EP2613888B1 - Metering device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for metered delivery of a fluid, in which a storage container is connected to a dosing, wherein in the dosing head, a spindle is guided, which has a passage for the fluid to be transported.

Metering devices for metered delivery of a fluid are well known in the art.

For example, in the EP 0 473 892 A2 a fluid dispenser for a germ-free fluid described in which a reservoir is connected to an actuating button and for transporting the fluid, a piston-cylinder system is provided. In such fluid dispensing devices, it is problematic to achieve a sufficient tightness. A tightness of such a fluid delivery device is particularly important to realize a sterile system for sensitive fluids. Also, such fluid delivery devices with a piston-cylinder system have the disadvantage that the amount to be transported is not always exactly determinable. Also have such fluid delivery devices, as shown in the EP 0 473 892 A2 are described difficulties in when eye-drops are to be used as a germ-free fluid. For this application, it is important that a so-called "oligodynamic effect" is exploited. The realization of such an oligodynamic effect is also not easy in piston-cylinder systems.

The EP 1 214 984 A2 is aimed at a donor for media. The dispensing head of the dispenser has a support body and a relative to this by a resilient connection, namely a bendable channel portion, pivotable head body with the media outlet. The bending of the channel portion is guided by a uniaxial joint and the pivotal movement an actuating handle for manual actuation of a discharge stroke of a pump is accessible.
The WO 2009/109370 A1 relates to a metering device for metered dispensing of liquid preparations, in particular for metering of medicinal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic liquid preparations, wherein the use of preservatives can be dispensed with.

The WO 2004/058413 A1 is directed to a liquid product dispenser intended to be mounted to the mouth of a liquid product container.

The US 6,422,434 B1 relates to a large dose dispenser pump having a downwardly directed nozzle tip and an outlet valve assembly in a nozzle.

The DE 197 42 890 A1 is directed to a dispenser for receiving and dispensing products of all kinds without the use of propellants. The dispenser consists essentially of a bellows-shaped container for receiving the contents, one or more spring packs, a lock in the lower area and a cover in the upper area. This pressure unit is inserted into a sliding ribbed outer container.

The EP 0 492 354 A1 relates to a dosing and spray pump for dispensing liquid, low-viscosity and pasty substances. In this, an elastic bellows connecting between two telescopically movable plastic housing parts is arranged, which has a valve outlet at one end as a discharge valve, which surrounds the lateral surface of an integrally formed on the first housing part annular wall sealing and liftable. As a suction valve, the bellows at its other end a valve ring wall which sealingly and liftably abuts on the lateral surface of an integrally formed on the second housing part valve seat (42), through which the pumping medium is sucked into the bellows.

Proceeding from this, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a metering device, in which on the one hand a high density is achieved, so that a sterile administration of the fluid is possible.

This object is achieved by a metering device with a feature combination according to claim 1. The dependent claims show advantageous developments, in particular, an oligodynamic effect can be realized.

According to the invention, a metering device according to claim 1 is thus proposed, wherein in the operating state a reservoir is connected to a dosing head, wherein in the dosing head a spindle is guided, which has a passage channel which connects the outlet and the inlet valve.

Due to the inventive design of a spindle system instead of a piston-cylinder system, it has now surprisingly been found that thereby an extremely high density of the system can be achieved. As a result, a germ-free and safe dosing of fluids is possible. The embodiment according to the invention also has the advantage that the exhaust valve can be designed in a variety of ways by the construction described above, so that u.a. e.g. also a ball valve can be used. The use of a ball valve has the advantage that this e.g. can be formed as a silver-coated metal ball, so that thus an oligodynamic effect can be exercised. Another advantage of the metering device according to the invention is that a safe, even from the volume accurate metering of the fluid to be administered can be realized. The metering device according to the invention thus offers a high degree of sterility and operational safety through the novel spindle system.

Advantageously, the dosing device according to the invention is constructed so that the spindle is guided in the dosing head and the pump housing, wherein the spindle is designed as a cylindrical member having a central bore, which then forms the passageway. The advantage of such a construction is that it allows an optimal connection between the outlet and the inlet valve can be made. In this case, the passageway is preferably constructed such that it is widened in the direction of the inlet valve. This ensures that in conjunction with the inlet valve, the fluid to be sucked can be optimally transported into the passage. Another essential Element of the device according to the invention is that in the spindle of the passageway is then dimensioned in the direction of the exhaust valve so that the exhaust valve can engage in the passageway. The passageway is thus dimensioned on the outlet side and formed so that it then cooperates with the outlet valve, which can be configured in many ways, in order to achieve optimum tightness. The passageway should preferably have a small length, so that a small residual volume can be achieved.

In the metering device according to the invention can of course in the reservoir itself, as it is already known in the art, e.g. a bellows or a foil bag may be arranged. The bellows and the inner or foil bag strive back due to their own material thickness in their original position, creating a suction force that allows a further improved sealing.

In this case, the reservoir is preferably a cylindrical container and the opening is arranged in a tapered region, which is designed as a neck. In particular, this embodiment of the reservoir is preferred. The formation of the neck is favorable in such a way that then can be arranged on the outside of the neck for connecting the dosing with the pump housing a snap connection. Thus, in this embodiment, the snap connection connects the reservoir to the pump housing and the dosing head. In the dosing is preferably a spring or a bellows, preferably with integrated sealing function, between the inside arranged the metering head and the snap connection. As springs in this case preferably springs made of metal can be used.

It has also proven to be advantageous if, in order to improve the tightness, the latching connection is connected via a first seal to the opening of the storage container. This first seal is preferably arranged on the end face of the neck and can thus serve to seal the latching connection with the pump housing. A further improvement can also be achieved if a second seal, between the snap-in connection and the spindle is provided in the interior of the pump housing. The spindle is then passed through this seal.

As already stated at the outset, a great advantage of the metering device according to the invention is that a large variability with respect to the outlet valve is possible by means of the spindle system. Plastic valve is used as inlet valve.

Regarding the exhaust valve, various configurations are possible. Thus, the outlet valve may be in the form of a ball valve. In this case, the valve seat is then formed in the spindle itself. The ball and spring which cooperate are located in the metering device at the appropriate location and then cooperate with the valve seat.

Another way of designing the exhaust valve is to provide a bellows or a valve piston instead of a ball. Also, bellows-like springs, which together with a plastic cone form the outlet valve may be provided. Finally, the outlet valve can also be formed by a specially designed cone, in which case the cone itself has an outlet opening. This cone then acts again as a valve known with a ball and a spring together.

To realize an oligodynamic effect, of course, the ball, which is provided in the outlet valve, be coated with silver. Also ceramic balls, steel balls, glass balls or silver-copper balls can be used. In the springs, which are in operative connection with the balls, metal springs or plastic-coated metal springs or plastic springs can be used.

In the metering device according to the invention, as already described at the beginning, a bellows or a plastic or foil bag for storing the fluid may be provided. The bellows can, as in and of itself known from the prior art, also have a drag piston. It is also preferred in the metering device according to the invention when the bellows has at least one fold a contact device which is in contact with the inside of the reservoir. In this way it can be achieved that with the contact device an optimal sliding of the bellows is ensured via the contact device with the inside of the reservoir. This also makes it possible that the bellows or inner bag retains its original position.

From the choice of materials are basically all materials for both the bellows and for the foil bag used, which are known in the art. Preferred materials are polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and / or polyurethane (PU). To improve the oligodynamic effect, the dosing head itself may be selected from the abovementioned materials, in which case an additive, specifically silver, is additionally incorporated. This additive is then pressed upon actuation, i. Upon passage of the fluid through the outlet opening come in contact with silver, so that an oligodynamic effect can be realized.

The metering device according to the invention can be used in particular for liquid or semi-solid contents, such as gels, ointments or creams.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine erste Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit einem Faltenbalg.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine zweite Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit einem Innenbeutel.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Dosiervorrichtung gemäß einem Vergleichsbeispiel mit zwei Kugel-Ventilen und Innenbeuteln.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine weitere Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung.
• Figur 5 zeigt erfindungsgemäße Varianten eines Auslassventils.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine weitere Variante eines erfindungsgemäßen Auslassventils.
• Figur 7 zeigt weitere erfindungsgemäße Varianten eines Auslassventils.
• Figur 8 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform mit einem Faltenbalg im Dosierkopf und einem Ventilkolben im Auslassventil.

The metering device according to the invention is characterized by the following FIGS. 1 . 2 and 4 to 6 described in more detail.

• FIG. 1 shows a first variant of a metering device according to the invention with a bellows.
• FIG. 2 shows a second variant of a metering device according to the invention with an inner bag.
• FIG. 3 shows a metering device according to a comparative example with two ball valves and inner bags.
• FIG. 4 shows a further variant of a metering device according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 shows variants of an exhaust valve according to the invention.
• FIG. 6 shows a further variant of an exhaust valve according to the invention.
• FIG. 7 shows further variants of an exhaust valve according to the invention.
• FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment with a bellows in the dosing and a valve piston in the outlet valve.

In FIG. 1 a first metering device according to the invention is shown, wherein FIG. 1a the dosing device when pressing the dosing head shows while FIG. 1b the metering device in the recovery, ie when relaxing shows.

FIG. 1 shows a metering device 1, which has a reservoir 2 with a bottom 3. In the reservoir 2, a bellows 11 is arranged. On the side opposite the bottom, an opening 4 is arranged, in which a dosing head 5 is inserted. The dosing head has a pump housing 6, an inlet valve 7 projecting into the reservoir 2 and an outlet valve 9. The inlet valve 7 is connected to the outlet valve 9 via a passage 10 arranged in a spindle 8.

The outlet valve 9 is also shown in an enlarged view, the dosing head 5 having an opening 16 and the dosing head inside a ball 17 is arranged, which serves by means of a spring 18 to close the through-channel 10.

Likewise, the closing mechanism of the inlet valve 7 in the form of a plastic valve is shown schematically in an enlarged view.

The dosing head 5 is connected via a latching connection 12 with the reservoir 2, in which case a seal via a first seal 14 and a second seal 15, which is arranged between the spindle 8 and the latching connection 12, takes place. The dosing head 5 is connected via a spring 13, which is arranged between the inside of the dosing head 5 and the latching connection 12, with the latching connection 12 in connection.

When pressing the dosing head 5, the spindle 8 moves in the direction of the reservoir 2 and generates an increased internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6. Due to the increased internal pressure closes the inlet valve 7, while the outlet valve 9 closes by the ball 17 is pressed against the spring 18 due to the internal pressure. This allows the solution to escape from the opening 16.

The process of relaxation is in FIG. 1b shown. As a result of the escape of the solution, the internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6 is reduced. As a result, the spring 18 returns to its initial state and presses the ball 17 downwards so that the outlet valve 9 is closed. Since the spindle 8 moves upward and the outlet valve 9 is closed, there is a pressure decrease in the interior of the pump housing 6, whereby the inlet valve 7 opens. Subsequently, a pressure equalization between the interior of the pump housing 6 and the bellows 11. At the moment in which the dosing head 5 returns to its original position, the internal pressure in the region of the pump housing 6 is almost balanced and the inlet valve 7 is closed.

Upon release of the pump head, an upward movement of the spindle 8. This creates a suction in the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10. This suction simultaneously causes the inflow of liquid through the inlet valve 7 into the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10 and the other the fixed suction of the upper valve closure, so the ball 17, to the lower outlet opening 22 of the spindle channel. As a result, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 9 are never opened at the same time.

In FIG. 2 is one too FIG. 1 comparable metering device 1 shown, instead of a bellows an inner bag 40 in the reservoir 2 has.

Again, is in FIG. 2a the metering device shown when pressing the dosing while FIG. 1b the metering device in the recovery, ie when relaxing shows.

When pressing the dosing head 5, the spindle 8 moves in the direction of the reservoir 2 and generates an increased internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6. Due to the increased internal pressure closes the inlet valve 7, while the outlet valve 9 closes by the ball 17 due to the internal pressure is pressed against the spring 18. This allows the solution to escape from the opening 16.

The process of relaxation is in FIG. 2b shown. As a result of the escape of the solution, the internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6 is reduced. As a result, the spring 18 returns to its initial state and presses the ball 17 downwards so that the outlet valve 9 is closed. Since the spindle 8 moves upward and the outlet valve 9 is closed, there is a pressure decrease in the interior of the pump housing 6, whereby the inlet valve 7 opens. Subsequently, a pressure equalization between the interior of the pump housing 6 and the inner bag 40. At the moment in which the dosing head 5 returns to its original position, the internal pressure in the region of the pump housing 6 is almost balanced and the inlet valve 7 is closed.

When you release the pump head is an upward movement of the spindle 8. This creates a suction in the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10. This suction simultaneously causes the inflow of liquid through the inlet valve 7 into the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10 and on the other hand, the fixed suction of the upper valve closure, so the ball 17, to the lower outlet opening 22nd of the spindle channel. As a result, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 9 are never opened at the same time.

In FIG. 3 is a metering device according to a comparative example, which is analogous to FIG. 2 an inner bag 30 has. An additional difference of this metering device is that instead of a plastic valve as the inlet valve 7, a ball valve with metallic ball is used.

When pressing the dosing head 5, the spindle 8 moves in the direction of the reservoir 2 and generates an increased internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6. Due to the increased internal pressure, the inlet valve 7 closes by the ball 20 is pressed down due to the internal pressure, while the exhaust valve 9 closes by the ball 17 is pressed against the spring 18 due to the internal pressure. This allows the solution to escape from the opening 16.

The process of relaxation is in FIG. 3b shown. As a result of the escape of the solution, the internal pressure in the interior of the pump housing 6 is reduced. As a result, the spring 18 returns to its initial state and presses the ball 17 downwards so that the outlet valve 9 is closed. As the spindle 8 moves up and the exhaust valve 9 is closed, there is a decrease in pressure Interior of the pump housing 6, whereby the inlet valve 7 opens. Subsequently, a pressure equalization takes place between the interior of the pump housing 6 and the inner bag 30. At the moment in which the dosing head 5 returns to its initial position, the internal pressure in the region of the pump housing 6 is almost balanced and the inlet valve 7 is closed.

Upon release of the pump head, an upward movement of the spindle 8. This creates a suction in the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10. This suction simultaneously causes the inflow of liquid through the inlet valve 7 into the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10 and the other the fixed suction of the upper valve closure, so the ball 17, to the lower outlet opening 22 of the spindle channel. As a result, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 9 are never opened at the same time.

In FIG. 4 is one too FIG. 1 comparable metering device 1 shown, which in addition to a spring 26 has a cone 23 in the outlet valve 9.

A cone 23 with outlet opening is movably supported between the ball 17 and the spring 26 and forms the upper portion of the outlet valve 9. Upon actuation of the pump, the cone 23 is pressed down tightly onto the ball 17 and the ball 17 onto the lower outlet opening 24 of the spindle channel.

At the same time, the liquid volume in the chamber of the outlet valve 9 is almost completely displaced by the downwardly guided cone 23 and escapes through the outlet opening 25 in the cone 23 outside, whereby the residual volume in the valve chamber is minimized. An escape of the liquid laterally of the cone 23 does not take place, since an outlet opening 25 in the cone 23 is present. After exiting the liquid, the cone 23 is pressed by the inner spring 26 down, so that the ball 17 is pressed firmly on the outlet opening 24 of the spindle channel, ie the valve closes tightly.

Upon release of the pump head, an upward movement of the spindle 8. This creates a suction in the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10. This suction simultaneously causes the inflow of liquid through the inlet valve 7 into the interior of the pump housing 6 and the passage channel 10 and the other the fixed suction of the upper valve end, so the ball 17, to the lower outlet port 24 of the spindle channel. As a result, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 9 are never opened at the same time.

Alternatively, instead of the ball 17 and a plastic valve may be present. In this case, the cone is then designed flat below to exert the closest possible contact with the valve closure.

FIG. 5 shows various embodiments for the exhaust valve. 9

So shows FIG. 5a a variant in which a bellows 27 is provided instead of a ball. This bellows is pressed at existing internal pressure up, while in the relaxation, ie the reduction of the internal pressure in the interior, the bellows in the direction of the outlet opening 24 of the spindle channel moves and closes them tightly.

FIG. 5b shows a variant in which a bellows 28 is provided with a tapered tip 29. Here, the conically tapered tip moves in the direction of the outlet opening 24 of the spindle channel during the relaxation, so that the outlet opening 24 is closed and sealed by the tip 29.

FIG. 5c shows a variant with a spring 30 which is provided in the direction of the outlet opening with a plastic cone 31. Here, the plastic cone 31 moves during relaxation in the direction of the outlet opening 24 of the spindle channel, sits on this and thus closes the outlet opening 24th

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the exhaust valve 9. Here it is shown that instead of a spring 18 and a bellows 19 can be used to cause the restoring force for the ball 17.

FIG. 7 shows further variants for the exhaust valve. 9

In Figure 7a a variant is shown with a ball 17, a cone 23 and a spring 26. Here, a lateral outlet channel 32 is arranged, through which the solution can escape.

FIG. 7b shows a variant with a one-piece plastic cone 23 and a spring 26. Again, a lateral outlet channel 32 is arranged.

FIG. 7c shows a variant with a one-piece Plastic cone 23 and a spring 26. An escape of the liquid side of the cone 23 does not take place here, since an outlet opening 25 in the cone 23 is present.

FIG. 8 now shows a further embodiment of the metering device according to the invention. In FIG. 8a In this case, the complete dosing device with the dosing head 5 and the storage container 2 is shown again. An essential element of this embodiment is that in the dosing head a bellows 41 between the inside of the dosing head 5 and the snap connection 12 is arranged. The embodiment according to FIG. 8a It provides a one-piece elastic bellows 41, which also has an integrated sealing function on both sides. For this purpose, the elastic bellows 41 is connected to sealing elements 43, which then allow an optimal sealing of the bellows in the direction of the inside of the dosing. The further structure corresponds to that, as has been described in detail in the preceding figures. The dosing head 5 has, as a further alternative, a modification with respect to the outlet valve 9. The outlet valve 9 is now constructed in a modification of the embodiment already described so that instead of the ball, a valve piston 40 is provided. The valve piston 40 is designed so that it has a semicircular bulge on its side facing the opening side, so that the valve opening 45 can be closed. Another advantage of the embodiment according to FIG. 8b is that also a lateral valve opening 42 may be provided, through which then the fluid to be transported is conveyed in the direction of the outlet.

A key advantage of this embodiment is that the bellows 41 is formed as an elastic bellows and allows optimal operation of the metering device by its integrated sealing function.

Claims (20)

1. Metering device (1) for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising a storage container (2) with an opening (4) which is disposed on the side opposite the base (3), a metering head (5), which is connected to the opening (4) in the operating state, with an outlet valve, a pump housing (6), which is connected to the inside of the opening (4), with an inlet valve (7) which is disposed in the direction of the interior of the storage container (2), the metering head (5) having a spindle (8) which has a through-channel (10) connecting the outlet valve (9) and the inlet valve (7), the inlet valve (7) being a plastic material valve and not a ball valve.
2. Metering device according to claim 1, characterised in that the spindle (8) is guided in the metering head (5) and pump housing (6) and has a central boring which forms the through-channel (10).
3. Metering device according to claim 2, characterised in that the through-channel (10) is widened in the direction of the inlet valve (7).
4. Metering device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the through-channel (10) is dimensioned, in the direction of the outlet valve (9), such that the outlet valve (9) can engage.
5. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, in the storage container (2), bellows (11) or a foil bag (30) are disposed which are connected to the pump housing (6) to form a seal.
6. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the storage container (2) is a cylindrical container and the opening (4) is disposed in a tapered region which is configured as a neck.
7. Metering device according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a locking connection (12) is provided at the opening (4) of the storage container (2) and connects the pump housing (6) to the storage container (2) and to the metering head (5).
8. Metering device according to claim 7, characterised in that, in the metering head (5), bellows (41) with integrated sealing function or a spring (13) are disposed between the inside of the metering head (5) and the locking connection (12) and are in operational connection with the locking connection (12).
9. Metering device according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the locking device (12) is connected to the opening (4) of the storage container (2) via a first seal (14).
10. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 7 to 9, characterised in that a second seal (15) is provided between the locking connection (12) and the spindle (8).
11. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the outlet valve (9) is formed by an opening (16) in the metering head (5), which opening cooperates with a ball (17), with a spring (18), bellows (19) or a valve piston (40), or is formed by a plastic material cone (30) with spring (31).
12. Metering device according to claim 11, characterised in that the ball (17) is a silver-coated steel ball, a glass ball, a silver-copper ball or a ceramic ball.
13. Metering device according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the spring (18) with which the outlet valve (9) cooperates is a metal spring, a metal spring coated with plastic material or a plastic material spring.
14. Metering device according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the outlet valve (9) is formed by a cone (23) with an outlet opening (25) which cooperates with a ball (17) and a spring (26).
15. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 5 to 14, characterised in that bellows (11) are disposed in the storage container (2) and are connected to the pump housing (6) to form a seal, the bellows (11) disposed in the storage container (2) having an entraining piston.
16. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 5 to 15, characterised in that bellows (11) are disposed in the storage container (2) and are connected to the pump housing (6) to form a seal, the bellows (11) disposed in the storage container (2) having a contact device on at least one fold, which device is in contact with the inside of the storage container (2).
17. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 5 to 16, characterised in that the bellows (11) or the foil bag (40) consist of plastic materials, selected from PA, PET, PTEE, PP, PE or PU.
18. Metering device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the material of the metering head (5), of the pump housing (6) and of the storage container (2) is selected from the following plastic materials: PA, PET, PTEE, PP, PE or PU.
19. Metering device according to claim 18, characterised in that the material of the metering head (5) comprises silver as additive preferably in the region of the outlet opening (16).
20. Use of the metering device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 19 as metering device for liquid or semi-solid contents, such as e.g. gels, ointments, creams, etc.

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