EP4169500A1 - Sensor unit for application to a liquid dispenser and liquid dispenser comprising such a sensor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Sensor unit (10) for attachment to a liquid dispenser (100), the sensor unit (10) being provided for exchangeable attachment to the base section (104) of a liquid reservoir (102). The sensor unit (10) has an annular wall structure (12) which surrounds a receiving space (16) closed on the bottom side by a receiving space floor (14) for receiving the bottom section (104) of the liquid reservoir (102). The sensor unit (10) has at least one sensor (23, 24, 25) for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser (100). Various variants are proposed for fastening the liquid reservoir in the sensor unit, in particular a variant in which on the inside of the annular Wall structure (12) at least one inwardly facing and radially displaceable clamping surface (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) is provided for secure contact with a lateral surface (106) of the liquid reservoir (102).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a sensor unit for attachment to a liquid dispenser and a liquid dispenser with such a sensor unit.

A sensor unit within the meaning of the invention is a unit that can be handled separately, which is provided for coupling to a liquid dispenser and which has at least one sensor that is suitable for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser. Such a sensor can be designed, for example, as a motion sensor that detects the movement of the liquid dispenser, or as a force or pressure sensor that detects the actuation of the dispenser for the purpose of dispensing liquid.

The generic sensor unit is provided for detachable attachment to the bottom section of a liquid reservoir. It is thus possible to use the sensor unit one after the other or, if necessary, also alternately on different liquid reservoirs from different liquid dispensers. If a liquid reservoir is empty, the sensor unit can be detached from it, the liquid reservoir or the entire liquid dispenser can be replaced together with the liquid reservoir, and the sensor unit can be attached to a new liquid reservoir.

TASK AND SOLUTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a sensor unit which enables the said changing of the liquid reservoir in a reliable manner. It is also the object of the invention to provide a liquid dispenser with such a sensor unit.

According to the invention, a sensor unit of the generic type is proposed, which is provided for attachment to the base section of a liquid reservoir. This sensor unit has at least one sensor that is suitable for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser, in particular its movement and/or its actuation.

A sensor unit according to the invention has an annular wall structure which surrounds a receiving space closed on the bottom side by a receiving space floor for receiving the bottom section of the liquid reservoir. The receiving space is preferably designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical and also preferably designed to receive liquid reservoirs with a circular-cylindrical lateral surface. The wall structure can be closed all around. However, it can also have interruptions or be formed by a plurality of wall segments.

The receiving space is open at the top and is used to push in the bottom section of the liquid reservoir from this open end. The liquid reservoir is detachably coupled to the sensor unit in the area of the receiving space.

For this purpose, four variants are proposed according to the invention, which can also be used in combination in order to ensure that the sensor unit is held as securely as possible on the liquid reservoir. What the variants have in common is that they allow the sensor unit to be reused with repeatedly changed liquid reservoirs.

According to the first variant, an adhesive element is provided, which is arranged between the base of the receiving space and the base section of the liquid reservoir and thus secures the liquid reservoir in the receiving space.

According to the second variant, at least one inwardly facing and radially displaceable clamping surface is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure for secure contact with a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir.

According to the third variant, a circumferential seal is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure, which is intended to rest against a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir and which, together with the lateral surface and the base section of the liquid reservoir, delimits an isolated pressure chamber.

According to the fourth variant, a thread structure is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure for secure contact with a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir, the thread structure having an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the lateral surface.

Special features and details of the four variants are described below.

In the first variant, an adhesive element is provided, which is adhesively attached to at least one contact surface. This at least one contact surface can be provided on the bottom section of the liquid reservoir or on the bottom of the receiving space. The side of the wall structure pointing inwards is preferably free of adhesive surfaces, so that an adhesive connection is created exclusively on the bottom section. This makes handling easier and allows the sensor unit to be used with liquid reservoirs of different diameters.

Although configurations are possible in which the adhesive element is attached to the other contact surface without an adhesive connection, it is preferred if the adhesive element is designed as an adhesive element provided with adhesive surfaces on both sides, so that it is adhesively attached to both the contact surface of the base section and the base of the receiving space is.

If an adhesive element provided with adhesive surfaces on both sides is used, it is considered preferable if the adhesive surface adhering to the bottom of the receiving space has a greater separating force than the adhesive surface adhering to the bottom section of the liquid reservoir. The adhesive element therefore remains attached to the sensor unit when the sensor unit is separated from the liquid reservoir and is reused as intended if the remaining adhesive force permits this. The greater separating force on the side of the base section can be brought about, among other things, by the design of the respective surfaces and/or by a contact area of different size.

In particular, the adhesive element can be formed from a polymer gel with adhesive properties. Such adhesive elements retain their adhesive power over a long period of time and are therefore particularly well suited for reusability.

The adhesive element is preferably arranged in such a way that it lies against the floor of the receiving space. It can cover this area. However, an annular structure with a central cutout is preferred. This makes assembly easier. In addition, in the case of conventional bottom portions of liquid reservoirs, which have a central recess, no adhesion is possible in the middle, so that the ring structure does not cause deterioration in holding power.

In the case of the second variant, at least one radially displaceable clamping surface is provided in the area of the wall structure of the sensor unit, which can be moved by radial displacement on the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir and clamps it in such a way that it is sufficiently difficult to separate the liquid reservoir from the sensor unit in order to remain secured to it during normal everyday stress.

At least two clamping surfaces must be provided in order to achieve the desired clamping effect, of which, however, only one has to be radially movable. It is advantageous if more than two clamping surfaces are provided, so that the liquid reservoir is held more securely as a result. In a clamping state, the at least two clamping surfaces press from the outside onto the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir, so that the liquid reservoir is held by the clamping surfaces in a frictionally engaged manner. In addition, the clamping surfaces can also bring about a positive fit if the bottom section of the liquid reservoir has an enlarged cross section, above which the clamping surfaces are in contact with the lateral surface.

This second variant includes both configurations in which the clamping surface or surfaces can be deflected by a switching means so that the liquid reservoir is subsequently inserted into the receiving space, and configurations in which the clamping surfaces are deflected by the insertion of the liquid reservoir.

The clamping surfaces can preferably be shifted relative to one another in such a way that liquid containers with different diameters can be held securely. It is particularly preferably provided that at least liquid reservoirs with a diameter that differs by 5% can be held securely.

A possible design of the second variant of the invention provides that a plurality of discrete clamping surfaces are distributed around the circumference, in particular two, four, six or eight clamping surfaces. Discrete clamping surfaces are understood to mean that areas are provided between these clamping surfaces in which the sensor unit does not bear against the lateral surface. However, the discrete clamping surfaces are preferably at least in part portions of a one-piece component. As explained above, not all clamping surfaces have to be radially displaceable. However, it is preferably provided that all clamping surfaces can be displaced radially, for example by means of a common tensioning element, as will be explained below.

An alternative design provides that the at least one clamping surface is formed by a single clamping surface spanning the lateral surface by more than 180° or by a helical clamping surface. Such a clamping surface can develop the clamping effect by being elastic due to Deformation exerts a radial force on the liquid reservoir circumferentially or over a large angular range. Thus, a clamping surface that encompasses the lateral surface by more than 180° alone can develop the desired clamping effect. A helical clamping surface with at least one turn can rest circumferentially on the outer surface of the liquid reservoir.

The at least one clamping surface is preferably provided on an at least partially radially elastically deflectable clamping element. This allows the liquid reservoir to be pushed into the receiving space against the restoring force of the clamping element without additional switching means. If a switching means is present, configurations are also possible in which the elasticity of the components of the clamping mechanism is not important.

In a structurally comparatively simple variant, it is provided that at least one clamping element is designed as a clamping element formed in one piece with the ring-shaped wall structure. In particular, several or all of the clamping elements can be formed in one piece with the wall structure. Such a one-piece design is advantageous for achieving a low production price. The clamping elements provided in one piece with the wall structure are preferably provided with a radially compressible deformation area. In particular, this preforming area is preferably formed by one-piece partial sections of the wall structure.

As an alternative to such a one-piece design, at least one clamping element that is separate from the ring-shaped wall structure can also be provided, which can be deflected or expanded relative to the ring-shaped wall structure in order to allow the liquid reservoir to be inserted. It can be provided in particular that the clamping element is manually deflected or expanded by a switching means before the liquid reservoir is then inserted into the receiving space.

In one possible configuration of this, this clamping element is designed as an expandable ring which at least largely surrounds the liquid reservoir, or as an expandable torsion spring which at least once surrounds the liquid reservoir. In particular, it can be provided that one end of the ring or the torsion spring is fixed to the ring-shaped wall structure or directly to this wall structure and the other end of the ring or the torsion spring is movable to expand the ring or the torsion spring, with this other end preferably having a Handle is connected to conveniently shift the end in the circumferential direction to be able to and thereby expand the inner diameter of the ring or the torsion spring elastically.

Another preferred design provides that at least two clamping surfaces are provided, which are arranged opposite one another on the inside of a circumferential clamping ring. In the maximally elastically relaxed state, this clamping ring has an oval shape which can be elastically deformed in the direction of a circular shape by direct or indirect application of radial force. The oval shape has a semi-minor axis that is smaller than the diameter of the liquid reservoir. This design means that the clamping ring can be deformed by the application of external force in such a way that the liquid container can be pushed in without any force. If there is no external application of force, it rests against the liquid container and clamps it as a result.

Although a single clamping ring of this type can already develop sufficient force to clamp the liquid reservoir, it is advantageous if at least two and in particular preferably exactly two such clamping rings are provided.

These clamping rings are preferably arranged rotationally offset relative to one another or can be rotated into a rotationally offset arrangement, so that the liquid reservoir is clamped in the clamped state by at least four clamping surfaces distributed around the circumference. In a design in which the clamping rings can be rotated, provision can be made for the clamping rings to be deformed in a matching angular position for inserting the liquid reservoir and for one of the clamping rings to be rotated after the liquid reservoir has been clamped, for example by 90°.

Preferably, however, the clamping rings can be arranged in such a way that the larger semi-axes of the maximally relaxed oval shapes are set against one another at a fixed angle, preferably at 90°. In the case of such an arrangement, the application of force for the purpose of expanding in the direction of a round shape also takes place offset by this angle.

To apply force to the at least one clamping ring, switching elements for manual application of force can be provided, with these switching elements preferably protruding through the ring-shaped wall structure and/or with these switching elements preferably being attached in one piece to the respective clamping rings.

These switching elements are preferably switching elements that can be pressed in radially for the purpose of deforming the ring elements. The switching elements can be provided, in particular, at opposite ends of the oval ring shape, aligned with the large semi-axis of the oval shape.

Particularly in a design with two offset clamping rings, but also in a design with only one clamping ring, it can be advantageous if at least one switching element that is movable relative to the wall structure is provided for applying force to the at least one clamping ring, which switching element is designed as a separate component from the clamping ring is. In a preferred embodiment, a force application surface for applying a force to the at least one clamping ring is provided on the inside of this switching element, which is separate from the clamping ring.

With such a design, a separate component is therefore provided, which is directly subjected to manual force by the user and thereby indirectly applies force to the clamping ring or rings. In particular, it can preferably be provided that said switching element is designed as a rotatable and preferably circumferential switching ring. This switching ring is intended to be twisted for the purpose of expanding the at least one clamping ring. The force-application surface provided on the switching element is preferably a sliding surface that is inclined relative to the direction of rotation, so that there is an indirect radial displacement of the clamping ring and, associated therewith, a deformation. In the case of two offset clamping rings, a switching element as a common switching element can deform both clamping rings at the same time by means of corresponding sliding surfaces and thus produce the non-clamping state suitable for inserting the liquid reservoir in a particularly convenient manner.

Another embodiment of the second variant of the invention provides that the clamping surface is formed by an inner surface of a clamping element, which consists of an elastically compressible material and preferably has a circumferential sleeve structure. In particular, foam or a similar material can be used here. The compression hardness of the material is preferably a maximum of 6 kilopascals. The thickness of the material in the uncompressed state is preferably at least 0.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 1 mm. Larger thicknesses can also be expedient, in particular to improve the usability of the sensor unit for liquid reservoirs with different diameters.

When the bottle body is pressed in, the material of the clamping element is compressed so that it then exerts a clamping force on the bottle body. The particularly sleeve-shaped clamping element or the multiple clamping elements are provided on the inside of the wall structure of the wall structure.

A combination with the above-mentioned adhesive element can be advantageous, so that the liquid reservoir is held on the one hand by the adhesive element by the adhesive effect and on the other hand is supported laterally by the compressible clamping element and held in a friction-locked manner.

A further design of the second variant of the invention provides that an at least axially movable clamping sleeve is provided, wherein the clamping sleeve can in particular be a threaded sleeve which can be displaced in a superimposed rotational and axial movement. The threaded sleeve is preferably provided with a gripping surface on the outside in order to be turned manually, so that the axial displacement takes place indirectly.

Furthermore, according to this design, a plurality of clamping surfaces is provided, which are radially displaced by axial displacement of the clamping sleeve in order to contact the outer surface of the liquid reservoir from the outside and clamp it. These clamping elements can be provided on a component that is separate from the clamping sleeve. In particular, however, they are preferably provided on the clamping sleeve itself.

The radial displacement of the clamping surfaces takes place in particular via a wedge drive, through which the axial movement of the clamping sleeve is converted into the radial movement of the clamping surfaces.

According to the third variant, the sensor unit is designed in such a way that, together with the liquid reservoir, it forms an at least temporarily isolated pressure chamber. This pressure chamber holds the liquid reservoir in that when the liquid reservoir is pulled out, a negative pressure is formed or increased in the pressure chamber, which makes it difficult to pull it out. In the simplest case, the sensor unit is provided with a sealing lip that isolates the pressure chamber when the liquid reservoir is pushed in, but at least partially reduces the resulting overpressure by briefly detaching the sealing lip from the lateral surface. This ensures that a subsequent pulling out causes the negative pressure described to arise.

A possible additional measure provides that the pressure chamber has a volumetrically variable sub-chamber, the volume of which can be changed manually by means of a switching element. This allows the liquid reservoir to be pushed in with a minimum volume of the partial space and to enlarge the partial space after it has been pushed in, so that the negative pressure is increased as a result.

Another possibility for developing the third variant of a sensor unit according to the invention is to provide a pressure equalization channel that connects the pressure chamber to an environment, with a manually switchable valve also being provided, by means of which the pressure equalization channel can be closed, so that the pressure chamber is isolated as a result.

This allows the pressure space delimited by the sensor unit and the outside of the liquid reservoir to be connected to the environment while the liquid reservoir is being pushed in, so that little or no excess pressure is created here. As soon as the liquid reservoir is pushed in, the valve is closed so that the pressure chamber is isolated and a negative pressure counteracts a tensile force on the liquid reservoir. If the liquid reservoir is to be changed, the valve is opened and the liquid reservoir can be easily pulled out while the pressure is equalized at the same time. The valve is preferably biased to the closed position by spring force and is opened by manual application of force.

According to the fourth variant, the sensor unit is designed with a thread structure designed as an internal thread. The thread structure can be formed from individual helical sections or from one or more continuous thread turns. In the area of the lateral surface, the liquid reservoir can provide corresponding depressions in the form of an external thread, which are already introduced here during production. However, it is advantageous if the liquid reservoir has a circular-cylindrical lateral surface, since this is usually the case with liquid reservoirs that are not specifically adapted to sensor units. When the sensor unit is screwed on, the lateral surface is then compressed at least to a small extent in the area of the thread structure of the sensor unit. It is also possible to design the thread structure on the sensor unit with such sharp edges that it cuts a thread here when it is screwed onto the liquid reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1A und 1B zeigen den Grundaufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Sensoreinheit.
• Fig. 2A bis 2D zeigen die bestimmungsgemäße Verwendung der Sensoreinheit als Teil eines Flüssigkeitsspenders mit Sensoreinheit.
• Fig. 3A bis 3C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der ersten Variante der Erfindung.
• Fig. 4A bis 4C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der zweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der elastisch auslenkbare Klemmflächen umfänglich verteilt vorgesehen sind.
• Fig. 5A bis 5C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der zweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der eine Klemmfläche durch die Innenseite einer Schenkelfeder gebildet wird.
• Fig. 6A bis 6C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß derzweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der eine elastisch komprimierbare Hülse vorgesehen ist, deren Innenseite eine Klemmfläche bildet.
• Fig. 7A bis 7D zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der zweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der ein verformbarer Ovalring Klemmflächen aufweist.
• Fig. 8A bis 8D zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß derzweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der zwei verformbare Ovalringe Klemmflächen aufweisen.
• Fig. 9A bis 9D zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der zweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der zwei verformbare Ovalringe Klemmflächen aufweisen und zusätzlich ein Schaltelement zur gemeinsamen Handhabung der Ovalringe vorgesehen ist.
• Fig. 10A bis 10C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der zweiten Variante der Erfindung, bei der eine axial verlagerbare Spannhülse Klemmflächen aufweist.
• Fig. 11A bis 11C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der dritten Variante der Erfindung, bei der eine Druckkammer der Sensoreinheit über einen Druckausgleichskanal mit der Umgebung verbindbar ist.
• Fig. 12A bis 12C zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der dritten Variante der Erfindung, bei der die Druckkammer eine volumetrisch veränderliche Teilkammer aufweist.
• Fig. 13A und 13B zeigen eine Sensoreinheit gemäß der vierten Variante der Erfindung, bei der die Sensoreinheit ein Innengewinde aufweist.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention result from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.

• Figures 1A and 1B show the basic structure of a sensor unit according to the invention.
• Figures 2A to 2D show the intended use of the sensor unit as part of a liquid dispenser with sensor unit.
• Figures 3A to 3C show a sensor unit according to the first variant of the invention.
• Figures 4A to 4C show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which elastically deflectable clamping surfaces are distributed circumferentially.
• Figures 5A to 5C show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which a clamping surface is formed by the inside of a leg spring.
• Figures 6A to 6C show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which an elastically compressible sleeve is provided, the inside of which forms a clamping surface.
• Figures 7A to 7D show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which a deformable oval ring has clamping surfaces.
• Figures 8A to 8D show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which two deformable oval rings have clamping surfaces.
• Figures 9A to 9D show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which two deformable oval rings have clamping surfaces and a switching element is additionally provided for joint handling of the oval rings.
• Figures 10A to 10C show a sensor unit according to the second variant of the invention, in which an axially displaceable clamping sleeve has clamping surfaces.
• Figures 11A to 11C show a sensor unit according to the third variant of the invention, in which a pressure chamber of the sensor unit can be connected to the environment via a pressure compensation channel.
• Figures 12A to 12C show a sensor unit according to the third variant of the invention, in which the pressure chamber has a volumetrically variable sub-chamber.
• Figures 13A and 13B show a sensor unit according to the fourth variant of the invention, in which the sensor unit has an internal thread.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The Figures 1A and 1B show a sensor unit 10 according to the invention, which is intended to be attached to the bottom section 104 of the liquid reservoir 102 of a liquid dispenser 100. The Figures 1A and 1B as well as the following Figures 2A to 2D initially serve the purpose of clarifying the basic functionality. The respective fixing means for fastening the base section 104 of the liquid reservoir 102 are shown in the further figures.

The basic design of a sensor unit 10 according to the invention looks accordingly Figure 1A suggest that the sensor unit 10 has an approximately bowl-like structure with a receiving space floor 14 and a surrounding wall structure 12 . Although the wall structure 12 is shown as a peripheral wall structure in the exemplary embodiments, constructions are also possible in which interruptions are provided in the wall structure. For example, three elements each extending over 90° and spaced apart circumferentially can likewise form a wall structure within the meaning of the invention.

As based on the schematic sectional view of the Figure 1B As illustrated, a sensor unit 10 according to the invention has electronic components which are used to record the handling of the liquid dispenser 100 . Examples are shown in Figure 1B a circuit board 20 on which a battery 21, a microprocessor 22, sensors 23 to 25, a radio communication module 26 and a status LED 27 are provided. These electronic components are arranged in a base area of sensor unit 10 , which is delimited on the outside by a housing 18 .

The electronic components permit the acquisition of sensor data in order to acquire sensor data and sensor data trends characteristic of the handling and/or actuation of the liquid dispenser. In the present case, these sensors are, for example, a movement sensor 23, which can detect the position and acceleration of the sensor unit 10, an acoustic sensor 24, which can detect noises associated with actuation or handling, and a temperature sensor 25, which can be used, for example, to detect a rise in temperature associated with grasping the dispenser. The microprocessor 22 processes the data from the sensors, and in the simplest case this processing can be limited to wireless transmission via the communication device 26, for example transmission to the user's smartphone or to an evaluation server. For other configurations it is also conceivable for the microprocessor 22 to carry out the evaluation of the data itself, without the need for communication with an external system for this purpose.

The collection of data for handling can serve various purposes. In particular, the detection can serve to identify usage processes and to check correct handling by the user.

For example, it is possible to monitor whether a patient is taking medication according to the medication plan. In particular, this can also be expedient in order to achieve high data quality in clinical studies. It is also possible to use a sensor unit 10 of the type described in order to implement a counter via this, by means of which the user can estimate how many applications are still possible with the liquid in the liquid reservoir 102 . When designed as a counter, it is advantageous if a display device is also provided in addition to the electronic components described.

The Figures 2A to 2D illustrate the intended use of a sensor unit 10. Within the scope of this use, as in Figure 2A shown, a liquid dispenser 100 is inserted with the bottom section 104 of its liquid reservoir 102 into the receiving space 16 of the sensor unit 10, where a firm hold is ensured by means of the means described below. In some of the configurations described below, it is provided that the sensor unit can be manually switched between a jammed and a non-jammed state. In such cases, the liquid reservoir 102 is pushed in after the non-jammed state has first been brought about. Subsequently, the sensor unit 10 is then transferred to the clamped state. In other configurations, the insertion takes place without prior preparation of the sensor unit 10, for example by elastically deflectable elements being deflected themselves during insertion and then exerting a clamping force on the inserted liquid reservoir 102.

In the paired state, the in Figure 2B is shown, the medication dispenser can be used as intended, with the sensor unit always being moved as a result of being attached to the liquid reservoir. A use of the liquid dispenser 100 is exemplary for a drop dispenser in Figure 2C clarified. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the liquid reservoir 102 is designed as a squeeze bottle. If, in the illustrated overhead position of the liquid dispenser 100 with the coupled sensor unit 10, the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102 is subjected to a force on both sides, this can cause droplets to be discharged.

As soon as the liquid reservoir 102 is empty, the liquid dispenser 100 is detached as a whole from the sensor unit 10, as shown in FIG 2D is shown. Assuming that sufficient force is applied, the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the sensor unit 10 without any problems, depending on the configuration after the sensor unit has been brought into the non-jammed state. In principle, the aim is for sensor units according to the invention to have a pulling force of more than 5 Newtons for pulling out the liquid reservoir 102 from the fastened or clamped state, so that unintentional separation is usually not to be expected.

After the empty liquid reservoir has been removed, the sensor unit 10 can be attached to a new liquid dispenser 100 .

The electronic components are designed in particular to detect the change in position of the liquid dispenser 100 in connection with a discharge. That's how it is Figure 2C it is easy to see that the dispenser assumes a characteristic position when it is used for dispensing. This position and possibly movement sequences until this position is reached or after this position has been reached can be recognized and evaluated as a sign of a discharge taking place. The sensor unit 10 can have sensors or be connected to additional sensors in order to detect the actuation or the discharge itself, for example by means of the acoustic sensor 24 described or a sensor module that is structurally separate from the sensor unit 10 for detecting drops in the area of the discharge opening 112. Es However, for many applications it is sufficient to merely analyze the movement sequence of the liquid dispenser 100 with the coupled sensor unit 10 in order to detect a discharge process with sufficient certainty.

The Figures 3A to 3C 12 show a first embodiment of a sensor unit 10 and the liquid reservoir 102 coupled thereto to create a permanent but detachable connection. How in particular based on the Figure 3B can be seen, an annular adhesive element 40 is provided on the receiving space floor 14 . This has adhesive adhesive surfaces 42, 44 on its top and bottom. In particular, the adhesive element 40 can be an adhesive made from a polymer gel with adhesive properties. With the lower adhesive surface 42, the adhesive element 40 adheres to the receiving space floor 14. With the upper adhesive surface 44, the adhesive element 40 adheres in the state of Figure 3B at the bottom portion 104 of the liquid reservoir 102. The ring shape simplifies assembly and does not lead to a significant reduction in the contact surface in the case of the bottom sections 104 of conventional medication bottles, which are typically provided with a depression.

The adhesive element 40 is preferably attached more strongly to the receiving space floor 14 than to the liquid reservoir 102 due to the larger adhesive surface or the respective material properties. If the liquid reservoir 102 is intentionally pulled out of the sensor unit 10, the adhesive element therefore remains on the sensor unit 10. A new liquid dispenser 100 with liquid reservoir 102 can then be pressed against the adhesive surface 44 in order to achieve a strong hold again. The aforementioned polymer gel with adhesive properties allows the same sensor unit 10 to be attached to new liquid reservoirs 102 before the adhesive force no longer permits this, given a suitable choice of polymer gel, usually several times, in particular at least five to ten times. In that case the user can use a new adhesive element 40 .

The Figures 4A to 4C show a configuration of the sensor unit 10 in which a total of twelve clamping elements 66 are provided on the inside of the wall structure 12, which have a deformation area 68 with surface elements angled towards one another and an inside clamping surface 50. The clamping surfaces 50 are arranged circumferentially, being in the state of Figure 4A together define a diameter that is less than the diameter of the liquid reservoir 102 . If the liquid reservoir 102 in the in Figure 4B is pressed into the sensor unit 10 as can be seen, the deformation regions 68 are deformed in the process, since the clamping surfaces 50 are pressed radially outwards. As a result of this elastic deformation of the deformation regions 68, a clamping force acts from the clamping elements 66 on the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102, so that the latter is sufficiently held.

The Figures 5A to 5C show another design. In particular based on Figure 5B it can be seen that the special feature of this design of the sensor unit 10 lies in the fact that a torsion spring 60 is arranged in the edge area of the receiving space 16 . A leg end 60A of this leg spring 60 is fixedly attached to the wall structure 12 of the sensor unit 10 . The other leg end 60B is attached to a handle 62 movable in the circumferential direction of the sensor unit 10 .

This allows, by moving the handle 62 relative to the housing 18 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5A of the sensor unit 10 to tension the torsion spring 60 and thereby the inner diameter to enlarge their whorls. In this enlarged state, the liquid reservoir 102 can then be pushed into the receiving space 16 without any significant effort. When the force is then no longer applied to the handle 62, the inside diameter of the torsion spring 60 decreases again, so that the insides of the coils, which also form clamping surfaces 52, rest against the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102 on the outside. This results in a high holding force, which prevents the liquid reservoir 102 from separating from the sensor unit 10 until the torsion spring 60 is widened again by moving the handle 62 again in order to remove the liquid reservoir 102 and replace it with a new one.

Although the illustrated torsion spring 60 is shown with 2.5 turns, a smaller number of turns can also be provided. If only 1.5 turns are provided, then by shifting the leg end 60B by only 20° using the handle 62, the inner diameter can be increased by approximately 4%.

The Figures 6A to 6C show a design in which a foam ring 70 is inserted as a clamping element on the inside of the wall structure 12 . This foam ring 70 forms a clamping surface 54 with its inside. If the liquid reservoir 102 is pushed into the receiving space 16, then Figure 6B As can be seen, the foam ring 70 is radially compressed so that the required holding force is achieved. If sufficient force is applied, however, the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the sensor unit 10 and the clamping element 70 located there in order to change it. The clamping element 70 can be fixed to the wall structure 12 in a manner not shown in detail by mechanical means or by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foam ring 70 can also have a certain oversize on the outside in order to remain securely in the receiving space 16 without additional fixing means. This has the advantage that the foam ring 70 can be changed if necessary.

When designing according to Figures 7A to 7D It is provided that a clamping element in the form of a clamping ring 74 which is approximately oval in the relaxed state is provided in the receiving space 16 . Switching elements 76 are provided at two opposite ends of this clamping ring 74, which extend through openings in the wall structure 12 (not shown in detail) and can thus be subjected to a force from the outside. As in Figure 7D is illustrated, an application of force in the area of the switching elements 76 towards one another leads to a deformation of the clamping ring 74 in the direction of a more circular shape. In this non-clamping state of Figure 7D can the liquid storage 102 are inserted into the receiving space 16. If the force is then no longer applied to the switching elements 76, the clamping ring 74 returns elastically to its starting position as far as the inserted liquid reservoir 102 allows. The inside of the clamping ring 74 forms two clamping surfaces 56, each offset by 90° to the switching elements 76, which rest against the liquid reservoir 102 and clamp it.

If the liquid reservoir 102 is to be removed, the switching elements 76 are pressed in again, the clamping surfaces 56 detach from the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102 and the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the receiving space 16 largely without force.

The design of Figures 8A to 8D is similar to the design of Figures 7A to 7D kind. However, two clamping rings 74A, 74B are provided here, which are offset from one another by 90° and which each have switching elements 76A, 76B. The functioning of each individual clamping ring 74A, 74B is identical to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment. The special feature is that a total of four clamping surfaces 56 are formed by the two clamping rings 74A, 74B, which bear against the outside of the liquid reservoir 102 after the switching elements 76A, 76B are released.

When designing according to Figures 9A to 9D are in turn two clamping rings 74A, 74B provided, according to the design of Figures 8A to 8C are offset from each other by 90°. Deviating from the design of Figures 8A to 8D is however in the design of the Figures 9A to 9D a switching ring 78 is provided, the outside of which is formed by a gripping surface 78A and which has four force application surfaces 78B on its inside that are slightly inclined relative to the tangential direction. Instead of a direct manual application of force to the switching elements 76A, 76B of the clamping rings 74A, 74B, it is provided that only the switching ring 78 is manually displaced directly by the user, namely in the form of a rotary movement. Indirectly, as a result Figure 9D shows, all four switching elements 76A, 76B pressed by the force application surfaces 78B, so that with only one movement both clamping rings 74A, 74B in the rather round shape of Figure 9D can be brought, in which the liquid reservoir 102 can be easily used and removed again.

When designing the Figures 10A to 10C a clamping sleeve 82 is placed on the wall structure 12 of the sensor unit 10, the outside of which is formed by a gripping surface 82A. The clamping sleeve 82 is attached to the housing 18 of the sensor unit 10 by means of a thread 84 . On the inside of the clamping sleeve 82 a total of twelve clamping arms 86 are distributed circumferentially provided, the distal End is formed by clamping surfaces 58 on the inside. The clamping arms 86 rest against a wedge surface 19 of the housing, whereby the clamping process Figures 10D and 10E is made possible.

Figure 10D shows the unstressed and therefore not jammed state, in which the liquid reservoir 102 can be inserted and removed without any problems. In order to fix the liquid reservoir in the receiving space 16, the clamping sleeve 80 is further screwed onto the housing 18 after the liquid reservoir 102 has been inserted. As a result, the clamping arms 86 slide off the wedge surface 19 of the housing 18 so that they are in the in Figure 10E Illustrated manner from the outside against the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir 102 and thereby securely fasten the liquid reservoir 102.

When designing according to Figures 11A to 11C it is provided that the receiving space 16 has a peripheral sealing element 90 on the inside of the wall structure 12 . This sealing element 90 results in the majority of the receiving space 16 forming a pressure space 92 that is isolated from the environment when the liquid reservoir 102 is inserted. If ambient pressure prevails in the pressure chamber 92, then if the liquid reservoir 102 is unintentionally pulled out, a negative pressure forms here, which counteracts the pulling out of the liquid reservoir 102.

In addition, when designing according to the Figures 11A to 11C a pressure compensation channel 94 is provided, which can be closed by a valve 96 and is also usually closed due to a spring force. However, by pressing a button 97, the pressure compensation channel 94 can be opened. In this open state, the liquid reservoir 102 can then be pushed in without an overpressure forming in the pressure chamber 92 . If the liquid reservoir 102 is fully pushed in, the valve 96 is closed and the liquid reservoir is held securely. In addition to the negative pressure that forms in the pressure chamber 92 when the liquid reservoir is pulled out, the sealing element 90 as such also makes it more difficult to pull out the liquid reservoir 102 .

The design of Figures 12A to 12C in turn provides that a sealing element 90 creates a pressure chamber 92 that is isolated from the environment after the liquid reservoir 102 has been pushed in. The special feature here is that in addition to the pressure chamber 92 that has already emerged from the previous example, an additional partial chamber 92B is also provided, the volume of which can be changed via a piston switching element 98 . If this switching element is pressed in by means of a button 99 when inserting the liquid reservoir, the volume of the partial space 92B is small.

If the button 99 is released after the liquid reservoir has been inserted, the partial space 92B enlarges and the pressure in the pressure space 92 is reduced, so that the removal of the liquid reservoir 102 is made even more difficult.

13A and 13B show a sensor unit according to the fourth variant of the invention. The sensor unit 10 has a thread structure 46 on the inside of the wall structure 12 . This has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102.

In the not yet coupled state, the liquid reservoir 102 has no corresponding external thread. Nevertheless, it allows the sensor unit 10 to be unscrewed, with local helical compression occurring on the outside of the lateral surface 106 . If a suitable material is selected and/or if the thread structure 46 is sufficiently sharp-edged, the thread structure 46 can press into the lateral surface 106 in such a way that an external thread 108 is formed as a result.

Claims (17)

Sensor unit (10) for attachment to a liquid dispenser (100) with the following features: a. the sensor unit (10) is provided for exchangeable attachment to the bottom section (104) of a liquid reservoir (102), and b. the sensor unit (10) has an annular wall structure (12) which surrounds a receiving space (16) closed on the bottom by a receiving space floor (14) for receiving the bottom section (104) of the liquid reservoir (102), and c. the sensor unit (10) has at least one sensor (23, 24, 25) for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser (100), characterized by one of the following features: i.e. an adhesive element (40) is provided, which is arranged between the receptacle floor (14) and the base section (104) of the liquid reservoir (102) and secures the liquid reservoir (102) in the receptacle (16) in this way, or e. at least one inwardly facing and radially displaceable clamping surface (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) is provided on the inside of the annular wall structure (12) for secure contact with a lateral surface (106) of the liquid reservoir (102), or f. on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure (12) there is a circumferential seal (90) which is intended to rest against a lateral surface (106) of the liquid reservoir (102) and together with the lateral surface (106) and the bottom section (104) of the liquid reservoir (102) forms an isolated pressure chamber (92), or G. A threaded structure (46) is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure (12), which is intended for secure contact with a lateral surface (106) of the liquid reservoir (102), an inner diameter of the threaded structure (46) being smaller than an outer diameter of the lateral surface ( 106) is. Sensor unit according to claim 1 with at least one of the following additional features: a. the adhesive element (40) is designed as an adhesive element provided with adhesive surfaces (42, 44) on both sides, with the adhesive surface (42) adhering to the receiving space floor (14) preferably having a greater separating force than the adhesive surface ( 44) and/or b. the adhesive element (40) consists of a polymer gel with adhesive properties, and/or c. the adhesive element (40) has a ring shape. Sensor unit (10) according to claim 1 with the following additional features: a. a plurality of discrete clamping surfaces (54) are provided distributed circumferentially, with preferably at least two, four, six or eight clamping surfaces (52) being provided, or b. the at least one clamping surface (52) is formed by a clamping surface (52) and/or a helical clamping surface (52) spanning the lateral surface by at least 180°. Sensor unit (10) according to one of claims 1 or 3 with the following additional feature: a. the at least one clamping surface is provided on an at least partially radially elastically deflectable clamping element (60, 66, 70, 74, 74A, 74B). Sensor unit (10) according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4 with the following additional feature: a. at least one clamping element (66) is designed as a one-piece clamping element (66) with the ring-shaped wall structure (12),
especially preferably with the following additional feature: b. the clamping element (66) has a radially compressible deformation area (68). Sensor unit (10) according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 5 with the following additional feature: a. a clamping element (60, 70, 74A, 74B) is provided which is separate from the ring-shaped wall structure (12) and can be deflected or expanded relative to the ring-shaped wall structure,
especially preferably with the following additional feature: b. the separate clamping element (70, 60) is formed by an expandable ring (70) or leg spring (60), preferably one end of the ring or leg spring (60) being fixed to the annular wall structure (12) and the other end of the ring or the torsion spring (60) is movable to expand the ring or the torsion spring. Sensor unit according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 6 with the following additional features: a. at least two clamping surfaces (56) are provided, which are arranged opposite one another on the inside of a circumferential clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B), and b. the clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B) has an oval shape which can be elastically deformed in the direction of a circular shape by the application of radial force. Sensor unit according to claim 7 with the following additional feature: a. at least and preferably exactly two clamping rings (74A, 74B) are provided, on the inside of which at least two clamping surfaces (56) are arranged opposite one another, with both clamping rings (74A, 74B) each having an oval shape which can be elastically deformed in direction of a circular shape is deformable,
preferably with at least one of the following characteristics: b. the main axes of the oval shapes are set at a fixed angle to one another, preferably at 90°, and/or c. the clamping rings can be rotated in opposite directions. Sensor unit according to one of claims 7 or 8 with the following additional feature: a. To apply force to the at least one clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B), depressible switching elements (76, 76A, 76B) are provided for direct or indirect manual application of force, with these switching elements (76, 76A, 76B) preferably protruding through the ring-shaped wall structure (12). . Sensor unit according to one of claims 7 to 9 with the following additional features: a. at least one switching element (78) that is movable relative to the wall structure and is designed as a separate component from the clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B) is provided for applying force to the at least one clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B), and b. A force application surface (78B) for applying force to at least one clamping ring (74, 74A, 74B) is provided on an inner side of the switching element (78), preferably with the following additional feature: c. the switching element (78) is designed as a rotatable and preferably circumferential switching ring (78). Device according to claim 1 or 4 with the following additional feature: a. the at least one clamping surface (54) is formed by an inside surface of a clamping element (70), which consists of an elastically compressible material, particularly preferably with at least one of the following additional features: b. the elastically compressible material is foam, and/or c. the elastically compressible material has a maximum compressive strength of 6 kilopascals, and/or i.e. the clamping element is (70) in the form of a circumferentially closed clamping ring or a clamping ring segment spanning at least 130°. Sensor unit according to claim 1 with the following additional features: a. an axially movable clamping sleeve (82) is provided, and b. a plurality of clamping surfaces (57) are provided, which are radially displaced by axial displacement of the clamping sleeve (82),
preferably with at least one of the following features: c. the clamping surfaces (58) are provided in one piece with the clamping sleeve (82) and on the inside of the clamping sleeve (82), and/or i.e. the clamping sleeve (82) can be displaced axially by means of a thread (84), and/or e. the collet has a gripping surface (82A) forming an exterior of the sensor unit (10). Sensor unit (10) according to claim 1 with the following additional features: a. the pressure chamber (92) has a volumetrically variable sub-chamber (92B), and b. a switching element (98) is provided for manually changing the volume of the partial space (92B). Sensor unit (10) according to claim 1 or 13 with the following additional features: a. a pressure compensation channel (94) is provided, which connects the pressure chamber (92) to an environment, and b. a manually switchable valve (96) is provided, by means of which the pressure compensation channel (94) can be closed, so that the pressure chamber (92) is isolated from the environment as a result. Sensor unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims with at least one of the following additional features: a. the sensor unit (10) has at least one sensor (23, 24, 25), preferably a motion sensor (23), a position sensor (23), an acceleration sensor (23), an acoustic sensor (24), a temperature sensor (25) , an optical sensor, a force sensor and/or a pressure sensor, and/or b. the sensor unit (10) has a radio communication module (26), and/or c. the sensor unit has a processor (23) and a memory that is connected to the processor or is integrated into the processor and contains the program code for execution by the processor. Liquid dispenser (100) having the following characteristics: a. the liquid dispenser (100) has a liquid reservoir (102) and a discharge head (110) attached thereto with a discharge opening (112) for dispensing liquid, and a. the liquid dispenser (100) has a sensor unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is attached to a bottom section (104) of the liquid reservoir (102) opposite the discharge head (110). Liquid dispenser according to claim 16 with at least one of the following additional features: a. the liquid reservoir (102) is formed by a squeeze bottle, and/or b. the liquid dispenser (100) is designed as a spray dispenser or as a drop dispenser, and/or c. the liquid reservoir (102) is filled with a pharmaceutical liquid.

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