Suction pump for a dispenser unit and dispenser unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling and evacuating a dispenser unit for paste-like, foam-form or liquid media. In the known methods, a storage container is evacuated via a suction pump, which otherwise serves for the delivery of the medium, after filling. The risk exists hereby that medium is drawn in. In order to make the drawing-off process more effective and more reliable, a method and a filling insert for a dispenser unit are proposed according to the invention, wherein at least one air duct is provided parallel to the suction pump. The evacuation takes place by the application of a pressure difference between storage container and the environment, which is just so great that air can in fact be drawn through the air duct but no viscous medium can be drawn.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to PCT International Application No. PCT / EP2009050616 which was filed on Jan. 21, 2009 which claims priority to German Patent Application Serial No. 10 2008 002 773.1 filed on Feb. 18, 2008.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0004]The invention relates to a suction pump which is constructed in particular as a bellows pump and is provided for a dispenser unit for the delivery of medium in paste, foam or liquid form, in particular of a liquid soap, a skin protection cream or another liquid cleansing- or care product for the skin. The suction pump has fastening means here for its sealed fastening to a storage container for the liquid medium and has a pumping chamber, having an elastic wall, able to be compressed elastically as a result of a pumping force in a pumping direction, which is connected fluidically direc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a suction pump with an elastic wall that can be used in a delivery device, in particular a dispenser unit, with as much freedom from error as possible. The pump has guide means that prevent the elastic wall from moving in a direction transverse to the pumping movement. The guide means ensure that the pumping body is only movable in one direction, and the base region is secured relative to the dispenser housing. The pump can be used in a dispenser unit without causing any malfunctions. The guide means can be provided as inner or outer guide means, and can be formed by a wall of the pumping body or a cylindrical wall section. The technical effects of the invention are improved accuracy and reliability of the suction pump in a delivery device, as well as simplified construction and lower cost.

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of the known bellows pumps consists, however, in that they are only moderately suitable for use in delivery devices, because the squeezing movement which is able to be carried out in a simple manner by the human hand is only able to be converted mechanically with difficulty and with additional guide elements, in order for example to avoid a lateral migration of the delivery opening.

The use of bellows pumps is also problematical when a precise quantity of a medium must be delivered in a defined manner, because usually the pumping chamber can not be fully compressed, to avoid damage to the elastic wall, and the volume of the delivery can be dependent on the deformation geometry of the elastic wall.

A further disadvantage of the bellows pumps consists in that in connection with dispenser units, the insertion of the filling inserts, which are formed from a storage container and the suction pump connected therewith, is only able to be carried out with difficulty.

With the use of bellows pumps, the problem now exists that owing to the elastic wall, the lower pump part can evade the grasp of the “catcher clip”.

It is obvious that in both cases, a malfunction of the dispenser is the result.

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