EP3010434A1

EP3010434A1 - Mixing and discharging device having a threaded spindle

Info

Publication number: EP3010434A1
Application number: EP14726382.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andy Greter; Beat Mathys
Original assignee: Medmix Systems AG
Current assignee: Medmix Systems AG
Priority date: 2013-06-18
Filing date: 2014-05-27
Publication date: 2016-04-27
Also published as: WO2014202350A1; CH708236A1; CN105324088A; US20160128752A1

Abstract

A mixing and discharging device (1) has a syringe-like container (10), in which a plunger can be moved. A press-out spindle (30) having an external thread (31) interacts with a counterpart (40) by means of a thread engagement. The counterpart comprises one or more thread segments, which can be deflected outward in order to release the thread engagement. A securing element (5) can be slid onto the counterpart (40) in a distal direction in order to prevent a release of the thread engagement. A mixing rod (61) extends through the plunger (20). An operating element (70) is connected to the proximal end of the mixing rod by means of a releasable form closure or force closure. A locking element (80) can be moved between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking element prevents a release of the form closure or force closure. Insulating ribs (13) minimise the input of heat into the interior of the container due to touching.

Description

TITLE

Mixing and discharging device with threaded spindle

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for discharging a product. The product may in particular be a bone cement or bone substitute. However, the device is also suitable for other high-viscosity, viscous masses.

STATE OF THE ART

In order to deliver a flowable product to its destination, syringe-type containers are often used. There is a piston in the container. To discharge the product from the container, the piston is advanced in a distal direction. In the simplest case, the piston is connected to a piston rod which has a thumb rest. To deliver the product, the user pushes the thumb rest with his thumb in the distal direction while holding the container between the index and middle fingers. However, in this way, the discharged amount can only be controlled poorly. For viscous, viscous products such as bone cement also a relatively large force is needed, which sometimes can not be applied by the user or only with difficulty.

It is therefore known to provide a Auspressspindel instead of a piston rod, which is in a threaded engagement with a container-fixed counterpart. The piston is then advanced by a screw movement of the extrusion spindle. As a result, the product can be very controlled and discharged with little effort.

However, it is tedious initially when commissioning the Auspressspindel so far to screw until the actual discharge process begins. It is therefore known, the counterpart in such a way that it can be selectively brought into engagement and out of engagement with the Auspressspindel. This makes it possible to simply axially advance the Auspressspindel without engagement with the counterpart until the force required for this increases sharply, only to produce a threaded engagement.

Such devices are e.g. known from US 4,832,692 or WO 2004/060468. In these devices, the threaded engagement is made by an actuating lever is pivoted relative to the container. In US 7,530,970, the threaded engagement is made by actuating a side-mounted push-button. In the devices of EP 0 565 045 A1 and WO 01/93787 A2, the thread engagement is made by rotating an element about the container axis relative to the container. In the device of US 6,106,496, a frame is displaced relative to the container to produce the threaded engagement.

Another device of the type mentioned is from Summit Medical Ltd. under the name "MiniMix ™ Precision Delivery Syringe." In this product, threaded engagement is made by sliding an element disposed on the container in the proximal direction, i.e., opposite to the direction of administration.

However, the handling of said devices is not always intuitive. In addition, at least some of said devices are relatively complex and therefore expensive to manufacture and error prone. It is also known to produce bone cement by mixing a solid (usually powdery) component directly in the syringe-like container with a liquid component. For this purpose, combined mixing and discharge devices have become known in which a mixing element is arranged in the container. Such a mixing and discharging device is specified, for example, in WO 2012/174670. In the device disclosed therein, the mixing element is connected to a mixing rod which is guided through the piston to the outside. At its proximal end, the mixing rod is connected to an actuating ring. To mix the product, the user grasps the actuating ring and moves with it the mixing rod relative to the container. Around then discharge the product, the user removes the actuator from the mixing rod and pushes a hollow threaded spindle on the mixing rod. So that the actuating element can be removed from the mixing rod, the mixing rod has a predetermined breaking point at which a proximal region of the mixing rod together with the actuating ring can be broken off. Alternatively, the actuating ring is connected to the mixing rod by a screw connection and can be unscrewed from the mixing rod.

At a predetermined breaking point is disadvantageous that there is a risk of injury when breaking the mixing rod. The function of the predetermined breaking point is usually not self-explanatory, which is why training is often required. In addition, the predetermined breaking point weakens the mixing rod, so that there is a risk that the mixing rod breaks unintentionally during mixing. On a screw is disadvantageous that it is tedious and time-consuming to unscrew the actuating ring of the mixing rod. The time required for this is usually not available in an operating room. In addition, there is a risk that during this time the bone cement is already starting to harden before being discharged.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing apparatus wherein an externally threaded dispensing spool may be initially axially displaced from a female threaded counterpart prior to securing the threaded engagement. In this case, the threaded engagement is to be secured in a particularly simple manner, and the operation of the discharge in securing the threaded engagement should be particularly intuitive.

Such a discharge device is specified in claim 1. Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

Thus, there is provided a device for discharging a product, comprising: a container forming a reservoir for the product;

a piston that limits the reservoir in a proximal direction and the relative to the container is displaceable in a distal direction to the product of the

Discharge reservoir;

an extrusion mandrel for exerting an extrusion force in the distal direction on the piston, the extrusion mandrel having an external thread; and

a counterpart, which is arranged at a proximal end region of the container or formed integrally with the container and is fixed at least in the proximal direction and with respect to rotations with respect to the container, with an internal thread, which is adapted to the external thread of the extrusion spindle

Thread engagement to form

the counterpart comprising one or more thread segments which are deflectable outwardly in a lateral direction to release the threaded engagement, and wherein the device comprises a securing element disposed on the dispensing spindle and slidable in the distal direction towards the counterpart to prevent loosening of the threaded engagement by the securing element hinders a lateral deflection of the thread segments.

The inventive discharge device makes it possible to secure the threaded engagement between the Auspressspindel and the counterpart in a very simple manner. By placing the securing element on the dispensing spindle, it does not interfere with the handling of the dispensing device before the dispensing spindle is inserted. By sliding the securing element in the distal direction on the ejection element, the handling of the device is very simple and intuitive. Due to its simple structure, the device can be manufactured very inexpensively. Directional indications are used in this document as follows: The distal direction or, more generally, the longitudinal direction is defined by the direction of movement of the piston during product discharge. The proximal direction is opposite to the distal direction. The lateral direction is a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction. A lateral direction that extends at an angle of approximately 90 ° to the longitudinal direction is also referred to as a radial direction.

Preferably, each of the thread segments is formed on an elastically deflectable spring arm, which extends with its free end in the proximal direction. It is but eg also conceivable to pre-load the thread segments by separate spring elements inwardly with a spring force or provide the threaded segments laterally movable without the action of a spring force. Preferably, the counterpart before sliding the securing element a linear ratchet connection with the Auspressspindel so that the Auspressspindel is inserted into the distal direction in the counterpart by distally directed thread flanks of the external thread slide over proximally directed thread flanks of the internal thread. However, it is also conceivable that an engagement of the thread segments of the counterpart with the external thread of the Auspressspindel only takes place in that the securing element is pushed onto the counterpart, and that the Auspressspindel can move freely before the counterpart previously.

To ensure a ratchet connection that allows movement in one direction only, the external thread may be formed as a buttress thread, with proximally directed thread flanks which are steeper than the distally directed thread flanks. In other words, the proximally directed thread flanks enclose a larger angle with the longitudinal direction than the distally directed thread flanks. The angle which the distally directed thread flanks enclose to the longitudinal direction is preferably between 15 ° and 45 °. In contrast, the angle which the proximally directed thread flanks enclose to the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 60 °, particularly preferably at least 80 °, particularly preferably approximately 90 °. The angle can exceed 90 ° if the thread forms undercuts. In order to facilitate handling, it is preferred that the securing element can be fixed on the extrusion spindle before being pushed onto the counterpart. The fixation can be done for example by a simple frictional engagement or by snapping. If the extrusion spindle has a handle at its proximal end, it is preferred that the securing element can be fixed to the extrusion spindle in the region of the handle. The securing element is preferably guided on the extrusion spindle. It is preferably not removable from the dispensing spindle while the dispensing spindle is inserted into the counterpart. In a particularly simple embodiment, the securing element is sleeve-shaped and surrounds the Auspressspindel. To postpone to facilitate the counterpart, the fuse element can widen to its distal end.

The device may in particular be a combined mixing and discharging device. For this purpose, the device may further comprise:

a mixing element movable in the reservoir to agitate a product received therein, the mixing element preferably being movable both longitudinally and rotationally;

a mixing rod passing through the piston, the mixing rod having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the mixing rod is connected to the mixing member, and

wherein the Auspressspindel from the proximal end is pushed onto the mixing rod. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a combined mixing and dispensing apparatus wherein a mixing rod is guided by a piston and an actuator is releasably disposed at the proximal end of the mixing rod. In this case, the actuator can be removed in a particularly safe, simple and intuitive way of the mixing rod.

For this purpose, a device for mixing and discharging a product is stated, which comprises:

a container forming a reservoir for the product;

a piston defining the reservoir in a proximal direction and displaceable relative to the container in a distal direction to discharge the product from the reservoir;

a mixing member movable in the reservoir for mixing a product received therein;

a mixing rod passing through the piston, the mixing rod having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the mixing rod is connected to the mixing member; and

an actuator which is connected by a releasable positive or frictional connection with the proximal end of the mixing rod and by releasing the mold or Frictional connection is removable from the mixing bar, as well

a locking element which is movable on the actuating element between a locking position and a release position, wherein the locking element in the locking position prevents release of the positive or non-positive connection, while allowing release of the positive connection in the release position.

The locking element thus ensures in the locking position a positive or frictional connection between the mixing rod and the actuating element. The actuator can be replaced by a simple movement of the locking element in the release position and release of the positive or frictional connection of the mixing rod. As a result, it is no longer necessary to cancel the mixing rod, with all the disadvantages associated with it. Compared to a threaded connection handling is much easier.

In preferred embodiments, the actuating element has one or more connecting structures which form the releasable positive or non-positive connection with the mixing rod, wherein the connecting structures can be deflected outwards relative to the mixing rod in a lateral direction in order to release the positive or frictional connection. The locking element then obstructs in the locking position a lateral deflection of the connecting structures to the outside. In particular, the connection structures may comprise one or more laterally outwardly deflectable resilient spring legs extending along the mixing rod in the distal direction. This allows a particularly simple and elegant connection between the mixing rod and the actuator.

In order to produce a positive connection, it is possible to provide a laterally inwardly directed latching lug on at least one of the connecting structures. In this case, the mixing rod preferably has one or more lateral detent recesses, wherein in each case one detent nose with a detent recess forms a positive connection. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that between the connection structures and the proximal end of the mixing rod, for example, only a frictional engagement exists, which is secured by the locking element. In a particularly simple embodiment, the locking element forms a sleeve, which rests laterally on the connecting structures in the locking position, in order to prevent a lateral deflection of the connecting structures, and which enables a lateral deflection of the connecting structures in the release position.

The locking element is preferably displaceable by a movement in the proximal direction relative to the actuating element from the locking position into the release position. This results in a particularly intuitive operation when the actuator is to be removed, since then the actuator is also withdrawn together with the locking element in the proximal direction.

The actuator may include a handle portion adapted to be grasped (e.g., in the form of a classic handle) with a user's hand and / or at least one finger of the hand (e.g., in the form of a ring). In particular, the grip region may have the form of a ring whose size is chosen such that it is suitable for receiving at least one finger of the hand, in particular the index finger. The locking element is then preferably arranged distally of the grip area on the actuating element. The locking member may include a lateral flange portion arranged to allow the user to pull the locking member on the flange portion with one or more fingers of the same hand towards the handle portion of the actuating member in the proximal direction without releasing the grip portion. In order to prevent unintentional detachment of the actuating element, it is preferred if the locking element is held in the locking position by a releasable force or positive locking on the actuating element, wherein the releasable force or positive engagement by overcoming an acting in the direction of the release position increased minimum force is solvable.

In order to facilitate the discharge of the product after removal of the actuating element, the device may further comprise:

a Auspressspindel to a pressing force in the distal direction of the piston wherein the extrusion spindle has an external thread and can be pushed onto the mixing rod from the proximal end of the mixing rod after the actuating element has been removed from the mixing rod; and

a counterpart, which is arranged at a proximal end portion of the container or formed integrally with the container and is fixed at least in the proximal direction and with respect to rotations with respect to the container, with an internal thread, which forms a threaded engagement with the external thread of the Auspressspindel.

In order subsequently to facilitate the pushing on of a squeezing element, it is preferred if the mixing rod does not widen at its proximal end.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing apparatus wherein the contents of the apparatus are particularly well protected against heating by hand warmth of a user.

For this purpose, a device for discharging a product is stated, which comprises:

a container having a jacket wall defining a reservoir for the product;

the container having on the outside insulation protrusions projecting from the shell wall to reduce thermal contact with the interior of the container when a user grips the container against the shell wall.

The insulation bumps may in particular comprise isolation ribs. These preferably extend along a longitudinal direction of the container. The first, second and third aspects of the invention may be implemented independently or in any combination with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a mixing and discharge device according to a preferred

Embodiment of the present invention in perspective view;

Fig. 2 parts of the mixing and discharge device of Figure 1 in side view.

FIG. 3 shows the parts of FIG. 2 in a central longitudinal section; FIG.

Fig. 4-7 parts of the mixing and discharge of Fig. 1 in a central

Longitudinal section in different stages of use;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of FIG. 4 in a central longitudinal section; FIG. and

Fig. 9 is a detail view of FIG. 5 in a central longitudinal section.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of a mixing and discharging device 1 according to the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 show parts of this mixing and discharge in a side view and a central longitudinal section.

The mixing and discharging device 1 comprises a container 10, which forms a syringe body. The container 10 defines with its jacket wall 12 a cylindrical reservoir 11 which defines a longitudinal direction with its cylinder axis. On the outside of the jacket wall 12 insulation ribs 13 are formed, which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction. These isolation ribs 13 serve to reduce the transfer of body heat to the shell wall 12 when a user grasps the container 10 with his fingers. As a result, a product that is received in the reservoir 11, protected from excessive heating. In a proximal end region, two opposite lateral support flanges 14 are formed on the container 10 for holding the container 10 between the index and middle fences of a user's hand. In the container 10, a piston 20 is slidably disposed along the longitudinal direction, the piston 20 with a sealing element 21 at its periphery sealingly abuts the inside of the jacket wall 12. The piston 20 thereby limits the reservoir 11 in a fluid-tight manner in a proximal direction P.

At its distal end, the container 10 has a distal removal opening which is so large that the cross section of the reservoir 11 at the distal end does not taper. In the region of the removal opening wall 12 of the container 10, an external thread is formed on the shell, on which a closure 90 is screwed. The closure 90 has a discharge nozzle 91 whose cross section is smaller than the cross section of the reservoir 11. The discharge nozzle 91 is initially closed by a screwed plug 92. A mixing element 60 is disposed in the reservoir 11 between the piston 20 and the shutter 90. The mixing element 60 is formed in a manner known per se. It can e.g. have a plurality of arms which extend radially outwardly from a central hub and are connected at their free end with short circular arc segments. The mixing element 60 is connected to a mixing rod 61. In the present example, the mixing element 60 is formed integrally with the mixing rod 61; Of course, it is also conceivable that the mixing element 60 and the mixing rod 61 are separate parts, e.g. are connected together by a screw or locking connection. The piston 20 has a central longitudinal bore, and the mixing rod 61 extends through this longitudinal bore. As a result, the mixing rod 61 passes through the piston 20 in the axial direction. At its proximal end, the mixing rod 61 is positively, but releasably connected to an annular actuator 70. The manner in which the interlocking connection is made and released will be described below. A locking element 80 prevents the positive connection between the mixing rod 61 and the actuating element 70 inadvertently released.

The mixing and discharging device 1 further comprises as a separate element a hollow Auspressspindcl 30, which is provided with an external thread 31. At her proximal end, the extrusion spindle 30 is provided with a handle 32 which serves to rotate the extrusion spindle 30 about its longitudinal axis. At its distal end, the extrusion spindle 30 has a distal end region 33, which has a smaller outside diameter than the external thread 31.

At the proximal end of the container 10, a counterpart 40 for the Auspressspindel 30 is arranged. In the present example, the counterpart 40 is formed integrally with the container 10; However, the counterpart 40 can also be manufactured as a separate part and subsequently connected to the container 10. The counterpart 40 has the form of a threaded sleeve which is divided into segments by a plurality of axially extending cuts. Each of the segments forms an elastically outwardly deflectable spring arm 41, at the proximal free end of an inwardly facing thread segment 42 is formed. The mixing and discharge device 1 also comprises a securing sleeve 50, which is arranged in the region of the handle 32 on the extrusion spindle 30. The function of the securing sleeve 50 will be explained in more detail below. The locking sleeve 50 widens slightly in its distal end region 51. At its proximal end, the locking sleeve 50 is in a frictional engagement with the extrusion spindle 30 and is thereby releasably held on the extrusion spindle 30.

Initially, the mixing and discharging device 1 is in the state of FIGS. 1-3. Previously, two components of a product were filled in the reservoir 11, which are to be first mixed together. For this purpose, the user grasps the actuating element 70 and hereby moves the mixing rod 61 in the axial direction and at the same time in the circumferential direction back and forth. As a result, the mixing element 60 is moved in a corresponding manner in the reservoir 11 and thus mixes the components.

To discharge the finished product, the user first removes the actuator 70, as shown in FIG. For this purpose, the user inserts his thumb in the annular actuator 70 and pulls the locking member 80 with the index and middle finger in the proximal direction P. This dissolves the connection between the mixing rod 61 and the Actuator 70, as will be explained in more detail below in connection with FIG. 8.

Subsequently, the user pushes the extrusion spindle 30 in the distal direction D onto the mixing rod 61. In this case, first of all the distal end region 33 of the extrusion spindle 30 reaches the region of the counterpiece 40. Because of its reduced diameter, the distal end region 33 can easily be pushed between the thread segments 42 until the external thread 31 of the extrusion spindle 30 strikes the thread segments 42. Now, the distally directed thread flanks of the external thread 31 slide over the proximally directed thread flanks of the thread segments 42 and thereby deflect the thread segments 42 radially outward. Accordingly, the spring arms 41 spring elastically outward. As soon as the thread segments 42 engage the external thread 31, the spring arms 41 spring back inwards. Overall, so results in a linear ratchet connection between the Auspressspindel 30 and the counterpart 40th

The user now pushes the extrusion spindle 30 axially in the distal direction D until the extrusion spindle 30 abuts with its distal end region 33 at the proximal end of the piston 20. This state is shown in FIG. From this moment a greatly increased counterforce acts against a further linear feed of Auspressspindel 30. By the linear ratchet connection between the counterpart 40 and the Auspressspindel 30 prevents the Auspressspindel 30 can be withdrawn. In order to secure the threaded connection between the Auspressspindel 30 and the counterpart 40, the user now pushes the locking sleeve 50 on the Auspressspindel in the distal direction D forward until the locking sleeve 50, the counterpart 40 engages laterally. This is shown in FIG. The flared distal end portion of the locking sleeve 50 facilitates the sliding of the locking sleeve 50 on the counterpart 40. The locking sleeve 50 is now laterally on the spring arms 41 and thereby prevents the spring arms 41 can continue to be deflected outwards. In order to squeeze the product out of the reservoir 11, the user first removes the sealing plug 92. The user now rotates the threaded spindle 30 on the handle 32 in a clockwise direction, thus screwing the threaded spindle 30 in the distal direction D into the container 10. As a result, the piston 20 is advanced in the distal direction D and forces the product out of the reservoir 11 through the discharge port 91. The state at the end of the discharge process is shown in FIG.

The connection between the piston rod 61 and the actuating element 70 will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIG 8. The fastening element 70 has an actuating region in the form of a ring 76 and a fastening region 71 which extends from the ring 76 in the distal direction D. The attachment region 71 comprises two radially opposite connection structures in the form of spring legs 72, which extend from the ring 76 in the distal direction D parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the two spring legs 72 has on the inside a latching lug 74. The spring legs 72 together define a gap 73 into which the proximal free end of the mixing rod 61 can be inserted.

The mixing rod 61 has at its proximal free end two opposite latching depressions 62, which are complementary to the latching lugs 74 of the fastening region 71. When the free end of the mixing rod 61 is inserted into the gap 73, the spring legs 72 spring outwardly until the locking lugs 74 engage in the locking recesses 62 and thus form a positive connection between the mixing rod 61 and the actuating element 70. In this case, the positive locking acts both in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, i. the actuating element 70 is fixed to the mixing rod 61 both with respect to axial movements and with respect to rotations about the longitudinal axis.

This positive connection is secured by the sleeve-like locking element 80. In FIGS. 1-3, the locking element 80 is in a locking position, in which it prevents a lateral deflection of the spring legs 72. As a result, the locking element 80 prevents the positive connection between the mixing rod 61 and the actuating element 70 being released. In the locking position, the locking element with the aid of a radially outwardly projecting retaining bead 75th fixed in a force-locking manner on the actuating element 70. In contrast, in FIG. 8, the locking element 80 is in a release position, in which a lateral deflection of the spring legs 72 with the latching lugs 74 and thus release of the positive connection is possible, in that the actuating element 70 is pulled off the mixing rod 61 in the proximal direction P. In order to be able to move the locking element 80 into the release position in a simple and intuitive manner, the locking element 80 has opposite flange regions 81 which are designed to be in the proximal direction by means of the middle and ring fingers of a hand whose index finger is in the ring 76 to be pulled. Because of the retaining bead 75, a certain minimum resistance must first be overcome before the locking element 80 can be moved into the release position.

FIG. 9 shows the connection between the extrusion spindle 30 and the counterpart 40 in an enlarged view. As already explained above, the counterpart 40 forms a sleeve which is divided by axial cuts into a plurality of sleeve segments which act as spring arms 41. At its free end, each of the spring arms 41 has a thread segment 42. The thread segment has a steep distal flank 43, which forms an angle of 90 ° to the longitudinal direction, and a flat proximal flank 44, which forms an angle of approximately 30 ° to the longitudinal direction. The flanks of the external thread 31 on the outer circumference of the Auspressspindel 30 are designed to be complementary. The distally directed flanks 34 are correspondingly flatter than the proximally directed flanks 35. In this way, the extrusion spindle 30 can be advanced axially relative to the counterpart 40 in the distal direction. The external thread 31 and the thread segments 42 form a linear ratchet connection, in which the flat distal flanks 34 of the external thread 31 slide over the flat, proximally directed flanks 44 of the thread segments 42, while the steep proximal flanks 35 of the external thread 31 share the steep flanks distally directed flanks 43 of the thread segments 42 prevent retraction of the extrusion spindle 30.

Of course, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the combination shown here Auspressspindel 30, counterpart 40 and locking sleeve 50 in a Discharge device without mixing element 60 and mixing rod 61 are used. Conversely, the manner in which the actuating element 70 is held on the mixing rod 61 by means of a locking element 80 can be used independently of a particular extrusion element. The individual elements can also be designed differently than illustrated here by way of example. For example, the extrusion spindle 30 may have a handle of a different design and be shaped differently at its distal end. Instead of a catchy thread, a two- or multi-start thread is conceivable. The counterpart 40 can also be designed differently. Thus, the counterpart need not necessarily be sleeve-shaped, and not all segments of the counterpart need to form spring arms. The locking sleeve 50 may have a shape other than that shown here, as long as it is suitable to prevent a deflection of parts of the counterpart 40 to the outside. The container 10 does not necessarily have to have isolation ribs. If insulation is desired, other types of insulation structures may be present on the container wall 12. Insulation bumps may also be beneficial in other types of syringe-type containers. At its distal end, the container can also be configured differently than shown here and in particular be provided with a different type of closure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 mixing and discharging apparatus

10 containers

11 reservoir

12 jacket wall

13 isolation rib

14 retaining flange

20 pistons

21 sealing element

30 extrusion spindle

31 external thread

32 handle

33 distal end region

34 distally directed flank

35 proximal flank

40 counterpart

41 spring arm

42 thread segment

43 distally directed flank

44 proximally directed flank

50 locking sleeve

51 distal end region

60 mixing element

61 mixing bar

62 detent recess

70 actuator

71 mounting area

72 spring legs

73 gap

74 latch

75 retaining bead

76 ring Locking element flange area closure

Discharge nozzle Sealing plug

Claims

Device for dispensing a product, comprising:

a container (10) forming a reservoir (11) for the product;

a piston (20) delimiting the reservoir (11) in a proximal direction (P) and slidable relative to the container (10) in a distal direction (D) for discharging the product from the reservoir (11);

an ejection spindle (30) for exerting a depressing force in the distal direction (D) on the piston (20), the ejection spindle (30) having an external thread (31); and

a counterpart (40) disposed at or integral with the container (10) at a proximal end portion of the container (10) and fixed at least in the proximal direction (P) and in rotation with respect to the container (10) with an internal thread which is adapted to form a threaded engagement with the external thread (31) of the extrusion spindle (30),

characterized,

that the counterpart (40) comprises one or more thread segments (42) which are deflectable outwardly in a lateral direction to release the threaded engagement, and

in that the device has a securing element (50) which is arranged on the dispensing spindle (30) and which in the distal direction can be pushed onto the counterpart (40) in order to prevent disengagement of the threaded engagement, in that the securing element (50) is a lateral one Deflection of the thread segments (42) impeded.

The device of claim 1, wherein each of the thread segments (42) is formed on an elastically deflectable spring arm (41) extending with its free end in the proximal direction (P).

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the counterpart (40) before sliding the securing element (50) has a linear ratchet connection with the extrusion spindle (30) forms, so that the extrusion spindle (30) in the distal direction (D) in the counterpart (40) can be inserted by distally directed thread flanks (34) of the external thread (31) via proximally directed thread flanks (43) of Sliding inside thread.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the external thread (31) is formed as a saw thread, with distally directed thread flanks (34) and proximally directed thread flanks (35), wherein the proximally directed thread flanks (35) steeper than the distally directed thread flanks ( 34).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Securing element (50) before pushing on the counterpart (40) on the Auspressspindel (30) is fixable.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the Auspressspindel (30) at its proximal end has a handle (32), and wherein the securing element (50) before being pushed onto the counterpart (40) in the region of the handle (32) on the Auspressspindel (30) is fixable.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Secured element (50) on the Auspressspindel (30) is guided.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

The locking element (50) can not be removed from the extrusion spindle (30) while the extrusion spindle is inserted into the counterpart (40).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Securing element (50) is sleeve-shaped.

The device of claim 9, wherein the securing member (50) widens toward its distal end (51).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises:

a mixing element (60) movable in the reservoir (11) for mixing a product received therein;

a mixing rod (61) penetrating the piston (20), the mixing rod (61) having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the mixing rod (61) is connected to the mixing element (60) Spout (30) from the proximal end on the mixing rod (61) can be pushed.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

an actuator (70) connectable to the proximal end of the mixing rod (61) by a releasable positive or frictional connection and removable from the mixing rod (61) after release of the positive or frictional connection, about the extrusion spindle (30) slide off the mixing rod (61).

13. A device for mixing and dispensing a product, comprising:

a container (10) forming a reservoir (11) for the product;

a mixing rod (61) passing through the piston (20), the mixing rod (61) having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the mixing rod (61) is connected to the mixing element (60); and

an actuator (70) connected to the proximal end of the mixing rod (61) by a releasable positive or non-positive fit,

characterized in that the device further comprises a locking element (80) movable on the actuating element (70) between a locking position and a release position, wherein the Locking element (80) in the locked position prevents release of the positive or non-positive connection, while it allows in the release position, a release of the positive or frictional connection.

14. Device according to claim 13,

wherein the actuating element (70) has one or more connecting structures (72) which form the releasable positive or non-positive connection with the mixing rod (61),

wherein the connecting structures (72) relative to the mixing rod (61) in a lateral direction are deflected outwardly to release the positive or frictional, and

wherein the locking element (80) obstructs a lateral deflection of the connecting structures (72) to the outside in the locking position.

The device of claim 14, wherein the interconnect structures (72) include one or more laterally deflectable resilient spring legs extending along the mixing rod (61) in the distal direction.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the connecting structures (72) has a laterally inwardly directed latching lug (74) is formed, and wherein the mixing rod (61) has one or more lateral latching recesses (62), wherein each one Latch (74) with a latching recess (62) forms a positive connection.

17. Device according to one of claims 14-16, wherein the locking element (80) forms a sleeve, which rests in the locking position laterally on the connecting structures (72) to prevent a lateral deflection of the connecting structures (72), and in the Release position allows lateral deflection of the connecting structures (72).

18. Device according to one of claims 13-17, wherein the locking element (80) relative to the actuating element (70) by a movement in the proximal direction (P) from the locking position into the release position displaceable is.

19. Device according to claim 18,

wherein the actuating member (70) comprises a handle portion (76) adapted to be grasped by a user's hand and / or at least one finger of the hand, in particular the index finger, the locking member (80) distal to the handle portion (76) is arranged on the actuating element (70), and

wherein the locking member (80) has a lateral flange portion (81) arranged to allow the user to attach the locking member (80) to the flange portion (81) with one or more fingers of the same hand to the handle portion (76) of the actuating member (70) in the proximal direction without letting go of the grip area (76).

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the handle portion (76) has the shape of a ring, the size of which is selected so that it is adapted to receive at least one finger of the hand, in particular the index finger.

21. Device according to one of claims 13-20, wherein the locking element

(80) is held in the locking position by a releasable force or positive engagement on the actuating element (70), and wherein the releasable force or positive engagement by overcoming a force acting in the direction of the release position minimum resistance is solvable.

22. Device according to one of claims 13-21, which further comprises:

a Auspressspindel (30) for exerting a Auspresskraft in the distal direction of the piston (20), wherein the Auspressspindel has an external thread (31) and from the proximal end of the mixing rod (61) forth on the mixing rod (61) can be pushed after the Actuator (70) has been removed from the mixing rod (61); and

a counterpart (40) disposed at or integral with the container (10) at a proximal end portion of the container (10) and at least in the proximal direction (P) and with respect to rotations with respect to Container (10) is fixed, with an internal thread which forms a threaded engagement with the external thread (31) of the Auspressspindel (30).

23. Device according to one of claims 13-22, wherein the mixing rod (61) does not expand at its proximal end.

24. A device for dispensing a product, comprising:

a container (10) having a jacket wall (12) defining a reservoir (11) for the product;

a plunger (20) delimiting the reservoir (11) in a proximal direction (P) and slidable relative to the container (10) in a distal direction (D) for discharging the product from the reservoir (11);

characterized in that the container (10) on the outside insulation protrusions (13), the wall of the jacket (12) protrude to reduce thermal contact with the interior of the container when a user, the container wall on the jacket (12) engages.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the isolation bumps (13) comprise isolation ribs.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the isolation ribs extend along a longitudinal direction of the container (10).