Discharge head and liquid dispenser for nasal administration of liquids and method for producing discharge head

Abstract

A discharge head for nasal application of liquid from a pressure reservoir (110) is known. In order to be able to produce such a discharge head in a cost-effective manner, some measures are proposed. In particular, for this purpose, a discharge head (10) is proposed which has a base unit (20) with a coupling device (24), by means of which the discharge head (10) can be fastened to a pressure reservoir (110). The discharge head (10) has an actuation unit (50) with an elongate nasal applicator (60) extending along an applicator axis (4) and an actuation surface (70), and which is mounted on a base unit (20) in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis (6) by means of a hinge device (30, 90), such that for the purpose of opening an outlet valve (112) of a pressure reservoir (110), the actuation surface (70) is attached to the outlet valve (112) of the pressure reservoir (110). The actuation unit (50) can be pressed down in a pivot actuation direction. In particular, the components (22, 52) of the discharge head are produced by means of an injection mould that can be separated along an axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing head for nasal application of liquid from a pressure reservoir. The invention also relates to a liquid dispenser having such a dispensing head and a method for producing such a dispensing head. Background Technology

[0002] The discharge heads of the type discussed are configured for mounting on pressure accumulators. They have a base unit for connection (in most cases, a latching connection) to the pressure accumulator. Pressure accumulators are typically designed as plastic or metal containers with an internal volume of 500 ml or less and have an integrated outlet valve that is opened by external force applied to it via the attached discharge head. In the pressure accumulator, the liquid to be discharged is stored under pressure, typically at an overpressure of at least 1 bar.

[0003] For the purpose of opening the valve, the discharge head of the type discussed has an actuation unit that includes a nasal applicator and an actuation surface. When the actuation unit is pressed down, the actuating force is transmitted to the outlet valve and opens it. Discharge occurs from the discharge opening on the nasal applicator as long as the actuation unit is pressed down.

[0004] The dispensing head according to the invention is used to apply liquid, specifically in the form of a spray of fine droplets, into the user's nose. In particular, the dispensing head of the type discussed is used to dispense saline solution into the nostrils to relieve breathing difficulties.

[0005] In the prior art, for example in document EP 3412325 A1, discharge heads of the type discussed have been disclosed. The disadvantage of known designs such as those mentioned above lies not primarily in their operation, but in their considerable manufacturing complexity. The injection molding process is made more difficult by the fact that, for comfort reasons, the nasal applicator is typically tilted relative to the central axis of the base unit. Relatively complex molds have been used to date, which must include cores or slides due to the undercut on the individual components of the discharge head. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem solved by the present invention is to provide an emission head of the type discussed, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturability compared to known designs.

[0007] To address this problem, a discharge head for nose-applied liquid from a pressure accumulator is proposed, the discharge head having a base unit and an actuation unit. These two sub-units are configured as separate sub-units connected to each other in a manner described below.

[0008] The base unit has a coupling device for connection to a pressure accumulator. Specifically, this can be a coupling device for snap-fit ​​connection to the pressure accumulator. The coupling device can be formed by a circumferential snap-fit ​​collar or by multiple snap-fit ​​hooks on the base unit. Other designs for the coupling device are also conceivable in principle, such as, in particular, the use of threaded connections. The base unit is preferably formed from a single component, which is produced by means of plastic injection molding.

[0009] The actuation unit has a nasal applicator and an actuation surface. It is formed by at least one component, particularly preferably by two components, namely an outer component and an inner component. The nasal applicator is configured to be inserted into the user's nostril. For this purpose, it preferably has an overall elongated shape, the length of which from the actuation surface to the discharge opening at the distal end of the applicator is longer than the average diameter of the nasal applicator. The nasal applicator defines an applicator axis along its central axis. If a clear central axis cannot be established due to the shape of the nasal applicator, the demolding direction in injection molding production defines the applicator axis within the meaning of this invention.

[0010] The applicator axis is preferably inclined relative to the central axis of the base unit and therefore relative to the central axis of the pressure reservoir, wherein, based on the unactuated state, the angle between the central axis and the applicator axis is preferably at least 10°, particularly preferably at least 15°. However, this angle is preferably no greater than 35°. This inclined orientation of the nasal applicator allows for comfortable operation when using the liquid dispenser.

[0011] The actuating surface is configured to be fixed in place relative to the nasal applicator, and is particularly offset from the nasal applicator arrangement near its proximal end. During actuation, the actuating surface moves relative to the base unit, and the nasal applicator moves together with the actuating surface. The actuating surface is preferably provided with protrusions to allow for a secure grip and safe manipulation.

[0012] In the case of a multi-component actuation unit, the nasal applicator and the actuation surface are preferably disposed on a common one-piece component.

[0013] According to the present invention, the actuation unit is mounted on the base unit in such a way that it can pivot about the pivot axis by means of a hinge device, such that the actuation unit can be pressed downward relative to the base unit in the pivoting actuation direction for the purpose of opening the valve of the pressure accumulator.

[0014] Therefore, in the case of the discharge head according to the invention, there is no integrated connection between the base unit and the actuation unit. Instead, the hinge device is formed by components of the base unit and components of the actuation unit.

[0015] This construction requires the discharge head to be formed from at least two components that have been manufactured separately, particularly in each case by means of a plastic injection molding process. This makes it possible to optimize these two components separately with respect to the injection molding process, as will be explained below. Furthermore, the hinge device allows for a simple assembly configuration. Thus, during assembly, the hinge device can be connected first, and then the two components connected to it can be moved relative to each other in a guided manner to their target positions.

[0016] Preferably, the pivot axis and the actuating surface are arranged on the opposite side of the actuation unit relative to the nasal applicator. The pivot axis is particularly preferably located near the nasal applicator, on the side of the actuation unit opposite to the actuating surface. Due to this pivotability, this has the particularly advantageous effect that the relatively large actuation distance on the actuating surface results in a relatively small movement of the nasal applicator. This is advantageous because the user will not pull the nasal applicator back out of the nostril through actuation movement.

[0017] Preferably, the base unit has a base member that includes at least a connecting device and a base unit side hinge component. Particularly preferably, the base member may be the only component of the base unit, and thus the base unit may be formed integrally therewith.

[0018] The base component preferably has a component geometry without a non-forced, demoldable undercut relative to the separation direction corresponding to the central axis of the base unit. This means that the base component can be produced using a mold comprising only injection-molded segments capable of moving abutting against each other along a uniform closing and separating direction. Such a mold is much easier to produce than one in which sliding elements for producing the undercut are incorporated, which move along a direction of movement deviating from the main closing / separating direction during demolding. The corresponding molds with uniform closing and separating directions are not only more cost-effective, but they also require less maintenance during operation. They also allow for even shorter cycle times.

[0019] For ease of demolding, the base member does not necessarily need to be completely free of undercut. On the contrary, due to the connecting devices on the base unit side, it is difficult to completely avoid undercut. However, according to this further improvement, only the undercut existing on the base member is a force-demolding undercut. A force-demolding undercut refers to the area of ​​the member that hinders demolding but still allows uniaxial demolding through non-destructive deformation of the member. Therefore, demolding is performed in the area of ​​the force-demolding undercut where the material of the base member simultaneously elastically yields.

[0020] Similar to the base component, in the case of the actuation unit, and especially in the case of the external component of the actuation unit, it is particularly advantageous if the component has a component geometry with no undercut relative to the separation direction corresponding to the axis of the applicator.

[0021] If two components are designed in this way, namely the base component of the base unit and the external component of the actuation unit, these two main components can be produced very cost-effectively and in a short cycle time.

[0022] The base unit, particularly the forcibly demoldable base member, has a base unit side hinge component device. The latter can preferably be designed in such a way that it has two outer bearing housing portions, and opposite inner bearing housing portions below these outer bearing housing portions and in a direction transverse to the applicator axis between the outer bearing housing portions. Therefore, it is proposed to provide at least three bearing housing portions that alternately include areas for the shaft portion from above and below. Due to their offset arrangement transverse to the central axis and therefore transverse to the preferred separation direction of the injection mold, these bearing housing portions can be produced without undercut by two injection molding segments, each defining a corresponding shape of each of the bearing portions from above and below.

[0023] To achieve this advantageous design, it is preferably configured such that, for the purpose of demolding the base member relative to the central axis during injection molding production, no part of the base member exists above the inner bearing housing portion and below the outer bearing housing portion. Therefore, the bearing housing portion forms the upper and lower end surfaces of the base member relative to the separation direction.

[0024] Regarding the hinge component assembly on the actuation unit side, it is preferably provided that, for ease of manufacture, the hinge component assembly has a central shaft bracket with a bearing contact surface on its underside, and two shaft portions on both sides of the shaft bracket, the two shaft portions being positioned opposite each other and having a bearing contact surface on their tops.

[0025] Therefore, the hinge component assembly on the actuation unit side is configured to match the aforementioned structure of the hinge component assembly on the base side. The lower side of the shaft bracket forms a shaft region that contacts the central bearing housing portion of the base component. Two shaft portions, located on both sides of the shaft bracket and freely protruding from the shaft bracket, form bearing contact surfaces using their tops, these bearing contact surfaces at least sectionally abutting the two outer bearing housing portions.

[0026] For the purpose of facilitating the demolding of the external component on which the actuation unit side hinge component is mounted, it is preferably configured such that no part of the external component exists above the top of the shaft portion below the lower side of the shaft bracket, relative to the axis of the applicator. Therefore, the top and bottom sides of the shaft bracket and the shaft portion form the upper and lower end surfaces of the external component with respect to the separation direction.

[0027] On their axis-facing sides, the bearing housing portion of the discharge head according to the invention preferably has a cylindrical or rotationally symmetric surface in at least some areas, which, together with the cylindrical shape of the shaft portion and the underside of the shaft bracket, allows for pivoting with minimal friction and minimal turbulence.

[0028] Therefore, the described design of the bearing housing portion, shaft bracket, and shaft portion indicates the possibility of producing the external components and / or base components of the actuation unit in the injection molding process without sliding elements.

[0029] Furthermore, the two components mentioned above are preferably designed in such a way that production can be performed using a single-axis injection mold, that is, by forming a mold using a cavity consisting of at least two injection molding segments, wherein the injection molding segments defining the cavity are spaced apart from each other only in one separation direction for demolding.

[0030] In particular, on the side away from the hinge device, the actuating unit, especially the outer component of the actuating unit, may have a skirt extending in the direction of the applicator axis. Since its extent is in the direction of the applicator axis, demolding of this skirt will not cause problems.

[0031] Further preferably, the actuation unit has at least one outwardly projecting stop wing, which restricts the movement of the actuation unit opposite to the actuation direction by abutting against a corresponding retaining surface of the base unit. Preferably, at least two stop winges are provided on both sides of the actuation unit, positioned opposite to each other. One or more stop winges preferably have a stop surface whose normal vector does not match the applicator axis. However, if any part of the external component is not present above or below the stop wing for the purpose of ensuring uniaxial demolding of the external component relative to the applicator axis, the stop wing does not hinder the use of the uniaxial injection mold.

[0032] During use of the liquid dispenser, at least one stop wing serves to define the end position, which the actuating unit can pivot back to after dispensing. Additionally, as will be explained below, the stop wing can be used to absorb installation forces during assembly.

[0033] As described above, the discharge head according to the invention has a hinge mechanism that allows for the pivotability of the base unit and the actuation unit. In principle, as described above, assigning two hinge components to the base unit and the actuation unit is not mandatory.

[0034] In general, the following configuration is proposed, wherein there is no limitation on which hinge component is disposed on which unit. According to this configuration, the hinge device includes a first hinge component device and a second hinge component device.

[0035] The first hinge component assembly forms a hinge bearing and has at least two outer bearing housing portions and an inner bearing housing portion arranged opposite to the outer bearing housing portions in the direction of the applicator axis. The second hinge component assembly forms a hinge shaft and has a central shaft bracket mounted on the inner bearing housing portion and two freely projecting shaft portions aligned therewith and mounted on the outer bearing housing portion.

[0036] Regardless of whether this or another construction uses a hinge device, it is preferred that the connection direction of the hinge device (in which the hinge components of the actuation unit and the base unit can be connected) is angled relative to the central axis of the base unit, preferably at least 60°, particularly preferably at least 80°, and especially approximately 90°.

[0037] The central axis of the base unit defines the orientation corresponding to the mounting direction of the discharge head on the pressure accumulator. As mentioned above, it is useful for assembly if the hinge assembly has a connection direction offset from the mounting direction, because the risk of the hinge components separating from each other when the discharge head is pressed onto the pressure accumulator is reduced. This preferred connection direction of the hinge components, together with the stop wing mentioned above, ensures that when the discharge head is mounted on the pressure accumulator, the actuation unit occupies a defined position relative to the base unit and can also absorb forces in the connection direction.

[0038] Particularly preferably, with respect to the hinge mechanism, the bearing housing portion extends inward from the inside of the base member substantially orthogonally to the central axis of the base member.

[0039] The hinge mechanism is preferably designed with a certain amount of clearance. This not only facilitates smooth movement of the actuating unit relative to the base unit, but also enables the desired translational relative movement. For this purpose, the hinge components are preferably formed in such a way that, in the connected state, they can move relative to each other in the connection direction to a limited extent without deformation, preferably by a displacement path of at least 0.2 mm, and particularly at least 0.4 mm.

[0040] This relative mobility results in an improved interaction between the actuating unit and the valve on the pressure accumulator side. The pivotability of the actuating unit proposed here has the effect that the distance between the valve and the sub-section of the actuating unit acting on the latter (specifically, the connector nozzle on the actuating unit that connects to the valve body of the outlet valve) can be changed laterally relative to the central axis of the base unit, which in principle introduces the risk of blockage. This is compensated for by the displaceability allowed by the further improved hinge device, and the effect that the distance between the valve and the sub-section of the actuating unit acting on it can be varied to a small extent (if any) in the lateral direction. This achieves interference-free operation.

[0041] Preferably, the discharge head according to the invention has an actuation protection portion comprising a protective portion integratedly formed on the actuation unit or base unit. The protective portion has at least one destructible sub-part that can be destroyed by actuation displacement of the actuation unit relative to the base unit.

[0042] Such a protective section can serve several purposes. It can prevent unintended actuation of the liquid dispenser, such as in luggage, and it can indicate that it has not yet been used for the first time. In this case, the protective section is preferably an integrated part of the external component or base component. It may have one or more destructible sub-parts that are destroyed when the liquid dispenser is put into use, for example, in the form of a plastic bridge that is cut off upon initial actuation.

[0043] Preferably, the protective portion is designed such that, after at least one destructible sub-part is destroyed, there is no complete separation of the protective portion from one of the base members or the components of the actuating unit. Particularly preferably, a stabilizing extension on the inner side of one of the components forms an inwardly projecting bracket, with a destructible plastic bridge between the bracket and the inner wall of the base member. Upon first actuation, one or more bridges are destroyed, but the bracket with the separated bridge remains on the base member.

[0044] The discharge head according to the invention has at least two components, not considering a protective cap that can be attached to the base unit. However, preferably, the actuation unit is at least two parts, such that an internal component is provided in addition to the external component.

[0045] The external component includes at least an actuating surface forming the actuation unit side hinge component assembly and a sleeve portion of the nasal applicator including a discharge opening. The internal component is permanently connected to the external component, for example, by a clamping connection. It forms a conduit portion by which fluid can be guided from the pressure accumulator to the discharge opening. Specifically, the internal component may form a connector nozzle for transmitting force to the outlet valve of the pressure accumulator and / or an insert extending into the nasal applicator.

[0046] Using internal components that are separate from external components simplifies production, as external components can be produced, in particular, in a single-axis separable injection mold using this method.

[0047] As explained at the outset, the described discharge head serves as part of a liquid distributor that includes a pressure accumulator with an integrated outlet valve. When manually actuated, an actuation unit pushes against the valve body of the outlet valve. The outlet valve opens, and liquid can flow from the pressure accumulator into the discharge head until it reaches the discharge opening. Liquid pressure and / or geometry adapted for this purpose ahead of the discharge opening enable the generation of a spray jet.

[0048] The liquid dispenser is preferably filled with a medicinal liquid. For the purposes of this invention, this also includes saline solutions that can be dispensed to relieve breathing difficulties.

[0049] As explained in the context of the description of the emission head, the advantage of the described design lies in the simplicity of manipulation during the production and assembly of individual components.

[0050] The present invention also includes novel methods for producing individual components and for assembling them.

[0051] Regarding the production of a base component comprising a base unit side hinge assembly having at least one lower bearing housing portion and at least one upper bearing housing portion, it is proposed that production be performed by means of an injection molding process, wherein multiple injection molding segments are used, which are displaceable along a common closing and opening direction. In the production process by this method, the injection molding segments are brought together to form a cavity corresponding to the base component, plastic material is injected into the cavity, and after curing, the injection molding segments are displaced relative to each other in a common opening and opening direction for demolding (uniaxial injection mold separation).

[0052] The relatively simple form of the base components and the design of the hinge assembly allow for the use of such a single-axis injection mold.

[0053] For the production of hinge component assemblies, it is advantageous if, for the purpose of demolding, at least one first injection-molded segment adjacent to the top of at least one upper bearing housing portion and the upper inner side of at least one lower bearing housing portion of the base member is spaced apart from at least one second injection-molded segment, which is adjacent to the lower side of at least one lower bearing housing portion and the lower inner side of at least one upper bearing housing portion.

[0054] Regarding the production of an external component having an actuation unit side hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly has a central shaft bracket with a bearing contact surface on its lower side, and wherein the hinge assembly has two shaft portions on both sides of the shaft bracket, the two shaft portions being positioned opposite each other and having a bearing contact surface on their top, it is also proposed that production is performed by means of an injection molding process, wherein multiple injection molding segments are used, the multiple injection molding segments being displaceable along a common closing and opening direction.

[0055] Here, during the production process, injection-molded segments are joined together to form cavities corresponding to the outer components. Plastic material is injected into the cavities, and after curing, the injection-molded segments are displaced relative to each other in a common closing and opening direction for demolding (single-axis injection mold separation). For demolding purposes, preferably, at least one first injection-molded segment adjacent to the top of the shaft portion is spaced apart from at least one second injection-molded segment adjacent to the underside of the central shaft bracket.

[0056] Furthermore, an advantageous assembly method is proposed. This assembly method is used to mount a discharge head having a base unit and an actuation unit onto a pressure accumulator. In this case, the actuation unit has at least one outwardly projecting stop wing of the type described, which restricts the movement of the actuation unit in the opposite direction of actuation by abutting against a corresponding retaining surface of the base unit. Additionally, the actuation unit has a connector nozzle for transmitting force to the outlet valve of the pressure accumulator. This connector nozzle is preferably penetrated by an outlet channel.

[0057] During the installation of the discharge head onto the pressure accumulator, a snap-fit ​​connection is established between the coupling device of the base unit and the locking edge of the pressure accumulator. Simultaneously, the connector nozzle is connected to the outlet valve of the pressure accumulator, for example, by pushing it into the valve body of the outlet valve.

[0058] The installation force required for this is applied via the base unit, and in particular via the protective cap attached to the base unit.

[0059] As the discharge head is pressed against the pressure accumulator, at least one stop wing is used to transmit force from the base unit to the actuation unit, allowing the connector nozzle of the actuation unit to be connected to the outlet valve by means of this force. One or more stop winglets are designed in such a way that the expected force in this situation can be transmitted without damaging one or more stop winglets.

[0060] Particularly preferably, the hinge device is connected before the discharge head snaps into the pressure reservoir, wherein preferably the stop wing extends to the area of ​​the retaining surface on the base unit. The installation force can then be transmitted from the hinge device and the stop wing together from the base unit to the actuating unit, and thus to the connector nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below based on the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The liquid dispenser according to the invention is shown in cross-section and non-cross-section, respectively.

[0063] Figure 2 The liquid dispenser's discharge head is shown in a separate view.

[0064] Figure 3 The individual components of the exhaust head are shown in an exploded view.

[0065] Figures 4A to 4C The components of the emission head are shown from another perspective.

[0066] Figure 5 The illustration shows details of the hinge mechanism of the exhaust head.

[0067] Figures 6A to 8 The diagram illustrates the injection molding process of two components used in the discharge head, as well as the assembly process. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The overall view of the liquid dispenser 100 according to the invention is shown in both cross-section and non-cross-section.

[0069] According to this exemplary embodiment, the liquid dispenser 100 according to the invention has a pressure reservoir 110, the outer surface of which is formed by a metal reservoir body 118 and a partial metal cap 120. The pressure reservoir 110 may be modified to have a plastic reservoir body or cap.

[0070] The discharge head 10 is latched onto the locking edge 122 of the cover 120. For this purpose, the discharge head 10 has a base unit 20, which is formed from a one-piece base member 22. The base member 22 has an annular outer wall, and a connecting device 24 is disposed on the inner side of the annular outer wall in the form of a circumferential or intermittent locking web that snaps onto the locking edge 122.

[0071] The actuation unit 50 of the discharge head 10 is pivotally hinged to the base member 22. For this purpose, the base member 22 and the external member 52 of the actuation unit 50 are connected to each other by means of a hinge device consisting of two hinge component devices 30, 90. The hinge device defines the pivot axis 6 of the actuation unit 50.

[0072] The actuation unit 50 forms the housing of the nasal applicator 60, which extends along the applicator axis 4, by means of its external member 52, and has a discharge opening 62 at the distal end of the nasal applicator 60. Furthermore, the actuation unit 50 forms a liquid passage 58 extending from the connector nozzle 56 into the nasal applicator 60 by means of its internal member 54, which latches onto the inner contour of the nasal applicator 60.

[0073] The connector nozzle 56 extends through the central opening of the cover 120 into the valve body 114 of the outlet valve 112.

[0074] The liquid dispenser 100 is actuated by the user first inserting the nasal applicator 60 into the nostril and then manually pressing down on the actuation surface 70. Upon completion of this operation, the entire actuation unit 50 relative to... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The valve is pivoted clockwise by approximately 5°. The connector nozzle 56 presses against the valve body 114 and moves it away from the sealing surface of the outlet valve, causing pressurized liquid to flow from the pressure reservoir 110 into the discharge head and all the way to the discharge opening 62, where it is discharged in the form of a spray jet.

[0075] The design of the discharge head 10 is specifically optimized for a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process. The discharge head 10 consists of the three components: the base component 22 of the base unit 20, and the outer component 52 and inner component 54 of the actuation unit 50. Additionally, the discharge head may have a protective cap as a fourth component of the discharge head 10.

[0076] Figure 2 The emission head 10 is shown again in a separate view. Figure 3 The three components 22, 52, and 54 of the discharge head 10 are shown in an exploded view. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The external component 52 is shown in a different perspective view. Figure 4C The base components are shown in a separate view. These figures are used below to explain the details of the exhaust head 10.

[0077] The hinge assembly formed by the outer member 52 and two hinge component devices 30, 90 on the base member 22 is designed in such a way that it can be manufactured as an injection-molded component with particular ease. The hinge component device 30 on the base member 22 has three bearing housing portions 32, 36. The bearing housing portion 32 forms an outer, downward-oriented bearing housing 33. The central bearing housing portion 36 forms a deeper bearing housing portion with an upward-oriented bearing housing 37. Correspondingly, the hinge component device 90 on the outer member 52 has a central shaft bracket 92, the lower side of which forms a curved bearing contact surface 93, which is configured to be received in the bearing housing portion 36. On both sides of the shaft bracket 92, freely protruding shaft portions 94 are provided, each shaft portion 94 having a dome-shaped bearing contact surface 95 on its top.

[0078] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, arrow 8 illustrates the connection direction in which the hinge component 90 is inserted into the hinge component 30. The connection direction forms an angle of approximately 90° with the central axis 2 of the base component 22.

[0079] To limit the pivotability of the actuating unit 50 relative to the base unit 20, stop wings 82 are provided on both sides of the skirt 80 of the outer member 52. These stop wings 82 are sized such that, with the inner member 54 already inserted, the outer member 52 can be inserted through a free opening on the top of the base member 22 before it moves in the direction of arrow 8 for the purpose of connecting the hinge devices 30, 90. In this assembled state, the stop wings 82 are located below the retaining surface 38 of the base member 22. Figure 4B As can be seen, the stop wings 82 are tilted relative to the applicator axis 4, wherein they protrude freely to the side, and there are no other parts of the external member 52 above and below the stop wings 82.

[0080] In addition to limiting the reverse pivoting of the actuation unit 50 relative to the base unit 20 during operation, the stop wing 82 also performs the functions explained below during assembly.

[0081] As a protection against tampering, the discharge head 10 has an actuation protection section 40. This section is provided in the form of a protection portion 42, which extends inward from the annular outer wall of the base member 22 and has a T-shape. From this protection portion 42, and offset from and above the central attachment of the protection portion to the annular outer wall, two destructible bridging portions 44 also extend to the annular outer wall. These bridging portions 44 are positioned such that even when the actuation unit 50 is first pressed downward, the skirt 80 cuts through these bridging portions 44, thus preventing any component from detaching from the base member 22 since the central attachment of the protection portion is unaffected.

[0082] In this case, the actuation protection section 40 is primarily used to prevent unintentional actuation of the liquid dispenser (e.g., in luggage). It can also be used for the purpose of visually indicating whether the liquid dispenser has been put into operation and whether initial discharge has occurred. This can be achieved, for example, if the gap between the skirt 80 and the annular wall of the base member 22 is large enough that the bridging portion 44 is visible through the gap before initial use.

[0083] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the special function of hinge devices 30 and 90. The bearing housings 33 and 37 are designed such that the shaft bracket 92 and shaft portion 94, and therefore the actuating unit 50, maintain mobility in the direction of arrow 9 and thus correspondingly in the connection direction 8, in this case maintaining 0.3 mm of mobility, without one of the components 22 and 52 deforming for this purpose. This mobility counteracts the risk of the connector nozzle 56 becoming clogged when the outlet valve 112 is actuated.

[0084] Figures 6A to 6C The diagram illustrates the injection molding process for producing external component 52. The injection molding process is performed using a uniaxial injection mold consisting of two injection molding segments 220 and 222, which together define cavity 224.

[0085] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The injection mold is shown in two different planes during injection molding. Figure 6A The central cross-sectional plane of the shaft bracket 92 is shown. Figure 6B An offset cross-sectional plane through one of the shaft portions 94 is shown. It can be seen that the two injection-molded segments 220, 222 each define the top and bottom sides of these sub-parts.

[0086] Figure 6CThe process of separating the injection-molded segments 220 and 222 and thus demolding the outer component 52 is shown. It can be seen that the injection-molded segments 220 and 222 separate in uniform separation directions 204A and 204B. Further relative movement of the sliding parts, etc., is unnecessary.

[0087] Similar to Figures 6A to 6C , Figures 7A to 7C The production of base component 22 is shown. The injection molding process is performed by means of a uniaxial injection mold consisting of two injection molding segments 210, 212, which together define cavity 214.

[0088] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The injection mold is shown in two different planes during injection molding. Figure 7A The central cross-sectional plane through the central bearing housing portion 36 is shown. Figure 7B An offset cross-sectional plane through one of the bearing housing portions 32 is shown. It can be seen that the two injection-molded segments 210, 212 each define the top and bottom sides of these bearing housing portions.

[0089] Figure 7C The process of separating the injection-molded segments 210 and 212 and thus demolding the base member 22 is shown. It can be seen that here, the injection-molded segments 210 and 212 also separate in uniform separation directions 202A and 202B. Further relative movement of the sliders, etc., is unnecessary here.

[0090] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a method for mounting the discharge head 10 onto the pressure accumulator 110. The discharge head 10, together with the protective cap 12, is pressed onto the pressure accumulator 110 from above, and a mounting force is introduced into the protective cap 12 in the direction of arrow 302. This mounting force pushes the coupling device 24 of the base unit 20 past the locking edge 122. Simultaneously, this mounting force acts on the actuating unit 50 via the stop wing 82 and the hinge devices 30, 90, as illustrated by arrow 304. Therefore, the mounting force acts indirectly on the connector nozzle 56 via the stop wing 82, which is pressed into the outlet valve 112, as illustrated by arrow 306.

Claims

1. Discharge head (10) for nasal application of a liquid from a pressure reservoir (110) with the following features: a. The discharge head (10) has a base unit (20) with coupling means (24) by means of which the discharge head (10) can be fastened to the pressure reservoir (110), and b. The discharge head (10) has an actuating unit (50) with an elongate nasal applicator (60) extending along an applicator axis (4) and an actuating surface (70), c. The actuating unit (50) is mounted on the base unit (20) in such a way that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis (6) by means of a hinge means (30, 90) so that the actuating unit (50) can be pressed down in a pivoting actuating direction for the purpose of opening an outlet valve (112) of the pressure reservoir (110).

2. Discharge head (10) according to claim 1 with the following further features: a. The pivot axis (6) and the actuating surface (70) are arranged on opposite sides of the actuating unit (50) relative to the nasal applicator (60).

3. Discharge head (10) according to claim 1 or 2 with the following further features: a. The base unit (20) has a base member (22) which comprises at least the coupling means (24) and a base unit side hinge part means (30), and b. The base member (22) has a member geometry which has no non-mandatory demouldable undercuts relative to a parting direction corresponding to a central axis (2) of the base unit (20).

4. Discharge head (10) according to any of the preceding claims with the following further features: a. The base unit (20) has a base unit side hinge part means (30) with at least two outer bearing shell portions (32) and an inner bearing shell portion (36) below the outer bearing shell portions (32) and between the outer bearing shell portions (32) relative to a direction transverse to the applicator axis, preferably with the following additional features: b. the base unit (20) has a base member (22) on which the base unit side hinge part means (30) are arranged, wherein Any part of the base member (22) is not present above the inner bearing shell portion (32) and below the outer bearing shell portion (36) for the purpose of demoulding the base member (22) relative to the central axis (2) in injection moulding production.

5. Discharge head (10) according to any of the preceding claims with the following further features: a. The actuating unit (50) has an outer member (52) which comprises at least one actuating unit side hinge part means (90) and the actuating surface (70), and b. The outer member (52) has a member geometry which has no non-mandatory demouldable undercuts relative to a parting direction corresponding to a direction of the applicator axis (4).

6. The discharge head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, having the following further features: a. the actuation unit (50) has an actuation unit side hinge part arrangement (90), and b. the hinge part arrangement (90) has a central shaft carrier (92) with a bearing contact surface (93) on its underside, and c. the hinge part arrangement (90) has two shaft portions (94) on both sides of the shaft carrier (92), which are positioned opposite to each other, and with a bearing contact surface (95) on their top, preferably with the following additional features: d. the actuation unit (50) has an outer member (52) on which the actuation unit-side hinge part means (90) are provided, wherein for the purpose of demolding the outer member (52) in injection molding production, no part of the outer member (52) is present above the top of the shaft portions (94) and below the underside of the shaft carrier (92) relative to the applicator axis (4).

7. The discharge head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, having the following further features: a. the actuation unit (50) has a skirt (80) extending in the direction of the applicator axis (4) on the side facing away from the hinge arrangement (90).

8. The discharge head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, having the following further features: a. the actuation unit (50) has at least one outwardly protruding stop wing (82) which limits the mobility of the actuation unit (50) opposite to the actuation direction by impinging against a corresponding holding surface of the base unit (20), preferably with at least one of the following additional features: b. the actuation unit (50) has at least two stop wings (82) which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the actuation unit (50), and / or c. the stop surface of the at least one stop wing (82) is oriented such that a normal vector on the stop surface is inclined relative to the applicator axis (4), and / or d. the actuation unit (50) has an outer member (52), the at least one stop wing (82) being arranged on the outer member (52), wherein for the purpose of demolding the outer member, no part of the outer member (52) is present above and below the stop wing relative to the applicator axis (4).

9. The discharge head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, having the following further features: a. the hinge arrangement (30, 90) has a first hinge part arrangement (30) and a second hinge part arrangement (90) on the base unit (20) and the actuation unit (50), and b. the first hinge-part device (30) forms a hinge bearing and has at least two outer bearing shell parts (32) and an inner bearing shell part (36) arranged opposite the outer bearing shell parts (32) in the direction of the applicator axis (4), and c. the second hinge-part device (90) forms a hinge shaft and has a central shaft carrier (92) mounted on the inner bearing shell part (36) and two freely projecting shaft parts (94) aligned therewith and mounted on the outer bearing shell parts (32).

10. Discharge head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following further features: a. the hinge device (30, 90) has a first hinge-part device (30) on the base unit (20) and a second hinge-part device (90) on the actuation unit (50), and b. the linking direction (8) of the hinge device (30, 90) is angled relative to the central axis (2) of the base unit (20), preferably by an angle of at least 60°, particularly preferably by an angle of at least 80°, the hinge-part devices (30, 90) of the actuation unit (50) and the base unit (20) being couplable in the direction of the linking direction (8), preferably with the following further features: c. the hinge-part devices (30, 90) are formed in such a way that, in the coupled state, they can move in the linking direction (8) relative to one another in a deformation-free manner to a limited extent, preferably by a displacement path of at least 0.2 mm.

11. Discharge head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following further features: a. the discharge head (10) has an actuation protection (40) comprising a protection part (42) formed integrally on the actuation unit or the base unit (20), and b. the protection part (42) has at least one breakable subpart (44) which can be broken by an actuation displacement of the actuation unit (50) relative to the base unit (20), preferably with at least one of the following additional features: c. the protection part (42) has at least two breakable subparts (44), and / or d. the protection portion (42) is designed such that, after the at least one breakable sub-portion (44) is broken, no separation of a part of the protection portion (42) from the actuation unit or the base unit (20) occurs, wherein the protection part (42) preferably remains firmly attached to the base unit (20) after the at least one subpart has been broken.

12. Discharge head (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. the actuation unit (50) has an outer member (52) which at least forms the actuation surface (70), the actuation unit side hinge part arrangement (90) and a sleeve portion of the nasal applicator (60) comprising a discharge opening (62), and b. the actuation unit (50) has an inner member (54) which is permanently connected to the outer member (52) and forms a line portion by means of which liquid can be guided from the pressure reservoir to the discharge opening.

13. Discharge head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, with at least one of the following additional features: a. the one applicator axis (4) is inclined with respect to a central axis (2) of the base unit (20), wherein The angle between the central axis (2) and the applicator axis (4) is preferably at least 10°, particularly preferably at least 15°, based on the unactuated state, and / or b. at least one member of the actuation unit which is visible in operation and at least one member of the base unit which is visible in operation have different colors, and / or c. the discharge head has a protective cap which can be latched onto the base unit, wherein preferably a guide surface on the base unit has a range of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, in the direction of the central axis, the protective cap being supported in the region of the guide surface.

14. Liquid dispenser (100) for discharging liquid, with the following features: a. the liquid dispenser (100) has a pressure reservoir (110) and a discharge head (10) attached thereto, characterized in that the following additional features: b. the discharge head (10) is designed according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Method for producing a base member (22) of a base unit (20) for a discharge head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, with the following features: a. the base member (22) has a base unit side hinge part device (30), wherein The hinge part arrangement (30) has at least one lower bearing shell portion (32) and at least one upper bearing shell portion (36), and b. the production of the base member (22) is carried out by means of an injection molding process, wherein a plurality of injection molding segments (210, 212) are used which can be displaced along a common opening and separating direction (202A, 202B), and c. during production, the injection molding segments (210, 212) are brought together to form a cavity corresponding to the base member, plastic material is injected into the cavity, and after solidification, the injection molding segments are displaced relative to one another in the common opening and separating direction (202A, 202B) for the purpose of demolding, preferably with the following further features: d. for the purpose of demolding, at least one first injection molding segment (210) adjacent to the top of the at least one upper bearing shell portion (32) and the upper inner side of the at least one lower bearing shell portion (36) of the base member (22) is spaced apart from at least one second injection molding segment (220) adjacent to the lower side of the at least one lower bearing shell portion (36) and the lower inner side of the at least one upper bearing shell portion (32).

16. Method for producing an outer member (52) of an actuation unit (50) for a discharge head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, with the following features: a. the outer member (52) has an actuation unit-side hinge part device (90), wherein the hinge part device (90) has a central shaft carrier (92) with bearing contact surfaces (93) on its lower side, and wherein the hinge part device (90) has two shaft portions (94) on both sides of the shaft carrier (92), which are positioned opposite one another and have bearing contact surfaces (95) on their top, b. the production of the outer member (52) is performed by means of an injection molding process, wherein a plurality of injection molding segments (220, 222) are used, which are displaceable along a common opening and separating direction (204A, 204B), and c. during the production, the injection molding segments (220, 222) are brought together to form a cavity corresponding to the outer member (52), plastic material is injected into the cavity, and after solidification, the injection molding segments are displaced relative to one another in the common opening and separating direction (204A, 204B) for the purpose of demolding, preferably with the following additional features: d. for the purpose of demolding, at least one first injection molding segment (220) adjacent to the top of the shaft portions (94) is spaced apart from at least one second injection molding segment (222) adjacent to the lower side of the central shaft carrier (92).

17. Method for mounting a discharge head (10) having a base unit (20) and an actuation unit (50), in particular a discharge head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, on a pressure reservoir (110), with the following features: a. the actuation unit (50) has at least one outwardly protruding detent wing (82) and a connector nozzle for transmitting force to an outlet valve of the pressure reservoir (110), wherein the at least one stop wing (82) limits the mobility of the actuation unit (50) opposite the actuation direction by impinging against a corresponding holding surface of the base unit (20), and b. for the purpose of snapping the discharge head (10) onto a locking edge (122) of the pressure reservoir (110), a mounting force is exerted on the discharge head (10) at the base unit (20) in the direction of the pressure reservoir (110), and c. The joining force is partially transmitted to the actuation unit (50) via the at least one stop wing (82) in order to ensure the coupling of the connector nozzle to the outlet valve of the pressure reservoir (110). c. The joining force is partially transmitted to the actuation unit (50) via the at least one stop wing (82) in order to ensure the coupling of the connector nozzle to the outlet valve of the pressure reservoir (110). c. The joining force is partially transmitted to the actuation unit (50) via the at least one stop wing (82) in order to ensure the coupling of the connector nozzle

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