Device for dispensing a compound

A device to dispensing a compound has a movable support arranged in a device housing in order to act on the compound, and a rotary handle in order to move the support between a lower starting position and a maximum upper extended position of the support. The handle has a spindle which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis provided in the movement direction of the support. A spindle nut is additionally provided on the support. The spindle nut has a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the length being greater than the distance between the lower starting position and the maximum upper extended position in the movement direction of the support. According to another solution, a combination of the support, the spindle, and the compound can be inserted into the device housing from the top for connecting to the rotary handle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of PCT/EP2020/066468 filed on Jun. 15, 2020, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of British Application No. 1908465.6 filed on Jun. 13, 2019 and British Application No. 1916839.2 filed on Nov. 19, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to a device for dispensing a compound, wherein a movable support is arranged in a device housing in order to act upon the compound, wherein a rotary handle furthermore is provided in order to move the support between a lower starting position and a maximally extended upper position of the support, wherein said rotary handle has a spindle that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in the moving direction of the support, and wherein a spindle nut furthermore is provided on the support.

The invention also pertains to a device for dispensing a compound, wherein a movable support is arranged in a device housing in order to act upon the compound, wherein a rotary handle furthermore is provided in order to move the support between a lower starting position and a maximally extended upper position of the support, wherein said rotary handle has a spindle that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in the moving direction of the support, wherein a housing bottom furthermore is formed on the device housing and the rotary handle interacts with the housing bottom in an interlocking yet overrunnable manner in order to stably maintain a rotational position, and wherein the housing bottom furthermore has a lower surface.

PRIOR ART

Devices of the type in question are known, for example, from the field of cosmetics. Such a device may be realized, for example, in the form of a deodorant stick with a preferably solid compound that is supported on the support of the device in the device housing and can be moved into a position, in which it protrudes beyond an opening of the device housing, with the aid of the spindle formation by using the rotary handle. The device particularly can be used in this protruding position. The compound can be moved into a non-usage position, in which it is retracted into the device housing in the direction of the lower starting position of the support, as a result of a reverse movement of the spindle.

With respect to the relevant prior art, we refer, for example, to U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,495 B1 or also to EP 2 052 640 B1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the above-described prior art, an objective of the invention can be seen in advantageously designing a device of the type in question.

According to a first inventive idea, this objective is potentially attained with a device, in which it is proposed that the spindle nut has in the direction of the longitudinal axis a length that is equal to or greater than the distance between the lower starting position and the maximally extended upper position in the moving direction of the support.

As a result of the proposed design, it is possible to essentially design and arrange the spindle and the spindle nut in a region underneath the support (with respect to a normal standing position of the device on a plane surface, in which the opening of the device housing for exposing the compound is directed upward). The spindle and the spindle nut act telescopically in the course of a movement of the support along the longitudinal axis, wherein it is furthermore preferred that a maximum overlap of the spindle and the spindle nut in the direction of the longitudinal axis is realized in the preferably stop-limited lower starting position of the support. Furthermore, it is thereby advantageously possible to design the spindle in the direction of its longitudinal axis such that it does not or not substantially extend beyond the support in the direction of the compound. It is respectively preferred that the spindle does not or not substantially penetrate the compound or that the spindle does not or not substantially protrude into the compound. This proves particularly advantageous with respect to so-called refill devices, in which consumed compound can be replenished with fresh compound by placing a refill pack on the support. The fresh compound does not have to be provided with a substantial opening for a protruding spindle section. Due to the proposed solution, it would also be possible that the compound seated on the support is not in direct contact with the spindle, which rotates about the longitudinal axis in the course of the actuation of the rotary handle.

In this context, the length of the spindle nut preferably refers to only a section of the spindle nut, which in the lower starting position is in threaded engagement with the spindle or in any case encompasses the threaded regions of the spindle. In the lower starting position, the spindle may extend as far as the support or optionally also beyond the support by a comparably smaller length section.

According to another inventive idea, the above-defined objective is potentially also attained with a device, in which it is proposed that a combination consisting of the support, the spindle and the compound can be inserted into the device housing from above in order to be connected to the rotary handle.

In this way, the combination can be advantageously used as a refill pack in a so-called refillable device. The support, the spindle and the compound respectively are components of the refill pack or form this refill pack such that the support with the spindle can be disposed or optionally recycled once the compound has been consumed. The device preferably is filled with this combination from above and accordingly through the opening of the device, which is already provided in the device for dispensing the compound. The rotary handle preferably remains part of the repeatedly usable device housing. In this context, the rotary handle may remain retained on the device housing in the course of an exchange of the above-described combination, but alternatively also form an (initially and temporarily) loose part after the removal of a consumed combination.

A rotationally fixed connection preferably is produced directly with the rotary handle remaining on the device housing upon the insertion of a new combination into the device housing. Alternatively, a rotary handle in the form of a loose part can be attached to a downwardly protruding end of the spindle after the insertion of the new combination. An interlock may be produced between the spindle and the rotary handle in order to secure the combination in the device housing, wherein said interlock can be disengaged by the user without tools in order to remove a consumed combination, e.g. as a result of exerting pressure upon the spindle in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Alternatively or additionally to one or more of the above-described approaches, the objective furthermore may be attained in that the lower surface has one or more interlocking formations, which interact with one or more mating interlocking formations of the rotary handle, and in that a circumferentially extending annular region, on which the housing bottom and the rotary handle can directly abut on one another, is formed at least radially inside of an interlocking formation.

Basic rotational positions of the rotary handle relative to the device housing can be defined due to the arrangement and design of interlocking formations on the housing and mating interlocking formations on the rotary handle. In the respective basic rotational position, the interlocking formations and the mating interlocking formations are in an engaged position that can be intentionally overrun by the user. Furthermore, the same rotational angles of the rotary handle and accordingly the same linear moving distances of the support carrying the compound can thereby be achieved between two successive interlocked rotational positions in a rotating direction.

Such a design may be particularly advantageous if the device has a noncircular outline, in which the device housing and the rotary handle have identical contours. The defined interlock of the rotary handle, in which an identical contour alignment of the rotary handle and the device housing preferably is realized, can thereby be produced at this location.

An areal support of the rotary handle on the lower surface of the housing bottom may be formed at least in a region radially inside of the interlocking formation, wherein such a supporting region preferably is formed over the entire circumference concentric to the longitudinal axis.

The characteristics of the above-described independent claims respectively are important individually, as well as in any combination with one another, wherein characteristics of an independent claim furthermore can be combined with the characteristics of another independent claim or with characteristics of multiple independent claims, as well as with only individual characteristics of one or more other independent claims.

Other characteristics of the invention are frequently described below, as well as in the description of the figures, in their preferred association with the object of claim1and/or the other independent claim or with characteristics of other claims. However, they may also be important in association with only individual characteristics of claim1and/or the other independent claim or the respective other claim or independently.

According to a potential embodiment, the spindle nut may be realized in the form of an elongate sleeve that may downwardly protrude beyond the support opposite to the moving direction by a length corresponding to a multiple of the spindle outside diameter. In this case, the sleeve may be provided with an internal thread for interacting with the external thread of the spindle over its entire length. In the lower starting position of the support, the sleeve preferably can encompass the spindle over its entire length viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The corresponding length of the sleeve, by which the sleeve protrudes beyond the support in a direction facing away from the compound carried by the support, may in this case correspond, for example, to 5-times to 20-times or more, furthermore to approximately 10-times, the spindle outside diameter. This characterization is also important alternatively to the characterization that the spindle nut has in the direction of the longitudinal axis a length that is equal to or greater than the distance between the lower starting position and the maximally extended upper position in the moving direction of the support.

In another embodiment, the lower starting position of the support may be defined by an abutment of the upper end of the spindle nut on the spindle. In this case, the upper end of the spindle nut, which particularly is designed in a sleeve-like manner, can cover the spindle, e.g. similar to a cap. The spindle nut accordingly may be closed on its face side. In the lower starting position of the support, this cap section on the end of the spindle nut can move against the facing spindle in a stop-limiting manner. In this respect, it would also be possible, for example, to provide a section that protrudes radially inward, e.g. in the form of a projection, on the end of the spindle nut in order to interact with the spindle end in a stop-limiting manner.

In an alternative embodiment, the lower starting position may also be defined by an abutment of the lower end of the spindle nut on the spindle, optionally on a spindle base. This may concern, in particular, the lower sleeve-like end of the spindle nut that moves against the spindle base in a stop-limiting manner. Adjacent to the thusly formed abutment region, the spindle may be respectively rooted in the spindle base or extend out of the spindle base and, for example, preferably be realized integrally with the spindle base.

The diameter of the spindle base preferably is increased in comparison with the spindle having the external thread, e.g. 2-times to 10-times, furthermore approximately 5-times.

The support, which that can be moved in a piston-like manner, may have a central region that is assigned to the spindle nut and/or the spindle. This central region of the support, in particular, may be connected to the spindle nut, particularly in a rotationally fixed manner. In another embodiment, this central region of the support optionally may be completely or partially penetrated by an upper end section of the spindle.

According to a potential embodiment, this central region of the support may be designed in a closed manner such that a surface, which preferably is completely closed in the direction of the compound and also in the opposite direction, particularly is formed in this region. This central region of the support may also be designed in a partially closed manner, e.g. by arranging webs or the like that optionally extend radially or concentric to the longitudinal axis.

According to another preferred embodiment, the surface of the support assigned to the compound may be designed in a completely closed manner. Accordingly, the compound carried by the support is in this embodiment preferably supported over its entire surface.

According to a potential embodiment, the spindle nut may with respect to the moving direction of the support or with respect to the alignment of the longitudinal axis protrude upward in the direction of the compound beyond the central region of the support. Accordingly, such an end section of the spindle nut, which optionally extends beyond the surface of the support carrying the compound, may be circumferentially encompassed or covered by the compound, preferably also in a cap-like manner. The compound, e.g. in the form of a refill pack, accordingly may have a preferably central depression on the side facing the compound supporting surface in order to accommodate this end of the spindle nut.

In a preferred embodiment, the end section of the spindle nut optionally extends beyond the surface of the support carrying the compound by a certain dimension viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein said dimension may correspond to approximately 0.1-times to 2-times, furthermore to approximately 0.8-times to 1.5-times, the spindle outside diameter.

A refill pack may solely consist of the compound, which has a corresponding shape for being accommodated in the device housing and for being supported on the support. For example, this refill compound may initially be packaged in a plastic film and optionally furthermore packaged in a cardboard box or the like.

In a refill pack consisting of a combination of the support, the spindle and the compound, a potential embodiment proposes that the spindle and the support preferably are accommodated in an inner housing that is realized separately of the device housing. In this case, the inner housing preferably forms part of the refill pack such that the compound is always surrounded by a wall, particularly a plastic wall, in the course of loading the device housing with a new refill pack. Furthermore, the inner wall may in this case preferably also define the shape of the compound to be accommodated, particularly along the circumference.

The compound accommodated in the combination within the inner housing is circumferentially guided by the inner housing, which is stationary relative to the compound and the support, in the course of the movement of the compound in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

The rotary handle may have an outer coupling part and the spindle may have an inner coupling part in order to connect the rotary handle to the spindle, particularly in a rotationally fixed manner. A reversed design, in which the rotary handle has an inner coupling part and the spindle has an outer coupling part, would also be conceivable in this respect.

According to a potential embodiment, the coupling parts respectively may be designed concentric to the longitudinal axis of the spindle, e.g. in order to form a circumferential pot-like walls, wherein the inner wall surface of one part moves into a rotationally fixed form-fit position with the outer surface of the other wall. For example, a toothing of the coupling parts that acts in the circumferential direction furthermore may be realized in this respect.

In another embodiment, a circumferentially extending annular region, on which the housing bottom and the rotary handle can directly abut on one another, may be formed radially outside of an interlocking formation as an alternative or preferably in addition to a radially inner support. Accordingly, a comparatively large-surface support can thereby be achieved.

For example, an interlocking formation and a mating interlocking formation respectively may have a circular outline, wherein one formation is realized in the form of a bowl-like depression, into which the other formation in the form of an adapted elevation can engage.

In a preferred embodiment, two interlocking formations are provided on the lower surface of the housing bottom and two mating interlocking formations are provided on the handle such that two defined basic rotational positions can be realized in the rotating direction of the rotary handle.

In this case, the interlocking formations and the mating interlocking formations respectively may be arranged diametrically opposite of one another with respect to the longitudinal axis.

With respect to the disclosure, the ranges or value ranges or multiple ranges indicated above and below also include all intermediate values, particularly in 1/10 increments of the respective dimension, but optionally also dimensionless. For example, the indication 0.5-times to 2.5-times also includes the disclosure of 0.6-times to 2.5-times, 0.5-times to 2.4-times, 0.6-times to 2.4-times, etc. The respective disclosure may on the one hand serve for defining a lower and/or upper limit of a cited range, but alternatively or additionally also for disclosing one or more singular values from a respectively indicated range.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A device1for dispensing a compound2, e.g. in the form of a deodorant stick, initially is described with reference toFIGS.1to3.

The device1furthermore is designed for being refilled with compound2. The device as a whole therefore is a refillable device, in which particularly a device housing3, a rotary handle4and preferably also a covering cap5can be reused.

The compound, which preferably is altogether solid and stable, is seated in the device housing3on a movable support7and directly or indirectly surrounded by the wall6of the device housing3. This support7can be moved by means of a moving arrangement8between a lowermost starting position, which is illustrated, for example, inFIG.3and also inFIGS.4and5, and a maximally extended uppermost position along a longitudinal axis x that at the same time preferably forms a central longitudinal body axis of the device1. The uppermost extended position is indicated with dot-dash lines in the illustration according toFIG.3(first embodiment of the device1). This extended position furthermore is shown, for example, inFIG.7with reference to a fourth embodiment.

The device housing3as a whole essentially defines the shape of the device1, wherein the device1and particularly the device housing3according toFIGS.1to11and16to26may with respect to an outline, in which the longitudinal axis x is illustrated in the form of a point, have an oval outer contour with a longitudinally extending direction and a narrow extending direction viewed transverse thereto. Alternatively, a circular outline with respect to the longitudinal axis x may be chosen in accordance with the embodiment inFIGS.12to15.

In the covering position, the covering cap5covers a housing opening9, through the center of which the longitudinal axis x extends and through which the compound2can be moved into a usable protruding position by means of the moving arrangement8after the removal of the covering cap5.

The contour of the support7preferably is circumferentially adapted to the extent of the inner side of the directly facing circumferential wall. The support7, which can be moved along the longitudinal axis x in a moving direction r in a piston-like manner, particularly may have a closed central region10. Furthermore, the surface11facing the compound2, on which the compound2is supported in the device1, may be designed in a completely closed manner.

In an alternative embodiment, a support7that is at least partially open, optionally with the exception of the central region10, may also be provided, wherein the device1can be initially filled with compound2through this support. For example, such an initial filling process may take place in an overhead position of the device1provided with a covering cap5.

The moving arrangement8particularly has a spindle12with a spindle axis, which in the usage position of the device1coincides with the longitudinal axis x. The spindle12is connected to the rotary handle4in a rotationally fixed manner in the usage position of the device1.

If the device1has the preferred oval outline, the rotary handle4according to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1to5and22to26may have a circular outline with a diameter d that is chosen greater, e.g. 1.1-times to 1.3-times greater, than the extending dimension e of the device housing3in the narrow extending direction such that the rotary handle4accordingly protrudes on both sides in the region of the longitudinal edges of the device housing3in the form of a segment of a circle. To this end, the device housing3has opposite recesses52, through which the rotary handle4partially protrudes. In this case, the diameter d of the rotary handle4furthermore may correspond to approximately 0.5-times to 0.75-times the extending dimension f of the device housing3or the device1as a whole in the longitudinal extending direction.

It is furthermore preferred that the rotary handle4, which preferably is dimensioned as described above, can be accommodated in an approximately pot-shaped receptacle13of the device housing3concentric to the longitudinal axis x, wherein said receptacle13is provided in the region of the housing bottom14facing away from the housing opening9(compare, for example, to the illustrations inFIGS.3to5, as well as25and26).

According to embodiments 1 to 3 illustrated inFIGS.1to5, the rotary handle4may have a central thickening for forming a spindle base16, wherein said thickening is directed into the housing interior and penetrates the receptacle13in the region of a central through-hole15. In the cited exemplary embodiments, it is also preferred to realize this spindle base16integrally and uniformly in material with the rotary handle4and, in particular, integrally and uniformly in material with the spindle12formed directly on the spindle base16. Furthermore, the spindle base16may have a diameter that corresponds to approximately 3-times to 6-times, e.g. to 5-times, a spindle diameter g and/or to approximately 0.5-times to 0.9-times, e.g. to approximately 0.7-times, the rotary handle diameter d.

In addition to the spindle12, the moving arrangement8furthermore comprises a spindle nut17, an internal thread of which interacts with the external thread of the spindle12.

The spindle nut17is connected to the support7in a rotationally fixed manner and furthermore preferably realized integrally and uniformly in material with this support.

The rotational movement of the spindle12realized by means of the externally accessible rotary handle4causes a movement of the support7with the compound2in the moving direction r in interaction with the spindle nut17and, with respect to the longitudinal axis x, a circumferentially acting non-rotatability of the support7in the directly assigned housing. The non-rotatability already can be achieved by simply designing the housing and the support7with a noncircular outline, e.g. an oval outline. If the device1and therefore preferably also the support7and the housing wall directly surrounding this support7are designed with a circular outline, the non-rotatability can be achieved, for example, due to the interaction of a web that is aligned in the moving direction r on the inner wall side and a correspondingly positioned guide recess on the support7or vice versa.

The spindle nut17of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1to5is realized in the form of an axially elongate sleeve18, which viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis x has a length b that is chosen greater, preferably greater by approximately the factor of 1.1 to 1.3, than the resulting distance a of the support7between its starting position illustrated inFIGS.3to5and its maximally extended upper position indicated with dot-dash lines inFIG.3in the moving direction r. A spindle engagement into the spindle nut17can also be ensured in the maximally extended upper position of the support7as a result of this preferred length ratio. In this context, it is furthermore preferred that the spindle12, as well as the section of the spindle nut17or the sleeve18interacting with the spindle12, only extends underneath the support7, particularly underneath the surface11carrying the compound2. Accordingly, the spindle12advantageously does not penetrate into the region of the compound2. The length b may also be (merely) chosen in such a way that it only comprises a length section of the spindle that is provided with a thread. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the length b′ ends in this view approximately at the location, at which the length c ends (on top).

The position illustrated, for example, inFIG.3preferably is stop-limited. For example, a lower end19of the spindle nut17or the sleeve18may to this end abut on the spindle12or the spindle base16in this lower starting position. Alternatively, this stop limitation may also be realized due to the abutment of an upper end20of the spindle nut17or the sleeve18on the facing spindle end21of the spindle12(compare toFIG.4). To this end, the spindle nut17or the sleeve18may be designed, for example, in a closed, cap-like manner in the region of its upper end20. A closed, cap-like design of the sleeve18may also be advantageous independently of a stop function, e.g. with respect to designing the support7as a whole is tight as possible.

In another embodiment, the sleeve18can protrude beyond the support7downward in the direction of the housing bottom14and opposite to the moving direction r by a length c, wherein said length c may correspond to approximately one-fifth to one-tenth, furthermore to approximately one-eighth, of the spindle outside diameter g. In this case, the length c is plotted continuously, optionally with the exception of an inner drawn-in section in the region of the spindle nut17of the support7, starting from a cross-sectionally continuous lower edge of the support7, but in any case independently of an optionally circumferential lip63of the support, which slightly protrudes further downward on the edge and preferably is provided additionally.

The spindle nut17or the sleeve18preferably is connected to the support7in the central region10, wherein the spindle nut17or the sleeve18may according to a potential embodiment upwardly protrude beyond the central region10and beyond the surface11in the moving direction r of the support7with its upper end20. A resulting height h of the spindle nut17above the support7, which is plotted over the surface11in the direction of the longitudinal axis x, may correspond to approximately 0.8-times to 2-times, furthermore to approximately 1-time to 1.2-times, the spindle outside diameter g.

After the compound2has been consumed, a potentially existing remnant of the compound2can be very easily removed through the housing opening9and replaced through the housing opening9from above.

After the optionally original compound has been consumed, in which case the support preferably is in the maximally extended upper position, this can according to the proposed method be achieved by initially spindling down the support and then merely inserting compound from above. The compound may have a removable cover, e.g. of paper, by means of which it can then be pressed down by hand. The compound can be pressed down until the support prevents further movement. The cover can then be removed.

The illustrations inFIGS.6to26show various other embodiments, in which a combination K is provided for replacing consumed compound2, wherein said combination initially and essentially consists of the support7and the compound2arranged thereon, as well as the spindle12. The combination K may also be referred to as replacement or refill cartridge. In this case, it is also preferred that the spindle nut17is integrally formed on the support7in a direct and rotationally fixed manner, wherein the spindle12extends through the support7and its surface11in its longitudinal extending direction and penetrates into the region of the compound2. In the resulting lower starting position of the support7, e.g. according to the illustrations inFIGS.8,12,19and22, the support7is arranged at a slight distance from the spindle base16in the axial direction. A stop-limited lower starting position can also be realized in this case, e.g. due to the abutment of the lower end19of the spindle nut17on the spindle base16.

The embodiments inFIGS.16to26show a combination K that only comprises the spindle12, the support7and the compound2. The support7, as well as the compound2carried by this support7, is directly surrounded by the wall6of the device housing3in the usage position.

An alternative combination K is illustrated in the embodiments inFIGS.6to15, in which the combination K additionally comprises an inner housing22. In this case, the wall23of the inner housing22directly surrounds the support7with the compound2carried thereon, wherein it is furthermore preferred that the contour of the inner housing is with respect to the wall23adapted to the inner contour of the wall6of the device housing3. Furthermore, the inner housing22preferably can be provided with an inner housing bottom24, which particularly and essentially is penetrated by the spindle base16.

If the recombination K comprises an inner housing22, in particular, the combination K inserted into the device housing3from above may encounter a stop limitation in the inserted position. For example, the inner housing22respectively may abut on a section of the housing bottom14of the device housing3or on a stop shoulder25formed in the bottom region of the device housing3in a stop-limiting manner (compare particularly toFIGS.11and15).

In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.6to15, in which the combination K comprises an inner housing22, the spindle12is in the inserted position guided so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis x by means of its spindle base16in the region of a central through-hole26in the inner housing bottom24, optionally and preferably while forming a defined interlock in the direction of the longitudinal axis x. In this case, the spindle base16may starting from the through-hole26extend upward in the direction of the support7, as well as downward beyond the inner housing bottom24, in the extending direction of the longitudinal axis x as shown, wherein the spindle base16furthermore may have a downwardly directed circular pot shape, particularly underneath the inner housing bottom24.

The through-hole26furthermore may be formed in the region of a collar28that conically extends over the circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis x and essentially is directed toward the support7, wherein said collar may optionally act upon the circumferential wall of the spindle base16in a sealing manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall23of the inner housing22preferably is designed so as to extend downward beyond the inner housing bottom24such that the above-described pot-shaped section of the spindle base16preferably is accommodated within the space29enclosed by the wall23underneath the inner housing bottom24. The downwardly directed circumferential face edge of the inner housing wall23may define a positioning plane, which is aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis x and serves for positioning the combination K on a preferably planar surface.

The downwardly pot-shaped design of the spindle base16may be covered with a plug27that can be engaged with the spindle base16or with a snap-on cap60(compare, for example, toFIGS.3and4).

A retaining pedestal30, which with respect to the longitudinal axis x extends at least partially in the circumferential direction, preferably can be arranged in the above-described space29underneath the inner housing bottom24. This retaining pedestal preferably is connected, in particular permanently connected, to the device housing3, e.g. as a result of an integral design. To this end, the retaining pedestal30may be circumferentially fastened, e.g. sectionally, on the inner side of the wall6of the device housing3. In the sections of the retaining pedestal resulting between the fastening regions in the circumferential direction, this retaining pedestal extends at a radial distance from the wall6of the device housing3, particularly in the form of an interlocking web31that approximately extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis x, in order to form a passage for the foot section of the inner housing wall23, which in the inserted position of the combination K furthermore extends underneath the inner housing bottom24.

The interlocking web31of the retaining pedestal of the device preferably has an outwardly directed interlocking tab32for interacting with an inwardly directed mating interlock33on the inner housing wall23in an interlocking manner in the stop-limited inserted position of the combination K into the device housing3. In this way, the combination K is retained in the device housing3by means of the inner housing22in an interlocking manner.

It is furthermore preferred that the retaining pedestal30is provided with a central opening34that preferably is formed concentric to the longitudinal axis. This opening preferably is penetrated by a retaining wall35of the rotary handle4arranged underneath the housing bottom14from below in the direction of the receptacle space for accommodating the combination K, wherein said retaining wall preferably extends circumferentially concentric to the longitudinal axis x. An interlocking projection36, which protrudes radially outward, engages behind the circumferential edge of the opening34in order to fix the rotary handle4on the device housing3in an interlocking manner while allowing a rotation of the rotary handle4relative to the device housing3about the longitudinal axis x. According to a potential embodiment, the rotary handle4can thereby also be retained on the device housing3in a captive manner in the course of an exchange of the combination K.

In another embodiment, the spindle base16can in the inserted position of the combination K be supported on an upwardly directed edge surface of the retaining wall35by means of a radially directed shoulder37.

In the properly inserted position of the combination K into the device housing3, the spindle12or its spindle base16and the rotary handle4are coupled to one another in order to connect the spindle12and the rotary handle4in a rotationally fixed manner in the circumferential direction.

To this end, the rotary handle4may form an outer coupling part38that is directed radially inward, particularly in the region of its retaining wall35, wherein said outer coupling part interacts with an inner coupling part39of the spindle12. In this case, the inner coupling part39preferably is formed on the outer side of the circumferential pot-shaped wall of the spindle base16extending underneath the inner housing bottom24and accordingly is directed radially outward.

The enlarged illustrations inFIGS.20and25or26, in particular, furthermore show that the inner coupling part39may according to the embodiments illustrated in these figures alternatively be formed on the rotary handle4and the outer coupling part38may be formed on the spindle12or the spindle base16, respectively.

It is preferred that the outer coupling part38and the inner coupling part39only interact in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction. For example, one of the two coupling parts may to this end have radially protruding ribs40, which are uniformly distributed over the circumference and essentially aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis x, wherein said ribs can engage into correspondingly positioned slot-shaped receptacles41of the other coupling part in a form-fitting manner.

A rotation of the rotary handle4about the longitudinal axis x therefore is transmitted to the spindle12in a form-fitting manner. This in turn leads to a linear movement of the support7with the compound2in the moving direction r.

The illustrations inFIGS.6to15furthermore show that the outline of the rotary handle4may according to the embodiments illustrated in these figures have a contour that essentially corresponds to the device housing3. The outline of the rotary handle4has an essentially oval contour in the embodiment according toFIGS.6to11whereas an exemplary circular rotary handle4is provided in the embodiment according toFIGS.12to15.

In a noncircular outline of the device1and a corresponding noncircular outline of the rotary handle4, it may be preferable to realize basic rotational positions of the rotary handle4, in which the rotary handle4essentially overlaps with the assigned device housing3in the direction of the longitudinal axis x. Two basic rotational positions of the rotary handle4can be realized in an oval outline as shown. It is furthermore preferred that these two basic rotational positions are defined by an interlock that can be overrun. To this end, a lower surface43of the retaining pedestal30, which retaining pedestal essentially forms the housing bottom14and which lower surface faces a ceiling42of the rotary handle4, may sectionally have an interlocking formation44in the form of a cup-like depression, into which a preferably shape-adapted mating interlocking formation45in the form of an elevation in the region of the rotary handle ceiling42engages in one of the basic rotational positions of the rotary handle4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, regions63and64, which with respect to the longitudinal axis x extend circumferentially in an annular manner, respectively are formed radially inside and radially outside of the interlocking formations44and the mating interlocking formations45, wherein the housing bottom14or the lower surface43of the retaining pedestal30respectively can directly abut on the rotary handle4or its ceiling42in a supporting manner in said regions63and/or64.

The section inFIG.9, in particular, shows that two such depressions44and elevations45essentially may be provided diametrically opposite of one another.

The interlock resulting from the engagement of the elevation45into the depression44can be very easily overrun by means of an intentional rotational movement of the rotary handle4.

In order to remove a combination K with optionally depleted compound2from the device housing3, it is merely required to exert pressure upon the spindle12along the longitudinal axis x in the moving direction r, which is facilitated due to the open-bottom design of the rotary handle4, in order to thereby particularly overcome the interlock between the inner housing22and the device housing3and to transport the combination K out of the device housing3along the longitudinal axis x. The coupling between the outer coupling part38and the inner coupling part39is simultaneously disengaged.

The combination K, particularly in the form of an unused replacement part, essentially can be designed in an all-around closed manner due to the arrangement of an inner housing22. In the unused state, in particular, a film-like seal46may cover the compound2, e.g. in the form of a spherical cap, in the region of the housing opening9resulting from the inner housing22(compare, for example, toFIGS.8and12). Such a seal.46can serve as quality assurance, but furthermore also as a bottom for filling the inner housing22with compound2in an overhead position in the course of the manufacture of the combination K.

In the sixth embodiment of the device1illustrated inFIGS.16to20, the rotary handle4likewise accommodates the oval contour of the outline of the device housing3.

The housing bottom14forms a downwardly directed and concentrically extending fastening wall47circumferentially to the central through-hole15, wherein one or more circumferentially distributed interlocking tabs48, which are arranged on the spindle base16and directed radially outward, engage in the inserted position of the combination K into the device housing3underneath the downwardly directed circumferential edge surface of said fastening wall in order to fix the combination K in the device housing3in an interlocking manner (compare particularly toFIG.20). It is furthermore preferred that the spindle base16is supported on the upper side of the housing bottom14with a radial collar49in this interlocked position.

The pot-shaped section of the spindle base16, which carries the interlocking tab48that is directed radially outward, forms the outer coupling part38on the inner wall side facing radially inward.

The rotary handle4is attached from the underside after inserting the combination K into the device housing3and producing the above-described interlock. A central circumferential wall50of the rotary handle4forms the inner coupling part39, which is directed radially outward and serves for producing the rotationally fixed coupling with the spindle12.

The rotary handle4may have a sealing wall51, which is axially oriented in the same direction to the wall50, concentric to the aforementioned wall50and offset radially outward, wherein said sealing wall can move against the fastening wall47of the device housing3in a sealing manner from radially outside in the position, in which the rotary handle4is respectively arranged on the device housing3or on the spindle12(compare toFIG.20). A seal between the device housing3and the rotary handle4is thereby produced.

In the seventh embodiment of the device1illustrated inFIGS.21to26, the outline of the device as a whole essentially may be realized with an oval contour, wherein the rotary handle4preferably has an essentially circular outline and its circumferential surface is in accordance with the first embodiments (FIGS.1to5) partially exposed on the longitudinal side of the device housing3in the region of window-like recesses52provided on the bottom side in order to be rotationally actuated.

The interlock of the combination K in the device housing3, which allows the rotatability of the spindle12, is in this embodiment preferably achieved due to the interlocking engagement of the outer edge surrounding the through-hole15in the housing bottom14into a groove53that is formed on the spindle base16concentric to the longitudinal axis x and open radially outward.

In this case, the through-hole15is formed in a section of the housing bottom14that preferably is drawn-in inward with respect to the device housing3. The drawn-in section may be designed in a pot-like or dome-like manner, wherein a part of the pot bottom is in a pot-like design removed in order to form the through-hole15. On the other hand, the through-hole15is with respect to a dome-like opening preferably realized in the form of a central opening in the dome-like design.

It is altogether preferred that the pedestal base16is underneath the groove53designed in a pot-like manner with a circumferential retaining wall54that extends into the central and downwardly open space resulting from the pot-like, drawn-in design of the housing bottom14. This retaining wall54forms an interlocking back engagement55, which is directed radially inward, for engaging behind an interlocking tab56of the rotary handle4.

In the inserted position of the combination K, a plug-in wall57of the device housing3, which circumferentially extends concentric to the longitudinal axis x, extends on the underside of the pot-like, drawn-in section of the housing bottom14at a radial distance from the retaining wall54.

Furthermore, the retaining wall54of the spindle base16forms the outer coupling part58according to the above-described exemplary embodiments, which is directed radially inward.

The altogether pot-shaped rotary handle4may have a handle bottom58, which in the assigned position essentially extends in the positioning plane of the device1defined by the housing bottom14. A radially inner handle wall59may extend in preferably concentric arrangement starting from this handle bottom58and a sealing wall51may extend such that it is spaced apart radially outward from this handle wall.

In the position, in which the rotary handle4is arranged on the spindle12, the sealing wall51can abut on the plug-in wall57of the device housing3in a sealing manner such that a radially inner seal between the rotary handle4and the device housing3is achieved (compare toFIGS.25and26).

The radially inner handle wall59may on its end to carry one or more interlocking tabs56that can interact with the interlocking back engagement55of the spindle12or the spindle base16in an interlocking manner.

Furthermore, the handle wall59may form the inner coupling part39that is directed radially outward and serves for producing the rotationally fixed coupling between the rotary handle4and the spindle12.

The illustrations inFIGS.19(sixth embodiment) and22(seventh embodiment), in particular, furthermore show that the spindle12may, e.g. in order to save material, only have a partial external thread formation in the circumferential direction, preferably in two diametrically opposite regions, wherein said opposite segment-shaped threaded regions may with respect to a cross section, in which the longitudinal axis x is illustrated in the form of a point, be connected by chord-like straight lines extending parallel to one another on the respective ends of their circumferential extent.

The preceding explanations serve for elucidating all inventions that are included in this application and respectively enhance the prior art independently with at least the following combinations of characteristics, wherein two, multiple or all of these combinations of characteristics may also be combined with one another, namely:

A device, which is characterized in that the spindle nut17has in the direction of the longitudinal axis x a length b that is equal to or greater than the distance a between the lower starting position and the maximally extended upper position in the moving direction r of the support7.

A device, which is characterized in that the spindle nut17is realized in the form of an elongate sleeve18that downwardly protrudes beyond the support7opposite to the moving direction r by a length c corresponding to a multiple of the spindle outside diameter d.

A device, which is characterized in that the lower starting position is defined by an abutment of an upper end20of the spindle nut17on the spindle12.

A device, which is characterized in that the lower starting position is defined by an abutment of the lower end19of the spindle nut17on the spindle12, optionally on a spindle base16.

A device, which is characterized in that the support7has a central region10, which is assigned to the spindle nut17and/or the spindle12.

A device, which is characterized in that the central region10is designed in a closed manner.

A device, which is characterized in that the surface11of the support7assigned to the compound2is designed in a completely closed manner.

A device, which is characterized in that the spindle nut17is closed on its face side.

A device, which is characterized in that the spindle nut17upwardly protrudes beyond the central region10of the support7in the moving direction r of the support7.

A device, which is characterized in that a combination K consisting of the support7, the spindle12and the compound2can be inserted into the device housing3from above in order to be connected to the rotary handle4.

A device, which is characterized in that the spindle12and the support7are accommodated in an inner housing22that is realized separately of the device housing3.

A device, which is characterized in that the rotary handle4has an outer coupling part38and the spindle12has an inner coupling part39.

A device, which is characterized in that the rotary handle4has an inner coupling part39and the spindle12has an outer coupling part38.

A device, which is characterized in that the lower surface43has one or more interlocking formations44, which interact with one or more mating interlocking formations45of the rotary handle4, and in that a circumferentially extending annular region61, on which the housing bottom14and the rotary handle4can directly abut on one another, is formed at least radially inside of an interlocking formation44.

A device, which is characterized in that a circumferentially extending annular region62, on which the housing bottom14and the rotary handle4can directly abut on one another, is formed radially outside of an interlocking formation44.

A device, which is characterized in that two interlocking formations44are provided on the lower surface43of the housing bottom14and two mating interlocking formations45are provided on the rotary handle4.

A device, which is characterized in that the interlocking formations44and the mating interlocking formations45respectively are arranged diametrically opposite of one another with respect to the longitudinal axis x.

All disclosed characteristics are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the priority application) is hereby fully incorporated into the disclosure content of this application, namely also for the purpose of integrating characteristics of these documents into claims of the present application. The characteristics of the dependent claims also characterize independent inventive enhancements of the prior art without the characteristics of a claim to which they refer, particularly for submitting divisional applications on the basis of these claims. The invention specified in each claim may additionally comprise one or more of the characteristics that were disclosed in the preceding description and, in particular, are identified by reference symbols and/or included in the list of reference symbols. The invention also concerns design variations, in which individual characteristics cited in the preceding description are not realized, particularly as far as they are obviously dispensable for the respective intended use or can be replaced with other, identically acting technical means.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS