阅读说明：本技术 用于施涂液体的装置 (Device for applying a liquid ) 是由 T·古奈丁 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：提出了一种用于将不同粘度的液体施涂至待润湿的表面的装置,所述装置具有布置在壳体中的用于液体的贮存器、用于从贮存器的出口计量式地排出液体的阀单元以及在阀单元的背向壳体的外侧上连接至阀单元的施涂单元,其中,根据本发明,用于从被施涂单元润湿的表面去除多余的液体的去除装置布置在壳体的与阀单元相反的一侧上。(A device for applying liquids of different viscosities to a surface to be wetted is proposed, having a reservoir for the liquid arranged in a housing, a valve unit for metered discharge of the liquid from an outlet of the reservoir, and an application unit connected to the valve unit on an outer side of the valve unit facing away from the housing, wherein, according to the invention, a removal device for removing excess liquid from the surface wetted by the application unit is arranged on the side of the housing opposite the valve unit.)

1. A device for applying liquids of different viscosities to a surface to be wetted, having a reservoir (2) for the liquid arranged in a housing (1), a valve unit (3) for metered discharge of the liquid from an outlet (4) of the reservoir (2), and an application unit (5) connected to the valve unit (3) on the outside of the valve unit facing away from the housing (1),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a removal device (12) is arranged on the opposite side of the housing (1) from the valve unit (3) for removing excess liquid from the surface wetted by the application unit (5).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the housing,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the housing (1) has an interior space in which a separate container (20) in the form of a pot filled with liquid is inserted in a displaceable manner.

3. A device for applying liquids of different viscosities to a surface to be wetted, having a container (20) for the liquid arranged in a housing (1), a valve unit (21) for metered discharge of the liquid from the container (20), and an application unit (22) connected to the valve unit (21) on the outside of the valve unit facing away from the housing (1),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a removal device (24) is arranged on the opposite side of the housing (1) from the valve unit (21) for removing excess liquid from the surface wetted by the application unit (22).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1-3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the removal device (12) has a working surface provided with removal means in the form of a microfiber cloth (16), which is arranged on the outside of an outer part (14) which is detachably connected to the housing (1).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1-4,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

coupling units (17, 18) for separating and connecting components are arranged between the outer part (14) and the housing (1), preferably

The coupling unit has one or more than one connecting clip.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims 1-5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the removal device (6, 24) can be covered by a cover lid (23, 26).

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims 4-6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the removal device (24) has an elastic element (25) located below the microfibre cloth (16, 27) for storing the liquid removed by the microfibre cloth (16, 27).

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims 4-7,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the microfiber cloth (16, 27) is held in place by barbs located on the edges of an annular groove (29), the annular groove (29) being arranged in the element (25) or the outer part (14).

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the annular groove (29) has an oval cross section, the annular groove (29) being connected to the outside of the element (25) or to the external component (14) via a channel (28).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1-9,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the application unit (22) and/or the removal device (24) are each mounted on the housing (1), advantageously detachably on the housing (1), via adapters (38, 39).

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the application unit (22) and/or the removal device (24) can be connected to the respective adapter (38, 39) by one of a snap-in lock (44, 52), a thread (40), a detachable rivet connection, a clamping connection and/or a threadless section (41) that can be sleeved, plugged or clamped.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the adapter (38, 39) is connected to the housing (1) by one of a form fit (form fit), a clip and a thread and/or can be sleeved, plugged or clamped on the upper region (45, 53).

13. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 12 when dependent on claim 11,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the snap-in lock (44, 52) is configured such that the plurality of recesses (43, 51) allow a relative axial movement of the plurality of cylindrical projections (57) of the application unit (22) and/or the removal device (24) between the application unit (22) and/or the removal device (24) and the respective adapter (38, 39).

14. The device of any one of claims 1-13,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the microfibre cloth (16, 27) can be connected to the application unit (22) and/or the removal device (24) by one of a hook and loop fastening arrangement, an adhesive, a wrapping of the elastic edges of the microfibre cloth (16, 27), barbs (30, 31) on the annular groove (29).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for applying liquids of different viscosities to a surface to be wetted, having a reservoir for the liquid arranged in a housing, a valve unit for metered discharge of the liquid from an outlet of the reservoir, and an application unit connected to the valve unit on its outer side facing away from the liquid container.

Background

Various forms of the device described at the beginning are known from the prior art.

For example, a device is provided that can dispense shoe polish on a surface. Other applications are known from the cosmetic field, in which liquids or creams can be applied to an area of skin by means of suitable devices. Such devices are usually equipped with a valve unit which can be opened or closed by means of a covering cap which can be connected to the application unit from the outside.

For example, from EP 129344081 a product storage and dispensing device is known, in particular for cosmetics, wherein a container containing the product has an opening which is equipped with a valve unit, and wherein a structure is mounted on the container, which removable structure is designed such that the operation of the valve unit is effected by means of an attached covering cap, wherein the covering cap also serves to cover an application unit which is arranged on the outside of the device for dispensing a liquid located in the reservoir.

The above disclosure provides different embodiments with respect to the valve unit and the application unit in order to ensure that the valve unit is operated to close and release the outlet of the reservoir.

The field of application of such devices known from the prior art is, as mentioned above, manifold. Generally, it ranges from cleaning sensitive surfaces (e.g. smartphones, tablets, laptops, scanners, cash register scanners, displays of television equipment), to cleaning glasses, optical lenses, glass panes, and medical technology, where application fields for applying and incorporating medical tinctures and therapeutic ointments on the skin are known. In addition, as mentioned above, the application fields in the cosmetic and household fields are obvious.

Common to all fields of application is that liquids of different viscosities, which are applied by means of known devices, have to be applied by the user in a well-metered manner to the surface to be wetted. This application requires a great deal of attention to ensure that the application unit does not apply an excess of liquid to the surface in an uncontrolled manner.

Practical applications have shown that, despite the appropriate attention given by the user, it is often necessary to remove a portion of the applied liquid from the wetted surface again. For this reason, separate removal cloths, cotton balls or other objects having a certain absorption capacity for the liquid used are currently required.

Sometimes the purchase of a suitable removal cloth is associated with a corresponding cost, and therefore, in considerable cases, the removal of excess liquid cannot be repeated due to the lack of a removal cloth or the like, so that the intended cleaning effect cannot be optimally achieved due to the application of the liquid.

Disclosure of Invention

Starting from the various devices known from the prior art for applying liquids with different viscosities to surfaces to be wetted, which have the features mentioned in the preamble of claim 1, the object of the present invention is to further develop a device of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that, under given conditions, excess liquid can be removed from the surface to be wetted at any time, so that optimum application and cleaning results can be achieved with the corresponding device. Furthermore, the device according to the invention should be inexpensive to manufacture and flexible with respect to its application and the liquids used.

The described object is solved by the technical teaching set forth in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

It is essential to the invention of the independent claims that the removal means for removing excess liquid from the surface wetted by the application unit is arranged on the opposite side of the reservoir to the valve unit.

According to the teaching of the present invention, by means of the additional removal device which is firmly connected to the device for applying liquid, it is ensured that excess liquid can be removed again from the surface to be cleaned and wetted at any time, without a separate removal cloth. This can greatly simplify the operation of the corresponding device, since unnecessary work for obtaining a separate cloth can be eliminated.

Special features of the subject matter of the invention can additionally be derived from the features of the dependent claims.

In particular, it has been shown to be advantageous for the removal device to have a working surface provided with a microfibre cloth, said working surface being located outside a device housing connected to the reservoir. The microfiber cloth used combines the removal of excess liquid and the polishing by the liquid used, so that particularly sensitive surfaces (e.g. cell phone or tablet computer displays) can be easily and reliably cleaned without streaking.

In addition, it has proven advantageous if a coupling unit for the separating and connecting member is arranged between the device housing and the housing of the reservoir. Thereby, the removal device can be replaced by a coupling unit on the device housing, so that, for example, the impregnated microfiber cloth can be replaced by a new absorbent microfiber cloth.

In addition, the device according to the invention can be adapted to liquids of different viscosities, since the removal device can be optimally adapted to the liquid in the reservoir.

With regard to the design of the coupling unit, it has proven useful to detachably secure the coupling unit to the reservoir by means of one or more connecting clips.

In order to further increase the service time of the device according to the invention, in addition to the replaceability of the removal device, it has been shown to be advantageous if the housing has an interior space into which a separate pot-shaped container filled with liquid is exchangeably inserted. The described design is also advantageous in terms of sustainability, since the device does not have to be discarded after emptying the reservoir, but can be made to function again by placing a separate container filled with liquid into the housing of the reservoir.

In addition, it is preferred that the removal device is provided with a coverable protective cover, since, in particular in the case of a removal device which has already absorbed liquid, the inadvertent return of the absorbed liquid is reliably precluded by the attachment of the covering cap.

It can also be advantageous if the removal device has a sponge-like element below the microfibre cloth in order to store liquid absorbed by the microfibre cloth. The described measures can additionally extend the service time before the removal device has to be changed, since a large amount of liquid can be removed from the wetted surface.

In a further preferred aspect, the application unit and/or the removal device are each mounted on the housing via an adapter. For this purpose, the application unit and/or the removal device can be connected to the respective adapter by one of a snap-in lock, a thread, a detachable rivet connection, a clamping connection and/or a threadless section that can be telescoped, plugged or clamped.

In another preferred aspect, the adapter may be connected to the housing by means of one of a form closure, a clip and a thread, and/or may be sleeved, plugged or clamped on the upper region.

In a further preferred aspect, the snap-in lock is designed such that the plurality of recesses allow a relative axial movement of the plurality of cylindrical projections of the application unit and/or the removal device between the application unit and/or the removal device and the respective adapter.

In another preferred aspect, the microfiber cloth may be connected to the application unit and/or the removal device by one of a hook and loop fastening arrangement, an adhesive, a wrap of the elastic edges of the microfiber cloth, barbs on the annular groove. Hook and loop fastening structures, adhesive structures and/or adhesives may be arranged between the microfiber cloth and the application unit and/or the removal device. The adhesive may be applied to one or both of the microfiber cloth and the respective application unit and/or removal device. Possible adhesive structures may be provided by microscopic interlocking (positive interlocking) of pores and recesses between the materials involved.

Drawings

In the following, two examples of the subject matter of the invention are explained in more detail with the aid of the figures. In the drawings:

figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first variant of a device for applying a liquid according to the invention,

figure 2 shows a partially transparent view of a second variant of the device according to the invention,

figure 3 shows an exploded view of the components of the device according to the invention of figure 2,

figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second variant of a device for applying a liquid according to the invention, an

Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of detail D of figure 4,

figure 6 shows a third variant of the preceding variants of the device for applying a liquid according to the invention,

figures 7A to 7C show a first adapter,

figures 8A and 8B show a second adapter,

figures 9A and 9B show a second variant of the application unit,

figures 10A and 10B show a third variant of the application unit,

figures 11A and 11B show a fourth variant of the application unit,

figures 12A and 12B show a fifth variant of the application unit,

figure 13 shows an application unit in a different form,

fig. 14 shows a fourth variant of the preceding variants of the device for applying a liquid according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The device for applying liquids of different viscosities to a surface to be wetted shown in fig. 1 comprises a housing 1, the housing 1 preferably being made of plastic, a central reservoir 2 for the liquid to be wetted being recessed in the housing 1.

As shown in fig. 1, the reservoir 2 has an outlet 4 at its top. The valve unit 3 is attached to the outlet 4, a part of the components of the valve unit 3 protruding into the reservoir 2. The structural design of the valve unit 3 corresponds to conventional design variants known in the prior art. Since this is not the subject of the present teachings, no further description of the various parts will be given. The valve unit 3 is adapted to supply liquid from the reservoir 2 in a suitable manner to an application unit 5 on top of the valve unit 3 facing away from the reservoir 2.

The application unit 5 is equipped with an application element 7 on its upper side facing away from the valve unit 3. The application member 7 may be made of a suitable fluid or the like and is permeable to the liquid supplied from below through the valve unit 3. A connecting part 8 made of elastic material, which has a passage 9 for liquid in its centre and is provided with an intermediate space 10, is advantageously located below the applicator element 7.

The application element 7 and the connecting part 8 form an assembled unit which, in the assembled state of the device according to the invention, is covered by a closure cap 11 when not in use. As shown in fig. 1, the closure cap 11 can be screwed onto the body 1 of the device by means of a screw thread. Alternatively, other types of fastening are also conceivable, such as clip closures.

If liquid from the reservoir 2 is applied by means of the device according to the invention to the surface to be wetted by the application unit 5, the pressure above the application element 7 is reduced by the intermediate space 10 and a pulse is applied to the valve unit, so that the valve unit conveys liquid from the reservoir 2 via the outlet 4 and the passage 9 to the top of the application unit 5 by a pumping movement.

Due to the translational movement of the entire device, the liquid located on the application member 7 is transferred to the surface to be wetted (skin, exhibit or the like).

In order to remove excess liquid from the wetted surface, the device is provided with a removal device 12 on the underside of the housing 1 opposite the application unit 5. The closure cap 13 can be connected to the housing 1 by means of a screw arrangement or by means of a clip in the same way as the closure cap 11.

The removal device 12 essentially consists of an elastic outer part 14 and a fixed inner part 15, which is screwed into the housing 1. The outer part 14 and the inner part 15 can be designed to be replaceable in a suitable manner. On the outside of the outer part 14, there is covered a suitable removal means, for example a microfibre cloth 16, which extends around the side surface of the outer part 14 and serves as a suitable working surface for absorbing excess liquid from the wetted surface. Alternatively, the material may be leather or other suitable material.

The inner component 15 has a central recess 17 as shown in figure 1 and an annular circumferential recess 18 in which the foot region of the outer component 14 is engaged and retained. The recesses 17 and 18 serve as so-called coupling elements for detachably fixing the outer part 14 to the inner part 15 and the housing 1. By this structural design, the outer part 14 can be replaced together with the removal means in the microfiber cloth 16 if it is saturated with liquid during use of the device according to the present invention.

In addition, the exchangeability of the removal device 12 has the advantage that the elastic coordination and the liquid absorption capacity of the outer element 14 can be adapted to the consistency of the liquid in the reservoir 2.

It can be seen that the variant of the device according to the invention shown in fig. 1 has a reservoir 2, which reservoir 2 is provided with liquid for the user at the time of purchase. Since the components of the valve unit 3 and the application unit 5 are generally still operable after removal of all liquid, according to an advantageous further development of the object of the invention, the device can be designed such that the reservoir 2 can be refilled with liquid.

Possible additional variants are shown in the design variants of fig. 2 to 4. In the embodiment shown, as shown in the sectional view of fig. 1, the housing 1 has an inner space into which a container 20 in the form of a nebulizer can be inserted. The container 20 forms a common assembly together with the valve unit 21 and can be inserted into the housing 1 from one side.

On top of the valve unit 21, facing away from the housing 1, an application unit 22 is located, which application unit 22, like the embodiment in fig. 1, can be covered by a covering cap 23 when the device is not in use.

According to the invention, similar to the embodiment variant of fig. 1, the removal device 24 is arranged on the bottom of the pot-shaped container 20 opposite the valve unit 21. The removal means essentially comprise an elastic element 25 which is clamped into the housing 1 below the container 20. This element 25 is, like the outer part 14, covered by removal means in the form of a microfiber cloth 27, which extends around the outer edge of the element 25. Similar to the view shown in fig. 1, the removal device 24 can also be covered with a cover cap 26 when not in use, so that the cover cap 26 is screwed onto the housing 1.

The parts of a second variant of the device for applying a liquid according to the invention are illustrated again in the exploded view of fig. 3. The reference numerals shown here correspond to those in fig. 4.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment variant of fig. 3 and 4 in the closed state with two covering caps 26 and 23. The covering caps 23 and 26 are formed as transparent members for clarity.

As described above, the application unit 5 or 22 and the removal device 12 or 24 are each covered on their outer side by a removal means of the microfiber cloth 16 or 27. The different reference numerals of the above-mentioned components refer to the corresponding designs as shown in fig. 1 and 4.

As shown, the application and removal means in the form of microfiber cloths 16, 27 enclose the edges of the element 25 or outer member 14. Both the outer part 14 and the element 25 have an annular groove 29, which annular groove 29 is accessible from the rear side, i.e. the side facing the housing 1, via the passage 28. An annular groove 29 is formed around the circumference. The annular groove 29 has a substantially oval shape, wherein the longitudinal extension parallel to the outer side covered by the microfiber cloth 16, 27 is longer than the width perpendicular thereto. Barbs 30 and 31 are located on both edges of the entrance to the passageway 28 facing the annular groove.

When the removal device 12 or 24 and the application units 5 and 22 are assembled, a cover removal sleeve in the form of a microfiber cloth 16, 27 is inserted into the annular groove 29 by suitable assembly-side measures. Barbs 30 and 31 at the outlet of the passage 28 facing the annular groove 29 hold the microfiber cloths 16, 27 in place.

According to an advantageous further development, the elements 14, 25 provided with removal means in the form of the microfiber cloths 16, 27 are designed to be replaceable, wherein the respective microfiber cloth 16, 27 itself can also be designed to be replaceable, as illustrated below.

Fig. 6 shows a third variant of the previously described variant of the device in the closed state, with a partially transparent housing 1 and two partially transparent covering caps 33 and 36. Below the covering cap 33, the application unit 22 is shown in another configuration. Under the cover cap 36, the removal device 24 is shown in another configuration. A container 20 is shown in the housing 1. The receptacle 20 is positioned between a first adapter 38 and a second adapter 39, the first adapter 38 and the second adapter 39 being used to hold the receptacle 20 in the housing 1. According to a variant as described above, the container 20 may be a container equipped with a common pump mechanism, for example made of glass, plastic or metal, which may preferably be designed to be refillable. The covering cap and the housing can be made of a suitable material, such as aluminum or plastic, which can be produced particularly easily by injection molding.

Fig. 7A to 7C show the first adapter 38. Fig. 7C shows the first adapter 38 having threads 40. If the cylindrical container 20 is provided with a threaded section, the first adapter 38 can be designed with threads 40. If the container 20 has a threaded section, the container 20 may be screwed onto the first adapter 38 in this configuration. When container 20 is screwed into first adapter 38 by using threads 40, valve unit 21 is pushed so that a portion of its components pass through passageway 42.

As shown in fig. 7B, the first adapter 38 can also be designed without the thread 40 (section 41) if the cylindrical container 20 is not provided with a threaded section. If the container 20 does not have a threaded section, the container 20 can be fitted in this configuration via the section 41 into the first adapter 38 in a form-fitting manner. By inserting the container 20 into the first adapter 38, the valve unit 21 is pushed to pass a portion of its components through the passageway 42. The passageway 42 is formed in a cylindrical section 48 of the first adapter 38, wherein the cylindrical section 48 is spaced from an inner side 49 of the first adapter 38.

Fig. 7A shows a first view of the first adapter 38. The first adapter 38 includes a plurality of recesses 43 on an inner side 49. The plurality of recesses 43 are used to form a snap-in lock 44. When assembled, the covering cap 33 is placed onto the upper section 45 of the first adapter 38 in a form-fitting manner. The upper section 45 of the first adapter 38 may be separated from the lower section 46 by a bushing 47. The first adapter 38 may be inserted into the housing 1 of the device through the lower section 46. Other non-limiting connection possibilities, such as clamping, sliding or plugging and connection by means of a clip are known from the prior art to the person skilled in the art.

Fig. 8A and 8B show the second adapter 39. As shown in fig. 8B, the second adapter 39 may have a recess 51 on the inner side 50 to form a snap-in lock 52. It should be noted that the second adapter 39 is optional and the provision of the snap-in lock 52 is also optional, since as will be explained later: the interchangeability of the microfiber cloth for wiping dry may be achieved without replacing the element 25 or the outer part 14, for example by other means than those described above, for example by a hook and loop fastening arrangement.

As can be seen in fig. 8A, in the assembled state, the covering cap 36 can be reliably fitted on the upper section 53 of the second adapter 39. The upper section 53 of the second adapter 39 is separable from the lower section 55 by a collar 54. The second adapter 39 can be inserted into the housing 1 of the device through the lower section 55. Furthermore, the skilled person teaches at least from the prior art the possibility of non-limiting connections, such as clamping, sliding or plugging and connection by means of clips.

Fig. 9A and 9B show an application unit 22 of the second type having a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 57 attached to the lower section 56 of the application unit 22, wherein the protrusions 57 extend in a radial direction away from the lower section 56 of the application unit 22. The plurality of cylindrical protrusions 57 are designed such that the plurality of cylindrical protrusions 57 can be inserted into the plurality of recesses 43 on the first adapter 38, thereby forming the mating parts of the snap-in lock 44. The design of the snap-in lock 44 on the first adapter 38 allows this variation of the applicator unit 22 to be moved axially relative to the first adapter 38 to effect the pumping movement. In this second variant of the application unit 22, a microfiber cloth 16, 27 with elastic edges may be used, which may be draped over the side edges 58 of the application unit 22.

Fig. 10A and 10B show a third modification of the applying unit 22. For the sake of brevity of description, the description of the same members having the same reference numerals as those in fig. 9A and 9B is not repeated here. In contrast to the second variant of the applicator unit 22 as shown and described in fig. 9A and 9B, a hook and loop fastening structure 59 is provided on the surface 60 of the third variant of the applicator unit 22. Hook and loop fastening structure 59 may be used to attach the microfiber cloth 16, 27 to the surface 60 of the third variation of the application unit 22.

Fig. 11A and 11B show a fourth variant of the applicator unit 22, which consists of a combination of the first variant of the applicator unit 22 with an annular groove 29 and a plurality of cylindrical projections 57. Thus, the fourth variation of the applicator unit 22 may be connected to the first adapter 38 by means of a snap-in lock 44.

The snap-in locking 44, 52 is designed such that the plurality of recesses 43, 51 allow a relative movement of the removal device 24 and/or the plurality of cylindrical projections 57 of the applicator unit 22 in the axial direction between the applicator unit 22 and/or the removal device 24 and the adapter 38, 38 or the housing 1 of the device according to the invention. The particular feature of the relative mobility of the application unit 22 with respect to the first adapter 38 is maintained for the pumping movement. This constructive variation of the snap-in lock 51 allows a relative movement between the removal device 24 and the second adapter 39, on the opposite side of the removal device 24, to provide some play to prevent scraping. Optionally, the constructive arrangement of the snap-in locks 44, 52 also serves to retain the application unit 22 or the removal device 24 in a specific position relative to the adapters 38, 39 and to prevent relative movement (not shown).

Fig. 12A and 12B show a fifth modification of the applying unit 22. For the sake of brevity of description, the description of the same members having the same reference numerals as those in fig. 9A and 9B is not repeated here. Unlike the second variation of the application unit 22 as shown and described in fig. 9A and 9B, the surface 60 of the fifth variation of the application unit 22 is slightly curved (see fig. 12B). In this fifth variant of the application unit 22, a preparation of glue or other adhesive may be applied to the microfibre cloths 16, 27 and/or to the curved surface 60 to attach the microfibre cloths 16, 27 to the curved surface 60. In one embodiment, not shown, the adhesive arrangement may be provided by microscopically small holes and depressions interlocking in shape between the materials involved.

All the described variants of the application unit 22 can also have forms other than circular, as shown in fig. 13. In addition to the rounded form of the surface 60, a drop-shaped form is preferred. The choice of the drop-shaped form of the application unit 22 does not influence the shape of the removal device 24, the housing 1 and the surfaces of the covering caps 33 and 36.

All the previously described variants of the application unit 22 can also be considered as variants of the removal device 24, since the application unit 22 differs from the removal device 24 only in the passage 9.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the removal device 24 and/or the lower section 56 of the applicator unit 22 may be redesigned such that the connection to the first adapter 38 or the second adapter 39 may be achieved by one of: snap-in locking, detachable rivet connections, clip connections and threads, or by sliding, plugging or clipping.

Fig. 14 shows a fourth variant of the previously described variants of the device in the closed state, with a housing 1 and two partially transparent covering caps 61 and 62. The shape of the covering caps 61 and 62 and the housing 1 is selected to be a drop-shaped form. It is to be noted here that, instead of the circular application unit 22 and removal device 24, the variants described above are used, at least one or both of which may be used in drop-like form. According to a second variant, the application units 5, 22 can be seen below the partially transparent cap 61. The application unit 5, 22 is axially movable relative to the first adapter 38 to allow a pumping movement. The pumping motion transports liquids of different viscosities from the reservoir via the outlet and the passage 9 to the upper part of the application unit 5, 22.

The skilled person will recognise that the device according to the invention is not limited to the aforementioned device. As is particularly advantageous, the skilled person will appreciate that the device according to the invention may be regarded as a metering device, since no contaminants can enter the container.

If the user wishes to wet the surface with metered liquids of different viscosities for cleaning or wetting without direct contact with the liquid, the upper cap 11, 23, 33, 61 of the device according to the invention is first removed from the housing 1 in the described possible manner. The application unit 5, 22 can be provided with a new and novel microfiber cloth 16, 27, if desired. It is particularly advantageous here if the application unit, which is usually secured by snap-in locking, possibly with freely selectable variables of movement, is detachable from the device so that it can be replaced in its entirety or so that the microfiber cloth can be replaced more easily. Optionally, the application unit 5, 22 can then be moved from a specific position towards the first adapter 38 in the form of a snap-in lock 44 to allow relative movement between the application unit 5, 22 and the first adapter 38. The relative pumping movement between the applicator unit 5, 22 and the first adapter 38 reduces the gap 10 and exerts an impulse on the valve unit 21, which causes the liquid in the container 20 or in the reservoir 2 to be transported via the outlet 4 and the passage 9 to the upper part of the applicator unit 5, 22 and finally to the microfibre cloth 16, 27. By repeating the pumping movement, the amount of liquid on the microfiber cloth 16, 27 can be metered. By means of a translatory movement of the entire device, the liquid on the microfibre cloth 16, 27 is transported to the surface to be wetted (skin, display or the like).

After the surface has been wetted with a metered quantity of liquid for cleaning or wetting, the application unit 5, 22 can optionally be moved back into a specific position relative to the first adapter 38 in the form of a snap-in lock 44 to prevent relative movement between the application unit 5, 22 and the first adapter 38. After the upper cap 11, 23, 33, 61 has been attached back to the housing 1, the device according to the invention can be rotated 180 degrees. The lower cap 13, 26, 36, 62 of the device according to the invention is now removed from the housing 1 in the described possible manner. The removal device 24 can be provided with a new microfiber cloth 16, 27 if desired. It is particularly advantageous here that the removal device, which is usually secured by snap-in locking, possibly with freely selectable variables of movement, can be detached from the device so that it can be replaced in its entirety or so that the microfiber cloth can be replaced more easily. Optionally, the removal device 24 is then moved from a particular position toward the second adapter 39 in the form of a snap-in lock 52 to allow relative movement or play between the removal device 24 and the second adapter 39. By means of a translatory movement of the entire device, excess liquid is removed from the wetted surface by means of the microfibre cloth 16, 27, whereby the surface is wiped dry. After the surface has dried, the removal device 24 can optionally be moved back into a particular position relative to the second adapter 39 in the form of a snap-in lock 52 to prevent relative movement between the removal device 24 and the second adapter 39 in the assembled state. Finally, the lower caps 13, 26, 36, 62 are attached to the housing 1 again.

List of reference numerals

1 casing

2 reservoir

3-valve unit

4 outlet port

5 application unit

7 applicator element

8 connecting part

9 channel

10 intermediate space

11 closure cap

12 removing device

13 closure cap

14 external unit

15 inner part

16 microfiber cloth

17 recess

18 recess

20 container

21 valve unit

22 application unit

23 cover

24 removing device

25 element

26 cover cap

27 microfiber cloth

28 channel

29 annular groove

30 barb

31 barb

33 covering cap

36 covering cap

38 first adapter

39 second adapter

40 screw thread

Section 41

42 channel

43 recess

44 snap-in lock

Upper section of 45

46 lower section

47 liner

48 cylindrical section

49 inside

50 inner side

51 recess

52 snap-in lock

Upper 53 section

54 bush

55 lower section

56 lower section

57 cylindrical protrusion

58 side edge

59 shackle fixing structure

60 surface

61 covering cap

62 covering cap