Liquid dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser for expelling a liquid drug, the dispenser comprising an elongated housing oriented along a central axis and an expelling opening oriented axially in the direction of the central axis is arranged on a distal end of the housing. The dispenser comprises a liquid reservoir and a control device with a pump or a switch valve, the control device being connected with the liquid reservoir by a first line and with the expelling opening by a second line and can direct the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the expelling opening by means of the lines. The dispenser comprises a manipulation pressure piece which is laterally arranged in a recess of an outer peripheral surface of the housing and is connected with the control device such that the control device manipulates a radial pressure-in of the manipulation pressure piece in the direction of the central axis such that the liquid is directed to the expelling opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser for expelling a medicinal liquid according to the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND

[0002] The dispenser according to the type and according to the invention comprises an elongated housing which is oriented along a central axis. An expelling opening which is oriented in the direction of the central axis in the axial direction is arranged on a distal end of the housing, through which expelling opening liquid can be discharged into the surroundings, for example as droplets and as a jet. The dispenser further comprises a liquid reservoir and a control device with a pump or a switching valve, which is connected with the liquid reservoir by means of a first line and with the expelling opening by means of a second line and can guide liquid from the liquid reservoir to the expelling opening by means of the lines. The dispenser comprises a handling pressure piece which is arranged in a recess of the outer peripheral surface of the housing in the lateral direction and which is connected with the control device in such a way that the control device handles a press-in in the radial direction of the handling pressure piece in the direction of the central axis, in order to guide the liquid to the expelling opening.

[0003] Such a dispenser according to the type is also referred to as a side-actuated dispenser, which forms the starting point of the invention.

[0004] The dispenser according to the type and according to the invention is distinguished in particular by the handling being carried out in the lateral direction. The housing which is substantially rotationally symmetrical or cylindrical at least in the region of the outer peripheral surface has for this purpose the handling pressure piece mentioned, which can be pressed in the direction of the central axis in the radial direction or with a predominantly radial component, in order thereby to guide the liquid in the direction of the expelling opening. It is also possible for the handling pressure piece to displace a piston of a piston pump or a bellows of a bellows pump or to open a valve, so that liquid which has previously been under pressure can flow in the direction of the expelling opening.

[0005] Such a design is known from the field of other pharmaceutical dispensers whose handling direction coincides with the expelling direction, which design forms a safeguarding measure such that the dispenser cannot be used by children. Thereby, children, in particular small children, are prevented from expelling and ingesting medicinal liquid. SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an effective and constructionally simple child safeguarding for a side-actuated dispenser according to the type.

[0007] To this end, five variants are proposed.

[0008] According to a first variant of the application, the following is proposed: the dispenser comprises a rotating sleeve or a sliding sleeve, which is open on both sides, which is arranged on the housing on the outside rotatably or displaceably about the central axis. In the stop rotation position or the stop sliding position, the sleeve prevents the operation of the actuating pressure piece and in the release rotation position or the release sliding position, the sleeve allows the pressing in of the actuating pressure piece in the radial direction.

[0009] According to this design, a sleeve is thus provided, which completely or almost completely (> 270°) surrounds the housing of the dispenser at least in the region of the actuating pressure piece, which in the case of a rotating sleeve is prescribed to be able to be rotated about the central axis relative to the outer circumference of the housing, however, is not removable or at least does not have to be removed in order to be operated. The rotating sleeve is preferably fixed in the axial direction on the housing, so that it can only be moved rotationally. The sliding sleeves proposed as an alternative can be moved relative to the housing in the axial direction with limited play. They can be designed non-rotatably or displaceably and rotatably relative to the housing.

[0010] The rotating sleeve or the sliding sleeve is open on both sides in the end side in the form of a tube, so that it can be pushed onto the housing, in particular from the side of the discharge opening. The sleeve is pushed here so far that the distal end of the housing and the discharge opening provided there protrudes in the pushed state in the axial direction beyond the rotating sleeve or the sliding sleeve, i.e. beyond the distal end of the rotating sleeve or the sliding sleeve.

[0011] Depending on the rotation position of the rotating sleeve or the sliding position of the sliding sleeve, the actuating pressure piece can be pressed or the pressing is prohibited and / or blocked. In the stop rotation position or the stop sliding position, the operation of the actuating pressure piece is not possible, since it is not accessible or because its displacement is mechanically blocked. In the release rotation position or the release sliding position, the actuating pressure piece is accessible and displaceable radially for the liquid discharge, so that the valve coupled thereto is opened or the pump connected thereto is operated.

[0012] The sleeve itself is open on both sides and thus does not form a cover, which covers the discharge opening. However, such a dispenser can additionally have a cover, which can be fastened on the housing or the rotating sleeve and / or which can cover the housing and the sleeve in the placed state.

[0013] The sleeve can have an actuating recess arranged outside the actuating pressure piece in the release position and allowing access to the actuating pressure piece.

[0014] In such a design of the sleeve with a handling recess, the sleeve can be displaced between a position in which the handling recess is not arranged above the handling pressure piece and is instead covered by it (stop rotational position or stop sliding position) and a position in which the recess allows access to the handling pressure piece (release rotational position or release sliding position). The sleeve is preferably a component which surrounds the housing, which is either more elongate in the region of the handling recess with respect to the axial direction or has a recess surrounded by the sleeve, through which the handling pressure piece is accessible in the release position of the sleeve. An interruption of the rotational sleeve in the region of the handling recess is also possible.

[0015] In principle, it is sufficient thereby to form only a child protection, so that the sleeve is brought into its stop position after use. However, it is advantageous when an additional protection prevents the sleeve from being rotated or displaced directly in this stop position. Such an additional protection can be present, inter alia, in that a section of the housing side or the sleeve itself must be elastically deflected or deformed in order to form the rotatability or displaceability.

[0016] On the housing, for this purpose, a stop pawl can be provided which can be deflected radially towards the central axis, by means of which the sleeve can be locked in at least one stop position, so that the stop pawl has to be deflected in order to rotate or slide the sleeve into the release position.

[0017] By means of such a stop pawl, an additional obstacle is created for children. In order to bring the sleeve into its release position, the preferably spring-loaded stop pawl must first be deflected, so that it then allows the rotation or sliding of the sleeve. The stop pawl can be formed, inter alia, by a section of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, which must be able to be pressed inwards radially in order to move the sleeve. This is a simple approach in terms of manufacturing technology. In the production process of a plastic component which has formed the outer peripheral surface in the installed state, the stop pawl is arranged in its blocking position, so that the mentioned spring loading is thereby produced in operation, so that the stop pawl is pressed inwards radially in order to move the sleeve and the plastic component is thereby elastically deformed.

[0018] The stop pawl cooperates in the stopped state with the sleeve force- locking or inter alia form-fitting, so that the movement of the sleeve is made difficult or the movement of the sleeve is prevented. In the form-fitting design, the stop pawl engages in the fixed state into a recess, notch or similar structure on the sleeve.

[0019] The stop pawl can be arranged on the housing in such a way that it protrudes into the handling recess in the stop position.

[0020] The handling recess thus serves two purposes in such a design: On the one hand, it enables the pressing down of the handling pressure piece in the release position of the sleeve. On the other hand, the handling recess blocks the movement of the sleeve together with the detent pawl in the detent position.

[0021] The detent pawl can be fixedly connected to the handling pressure piece and projects in the detent position into a detent recess in the sleeve, which is separated from the handling recess and is arranged offset in peripheral or axial direction.

[0022] In this alternative design, the section on the handling pressure piece itself forms the detent pawl and engages in the second detent recess separated from the handling recess in the detent position of the sleeve. In order to release this, the handling pressure piece or the detent pawl arranged thereon has to be pressed in slightly in radial direction. Only then can the sleeve be rotated or displaced so that the handling can then take place. In addition to the design in which the detent pawl can be fixedly connected to the handling pressure piece, it is also conceivable that, although the detent pawl is arranged on the handling pressure piece, a resilient counter element is arranged between the detent pawl and the surrounding component of the handling pressure piece, so that the displacement of the detent pawl does not displace the main part of the handling pressure piece either, so that the discharge does not take place when the sleeve is de-energized.

[0023] The sleeve can have a recess into which the detent pawl projects in the fixed state. The sleeve can have in such a configuration a protrusion which is so shaped that it can be introduced into the recess after the cover has been removed from the housing or from the sleeve, so that the detent pawl can be deflected thereby and the sleeve can then be moved into the release position.

[0024] In this design, a key lock system is provided. The removable cover has a protrusion, for example in the form of an elongate pin, which can be pushed into a corresponding recess of the sleeve to deflect the detent pawl. The recess is dimensioned and / or shaped so that the detent pawl cannot be deflected at least without a tool, i.e. only with the fingers of a child.

[0025] It is provided in the designs mentioned that the detent pawl, in particular the housing-side one, is displaceable. Alternatively, the following can be provided in this regard:

[0026] The sleeve and the housing can be provided with rotation or translation detent faces which cooperate in a form-fitting manner and which, in the detent position, prevent a movement of the sleeve relative to the housing. The sleeve can in this configuration be made of a resiliently deformable plastic which allows a deformation, in particular an ovalization, of the sleeve by an external force loading which causes the detent faces to disengage, so that a movement of the sleeve into the release position can then be achieved.

[0027] In this design, the sleeve and the housing are so matched to one another that, at least in the rest position, a form-fit interruption of the rotational or sliding movement is given. The sleeve, which in this case completely surrounds the housing, must first be deformed, in particular slightly oval, by force loading on both sides, whereby the engagement between the rest faces on the housing and the sleeve is terminated. Subsequently, the sleeve can be moved. In a particular design, the fixing by the rest faces is also provided in the release position. The following design is particularly advantageous, in which the rest faces are formed on the housing side or the sleeve side on a radial recess or elevation.

[0028] According to a second variant of the application, the following is proposed: The dispenser comprises a pull-off cap which, in the resting state, covers the discharge opening and can be pulled off in the direction towards the distal end of the housing and the discharge opening. The cap and the housing have cooperating fixing elements which, in the engagement position, prevent the cap from being pulled off the housing, and which are arranged on the housing and brought into the release position by deforming the cap and / or rotating the cap about the central axis and / or relative movement of the housing section of the housing relative to the outer peripheral surface of the housing, in which release position they do not react to the pulling off of the cap.

[0029] In this design of the application, it is thus provided that the discharge opening and preferably also the outer peripheral surface are covered by a pull-off cap which prevents the discharge of liquid and preferably also the manipulation of the manipulation pressure piece. The cap is arranged in the direction towards the distal end of the housing for pulling out in the axial direction, but cannot be pulled off without the aforementioned deactivation.

[0030] The cap and the housing can be provided with cooperating fixing elements in the form of translational rest faces which, in the case of the resting cap, prevent the cap from being pulled off the housing axially.

[0031] In at least one rotational position of the cap relative to the housing, in which configuration sufficient distance can be given between the inside of the cap and the housing in the deformed region of the cap, so that the cap can be deformed by force loading in the radial direction, so that the translational rest faces can be disengaged, so that the pulling off of the cap can subsequently be achieved.

[0032] A first sub-variant of the second variant of the application provides that the cover is deformed in a deformation region, in particular is loaded with force on both sides, so that the cross section of the cover is changed in this deformation region, wherein the previously counteracting translation stop faces are thereby disengaged from one another. For this purpose, the cover and the housing must be matched to one another in such a way that sufficient deformation of the cover is achieved in this rotational position, in particular with a 90° offset relative to the cover-side translation stop faces.

[0033] This is preferred when in at least one rotational position of the cover relative to the housing there is not sufficient distance from the housing in the deformation region of the cover, so that the cover cannot be deformed sufficiently by a force loading in the radial direction in order to disengage the translation stop faces.

[0034] An improvement provides that the cover is not deformable in each rotational position to such an extent in the deformation region that the translation stop faces can be disengaged. This is not possible in at least one rotational position, so that the pulling of the cover is difficult for a child. Starting from the relative position between the cover and the housing in this second rotational position, the cover must first be rotated relative to the housing about the central axis in order to then allow sufficient deformation.

[0035] Configured thereon, it can in particular be provided that the cover and the housing are provided with cooperating rotational stop faces which, in the case of a placed cover, prevent a rotation of the cover from the housing, wherein the cover and the housing are configured in such a way that the rotational stop faces can be disengaged from one another by a force loading of the cover in the radial direction.

[0036] In this design, the cover is thus not only prevented from being pulled in a particular rotational position, wherein said pulling is in particular not directly possible by a strong deformation of the cover, but also a free rotation of the cover is not possible when the rotational stop faces have not already been disengaged from one another by a previous deformation of the cover.

[0037] This limiting rotational position is preferably defined by two cover-side rotational stop faces which are arranged offset from one another in the peripheral direction. In the case of this intermediate region between the cover-side rotational stop faces, a receiving region is provided which is provided for receiving a housing-side protrusion. The housing-side protrusion can only be moved out of the receiving space by a rotational movement, wherein for this purpose the deformation of the cover mentioned is required. However, the cover cannot be deformed sufficiently strongly by a force loading in the radial direction, so that the housing-side protrusion can be pulled out of the receiving space directly in the axial direction, since there is a large rotational stop face in the radial direction, which is preferably opposite relative to the rotational stop face.

[0038] Instead of the mentioned design with a projection on the housing side and two rotation stop faces on the cover side that enclose the projection, the reverse case can also be realized, in which the projection is provided on the cover side and is rotationally fixed on the housing by means of two rotation stop faces that are spaced apart from one another, until the rotation stop faces can be overcome by means of a deformation of the cover.

[0039] Preferably, an inclined face that is arranged with respect to the tangential direction is assigned to at least one rotation stop face, by means of which the cover can overcome the rotation stop face on the housing side in one direction without a force loading in the radial direction. The inclined face thus allows the cover to be rotated relative to the housing in one direction without having to deform it for this purpose. This simplifies the displacement of the aforementioned projection into the region of the recess between the rotation stop faces. It is also conceivable for such an inclined face to be assigned to only one of the two rotation stop faces that define the recess, so that the projection can be inserted into the recess in a simplified manner only in the direction of rotation, and it is also conceivable for such an inclined face to be assigned to each of the two rotation stop faces, respectively, so that the introduction of the projection into the recess is possible in both directions of rotation.

[0040] In this sub-variant, a locking nose is provided as a fixing element on the cover side, which cooperates with a locking edge on the housing side and thereby initially prevents the pull-out of the cover. By deflecting outwardly, the locking nose can be brought out of engagement with the locking edge, wherein this is preferred in the second sub-variant, i.e. the locking nose on the cover side is deflected in isolation without deforming the entire cover cross section.

[0041] A retaining nose can be provided as a fixing element on the cover. The housing can have a bayonet ring with a slot extending in the peripheral direction in this configuration, wherein the slot is sufficiently large in the push-in region to allow the push-in of the retaining nose on the cover side and is provided with a narrowing section as a fixing element in the retaining section, so that the retaining nose cannot be pulled out of the slot in the axial direction when arranged in the retaining section. In the case of a placed cover, the bayonet ring and the cover can be rotated relative to one another about the central axis.

[0042] In another sub-variant of the second inventive variant, the cap with the retaining nose on the cap side cooperates with the bayonet ring, wherein this does not depend on its design, but rather on a groove which is provided thereon and extends in peripheral direction, into which the retaining nose can be pushed in axial direction. The retaining nose can be pushed in in the region of the push-in of the groove, if necessary in a slightly curved shape towards the centre axis. If the cap and the bayonet ring are then rotated relative to one another about the centre axis with the pushed-in retaining nose, the retaining nose then lies in a retaining section of the groove, which is fixed in such a way by means of a web or the like on the bayonet ring side which forms a narrowing section, in order to prevent an axial pull-out.

[0043] It has been shown that such a bayonet connection is difficult to open by children. This applies in particular when both the bayonet ring and the cap can be rotated relative to the peripheral surface of the housing. In this case, two hands are already required in order to achieve the relative rotation and the possibility of torque loading of the bayonet ring or the cap by means of the two hands respectively. This is not successful for small children's hands.

[0044] Additionally, the bayonet ring has a recess into which the retaining nose of the cap can be inserted radially when the retaining nose lies in the retaining section of the groove, such that a relative rotation of the cap relative to the bayonet ring can only be achieved after a radial displacement of the retaining nose from the recess. The additional recess mentioned leads to the aspect that the retaining nose is fixed in the retaining section of the groove in such a way that a relative rotation which is rotational relative to the groove can be prevented. In particular, this recess can extend radially outwards from the groove. The retaining nose is pushed into the groove in a slightly pre-tensioned state in this design. When the bayonet ring is rotated relative to the cap, the retaining nose enters into the retaining section and there jumps out again slightly radially outwards when the recess is reached.

[0045] In order to release such a connection, the retaining nose of the cap must first be pressed in radially inwards, whereupon a rotation of the cap relative to the bayonet ring or an axial pull-down from the housing is then permitted.

[0046] A third variant according to the application proposes the aspect that the actuating pressure piece and the housing are provided with cooperating securing elements which permit a radially acting securing of the actuating pressure piece relative to the housing in a securing position.

[0047] In the design according to the application, the child protection is not or not only achieved in that the discharge opening or the actuating pressure piece is inaccessible to children, but rather by the immovability of the actuating pressure piece relative to the housing which is provided for a radial displacement.

[0048] The child must therefore first understand how he can release this securing in order to cause the discharge.

[0049] The retaining element can be configured to hold the actuating pressure member in a pressed-in state. This pressed-in state makes it difficult to overcome the fixation by force. It is more difficult to forcibly pull the actuating pressure member, which is recessed into the outer peripheral surface, out of the recess than to press it in.

[0050] The fixing element can be configured to automatically lock in, such that radially outward or radially inward movement of the actuating pressure element causes the actuating pressure element to be fixed.

[0051] Automatic locking ensures that the fixed position is not forgotten. Preferably, pressing down on the actuating pressure element not only causes discharge but also simultaneously creates a fixed state. In a particular configuration, it can be specified that a pressure point must be overcome before automatic locking, so that the partial and full strokes for discharge can be tactilely distinguished from the fixing of the actuating pressure element.

[0052] In particular, one of the fixing elements on the side of the pressure-operating component can be displaced laterally in the radial direction to form or release the fixing position. In this configuration, the fixing element can be particularly located on the flipping element, which has a release surface for manual force loading, by means of which the flipping element can be moved, thereby disengaging the fixing element from other fixing elements, especially those on the housing side.

[0053] The displaceable fixing element can thus be displaced relative to the operating surface of the actuating pressure element in a transverse radial direction, for example, in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. The design with the aforementioned flipping element is advantageous, as this flipping element has both a fixing element and a release surface. This flipping element ensures that the direction of the force applied for release causes the fixing element to shift in the opposite direction, resulting in a fixed state.

[0054] In a sub-variant of the third variant, one of the fixing elements is constructed as a slider capable of moving relative to the housing between a fixed position and a released position. The slider and the actuating pressure element are configured to cooperate in a form-fitting manner in the fixed position, wherein a recess or notch is provided in the actuating pressure element for this purpose, the slider in its fixed position being inserted into the recess or notch and the slider in its released position being pulled out from the recess or notch.

[0055] In this design, two elements are thus provided which can be displaced by the user relative to the housing, namely the actuating pressure piece on the one hand and the sliding piece mentioned on the other hand, wherein different recesses are preferably provided in the housing for operating the two elements. The sliding piece can be displaced independently of the actuating pressure piece and in the end position blocks the movement of the actuating pressure piece, in particular the pressing in.

[0056] The child must thus first displace the sliding piece in order to be able to subsequently expel the liquid by pressing in the actuating pressure piece. In contrast, the safety can be increased by the sliding piece being purposefully difficult to access. Furthermore, the design of the sliding piece, the housing and / or the actuating pressure piece is constructed in such a way that the sliding piece can only be pushed relative to the housing after pressing in itself or the actuating pressure piece only needs to be pressed in slightly in order to be able to disengage from the actuating pressure piece.

[0057] The displacement movement of the sliding piece is preferably linearly oriented in order to block or release the actuating pressure piece. However, other options are also possible, such as displacing the sliding piece along a circular track. A fourth variant according to the invention proposes the following: The housing has at least one recess in opposition to the recess of the outer circumference, in which the actuating pressure piece is arranged. The actuating pressure piece is coupled with at least one protrusion which is pushed out of the housing through the recess when the actuating pressure piece is pressed in or at least one stop element is provided which can be detached from the housing or can be moved relative to the housing, which in the stop position projects into the housing through the recess by means of the protrusion and blocks the depression of the actuating pressure piece.

[0058] In this variant, it is provided that the movability of the actuating pressure piece is influenced by the recess on the outer circumference which is in opposition to the recess of the outer circumference. The actuating pressure piece can thus be provided with a protrusion which can also be an integral part of the actuating pressure piece and which can be pressed outwards through the recess on the opposing side when the actuating pressure piece is depressed. This results in the fact that a child who generates a counterforce with the second hand on the opposing side cannot depress the actuating pressure piece. In contrast, an adult can grip the dispenser so purposefully that he does not cover the recess and thus does not block the protrusion.

[0059] Alternatively, the mentioned stop element can also be provided which projects into the interior of the housing through the recess and blocks the movement of the actuating pressure piece there. After the stop element has been removed or displaced, the depression can then be carried out.

[0060] A mixed design is also possible, for example a stop element which does not cover the recess is engaged into the recess without the aid of a protrusion. A protrusion provided on the side of the actuating pressure piece cannot then protrude due to this stop element and thus blocks the actuating.

[0061] The mentioned stop can serve only for blocking purposes. However, it can also simultaneously form a cover which at least partially covers the discharge opening.

[0062] The stop can be configured as a removable stop and is thus adapted to the housing in such a way that it can be fastened on the housing in the radial direction.

[0063] The stop can have a shell shape which is adapted to the outer contour of the housing, which in the fastened state surrounds the housing by more than 180° and has an inner side on which at least one protrusion is arranged. Such a stop can be placed from the side in the radial direction or pushed in the axial direction. Thereby, the stop surrounds the housing by > 180°, is held on the housing and preferably forms a clamping connection together with the housing.

[0064] According to a fourth variant of the invention, the following is proposed: The dispenser comprises a containment sleeve, the inner volume of which is adapted to the outer shape of the housing in such a way that the housing can be completely contained therein together with the liquid reservoir. The inner wall of the containment sleeve and the outer face of the housing are matched to each other in such a way that they react with a force-locking effect to the pulling out of the housing. The containment sleeve has lateral recesses through which the housing can be slid in the direction of the end of the opening of the containment sleeve against the force-locking effect. A design with a plurality of such lateral recesses in the outer peripheral face of the containment sleeve is also conceivable.

[0065] In the fourth variant of the invention, a child protection is thus formed in that the dispenser as a whole is contained in the mentioned containment sleeve in such a way that the dispenser does not have components which allow a pulling out from the containment sleeve. Rather, the housing has to be force-loaded through the lateral recesses in order to push it out on the end of the opening of the containment sleeve. It has been shown that it is difficult for children to understand and overcome the force-locking effect.

[0066] The containment sleeve and the housing can be matched to each other in such a way that the pushing in of the housing is only possible in a rotational position in which the handling pressure piece and the recess are offset relative to each other in the peripheral direction. The containment sleeve and the housing can alternatively be matched to each other in such a way that the pushing in of the housing is only possible in a rotational position in which the handling pressure piece and the recess are arranged congruently in the peripheral direction.

[0067] In a design in which the pushing in is only possible when the handling pressure piece and the recess are offset relative to each other in the peripheral direction, the danger of handling the handling pressure piece when pushing the housing out of the containment sleeve is reduced.

[0068] However, the opposite design can also be advantageous, since more skill is required to achieve the pushing out of the housing, although access and depression of the actuating pressure piece is possible through the recess. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0069] Further advantages and aspects of the present application will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the application, which are explained below by means of the attached drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 A dispenser according to the present type with a laterally oriented actuating pressure piece is shown, which is used in all embodiments in a similar design.

[0071] Figures 2 to 5 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the first variant of the present application is shown, which has a rotating sleeve fixed by a deflectable detent pawl.

[0072] Figures 6 to 7 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the first variant of the present application is shown, which has a rotating sleeve fixed by a rotating detent face.

[0073] Figures 8 to 11 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the second variant of the present application is shown, which has a cover which can be detached by deformation depending on its rotational position.

[0074] Figures 12 to 16 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the second variant of the present application is shown, which has a cover which can be fixed on the housing by a bayonet coupling.

[0075] Figures 17 to 18 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the third variant of the present application is shown, which has an actuating pressure piece which can be fixed in radial direction.

[0076] Figures 19 to 20 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the fourth variant of the present application is shown, which has an actuating pressure piece which is driven out on the actuating protrusion on the opposite face.

[0077] Figures 21 to 23 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the fourth variant of the present application is shown, which has a fixed housing which prevents actuation in the installed state.

[0078] Figures 24 to 25 An embodiment of a dispenser according to the present application according to the fifth variant of the present application is shown, which has a receiving sleeve.

[0079] Figures 26 to 27An embodiment of the dispenser according to the application is shown, which according to a first variant of the application has a sliding sleeve secured by a deflectable stop pawl.

[0080] Figures 28 to 33 Another embodiment according to a second variant of the application is shown, which has a lid that can be removed by deformation, as well as a variant thereof.

[0081] Figures 34 to 36B Another embodiment according to a third variant of the application is shown, which has a lockable actuating pressure piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 A so-called side-actuated dispenser 10 is shown. This side-actuated dispenser has a housing 20, which has a discharge member group 22 and a reservoir 30, which is coupled in the region of a coupling ring 28 of the discharge member group 22 and comprises a liquid store 32.

[0083] The discharge member group 22 has on the distal end a discharge opening 24 on the end of an applicator tip 25 designed as a nasal olive, as well as a substantially cylindrical and largely rotationally symmetrical outer periphery 23 between the nasal olive and the coupling ring 28. In the region of the outer periphery 23, which is gripped by the user for operating the dispenser 10, a recess 26 is provided, in which a actuating pressure piece 50 is arranged. The actuating pressure piece 50 is insertable in the direction of the arrow 40, wherein this direction encloses an angle of approximately a right angle with the central axis 2 of the dispenser, which coincides with the discharge direction on the discharge opening 24.

[0084] The subject of the application is to provide a child protection for a dispenser of the type Figure 1 .

[0085] Reference is made to Figure 2 The components of the interior in the region of the discharge member group 22 are illustrated exemplarily, however, this is the same for all embodiments. The liquid store 32 is connected by a line 51 with a pump 54. This pump 54 has a movable cylinder 55, which can be pressed in together with the actuating pressure piece 50. Furthermore, the pump 54 has a valve assembly 57, which is not described in detail, which sucks in liquid through the line 51 at an underpressure in the pump cylinder 55 and which presses the liquid in the direction of a second line 52, which leads in its side to the discharge opening 24 with an intermediate connection of an outlet valve 25a, at an overpressure in the pump cylinder 55.

[0086] for forming a child protection, Figures 2 to 5The first configuration of the first embodiment has a rotary sleeve 60 which is arranged on the outer circumferential surface 23 of the housing 20 on the outside. By means of a locking portion 61 it is ensured that the rotary sleeve 60 can only be moved in rotation, however, cannot easily be pulled off the housing 20. The rotary sleeve 60 has a handling recess 62 which has approximately the size of the outside of the handling pressure piece 50. In the Figure 2 and Figure 3 blocked position, the handling recess 62 is offset by 180° with respect to the handling pressure piece 50, so that the handling pressure piece 50 is covered by the rotary sleeve 60 and is not accessible. A rotation of the rotary sleeve 60 is not directly possible, since the outer circumferential surface 23 of the housing 20 is provided with a protrusion (Ausbuchtung) which functions as a stop pawl 23a in a manner visible in particular in Figure 2 If the dispenser 10 should be handled starting from this state, the stop pawl 23a must first be pressed radially inwards in the manner indicated by arrow 3 in Figure 4 . Only then can the rotary sleeve 60 be rotated by 180°, so that the state is formed in which the handling recess 62 of the rotary sleeve 60 ensures access to the handling pressure piece 50. Starting from this state, the dispenser can now be used as intended. Subsequently, the handling sleeve 60 is rotated again by 180°, so that the stop pawl 23a, which remains under stress during handling, jumps again into the handling recess 62. Figure 5

[0087] In the embodiment according to Figure 6 and 7 , likewise a rotatable rotary sleeve 60 is provided which can be rotated with respect to the outer circumferential surface 23 and the handling pressure piece 50 about the central axis 2. It can also be brought into a rotary position in which the handling recess 62 is not arranged above the handling pressure piece 50 and thus prevents handling.

[0088] However, unlike the design according to Figures 2 to 5 , the rotary fixation is implemented here in a different manner. On the inside of the rotary sleeve 60, blocking tabs 63 are provided which are offset by 180° with respect to one another. Correspondingly, in the outer circumferential surface 23 of the housing 20, recesses 33 are provided. The blocking tabs 63 and the recesses 33 are respectively limited laterally in the peripheral direction by rotary stop faces 34, 64. In Figure 7 ​the fixed state, a rotation of the rotating sleeve 60 cannot be achieved thereby. However, the rotating sleeve 60 is made of a plastic which can be deformed sufficiently, so that a force loading in the direction of the arrow 5 loads the blocking tab 62 which is offset by 90° therefrom, out of the corresponding recess 33. A desired rotation of the rotating sleeve 60 relative to the outer circumferential surface 23 can then be carried out, and thereby the handling recess 62 is brought into a rotational position in which it allows the handling of the handling pressure piece 50.

[0089] In the embodiment shown, the rotational fixing by the blocking tab 63 and the recess 33 takes place both in the position in which the rotating sleeve covers the handling pressure piece 50, and in the position in which handling can be achieved by means of the handling recess 62.

[0090] However, in a simplified alternative design, only one recess 33 and only one blocking tab 63 are provided, so that only the rotational position in which the handling pressure piece 50 is not accessible is blocked by these elements.

[0091] In the configuration in Figures 8 to 11 , the dispenser 10 has a cover 80 which can be pushed from the distal end in the direction of the central axis 2 and thus covers the discharge opening 24 as well as the handling pressure piece 50. In this case, a child protection is thereby created, in that Figure 10 As can be seen, the cover engages on the housing 20 of the dispenser behind the corresponding translation stop face 36 with a translation stop face 82. In order to release the connection thus created, the cover 80 has to be compressed in the direction of the arrow 5. However, in Figure 8 and 9 the orientation, the available space 37b between the inside of the cover 80 and the locking tab of the housing on which the translation stop face 36 is arranged, is not large enough, so that the translation stop faces 36, 82 disengage from one another. The cover has to be rotated by 90° in order to assume Figure 10 and 11 the state. In this state, a sufficient deformation can be achieved by a force loading in the direction of the arrow 5, so that the cover can then be pulled down.

[0092] From the fixed state of the cover, it has to be rotated first and then compressed in order to be able to pull it down. This movement process is not realizable at least for small children.

[0093] In the embodiment of Figures 12 to 16 , the cover 80 is used again. This cover 80 has protrusions 87 which are opposite one another, on the end of which locking noses 88 are arranged. Furthermore, a bayonet ring 40 is arranged on the housing 20 of the dispenser. As can be seen from Figure 13As can be seen, the bayonet ring has a slot 42 on each side, which has a push-in region 42a and a retaining region 42b. In the retaining region 42b, the slot narrows through a tab 44 relative to the push-in region 42a. The cover 88 is placed therefor in such a way that the protrusions 87 are pressed slightly towards one another, so that the locking noses 88 can be inserted into the push-in region 42a. Subsequently, the cover is rotated relative to the bayonet ring 44, so that the state of Figure 14 and 15 is created. Direct pulling of the cover in this state is no longer possible, since the locking noses 88 cannot protrude through the narrowed retaining region 42b of the slot 42. The cover 88 must therefore first be rotated back relative to the bayonet ring 40.

[0094] A certain degree of security is achieved when the retaining region 42b is configured in such a way that Figure 16 an outwardly directed notch 46 is still provided in the retaining region, into which the locking noses 88 are inserted radially. The cover can be loosened only when the protrusions 87 are first pressed towards one another in the direction of the arrow 55, then the cover 80 is rotated relative to the bayonet ring 40 and only then pulled out of the housing 20.

[0095] The bayonet ring 40 can be configured rotationally fixed relative to the remaining housing section, in particular the outer circumferential surface 23. However, the bayonet ring can also be configured rotationally around the central axis 2 instead of or in addition to the cover 80, so that it is particularly difficult for a child to keep the protrusions 87 pressed while the bayonet ring 40 and the cover 80 are rotated relative to one another.

[0096] In the configuration of Figure 17 and 18 , the child protection is formed by the actuating pressure piece 50 itself. This actuating pressure piece 50 has a flip-over element 59, which is an integral part of the actuating pressure piece 50, relative to which, however, can be swung around a swivel axis 7. A securing element 58 is provided on the flip-over element 59, which snaps behind the corresponding securing edge 27 of the housing in the pressed-in state of the actuating pressure piece 50 and thereby secures the actuating pressure piece in the pressed-in state. From this secured state, such a release is only achieved by a force loading of the release face 59a of the flip-over element 59 in the direction of the arrow 8, which release causes the actuating pressure piece 50 to jump automatically into its radially outer end position, from which position it can be actuated again. Of course, this design of the child protection by the configuration of the actuating pressure piece 50 allows the design of further child protection features, as they are described in this application with regard to the rotary sleeve or cover. It is also possible to apply several of the described flip-over elements 58 on different sides of the actuating pressure piece.

[0097] In the design of Figure 19 and 20 a notch 21 is provided on the side of the outer circumferential surface 23 which is opposite the recess 26 for the actuating pressure piece 50. As can be seen in the cutaway view of Figure 20 the actuating pressure piece is provided with at least one protrusion 53 which extends into the notch 21 and is pressed out there in the event of actuation of the actuating pressure piece. This makes the actuation very difficult for children, since they can only exert the required actuating force by holding the actuating pressure piece 50 in opposition. However, this requires a skill which is usually not present for children to hold it so in opposition, so that the protrusion 53 can thus protrude outwards through the notch 21.

[0098] A similar design is shown in Figures 21 to 23 . Here too a notch 21 is provided on the side which is opposite the recess 26. In addition, however, a securing shell 90 is provided which is shown separately in Figure 23 . The securing shell 90 has a protrusion 91 on the inner side which is adapted in terms of design to the notch 21 in the housing 20. When the shell 90 is clamped on the housing in the manner shown in Figure 22 , the protrusion 91 prevents the actuating pressure piece 50 from being able to be pressed down. For children who, by nature, hold the dispenser in the region of the securing shell 90, it is only difficult to understand why this prevents the actuating pressure piece 50 from being pressed down.

[0099] In the designs of Figure 24 and 25 a receiving sleeve 94 is provided which is adapted to the housing 20 of the dispenser. As can be recognized by means of the figures, the receiving sleeve 94 is designed to be sufficiently large so that the housing 20 can be completely accommodated therein when it is pushed in through the open side 94a. The housing 20 is held in the receiving sleeve in a force-locked manner, wherein this is achieved here by means of a clamping ring 98 which bears against the outer face of the reservoir 30. In order to use the dispenser, the housing is pressed through the lateral recess 96 in the direction of the open end 94a and is thus removed therefrom. This movement, in which the housing 20 provided is pushed out, proves to be difficult to achieve for children.

[0100] Figure 26 and 27 show a variant of the dispenser of Figures 2 to 5 . This too has a sleeve 60 which is pushed onto the housing 22, which can be moved in relation to the housing 60 in a limited manner, however cannot be removed. However, the sleeve 60 of this configuration is not a rotational movement, but can be moved inFigure 26 and 27 is displaced translationally between the two end positions.

[0101] In Figure 26 position, the actuating pressure piece 50 is not accessible, since it is covered by the sliding sleeve 60. The sliding sleeve 60 cannot be moved directly, since it is blocked by the detent claw 23a, which extends into the recess 62 of the sliding sleeve 60.

[0102] In order to be able to use the dispenser, the detent claw 23a must first be pressed in. Only then can the sleeve 60 be displaced, so that it occupies Figure 34 position. In this position, the actuating pressure piece 50 can now be pressed in radially through the recess 62 and thereby cause the discharge.

[0103] Figures 28 to 33 Another embodiment according to the second variant of the application is shown, which has a cover 80 which can be removed by deformation, which is substantially rotationally symmetrical and thereby rotatable. In Figure 28 and 29 , on the one hand, a housing 20 is shown with an integrated liquid reservoir 32 and a remote discharge opening 24, and on the other hand the mentioned cover 80 for repeated removal and placement onto the housing 20. As in the previously described embodiments, the dispenser can be actuated by means of a lateral actuating pressure piece 50. By pressing in, the liquid is pumped from the liquid reservoir 32 to the discharge opening 24.

[0104] In order to realize a child protection, the housing has two outwardly pointing protrusions 29 on opposite sides, which are covered by the placed cover 80. In correspondence thereto, on the inside of the cover 80, respectively one coupling structure is provided, which comprises two axially extending ribs 38 and one holding element 39, which together with the ribs 38 limits a receiving area 48.

[0105] The ribs 38 have a rotational stop face 38B in each case in the direction towards the receiving area 48. On opposite sides, the ribs 38 are provided with an outwardly pointing bevel 38A, i.e. a face which is arranged opposite to the radial direction and relative to the peripheral face.

[0106] The holding element 39 has an upwardly pointing translational stop face 39B. Downwardly pointing, it likewise has a bevel 39A, which, however, is considered optional.

[0107] The receiving area 48 is provided for receiving the mentioned protrusion 29 of the housing 20. The protrusion 29 is introduced into the receiving area 48 according to prescription by pushing the cover 80 in a relative rotational position in which the protrusion 29 is not aligned with the coupling structure. Subsequently, the cover 80 is rotated relative to the housing 20 so that the cover enters into the receiving area 48 through one of the ramps 38A.

[0108] In this state, the cover 80 is fixed. The rotation stop face 38B interacts with the rotation stop face on the side of the protrusion against a rotational movement and thereby prevents the protrusion 29 from leaving the receiving area 48 by a rotational movement. The retaining element 39 prevents a direct pull-down of the cover 80 by means of its translation stop face 36.

[0109] The described fixed state is shown in Figure 30A and 30B . Here, among other things, it can be seen that the protrusion 29 together with the translation stop face 39B prevents a direct pull-down of the cover 80.

[0110] In order to be able to remove the cover 80 from this fixed state, a force loading as shown by the arrow 5 in Figure 31A and 31B is required. This manual force loading also causes an oval deformation of the cover 80 on the inside of the cover 80 in the area of the coupling structure arranged offset by 90° relative to the force loading. The cover is pressed outwards so that the rotation stop face 38B loses its effect. The cover 80 can now be rotated and subsequently pulled down.

[0111] However, the deformation of the cover 80 is not sufficient for the translation stop face 39A to also disengage relative to the protrusion 29 so that a direct pull-down is hardly possible even in the deformed state. Figure 31A This is shown. In any case, with a force loading and a dexterity hardly possible for children, a direct pull-down can be achieved.

[0112] The previously mentioned ramp 39A can however together with a corresponding ramp 29A on the protrusion 29 make it possible to place the cover directly, i.e. with an orientation flush with the protrusion and the recess. In the process, a deformation is indirectly achieved which is hardly possible by a manual radial force loading on the cover.

[0113] Figure 32 and 33 show variants. Figure 32 The cover of corresponds to the previously described cover with two ribs 38 which each have one ramp 38A. The coupling structure on the cover 80 can therefore be introduced into the receiving space 48 in two rotational directions.

[0114] In contrast, in the design of Figure 33 The right-hand rib 38 is configured differently in the design of

[0115] In the present example, the housing 20 has two protrusions 29 and the cap 80 correspondingly has two coupling structures, which are arranged opposite one another, respectively. However, other numbers can also be provided accordingly, and it is not necessarily required that the same number of coupling structures is provided on the one hand and the same number of protrusions on the other hand.

[0116] According to Figure 34 and 35 and Figure 36A and 36B The dispenser according to Figure 17 and 18 is a dispenser with a child protection that is not realized by means of a cap, however, can additionally also be. However, it is primarily provided herein that the child protection is realized in a similar manner to

[0117] Figure 36A and 36B show the released and locked state of the blocking element 68.

[0118] Starting from the released state of Figure 36A the blocking element is displaced upwards with respect to the drawing, wherein in the region of the housing edge it is displaced slightly radially against the force of a spring element 69 by means of a ramp 68C. As soon as the distal end 68B is inserted into the recess 50A of the actuating pressure piece 50, the spring element causes the distal end 68B of the hook-like design to be latched in the recess 50A in such a way that the state of the child protection is subsequently realized. In this state, the actuating pressure piece 50 can no longer be pressed in and thus no longer dispensed.

[0119] In order to return from this state into the released state, the blocking element has to be pressed in against the force of the spring element 69, so that the mentioned latching is released. Only then can the blocking element 68 be pulled back out, so that it releases the actuating pressure piece 50.

[0120] Different modifications are possible in order to improve child safety. Thus, the distal end 68B can have a hook-like shape which is oriented differently from the one mentioned above to the right, such that the movement of the blocking element into the released position is only possible once the operating pressure piece has been depressed a certain distance. Furthermore, the relative movement of the blocking element 68 with respect to the housing can also be configured differently. For example, a rotatable or swingable blocking element is thus suitable for additionally making the release difficult for young children.

Claims

1. A dispenser (10) for dispensing liquid medicine, having the following features: a. The dispenser includes an elongated housing (20) oriented along the central axis (2), and b. A discharge opening (24) oriented axially along the direction of the central axis (2) is provided at the distal end of the housing (20), and c. The dispenser includes a liquid storage tank (32), and d. The dispenser includes a control device with a pump (54) or a switching valve, the control device being connected to the liquid reservoir (32) via a first line (51) and to the discharge opening (24) via a second line (52), and capable of guiding liquid from the liquid reservoir to the discharge opening (24) by means of the lines, and e. The dispenser includes an actuating pressure element (50) which is laterally disposed in a recess on the outer peripheral surface (23) of the housing (20) and connected to the control device such that the control device actuates the actuating pressure element radially in the direction of the central axis, so that liquid is guided to the discharge opening (24). Its features The following additional features: f. The dispenser includes a pull-down cap (80) that, in its placed state, covers the discharge opening (24) and the operating pressure element (50) and prevents operation of the operating pressure element (50), and is pull-down along the direction of the central axis (2) toward the distal end of the housing (20), and g. The cover (80) and the housing (20) have cooperating fixing elements (36, 82; 44, 88) that prevent the cover (80) from being pulled off the housing (20) in the engaged relative position and allow for... - The cover (80) is deformed and then subjected to a pure rotational motion about the central axis (2), and is brought into a release relative position in which the retaining element does not react to the pulling down of the cover (80). The housing has two outwardly pointing protrusions (29). Correspondingly, a coupling structure is provided on the inner side of the cover (80). The coupling structure includes two axially extending ribs (38) and a retaining element (39). The retaining element (39) has an upwardly pointing translational stop surface (39B). The retaining element and the ribs (38) together restrict the receiving area (48), and the ribs (38) each have a rotational stop surface (38B) in the direction toward the receiving area (48), or - Deform the cover (80) and subsequently move the housing section of the housing (20) provided with the fixing element (44) relative to the outer peripheral surface of the housing (20). And is brought into the release relative position, in which the fixing element does not react to the pulling down of the cover (80).

2. The dispenser (10) according to claim 1, further comprising the following additional features: a. the cover (80) and the housing (20) are provided with form-fitting retaining elements in the form of translational stop surfaces, the retaining elements preventing the cover (80) from being axially pulled down from the housing (20) when the cover is in place, and b. In at least one rotational position of the cover (80) relative to the housing (20), a sufficient distance (37a) from the housing is provided in the deformation region of the cover (80) such that the cover (80) can be deformed by radial force loading, thereby disengaging the translational stop surface and subsequently pulling down the cover (80).

3. The dispenser (10) according to claim 2, having the following additional features: a. In at least one rotational position of the cover (80) relative to the housing (20), a sufficient distance (37b) from the housing (20) is not provided in the deformation region of the cover, such that the cover (80) cannot be sufficiently deformed by radial force loading, thereby disengaging the translational stop surface.

4. The dispenser (10) according to claim 2 or 3, having the following additional features: a. The cover (80) and the housing (20) are provided with cooperating rotation stop surfaces (38B) that prevent the cover (80) from rotating from the housing (20) when the cover (80) is in place, wherein the cover (80) and the housing (20) are constructed such that the rotation stop surfaces (38B) can be disengaged from each other by a radial force applied to the cover (80). It has at least one of the following additional features: b. An inclined surface (39A) positioned relative to the tangential direction is associated with at least one translational stop surface (39B), by means of which the cover (80) can unidirectionally overcome the translational stop surface on the housing side without manual radial force loading of the cover (80), and / or c. A second translational stop surface (39B) on the cover side is provided in a manner offset in the outer peripheral direction relative to the translational stop surface (39B) on the cover side, such that there is a receiving area (48) for a protrusion (29) on the housing side between the translational stop surfaces (39B) on the cover side, and a corresponding translational stop surface on the housing side is provided on the protrusion, and / or d. A second translational stop surface on the housing side is provided in such a way that it is offset relative to the translational stop surface on the housing side in the outer peripheral direction, such that there is a receiving area for the protrusion on the cover side between the translational stop surfaces on the housing side, and a corresponding translational stop surface on the cover side is provided on the protrusion.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising the following additional features: a. A nose-holding part (88) is provided on the cover as a fixing element (88), and b. The housing has a snap ring (40) with a groove (42) extending in the outer circumferential direction, wherein the groove (42) is large enough in the push-in region (42a) to allow the push-in of the retaining nose (88) on the cover side, and has a narrowing section in the retaining section (42b) configured as a fixing element (44) such that the retaining nose (88) cannot be pulled out axially from the groove when arranged in the retaining section (42b), and c. With the cover (80) in place, the bayonet ring (40) and the cover (80) are able to rotate relative to each other about the central axis (2).

6. The dispenser according to claim 5, further comprising the following additional features: a. The retaining ring (40) has a recess such that when the retaining nose (88) is located in the retaining section (42b) of the groove (42), the retaining nose (88) of the cover can be radially inserted into the recess, such that the relative rotation of the cover (80) with respect to the retaining ring (40) can be achieved after the retaining nose (88) is radially displaced from the recess.

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