DE102017108088A1 - Syringe, in particular for veterinary applications - Google Patents

Abstract

There will be a syringe, especially for veterinary applications
a main body (H) having a cylinder (2, 14) with a discharge end (5, 17), a piston rod (4, 16) whose front end (3, 15) is slidably disposed in the cylinder (2, 14) , and
an actuator (20) adapted to be brought from a starting position to a dispensing position, whereby the front end (3, 15) of the piston rod (4, 16) is moved towards the discharge end (5, 17), and
which can be brought from the delivery position to the starting position, whereby the front end (3, 15) of the piston rod (4, 16) in the direction away from the discharge end (5, 17) is moved, wherein the main body (H) further comprises an electronic counter (30 ), which counts each actuation of the actuating element (20), which brings the actuating element (20) from the starting position.

Description

The present invention relates to a syringe, in particular for veterinary applications. In such syringes there is a need to reliably count the number of ejections performed.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a syringe, in particular for veterinary applications, which allows a reliable counting of the number of ejections.

The invention is defined in claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims. In claim 13, a system is defined with a syringe according to the invention.

The syringe, which may be designed for veterinary applications (such as for vaccinating animals (e.g., fish)), may include a main body having a cylinder with a discharge end, a piston rod whose forward end is slidably disposed in the cylinder, and a Have actuating element. The actuator may be moved or moved from a starting position to a dispensing position, thereby moving the forward end of the piston rod toward the discharge end, and may be brought or moved from the delivery position to the starting position, thereby moving the forward end of the piston rod in the direction of travel is moved from the delivery end. Further, the syringe may include an electronic counter that counts each time the actuator is actuated to be brought from the starting position to the dispensing position, to the dispensing position, or toward the dispensing position. Thus, each actuation of the actuator is thus reliably counted, even if the delivery position is not reached, whereby the number of ejections can be detected safely. It can therefore also be said that the electronic counter counts every time the actuator leaves the starting position.

One can use the electronic counter, e.g. adjust so that even a not complete ejection of a fluid present in the cylinder is counted as sure ejection. For this, it may be determined that e.g. Immediately after leaving the starting position, the electronic counter already counts the ejection process. For example, it is also possible to define a minimum distance of the piston rod starting from the starting position of the actuating element in the direction of the delivery end, which has to be covered by the piston rod in order to be counted as an ejection process. This minimum distance can e.g. an intermediate position or intermediate position of the actuating element between the starting position and the delivery position are assigned, so that, for example, upon reaching the intermediate position or intermediate position by the actuating element, starting from the starting position of the electronic counter counts the ejection process. When counting when reaching the intermediate position or intermediate position is preferably taken into account whether the actuator reaches the intermediate position or intermediate position, starting from the starting position or from the delivery position. Preferably, the electronic counter will count only when the actuator reaches the intermediate position or intermediate position, starting from the starting position and possibly further moved to the delivery position. In the case of the syringe according to the invention, each position of the actuating element, with the exception of the starting position, can be defined as a position in which the electronic counter counts when it reaches starting position. The dispensing position can be the position of the actuating element, in which a maximum volume of fluid is ejected from the cylinder, a predetermined volume of fluid or even a certain volume of fluid. In particular, the dispensing position may be the position which is reached during an ejection process, starting from the starting position. In particular, the delivery position may vary (but need not) from spouting to spouting.

The electronic counter can count in any way. In the simplest case, each ejection process is counted by increasing or decreasing the corresponding count by one. However, other steps of increasing or decreasing are also possible.

The actuating element may be a mechanically moved element that is moved from the starting position to the dispensing position. In particular, the actuator may be a lever, e.g. is pivotally mounted on the main body. The actuator may e.g. Also be designed as a contact element or plate, which is connected to the front end facing away from the end of the piston rod.

Any type of actuator that is common in syringes may be provided. The actuator may thus be e.g. handle-like be designed so that the user pulls the finger with the actuator to the main body, which he grasps with his thumb. Alternatively, the actuator may be a pusher plate on which the user presses with his thumb, exposing the syringe to the main body with e.g. Forefinger and ring finger holds.

The provision of an electronic counter ensures reliable counting of the ejections. The electronic counter is characterized in particular by the fact that it has no mechanically movable elements to perform the counting process. Thus, no mechanical wear occurs, which can lead to unreliable count results. Also, no minimum mechanical force is needed to accomplish the counting, as is of course necessary with mechanical counters.

The electronic counter can in particular have a display on which a meter reading is displayed. The indicator is preferably located directly on the syringe, e.g. on the main body or on a housing part of the meter itself, which may be connected to the main body.

The ad may be a segment ad or other ad. In particular, an LCD display can be provided.

The electronic counter can store at least two mutually independent meter readings, whereby each achievement of the delivery position is taken into account in both meter readings. One of the two counter readings can be counted up and the other of the two counter readings can be counted down.

Furthermore, at least one of the meter readings can be reset by the user himself. However, it is also possible that at least one of the meter readings can not be reset by the user.

Furthermore, the electronic counter may have an input interface. This may be e.g. to a button, a keyboard, a touchpad, a fingerprint scanner or the like act. Via the input interface, the user can, for example, toggle the counter readings displayed on the display. Other inputs can also be made. For example, a user identification can take place via the input interface.

Further, the electronic meter may include a sensor to detect actuation of the actuator (e.g., reaching the dispensing position or the intermediate position by the actuator). The sensor may, in particular, be a contactless sensor (or contactless sensor). For example, the sensor may be designed as a magnetic sensor and in particular as a Hall sensor. If the sensor is designed, for example, as a magnetic sensor, a magnet can be arranged in the actuating element, so that a change in the position of the actuating element can be detected via a change in the magnetic field.

However, it is also possible that a contact sensor is provided which emits a signal upon reaching a mechanical and / or electrical contact.

The electronic meter can have a communication interface, via which data can be transmitted to a separate device. This may be e.g. to count at least one meter reading displayed on or by the separate device. The communication interface may be a wireless interface or a wired interface. In particular, the communication interface is designed as a radio interface, e.g. as Bluetooth interface. Furthermore, it is possible that data is transmitted to the electronic counter via the communication interface from the separate device.

The electronic meter may include a control unit and a memory. In the memory, e.g. a program to be executed by the control unit should be stored. This program can be stored in such a way that it can not be changed or at least parts of it can be changed. This makes it possible to provide additional functions of the electronic counter later by these functions are realized by a modified program that is transmitted via the communication interface to the memory.

The electronic counter may be configured to log at least one other data value each time the actuator is actuated to bring the actuator out of the starting position (e.g., each time the intermediate position or dispensing position is reached).

The at least one other data value may be e.g. the date, time, a unique identification value of the syringe (e.g., a serial number), and / or a user identification. This at least one additional data value can be transmitted to the separate device via the communication interface. In the separate device then appropriate evaluations and / or display of these data values can be performed.

The syringe can be designed in particular as a self-filling syringe.

Furthermore, a system is provided with a syringe according to the invention and a separate device. The separate device may be a computer, a laptop, another portable computer, a phone, a smartphone, etc. The data of the electronic meter can be transmitted via an interface of the electronic meter to the separate device. Thus, for example, on the separate device, the number of ejections can be displayed.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Spritze 1, bei der der Betätigungshebel 20 in seiner Startstellung steht;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht gemäß 1, wobei der Betätigungshebel 20 in seiner Abgabestellung steht;
• 3 eine Teilschnittansicht der Darstellung von 2;
• 4 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung der Spritze gemäß 1 bis 3, wobei die Gehäusewandung 23 weggelassen wurde;
• 5 eine vergrößerte schematische Darstellung des Schnittstellenbereiches 36 des elektronischen Zählers 30, und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Datenübertragung vom elektronischen Zähler 30 zu einem separaten Gerät 40.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose features essential to the invention. These embodiments are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. For example, a description of an embodiment having a plurality of elements or components is not to be construed as requiring all of these elements or components for implementation. Rather, other embodiments may include alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Elements or components of various embodiments may be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. Modifications and modifications described for one of the embodiments may also be applicable to other embodiments. To avoid repetition, the same or corresponding elements in different figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be explained several times. From the figures show:

• 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of the syringe 1 according to the invention, in which the actuating lever 20 is in its starting position;
• 2 a side view according to 1 with the actuating lever 20 in its dispensing position;
• 3 a partial sectional view of the representation of 2 ;
• 4 a schematic exploded view of the syringe according to 1 to 3 with the housing wall 23 omitted;
• 5 an enlarged schematic representation of the interface portion 36 of the electronic counter 30, and
• 6 a schematic representation for explaining the data transfer from the electronic counter 30 to a separate device 40th

At the in 1 to 5 embodiment shown is the syringe according to the invention 1 designed as a self-filling syringe for veterinary applications and includes, in particular the sectional view in 3 it can be seen, a main body H with a first cylinder 2 in which a front end 3 a first piston rod 4 stands for.

The first cylinder 2 which is in the sectional view of 3 from bottom to top, has a first discharge end 5 in a downwardly extending first channel section 6 empties. The first channel section 6 flows in turn in the middle in a section of 3 from left to right extending second channel section 7 , The right end 8th of the second channel section 7 is via a first check valve 9 with a first connection 10 connected. The left end 11 of the second channel section 7 is via a second check valve 12 with an exit end 13 the syringe 1 connected. At the exit end 13 For example, a cannula (not shown) may be attached.

Furthermore, the syringe includes 1 a second cylinder 14 in which a front end 15 a second piston rod 16 stands for. The second cylinder 14 has a second delivery end 17 on top of that in the sectional view in 3 invisible channel section and a third check valve 18 with a second connection 19 connected is. Furthermore, there is a connection of the second delivery end 17 with the exit end 13 over the second check valve 12 in front.

The movement of the two piston rods 4 and 16 and thus the movement of their front ends 3 and 15 in the corresponding cylinders 2 and 14 is, as will be described in detail below, by a lever 20 and return springs 21 and 22 causes, with the return springs 21 . 22 within a hollow cylindrical housing wall 23 are arranged. At the in 3 shown sectional view is the lever 20 brought by an operator in the delivery position, so that the front ends 3 and 15 to the respective delivery end 5 and 17 were moved. In this position of the lever 20 lie the two front ends 3 and 15 actually at the respective delivery end 5 respectively. 17 at. For better presentation of the syringe 1 and in particular the cylinder 2 . 14 are the piston rods 4 . 16 and thus also the front ends 3 . 15 shown in the position before the piston rods 4 . 16 to indicate in the cylinders 2 . 14 located fluid toward the discharge ends 5 . 12 to be moved. This movement will do that in the cylinders 2 . 14 existing fluid pushed up and due to the check valves 9 . 18 and 12 (the first and third check valves 9 . 18 Close and the second check valve 12 opens) over the exit end 13 issued.

Furthermore, the return springs 21 . 22 compressed so that when the user no longer has power on the lever 20 exercises, the piston rods 4 and 16 in the presentation of 3 seen to be moved down. This movement is generated in the cylinders 2 . 14 a negative pressure, so that at the two terminals 10 and 19 fitting fluid in the cylinder 2 . 14 is sucked. This is possible because during this movement, the first and third check valve 9 . 18 open and the second check valve 12 closes. During this movement of the piston rods 4 . 16 down is the lever 20 from his in 2 and 3 shown delivery position in the in 1 shown starting position moves.

As in particular the perspective exploded view in 4 can be removed, in which the hollow cylindrical housing wall 23 not shown, is the lever 20 at the pivot points 24A and 24B rotatably mounted and has two towards the two terminals 10 . 19 extending thighs 25A . 25B on, with their free end with a first or second slider 26A . 26B are connected. The sliders 26A . 26B are stored so that they are only in the longitudinal direction of the piston rods 4 . 16 move. This can be a pivoting movement of the lever 20 in a linear movement along the longitudinal axes of the piston rods 4 . 16 be implemented.

The sliders 26A . 26B are with a holder 27 for the two piston rods 4 . 16 connected. In the in 2 and 3 shown delivery position of the lever 20 lie the front ends 3 . 15 the piston rods 4 . 16 at the delivery end 5 . 17 and are the two return springs 21 and 22 strained, thus providing an appropriate force on the holder 27 exercise, reducing the return movement of the two piston rods 4 and 16 occurs when there is no more force on the lever 20 is exercised. The lever 20 is doing by the in 2 and 3 shown delivery position in the in 1 shown starting position pivoted because of the holder 27 and the two sliders 26A . 26B a corresponding force on the thighs 25A . 25B is exercised.

The syringe 1 also includes an electronic counter 30 with a control unit 31 , a sensor 32 , a store 33 , an ad 34 as well as a button 35 , The counter 30 , the control unit 31 , the sensor 32 and the memory 33 are arranged within a meter housing G. The ad 34 as well as the button 35 are in an externally accessible interface area 36 arranged the meter housing G. The counter housing G may be an integral part of the main body H or, as in the embodiment described herein, connected to the main body H (preferably detachable). For example, the meter housing G may be connected to the main body H via a screw connection, a snap connection or a bayonet connection. In the embodiment shown there is a screw connection between the meter housing G and the housing wall 23 in front.

The sensor 32 , which may be formed as a Hall sensor, for example, measures the magnetic field at the free end 37 of the lever 20 arranged magnets 38 , so that by means of the control unit 31 can be determined when the lever 20 from his in 1 shown starting position in the in 2 and 3 shown dispensing position has been moved. Any such movement can thus be counted and displayed 34 are displayed. The necessary data can be stored in memory 33 be filed.

The electronic counter 30 can also be set so that the ejection process is already counted when the lever 20 his starting position according to 1 leaves as it is moved towards the delivery position. In particular, each position between starting position and delivery position and of course the delivery position itself can be defined as a counting position, which, when reaching starting from the starting position, leads to the electronic counter 30 counts. This allows each ejection process (eg if only a part of the fluid in the cylinders 2 . 14 is sprayed out) can be safely counted.

As the enlarged schematic representation of the interface area in 5 can be taken are in the interface area 36 the button 35 and the ad 34 arranged. By briefly pressing the button 35 For example, you can switch between the display of different meter readings. For example, it is possible to switch between the status of a day counter, the status of a service counter and the status of a total counter. The day counter can be set to zero by the user by pressing the button 35 lasts longer when displaying the daily counter reading. The service counter reading may be a counter reading, which is eg counted backwards to zero. When zero is reached, a given service is at the syringe 1 perform. Once the service has been completed, a new service counter reading can be defined, which in turn can be counted down to zero.

The state of the total counter may be a count which can not be reset and which sums all the syringe operations performed. The ad 34 can be designed so that only one of the above counter readings is displayed. Furthermore, it is also possible that at least two of the meter readings are displayed. Also, all three counts can be displayed. In this case, no switching is necessary. However, it may be necessary to select the day count to reset it.

In addition to the aforementioned counter readings, the display can also be designed such that further information is displayed, e.g. Date and / or time can be displayed.

The electronic counter 30 can also be designed so that it also logs other data. For example, it is possible to use the electronic counter 30 form so that date and / or time are stored when reaching the delivery position. This data can eg via a communication interface 39 of the electronic counter 30 be transmitted to the outside. This transfer can be to a computer, a laptop, a smartphone 40 or the like, as shown schematically in FIG 6 is shown. The data transmission is indicated by the dotted line P. At the interface 39 it may in particular be a radio interface, such as a Bluetooth interface act. The data transmitted in this way can then be displayed on the corresponding device 40 displayed (eg on a screen 41 of the smartphone 40 ) and / or further processed. So can the interface 39 be used to one or more meter readings on the data receiving device 40 display. For example, an app on the smartphone 40 display the corresponding counter reading.

The data can be evaluated to determine how often, how fast, with which syringe 1 (Anyone can do this 1 a unique identification assigned) and optionally by which user the operation was carried out. For this, the button 35 For example, be designed to identify the fingerprint of the user. Also, any other way of identifying the user of the particular syringe 1 operated, can be provided. In particular, in the interface area 36 one or more further input elements may be provided to perform such inputs. Alternatively, it is also possible via the communication interface 39 such data in the electronic counter 30 enter.

The to the operation of the electronic counter 30 necessary software or firmware can either be immutable in memory 33 be filed. However, it is also possible that the software or firmware is at least partially changeable, for example to add new functions that the electronic counter 30 then can provide. Such new or additional functions can also be used, for example, for the electronic counters 30 be provided with different functional heights and depending on the provided functional scope of the price of such a syringe 1 is determined. Furthermore, it is possible that additional functions can be purchased later.

The measurement of reaching the delivery position of the lever 20 is performed contactless in the described embodiment. However, it is also possible that a measurement takes place upon reaching a corresponding mechanical and / or electrical contact.

In the described embodiment, the syringe 1 two cylinders 2 . 14 on. Of course, the syringe 1 be formed with only a single cylinder. In the same way, the syringe 1 have more than two cylinders.

In the case of the syringe 1 fluid to be applied may be, for example, a liquid. The fluid may be a drug and / or a vaccine.

Furthermore, the electronic counter 30 still have a power supply, not shown. This may be, for example, a battery or a rechargeable accumulator.

Claims (13)

Syringe, in particular for veterinary applications, comprising a main body (H) having a cylinder (2, 14) with a delivery end (5, 17), a piston rod (4, 16) whose front end (3, 15) is displaceable in the Cylinder (2, 14) is arranged, and an actuating element (20) which can be brought from a start position to a dispensing position, whereby the front end (3, 15) of the piston rod (4, 16) towards the discharge end (5, 17) is moved, and which can be brought from the delivery position to the starting position, whereby the front end (3, 15) of the piston rod (4, 16) in the direction away from the discharge end (5, 17) is moved, wherein the main body (H) further comprising an electronic counter (30) which counts each operation of the actuator (20) which brings the actuator (20) from the starting position. Syringe after Claim 1 wherein the electronic counter (30) has a display (34) on which a count is displayed. Syringe after Claim 1 or 2 in that the electronic counter (30) stores two independent meter readings, each reaching the delivery position being taken into account at both meter readings. Syringe after Claim 3 in which one of the two counter readings is counted up and the other of the two counter readings is counted down. Syringe after Claim 3 or 4 , wherein one of the two meter readings can be reset by the user. Syringe after one of Claims 3 to 5 in which one of the two meter readings can not be reset by the user. Syringe after one of Claims 3 to 6 in which there is an input interface through which the user can switch between the illustrated counter readings on the display (34). A syringe according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic counter (30) has a communication interface (39) via which data can be transmitted to a separate device (40). A syringe according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic counter (30) logs at least one further data value each time the actuator (20) is actuated to bring the actuator (20) out of the starting position. Syringe after Claim 9 in which the at least one further data value, the date, the time, a unique identification value of the syringe (1) and / or a user identification is. A syringe according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic counter (30) comprises a control unit (31) and a memory (33) in which a program to be executed by the control unit (31) is stored, the program being changeable. A syringe according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the syringe is a self-filling syringe. System with a syringe (1) according to one of the above claims and a separate device (40), wherein the electronic counter (30) has an interface (39) via which data from the electronic counter (30) are transmitted to the separate device (40) become.

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