EP1445121A1 - Applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A spring (36) applies elastic return force to a piston (30) in order to increase pressure in a storage (24) which accommodates a product (26). Cartridge sleeve (22), piston, piston holder (32) and control pushrod (34) are controlled to reduce pressure in the storage.

Description

The invention relates to an application device with a memory for storing a product to be applied and an overpressure generating device having an elastic device, wherein the elastic device is designed to generate an overpressure in the accumulator with its elastic restoring force against one Press the memory limit.

An application device of the type mentioned above is known, for example from DE 42 00 964 C1. It is not just a writing or writing device Understand pen. Rather, the invention is applicable to all types of applicators, be it for drawing, painting, writing, marking or the like or be it for Applying cosmetics to skin or hair. Relevant examples are make-up pencils for making up lips, brows, lids, cheeks, fingernails and toenails etc. Accordingly, the invention also relates to all types of "to be applied Products ", i.e. for example on writing, drawing, painting and marking inks as well as on with Applicators, in particular cosmetic products that can be applied in the form of pencils. The Products to be applied can have any consistency that can be applied by an application device to have. Examples are liquid, gel-like and pasty products.

The pen according to DE 42 00 964 C1 is constructed in such a way that always on the memory constant pressure forces are exerted. In other words, it rules Memory of the known pen always a constant overpressure. Such a permanent Overpressure can have a damaging effect on the product to be applied. In case of a Leakage, the permanent overpressure will lead to an immediate leak.

The invention has for its object the applicator of the aforementioned Art to improve insofar as damage to the product to be applied and / or leakage is better prevented.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the overpressure generating device is controllable in the sense of lowering the pressure in the memory.

The invention is based on the knowledge that the excess pressure in the Memory is not needed at all times, but only when using the application device is worked. The controllability of the overpressure generating device in the sense of a Lowering the pressure in the memory therefore gives the opportunity to increase the pressure lower when it is not needed, which may result in a damaging influence of the Overpressure on the product to be applied is minimized. In addition, one any leakage in the event of leaks can be prevented more effectively.

From DE 23 31 285 C2, DE 40 27 271 C1 and DE-OS 23 09 738 are each Pens known in which an overpressure generator does not use makes an elastic device, but rather worked with gas pressure becomes. This complicates the structure, particularly with regard to sealing problems and complex and therefore expensive. In contrast, according to the invention elastic device used in the context of the overpressure generating device, whereby in particular sealing problems are eliminated. In addition, a particularly simple structure can be realized, which both improves handling is as well as the manufacturing costs can be kept low.

In principle, the elastic device can be of any design. As special simply a spring is preferred.

The overpressure generating device preferably has a transmission with two coupling elements on, which are designed in at least two different relative positions to engage with each other. These two different ones Relative positions can serve to account for different operating states wear.

So the two relative positions different levels of the Memory. In other words, this embodiment of the invention provided that the two coupling elements at a first fill level of the memory of the transmission have a first relative position to one another, in which, for example the elastic device generates a predetermined positive pressure in the memory. Sinks now by using the pen the level in the memory, so take the two Coupling elements a different position relative to each other, with the same Overpressure is generated in the memory.

Otherwise, the overpressure generated in the memory decreases Level in the memory and the associated relaxation of the elastic Elements would decrease, can be achieved in this way that level independent always the same overpressure is generated in the memory.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Overpressure generating device a gear with at least one internal thread element and at least one external thread element, wherein the transmission at least two Can assume operating states, namely a first operating state in which the Comb two threaded elements to create the excess pressure, and one second operating state in which they do not mesh with each other, resulting in a lowering of the Pressure results.

In other words, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention provided that two threaded elements for generating the overpressure with each other be coupled and decoupled to lower the pressure in the memory. In order to is a particularly simple in structure, inexpensive and easy to use Solution has been found.

According to the invention, a threaded rod with at least one Thread interruption, for example in the form of a longitudinal groove. to With this solution, decoupling only has to be done in the internal thread element Thread interruption are brought.

Particularly in the sense of further protection of the product to be applied According to the invention, a device for limiting the pressure generating device generated overpressure provided. It also bears this characteristic obviously also for leakage security.

As structurally particularly simple, it is provided according to the invention that the limiting device has a stop.

The stop is further preferably formed on an external thread element.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Stop in a path along which an internally threaded element moves when the Comb the two threaded elements together.

Again, this is a structurally particularly simple and easy too handling solution has been found.

The limiting device further preferably has a slip clutch. In order to there is extensive security against the consequences of improper handling, because the slip clutch when trying to generate too much overpressure disengages automatically.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Overpressure generating device a gear with a rack and a detent has, wherein the rack and the detent are preferably designed to at least two different positions relative to each other and outside Intervention to come.

This configuration provides an alternative to that described above Design with the rotary gear.

According to the invention, the overpressure generating device preferably has one Piston on, which does not necessarily have a circular outer contour. That piston can represent, for example, the limitation of the memory to which the elastic Restoring force of the elastic device for generating the overpressure in the memory suppressed.

According to the invention, a device is preferably provided which prevents that the piston pulls the product back into the reservoir when the overpressure is reduced.

The piston can be designed as a drag piston.

In this context, it is particularly preferred according to the invention that the Piston with play and / or via an elastic element with the elastic device is coupled.

To prevent leakage and drying of the product to be applied, see the invention according to a particularly preferred embodiment, a final mass to seal the product in the store. The memory, the piston and / or one According to the invention, the writing tip of the pen preferably has LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymers) / Liquid crystal polymers). This material is especially in places of the pen that come into contact with the product to be applied, very advantageous because it is extreme is diffusion tight. In addition, it is characterized by high dimensional accuracy, what is particularly important in the case of parts which are kept movable relative to one another, such as that in the Accumulator piston held movably. The high dimensional accuracy bends you Jamming before. After all, LCP is characterized by high chemical resistance, so that it cannot be attacked by the product to be applied.

The applicator preferably has a shock absorber at its rear end. This prevents that in the event of a possible opening of the applicator the rear end of the product to be applied from a writing tip into the Memory is pushed in.

The shock absorber preferably has a spring.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the spring of the Shock absorber to generate the excess pressure. In other words, it becomes production of the elastic element serving overpressure a second function, namely that of the shock absorber, assigned, whereby the number of parts is reduced overall.

It can happen that a user of the applicator forgets the pressure in to lower the memory after the work is done. In such a case, under certain circumstances damage to the product to be applied in the memory. Furthermore, can leakage cannot be excluded.

Therefore, the invention provides an applicator, particularly the one above executed design, with a memory for storing a product to be applied and an overpressure generating device for generating an overpressure in the Memory, the application device being able to assume at least two operating states, namely a state of rest and a state of use. According to the invention, one is on moving the applicator from the state of use to the idle state responsive means for lowering the pressure in the memory.

In other words, this embodiment of the invention ensures that that the pressure in the memory is automatically reduced as soon as the applicator - after work done - is put into hibernation.

The idle state and the operating state can be characterized in particular by this distinguish that in the idle state a cap (schooner) is placed on the applicator is, whereas this cap is removed in the operating state.

Therefore, the invention provides a particularly preferred embodiment Coupling between a cap and the positive pressure generating device. With others Words is provided according to this embodiment of the invention that the removal of the Cap is accompanied by the creation of an overpressure in the memory, whereas that Place the cap on the applicator to automatically lower the pressure in leads to the store.

As a particularly advantageous embodiment, a thread for holding the Cap preferred on applicator. Instead of the thread, a bayonet lock can also be used be provided for holding the cap on the applicator. Such a Bayonet lock has the particular advantage that the angle of rotation by which Cap is twisted with respect to the applicator, is limited, so that there is no further special measures are required to ensure that the cap on the To limit application device generated overpressure in the memory. This configuration can therefore possibly without the slip clutch and without the above Overpressure limitation.

Especially in the area of diameter reductions in the web of product to be applied from the memory to a writing tip of the application device Air pockets often occur, which are disadvantageous for the operation of the applicator.

The invention is therefore based on the further object, such air pockets to avoid.

The invention therefore finally creates an application device, in particular according to the Design detailed above, with a front end area having memory for storing a product to be applied and one Writing tip, a rear end region of the writing tip being sleeve-shaped and the front end of the memory in the rear end of the writing tip is plugged in.

This is because - as is the case with the prior art - becomes the rear one End area of the writing tip inserted into the front end area of the memory, see above there is a reduction in diameter in the area facing the storage Face of the writing tip. In contrast, however, is the front according to the invention End portion of the memory inserted into the rear end portion of the sleeve, so results in the transition area no average reduction, which means that the above mentioned Air pockets are reliably avoided.

Figur 1

eine Längsschnittansicht eines Stiftes nach einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Figur 2

Ansichten einer Kolbenanordnung des Stiftes nach Figur 1,

Figur 3

Ansichten eines Steuerstößels des Stiftes nach Figur 1, und

Figur 4

eine schematische Längsschnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of two preferred exemplary embodiments in the form of pins with reference to the accompanying drawing. Show

Figure 1

2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a pin according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2

Views of a piston arrangement of the pin of Figure 1,

Figure 3

Views of a control plunger of the pin of Figure 1, and

Figure 4

is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention.

According to Figure 1, the pin has an outer shaft 10, on the in the operating position 1 a cap 12 is screwed on. For this is one with the reference number 14 designated thread provided. The cap 12 has a seal 16 which in the in Figure 1 shown operating state sealingly encloses a tip 18. At the free end of the Tip 18 is held a ball 20. The inner contour of the seal 16 deviates from the circular Shape. It is oval. The outer contour of the tip 18 has in that area in which it is surrounded by the seal 16, a complementary outer contour. Thereby the cap 12 is rotatably coupled to the tip 18 in the attached state.

The tip 18 is at its end portion facing away from the ball 20 of a lead sleeve 22 enclosed. In this area, the tip 18 has a circular outer contour. It forms a slip clutch with the lead sleeve 22.

The interior of the lead sleeve 22 forms a storage 24 for ink 26. On the A side mass 28 is arranged in the accumulator 24 on the side facing away from the ball 20, which is used to seal against the environment. The rear limit of the memory 24 is formed by a piston 30. The piston 30 is displaceable within the accumulator 24 held. Seen from the ball 20, a piston holder lies behind the piston 30 32. A control tappet 34 projects into the piston holder. A spring 36 is supported on the one hand on the control tappet 34 and on the other hand on an end cap 38.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the piston 30 has an extension 40 which is assembled State engages in a window 42 of the piston holder 32. The piston holder 32 has projections 44 and 46 on its end section facing away from the piston 30 which engage in corresponding recesses of the shaft 22 for rotary coupling. The piston holder 32 is therefore rotationally coupled to the shaft 22, but axially kept movable.

The piston holder is also at its end section facing away from the piston 30 32 in its interior with an approximately hemispherical internal thread element 48 provided, which is used for - temporarily - coupling with the control tappet 34.

The control plunger 34 is complementary to the internal thread element 48 Provide external thread elements, one of which has the reference number 50, for example is designated. The external thread elements 50 correspond to segments of a helical one Groove and extend over an angle of slightly more than 300 °. They are interrupted by a longitudinal groove 52 which extends over an angle of approximately Extends 27 °.

At its end section facing away from the ball 20, the control plunger 34 is provided with lugs 54, 56, 58, 60 provided for the rotary coupling in corresponding recesses of the outer shaft 10 engage. The control plunger 34 is with respect to the outer shaft 10 axially displaceable between the end cap 38 and a stop 62. The function of the pen shown in the drawing is as follows:

In the operating position shown in Figure 1, i.e. then when the cap 12 is on the outer shaft 10 is screwed on, the internal thread element 48 is in the Groove 52. There is therefore no coupling between the control tappet in this operating position 34 and the piston 30 before. The piston 30 therefore does not exert any pressure on the sealing compound 28 or on the ink 26.

If the cap 12 is rotated with respect to the outer shaft 10 in order to unscrew it, so rotates because of the rotational coupling between the seal 16 and the Tip 18 with tip 18. The piston holder 32 thus also rotates. In the further The course of the rotation leaves the internal thread element 48, the groove 52 and enters the Male Thread Element 50. Turning further in this condition causes the female thread element 48 runs along the external thread element 50, whereby the control tappet 34, which has previously been supported on the shoulder 62, is urged against the spring 36. As a result, the elastic restoring force of the spring 36 acts on the control plunger 34 Piston holder 32 and thus on the piston 30, whereby the pressure in the accumulator 24 increases. The external thread element 50 is delimited at its end by a stop 64, on which the internal thread element 48 stops when turning further. If you continue shooting, so the formed between the shaft 22 and the tip 18 slips Slip clutch through, so that the pressure in the memory 24 no longer increases.

The excess pressure now built up in the memory 24 can be used to apply the ink 26 be used.

If the cap 12 is screwed back onto the outer shaft 10 after use of the pin, this is how it works because of the couplings described in detail above Internal thread element 48 along the external thread element 50 back into the groove 52. As a result, the control plunger 34 runs against the spring 36 again Stop 62 where it is supported. So that the spring 36 no longer acts on the Piston holder 32 and piston 30 onto the ink 26. There is no such condition Overpressure more in the memory 24, which with a view to protecting the ink 26 and is of great advantage in terms of leak protection.

When the cap 12 is screwed onto the outer shaft 10, the piston holder 32 Moved away from the ball 20 until the internal thread member 48 into the groove 52nd arrives. So that the piston 30 does not suck the ink out of the tip 18, this is the Piston 30 designed as a drag piston. Namely, the piston holder 32 corresponding to the axial length of the window 42 without driving the piston 30 from the Move ball 20 away.

In addition to or instead of the extension 40 in the window 42, one can also elastic coupling between the piston holder 32 and the piston may be provided.

The elastic coupling and / or the game can also be somewhere else between the control plunger 34 and the piston surface delimiting the accumulator 24.

Instead of the thread 14, a bayonet lock can also be used to hold the cap 12 may be provided on the outer shaft 10. In this case, on the Overpressure limitation by the stop 64 can be dispensed with, because at one Bayonet lock anyway the angle by which the two of them close together connecting parts can be rotated against each other is limited.

The embodiment according to FIG. 4 is described below:

In this embodiment, the cap 12 is not on the outer shaft 10 screwed on, but rather pushed on axially. When postponed takes one Stop 66 on the cap 12 with a control sleeve 68 in the axial direction. The control sleeve 68 is provided with two latches 70, 72, which in the operating state shown in FIG Are engaged with a rack 74. The control sleeve 68 thus forms together with the locking sleeves 70 and 72 and the rack 74 a locking mechanism. In the in FIG. 4 shown operating state presses the spring 36 with its elastic restoring force the control sleeve 68. Because of the engagement of the pawls 70 and 72 with the rack 74th the pressure generated by the spring 36 on the rack 74 on the piston 30th transferred, which is why the piston 30 generates an overpressure in the accumulator 24.

However, if the cap 12 is pushed onto the outer shaft, it shifts the control sleeve 68 axially backwards, whereby the latches 70 and 72 with a Attach the end section to a rotating control cam 76 and to another Axial displacement can be pivoted out of engagement with the rack 74. This will the restoring force exerted by the spring 36 no longer on the rack 74 and thus also no longer transferred to the piston 30, which is why the excess pressure in the accumulator 24 sinks.

As in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the respective gears, So the rotary gear according to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the locking mechanism according to FIG. 4, one Compensate for the decrease in level in the memory 24. With decreasing fill level namely namely moves the rack 74 of FIG. 4 together with the Piston 30 gradually into the reservoir 24. Nevertheless, the same can be done Restoring force of the spring 36 used to generate the excess pressure in the memory 24 become. The same applies to the piston holder 32 with the piston 30 according to FIGS. 1 to 3. These two elements also move with decreasing fill level in the memory 24 gradually into the memory, whereas the control plunger 34 its position to the Spring 36 does not change according to the level, which is why always the same Restoring force for generating the excess pressure is available.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, overpressure limitation is realized by that the stop 66 or an annular extension 78 of the control sleeve 68 on one Stop 80 strikes on the outer shaft 10.

4 is a front end portion 82 of the lead sleeve 22 inserted into a rear end section 84 of the writing tip 18. This is one step-like cross-sectional reduction in the path of the product 26 from the store 24 avoided in the tip 18, which eliminates the risk of air pockets.

The end cap 38 is in the embodiment of FIG. 4 like a Shock absorber springs held. The spring 36, ie that elastic element, the restoring force for generating the excess pressure in the Memory 24 is used. This configuration thereby minimizes the number of Components.

Those disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawing Features of the invention can be used both individually and in any combination the realization of the invention in its various embodiments essential his.

Claims (26)

Applicator with
a memory (24) for storing a product (26) to be applied and
an overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) having an elastic device (36), the elastic device (36) being designed to generate an overpressure in the accumulator (24) with its elastic restoring force against a limitation ( 30) of the memory (24),
characterized in that
the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) can be controlled in the sense of lowering the pressure in the memory. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic device (36) is a spring. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) has a transmission with two coupling elements (32, 34) which are designed to engage with one another in at least two different relative positions get. Applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that the two relative positions are assigned to different fill levels of the store (24). Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) has a transmission with at least one internal thread element (48) and at least one external thread element (50), the transmission being able to assume at least two operating states , namely
a first operating state in which the two threaded elements (48, 50) mesh with one another to generate the excess pressure, and
a second operating state in which they do not mesh with each other, which results in a reduction in pressure. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a threaded rod (34) with at least one thread interruption (52). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device (18, 22; 64) for limiting the overpressure generated by the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36). Applicator according to claim 5, characterized in that the limiting device (18, 22; 64) has a stop (64). Applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that the stop (64) is formed on an external thread element (50). Applicator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the stop (64) lies in a path along which an internally threaded element (48) moves when the two threaded elements (48, 50) mesh with one another. Applicator according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the limiting device (18, 22; 64) has a slip clutch (18, 22). Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the positive pressure generating device has a gear with a rack and a catch, the rack and catch being designed to engage and disengage in at least two different relative positions to one another. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) has a piston (30). Applicator according to Claim 13, characterized by a device which prevents the piston (30) from pulling the product back into the store (24) when the excess pressure is reduced . Applicator according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the piston (30) is a drag piston. Applicator according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the piston (30) is coupled to the elastic device (36) with play (40, 42) and / or via an elastic element. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sealing compound (28) for sealing the product (26) in the store (24). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the memory (24), the piston (30) and / or a writing tip (18) of the applicator LCP. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a shock absorber at the rear end. Applicator according to claim 19, characterized in that the shock absorber has a spring (36). Applicator according to claim 20, characterized in that the spring (36) of the shock absorber serves to generate the excess pressure. Applicator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with
a memory (24) for storing a product (26) to be applied and
an overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36) for generating an overpressure in the memory (24),
wherein the application device can assume at least two operating states, namely an idle state and a use state,
marked by
means (16, 18, 22, 30, 32, 34, 36) responsive to moving the pen from use to idle to lower the pressure in the accumulator (24). Applicator according to claim 22, characterized by a coupling (18, 22) between a cap (12) and the overpressure generating device (22, 30, 32, 34, 36). Applicator according to claim 23, characterized by a thread (14) for holding the cap (12) on the applicator. Applicator according to claim 23, characterized by a bayonet catch for holding the cap (12) on the applicator. Applicator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a memory having a front end region for storing a product to be applied and a writing tip,
characterized in that
a rear end area of the writing tip is sleeve-shaped and the front end area of the memory is inserted into the rear end area of the writing tip.

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