EP1199107A2 - Fluid dispenser and method - Google Patents

Abstract

In a dispenser, particularly an atomizer, which is used for flowable substances, particularly pharmaceuticals, use is made of a pump, which must be actuated one or more times for priming purposes. Its discharge nozzle (14) is covered by a protective cap (38), which is suitable to collect and store the medium, which is discharged during the priming strokes and before the start of the useful strokes. During the priming strokes the protective cap (38) is secured on the dispenser (11). This is brought about in that a locking (40) for the protective cap is only released when the priming strokes have been performed. This can take place by electrical actuation or by material change under the influence of the medium to be discharged. According to a variant the protective cap is not itself locked, but an actuation locking takes place if the protective cap has not been fitted for the priming strokes.

Description

The invention relates to a dispenser for media, in particular for flowable pharmaceuticals, with a pump for suction needs at least one suction stroke, and with a particular as Spray nozzle-shaped discharge opening, which is in front of a payout the medium is covered by a protective cap.

Mechanical, manually operated piston pumps, mostly as Single-acting thrust piston pumps are usually required before its first actuation the medium in the manufacture Aspirate air-filled pump. There are a few, mostly one to three strokes necessary during which the air in front of the pump cylinder escapes through the discharge opening, while the medium via Inlet valve of the pump continues to flow. Although with a pump that comes with great manufacturing precision, the number of suction strokes can be predicted quite well, but it is not too avoid having at least the last of the intake strokes Medium emerges from the discharge opening and is atomized, for example becomes.

Some pharmaceuticals that are administered with such donors for example oral or nasal, are so specific to a particular one Disease tailored that it should be avoided at all costs must participate in the administration other than the patient. So For example, a nurse could be responsible for the patient prepared such a donor for use, even that Inhale pharmaceutical if the last suction stroke is in the room is sprayed.

For pharmaceuticals that are particularly critical in dosing are already Donors have been developed (DE 198 07 921 A), each one or only release several actuation strokes at certain intervals, to avoid overdosing.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The object of the invention is to provide a dispenser and a method for Discharge of media in which the suction of the pump happens without impairing the person performing this.

This task is solved by a donor, the one Ensure suction actuation with protective cap on Has locking means.

According to the method according to the invention, the at least a suction stroke, possibly conveyed medium into the Protective cap removed.

The protective cap can be sprayed, sprayed or dripped into it Amount of media e.g. absorb in a sponge-like element. To the Actual actuation stroke, the protective cap is then removed or automatically dropped if necessary.

There are several ways to implement the invention. The Locking means can cover the protective cap on the dispenser Lock the passage of at least one suction stroke. This Locking can be done mechanically and unlocking can also mechanically or from an electrical or an electronic Control can be solved. To do this, it is possible to use the aforementioned to design a time-dependent blocking circuit so that e.g. at the beginning of the Use cycle 'a certain number of intake strokes only then is released when the protective cap is put on. This can be so locked for a long time or, for example, over a electrical contact between protective cap and dispenser housing ensure that the protective cap is in place during this Suction strokes are attached, which are otherwise not released.

However, it is also possible to use a liquid medium at the end of the To use suction stroke released liquid to to influence moisture-dependent components accordingly. So there could be a moisture sensor inside the protective cap of an electrical signal to release the protective cap emits.

A manufacturing and particularly simple execution can be a have moisture-dependent component that the protective cap in dry state blocked while softening in contact with media and releases the protective cap, for example a gelatin ring. This would still have the advantage of absorbing the escaping medium.

Other mechanical solutions for the removal lock A protective cap is possible, for example a lock in the form of a counting device switchable by actuation strokes. So is for example from EP 472 915 B a dispenser is known, the one Counting device for the number of actuation strokes in the form of a rotatable ring. This ring can be used e.g. lock the protective cap for the first three strokes and then release.

So a dispenser, especially an atomizer, is created, whose discharge nozzle is covered by a protective cap that is suitable is to capture and store the medium that is stored during the Suction strokes and applied before the actual useful strokes begin becomes. The protective cap is on the dispenser during the suction strokes secured. This is done by having a lock for the Protective cap is provided, which is only released when the suction strokes were made. This can be done by electrical actuation or by changing the material under the influence of the output Medium happen. One variant provides for the protective cap not to lock yourself, but to prevent the actuation should Protective cap for the intake strokes must not be attached.

These and other features go beyond the claims from the description and the drawings, the individual Features individually or in groups in the form of Sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and on other areas to be realized and beneficial as well can represent protective designs for which protection here is claimed. The division of the registration into individual Sections as well as sub-headings limit those below statements made are not generally valid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

einen Längsschnitt durch einen Spender mit einer elektrisch betätigten, mechanischen Sperre für die Schutzkappe,

Fig. 2

einen Längsschnitt gemäß Fig. 1 mit elektrischer Kontaktgabe für die Anwesenheit der Schutzkappe,

Fig. 3

einen Längsschnitt durch einen Spender mit einer feuchtigkeitsabhängig betätigbaren Sperre für die Schutzkappe,

Fig. 4

einen Teil-Längsschnitt durch einen Spender mit einer mechanischen Sperre für die Schutzkappe durch einen Zählring und

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf ein Detail der Fig. 4 gemäß dem Pfeil V.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section through a dispenser with an electrically operated, mechanical lock for the protective cap,

Fig. 2

1 with electrical contact for the presence of the protective cap,

Fig. 3

a longitudinal section through a dispenser with a moisture-dependent lock for the protective cap,

Fig. 4

a partial longitudinal section through a dispenser with a mechanical lock for the protective cap through a counting ring and

Fig. 5

a plan view of a detail of FIG. 4 according to arrow V.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a dispenser 11, the one in a base housing 12 Container 13 for a medium to be dispensed in the form of a contains essential cylindrical bottle. He is with as an atomizer an outlet opening 14 designed as an atomizer nozzle in one projecting, neck-shaped housing section 15 provided is also called a nose adapter, because it is suitable for the in medium contained in the container 13, a pharmaceutical, in a Spraying a patient's nostril.

The medium is supplied to the nozzle 14 by a Discharge channel 16, which is formed in a connecting plunger 17. This has side openings near the nozzle and forms at the same time a wall of spiral vortex chambers to produce a Spray cone on the nozzle.

A crimp closure 18 is in the opening of the container 13 a pump 19 attached. This extends into the container and sucks 20 medium via a riser pipe. It is one in itself Known thrust piston pump, such as e.g. from GB 1 189 592 has become known. It has a ball in the intake line as Inlet valve and an elastic piston sleeve loaded by Exhaust valve to be opened by the fluid pressure in the pump. It can however, any other type of thrust piston pump is used become.

The container 13 is in an inner cylindrical and optionally ribbed opening 22 of the housing guided longitudinally. He will by spring elements, not shown, for example an inner one Plastic spring, loaded in Fig. 1 down and stands with her Bottom on an actuating stamp 23, which is in a hood-shaped Actuator button 24 is provided. This push button is on the base housing 12 axially by a certain amount (lifting height) guided upwards and snaps on it over several Lugs 25 a. In the actuation button 24 is an electronic Time delay circuit 26 is provided, which is also an electrical Battery contains and whose function will be explained in more detail later. To you own an electromagnetic transducer, here as an electromagnet 27 is symbolized. Its anchor 28 is from that shown in FIG. 1 Home position in the direction of arrow 29 movable when he is controlled accordingly by the circuit 26.

The armature 28 acts with a stop surface 30 on the base housing 20 together to lock the actuation button when the anchor is in the starting position shown. The anchor 28 can but with its opposite end face on the longer arm act of a double-armed lever 32, the one of an average leaf spring 33 shown with a bearing cam 34 against a Housing wall pressed inside a groove 35 of the base housing becomes. As a result, a locking bolt 36 on the shorter lever arm in one Recess 37 of a protective cap 38 held as long as the lever is not operated. This training forms a locking means 40 for the protective cap. This protective cap overlaps the nose adapter 15 and above all the discharge opening 14. It has the shape of a Cap or sleeve with a spherical cap-shaped base. you area close to the mouth sits on a corresponding latching surface 41 of the base housing 12 and it is, as described, by the Locking means 40 held there.

The housing has side actuation shoulders 42 on which two The user's fingers can rest when he is between the donor holds these fingers and with the thumb on the actuating surface 43 of the push button 24.

In the protective cap there is one, especially in the upper area has a greater distance from the nose adapter 15, a storage space 44 educated. In this is a foam or as storage means 45 sponge-like element, surrounding the nose adapter 15 in a ring shape, arranged.

The function of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 is as follows:

When the dispenser is fully assembled and the container 13 with a Pharmaceutical or other medium is usually the Pump cylinder of pump 19 empty, i.e. filled with air. The circuit 26 there when they begin treatment of the patient with the Pharmaceutical was initiated, some suction strokes free first. There are a corresponding signal to the electromagnet 27, the Armature 28 moves into the suction position 46 indicated by the broken line. In this the donor is released for operation, but the Cap locking by the locking means 40 still present. The user who may have a corresponding acoustic or optical signal from the circuit 26 can now some of make predetermined suction strokes to the circuit. The in the Pump air is discharged through the discharge opening 14 and conveyed 20 medium into the pump cylinder via the riser pipe. At least at the last of these suction strokes, which are specified in the number can, some of the medium from the discharge nozzle 14th sprayed and from the storage space 44 and the one therein contained storage element 45 added. The storage space can be vented to the outside, even though the sprayed Air / liquid volume is very low. Venting is preferred through the storage element 45 and through the annular gap between Protective cap and housing, which e.g. an open cell Plastic foam can be. It also serves as a filter medium.

Only after these suction strokes have been carried out are the circuits 26, e.g. has counted the strokes over contacts not shown, the Protective cap free. For this purpose, the magnet is controlled so that it now is moved beyond the suction layer 46 in the direction of arrow 29, strikes the lever 32 and pivots this clockwise. As a result, the locking bolt 36 is released from the protective cap and this can, if necessary after a corresponding signal for the user, subtracted from. It is also possible that the protective cap after Solution of the locking latch 36 jumps off automatically. This can be done between the housing 12 and the protective cap 38 a spring be provided. The user can now make the useful strokes the circuit 26 enables him, for example two strokes (for each Nostril one). Then the circuit blocks the atomizer again, by the anchor in a normal position shown in FIG. 1 returns. Only after a factory preset or e.g. A period of actuation that can be set by the doctor becomes another actuation cycle released, possibly without an intake cycle.

The pump itself is actuated by the actuating stamp 23 pushes the container 13 upwards in the opening 22, while the piston rod 21 on the connecting plunger 17 on Housing 12 is supported. The pump cylinder thus moves against the pump piston and causes a useful stroke that the medium presses via the connecting channel 16 through the spray nozzle 14. By corresponding bias of the exhaust valve is achieved that the Only open the valve when there is sufficient actuation pressure.

The locking mechanism shown can e.g. about one by one Electromagnetically controlled, swiveling locking cross in particular be trained with little friction. It is also possible that here intended release after the intake stroke instead of a number of strokes from the result of a moisture signaling from the Storage element 45, for example by one provided there to control moisture-sensitive contact.

Fig. 2 shows a dispenser with essentially the same mechanical structure, with respect to which reference is made to FIG. 1 becomes. However, the locking means 40 are not in the form of a mechanical protective cap lock provided, but are partly in the circuit and in a pair of contacts controlling it 50 includes that with a contact bridge 51 inside the Protective cap 38, for example a metal foil provided there, interacts. The electromagnet 27 with its armature 28 only needs to cooperate with the stop surface 30 on the housing.

The function according to FIG. 2 is as follows: If the circuit 26 the Approves dispenser for the first time, the anchor 28 is in the Layer 46 withdrawn and releases the actuation. The user can now by exerting pressure between the actuation shoulders 42 and the actuating surface 43 actuate the dispenser as often as it is is preprogrammed for the suction. However, the release only takes place as long as the two contacts 50, the lines 53 to the circuit 26 are connected, are closed by the contact bridge 51. This ensures that suction can only be actuated if when the protective cap is put on. The medium carried out in the process 1 in the storage space 44 or Storage element 45 added and does not come in atomized the atmosphere. So there can be no effect on those not in need of treatment Exercise people.

When the protective cap is removed, the circuit releases the Cycle of use by doing the normal operation Releases useful strokes after the specified number of strokes locks again for a certain period of time and only then again releases when that time has expired. This can happen as long as how the treatment cycle is planned. An interim Priming is not necessary in most cases because the pump, when it is is tight, ready for operation after initial priming Condition remains. However, it could happen if the pump runs dry An intake cycle is to be feared for longer periods expire, which would require the protective cap to be replaced becomes.

Fig. 3 shows a dispenser which is mechanically essentially the same is constructed like that previously described, to which reference is made becomes. However, it does not contain any electrically or electronically controlled ones Time lock, but can be operated at any time. Accordingly, the Actuator button 24 only a tubular actuating stamp 23 inside. The protective cap 38 has a locking means 40 a mechanical lock in the form of a moisture sensitive Ring 60, which in corresponding mounting grooves or between Bracket beads 61 on the inside of the protective cap or on the Outside of the nose adapter 15, i.e. in the housing.

The ring 60 is made of a material that is solid when dry but softens when it absorbs moisture. That can for example gelatin, one coated with a soluble material Plastic foam or a similar material. With moisture is here the medium is meant. If the medium is other than water included as a carrier, are for the moisture sensitive element 60 materials suitable when in contact with this media ingredient soften or release their physical properties Change protective cap. The moisture sensitive element 60 must also not in the form of a ring, although this on easiest to install, but could otherwise be a Establish the blocking effect for the protective cap. It can too special guide channels can be provided, which from the discharge opening 40 escaping medium to the element or elements 60.

3 is such that the donor in the described is operated and after suction at least one stroke into the storage space 44 between the protective cap and nose adapter sprays. The medium then runs on the walls this storage space down to element 60, this softens, so that then the protective cap previously firmly seated on the housing 12 38 can be deducted. After that you can use normal Working strokes continue to be worked.

This version would also have a time-dependent control in the previously described or possible according to DE 198 07 921 A.

The same applies to the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5. These show a mechanical protective cap lock that is operated by a counting ring 70 is controlled.

The protective cap 38, which sits on the nose adapter 15, covers the actuation shoulders 42. In an edge projection 71 of the Protective cap is an angular recess 72 (Fig. 5) according to Art provided a backdrop into which a protruding from the counting ring 70 Latch pin 73 is located and the protective cap 38 blocks against removal.

The counting ring 70 is driven by a locking mechanism 74, each with a ring of sawtooth-like teeth 75, 76 on the counting ring and on one placed on the crimp closure 18 of the container 13 Housing part 12 is provided. Counting ring 70 and housing part 12 each have one or more resilient, curved pawls 80 attached to them are injection molded and with the locking teeth opposite them interact. The counting ring 70 is on the actuating sleeve 77 provided, which has the actuation shoulders 42, by a tongue and groove guide 78 secured against rotation on the housing is, however, axially against the force of a separate or internal pump spring to the housing 12 is movable when a User presses on the actuation shoulders 42.

When the counting ring 70 and the housing part 12 approach the resilient tabs or pawls extend 80 in Circumferential direction and thus push the counting ring in the circumferential direction further so that he turns one step further because his free End cooperates with one of the teeth 75, 76. When you let go the actuating sleeve 77 presses the spring upwards again, so that the pawl 80 due to the inclination of the teeth and their can jump one tooth further on your own inclination. A turn back can by appropriate friction or rest be prevented.

The dispenser is delivered in a condition after assembly, like it is symbolized by Fig. 5. The pin 73 is in the recess 72 and thus locks the protective cap 38 against being pulled off. simultaneously a message appears in a counting window 81, the suction actuation make, for example, the word "PRIME". The user actuates now by pressing the actuation shoulders 42 the dispenser for so long until this indicator disappears by turning the counting ring a few Steps forward. Once this has been done, pin 73 is also run out of the recess 72 and the protective cap is to Lose weight freely. Then there can be a reference to the execution in the counting window of the useful operation or the corresponding number of strokes appear. This count can either be continuous if the patient during a course of treatment 'a certain number of Dosages should be given or it could be a repetitive one Counting, for example, four strokes, i.e. by the numbers 1 to 4 marked, provided or it could be a reference to the Changing the treatment site (e.g. right or left nostril) are displayed.

It can be seen that by the in the present examples explained invention ensures that the suction actuation of the Donors can be made without the risk that that drug to be applied is already released during the suction stroke, but this is always caught in a protective cap by up to Completion of the suction stroke (s) either the protective cap or donor activity is blocked. This is particularly important for certain types of pharmaceuticals that are in flowable form, i.e. either in the liquid or pasty or powdery state.

Claims (12)

Dispenser for media, in particular flowable pharmaceuticals, having a pump (19) that requires a suction for sucking at least and characterized having an opening formed in particular as a spray nozzle discharge opening (14), which is covered before a Nutzausgabe of the medium by a protective cap (38), by a priming actuation when the protective cap making sure the end of the locking means (38) (40). Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking means (40) lock the protective cap (38) on the dispenser (11) until at least one suction stroke has been carried out. Dispenser according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking means (40) are designed to block the actuation of the pump (19) when the protective cap (38) is removed, before a predetermined number of suction strokes has been carried out when the protective cap (38) is attached. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means (40) are actuated by an electrical actuation or actuation release circuit (26) or have an electrical protective cap lock. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation or actuation release circuit (26) belongs to a time-dependent actuation blocking circuit. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means (40) have a mechanically releasable lock (32, 37; 50, 70, 73) and / or a release mechanism for the protective cap (38). Dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that the lock (70-73) is designed in the form of a counting device which can be switched on by actuation strokes. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means have moisture-dependent components which preferably have changed electrical properties in the event of media contact and interact with an electrical actuation or actuation release circuit (26) or protective cap lock. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moisture-dependent components (60) have changed mechanical properties in the event of media contact and release a protective cap lock in particular after moisture absorption. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cap contains storage means (44, 45), possibly with a foam-like element, for the medium dispensed during the suction stroke, which is preferably designed as a filter element with ventilation to the outside. Method for discharging media, in particular free-flowing pharmaceuticals, with a pump (19) which requires at least one suction stroke for suction, and with a discharge opening (14), in particular a spray nozzle, which is covered by a protective cap (38) before the medium is dispensed is characterized in that the medium possibly conveyed during the at least one suction stroke is discharged into the protective cap (38). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the medium possibly required in the at least one suction stroke is received in a memory (44, 45) within the protective cap (38).

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