DE29908923U1 - Dispenser for flowable media - Google Patents

Description

"' 'PresentCold

RUFF, BEIER AND PARTNERS

STUTTGART

Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Michael Ruft Dipl.-Ing. Joachim Beier Dipl.-Phys. Jürgen Schöndorf Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Thomas Mütschele

Ruft, Beier and Partner · PO Box 10 4036 · D-70035 Stuttgart European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys

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Oschlestraße 124- 12 6 Telephone +49 (0)711-22 29 76-0

Fax +49 (0)711-22 29 76-76 78315 Radolfzell e-mail: info@RBuP.DE

Dresdner Bank (bank code 60080000) Account 9 011 341

7 · Λ T1 QCA State Girokasse (BLZ 60050101) Account 2530413

L·.. A JJ yot Postbank Stuttgart (BLZ 60010070) Account 42930-708

VAT number: DE 147528073

20 May 1999 JB/al

Description: Dispenser for flowable media

Problems often arise when dispensing, particularly when atomizing, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. These problems are due to the need for extremely precise dosing or the perishability or susceptibility to contamination of the products once media containers have been opened, soiling or contamination risks in the pipes, etc. Disposable dispensers have therefore been developed which contain the product in a media container which also forms the pump cylinder for a piston pump and which dispenses the contents in one or more strokes after the container is opened for the first time, e.g. by a needle piercing a piston stopper. Such an atomizer is described in WO 96/24439.

After use, the entire dispenser is disposed of. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

This is achieved by the solution described in the description and claims and shown in the drawing.

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In particular, the invention provides a dispenser which has a dispenser unit which can be easily replaced by the user and which can be connected to a reusable actuating unit for use and then separated again, whereby the actuating unit can be reused for further use while the dispenser unit is disposed of. The replaceable dispenser unit not only comprises the pump chamber and its closure, as in DE 40 21 263 A, but also makes it possible to replace all parts which come into contact with the medium, i.e. the channel paths, the outlet opening and, if necessary, the elements which come into contact with the body parts to be treated, for example a so-called nose olive, i.e. a nozzle which is inserted into the nose and which contains the outlet opening (spray nozzle) at its tip.

The invention shows numerous possibilities for achieving this. These are explained in the following description, whereby the individual features can be implemented individually or preferably in groups in the form of sub-combinations in an embodiment of the invention and can be protected individually and in other fields.

The drawings show preferred embodiments of the invention, which are described below. They show

Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a dispenser unit,

Fig. 2 a dispenser with releasable spring actuation in partial longitudinal section and the associated reloadable dispenser unit,

0 Fig. 3 in partial longitudinal section a donor and a

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Longitudinal section through the corresponding exchangeable dispenser unit,

Figures Top views of two versions of actuation units, 4 and 5

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinally sectioned exploded view of a dispenser consisting of a dispenser unit and an actuating unit with a detail,

Figures each in longitudinal section embodiments 7 to 11 of dispensers,

Figures a partial longitudinal section and a longitudinal section 12 and 13 in two perpendicular planes through a dispenser,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the dispenser,

Figures the dispenser according to Figures 12 to 14 in 15 to 17 corresponding representation in a second working position,

Figures two longitudinal sections through embodiments of 18 and 19 dispensers,

Fig. 2 0 a dispenser unit with indicated attachment to an actuating unit,

Fig. 21 the perspective view of a protective cap,

Figures Longitudinal sections through reloadable dispenser units 22 to 24,

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Figures are schematic representations of locking projections 25 to 21 and their interaction with the actuating unit,

Fig. 28 a longitudinal section through a spring-operated dispenser,

Fig. 29 the perspective view of a trigger element therefor,

Fig. 30 a schematic representation of the operation of the trigger element,

Fig. 31 a longitudinal section through a dispenser,

Figures in perspective, partially sectioned An-32 and 33 show an embodiment of a protective cap,

Fig. 34 a longitudinal section through the protective cap explained with reference to Fig. 32 and 33 with the

Donor unit,

Fig. 35 a longitudinal section through a dispenser,

Figures Longitudinal sections through reloadable dispenser units 3 6 and 3 7,

Fig. 38 is a section along the line I-I in Fig. 37, Fig. 3 9 is a longitudinal section through a dispenser unit, Fig. 39a is a detail from Fig. 39 in plan view,

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Fig. 4 0 a perspective view of a dispenser,

Fig. 41 a dispenser unit covered by a protective cap,

Fig. 42 this dispenser unit in longitudinal section and

Fig. 43 a longitudinal section through a dispenser with reserve receptacle in the lid.

Fig. 1 shows a type of dispenser mechanism as used in the following embodiments. It is therefore only described in detail with reference to Fig. 1.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, it forms a dispenser unit 11 with a media container 12 that contains the medium 13 to be dispensed, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquid. The media container is usually made of glass if this is necessary due to the diffusion safety and compatibility of the material. It also forms a push piston pump chamber, the piston of which is formed by a piston plug 14 that tightly seals the only opening of the media container. It is made of a very elastic, usually rubber-like plastic material and has a relatively long outer surface in order to have secure guidance during its piston function. Circumferential beads on the outer surface ensure tightness and controlled resistance conditions during axial movement. In the middle, a piercing area 15 of reduced thickness is delimited by two central recesses made on both sides, which can be pierced by a hollow needle 16 similar to an injection needle. This is held in a piston tappet 18, if necessary via a pressed-on retaining bush 17, and

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extends through the middle opening of the piston tappet 18 to just before an atomizing nozzle, which forms the outlet opening 19. This is provided in an outlet nozzle 20, which, as a projection with a rounded front, encases the largest part of the dispenser unit and accommodates the piston tappet, which is inserted into it or connected to it as one piece. The piston tappet 18 defines a swirl chamber 21 with the inner area of the outlet opening, which enables atomization in a spray cone, since the liquid is subjected to a swirl there. The outlet nozzle has an outer flange 32 on its lower, open front face in Fig. 1.

The media container is guided by means of its outer flange 22 provided in the opening area in the interior of the outlet nozzle via inner guide webs 82.

The dispenser unit works as follows:

When the media container 12 is moved in the direction of the outlet opening, for example by pressure on its base surface 23, the hollow needle 16 first pierces the piercing area 15 of the piston stopper 14. Shortly thereafter, the front surface 24 of the piston tappet 18 reaches the upper front surface of the piston stopper 14 and presses it downwards. The medium 13 exits through the inner channel 85 of the hollow needle, which forms the outlet channel and leads to just before the outlet opening 19. There, the liquid enters the swirl chamber 21 and then exits, with the appropriate swirl, from the outlet nozzle 19 as a spray cone in finely atomized form. When the piston stopper 14 hits the bottom of the media container, the discharge stroke is completed. However, it is also possible to achieve a multi-stage stroke by interposing obstacles, for example an intermediate stop that can be overcome or bypassed by a special actuation.

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This is described, for example, in WO 96/24439, to which reference is made here. All dispenser units described in this description can be designed with single or multiple strokes, although the design as a single-use atomizer is preferred.

Fig. 2 shows a dispenser 25 which uses a dispenser unit 11 according to Fig. 1. Its actuating unit 26 has the form of an elongated cylindrical pin, on one of whose front faces, the upper one in Fig. 2, a receiving or loading opening 27 is provided for the dispenser unit 11. It is inserted through a loading cutout 28 into a loading chamber 29 after an actuating plunger 30, which is guided in an actuating sleeve 31, has been withdrawn downwards from the loading chamber. The dispenser unit, indicated by dashed lines, rests with the opening-side outer flange 32 of the outlet nozzle 20 in the edge area of the receiving opening 27.

In the section of the actuating unit 26 adjacent to the loading chamber, a rotary mechanism is provided which is actuated by a rotary knob or knob 33 at the lower end. Similar to a lipstick mechanism, the actuating sleeve 30 is retracted, e.g. via a steep thread 34, or moved in the direction of the inserted dispenser unit 11. When the head 34 of the actuating plunger 30 reaches the bottom 23 of the media container 12, it is guided through a corresponding recess in the head. At the same time, however, the actuating plunger is fixed in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a trigger pawl 35. The sleeve 31, which is pushed further upwards, compresses a spring 36 and preloads it for a later actuating stroke. This position is shown in Fig. 2.

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The actuating pawl is exposed from the wall of the housing 3 7 of the actuating unit through corresponding U-shaped cutouts, with lateral connecting webs 38 forming a type of spring-loaded swivel joint. As a result, the release pawl forms a double-armed lever together with a release button provided on the other side of the connecting web 3 8, which is also separated from the wall by a U-cutout.

If the user presses the release button 39, it swings inwards and the release latch 35 outwards (see arrows). The actuating plunger 30 is released, the spring 36 pushes the media container 12 upwards and thus causes the discharge stroke.

After actuation, the actuating plunger and the actuating sleeve are moved back again by corresponding rotation of the rotary knob 33, so that the loading chamber is free. The used dispenser unit can then be removed through the loading opening 2 and replaced by a new one, which is indicated in Fig. 2. It is also shown that, for example, a reserve chamber for a dispenser unit 11 can be formed in the rotary knob 33.

Although dispensers that work with spring preload and release are already known from DE 40 15 367 A, a very attractive device with a high degree of automatic operation has been created here, even though the dispenser unit is a disposable unit. This is particularly important for medications against very painful symptoms, such as migraines, where a corresponding preparation that can be absorbed through the skin (nasal mucosa) must always be available in a usable form for the patient.

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and should also be particularly easy for him to administer, because he may already be functionally impaired by the severe pain. The dispenser is particularly easy to carry and handle in the form of a pen, and does not need to be much larger than a fountain pen. The actuation of the pump by spring force ensures a predetermined actuation force.

Fig. 3 shows a particularly simple, easy-to-manufacture design in which a dispenser unit 11 is provided which has two outer flanges 32 on the outlet nozzle 20. The media container 12 is accommodated in a receiving sleeve 40 which, like all parts of the atomizer described here, except for the ampoule, the hollow needle and springs, can be made of injection-molded plastic.

This sleeve 40, inside of which the media container is supported on webs 41, has on its outside an annular projection or flange 42 which interacts with a recess 43 on the inner circumference of the outlet nozzle 20. Both form a locking connection which can be overcome by axial pressure and which, due to a one-sided, barb-like bevel of the flange 42 on the top side, which can be seen in Fig. 3, is easier to overcome in the compression direction than in the opposite direction. This creates an actuation pressure point which requires a certain minimum actuation force to overcome. This ensures that the actuation takes place quickly and without any intermediate stop which could impair the atomization. Such a pressure point, the function of which is explained in detail in WO 96/24439, is provided in all versions described below.

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Fig. 3 shows that the dispenser unit 11 can be inserted into an actuating unit 26. In the present case, this consists of a base housing part 37 which has a flat oval shape (see Figs. 4 and 5). Actuating shoulders or surfaces 44 adjoin the sides of a loading opening 27. An oval jacket 45 runs around these, but has finger cutouts 46 in its two flatter side surfaces. As a result, the section of the receiving and actuating sleeve 40 located in this part is protected from accidental actuation, but is accessible for operation by a thumb.

Fig. 4 and 5 show two possibilities for assembling the dispenser unit with the actuating unit 26. According to Fig. 4, the dispenser unit 11 is pushed into the loading opening 27, which in this case is open at the side, with the section lying between the two outer flanges 32. Locking projections 47 secure the dispenser unit against falling out, while the two outer flanges 32 together with a neck 48 of the loading opening ensure axial securing.

According to Fig. 5, the housing 37 of the actuating unit 26 can be opened. It is manufactured as a one-piece plastic injection molded part, but can be opened via a film hinge 49 and a separation point 50 (see arrows in Fig. 5). The dispenser unit II is inserted into the loading opening 28 in the open state of the housing 37 and then the latter is closed again, with a locking connection 51 being provided at the separation point 50.

The operation is carried out manually by the operator placing a finger on each of the actuating shoulders on either side of the outlet nozzle 2 0 and pressing the receiving sleeve 40 upwards with the thumb.

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The dispenser unit can then be ejected and disposed of by unlatching it (Fig. 4) or opening the housing (Fig. 5). The part that is reused, i.e. the actuating unit 26, is shown here as only a single-piece plastic part, but it is the part with the largest surface area and possibly also volume, so that its reuse is worthwhile. Furthermore, the packing and transport volume of a treatment unit comprising several dispenser units is significantly reduced, which is particularly important for patients who always have to carry several dispenser units with them.

Fig. 6 shows a similar design in which the actuating unit 26 and its housing 37 correspond in basic form to that in Figs. 3 to 5. Here, however, the loading opening 27 is designed in the form of a longer neck 48, on the top of which a circumferential locking groove 52 is provided on the inside. It works together with a corresponding oblique locking projection 53 on the dispenser unit 11. This is provided on the outside of a ring 5.4 which is injection-molded in one piece with the receiving sleeve 40, but is only connected via thin material bridges 55. These form a predetermined breaking point which creates the previously described pressure point function as well as an tamper-evident seal. The ring is inserted from below into a recess in the lower end face of the outlet nozzle 20 (see detail in Fig. 6).

The dispenser unit and the actuating unit 11, 26 are assembled as shown in Fig. 6. The dispenser unit is first inserted with its receiving sleeve 40 from above into the loading opening 27. The locking projections 53 lock into the locking recesses 52 and fix the dispenser unit there.

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The dispenser is activated by pressing the base of the receiving sleeve 40 with the thumb. As in the case of Fig. 3, the pressure point must first be overcome (in Fig. 3 by disengaging the snap connection 42, 43 and in Fig. 6 by destroying the material bridges 55 forming a predetermined breaking point). The dispenser is then activated with the minimum actuation force specified in this way. After use, depending on the design of the locking recesses and projections, the dispenser unit can either be removed upwards or pushed downwards to free up the actuation unit 26 for a new batch.

Instead of the described snap-in connection, a locking mechanism using a type of bejonet lock between the dispenser unit and the actuating unit is also possible. Something similar is also described below. It can be seen that the relatively high neck 48 means that the outlet nozzle 20 can be made relatively short. It can be limited to the part that is actually exposed to body contact, while the part that lies between the two fingers of the user 0 remains on the reusable housing 3 7 of the actuating unit 2 6. This saves material on the dispenser unit.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, a dispenser unit according to Fig. 1, i.e. without a receiving sleeve 40, is used. It is inserted into the loading opening 28 of the housing 37 of the actuating unit 26 either by means of a bayonet lock or from below. A pusher 56 is arranged in the oval lower opening of the housing 37, which largely covers this lower opening and forms an actuating surface with the lower surface 57. It is guided with lateral upwardly directed wall parts 58 within the casing 45 and engages with projections 59 that are bevelled at the top in openings 60

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in the casing 45. A hollow central support 61 corresponding to the function of the receiving sleeve 4 0 supports the bottom 2 0 of the media container 12.

To insert the dispenser unit, if it is designed with a bayonet lock, it is inserted from above into the loading opening 27 and locked by turning. The media container rests on the receiving nozzle 61 and is centered on it by means of a conical receiving opening.

To operate, press on the base surface 57 until the catches 59, 60 release the pusher for upward movement. The receiving nozzle 61 pushes the media container 12 upwards and activates the dispenser. The dispenser unit 11 can then be removed upwards again using the bayonet lock.

However, it is also possible to design the locking connection 59, 60 in such a way that the locking device 59 is released from the opening 60 for ejection, for example by pressing on the two flat sides of the oval housing 37, so that the pusher 56 can be pulled out downwards. In this case, the outlet nozzle 20 of the dispenser unit 11 would only need the outer flange 32 shown in Fig. 1 to rest on the lower edge of the loading opening 28. The dispenser unit could then be inserted from below together with the pusher 56 and then removed again.

5 It is also possible to provide a spring in the interior of the actuating unit, i.e. between the actuating shoulders 44 and the inner surface of the pusher base 57, which returns the pusher 56 to its initial position after actuation.

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This is shown in a similar way in Fig. 8. Instead of the external catches 59, 60 in Fig. 7, a pressure point-forming catch 42, 43 is provided between the receiving socket 61 of the pusher and an inner socket 62 of the housing 37 surrounding the receiving socket 20. This socket could also be formed only by webs or fingers, which would further support the spring-loaded catch function. The dispenser unit is inserted by means of a bayonet connection 62, namely from above. A spring 64 ensures that it returns to the starting position shown in Fig. 8 after actuation.

A reserve chamber 65 for a dispenser unit 11 is provided in the receiving nozzle 61. In this design, only the media container with its piston stopper could be replaced after the outlet nozzle 20 has been removed together with the needle, the piston stopper and the outlet opening using a bayonet. Such a design is useful when contamination or soiling of the outlet paths of the medium is not to be feared or is harmless. This would also be possible with the design according to Fig. 7. The locking connection 42, 43 ensures the pressure point function and the hold of the pusher unit on the housing 37.

Fig. 8 also shows a protective cap 66, which can help to protect the outlet paths for the medium from contamination, soiling and drying out, so that this part of the dispenser unit could be part of the reusable actuation unit.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which the dispenser unit 11 inserted by means of a bayonet 63 is closed at its bottom by a product protection cap 67, with a construction otherwise similar to that of Fig. 7. It lies on the bottom of the media container 12, is guided inside the outlet

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nozzle and rests on its lower edge with a ring 54 (see detail), which is molded onto the product protection cap 67 via destructible material bridges 55. The pusher 56 is secured in the opening 60 via the barb-like locking projections 59, which, however, extends upwards in the casing 45 in the form of a slot, so that it does not hinder an upward movement of the pusher 56 and does not take over the function of the actuation pressure point. This is instead taken over by the material bridges 55, which are destroyed during actuation when the central nozzle 61 of the pusher presses against the bottom of the product protection cap 67 and activates the dispenser with this cap interposed.

This design has the advantage that the dispenser unit 11 forms a completely closed unit, since the wall of the outlet nozzle 20, which extends down over the media container and into the housing 37, and the product protection cap 67 closing the lower opening completely surround the media container and its channel paths. If, for example, the outlet opening 19 is also provided with a tear-off or adhesive closure, then no contamination can occur when handling the dispenser unit.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment in which the dispenser unit 11, which is inserted into the loading opening 27 of the housing 37 via a bayonet 63, is provided with a receiving sleeve 40 which has the predetermined breaking ring 54 molded onto its outside via the corresponding material bridges 55. It interacts with the outlet nozzle face extended into the housing interior when the lower face of the receiving sleeve 40 is pressed. The ring 54 then breaks off and releases the stroke 0 with the intended minimum actuation force.

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Fig. Il shows an embodiment in which the dispenser unit 11 corresponds to that in Fig. 9 and is also inserted into the housing 37 of the actuating unit 26 via a bayonet 63. The lower surface of the product protection cap 67, however, has a possibly spherical cap-like shape, onto which an actuating plunger 68 of the housing presses. This is part of an actuating lever 69 which is molded onto the actuating shoulders 44 on one side via a film hinge 70. Its outer lever end 71 is guided in a slot 60 in the casing 45 of the housing 37. When the lower actuating surface 57 is pressed, the lever pivots clockwise about its film hinge 70, and the actuating plunger 68 presses against the spherical cap surface 72 of the product protection cap 67, tears off the predetermined breaking ring 54 and actuates the dispenser. A plastic tab 73 molded onto the lever section 69 blocks the film hinge in the position shown by the lever end 71 and the slot 60, so that the lever section forms a possibly pre-tensioned plastic spring that is integral with the housing 3 7. With this design, a particularly effective and sudden actuation of the dispenser and a return can be achieved via a certain leverage effect and by the spring design of the lever 69.

An embodiment according to Figures 12 to 17 shows a dispenser 25, the dispenser unit 11 of which, formed on the outlet nozzle 20, has the actuating shoulders 44, which are designed in the manner of an oval, inverted pan and have only a relatively short, downward-facing jacket 45. This has circumferential locking projections 75 on the inside, which interact with corresponding projections 76 on the actuating unit 26. The actuating shoulders grip over the body 37 of the actuating unit 26, which is also oval in cross-section, in such a way that a continuous smooth wall

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in continuation of the casing 45. However, a retaining ring 78 is interposed adjacent to the casing 45, which can either be designed as a separate part or, preferably, can be molded onto the casing 45 via tear-off material bridges. It has a tear-off tab 79 and can be separated at this point, also via destructible material bridges.

The body or base housing 37 of the actuating unit 26 is designed similar to a hollow tube of oval cross-section.

An actuating body or pusher 82 is held therein via cooperating locking lugs 80, 81, the cross section of which corresponds to the inner cross section of the body 37 and has an actuating surface 57 on its underside which is accessible to the user's thumb via the pump stroke through an actuating cutout 46 in the body 37.

The actuating body 82 contains in its center an actuating tappet 30, for example in the form of a tube. On both sides next to it, or surrounding the actuating tappet, a release element 83 is formed on the actuating body 82, starting from the actuating surface 57. It has a stepped release surface 84 on its upper side, in the extension of which two release tabs 85 lie opposite a protective cap 66 surrounding the outlet nozzle 2 0. These reach through openings 86 in the actuating shoulders 44 into the interior of the actuating unit 2 6 and are secured to the dispenser unit 11 by means of barb-like projections 87 inside the actuating shoulders. The lower edge of the release tabs 85 has an insertion beveled surface 8 8.

The dispenser unit 11 has, through flange 42 and recess 43, a pressure point snap function, as shown in Fig.

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3. The recesses 43 can be provided on individual webs protruding from the underside of the actuating shoulders, which surround the receiving sleeve 40 in a crown shape.

The function is as follows: During assembly, all parts are secured by snapping together. The actuating unit can be supplied separately from the dispenser unit and kept ready for use, while the dispenser unit including the locking ring 78 can be stored separately, fitted and later removed again. Fitting is done by engaging the locking projections 75, 76, which can also be provided in the form of individual lugs on the circumference. Fig. 12 shows that these engage, but the locking ring 78 prevents the actuating shoulder with its casing 4 5 from being pressed completely against the body 3 7 or the shoulders 8 9 formed by the latter in the area of a circumferential recess.

The release tab 85, with its barb 87, holds the protective cap firmly on the dispenser unit 11, and is secured against accidental removal. In this position, which is shown in Figures 12 to 14, the dispenser 25 is secured against actuation. When a user presses on the actuating surface 57, the upper step 90 of the release surface 84 strikes the release tab 90 and prevents the actuating plunger 30 from reaching the bottom surface 23 of the receiving sleeve 40 or from exerting an actuating pressure on it.

To unlock and thus prepare for the activation release, the user must tear off the locking ring 78, namely via the tear-off tab 79. This allows the dispenser unit to be attached to the

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Actuating unit 26 so that the front surface of the casing 45 rests on the shoulder 89. In the process, the step 90 of the unlocking element 83 presses the unlocking tab 85 of the protective cap 66 outwards via the inclined surface 88, whereby the latter pivots flexibly outwards about its fastening point 91 on the circumferential casing of the protective cap 66. In this position, when the barb 87 is designed in cooperation with the opening 86 so that they come free from one another when pivoted, the protective cap 66 can be removed by hand. The dispenser is then operational, i.e. only after the protective cap has been removed, and can now be actuated by pressing the actuating surface 57 in the previously described manner to atomize the liquid 13 contained in the media container 12, after the minimum actuating pressure ensured by the pressure point device 42, 43 has been applied.

In order to additionally prevent the actuation from taking place before the protective cap is removed, the barb 87 and the opening 86 can be designed accordingly so that the protective cap cannot be completely removed even after the release tabs 85, of which several can be provided on the circumference, have been swung out. According to this embodiment, it would be necessary for the user to split the protective cap 66 lengthwise by applying lateral pressure to it, which can be made possible by a gap in a cup flange 93 and a break line 94 indicated in Fig. 17, made by weakening the casing of the protective cap 66.

The protective cap would only be released through the openings and barbs 86, 87 when the protective cap is broken open. The user can then remove it and only then use the dispenser. This prevents

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prevents the dispenser from being operated when the protective cap is unlocked but still in place, and on the other hand, destruction of the protective cap also signals that use has already taken place, even if the user subsequently replaces the protective cap on the dispenser unit, which is then removed from the operating unit after use by overcoming the locking projections 75, 76 and disposed of.

In the dispenser 25 according to Fig. 18, the pressure point protection of the dispenser unit 11 is provided with the design described with reference to Fig. 6 with a tear-off ring 54 and material bridges 55 serving as a predetermined breaking point. The housing of the dispenser unit 11, which also includes the outlet nozzle 20, has a downwardly directed tubular projection 95 in which an outwardly directed flange 96 of the receiving sleeve, on which the destructible material bridges are also provided, is guided relatively tightly and thus prevents dirt from penetrating into the interior of the dispenser unit. The narrow gap 120 thus created therefore acts as a seal.

0 The projection 95 is inserted into a cylindrical pipe socket 97 of the actuating unit 26 and is secured at the top by a type of combination of bayonet and screw thread 98. This can also be seen in Fig. 24 and contains wing-like protruding locking elements 99 inclined according to a screw pitch, which are inserted from above through cutouts 10 0 in the housing 3 7 of the actuating unit 2 6 and can then be screwed into thread-like inclined recesses 101 up to a stop. This type of combined bayonet and screw connection ensures a firm, positive and force-locking connection with quick and uncomplicated installation.

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The wing-like locking elements 99 are provided on a ring 102 which is formed on the protective cap 66 via destructible material bridges 103. It has barb-like catches 104 on its inside which engage in the pipe jump 95 of the dispenser unit and prevent this ring from being pulled off upwards. Furthermore, locking teeth 105 which interact with one another on the underside are provided on the ring 102 and the projection 95 in order to prevent the ring 102 from twisting relative to the dispenser unit 11 or to connect the two together in a rotationally fixed manner.

The actuating unit 26 is designed as a pre-tensionable unit that can be triggered via an actuating button 3 9 , as already explained with reference to Fig. 2. For this purpose, a sleeve 31 is provided in the housing 3 7 of the actuating unit 26, which ends at the bottom in the actuating button 3 9 and which is arranged coaxially with the dispenser unit and is movable. It is held in the housing 37 via barb-like catches 106 so that the actuating button 3 9 protrudes slightly downwards, but is movable upwards. A trigger element 107 is guided in the sleeve 31, which defines a cup-shaped recess 108 in which a compression spring 109 is supported. This can be supported either on a lower housing wall 37 or in the trigger button 3 9 forming the bottom of the sleeve 31. On the upper side of the trigger element there is provided a spreading element 110 which consists of individual, springy, conically outwardly positioned spreading tabs which are supported on the underside of the annular projection 95 of the dispenser unit and are prevented by the pipe socket 97 from expanding further conically since they are under the pressure of the compression spring 0 10 9 .

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The sleeve 31 engages the outer inclined surface 111 of the expansion element.

The function is as follows: The dispenser unit 11 is supplied as a replaceable element with a protective cap 66. This is firmly connected to the dispenser unit via the catches 104 and the ring 102. When the dispenser unit is inserted into the actuating unit 26, ie into the pipe socket 91 , the lower surface of the ring projection 95 acts on the spreading elements 110 and presses them, which were previously higher up in the pipe socket and could possibly also be made captive by an annular shoulder provided there, down under tension of the compression spring 10 9. The bayonet 98 snaps into place and is secured and tightened by turning the dispenser unit and the actuating unit.

This can also be done by pressing the actuating unit against the clamping force onto a storage container for the dispenser unit, as is known, for example, from the syringe sold under the brand name IMIGRAN, which has a clamping stamp and holds the dispenser unit in a position that enables this clamping and insertion by turning the actuating unit.

This tensions the actuating unit. Before actuation, the protective cap 66 is loosened and removed by turning it relative to the actuating unit 26 and tearing off the material bridges. If the release button 39 is now pressed, the sleeve 31 moves upwards and presses the expansion element 110 together until it slides inwards on the bevelled inner sides of the ring 54, hits the surface 23 of the receiving sleeve 40 and, under the pressure of the tensioned compression spring 109, opens the dispenser.

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After the actuation has taken place, the dispenser unit 11 can be released from its bayonet lock 98 and removed by rotating the outlet nozzle 12 relative to the actuating unit 26: The toothing 105, which can be designed similarly to a HIRTH toothing, ensures that the rotational force is transmitted to the bayonet ring 102.

Since the dispenser unit is inserted under spring tension, it can be advantageous to connect the bayonet and/or screw connection with a snap connection by providing the bayonet or thread flank projections 99 with a barb-like slope and corresponding flexibility so that they can snap into the correspondingly designed thread or bayonet recesses 101 even without recesses 100 specially provided for this purpose.

If they contain a screw component, they can then be brought into their final position by further twisting. The disengagement is done as with a bayonet or thread by turning in the opposite direction and removing via a cutout 100.

0 It should also be noted that the predetermined breaking ring 54 is fixed by a corresponding undercut in the projection 95 in such a way that the receiving sleeve and thus the media container 12 cannot be removed from the dispenser unit.

Fig. 19 shows a design which corresponds in design and function to that of Fig. 18. However, the dispenser unit 11 is secured to the actuating unit 26 via a spring-loaded locking lever 112 which is formed on the housing of the dispenser unit and has a barb-like locking lug

113 the inside of the housing 37 of the operating unit 26

0 after it has been inserted into the receiving opening from above

114 was used. A flange 32 on the outlet nozzle 20

■ · « » · &bgr; · ♦♦·►··

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forms a counter bearing for the fixing. To remove the dispenser unit after use, an ejector button 115, separate from the release button 3 9, is provided on the side of the casing of the actuating unit.

Fig. 20 shows an embodiment in which the dispenser unit 11 is also secured to the actuating unit 26 by means of locking levers 112 designed like spring legs and corresponding barb-like locking lugs 113. They are formed on the housing wall of the dispenser unit 11, i.e. on the outlet nozzle 20, in such a way that they are spread further apart than the opening cross-section of the receiving opening 114 (Fig. 20, right side). This prevents insertion. Only when the protective cap 66 is still in place (Fig. 20, left side of the drawing) does it press the locking levers 112 together so far that they can now engage in the receiving opening 114 in a locking manner, possibly supported by a slope on the latter.

This prevents a dispenser unit from being used with the protective cap already removed, which may therefore already be used and/or contaminated. The dispenser unit can be triggered and/or ejected as shown in Fig. 19.

Fig. 21 shows one way of securing the protective cap. It is attached to the dispenser unit, as can also be seen in Fig. 22, with a nasty snap-in mechanism 116. To remove it, it must be torn open along its casing. This is done using a strip-shaped tear-open tab 117, which is connected to the casing from the inside or outside by a corresponding linear weakening of the material, but is sealed when not torn open. A grip tab 118 for grasping and tearing open the protective cap

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66 protrudes from the upper closed end of the protective cap in Fig. 21. The tear-off tab extends over a flange 119 protruding from the casing (see also Fig. 22).

In Fig. 22, a strip-shaped tear tab 117 is also provided, but in this case the grip tab 118 is formed in the area of the flange 119. The tear tab extends as far over the protective cap as is necessary for it to be removed without any problems. In most cases, a separation in the area of the flange 119 is sufficient, but it is also possible to extend the tear tab completely over the casing.

In Fig. 22, the locking mechanism of the dispenser unit 11 in an actuating unit, already explained with reference to Fig. 18, can be seen, namely via snap/bayonet/screw locking elements provided with a corresponding insertion bevel. Here too, as in Fig. 18, a very narrow gap is provided between the receiving sleeve 40 and the housing 121 of the dispenser unit 11, which also contains the outlet nozzle 20, in order to create a seal.

In Fig. 23, the dispenser unit 11, which is designed as a reloadable cartridge, is covered by the protective cap 66 in the area of its outlet nozzle 20 in the delivery state. This is held on to the dispenser unit by being permanently locked into a closure cap 122, which covers the otherwise open side of the dispenser unit 11 opposite the outlet opening 19 and protects it against dirt. The closure cap can only be opened via a tear-off tab 117, 118, as described in Fig. 21 or 22, so that the protective cap 66 can be removed. Only then is it possible to insert it into the actuating unit.

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In Fig. 24, a corresponding tear tab or tear strip 117, 118 is also provided for removing the protective cap, which is otherwise secured to the housing 121 of the dispenser unit by a gripping toothing 116. Fig. 24 shows the locking elements 99 of the bayonet 98, which were already explained with reference to Fig. 18 and are designed like inclined wings. However, they are provided directly on the housing 121 of the dispenser unit as projecting segments. The pressure point function here again takes place via projections 42 on the receiving sleeve 40 and recesses 43, which are provided on webs 123 projecting downwards from the housing 121 in a crown shape. Again, a narrow gap 120, which is as dust and dirt-proof as possible, is provided between the housing 121 and the receiving sleeve.

Figures 25 and 26 show that the projections 99 , which may also be inclined like a screw thread and/or beveled at the bottom for the purpose of a snap connection, with corresponding counter-projections 124, which can rest on the top of the housing 37 of the actuating unit 26, can be designed as segments offset from one another in the circumferential direction, so that they, like all parts of the dispensers described (except for the needle and any compression springs), can be easily demolded and manufactured from injection-molded plastic. Fig. 27 shows the segments 99 and 124 in interaction with the housing 37. The opposing locking segments 99 can be introduced through the corresponding openings 100 into the recesses 101 and brought into the securing position by turning. The counter-segments 124 rest on the surface of the housing 37.

0 Fig. 2 8 shows an embodiment of a dispenser which has a pre-tensioned and releasable actuating device 2 6. The cartridge-like dispenser unit 11 can be

·

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Fig. 22 in structure and function. It is inserted into the housing 37 of the actuating unit 26 through the opening 114 and secured by means of a bayonet/screw/snap fastening. The screw cap is secured to the dispenser unit by means of a zip fastener 117, 118 as shown in Fig. 21 or 22.

The actuating unit contains in its essentially cylindrical housing 37 a compression spring 109 which is enclosed and guided in two pot-shaped guide sleeves 125, 126. The sleeve 125 is part of a base 127 which closes off the actuating unit 26 at the bottom and is secured to the housing shell 37 by snapping into place.

The spring unit 128 consisting of compression spring 109 and guide sleeves 12 5 , 12 6 is held in the tensioned state by a release element 129, which is shown in perspective in Fig. 2 9 and its function is explained in Fig. 3 0. The release element consists of a plastic part with an oval ring 13 0, which in the normal state has the shape designated "N" in Fig. 3 0. Support webs 131 are provided at the most curved vertices of the oval, which protrude up and down on the left rear side in Fig. 2 9 and only down on the right front side. A release button 3 9 protruding through a housing opening is formed on this side. On this side, a securing web 132 stiffened by ribs projects upwards, which can rest with its securing surface 133 on the flange 119 of the protective cap 66, as can be seen from Fig. 2 8.

The function is as follows: The dispenser unit 11 is inserted into the actuating unit 26 after it has been taken out of a storage container. In this container it is inserted into an opening provided for this purpose via

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a stamp provided there. This corresponds to the IMIGRAN system already mentioned. The pressure exerted by the stamp in the storage container acts on the surface 134 of a plunger* "13S" which projects upwards from the cup-shaped guide sleeve 126 towards the dispenser unit, protruding through the opening of the ring 130. While in the released state the ring 130 has been expanded somewhat by the guide sleeve 126, the ring 130 snaps back into its oval shape N (Fig. 30) when the guide sleeve 126 has passed through it downwards, because the stamp 135 has a much smaller cross-section than the opening of the ring 130. After the compression spring 109 has been tensioned, the shoulder 136 that forms rests on the underside of the ring 13 0, which in turn is guided axially immovably between the guide sleeve 125 and the annular projection 95 of the housing. When the compression spring 109 is tensioned, the ring 13 0 of the release element 12 9 is therefore in the relaxed state. Since this is the storage state of the operating unit, this is an advantage because it means that no problems arise with the reduction of tension caused by the flow of plastic under load.

Before operating the dispenser, the protective cap must first be removed. It is torn open via the tear tab 117, 118 and removed. This releases the flange 119, which had previously largely prevented or at least hindered movement of the release button 39 via the securing surface 133 and the securing web 132. If the release button 39 is now pressed, the oval ring is brought from its unloaded shape ("N" in Fig. 30) into its 0 actuated shape "B". It can be seen from Fig. 30 that the shoulder 136, which was locked by the ring in position "N", is released in position "B", so that the spring unit 128 can now relax and the plunger

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135 carries out the pumping operation of the dispenser. This design has the additional advantage that it works exclusively with the self-springing of the release element and that no tight fits have to be maintained. In fact, the opening in the ring can be much larger than the sleeve 126, so that there is no risk of jamming. It only locks due to the fact that it is already oval in shape from the injection process. The locking bar 132, when it rests on the flange 119 of the protective cap 66, prevents the ring from deforming completely into a shape that exposes the shoulder. This does not have to be a circular shape, but can be a weaker oval.

In a particularly preferred embodiment according to Fig. , the design and function correspond to Fig. 2 8 with the following additional advantages: The protective cap 66 not only prevents release when the protective cap is in place via the securing surface 133 and the securing web 132, as in Fig. 28, but by extending the active surfaces 133 or the corresponding projection at the upper end of the securing web 132, the latter also engages in the bayonet/screw/snap lock in such a way that if the lock is not fully engaged, the locking element(s) 99 prevent actuation by preventing the corresponding widening of the oval when the release button 3 5 is pressed.

Furthermore, the protective cap 66 is secured against unwanted re-attachment, which would inadvertently or intentionally simulate a dispenser unit that has already been used.

This happens, as shown in particular in Figures 32 and 33

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show, in that the protective cap has a spreading edge 137 which is inclined downwards like a hat cramp.

This is shown in Fig. 32 in the state with the protective cap removed before being placed on the dispenser unit or after being removed from it. It can be seen that the expanding edge expands itself to a diameter which prevents insertion into an upwardly grooved edge 13 9 on the dispenser unit 11. Insertion is only possible with a special assembly device which is used in production and which compresses the expanding edge so far that it can be inserted into the groove 14 0 delimited by the edge 13 9.

Fig. 34 shows the dispenser unit secured in this way, which can be manufactured as a corresponding reloading unit in this form and inserted into the actuating unit by the user. The edge 13 9 has a corresponding cutout through which the safety web 132 "feels" the spreading edge 137 and, if present, blocks the release.

This design is also useful as a system that can be operated manually without spring preload. In this case, manual operation would be blocked by the safety bar (see also Fig. 43). The feature of the non-replaceable protective cap 66 is useful in all designs.

Fig. 35 shows a design that corresponds to that shown in Fig. 28. However, there are two release buttons 39 opposite each other, both of which are secured by a safety bar 132 against being activated when the protective cap 66 is in place. In this design too, the additional safety device can be removed when the protective cap 66 is not in the safety position.

• · &igr; .

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Use a bayonet, screw or snap lock.

The geometry of the oval ring 13 0 is designed in such a way that the dispenser can only be activated by pressing both release buttons simultaneously. It therefore provides a safeguard against accidental activation (possibly also a child safety lock).

The dispenser unit 11 according to Fig. 3 6 corresponds in design and function to that according to Fig. 24, except that instead of the locking pressure point function, the predetermined breaking ring 54 is provided, which is connected to the receiving sleeve 40 via the material bridges 55 (cf. Fig. 6 and 18).

Fig. 37 shows an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 36, but in which the protective cap 66 has internal projections or pins 141 which protrude through openings in the outlet connection 20 and engage in the movement mechanism of the thrust piston pump. In the present case, the pins 141 engage over the flange 22 of the media container 12. It cannot therefore be pushed upwards even in the event of accidental activation and the needle 85 cannot pierce the piston plug 14. This prevents the pump from being activated.

As can be seen from Fig. 38, the protective cap has an oval cross-section and is designed so flexibly that by pressure transverse to the pins 141 the protective cap assumes a round or, if necessary, oval shape in the other direction, whereby the pins are pulled out of the corresponding openings in the outlet nozzle 20.

This not only releases the actuating mechanism, i.e. the piston pump, but also allows the protective cap to be removed.

A 33 964 - 32 -

Just as with the designs with an oval release ring 13 0, any other shape could be chosen instead of an oval, which interacts with the shape of the corresponding part in such a way that the corresponding effect occurs when deformed. For example, here the protective cap could also be circular if the cross-section of the outlet nozzle was oval with the longer axis in the direction of the pins, or flattenings on the outlet nozzle in conjunction with a circular protective cap cross-section could be sufficient. The same applies to the release ring 13 0, which could also have a circular or other shape, for example rhombic or square, and could work together with a correspondingly designed shoulder 13 6.

Figures 39 to 42 show an embodiment which, with regard to its actuating mechanism, corresponds to that of Fig. 28. It accordingly has a lateral release button 39, a deformable release ring 130 and a securing web 132 which cooperates with a flange 119 of the protective cap 66.

The dispenser unit 11 shown in Figures 41 and 42 has a locking mechanism for fastening to the actuating unit 26, which cooperates with the fastening of the protective cap 66. On the flange 119 of the protective cap, for example,

5 elements 143 are provided at two opposite points, which project downwards in the shape of a bow, and which carry a wedge-shaped connecting part 144 on two relatively thin, possibly tearable webs 143. This bow-shaped element engages over one of the locking elements 99, which are designed here as a flat 0 bayonet projection, but can also have a screw pitch. The inclined surface 145 of the

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Wedge 144 forms an insertion bevel which is necessary in order to be able to insert the dispenser unit from above into the corresponding recess in the actuating unit 26. This is done by appropriately elastically pivoting a safety lever 146 which is provided on the trigger element 129 instead of one of the support webs 131 from Fig. 29. This ensures that the dispenser unit 11 can only be inserted if the protective cap 66 is still intact and attached to the unit. If the protective cap is removed by appropriate rotation and shearing off of the webs and an attempt is then made to load such a dispenser unit, the interaction of the flat bayonet projection 99 with the safety lever 146 does not allow the latter to be pushed back and the dispenser unit to be inserted.

A release button 115 (see also Fig. 40) is used to release the dispenser unit 11 from the actuating unit after use, to which a wedge-shaped fork 147 is formed at its two free ends, as shown in Fig. 39a. As can be seen in Fig. 39, this fork 147 engages between the projection 95 of the housing 37 and the safety lever and presses the latter outwards so that the locking elements 99 are released and the dispenser unit 11 can be removed. The projections 99 can correspond to either a bayonet or simply to the snap lock without rotation into an operating position.

After the protective cap has been removed, which can only be done when the dispenser unit 11 is inserted into the actuating unit 26, the wedge-shaped bracket falls freely downwards. It is then no longer possible to put this dispenser unit back onto an actuating unit.

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Fig. 4 0 shows a design with a tear tab on the protective cap 66, but the arrangement of the actuation and release buttons 3 9 and 115 is also valid for Fig. 3 9.

Fig. 43 shows an actuating unit 26 with manual actuation via an actuating button 56, as already shown in Figures 7 to 9. It is designed to be relatively wide and a cover 148 can be placed on it, in which a reserve holder 149 for two reloadable spare dispenser units 11 is provided. They can be inserted by clamping or also via their screw-bayonet connection with propeller-wing-like locking elements 99. With the head of their protective caps 66 they engage in corresponding recesses in the actuating shoulder 44 so that they remain in their position even during violent movements. This version therefore shows a different version of the reserve holder for "spare cartridges" already shown in Figures 2 and 8 or its functional parts.

A double-armed safety lever 150 is formed on the housing 37 in the area of the actuating shoulders and is designed in such a way that it would like to pivot in the direction of the arrow 151, ie anti-clockwise. However, it is prevented from doing so by the flange 119 of the protective cap 66 , whereby its lower locking surface 152 rests on an inner projection 153 of the actuating button and prevents actuation as long as the protective cap is not yet removed. If the protective cap 66 is removed, the safety lever 150 pivots anti-clockwise into a position that releases actuation.

Claims (8)

1. Dispenser for flowable media, in particular a disposable atomizer for pharmaceutical and cosmetic liquids, with a dispenser unit ( 11 ) intended for limited, preferably one or two-time actuation, which contains a media container ( 12 ), an outlet opening ( 19 ) and outlet channels located between the media container and the outlet opening and optionally closing and opening elements ( 15 , 16 ), and with an actuating unit ( 26 ) which can be separated therefrom and is reusable and which has at least functional parts which contribute to the actuation of the dispenser unit ( 11 ). 2. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized by a dispenser unit ( 11 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 2.1 the media container ( 12 ) simultaneously forms a pump cylinder of a thrust piston pump. 2. 2.2 The media container ( 12 ) is closed by a piston plug. 1. 2.2.1 the plunger stopper is pierceable, in particular by a hollow needle ( 16 ). 3. 2.3 a piston tappet ( 18 ) receiving a hollow needle ( 16 ) presses with its front face ( 24 ) on a piston plug ( 14 ) in order to accomplish the pump stroke. 4. 2.4 the piston tappet ( 18 ) lies in a discharge nozzle ( 20 ) which has the outlet opening ( 19 ). 1. 2.4.1 the media container ( 12 ) is located at least partially within the discharge nozzle ( 20 ). 5. 2.5 the discharge opening ( 19 ) forms a spray nozzle for atomizing the medium. 6. 2.6 the outlet nozzle ( 20 ) can be connected to an actuating unit ( 26 ). 7. 2.7 an actuation pressure point is provided to ensure a minimum actuation force. 1. 2.7.1 - by spring-loaded snap connection, 2. 2.7.2 - by destructible material bridges ( 55 ). 8. 2.8 A narrow sealing gap ( 120 ) is provided between a housing part ( 95 ) of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) and a receiving sleeve ( 40 ) receiving the media container ( 12 ). 3. Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an actuating unit ( 26 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 3.1 It has the shape of a pen, at one end of which the dispenser unit can be inserted. 2. 3.2 it has a loading chamber through which the dispenser unit ( 11 ) can be inserted. 3. 3.3 it has the shape of a circular or oval cylinder, on one end of which a recess with fastening means for the dispenser unit ( 11 ) is provided. 4. 3.4 A reserve chamber ( 65 ) is provided in the actuating unit ( 26 ), optionally with a holder for at least one reserve dispenser unit. 5. 3.5 the dispenser unit ( 11 ) is accommodated in a base housing ( 37 ) of the actuating unit ( 26 ), which has actuating surfaces (shoulders). 6. 3.6 the actuating unit ( 26 ) contains a lever actuation ( 69 ) with an actuating plunger ( 68 ), 1. 3.6.1 which has a plastic spring which may need to be pre-tensioned. 4. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an actuating unit with a tensionable and releasable actuating mechanism with at least one of the following features: 1. 4.1 The loading of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) and tensioning of the actuating mechanism takes place by rotating two parts of the actuating unit ( 26 ) against each other. 2. 4.2 the actuating mechanism contains a tensionable and lockable compression spring and a release mechanism ( 39 ) 1. 4.2.1 the release mechanism contains a spreading element ( 110 ) which can be contracted for release. 2. 4.2.2 the trigger mechanism contains a shape-changing ring ( 130 ) which, preferably during triggering, can be deformed from an initial oval shape (N) into a shape (B) that is closer to a circle. 5. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an actuation lock for preventing unwanted actuation of the dispenser ( 25 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 5.1 the lock cooperates with a means ( 88 , 89 , 132 , 133 , 150 ) which depends on the insertion or engagement of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) in the actuating unit ( 26 ). 1. 5.1.1 the actuation lock contains a tear-off ring in the connection area between the dispenser unit ( 21 ) and the actuation unit ( 26 ). 2. 5.1.2 the lock contains a section ( 85 ) which can be deflected by mutual displacement between the dispenser unit ( 11 ) and the actuating unit ( 26 ), which prevents actuation in the non-deflected position and allows it in the deflected position, wherein the deflectable section ( 85 ) is preferably attached to a removable protective cap ( 66 ) and at the same time forms a safeguard against removal of the protective cap before the dispenser ( 25 ) is ready for operation. 3. 5.1.3 the lock contains a securing element ( 132 , 150 ) which interacts with the dispenser unit, preferably via a securing surface ( 133 ), and interacts with a trigger element ( 129 ) or an actuating element ( 56 ). 2. 5.2 the lock cooperates with a protective cap ( 66 ) of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) to prevent actuation before the protective cap ( 66 ) is removed. 3. 5.3 the lock cooperates with a lock of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) on the actuating unit ( 26 ) to prevent actuation before the locking is carried out. 6. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a dispenser unit ( 11 ) with a protective cap ( 66 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 6.1 it is connected to a part attached to or integral with the dispenser unit ( 11 ) via destructible material bridges ( 103 ). 2. 6.2 it is secured by a safety device ( 85 , 87 ) against removal of the dispenser unit before the dispenser is ready for operation, preferably by a deflectable section ( 85 ) with a locking connection ( 86 , 87 ). 3. 6.3 it is essentially permanently attached to the dispenser unit and can be destroyed by a tear tab ( 117 , 118 ) for removal. 4. 6.4 it has a tear vulnerability ( 94 ). 5. 6.5 it is secured to the dispenser by a closure cap ( 22 ), which preferably also tightly closes an actuation opening of the dispenser ( 125 ), wherein the closure cap is preferably removable by a tear-off tab ( 117 , 118 ). 6. 6.6 it is secured against removal by securing elements ( 141 ) engaging in the dispenser unit ( 11 ), wherein these elements ( 141 ) can preferably be removed from engagement with the dispenser unit ( 11 ) by deformation of the protective cap cross-sectional shape. 1. 6.6.1 the safety elements ( 141 ) form safety stops which engage in the pump mechanism and secure the pump against activation before the protective cap is removed. 7. 6.7 it is secured against unauthorized re-installation by an expansion ring ( 137 ) which is inserted into a groove-like recess ( 140 ) on the dispenser unit ( 11 ) on the assembly side and which cannot be reinserted into the groove after the protective cap has been removed. 7. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking mechanism between the dispenser unit ( 11 ) and the actuating unit ( 26 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 7.1 Locking is achieved by means of a bayonet, a screw connection, by snapping, a locking connection or spring pressure via a stop. 2. 7.2 the locking is effected by means of a combination of bayonet and/or screw connection, if necessary in combination with a snap connection such that a snap connection is provided for locking in place, but a release position is provided for releasing, which can be reached by rotating the dispenser unit ( 11 ) and the actuating unit ( 26 ) relative to one another. 3. 7.3 The locking is effected by means of a locking mechanism ( 112 , 113 , 146 ) which can be disengaged by means of a release element ( 115 ). 8. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a safeguard against improper insertion of the dispenser unit ( 11 ) into the actuating unit ( 26 ) with at least one of the following features: 1. 8.1 a protective cap ( 66 ) above the dispenser unit actuates insertion or locking elements ( 112 , 113 ) such that insertion is only possible with the protective cap ( 66 ) in place, preferably by means of flexible securing elements. 1. 8.1.1 The protective cap may have tear-off insertion elements ( 144 ) which form an insertion slope ( 145 ) for inserting the dispenser unit into the actuating unit ( 26 ), while the locking elements ( 99 ) present after removal of the protective cap ( 66 ) prevent insertion.