EP1884291B1 - Dosing device for a medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an applicator housing (1) with an application opening (4) for discharging a medium. A dosing pump (2) feeds the medium from a medium storage to an applicator. A display unit displays data that is generated by a data processing processor. A power source provides the processor with power. An electronic metering module (3) includes a module housing, whose external dimensions are adapted to internal dimensions of a retaining space (6) of the applicator housing, where the module housing is detachably fastened to the retaining space.

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for a medium having an applicator housing, which has at least one application opening for discharging the medium, with a metering pump, the medium from a medium storage to the applicator promotes, as well as with an electronic Zählmodul, the at least one Huberfassungsmittel, a relatively movable Associated with pump section of the metering pump, and having a data processing processor that detects and evaluates signals of the Huberfassungsmittels, and with a display unit that displays data created by the data processing processor, and with a power source that powers the data processing processor, wherein the electronic Zählmodul has a module housing whose outer dimensions are adapted to inner dimensions of an at least one side open receiving space of the applicator, that the module housing completely inserted into the receiving space and fastened in this can be

A metering device is from the WO 00/64517 known. There, the electronic counting module is mounted on the outside of a housing of the metering device.

Similar metering devices emerge from the WO 2005/009325 A2 and the WO 2004/078236 A2 , The WO 2005/009325 A2 discloses one Dosing device with a counting module, this counting module does not have its own module housing, but is inserted in the main housing of the metering device. From the WO 2004/078236 A2 goes out a metering device having a counting module with module housing, which is placed from the outside on a main housing.

The object of the invention is to provide a metering device of the type mentioned, which has an improved arrangement of the counting module.

This object is achieved in that the module housing has a viewing window, behind which the display unit is positioned, wherein the receiving space spaced from a mounting or dismounting opening has an outwardly open recess in which the viewing window of the module housing is arranged in the assembled state of the module housing ,

In a metering device according to the invention, complete integration of the electronic counting module into the metering device is provided. The insertion and mounting of the module housing for the electronic counting module in the applicator housing allows on the one hand a particularly protected housing of the counting module and, on the other hand, a visually successful integration of the counting module into the applicator housing. Although the counting module has its own module housing, this module housing is not recognizable from the outside, since it is integrated in the applicator housing. The modular nature of the counting module leads, in addition to the protective function, to easy handling during assembly. The at least one stroke detection means is associated with a relatively movable pump section. This means that the Huberfassungsmittel and the pump section are assigned to different components which are arranged to be movable relative to each other, regardless of whether the Huberfassungsmittel or the pump section are moved. In any case, one of the two functional parts has to be quasi-stationary relative to the other in order to enable a stroke detection.

The receiving space and the counting module are preferably matched to one another such that the counting module, which is used completely in the receiving space, rests with its outer surfaces in the receiving space in such a way that no further freedom of movement remains.

The recess provided according to the invention is matched in its dimensions to the viewing window in such a way that the viewing window of the module housing can be viewed at least substantially without restriction from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, the viewing window is stepped outwards in such a way that its peripheral edges, together with corresponding edges of the recess of the applicator housing, form locking profiles which correspond to one another and lock the module housing in the receiving space. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the viewing window is an integral part of the module housing. This allows a particularly simple and inexpensive design of the module housing.

The recess may be smaller than the outer dimensions of the module housing, so that an edge of the recess or the wall surrounding the recess itself acts as a holding section on the fixing of the module housing.

In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment is provided without tools and detachable. This allows a particularly simple insertion and removal of the module housing. It is thus also possible to use the module housing including counting module later in the applicator housing. This is particularly advantageous if the metering device is made accessible to the user in a merely pre-assembled state and the latter must assemble the various parts of the metering device ready for operation. The design also allows easy replacement or a simple, separate disposal of the counting module or its components.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the module housing and the receiving space in such mutually corresponding latching profiles that the module housing can be latched in the receiving space. In this embodiment, both the module housing and the applicator housing are advantageously made of plastic. The locking can be carried out detachably or permanently. Alternatively, the module housing and the receiving space can be coordinated with respect to their size to one another such that the module housing is non-positively fastened in the receiving space. Again, an embodiment of plastic is preferred.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one Huberfassungsmittel for digital or analog path detection is formed. The digital path detection detects one or more momentary stroke points during the dosing stroke. If the lifting points are detected at the beginning and at the end of a lifting operation, it can be determined whether a complete or only a partial lift has taken place. The analog wayfinding captures a distance that ensures additional evaluation options such as lifting speed, dosing volume and the like.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the data processing processor is arranged on a circuit board, which is arranged in the module housing such that it can perform evasive movements in at least one direction. This makes it possible to compensate for tolerances in the manufacture and assembly of the metering device. In addition, it prevents the board or the data processing processor from being damaged during a lifting process.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the display unit comprises a liquid crystal display. As a result, corresponding information and data can be read clearly visible on the display unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the module housing is liquid or gas tight. As a result, the possible applications of the metering device are further improved. As a result, an isolation of the components within the model housing against environmental influences is achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the power source is designed as a battery or accumulator and sandwiched between the liquid crystal display and the board inserted. This allows a particularly space-saving accommodation of the power source within the module housing. In addition, the battery or the accumulator forms a stable support of the external components, namely the liquid crystal display and the board.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the module housing has a cover, which faces the hubbeweglichen pump section in the assembled state. The end cover allows the components to be mounted within the module housing and, depending on the solubility, also a new dismantling.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the end cover is positively, positively or materially connected to a container-like housing portion. The module housing is preferably designed in two parts, by providing the container-like housing section on the one hand and, on the other hand, the end cover, which is preferably latched, clamped, glued or welded onto the container-like housing section.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the end cover comprises at least one the Huberfassungsmittel associated Tastnocken, which is movably mounted between a shift position and a rest position. As a result, the end cap takes over a multiple function, as he in addition to the termination function for the module housing also includes the operation of Huberfassungsmittels.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the end cover comprises a designed as a solid-body joint for the mobility of the Tastnockens membrane surface. This embodiment enables the watertight design of the end cover, since the end cover can be designed to be continuously closed over its entire extent by the preferably elastically movable membrane surface.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the membrane surface is integrally integrated in a dimensionally stable frame portion of the end cover. The dimensionally stable frame section assumes the supporting and terminating function relative to the module housing. The membrane surface creates the mobility of the Tastnockens and at the same time ensures the tightness of the end cap.

Fig. 1

zeigt in einer Schnittdarstellung eine Ausführungsform einer erfin- dungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung als Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 2

in einer Schnittdarstellung ein elektronisches Zählmodul für die Dosiervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1

Fig. 3

in perspektivischer Darstellung einen Abschlussdeckel eines Mo- dulgehäuses des elektronischen Zählmoduls nach Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

den Abschlussdeckel nach Fig. 3 in einer Frontansicht,

Fig. 5

den Abschlussdeckel nach Fig. 4 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6

den Abschlussdeckel nach den Figuren 3 bis 5 in einer Schnittdar- stellung,

Fig. 7

ein elektronisches Zählmodul gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungs- form einer Dosiervorrichtung,

Fig. 8

ein elektronisches Zählmodul ähnlich Fig. 7, und

Fig. 9

ein weiteres elektronisches Zählmodul ähnlich Fig. 2, aber mit ex- terner Stromquelle.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated by the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an inventive dosing device as an exploded view,

Fig. 2

in a sectional view of an electronic counting module for the metering device according to Fig. 1

Fig. 3

in a perspective view of a cover of a module housing of the electronic Zählmoduls after Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

the end cap after Fig. 3 in a front view,

Fig. 5

the end cap after Fig. 4 in a side view,

Fig. 6

the end cap after the FIGS. 3 to 5 in a sectional view,

Fig. 7

an electronic counting module according to another embodiment of a metering device,

Fig. 8

an electronic counting module similar Fig. 7 , and

Fig. 9

another electronic counting module similar Fig. 2 but with external power source.

A metering device has according to Fig. 1 an applicator housing 1, which is designed as a nose adapter to apply a particular liquid, pharmaceutically active medium over the nose of an operator. The applicator housing 1 is made of plastic and has an applicator tip, at the front end of an application opening 4 is provided. Not shown is a nozzle for atomizing the discharged liquid. The applicator housing 1 can be mounted on a metering pump 2, which is supported in a housing, not shown, of the metering device and has a housing-fixed pump part 5. The applicator housing 1 is arranged axially movable relative to the housing-fixed pump part 5. For this purpose, a pin-like pump section, on which the applicator housing 1 is plugged, relative to the pump part 5 is arranged to be linearly movable. The pump part 5 has a radially outwardly projecting switching handle, which is designed in the manner of a circumferential shoulder. The circumferential shoulder cooperates with a Tastnocken 19 of an electronic Zählmoduls, as will be described in more detail below. It is essential that the switching handle of the pump part and the Tastnocken of the counting module relative to each other are arranged movable, regardless of whether the counting module and thus the applicator are assigned to a fixed or a movable pump section. If according to an embodiment, not shown, the applicator housing is associated with a stationary pump section, the switching handle, which is to actuate the Tastnocken, therefore associated with a liftable pump part. The metering pump 2 is connected in a basically known manner and not shown here to a medium storage in which the auszubringende medium is stored.

In order to be able to control an exact metering in particular of pharmaceutically highly effective substances or media, the metering device is assigned an electronic counting module 3. The counting module 3 has according to Fig. 2 a module housing 9, in which various functional parts of the electronic Zählmoduls 3 are housed. The module housing 9 has a container-like designed housing section, which is open to one side. This open side is closed by a cover 10, which will be described in more detail below. The end cover 10 is part of the module housing 9. The module housing including its functional parts is inserted into the applicator housing 1 and secured therein. For this purpose, the applicator housing 1 according to Fig. 1 a downwardly open receiving space 6. The receiving space 6 has on the one hand a downwardly open mounting opening 7 and on the other hand, a laterally outwardly open recess 8 into which the module housing can be snapped. The dimensions of the receiving space 6 are matched to the outer dimensions of the module housing and thus of the counting module 3, that the module housing can be fully inserted into the receiving space 6 and thus does not protrude beyond the lower edge of the applicator housing 1. The module housing, like the applicator housing 1, is made of plastic and has, on the outside, a viewing window 11, which is integrally integrated in the module housing 9. The Module housing 9 is made transparent at least in the region of the viewing window 11, but preferably over its entire surface.

The viewing window 11 is formed by a gradation with thicker wall thickness, as based on the Fig. 2 is recognizable. The viewing window 11 may have optical features that may cause enlargement or reduction of displayed data. The outer contour of the module housing 9 thus has circumferentially in the region of the viewing window 11 a step or socket-like projection on the outside. Corresponding edges of this projection and thus of the viewing window 11 are designed as locking profilings, which are matched to corresponding edges of the recess 8 such that the module housing engages positively when inserted into the receiving space 6 with its viewing window in the recess 8. This makes it possible to lock the module housing tool-free in the receiving space 6, namely in the recess 8 of the applicator housing 1, and also to release it from this locking position when needed. The edges of the recess 8 and the edges of the viewing window 11 and the module housing 9 form matched locking profiles and mutually corresponding locking profiles.

In the module housing 9, a display unit 15 is housed in the form of a liquid crystal display, which is upright in the module housing 9 and aligned parallel to the viewing window 11. The display unit 15 is immediately adjacent to the viewing window 11 in order to be able to recognize corresponding data and information on the display unit 15 from outside through the viewing window 11. The display unit 15 is conductively connected to a circuit board 12 via a conductive rubber 24, which is referred to in the art as "zebra", which is positioned at a parallel distance leaving a gap to the display unit 15. On the board 12, a data processing processor 13, in the present case in the form of a logic chip "ASIC" applied. Sandwiched between the display unit 15 and the board 12 is a power source 14, here in FIG Shape of a cuboid or cylinder-like battery, arranged. The current source 14 is conductively connected to the circuit board 12, wherein it is fixed in the illustrated embodiment, surface thereof. The circuit board 12 and the power source 14 are arranged in a limited manner movable in the direction of the display unit 15 and in the direction of the viewing window 11 in order to allow the circuit board 12 and the power source 14 to escape. In order to return the board 12 and the battery 14 in the display unit 15 spaced starting position, between the battery 14 and the display unit 15, a restoring buffer 16, in the present case in the form of a leaf spring formed as a return spring arranged.

The open side of the module housing 9 and thus of the container-like housing section is closed adjacent to the circuit board 12 and the processor 13 by a cover 10, which is based on the FIGS. 3 to 6 is shown in more detail. The end cover 10 is also made of plastic and has a dimensionally stable, circumferential frame 21 which is provided with fixing cams 17 and a fixing web 18 to allow a positive insertion into the edge of the container-like housing portion of the module housing 9. In order to seal the module housing 9 liquid-tight or gas-tight, the end cover 10 is connected to its peripheral frame 21 cohesively with the peripheral edge of the container-like housing portion, preferably circumferentially welded or glued thereto. The end cover 10 also has an integrally molded Tastnocken 19, which is integrally connected via a closed membrane surface 20 integrally with the dimensionally stable frame 21 of the end cover 10. The membrane surface 20 is designed by appropriate bead design that form solid joints, flexible, the solid state joints are designed such that the Tastnocken 19 is movably mounted in the direction of the board 12. The solid state joints formed by the membrane 20 are either designed to provide resilient return of the tactile cam 19 from an actuated position to the unloaded one Initial position effect as soon as a corresponding actuation force is removed. Alternatively, an elastic return element is provided in the region of the board 12 or at a suitable other location, which moves the Tastnocken 19 back to the unloaded starting position. A corresponding elastic return element is in Fig. 2 shown as a simple spring clip, which is unspecified.

On the circuit board 12 facing back of the membrane and the end cover 10 and thus inside the Tastnocken 19 a bow-shaped contacting element 22 is provided, which is formed as a conductive layer and is arranged such that it serves as a bridging element for two electrical contact points 23 in the region Board 12 is used.

The thickness of the membrane is about 0.3 mm in the illustrated embodiment. The membrane is preferably made of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material. The remaining end cover 10 may be made of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material, wherein the dimensional stability of the frame is achieved by increasing the wall thickness accordingly. The use of thermoplastics is preferred over elastomers for better weldability.

The Tastnocken 19 is so in the path of a switching handle a fixed pump part 5, that the movement of the counting module 3 together with the applicator 1 and the liftable pump section 5 inevitably leads to the Tastnocken 19 wedge-like runs on the fixed pump part 5 at a corresponding stroke and thereby - relative to the lifting axis of the metering pump 2 - is pressed approximately radially outwards. As a result, the contacting element 22 acts as a bridging for the electrical contact surfaces 23 of the board 12, whereby a desired electrical switching operation is achieved.

Depending on the design of the data processing processor 13 with analog or digital signal recording of the movement of the Tastnockens 19 either only a short switching operation of the Tastnockens 19 or the entire period of concern of the Tastnockens 19 can be detected before his return to the starting position and evaluated accordingly. Preferably, the Tastnocken 19 is tuned to the switching handle of the fixed pump part such that the Tastnocken 19 remains during almost the entire pump stroke in the actuated position. Alternatively, only a short switching contact is achieved, which causes a corresponding counting for the corresponding pump stroke. The switching handle of the relatively movable pump part and the Tastnocken 19 are - depending on the changed path of the Tastnocken - matched.

Depending on the design of the electronic data processing unit, a time measuring unit may also be integrated, the improved evaluation options such as speed measurements or the like. achieved.

The embodiment of an electronic counting module according to the FIGS. 2 to 6 is waterproof.

In the embodiment of the FIGS. 7 and 8 the illustrated electronic counting modules 3a and 3'a are not waterproof. From the basic construction both embodiments are identical to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 , Therefore, only the differences are discussed below. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals with the addition of the letter "a" or "'a". The comments on the counting module 3 after the Fig. 2 are more important relative Parts also to the embodiment of the FIGS. 7 and 8 to read.

Significant difference in the embodiments according to the FIGS. 7 and 8 it is that there have the electronic counting modules 3a and 3'a no separate end cap. Rather, the respective circuit board 12a or 12'a with the corresponding data processing processor 13a forms the end-side termination of the module housing 9a or 9'a. Switching operations are effected by electrically conductive spring webs 19a and 19'a. In the embodiment according to Fig. 7 two spaced spring bars are provided which protrude radially inwardly to the pump axis to different degrees. In addition, the spring bars are spaced apart in the stroke direction. This makes it possible to achieve two time-shifted switching operations, so that a lifting movement triggers two different signals in the region of the Huberfassungsmittels comprising the two spring bars.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 8 is only a single spring bar and thus only a single switching contact provided analogous to the lower spring contact according to Fig. 7 is executed. In the embodiment according to Fig. 8 In addition, a flag P between the board 12'a and the unspecified power source is arranged. The flag P protrudes down out of the module housing 9'a out. Pulling the flag downwards serves to interrupt the contact between the power source and the board 12'a. As a result, a discharge of the power source, in particular a battery can be prevented.

The circuit board 12a or 12'a in both embodiments according to the FIGS. 7 and 8 designed such that it can positively lock with the rest of the module housing 9a and 9'a. The board 12a and 12'a thus forms a cover function. This fixation of the functional parts within the module housing can be achieved. Also, the display unit 15a is held upright by means of corresponding positioning profiles in the module housing 9a, 9'a, like the FIGS. 7 and 8 can be taken well. The conductive rubber 14, in addition to the conductive connection between the display unit 15a and the circuit board 12a, also adopts the fixation of the display unit 15a in the region of its underside.

The embodiment according to Fig. 9 essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 , so that in terms of structure and function on the execution Fig. 2 can be referenced. Significant difference in the electronic counting module 3b after Fig. 9 it is that there is an external power source 14b is provided, which is arranged outside the module housing 9b and is only electrically connected to the circuit board. The component D reproduces in the embodiment Fig. 9 is not an electrical functional part, such as a power source or the like, but is merely provided as a placeholder or filler for the space between the circuit board 12 and the display unit 15. Incidentally, the component D is associated with an elastic return element 16b, which analogously to the return element 16 after Fig. 2 is executed. For further details of the counting module 3b is on the comments on the FIGS. 2 to 6 directed.

If the Huberfassungsmittel according to Fig. 7 Having two switching elements, which can detect in particular an upper and a lower stroke position, can be achieved here by incorporating a timer, in particular a time measuring unit, beyond a pure counting process evaluation by the data processing processor. In all the illustrated embodiments, a Huberfassung by touching, namely by Tastvorgänge performed. In other, not shown embodiments, it is possible to perform a non-contact Huberfassung, in particular a capacitive, inductive or optical Huboder path detection.

Depending on the embodiment of the data processing processor and the display unit further information, such as a weak power source, a nearly empty media storage or the like can be displayed according to further, not shown embodiments of the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the start phase can be displayed immediately after initial startup of the metering device, which is also referred to as priming. When using a timer, a patient, namely an operator by means of appropriate signal function can also be informed that he has to take a medium dose again.

Claims (10)

1. Dosing device for a medium with an applicator housing (1) having at least one application opening (4) for discharging the medium, with a dosing pump (2) conveying the medium from a medium reservoir to the applicator, and with an electronic counting module (3, 3a, 3'a, 3b) having at least one stroke recording means associated with a relatively movable pump section of the dosing pump (2) and a data processing processor (13, 13a) recording and evaluating signals of the stroke recording means, and with a display unit (15, 15a) displaying data created by the data processing process (13, 13a) and with a current source (14, 14a) supplying the data processing processor (13, 13a) with current, where the electronic counting module (3, 3a, 3'a, 3b) has a module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) whose outer dimensions are adapted to inner dimensions of a receiving area (6) of the applicator housing (1) open on at least one side such that the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) can be inserted completely into the receiving area (6) and fastened therein,
   characterized in that
   the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) has a vision panel (11, 11a) behind which the display unit (15, 15a) is positioned, where the receiving area (6) has at a distance from a fitting or removal opening (7) a recess (8) open to the outside inside which the vision panel (11, 11a) of the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) is arranged in the fitted state of the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b).
2. Dosing device according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the fastening can be provided without tools and detachable.
3. Dosing device according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) and the receiving area (6) have engaging profiles corresponding to one another such that the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) can be engaged inside the receiving area (6) or such that the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) and the receiving area (6) are matched to one another in respect of their size such that the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) can be non-positively fastened inside the receiving area (6).
4. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the vision panel (11, 11a) is preferably in one piece with the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b).
5. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the at least one stroke recording means is designed for digital or for analog travel recording.
6. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the data processing processor (13, 13a) is arranged on a plate (12, 12a, 12'a) arranged inside the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) such that it can perform evasive movements in at least one direction.
7. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the module housing (9, 9a, 9'a, 9b) is manufactured of plastic and/or is designed liquid-tight or gas-tight.
8. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the current source (14, 14a) is designed as a battery and inserted sandwich-like between the display unit (15, 15a) and the plate (12, 12a).
9. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the module housing (9, 9b) has a sealing cover (10) which in the fitted state faces a relatively movable pump section, where the sealing cover (10) is preferably in positive, non-positive or material connection with a container-like housing section (9, 9b).
10. Dosing device according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the sealing cover (10) comprises at least one sensing cam (19) associated with the stroke recording means and movably mounted between a switching position and a rest position, where the sealing cover (10) preferably comprises a membrane (20) designed as a solid-state joint for movement of the sensing cam (19) and which can be integrated in particular in one piece in a form-stable frame section (21) of the sealing cover (10).

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