EP1588772B1 - Dosing pump and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The dosing pump assembly for pharmaceutical or cosmetic substances has the manually-operated pump installed in a variable volume container (2). The pump cylinder (4) has a non-return inlet valve (6) with a spring-loaded ball (6a). A spring (8) forcing a piston (5) with a central passage (9) upward toward a non-return outlet valve (7) with a spring-loaded (7b) ball (7a). There is a release channel (11) with a valve (12) for removal of air from the container. A suction cap (13), with a spring-loaded (14) stamp (16) inside it, is fitted over the valve.

Description

The present invention relates to a Dosierpumpenanordnung with a container with variable volume for receiving a fluid and having a sealingly connectable to the container, manually operable pump having an associated with the environment outlet port. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such a Dosierpumpenanlage and a method for their preparation.

From the DE 100 49 898 C2 is a delivery device for fluids known, with which, for example, liquid pharmaceuticals or cosmetics metered out of a container can be applied. The metering pump used for this purpose operates without air compensation, wherein the liquid is received within the container in an environmentally sealed inner bag which collapses during emptying.

The filling of such inner bag with liquids, such as pharmaceuticals or cosmetics usually takes place in such a way that residual air remains in the inner bag. This is undesirable for several reasons. Thus, the atmospheric oxygen is always in contact with the liquid during storage, which leads to a reduction in the storage time or the sterility of the liquid. However, filling the fluid container in germ-free atmosphere or under protective gas is very complicated and expensive.

In addition, complete emptying of the bag is only possible if no residual air remains in the inner bag after filling. The residual air in the inner container also has a disturbing effect if the dispensing device is not kept straight during the actuation. So can through the pump If not completely vertical alignment of the metering pump assembly residual air are sucked, which is discharged from the inner bag instead of the liquid. This is particularly undesirable in the administration of drugs, such as nose, eye or ear sprays, in which an application with exactly vertical held dispenser is difficult.

In the DE 100 49 898 C2 Therefore, it is proposed to form between the outer wall of the piston and the inner wall of the pressure cylinder of the metering pump a passage for the residual air to be sucked, which communicates on the one hand via a provided on the pump housing opening with the inner bag and a valve-like flap within the pump with the environment , Through this channel within the pump, any residual air present may be sucked after filling the inner bag to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages. However, the formation of this channel for the residual air in the inner bag requires a high precision in the preparation of the pump. In addition, the production of this known dispensing device becomes more expensive due to the complicated construction of the pump. A similar arrangement in which a channel for the residual air is provided between the outer wall of the pump housing and a sleeve-like insert in the lid, is in the generic EP 0 628 355 A1 described.

Object of the present invention is in contrast to provide a metering pump arrangement of the type mentioned, in which with simplified means the remaining in the filling of the container in this remaining air can be sucked. Furthermore, a simplified method for producing such a metering pump arrangement is to be provided.

This object is achieved by a metering pump arrangement with the features of claim 1. Here is an outside of the pump and from this spaced extending bypass channel provided, which connects the container with the environment and is sealable via a closure element. Since the bypass channel is not integrated in the pump itself, the construction of the pump can be kept very simple. This makes it possible Use inexpensive and simple pumps. In addition, can be used by the separation of the pumping function of the exhaust function for the residual air, a large number of different pumps, so that the selection of the pump can be tailored to the application purpose. At the same time, the bypass channel allows effective extraction of the residual air from the container, wherein the bypass channel can be sealed by the suction element by the closure element so that no unwanted media, such as possibly impure ambient air, can penetrate into the container.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has a flange-like cover, for example, via which the container is sealed off from the pump. In this case, the bypass channel may be formed by an opening extending in the lid. The bypass channel can be provided in this way with particularly simple means by the introduction of a bore or the provision of a recess within the example. Stiff lid. This minimizes the cost of manufacturing the suction assembly over the known configuration of the suction assembly within the pump.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bypass channel is formed by a valve with a valve seat, which is associated with a valve element such that a flow from the container is allowed into the environment and locked in the opposite flow direction. In other words, in the cover or at any other point of the container, a check valve may be provided, through which the remaining when filling the container in this residual air can be sucked. At the same time, however, this valve must prevent air from being sucked into the container during proper operation of the pump, which in addition to the detrimental effects described above, could also lead to the ingress of germs or the like.

The valve of the metering pump arrangement may, for example, be designed so that an elastically deformable element is provided on the container, which closes the bypass channel in its unloaded state at least in a flow direction from the environment into the container and which by a pressure difference between the Container and the environment is deformable such that at least a flow from the container is made possible by the bypass channel in the environment. Preferably, the elastically deformable element is a strip, a disc or the like of a rubber-elastic material. In particular, the elastically deformable element may be a sealing ring, which is held on a pin on the outside of the container or lid, for example, such that the sealing ring closes the bypass channel in the unloaded state.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the elastically deformable material may be formed by a disc which is inserted in a recess in the cover in such a way that the disc is pressed along its edge into the recess and held there. In the center of the disc, an opening is provided, which is closed by a pin provided in the recess, which can be positioned offset to the bypass channel. If now the residual air is sucked out of the container, then the disc bulges away from the lid and is lifted off the pin. However, the edges of the disc hold them by the tension of the disc in the recess. In this state, the residual air can escape through the opening in the disc. Once the pressure difference between the container and the environment has been reduced, the disc lays back into the recess and the pin closes the opening of the disc to prevent flow from the environment into the container.

A simple and inexpensive to produce embodiment of the invention provides that the bypass channel in particular by a locking pin hermetically sealable. In this case, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the closure pin has a profiled, eg toothed, region for forming air channels and a closure region. In this embodiment of the metering pump arrangement, it is possible initially to insert the locking pin into the bypass channel in such a way that air channels remain between the inner wall of the bypass channel and the toothed area of the locking pin, so that in this position the locking pin is secure in the Bypass channel is held, but at the same time residual air can be sucked through the bypass channel. After the suction, the bypass channel can be sealed by the closure pin is pressed further into the bypass channel, so that its not provided with a toothing or the like profiling seal region sealingly abuts the inner wall of the bypass channel.

Alternatively, it is also possible to close the bypass channel by gluing, welding, sealing or in another suitable manner.

It is preferred if the pump has a pressure chamber with a piston guided therein, a first check valve which connects the pressure chamber with the container, and an outlet opening which connects the pressure chamber with the environment and is provided with a second check valve. The first check valve allows a flow from the container into the pressure chamber, if in this a lower pressure than in the container prevails, while a flow in the opposite direction is basically blocked. Accordingly, the second check valve allows a flow from the pressure chamber into the environment when the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds a defined value, while a return flow, for example. Of ambient air into the pressure chamber through the second check valve is not possible.

As an alternative to the described embodiment of the pump with a piston and a pressure chamber, it is also possible to provide a bellows-type pump or another suitable pumping device.

Since the metering pump arrangement according to the invention operates without air compensation, the container must have a variable volume. This is possible in a particularly simple manner in that the container is formed from a collapsible film.

For ease of handling the metering pump assembly, in particular for gripping the assembly during actuation of the pump, it is preferred if the container is associated with a substantially rigid shell, which surrounds the container and is connectable to the pump. Here, a vent opening is provided in the rigid shell, so that the collapse of the container in the shell is not hindered.

Depending on the intended use of the metering pump arrangement, the outlet opening may, for example, be formed by a nozzle for atomising the liquid contents of the container. However, it is also possible to design the outlet opening in another way, for example, to deliver individual larger drops of a liquid through the metering pump arrangement.

The dosing pump arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable for dosing, dispensing, application or the like of liquid cosmetics and / or pharmaceuticals.

The object on which the invention is based is furthermore achieved by a method for producing a metering pump arrangement, which has the following steps: First, the container is filled with a liquid product. Subsequently, the filled container except the Bypass ducts closed by the pump and / or the lid. In the next step, the residual air remaining in the container is substantially completely sucked off through the bypass channel, whereupon the bypass channel is closed in such a way that at least one flow from the environment into the container is prevented. The remaining in the container during filling residual air can be sucked in this way quickly and with simple means.

Preferably, for sucking off the gas or the residual air from the container a suction cup is placed on the Dosierpumpenanordnung such that at least the opening of the bypass channel is surrounded by the suction cup. The suction cup can suck in this way, the residual air through the bypass channel from the container. Due to the pressure difference between the interior of the container and, for example, the suction cup can be opened by the suction of the residual air at the same time a valve, preferably a closing the bypass channel sealing ring, which automatically after the end of the suction, so for example. by elastic restoring forces, closes again.

If, after sucking the gas out of the container, a punch or the like presses a locking pin into the bypass channel, it can be closed easily and in a short time. The usually automated filling process of the container is thus minimally extended by the suction of the residual air and the closing of the bypass channel.

It is preferred if the closure pin is inserted into the bypass channel before aspiration with a profiled region which forms passage channels with the inner wall of the bypass channel and is pressed into the bypass channel after aspiration such that a closure region of the Locking pin seals the bypass channel. The closure pin can be held captive in the bypass channel already before filling the container, without thereby obstructing the suction of the residual air from the container. The closing of the bypass channel is then carried out by simply pushing the locking pin further into the bypass channel.

By suitable manufacturing methods, the closure pin can also be formed integrally with the cover and / or the bypass channel, so that the number of components of the metering pump system according to the invention can be kept low.

The invention will be described below with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Schnittansicht eine Dosierpumpenanordnung nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung vor dem Beginn der Restluftabsaugung,

Fig. 2

die Dosierpumpenanordnung gemäß Fig. 1 nach Abschluss der Restluftabsaugung,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt einer Dosierpumpenanordnung nach einer zwei- ten Ausführungsform der Erfindung während der Restluftabsau- gung und

Fig. 4

einen Ausschnitt gemäß Fig. 3 vor oder nach der Restluftabsaugung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

in a schematic sectional view of a metering pump arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention before the start of the residual air suction,

Fig. 2

the metering pump according to Fig. 1 after completing the residual air extraction,

Fig. 3

a section of a Dosierpumpenanordnung according to a second embodiment of the invention during the Restluftabsau- supply and

Fig. 4

a section according to Fig. 3 before or after the residual air extraction.

The in the FIGS. 1 and 2 Dosing pump arrangement 1 shown has a with a fluid, for example. Liquid pharmaceutical or cosmetic product, filled container 2, which is formed by a collapsible bag. The container 2 is sealed to a pump 3, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a pressure chamber 4 with a piston 5 sliding therein and two check valves 6 and 7, respectively.

In the pressure chamber 4, a spring 8 is provided such that the piston 5 is acted upon in the figure upwards. The piston 5 has a central passage opening 9, through which a fluid from the container 2 can be pumped into the environment. For this purpose, the first check valve 6 is connected such that the first check valve 6 allows a flow from the container 2 into the pressure chamber 4, when the spherical valve element 6a is lifted by a negative pressure in the pressure chamber 4 from its valve seat. In the opposite direction, however, a flow from the pressure chamber 4 into the container 2 through the first check valve 6 is blocked. Further, the second check valve 7 is arranged so that at an overpressure in the pressure chamber 4 fluid can escape through the check valve 7 into the environment by the valve body 7a is lifted against the force of the valve spring 7b from its valve seat, while a backflow of eg. Ambient air in the pressure chamber 4 is prevented by the check valve 7.

In the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment, the container 2 is provided with a flange, for example. Stiffened cover 10, which seals the pump 3 relative to the container 2. Spaced apart from the pump 3, an opening 11 is formed in the lid 10, in which in the shown Embodiment, a T-shaped locking pin 12 is inserted. The opening 11 thus forms a bypass channel through which the container 2 is in communication with the environment, bypassing the pump 3.

The locking pin 12 has a in the FIGS. 1 and 2 lower portion 12a, which is provided with a gear-like profiling in the form of longitudinal grooves. In this way, the closure pin 12 forms together with the opening 11 a plurality of air channels through which the container 2 is in flow communication with the environment.

One in the FIGS. 1 and 2 upper closure portion 12b of the closure pin 12 has no such profiling and is provided with a diameter which corresponds at least to the opening 11.

Next is in the FIGS. 1 and 2 a suction bell 13 is shown, which is placed on the Dosierpumpenanordnung 1 such that the bypass channel forming opening 11 is enclosed by the suction bell 13. Via a suction line, not shown, residual air can thus be sucked out of the container 2 through the suction bell 13 and the air ducts formed between the closure pin 12 and the opening 11.

The suction bell 13 is connected via a spring mechanism 14 with an axis 15, via which a punch 16 can be actuated. By lowering the axis 15 with the punch 16 from the in Fig. 1 Thus shown, the suction bell 13 is thus brought into contact with the cover 10 of the container 2, so that the suction cup sealingly rests on the cover 10. In this position, as already described, residual air can be sucked out of the container 2 through the air channels between the closure pin 12 and the opening forming the bypass channel 11.

By continued depression of the axis 15 comes, as in Fig. 2 illustrated, the punch 16 with the closure pin 12 in abutment and presses it further into the opening 11, so that the bypass channel forming opening 11 is hermetically sealed by the closure portion 12 b of the closure pin 12. In this position, even after removal of the punch 16 with the suction cup 13 no air can enter through the opening 11 in the container 2 and also an inadvertent leakage of liquid from the container 2 is prevented.

In this state, the container 2 is substantially completely filled with a liquid, for example a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, which can be dispensed from the container by actuation of the pump 3. Since the residual air has been sucked out of the container 2, it is possible to dispense the product from the container in any position of the metering pump arrangement, without it being possible for air to be sucked in by the pump 3. Thus, for example, eye drops or ear drops can also be applied in defined amounts in a lateral or overhead position of the dosing pump arrangement 1 without air bubbles emerging from the pump.

Deviating from the illustrated embodiment, the second check valve 7 may be arranged in a nozzle or other suitable dispensing device which can be plugged into the central passage opening 9 or onto the shaft of the piston 5 projecting out of the pressure chamber 4. In order to prevent the ingress of germs and thus contamination of the liquid contained in the pump, in particular the second valve 7 of the pump 3 also different than in the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 be designed only exemplarily illustrated embodiment.

The in the FIGS. 3 and 4 shown second embodiment differs only with respect to the sealing of the bypass channel 11 of the previously described embodiment. Thus, the bypass channel 11 is closed by an elastically deformable sealing ring 17, which is optionally held under tension in a recess 10 provided in the cover 10. The sealing ring 17 acts as a valve. In the sealing ring 17, an opening 19 is provided, which in the in FIG. 4 shown unloaded state is sealed by a pin 20 which is offset in the depression to the bypass channel 11 is arranged. The sealing ring 17 rests against the bypass channel 11 in such a way that it prevents the ingress of air from the environment into the container 2.

In contrast, the sealing ring 17, as in FIG. 3 shown, during the suction due to the pressure difference between the interior of the container 2 and, for example. A suction cup 13 bulged under elastic deformation, so that the bypass channel 11 is released. As a result, the sealing ring 17 also lifts off the pin 20 to allow residual air to escape through the opening 19 from the container 2. In this state, the sealing ring 17 is held along its edge under bias in the recess 18.

After suction, the sealing ring 17 sets again due to its elastic restoring force sealingly against the bypass channel 11 and closes it. At the same time, the opening 19 is closed by the pin 20.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

metering pump

2

container

3

pump

4

pressure chamber

5

piston

6

first check valve

6a

valve body

7

second check valve

7a

valve body

7b

valve spring

8th

feather

9

central passage opening

10

cover

11

Opening (bypass channel)

12

locking pin

12a

profiled area

12b

closure area

13

suction cup

14

spring assembly

15

axis

16

stamp

17

Sealing ring (valve)

18

deepening

19

opening

20

pen

Claims (20)

1. Dosing pump assembly with a container (2) with a changeable volume to receive in particular a fluid and with a manually actuatable pump (3), able to be sealingly connected with the container, which pump has an outlet opening (9) connected with the environment, wherein outside the pump (3) a bypass channel (11) is provided, which connects the container (2) with the environment, characterized in that the bypass channel (11), which is able to be sealed off by means of a closure element (12, 17), is provided outside the pump (3) and running at a distance therefrom such that residual air is able to be drawn off out of the container (2) when the container (2) is connected with the pump (3) in a sealed-off manner.
2. Dosing pump assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the container (2) has an in particular flange-like cover (10), via which the container (2) is sealed off with respect to the pump (3), wherein the bypass channel (11) is formed by an opening (11) running in the cover (10).
3. Dosing pump assembly according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bypass channel (11) is formed by a valve with a valve seat, with which a valve element is associated such that a flow is permitted out of the container (2) into the environment and is blocked in the opposite flow direction.
4. Dosing pump assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that the valve is constructed in or on the cover (10).
5. Dosing pump assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastically deformable element (17) is provided on the container (2), which in its unstressed state closes the bypass channel (11) at least in a flow direction from the environment into the container (2), and which is deformable by a pressure difference between the container (2) and the environment such that through the bypass channel (11) at least a flow out of the container (2) into the environment is made possible.
6. Dosing pump assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastically deformable element is a strip or a disc (17) of a rubber-elastic material.
7. Dosing pump assembly according to one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the elastically deformable element (17) is a sealing ring (17) with an opening (19), which is held under tension in a depression (18), into which the bypass channel (11) opens, on the outer side of the container (2) or of the cover (10) such that the sealing ring (17) in the unstressed state closes the bypass channel (11) and arches out from the bypass channel (11) by the action of pressure, such that air can escape from the bypass channel (11) through the opening (19) in the sealing ring (17).
8. Dosing pump assembly according to one of Claims 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that the bypass channel (11) or the opening (19) of the sealing ring (17) is able to be sealed off in particular hermetically by a closure pin (12, 20).
9. Dosing pump assembly according to Claim 8, characterized in that the closure pin (12) has a region (12a) which is profiled, in particular toothed, for the formation of air channels, and a closure region (12b).
10. Dosing pump assembly according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bypass channel (11) is able to be sealed off by gluing, welding or sealing, in particular hermetically.
11. Dosing pump assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (3) has a pressure chamber (4) with a piston (5) guided therein, a first non-return valve (6), which connects the pressure chamber (4) with the container (2) and permits a flow out of the container (2) into the pressure chamber (4) and blocks a flow in the opposite flow direction, and an outlet opening (9), which connects the pressure chamber (4) with the environment and is provided with a second non-return valve (7), which permits a flow out of the pressure chamber (4) into the environment and blocks a flow in the opposite flow direction.
12. Dosing pump assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) is formed from a collapsible film.
13. Dosing pump assembly according to Claim 12, characterized in that a substantially rigid casing is associated with the container (2), which embraces the container (2) and is able to be connected with the pump (3), wherein a ventilation opening is provided in the casing.
14. Dosing pump assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening is formed by a nozzle for atomizing the in particular fluid content of the container (2).
15. Use of a dosing pump assembly according to one of the preceding claims, for the dosing, deployment, application or suchlike of in particular fluid cosmetics and/or pharmaceutical products.
16. Method for the production of a dosing pump assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 14 with the following steps:

    - filling the container (2) with a fluid product,

    - closing the filled container (2) with the exception of the bypass channel (11) by the pump (3) and the cover (10),

    - substantially complete drawing off of the gas situated in the container (2) through the bypass channel (11) and

    - closing of the bypass channel (11) at least in a flow direction from the environment into the container (2).
17. Method according to Claim 16, characterized in that for drawing off the gas out of the container (2), a suction bell (13) is placed onto the dosing pump assembly (1) such that at least the opening of the bypass channel (11) is surrounded by the suction bell (13).
18. Method according to one of Claims 16 or 17, characterized in that after the drawing off of the gas out of the container (2), a ram (16) presses a closure pin (12) into the bypass channel (11), in order to close the latter.
19. Method according to one of Claims 17 or 18, characterized in that before the drawing off, the closure pin (12) is inserted into the bypass channel (11) with a profiled region (12a) which forms passage channels with the inner wall of the bypass channel (11), and after the drawing off it is pressed into the bypass channel (11) such that a closure region (12b) of the closure pin (12) seals off the bypass channel (11).
20. Method according to Claim 16, characterized in that by the drawing off, a valve (17), closing the bypass channel (11), is opened.

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