DE102020106321A1 - Dispenser for dispensing ultrasound gel - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to make a dispensing device for dispensing ultrasound gel with a container for the ultrasound gel and a holding device for holding the container particularly easy to handle and flexible, it is proposed that the container is arranged in the holding device in such a way that an outlet opening for dispensing the ultrasound gel from the container a front end of the container is arranged and a plunger movable in the longitudinal direction of the container for pressing the ultrasonic gel in the direction of the outlet opening is arranged in the container.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing ultrasonic gel, the dispensing device having a container with the ultrasonic gel or for receiving the ultrasonic gel and a holding device for holding the container. The container is arranged in or on the holding device in such a way that an outlet opening for dispensing the ultrasonic gel from the container is arranged at a front end of the container.

The invention also relates to an ultrasound device with a dispensing device arranged thereon or integrated therein.

State of the art

In the US 2019/0150892 A1 describes a dispensing device for dispensing ultrasound gel with a container for receiving the ultrasound gel and a self-closing closure means.

the CN 103462637 A describes an ultrasonic gel dispenser with a motor.

Another ultrasound gel dispenser is shown in US 6,561,389 B1 described. A plunger arranged in the receptacle can be pushed downward over a very limited path within the upper portion of the receptacle in order to expose an inlet opening for the ultrasound gel. The bottom of the stamp is fixed inside the container by means of a spring mechanism.

Presentation of the invention: task, solution, advantages

The object of the present invention is to further improve a dispensing device for dispensing ultrasound gel, the dispensing device having a container with the ultrasound gel or for receiving the ultrasound gel and a holding device for holding the container, in such a way that a treating doctor can do this in a very simple and ultrasound gel can be conveniently removed. According to the invention it is proposed for this purpose that the container is arranged in or on the holding device in such a way that an outlet opening for dispensing the ultrasonic gel from the container is arranged at a front end of the container and a plunger movable in the longitudinal direction of the container for pressing the ultrasonic gel into the container Direction of the outlet opening is arranged.

The dispensing device thus essentially consists of the container for the ultrasound gel and a holding device for holding or fastening the container. The container is preferably exchangeable. Furthermore, the container can be designed in such a way that the ultrasound gel can be refilled and thus the container can be reused. In this case, the container is designed to be washable and sterilizable. The container size can vary and preferably has a capacity between 250 ml and 11.

The outlet opening arranged in the front end can be designed, for example, as a hole or also as an outwardly protruding hollow protrusion, similar to a syringe end. For this purpose, the container can in particular be arranged in a vertical or horizontal orientation in the holding device. An inclined arrangement or alignment of the container is also possible.

For example, the container can be arranged upside down in or on the holding device. For this purpose, the container can be inserted into the holding device and fastened to it. The container can be removed from the holding device. The holding device then preferably has a receptacle for inserting and removing the container in the upper or side area. The receptacle can be designed to be adaptable to different container sizes.

By pressing the ultrasonic gel by means of the plunger in the longitudinal direction inside the container in the direction of the outlet opening, ultrasonic gel is pressed out through the outlet opening. Depending on the alignment and orientation of the container within the holding device, the stamp is moved from top to bottom, from bottom to top or also in the horizontal direction.

Optionally, a collecting plate for the ultrasound gel can be arranged or can be arranged below the outlet opening. The collecting plate can preferably be sterilized. The holding device can have a stand for setting up the dispensing device on a table or on the floor. As an alternative or in addition, the holding device can be arranged or fastened on an ultrasound device or can also be integrated into it. For example, the holding device could be fastened or can be fastened to the ultrasound device by means of a screw, an adjusting screw and / or a clamp.

The dispensing device can optionally also have a holder and / or dispenser for paper towels or other utensils.

The dispensing device preferably has a pressure means for moving the stamp. The pressure means thus serves to generate the propulsion of the ram within the container in the direction of the outlet opening. The pressure means can be designed as a passive or active pressure means. A passive pressure means can for example be designed as a weight or have a weight. The weight is then placed from the outside on the bottom or the bottom plate of the stamp, so that this causes the stamp to be pressed down inside the container. For this purpose, the stamp base preferably has a circumferential, raised edge so that the weight remains securely on the base of the stamp. Furthermore, the pressure means could be designed as a long rod arranged on the outside of the stamp base. This rod could be gripped and moved manually or by means of a corresponding activation device. Furthermore, the pressure means could be designed as a spring and / or have a motor.

The container is preferably designed to be essentially elongated. For example, the container could have a round cross section. Preferably, however, the cross section of the container is angular, for example square. In the case of exchangeable containers, this has the further advantage that the containers can be stacked in a particularly advantageous manner and packaged for transport.

It is also preferably provided that the stamp has a cross section which essentially corresponds to an inner cross section of the container. Thus, a relatively tight guidance of the stamp within the container is preferably provided. Optionally, a rubber, for example a rubber rim arranged around the stamp, can also be provided as a guide inside the container.

Furthermore, the stamp preferably has a pressure surface which is completely in contact with the ultrasound gel when the ultrasound gel is pressed. Most preferably, the pressure surface or the inside of the stamp base is designed in accordance with the shape of the section in the area of the outlet opening, e.g. the lower section of the container. For example, the pressure surface can have a positive shape of the container in this section. Furthermore, it is particularly preferably provided that the pressure surface has at least two sections arranged at an angle to one another, the angle being very particularly preferably greater than 90 ° and less than 180 °. For example, the angle could be between 120 ° and 140 °.

The dispensing device preferably has a triggering device for actuating the stamp, which can be activated mechanically, electrically and / or without contact. For example, the triggering device could have a switch or button that can be operated by foot or hand. Furthermore, the triggering device could have an infrared barrier. The triggering device activates the movement of the plunger and thus the pressing of the ultrasound gel. In other words, the pressure means is actuated or activated by means of the release device.

The triggering device can also have a metering function, by means of which the duration of the actuation of the plunger and / or the pressure path (stroke) of the plunger can be controlled. Thus, regardless of the duration of the actuation of the triggering device, a predetermined amount of ultrasound gel could be dispensed with each actuation of the triggering device. This predefined amount can particularly preferably be predefined or set within the dosing function.

It is also preferably provided that the front end of the container has a smaller cross section, very particularly preferably a tapering cross section, than a middle or upper area of the container. For example, the section of the container adjoining the front end could be designed in the shape of a syringe.

The dispensing device preferably has a closure means which is designed in such a way that when the closure means is activated, the ultrasound gel is prevented from escaping through the outlet opening. The closure means could be designed to be active or passive. A plurality of closure means, for example a passive and an active closure means, could also be provided. Furthermore, the closure means can be integrated into the container or, alternatively, can be arranged outside the container.

An example of a passive integrated closure means is, for example, a ball arranged in the interior of the container on the outlet opening. These prevents the ultrasound gel from unintentionally escaping through the outlet opening and is pushed away by the ultrasound gel itself when the stamp is pressed in the direction of the outlet opening, so that the ultrasound gel can be removed through the outlet opening.

An example of an active and partially integrated closure means is a metallic and / or magnetic ball arranged in the interior of the container on the outlet opening. This prevents the ultrasound gel from escaping unintentionally through the outlet opening. A magnetic and / or metallic element is arranged on the outside of the container in the area of the outlet opening. In order to release the outlet opening, the magnetic and / or metallic element can be designed to be movable and can thus be moved away from the outlet opening. The magnetic force of attraction between the ball and the element moves the ball away from the outlet opening. Alternatively, the magnetic element could also be designed to be electrically activatable, e.g. as an electromagnet. In this case, the magnetic element would not have to be designed and arranged to be mechanically movable.

An example of a separate external and activatable closure means would be, for example, a pin or a plate-shaped element next to the outlet opening of the container, with which a compression can be carried out from the outside onto the outlet opening or through the outlet opening in order to prevent or stop the escape of the ultrasound gel. The closure means can be activated, for example, electrically, magnetically or via a light barrier.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the closure means is not in direct contact with the outlet opening and / or the ultrasound gel itself. For example, the closure means could be designed as a clamp or clamp-shaped and arranged such that the container in the area of the outlet opening or the outlet opening itself is compressed or pressed from the outside in order to prevent further leakage of the ultrasonic gel. Very particularly preferably, a tubular plastic spout in the form of a small, flexible plastic pipe is arranged, for example plugged or pushed on, at the outlet opening of the container, which can be compressed by externally applied pressure. The plastic sleeve can be pressed shut or compressed, for example, by means of a clamp-like closure means. The plastic spout could be an integral part of the container and thus be permanently arranged at the outlet opening. Alternatively, the plastic sleeve could be exchangeable and insertable into the outlet opening or designed to be plugged onto the outlet opening.

The closure means can preferably be activated and / or deactivated by means of a release device for actuating the plunger.

Alternatively, no closure means could also be provided. If an active pressure means is provided, the negative pressure within the container can be sufficient to stop the ultrasound gel from escaping as soon as the stamp is no longer moved or the pressure on the stamp is removed. Furthermore, no closure means is required, for example, in the case of an active movement of the plunger from bottom to top.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the dispensing device has a temperature control unit for warming up and / or preheating the ultrasonic gel arranged in the container. For example, the temperature control unit can be connected to the holding device or can be connected to it. Alternatively, the temperature control unit could also be integrated into the holding device or designed as a separate component. The temperature control unit preferably has setting means, such as rotary controls and / or buttons and a display, for example a digital display, for setting and displaying the temperature.

The container preferably has at least one fixing means for fixing the stamp. When the ram is actuated for the first time, this fixing means is released, for example broken off. The fixing means can prevent the stamp from being actuated in an undesired manner before the container is inserted into the holding device or when the container is packaged or removed from the packaging. As an alternative or in addition to the fixing means for fixing the stamp, the container can have an additional closing means for closing the outlet opening before the first use or between several uses.

The dispensing device can have an operating switch, namely an on / off switch, for the electrical components, for example the pressure means, the release device and / or the temperature control unit.

According to the invention, an ultrasound device with a dispensing device as described above is also provided. In principle, the dispensing device can be releasably connected or connectable to the ultrasound device.

Preferably, however, the dispensing device is firmly connected to the ultrasound gel or integrated into it.

Figure list

The invention is explained below by way of example with the aid of preferred embodiments.

• 1: eine Schnittdarstellung einer Spendevorrichtung;
• 2: eine weitere Schnittdarstellung einer Spendevorrichtung; und
• 3: ein Ultraschallgerät mit einer Spendevorrichtung.

They show schematically:

• 1 : a sectional view of a dispensing device;
• 2 : a further sectional view of a dispensing device; and
• 3 : an ultrasound machine with a dispenser.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

1 shows a sectional view through an exemplary dispensing device 100 for dispensing ultrasound gel 10 . The dispenser 100 has a container 12th on which with ultrasound gel 10 is filled. The container 12th is in a holding device 11 the dispenser used. In the area of the lower frontal end 14th of the container 12th indicates the container 12th an outlet port 13th on. A vertical alignment or orientation of the container is an example here 12th shown, the outlet port 13th in the area of the lower frontal end 14th of the container 12th is arranged.

In the container 12th is a lengthways 15th of the container 12th movable stamp 16 to press the ultrasound gel 10 towards the outlet opening 13th arranged. The Stamp 16 is by means of a pressure means 16a , in this example designed as a spring, actuated. The release mechanism 21 is made contactless in the form of an infrared circuit. In the 1 Shown arrangement of the release device 21 shows only one variant as an example. The release mechanism 21 could also be arranged as an infrared circuit in a horizontal orientation. The release mechanism 21 detects, for example, a hand below the outlet opening 13th and activates the pressure means 16a by means of which the stamp 16 inside the container 12th is pressed down.

On the outlet opening 13th of the container 12th is a flexible plastic grommet 25th attached. By means of a clamp-like closure means 22nd can use the plastic grommet 25th below the outlet opening 13th squeezed or squeezed to allow the ultrasound gel to escape 10 to prevent or stop. The closure means 22nd is also triggered by the release mechanism 21 activated or deactivated. Thus, the outlet port 13th only by the release mechanism 21 opened or released.

By combining a flexible plastic grommet 25th and one clamp-shaped and outside the container 12th arranged closure means 22nd can ensure that the closure means 22nd never in direct contact with the ultrasound gel 10 itself is. Regular disinfection and removal of the ultrasound gel 10 on the closure means 22nd is therefore not required.

The one in the container 12th arranged stamp 16 has one with the lower portion of the container 12th corresponding form. In particular, is the pressure surface 18th of the stamp 16 as a positive form of the lower end of the container 12th educated. In concrete terms, there is the contact surface 18th from two at an angle 20th mutually arranged sections 19a and 19b .

In the in 1 The example shown has the dispensing device 100 a stand 26th to set up the dispenser on a table or on the floor. Below the outlet opening 13th is also a catching plate 27 arranged to prevent ultrasound gel 10 but drips on the table or the floor.

For warming or warming up the ultrasound gel 10 is within the by the holding device 11 trained recording 17th a temperature control unit 23 around the container 12th arranged around.

In 2 Figure 3 is also a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing device 100 shown at least in sections. The holding device 11 and the recording 17th the dispenser 100 differ slightly from the example 1 . The in 2 shown example clasps the holding device 11 the container 12th at two points.

Another difference in the 2 The dispensing device shown as an example is the pressure means 16a . In this example the pressure means is 16a passive and in the form of a weight. This will be on the surface of the stamp 16 and automatically causes the stamp to be pressed 16 towards the outlet opening 13th .

The closure means 22nd is in this embodiment by a metallic ball 28 and a magnetic element 29 educated. The metallic ball 28 is in the closed state inside the container 12th on the outlet opening 13th arranged. Outside the container 12th is in the area of the outlet opening 13th the magnetic element 29 arranged. At the in 2 The embodiment shown by way of example is the magnetic element 29 movably arranged. By moving the magnetic element 29 away from the exhaust port 13th , becomes the metallic ball 28 due to the magnetic attraction between metallic balls 28 and magnetic element 29 from the outlet port 13th moved away. This will open the exhaust port 13th Approved.

Alternatively, the magnetic element could be 29 designed to be electrically activatable and not movable outside of the container 12th in the area of the outlet opening 13th be arranged. When the magnetic element is activated 29 a magnetic field is then switched on electrically, causing the movement of the metallic ball 28 causes.

Will the locking means 22nd in the area of the outlet opening 13th opened, ultrasound gel enters 10 through the outlet opening as the weight has a constant pressure on the stamp 16 causes.

In 3 is an ultrasound machine 200 with a dispensing device arranged thereon 100 shown.

List of reference symbols

100

Dispenser

200

Ultrasound machine

10

Ultrasound gel

11

Holding device

12th

container

13th

Outlet opening

14th

Front end of the container

15th

Longitudinal direction of the container

16

rubber stamp

16a

Pressure means

17th

recording

18th

Contact surface

19a, 19b

Sections of the pressure surface

20th

angle

21

Release mechanism

22nd

Closure means

23

Temperature control unit

24

fixer

25th

Plastic grommet

26th

Stand

27

Collecting plate

28

Metallic ball

29

Magnetic element

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2019/0150892 A1 [0003]
• CN 103462637 A [0004]
• US 6561389 B1 [0005]

Claims (14)

Dispensing device (100) for dispensing ultrasound gel (10), the dispensing device (100) having a container (12) with the ultrasound gel (10) or for receiving the ultrasound gel (10) and a holding device (11) for holding the container (12) wherein the container (12) is arranged in or on the holding device (11) in such a way that an outlet opening (13) for dispensing the ultrasonic gel (10) from the container (12) at a front end (14) of the container (12) ), characterized in that a plunger (16) movable in the longitudinal direction (15) of the container (12) for pressing the ultrasonic gel (10) in the direction of the outlet opening (13) is arranged in the container (12). Dispensing device (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the dispensing device (100) has a pressure means (16a) for moving the stamp (16). Dispensing device (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the container (12) is essentially elongated. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamp (16) has a cross section which essentially corresponds to an inner cross section of the container (12). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamp (16) has a pressure surface (18) which is completely in contact with the ultrasound gel (10) when the ultrasound gel (10) is pressed, the pressure surface (18) ) has at least two sections (19a, 19b) arranged at an angle (20) to one another. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (100) has a triggering device (21) for actuating the stamp (16), which can be activated mechanically, electrically and / or contactlessly. Dispensing device (100) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the release device (21) has a metering function. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front end (14) of the container (12) has a smaller cross-section, preferably a tapering cross-section, than a middle and upper area of the container (12). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (100) has a closure means (22) which is designed in such a way that when the closure means (22) is activated, the ultrasound gel (10) can escape through the outlet opening ( 13) is prevented. Dispensing device (100) according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the closure means (22) is not in direct contact with the outlet opening and / or the ultrasonic gel (10). Dispensing device (100) according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that the closure means (22) can be activated and / or deactivated by means of a release device (21) for actuating the plunger (16). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (100) has a temperature control unit (23) for warming up and / or preheating the ultrasonic gel (10) arranged in the container (12). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (12) has at least one fixing means (24) for fixing the stamp (16), which is released when the stamp (16) is actuated for the first time. Ultrasonic device (200) with a dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (100) is permanently connected to or integrated into the ultrasonic device (200).

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