) backstop or ratchet. This solution is particularly reliable and easy to implement. Furthermore, the locking mechanism represents a particularly hygienic and comfortable solution for the user.

The display device is preferably designed in a ring-like manner and/or is arranged or attached to the fastening part, in particular to an upper edge of the fastening part, in such a way that it can rotate. This enables a simple, reliable display of a first-time use or use that is easy for the user to understand and recognize.

The locking mechanism is preferably located on the inside of the dispensing head and/or invisible from the outside. This is hygienic, less prone to errors and protects against injuries. Furthermore, it is particularly aesthetic as the external appearance of the dispensing head or dispenser is not affected.

According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the actuator can be rotated between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The dispensing head also has a blocking device for blocking actuation of the actuator in the first rotational position and/or outside the second rotational position, wherein the actuator has a cylindrical outer wall and an actuating surface arranged at the end thereof and the blocking device is arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall. This enables material-saving and cost-effective production and a small design of the dispensing head as well as the elimination of additional components.

The blocking device preferably has a blocking surface, in particular arranged on a side of the cylindrical outer wall of the actuator opposite the actuating surface, preferably with the blocking surface projecting or protruding radially outward from the cylindrical outer wall of the actuator. This arrangement or construction is conducive to a material-saving and compact structure.

The blocking device preferably has a blocking element arranged on the fastening part, in particular projecting radially inwards, preferably wherein the blocking element has one or more ribs. The material-saving and compact construction and makes it possible to dispense with additional components.

The blocking surface and the blocking element preferably correspond to one another, wherein in the first rotational position of the actuator the blocking surface and the blocking element are arranged in the same angular position so that actuation of the actuator is blocked by the blocking surface and the blocking element, and wherein in the second rotational position of the actuator the blocking surface is arranged outside the blocking element so that actuation of the actuator is permitted. This enables simple, convenient and intuitive operation and eliminates the need for additional components such as cover caps to cover the dispensing head or actuator.

According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid with a container and a dispensing head attached thereto, wherein the dispensing head is designed as described herein. The advantages of the dispensing head are achieved accordingly by the dispenser.

The above-mentioned aspects and features as well as further aspects and features resulting from the claims and the following description can be realized independently of one another and in various combinations.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Schnitt eines Spenders mit einem vorschlagsgemäßen Abgabekopf;

Fig. 2A

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Abgabekopfs, wobei sich eine Anzeigeeinrichtung des Abgabekopfs in einer ersten Position befindet;

Fig. 2B

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Abgabekopfs, wobei sich die Anzeigeeinrichtung in einer zweiten Position befindet;

Fig. 3A

einen schematischen Schnitt des Abgabekopfs senkrecht zu einer Bewegungsachse des Aktuators, wobei sich die Anzeigeeinrichtung in der ersten Position befindet;

Fig. 3B

einen schematischen Schnitt des Abgabekopfs senkrecht zu der Bewegungsachse des Aktuators, wobei sich die Anzeigeeinrichtung in der zweiten Position befindet;

Fig. 4A

eine schematische, perspektivische und teilweise geschnittene Ansicht von Teilen des Abgabekopfs mit der Anzeigeeinrichtung in der ersten Position;

Fig. 4B

eine schematische, perspektivische und teilweise geschnittene Ansicht von Teilen des Abgabekopfs mit der Anzeigeeinrichtung in der zweiten Position;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Aktuators, der Anzeigeeinrichtung und eines Befestigungsteils des Abgabekopfs;

Fig. 6A

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Aktuators und des Befestigungsteils, wobei sich der Aktuator in einer ersten Drehlage befindet; und

FIG. 6B

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Aktuators und des Befestigungsteils, wobei sich der Aktuator in einer zweiten Drehlage befindet.

Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention emerge from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic section of a dispenser with a proposed dispensing head;

Fig. 2A

a schematic perspective view of the dispensing head, wherein an indicator of the dispensing head is in a first position;

Fig. 2B

a schematic perspective view of the dispensing head with the display device in a second position;

Fig. 3A

a schematic section of the dispensing head perpendicular to a movement axis of the actuator, wherein the display device is in the first position;

Fig. 3B

a schematic section of the dispensing head perpendicular to the axis of movement of the actuator, with the display device in the second position;

Fig. 4A

a schematic, perspective and partially sectioned view of parts of the dispensing head with the display device in the first position;

Fig. 4B

a schematic, perspective and partially sectioned view of parts of the dispensing head with the display device in the second position;

Fig. 5

an exploded perspective view of the actuator, the display device and a fastening part of the dispensing head;

Fig. 6A

a schematic perspective view of the actuator and the fastening part, wherein the actuator is in a first rotational position; and

FIG. 6B

a schematic perspective view of the actuator and the fastening part, wherein the actuator is in a second rotational position.

In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are only schematic, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar parts, whereby corresponding or comparable properties and advantages can be achieved even if a repeated description is omitted.

The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 has a container 2 for receiving a schematically indicated fluid F and a dispensing head 3 for dispensing the fluid F from the container 2.

The fluid F is preferably a cosmetic product, a medical product, a hygiene product, a cleaning product or the like, for example a deodorant, a perfume, a cream, a lotion, a shaving foam, a shower gel, a shampoo, a hair gel, a hairspray, a bathroom cleaner, a dishwashing liquid, an oven cleaner or the like.

The fluid F is preferably held in the dispenser 1 or container 2. The fluid F can be conveyed from the container 2 via the dispensing head 3 and/or dispensed by the dispenser 1 or to a user (not shown).

The dispensing head 3 preferably has an actuator 4 for actuating the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 and a fastening part 5 for fastening the dispensing head 3 to the container 2. The actuator 4 preferably has an outlet channel 28 for dispensing the fluid F.

The dispensing head 3 or actuator 4 is preferably designed to dispense the fluid F as a liquid, spray, foam, gel, cream or paste.

The fastening part 5 is preferably fastened or can be fastened to the container 2, in particular to an upper edge 2A of the container 2, for example can be screwed or screwed onto the container 2 or edge 2A.

The fastening part 5 can be designed in several parts or can have or consist of several parts that are firmly, in particular non-rotatably, connected to one another.

Preferably, the dispensing head 3 does not have a housing part within which the fastening part 5 is arranged or which bypasses or encloses the fastening part 5.

The actuator 4 is movable, in particular relative to the fastening part 5 and/or the container 2. In particular, the actuator 4 is movable relative to a movement axis A. The movement axis A is in particular a central or middle axis of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1.

Relative terms such as "above", "below" or the like refer in particular to the Fig. 1 shown position of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1, in which the dispensing head 3 is located above the container 2 and/or the movement axis A is aligned vertically.

Relative terms such as "inside", "outside" or the like refer in particular to the relative position with respect to the axis of movement A.

Terms such as "axial", "radial" or the like refer in particular to the movement axis A. A radial direction or extension is in particular a direction or extension radial to the movement axis A. An axial movement is in particular a movement along the movement axis A or parallel to the movement axis A.

The actuator 4 can be moved linearly along or parallel to the movement axis A, in particular can be pressed down in the direction of the container 2 or fastening part 5. By pressing down the actuator 4, the fluid F can preferably be conveyed out of the container 2 or dispensed from the dispensing head 3. The term "pressing down" therefore refers in particular to a linear movement of the actuator 4 along the movement axis A downwards or in the direction of the fastening part 5 and/or container 2.

Preferably, the actuator 4 is rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A and/or between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, in particular from the first rotational position to the second rotational position and from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. The actuator 4 is rotatable in particular relative to the fastening part 5 and/or the container 2.

The first rotational position of the actuator 4 is in Fig. 2A and 6A and the second rotational position of the actuator 4 is shown in Fig. 2B and 6B shown.

The dispensing head 3 preferably has a reset device 6 for automatically returning the actuator 4 to a starting position after the actuator 4 has been pressed down or actuated to dispense fluid F. The reset device 6 is in particular a spring. In the example shown, the reset device 6 or spring is designed as a bellows or bellows and is preferably made of plastic.

The return device 6 is preferably arranged such that it does not come into contact with the fluid F.

Preferably, the return device 6 is arranged between the actuator 4 and the fastening part 5 and/or connected to the actuator 4 and/or the fastening part 5.

The dispensing head 3 preferably has a pump 7 for conveying the fluid F, in particular from the container 2. The pump 7 has in particular a pump housing 8, a piston 9, a pump chamber 10, an inlet 11, an outlet 12, an inlet valve 13 and an outlet valve 14.

With the pump 7, a fluid F can be pumped from the container 2 of the dispenser 1 and dispensed via the dispensing head 3. The piston 9 is axially movable in order to pump the fluid F via the inlet 11 into the pump chamber 10 and from the pump chamber 10 to the outlet 12.

Preferably, the pump 7 or the pump housing 8 is fastened to the fastening part 5 and/or held by the fastening part 5.

The reset device 6 is preferably arranged outside the pump 7 or the pump housing 8 and/or the piston 9.

The actuator 4 is preferably attached to the piston 9, in particular such that the piston 9 and the actuator 4 move together, in particular when the actuator 4 is actuated or pressed down in the direction of the container 2 and/or moved back into the starting position, in particular by means of the return device 6.

The piston 9 is preferably fluidically connected to the outlet channel 28 so that fluid F to be dispensed can enter the outlet channel 28 from the piston 9 and be dispensed via the outlet channel 28 from the dispensing head 3 or actuator 4.

The dispensing head 3 preferably has a display device 15. The display device 15 is designed in particular to display a first-time or completed use or actuation of the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 or actuator 4.

In particular, the display device 15 can be used to indicate whether or not the dispensing head 3 has already been used. A user can therefore use the display device 15 to determine whether the dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 is new or unused or has already been used or operated.

The display device 15 preferably has a first position and a second position that is different from the first position. Preferably, the first and second positions of the display device 15 are different rotational positions of the display device 15 and/or the display device 15 is rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A and/or (exclusively and/or once) from the first position or rotational position to the second position or rotational position.

In Fig. 2A the first position of the display device 15 is shown and in Fig. 2B the second position of the display device 15 is shown.

The dispensing head 3 is preferably designed to automatically move or rotate the display device 15 from the first position to the second position before or during a first actuation of the actuator 4, in particular a first rotation of the actuator 4 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.

Furthermore, the dispensing head 3 preferably has a locking mechanism for blocking a movement or return movement of the display device 15 from the second position to the first position. In other words, the dispensing head 3 is preferably designed such that the display device 15 can no longer be moved back to the first position or starting position once it has been moved from the first position to the second position.

The locking mechanism is particularly in the Figures 3A, 3B , 4A and 4B shown, where the Figures 3A and 4A the display device 15 in the first position and the Figures 3B and 4B show the display device 15 in the second position. For the sake of clarity, the Figures 3A, 3B , 4A and 4B only the fastening part 5 and the display device 15 are shown, while the other parts of the dispensing head 3 are omitted.

The display of a first activation of the actuator 4 or dispensing head 3 by the display device 15 is carried out in particular in such a way that no parts of the Dispensing head 3 is destroyed or damaged and/or must be removed from the dispensing head 3. The display device 15 is therefore preferably designed for non-destructive display of a first-time actuation or use of the dispensing head 3.

The display device 15 is preferably fastened or arranged on the fastening part 5, in particular on an upper side or an upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The display device 15 is preferably arranged on a side of the fastening part 5 facing away from the container 2 and/or facing the actuator 4.

The display device 15 is preferably rotatable, in particular about the movement axis A. The first and second positions of the display device 15 are preferably different rotational positions of the display device 15, in particular with respect to the movement axis A. Preferably, there is a rotation angle of at least 60°, in particular at least or approximately 90°, between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the display device 15 is designed in a ring-like manner and/or the display device 15 surrounds or encloses the actuator 4, in particular radially to the movement axis A.

In particular, the display device 15 has a cylindrical section 15A and a radial section 15B, which is arranged in particular at the end or at an end of the cylindrical section 15A facing away from the container 2. The cylindrical section 15A and the radial section 15B are preferably formed in one piece or are different sections of the same component.

The actuator 4 preferably has a driver 16 for driving the display device 15 or moving, in particular rotating, the display device 15 from the first position to the second position.

The driver 16 is designed in particular to move the display device 15 from the first position to the second position when the actuator 4 is rotated for the first time from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.

Preferably, the display device 15 has a stop 17, in particular corresponding to the driver 16 or assigned to the driver 16.

The driver 16 and the stop 17 are particularly Fig. 5 shown.

The display device 15 can be moved from the first position to the second position by means of the driver 16 and/or the stop 17. In particular, the dispensing head 3 is designed such that the display device 15 is automatically moved from the first position to the second position by means of the driver 16 and/or the stop 17 when the actuator 4 is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position for the first time.

The actuator 4 preferably has a cylindrical outer wall 18. Furthermore, the actuator 4 preferably has an actuating surface 19 arranged at the end, in particular on a side of the actuator 4 facing away from the fastening part 5 or container 2. The actuating surface 19 is in particular a surface which is designed so that a user exerts pressure on the surface and thus the actuator in order to press down the actuator 4, in particular to dispense the fluid F.

The driver 16 is preferably arranged outside or on the outside of the outer wall 18. In particular, the driver 16 protrudes from the outer wall 18 in the radial direction.

The stop 17 is preferably arranged on the radial portion 15A of the display device 15, in particular on an inner edge of the radial portion 15A and/or on an underside of the radial portion 15A.

The stop 17 is preferably arranged on the display device 15 in such a way that the driver 16 contacts the stop 17 upon (first) actuation of the actuator 4 or movement of the actuator 4 from the first to the second rotational position and thus moves or rotates the display 15 from the first position to the second position.

During a subsequent return movement of the actuator 4 from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the driver 16 preferably detaches from the stop 17, so that the movement of the actuator 4 does not cause any movement or

Rotation of the display device 15 is induced or the display device 15 remains in the second position. Furthermore, the display device 15 is preferably locked by means of the locking mechanism against a return movement into the first position.

The dispensing head 3 can have several pairs of drivers 16 and stops 17 assigned to one another. In the example shown, the dispensing head 3 has three pairs of drivers 16 and stops 17, which are each arranged at a rotation angle of 120° to one another.

The locking mechanism is designed in particular as a ratchet or mechanical backstop.

The locking mechanism preferably has two mutually corresponding locking elements 20, 21. In particular, the locking element 20 forms a locking piece or locking wheel and the locking element 21 forms a lock or a pawl.

A locking piece is in particular a part that is or will be locked against movement by means of a lock. Accordingly, a lock is in particular a part that locks a locking piece against movement.

The locking mechanism or the locking elements 20, 21 are designed in particular for the positive locking or blocking of a movement of the display device 15 from the second position to the first position.

Preferably, the display device 15 has the locking element 20, in particular the locking piece or locking wheel, or forms this and/or the fastening part 5 or a component firmly or non-rotatably connected to the fastening part 5 and/or container 2 has the locking element 21, in particular the lock or the locking pawl, or forms this.

The locking mechanism or the locking elements 20, 21 is/are preferably arranged so as to be invisible and/or concealed for a user and/or arranged on an inner side of the dispensing head 3.

The blocking element 20 is preferably arranged on the inside of the display device 15, in particular the inside of the cylindrical section 15A. Preferably the locking element 20 protrudes inward from the cylindrical portion 15A. In particular, the locking element 20 is designed as an elongated and/or web-like elevation on the inside of the cylindrical portion 15A. The locking element 20 is preferably formed integrally with the display device 15, in particular injection-molded together with the display device 5.

The locking element 21 is preferably arranged on the upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The locking element 21 is preferably formed integrally with the fastening part 5, in particular injection-molded together with the fastening part 5.

The locking element 21 preferably has a flat flank 21A and a steep flank 21B. The flat flank 21A preferably runs at least substantially tangentially or at a small angle, in particular less than 20°, to the tangential. The steep flank 21B preferably runs at least substantially radially or at a small angle, in particular less than 20°, to the radial.

Preferably, the locking element 20 is arranged radially outside the locking element 21.

The dispensing head 3 is preferably designed such that when the display device 15 is moved or rotated from the first to the second position, the locking element 20 - in particular on the outside - is moved past the locking element 21, preferably wherein the locking element 20 contacts the locking element 21, in particular its flat flank 21A.

Preferably, the fastening part 5, the display device 15, the locking element 20 and/or the locking element 21 is/are designed to be flexible and elastically deformable such that the locking element 20 can be moved past the locking element 21, in particular wherein this past movement is made possible by an elastic deformation which is generated by the pressure which the locking elements 20, 21 exert on one another as they move past.

When the locking element 20 moves past the locking element 21, the locking element 21 is preferably pressed inwards and/or elastically deformed and/or the locking element 20 is pressed outwards and/or elastically deformed.

The locking elements 20, 21 prevent in particular a return movement of the display device 15 from the second into the first position, in particular by a contact of the locking element 20 with the steep flank 21A of the locking element 21, which prevents or blocks a movement of the locking element 20 past the locking element 21, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

Preferably, in the second position of the display device 15, the blocking element 20 contacts the blocking element 21 or its steep flank 21A.

The dispensing head 3 can have several pairs of locking elements 20, 21 assigned to one another. In the example shown, the dispensing head 3 has three pairs of locking elements 21, which are each arranged offset from one another by approximately 120° about the movement axis A.

Preferably, the dispensing head 3 has a marking 22 for marking the position of the dispensing device 15. In particular, the marking 22 enables a user to see in which position the display device 15 is located or whether the dispensing head 3 has already been used for the first time.

Preferably, the marking 22 is formed by one or more elevations on an outside of the fastening part 5 and/or the display device 15. In the example shown, the marking 22 is formed by an elevation, in particular a line-like or web-like elevation, on the outside of the fastening part 5 and an elevation (separate therefrom) on the outside of the display device 15 or the cylindrical section 15A of the display device 15, in particular wherein the elevations are in different angular positions with respect to the movement axis A in the first position of the display device 15 and are in the same angular position with respect to the movement axis A in the second position of the display device 15. This allows a user to see or read the position of the display device 15 and thus whether the dispensing head 3 has already been used.

However, the marking 22 can also be designed differently, for example glued to, printed on or embossed on the fastening part 5 and/or the display device 15 and/or one or more symbols to indicate the position of the display device and/or a first or completed use, have a color coding or the like. Furthermore, it is also possible for the display device 15 or the fastening part 5 to have one or more windows, wherein in the first and second position of the display device 15 different markings, symbols and/or colors are displayed in the window or are visible through the window.

According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the dispensing head 3 has a blocking device for blocking an actuation of the actuator 4, in particular an axial movement or a downward movement of the actuator 4. The blocking device preferably blocks an actuation or downward movement of the actuator 4 in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position. In the second rotational position of the actuator 4, an actuation or downward movement is preferably enabled or released.

The blocking device or its blocking surface 23 and blocking element 24 explained in more detail below is/are particularly in the Figures 2A, 2B , 5 , 6A and 6B shown.

Furthermore, for clarification, the Figures 6A and 6B the actuator 4 and the fastening part 5, whereby the actuator is in Fig. 6A in the first rotation position and in Fig. 6B in the second rotational position.

The blocking device is preferably arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall 18 of the actuator 4. The blocking device preferably has several components or elements, in particular a blocking surface 23 and/or a blocking element 24, which are each arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall 18 of the actuator 4. This enables a particularly space-saving and material-saving design or a small design of the dispensing head 3, in particular a small diameter or cross section of the dispensing head 3 and/or actuator 4 perpendicular to the movement axis A.

By arranging the blocking device radially outside the outer wall 18, the diameter (in particular perpendicular to the movement axis A) of the dispensing head 3, fastening part 5 and/or actuator 4 or the outer wall 18 can be reduced, so that a compact and material-saving design is possible.

The blocking device preferably consists of elements arranged on the actuator 4 and elements arranged on the fastening part 5, which correspond to one another in such a way that in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position, an actuation of the dispensing head 3 or a pressing down of the actuator 4 is blocked and in the second rotational position, an actuation of the dispensing head 3 or a pressing down of the actuator 4 is released.

The blocking device preferably has a blocking surface 23 for blocking, in particular in a form-fitting manner, an axial movement or a downward movement of the actuator 4 in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position of the actuator 4. Preferably, the actuator 4 has the blocking surface 23 or the blocking surface 23 is arranged on the actuator 4.

Furthermore, the blocking device preferably has a blocking element 24. Preferably, the fastening part 5 has the blocking element 24 or the blocking element 24 is arranged on the fastening part 5.

The blocking surface 23 and the blocking element 24 preferably correspond to one another, in particular in such a way that in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position, pressing down of the actuator 4 is blocked by contact of the blocking element 24 with the blocking surface 23 (positively locking) and in the second rotational position pressing down of the actuator 4 is released or enabled.

The blocking surface 23 is preferably arranged at the end and/or opposite the actuating surface 19 on the actuator 4. In particular, the blocking surface 23 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical outer wall 18.

The blocking element 24 preferably has one or more ribs 24A, in particular elongated and/or extending parallel to the movement axis A, or is formed thereby. In particular, the blocking element 24 or the ribs 24A are arranged on the inside of the fastening part 5 and/or on the upper edge 5A of the fastening part 5. The ribs 24A are preferably identical. In the example shown, the blocking element 24 has (exactly) two ribs 24A or a pair of ribs.

In the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position of the actuator 4, the blocking surface 23 and the blocking element 24 are preferably in the same angular position relative to the axis of movement, as in particular in Fig. 6A In the second rotational position, the blocking surface 23 is preferably in a different angular position than the blocking element 24, as shown in particular in Fig. 6B As a result, the downward pressing of the actuator 4 is blocked in the first rotational position or outside the second rotational position and released in the second rotational position.

Outside the blocking surface 23, the actuator 4 has a smaller radial extension than in the area of the blocking surface 23, so that outside the blocking surface 23 a free space 25 is formed through which the blocking element 24 can pass in the second rotational position or can be moved past the blocking surface 23. This enables the actuator 4 to be pressed down.

The blocking device can have several blocking surfaces 23 and blocking elements 24 or pairs of ribs, each associated with one another. In the example shown, the blocking device has (exactly) three blocking surfaces 23 and (exactly) three blocking elements 24, which are preferably each formed by a pair of ribs. In the example shown, the blocking surfaces 23 and blocking elements 24 are each arranged offset from one another by approximately 120° around the movement axis A. There is preferably a free space 25 between the blocking surfaces 23.

In the second position of the display device 15, the locking element 20 is preferably arranged between the or a locking element 21 and the or a blocking element 24, in particular clamped and/or secured in a form-fitting manner. The blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 preferably block a movement of the display device 15 beyond the second position and/or define the second position of the display device 15 or fix it.

In this way, the locking mechanism and the blocking device preferably work together synergistically.

The dispensing head 3, in particular the actuator 4, preferably has one or more stops 26 for limiting a rotation of the actuator 4.

In the example shown, the dispensing head 3 has three, in particular identically designed, stops 26. The stops 26 are preferably arranged symmetrically and/or offset from one another by approximately 120° around the movement axis A.

In particular, the stops 26 define the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, or the stops 26 determine the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, in particular together with the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24. The stops 26 preferably cooperate with the blocking elements 24. The blocking elements 24 are designed, in particular together with the stops 26, to block or limit rotation of the actuator 4.

The stops 26 are preferably arranged on the end of the actuator 4 facing the fastening part 5, in particular on the blocking surface 23. The stops 26 particularly preferably protrude downwards or in the direction of the fastening part 5 and/or container 2 from the blocking surface 23.

In the first rotational position, the stops 26 preferably block rotation of the actuator 4 from the first rotational position in a direction opposite to the second rotational position, in particular by contact of the stop 26 with one of the blocking elements 24. From the first rotational position, the actuator 4 can therefore preferably only be rotated in the direction of the second rotational position, while rotation in the opposite direction is prevented by a stop 26 or the stops 26, in particular by the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 contacting the stop 26 or the stops 26.

In the second rotational position, the stops 26 preferably block rotation of the actuator 4 from the second rotational position in a direction opposite to the first rotational position, in particular by contact of the stop 26 with one of the blocking elements 24. From the second rotational position, the actuator 4 can therefore preferably only be rotated in the direction of the first rotational position, while rotation in the opposite direction is prevented by a stop 26 or the stops 26, in particular by the blocking element 24 or the blocking elements 24 contacting a stop 26 or the stops 26.

The or each blocking element 24 is preferably arranged between two stops 26.

The blocking element(s) 24 and the stops 26 are preferably designed and/or arranged such that when the actuator 4 rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, a rotational angle of approximately 90° is covered or the first and second rotational positions differ by a rotational angle of approximately 90°. However, other solutions are also possible here.

The dispensing head 3, in particular the actuator 4, preferably has at least one or two, in the example shown six, locking elements 27. The locking elements 27 are preferably arranged on the end of the actuator 4 facing the fastening part 5.

The locking elements 27 preferably interact with the blocking elements 24 or its ribs 24A and/or the stops 26. In particular, the locking elements 27 serve to define the first and/or second rotational position or to engage and/or fix the actuator 4 in the first and/or second rotational position.

Preferably, each blocking element 24 is assigned two locking elements 27.

In the first and second rotational positions of the actuator 4, one of the ribs 24A of a blocking element 24 is preferably arranged between a stop 26 and a locking element 27, in particular clamped and/or locked.

By means of the locking elements 27, in particular in cooperation with the stops 26 and/or blocking elements 24, an (improved) locking or snapping of the actuator 4 in the first and/or second rotational position is achieved.

The dispensing head 3 or dispenser 1 is operated in particular as follows:
In the delivery state or before the first operation/use, the actuator 4 is preferably arranged in the first rotational position. In particular, the actuator 4 is locked in the first rotational position by means of the blocking elements 24, stops 26 and locking elements 27. Furthermore, in the delivery state or before the first Operation/use the display device 15 is preferably arranged in the first position.

In the first rotational position, pressing the actuator 5 downwards in the direction of the container 2 is preferably blocked, so that in the first rotational position no discharge of the fluid F is possible.

In order to enable fluid release, the actuator 4 must therefore preferably first be moved from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, in particular rotated about the movement axis A.

When this rotation from the first rotational position to the second rotational position is carried out for the first time, the display device 15 is preferably moved from the first position to the second position, in particular by means of the driver 16 and the stop 17.

A movement beyond the second rotational position is preferably prevented by the blocking elements 24 and stops 26 in that the blocking elements 24 contact the stops 26 when the second rotational position is reached and thus a further movement beyond the second rotational position is blocked.

Preferably, the actuator 4 is locked in the second rotational position by means of the blocking elements 24, stops 26 and locking elements 27.

In the second rotational position, it is preferably possible to push the actuator 5 downwards, in particular by positioning the free space 25 or the free spaces 25 above the blocking elements 24.

Fluid is released by actuating the actuator 4 or moving it axially or pressing it down in the direction of the container 2.

When the actuator 4 is pressed down, the piston 9 of the pump 7 is preferably moved or pressed down with the actuator 4. This increases the pressure in the pump chamber 10, which in turn leads to an (automatic) opening of the outlet valve 14, so that the fluid F in the pump chamber 10 is pressurized by the movement of the piston 9 and is discharged via the Outlet 12 and is finally discharged via an outlet channel 28 of the actuator 4.

It may be necessary to operate the actuator 4 several times during the first use in order to first fill the pump chamber 10 with fluid F before fluid is released when the actuator 4 is pressed down.

After the fluid F has been dispensed, the user preferably lets go of the actuator 4. This is followed by an automatic reset of the actuator 4, in particular by means of the reset device 6. During the reset, the actuator 4 is moved upwards again and the piston 9 is moved upwards at the same time as the actuator 4. This creates a negative pressure in the pump chamber 10, which opens the inlet valve 13 and sucks fluid F from the container 2 into the pump chamber 10 via the inlet 11.

A further actuation of the dispensing head 3 or dispensing of the fluid F can then take place or the actuator 4 can be rotated from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position, in particular in order to (temporarily) block a renewed or accidental actuation of the dispensing head 3.

Individual features and aspects of the present invention can be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination.

List of reference symbols:

1 donors 16 driver 2 container 17 stop 2A upper edge 18 exterior wall 3 dispensing head 19 actuation surface 4 actuator 20 locking element 5 fastening part 21 locking element 5A upper edge 21A flat flank 6 reset device 21B steep slope 7 pump 22 mark 8 pump housing 23 blocking surface 9 Pistons 24 blocking element 10 pump chamber 25 open space 11 inlet 26 stop 12 outlet 27 locking element 13 intake valve 28 outlet channel 14 outlet valve 15 display device A axis of motion 15A cylindrical section F fluid 15B radial section

Claims (11)

Dispensing head (3) for a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid (F), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a movable actuator (4) for actuating the dispensing head (3) or dispenser (1) and a fastening part (5) for fastening the dispensing head (3) to a container (2) of the dispenser (2), characterized by that the dispensing head (3) has a display device (15) for displaying a first use of the dispensing head (3) and is designed to automatically move the display device (15) from a first position to a second position before or upon a first actuation of the actuator (4), wherein the dispensing head (3) has a locking mechanism which is designed to lock the display device (15) against a return movement from the second position to the first position; and/or that the dispensing head (3) has a display device (15) for displaying a first-time use of the dispensing head (3), wherein the display device (15) is designed to display a first-time use without damaging, destroying or removing a part of the dispensing head (3); and/or that the actuator (4) is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position and the dispensing head (3) has a blocking device for securing the actuator (4) against actuation in the first rotational position, wherein the actuator (4) has a cylindrical outer wall (18) and an actuating surface (19) arranged at the end thereon, wherein the blocking device is arranged radially outside the cylindrical outer wall (18). Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (4), in particular relative to the fastening part (5), is rotatable and/or linearly movable. Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and second positions of the display device (15) are different rotational positions of the display device (15) and/or the display device (15) is rotatable, in particular with respect to a movement axis (A) of the actuator (4). Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (4) has a driver (16) for moving the display device (15) from the first position to the second position during a movement, in particular rotation, of the actuator (4). Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism has two mutually corresponding locking elements (20, 21), in particular a locking piece and a lock, for preferably positively locking the display device (15) against a return movement into the first position, preferably wherein the locking elements (20, 21) are moved past one another when the display device (15) is moved from the first position into the second position. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (15) is ring-shaped and/or rotatably arranged on the fastening part (5), in particular an upper edge (5A) of the fastening part (5). Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is arranged on an inner side of the dispensing head (3) and/or is invisible from the outside. Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking device has a blocking surface (23), in particular arranged on a side of the cylindrical outer wall (18) of the actuator (4) opposite the actuating surface (19), preferably wherein the blocking surface (23) protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical outer wall (18) of the actuator (4). Dispensing head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking device has a blocking element (24) arranged on the fastening part (5), in particular projecting radially inwards, preferably wherein the blocking element (24) has one or more ribs (24A). Dispensing head according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that the blocking surface (23) and the blocking element (24) correspond to each other, wherein in the first rotational position of the actuator (4) the blocking surface (23) and the Blocking element (24) are arranged in the same angular position, so that actuation of the actuator (4) is blocked by the blocking surface (23) and the blocking element (24), and wherein in the second rotational position of the actuator (4) the blocking surface (23) is arranged outside the blocking element (24) so that actuation of the actuator (4) is released. Dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid (F) with a container (2) and a dispensing head (3) attached thereto, wherein the dispensing head (3) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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