Dispensing head for administering liquid from a pressure reservoir to the nose

Abstract

The present invention relates to a discharge head for applying a liquid medicine, the discharge head having an outlet valve with a valve pipe, the valve pipe can be loaded with force to overcome the elastic force to open the outlet valve. The discharge head has an applicator, and a discharge opening is arranged on its end, and the discharge opening is connected to the inlet of the applicator through the applicator channel of the applicator. The applicator has an inner component and an outer component, the outer component is configured as a component separated from the inner component and is rotatably mounted on the inner component to surround the inner component. The discharge opening is arranged as a perforation of the outer component, the discharge opening is surrounded by the inner surface of the end side on the inside, and the end face of the inner component is arranged opposite to the inner surface of the end side, the end face is flatly abutted against the inner surface of the end side, and at least two inflow channels are constructed on the inner surface of the end side of the outer component and / or the end face of the inner component as inflow grooves, and the inflow groove is connected or separated from the inflow area upstream of the inflow groove according to the rotation position of the outer component relative to the inner component.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT patent application "Discharge head for applying liquid from a pressure storage device to the nose" (application number: 201880038259.1, applicant: Aptar Radolfzell GmbH) which entered the Chinese national phase on December 9, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a dispensing head for administering a medical liquid from a pressure reservoir to the nose, the pressure reservoir having an outlet valve with a valve connector which can be loaded with force to overcome a spring force and thus open the outlet valve. The invention also relates to a dispenser with such a dispensing head. Background Art

[0003] Similar discharge heads and dispensers are known, for example, from DE 102012200545 A1. The discharge head disclosed in this document has an outer housing, which on the one hand contains a base for connection to a pressure reservoir and on the other hand forms the housing of a nasal applicator with a discharge opening. An inner component is inserted into the elongated nasal applicator, which together with the housing serves to guide the liquid fluid to the discharge opening.

[0004] A similar construction is also known from US Design Patent Publication No. USD659,531S.

[0005] Conventional discharge heads are used to sell drugs at a relatively low price. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to manufacture the discharge heads cheaply. This advantageous one-piece design of the outer housing with the base and the nasal applicator is well suited to achieving low costs. However, disadvantages also arise. In the context of the injection molding process, the feeding of the liquid plastic usually takes place in the base area. The discharge opening is therefore far away from the feeding point, which sometimes leads to less than satisfactory manufacturing accuracy of the discharge opening and the fluid guide surface upstream of the discharge opening. This is disadvantageous because it may cause the liquid discharge characteristics from distributor to distributor to change and no longer correspond to the intended discharge characteristics. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to develop a conventional dispenser in such a way that a high level of manufacturing precision is achieved in the region of the outlet opening without significantly increasing the manufacturing complexity.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a dispensing head which, in concert with conventional dispensing heads, has a base, an actuating surface movable relative to the base, and a nasal applicator. The base has a coupling device arranged thereon, by means of which the dispensing head can be fixed to a pressure reservoir.

[0008] The actuating surface can be manually moved relative to the base for the purpose of actuation. A hollow tube-like tappet arranged on the actuating surface is thereby moved with it, thereby opening a valve connection of a valve of a pressure accumulator. The actuating surface is preferably provided with a structured structure, such as grooves.

[0009] The nasal applicator leaves the operating surface and extends outwards. A discharge opening is provided on the distal end of the nasal applicator, and the discharge opening is connected in communication with the hollow tube fluid through the built-in applicator channel of the nasal applicator.

[0010] According to the invention, the nasal applicator has an inner component which is connected in one piece to the operating surface. In addition, the nasal applicator has an outer component which is designed as a component separate from the inner component and is mounted on the inner component so as to surround the inner component. The discharge opening is provided as a perforation of the outer component. The applicator channel leading to the discharge opening is bounded jointly by the outer component and the inner component.

[0011] Therefore, in the nasal applicator according to the invention, it is provided that the outlet opening is formed by a component which is separated at least from the inner component and the actuating surface which is formed integrally with the inner component. The outlet opening is thus part of a component which is overall smaller than in the prior art designs. This allows the outlet opening to be produced with greater precision and / or at a higher number of cycles.

[0012] According to the invention, the outlet opening is the end of the applicator channel, i.e. the transition point, at which the pressurized liquid is discharged to the external environment at ambient pressure and there exists as a free jet or jet, depending on the way it emerges from the outlet opening. The outlet opening preferably has a diameter of less than 4 mm. 2 , especially less than 2mm 2 The smallest cross-sectional area.

[0013] In addition to the advantage of being able to be manufactured better, it is also advantageous that the outer component is configured as a component separated from the base, because this allows the outer component to be replaceable, which is advantageous for hygiene reasons. The discharge opening on which liquid may remain after use may especially breed bacteria quickly. By replacing the outer component, all or at least particularly dangerous areas are replaced. By replacing the outer component, the discharge head can also be matched to a specific target group. Therefore, a structural solution that is particularly suitable for adults or children can be achieved by selecting a matching outer component. Here, both the matching specific to the target group can be completed at the manufacturer's side, and multiple outer components can also be provided to the end customer together, so that the end customer himself can match it once or according to the specific situation.

[0014] The nasal applicator is inserted into the nostril of the user as intended. For this purpose, it is an elongated, slim applicator, which preferably has a shape that tapers toward the distal end and the outlet opening. The nasal applicator preferably protrudes at least 20 mm from the level of the control surface. The length of the nasal applicator that freely protrudes from the base or the control surface is preferably greater than the maximum diameter of the nasal applicator by at least a factor of 2, particularly preferably by at least a factor of 2.5.

[0015] The base of the discharge head is the part that is coupled to the pressure reservoir in accordance with the specification. For this purpose, a coupling device is provided, which is particularly preferably snapped onto the pressure reservoir via a formed snap-in edge. For this purpose, the base preferably has an annular structure with inwardly directed snap-in projections. In a pressure reservoir in which the discharge head according to the invention is preferably used, a crimping connection is provided between the cover and the cap, which crimping connection is preferably used for snapping in the snap-in projections.

[0016] The inner and outer components preferably together form a vortex chamber upstream of the outlet opening. A vortex chamber is here a chamber upstream of the outlet opening into which the liquid flows at least partially tangentially or in a direction that is at least curved relative to the radial direction.

[0017] Such a vortex chamber preferably has at least one guide surface for generating a vortex, which is arranged obliquely with respect to the radial direction. The at least one guide surface is preferably arranged on the inner side of the outer component, so that a high degree of manufacturing accuracy can be achieved during injection molding, as is also the case with the outlet opening. The guide surface can be arranged in particular as part of an inlet channel that opens into the vortex chamber. It is particularly preferred that a plurality of such inlet channels are provided.

[0018] In principle, a configuration of the discharge head is possible in which the outer component and the inner component are fixed in position relative to each other in the installed state.

[0019] However, the design according to the invention is particularly advantageous in a configuration in which the outer component is mounted on the inner component in such a way that the outer component can be moved relative to the inner component in the mounted state.

[0020] The inner and outer components thus allow the outer component to move relative to the inner component. This allows the discharge head and in particular the nasal applicator to be adapted to different situations, as will be explained below.

[0021] The design according to the invention with an outer component that is placed onto an inner component advantageously permits such a design with a movable outer component, since the relative movement can be easily accomplished by the user by directly and manually applying force to the outer component relative to the base.

[0022] The inner and outer components preferably move between two end positions, which prevent further movement or at least make it more difficult. However, it may be expedient to be able to carry out the relative movement with greater force in one direction beyond the end position at which the relative movement was first interrupted, so that the displacement between the end positions can be achieved with low force consumption and the inner and outer components can be moved through these end positions without damage by applying a correspondingly greater force, so that the inner and outer components can be separated from each other, for example, in order to replace the outer component with another outer component for hygienic reasons.

[0023] The displaceability of the outer component and the inner component relative to one another can be used, in particular, for the purpose of changing the properties of the discharge of the liquid through the discharge opening.

[0024] For this purpose, the inner component and the outer component are preferably designed in such a way that the applicator channel and / or the swirl chamber can be geometrically varied by a relative displacement of the inner component and the outer component.

[0025] Inner and outer components can be designed in particular in such a way that the applicator channel can be varied in terms of its clear cross section by relative displacement. Depending on in which region of the applicator channel the change is made, different effects can be achieved thereby.

[0026] When the applicator channel widens or narrows by relative displacement far before the discharge opening, this results in a throttling effect, by means of which different liquid flows are discharged through the discharge opening at the same inflow pressure in two different positions of the outer element relative to the inner element. Thus, for example, it is possible to set a metering suitable for adults and for children without having to perform such metering by a longer or shorter actuation.

[0027] If the applicator channel is changed in terms of the clear width in the region of the vortex chamber that ends the applicator channel, the properties of the liquid flowing out of the discharge opening can be influenced. In particular, it can be achieved that, at the same inflow pressure, the liquid is discharged with different degrees of droplet formation or different droplet sizes depending on the relative position.

[0028] This is achieved in particular by the geometry causing the swirl effect being intensified or weakened by conducting different portions of the liquid through the swirl-causing channel depending on the relative position, while the remainder is conducted past this swirl-causing channel directly to the outlet opening.

[0029] Thus, for example, a configuration is achieved in which a switch between an unatomized liquid jet, also referred to as a jet, and a spray can be achieved. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator channel can also be completely closed, thereby creating a transport guarantee.

[0030] The relative mobility between the outer component and the inner component can be realized in different ways. It can be provided that the outer component can move purely linearly or purely rotationally relative to the inner component. A combination is also possible in which the outer component can move linearly and rotationally relative to the inner component in a superimposed manner.

[0031] In the case of a purely rotational displaceability, it is preferably provided that the applicator channel as a whole has a shape that deviates from rotational symmetry, so that the shape of the applicator can be influenced by a rotation. Further possibilities for the design of a purely rotational variant are explained below.

[0032] In the case of purely linear or combined linear movability, the outlet opening itself is also moved axially relative to the inner component by the displacement. This applies in particular to completely interrupting the applicator channel directly in front of the vortex chamber or outlet opening by such an axial movement and / or influencing the applicator channel in the above-described manner, which applicator channel is to impart a vortex to part of the liquid when it flows into the vortex chamber.

[0033] In the transition region between the inner component and the actuating surface, a recess is preferably provided. In at least one final position of the outer component, the proximal edge of the outer component engages in this recess relative to the inner component.

[0034] The recess is preferably designed in the shape of a groove. The proximal end of the outer member, facing the operating surface and away from the discharge opening, is inserted into this recess at least in stages. This has aesthetic advantages and is also functionally advantageous, because it makes it difficult to accidentally grip and hook at the proximal end of the outer sleeve. The risk of dirt intrusion is also reduced.

[0035] The inner and outer elements are preferably movable relative to one another between two end positions, wherein the proximal edge of the outer element is at least partially and preferably circumferentially arranged in the recess in both end positions. In this embodiment, the proximal end is always arranged in the recess at least partially independently of the relative position of the outer and inner element. It is particularly advantageous if the groove is deep enough so that the proximal end always remains circumferentially in the groove regardless of the relative position of the outer element relative to the inner element.

[0036] A preferred embodiment provides that the inner component has a first sleeve section and the outer component has a second sleeve section. The outer side of the first sleeve section has fastening means and / or guiding means, by means of which the outer component is fixed to the inner component and / or guided on the inner component. The inner side of the first sleeve section has a sealing surface, against which the second sleeve section rests in a sealing manner, so that the common interior of the two sleeve sections forms a section of the applicator channel, by means of which the outlet opening is connected to the tappet designed as a hollow tube.

[0037] The structural design with the first sleeve section as part of the inner component is advantageous because this sleeve section performs a dual function. The first sleeve section cooperates with the outer component by means of the structure on its outer side so that the outer component is locked or restricted in movement by a stop. The outer thread on the outer component for cooperation with the inner thread can also be arranged on the outer side of the first sleeve section. The second function is the inner sealing surface, which together with the second sleeve section of the outer component preferably creates an outward seal of the applicator channel in the manner of a telescopic channel section.

[0038] It is particularly advantageous if the inner component comprises a sleeve section for sealing relative to the outer component and / or for coupling the outer component to the inner component and comprises a center pin, the distal end of which cooperates with the discharge opening to influence the discharge, wherein the channel formed by the hollow tube opens into the gap between the center pin and the sleeve section.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inner component is thus divided into two parts. The surrounding sleeve section cooperates sealingly with the outer component. The central pin can be used in particular to form a vortex chamber or cooperate in another way with the outer component, in particular with the end face of the outer component with the outlet opening, so that the liquid guidance and / or liquid discharge can be influenced or also inhibited as the case may be.

[0040] The outstanding feature of the design according to the invention is the particularly simple structural design. It is particularly advantageous that the operating surface of the discharge head and the base and the coupling device arranged on the base are constructed as a one-piece component. The operating surface and the tappet constructed as a hollow tube are also preferably constructed as a one-piece component.

[0041] The modular design of the dispensing head makes it possible to achieve a dispensing head that consists of only two components: a first component, which comprises a base, an actuating handle with an actuating surface, and an inner component of the nasal applicator, wherein at least the actuating handle can be moved relative to the base due to material deformability, and a second component, which forms an outer component of the nasal applicator. This makes a very cost-effective design possible.

[0042] The outer component and the operating surface preferably have different colors and / or different materials. The two colors of the base and the outer component can be used in particular for aesthetic purposes, but also for matching the discharge head with typical company-specific colors. In addition, the use of different materials allows the selection of ideally matched materials for the outer component and the base together with the operating handle. Thus, for example, the outer component can be made of a material that prevents bacterial growth due to a coating or inherent material properties or that is pleasant to the touch when in contact with the user's skin, while the main component with the base and the operating handle can be made of another material.

[0043] The operating surface is preferably pivotally mounted on the base, particularly preferably by means of a plastic bridge connecting the base and the operating surface in one piece, which acts as a pivot joint. It is also particularly advantageous if, on the side of the operating surface opposite the plastic bridge, a safety bridge is provided in the supply state, which safety bridge connects the operating surface and the base in one piece and breaks as required during the first operation. The one-piece construction with the deformable plastic bridge is advantageous in terms of a structural design consisting of fewer parts. The operating surface is freely cut relative to the base by a groove next to the plastic bridge, so that the plastic bridge is movable. The safety bridge ensures that no undesired discharge of liquid occurs before the start of operation, since the start of operation requires a stronger force load for the purpose of breaking the safety bridge.

[0044] The axis defined by the outlet direction of the outlet opening and / or by the rotational center axis of the outer component relative to the inner component preferably encloses an angle α of between 5° and 85°, preferably between 10° and 50°, with the direction of insertion of the outlet head onto the pressure reservoir.

[0045] Such a curvature is common in conventional dispensing heads. It allows for advantageous applications in which the pressure reservoir, whose main extension direction preferably coincides with the insertion direction, can remain slightly curved and the nasal applicator can then be inserted into the nostril at a suitable angle. In the dispensing head according to the invention, it is preferably also provided that the control surface and the nasal applicator are arranged side by side, thereby achieving an asymmetrical shape of the dispensing head.

[0046] The invention furthermore relates to a discharge head which preferably, but not necessarily, also has the features described at the outset and in particular has an integral structure of internal components and operating surfaces, and which is particularly preferably also configured for administering a medical liquid from a pressure reservoir to the nose, the pressure reservoir having an outlet valve with a valve connector which is loaded with force to overcome a spring force and thereby open the outlet valve.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, the discharge head has an applicator, in particular in the form of a nasal applicator, at the end of which a discharge opening is provided, which is connected through an applicator channel of the nasal applicator to an inlet of the applicator and indirectly to a liquid reservoir. The applicator has an inner component and an outer component. The outer component is arranged as a component separate from the inner component and is directly or indirectly mounted on the inner component in a manner that allows the outer component to move purely in rotation relative to the inner component.

[0048] The outlet opening is arranged as a through hole of the outer component and is surrounded on the inside by the inner surface of the end face. Opposite to the inner surface of the end face, an end face of the inner component is arranged, which is flatly in contact with the inner surface of the end face.

[0049] At least two inflow channels in the form of inflow grooves are formed on the inner surface of the end face of the outer component and / or on the end face of the inner component, which are connected or disconnected from the inflow area upstream of the inflow groove and thus the liquid storage device depending on the rotational position of the outer component relative to the inner component.

[0050] The inflow groove thus connects the inflow area with the discharge opening, into which the liquid first flows from the liquid storage device. Here, the discharge characteristics of the liquid discharged through the discharge opening can be influenced by at least two inflow grooves with different structural schemes. If the first inflow groove is flowed through in the first rotational position, and the second inflow groove is closed, the first inflow groove and its shape, orientation and throttling effect determine the discharge characteristics. If, for example, a radially oriented inflow groove is involved, this will not cause eddy currents and the liquid will be discharged as a so-called jet. If, in a second rotational position different from this, the second inflow groove is opened instead of the first inflow groove, its shape, orientation and throttling effect determine the discharge characteristics. If, for example, a tangential groove is involved, which is oriented in a relatively radially curved manner, the liquid can obtain a vortex, which is conducive to the formation of a jet when discharged through the discharge opening.

[0051] The opening and / or closing of the inflow grooves by the rotation of the outer element is also in principle only used to discharge different liquid quantities, i.e. to achieve an adjustable throttling effect to a certain extent. However, it is particularly advantageous to provide two different types of inflow grooves, i.e. at least one radial groove oriented essentially radially and at least one tangential groove bent relative thereto with respect to the discharge opening, the average extension direction of which is provided not to be flush with the discharge opening. The radial groove or grooves are used here to generate the already mentioned jet, while the tangential groove or grooves are used to form eddies and thus jets. It is particularly preferred that a plurality of radial grooves and / or tangential grooves, preferably at least three in each case, which are particularly preferably evenly distributed on the circumference, are provided for uniform and essentially rotationally symmetrical discharge.

[0052] At least two inlet grooves, in particular at least one radial groove and at least one tangential groove, are both arranged in the region of the inner surface of the end side of the outer component and the end face of the inner component, wherein they are preferably arranged separately in such a way that no liquid can undesirably enter from one inlet groove into each other inlet groove and flow along the inlet grooves to the outlet opening.

[0053] In order to be able to advantageously isolate the inflow grooves from one another, a construction scheme is advantageous in which at least one inflow groove is arranged in the inner surface of the end face of the outer component and at least one inflow groove is arranged in the end face of the inner component. Thus, two surfaces pressed against one another, namely the inner surface of the end face of the outer component and the end face of the inner component, are used to arrange the inflow grooves. This achieves a safe isolation of them from one another even with very small construction dimensions. In particular, when radial grooves and tangential grooves are provided and, in particular, when a plurality of radial grooves and tangential grooves are provided respectively, it is advantageous to arrange the inflow grooves on the inner surface of the end face and on the end face.

[0054] The inner and outer components preferably bear sealingly against each other not only in the end-side inner surface area and the end face area, but also in the cylindrical inner surface area adjoining the end-side inner surface of the outer component and in the cylindrical outer surface area adjoining the end face of the inner component.

[0055] Here, a supply groove is provided in at least one of the two cylindrical surfaces, through which at least one inflow groove can be supplied with liquid from the inflow area. Particularly preferably, a plurality of such supply grooves are provided in the surface, which supply liquid to different inflow grooves depending on the rotational position.

[0056] As already explained with reference to the inflow grooves with respect to the end faces and the inner surface of the end sides, it is preferably also provided in the region of the cylindrical inner surface and the cylindrical outer surface that supply grooves are provided both in the inner surface and in the outer surface. It has been shown that a particularly advantageous structural design is possible, by means of which the supply of liquid to the different inflow grooves can be permitted and interrupted. All flow paths from the inflow region to the outlet opening advantageously extend partly through the grooves in the inner component and partly through the grooves in the outer component.

[0057] A liquid path can be provided which, in the case of a corresponding rotation of the outer component relative to the inner component, extends through a supply groove arranged in the cylindrical outer surface of the inner component, wherein the supply groove extends to the end face of the inner component. The liquid path then preferably extends further into an inlet groove arranged on the inner surface of the end face of the outer component to the outlet opening. However, if the outer component is rotated relative to this, the liquid path ends in the region of the end face penetrated by the supply groove, because the liquid path is blocked by the inner surface of the end face of the outer component.

[0058] The liquid path can extend in a similar way through the supply groove in the cylindrical inner surface of the outer component, but does not extend to the level of the end surface of the inner component. Instead, this liquid path then continues to extend through the inflow groove in the corresponding rotational position of the outer component relative to the inner component, and the inflow groove extends on the end surface of the inner component to the adjacent cylindrical outer surface.

[0059] The respective inflow grooves of the two fluid paths are arranged in such a way that, depending on the rotational position, only one portion of the inflow grooves is always connected to their respective supply grooves, while another portion of the inflow grooves is disconnected from their respective supply grooves. In the open state, the two fluid paths preferably extend both through the grooves in the inner component and through the grooves in the outer component.

[0060] In order to prevent the liquid from switching unintentionally between the flow grooves, i.e., the flow in particular switches from the tangential grooves to the radial grooves or from the radial grooves to the tangential grooves, the end face of the inner component and the inner surface of the end side of the outer component are placed sealingly against each other. In order to prevent the end face and the inner surface of the end side from lifting against each other despite tolerances in the manufacturing process of the components, preferably formed as plastic parts, the inner component and the outer component, it is advantageous if the inner component and the outer component are provided with elastic means, by means of which they are pressed against each other. The elastic means is understood here to be an elastically deformed structure, the restoring force of which presses the inner surface of the end face and the end side against each other.

[0061] Particularly advantageous here is a design in which the outer and inner components have oblique clamping surfaces which are pressed radially against each other by elastic deformation of the inner component or in particular the outer component and thus indirectly press the outer and inner components against each other. In this case, use is made of the fact that the outer component surrounds the inner component and can be elastically widened radially by this inner component. The corresponding restoring forces are deflected in the region of the oblique clamping surfaces, so that the end face of the inner component and the inner surface of the end face of the outer component are pressed against each other in the desired manner, so that liquid cannot enter from one inlet groove into the other inlet groove.

[0062] It is particularly advantageous here that the inner and / or outer components have a clamping surface that is different from a circular shape, so that when the outer component is rotated relative to the inner component, at least one of the components shows a variable deformation, which is particularly minimal in the two final positions. This results in a particular stability of the two final positions, which preferably define two ejection modes, in particular as a jet and as a jet. Rotating out of this final position is accompanied by an amplification of the deformation of one of the components, in particular the outer component, so that this rotation hardly occurs unintentionally. The present invention also relates to a distributor for discharging a liquid medicine with a discharge head of the aforementioned type. This discharge head is fixed to a pressure accumulator of the distributor, in which the liquid medicine is stored under pressure and the pressure accumulator itself has an outlet valve. The outlet valve has a valve connection, which can be loaded with force by means of a tappet of the discharge head to overcome the elastic force and thus open the valve.

[0063] The pressure reservoir is preferably delimited by a housing wall which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the outer shape and which is designed in one piece or in multiple pieces with a preferably curved bottom. The integrated valve is preferably integrated into a cover part which is connected to the housing surface by means of a crimp connection. The connection area between the housing surface and the cover part preferably forms a latching edge in the area of ​​which the discharge head latches onto the pressure reservoir.

[0064] The pressure reservoir is characterized by the fact that the liquid stored in the pressure reservoir is always under pressure, so that no pressure has to be generated for the discharge process. Different possibilities are provided for applying pressure, so that the pressure is applied by fuel or by means of compressed air in the liquid reservoir or, in particular, in the intermediate region between a bag in the pressure reservoir and the housing wall of the pressure reservoir. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Further advantages and aspects of the invention are apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the drawings:

[0066] Figure 1A and 1B The dispenser according to the invention is shown in a sectional and non-sectional overall view;

[0067] Figure 2 The inner shape of the outer sleeve of the nasal applicator of the discharge head of such a dispenser is shown;

[0068] exist Figure 3 and 3A and 3B , showing in detail a first embodiment of a discharge head;

[0069] exist Figure 4 and a second embodiment of a discharge head is shown in detail in 4A and 4B;

[0070] exist Figures 5A to 5I A third embodiment of a discharge head is shown in detail in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] exist Figure 1A and 1B 1 shows an overall view of a dispenser 100 according to the invention in a sectional and non-sectional view. The relationships explained below also apply to the different designs of the dispensing head 10 of this dispenser 100. Figure 3 and 4 The details of two possible embodiments of the discharge head 10 are explained.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the distributor 100 of the invention has a pressure reservoir 110, the outer surface of which is formed by a metal body 118 and a cover 120. An outlet valve 112 is fixed in the cover 120, which can be opened by the negative pressure of the valve connection 114 against the force of the valve spring 116, so that the liquid flows into the discharge head 10.

[0073] The dispenser 100 according to the invention has a slim, slightly elongated nasal applicator 12 on the dispensing head 10, the main extension direction of which lies opposite the main extension direction of the pressure reservoir 110. The nasal applicator 12 is provided for insertion into the nostrils of a user.

[0074] The discharge head 10 is snapped onto the pressure reservoir 110 in the region of the crimped connection between the body 118 and the cover 120 , wherein for this purpose a coupling device 22 (to be explained in more detail) is provided on the base 20 of the discharge head.

[0075] The base 20 of the dispensing head 10 is integrally connected to most of the functional elements of the dispensing head 10 .

[0076] Thus, an actuating handle 30 with an actuating surface 32 is integrally formed on the base 20 via the plastic bridge 28. A tappet 40 designed as a hollow tube 42 is integrally formed on this actuating handle 30 and is inserted into the outlet valve 112 of the discharge head 10 for actuation purposes and for the inflow of liquid.

[0077] Furthermore, the inner component 50 of the nasal applicator 12 of the dispensing head 10 is designed integrally with the actuating handle 30 . This inner component 50 comprises an outer sleeve section 56 and an inner pin 52 .

[0078] The only component of the discharge head 10 that is separate from this composite component is the outer component 60 of the nasal applicator 12, on the end side of which the end wall is penetrated by the discharge opening 98. The outer component 60 is moved onto the inner component 50 and is fixed thereto in a form-fitting manner, as will be explained further.

[0079] The operating handle 30 of the dispenser 100 can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow 6 due to the deformability of the plastic bridge 28, so that the nasal applicator 12 and the tappet 40 are pivoted accordingly. The pivoting of the tappet 40 opens the outlet valve 112 and the liquid flows upward through the inner channel 90 of the tappet 40, then enters the gap 58 between the central pin 52 and the sleeve section 56 of the inner component 50 of the nasal applicator 12, and from there is conveyed through the applicator channel 92 defined jointly by the inner component 50 and the outer component 60 to the outlet opening 98, from which the liquid can be discharged. In order to seal the components 50, 60 relative to each other, the outer component has a sleeve 66, the outer side of which rests against the sealing surface of the inner side of the sleeve 56 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0080] The vortex chamber 96 is located upstream of the outlet opening 98, the wall of which on the outer component side is Figure 2 The vortex chamber 96 is bounded by the outer member 60 and the inner member 50, i.e. the end side of the center pin 52. The vortex chamber has an inclined channel 96A, into which the liquid can flow with swirl. This swirl contributes to the formation of a conical jet when it comes out through the discharge opening 98.

[0081] The outer member 60 is Figure 1A and 1B In the case of the structural scheme and also according to Figure 3 and 4 In the two constructional options, the outer component 60 is designed to be relatively movable in a limited manner.

[0082] Reference Figure 3 As well as 3A and 3B, this should be explained. Figure 3 This first embodiment of the dispensing head can be seen in the perspective view. It can be seen that the base 20 and the fixed handle 30 with the operating surface 32 are connected to each other in one piece, but are separated from each other by a gap 26 covering a total of about 300° in order to allow relative mobility after the safety bridge 29 breaks.

[0083] In this embodiment, the outer component 60 is designed to be rotationally and linearly superposed relative to the inner component 50 and the operating handle 30. Figure 3A and 3B This is achieved by creating a threaded connection on the inner side of the cover surface 68 of the outer component 60 and on the outer surface of the sleeve section 56. For this purpose, a threaded guide structure 56A is provided on the outer side of the sleeve section. Figure 3A The direction 2 shown in FIG. 2 achieves the movement of the outer member 60 relative to the inner member 50 .

[0084] In this case, the inner component 50 and the outer component 60 are designed to be rotated relative to one another by means of a stop (not shown) between two end positions spaced 180° apart from one another, this resulting in an axial displacement of the outer component of a few millimeters.

[0085] exist Figure 3A The first of the two end positions shown in FIG. 1 is designed to achieve a jet, that is, atomization of the liquid during discharge. The liquid flowing into the applicator channel 92 during operation must be passed through the applicator channel 92 in this relative position. Figure 2 The swirl channel 96A shown opens into the swirl chamber 96, so that the entire liquid flow is provided with a swirl and emerges as a conical jet.

[0086] exist Figure 3B In the second end position, the outlet opening 98 is also spaced apart from the distal end of the central pin 52, just like the web 96B with the vortex channel 96A, so that only a small part of the liquid flowing in the direction of the outlet opening 98 is provided with a vortex. The discharge is thus completed in the form of a jet (jet) that is largely or completely free of atomization.

[0087] By the 180° interval of the final position, it is achieved, although by Figure 3 The outer member 60 that can be seen has a non-rotationally symmetrical shape, but the subjective feeling remains consistent with the final position that is just reached when the nasal applicator 12 is moved into the nostril. This is achieved by the outer shape of the outer member 60 that is substantially plane-symmetrical.

[0088] Especially with the help of Figure 3A and 3B It can be seen that a groove-shaped recess 38 is provided between the control surface 32 and the inner member 50, into which the proximal edge 62 of the outer member 60 extends. Figure 3A and 3B As can be seen from the comparison of the proximal edge 62, it extends so far into the recess 38 that it always remains in this recess 38 regardless of the axial movement of the outer element 60. Since only a small gap remains between the outer side of the outer element 60 and the outer side of the recess 38, dirt is unlikely to penetrate here. In addition, an aesthetically favorable feeling is achieved because the proximal edge 62 of the outer element is usually not visible to the end user.

[0089] In press Figure 4 , 4A In the design of 4B, an important difference from the previous embodiment is that there is no relative movement of the outer component 60 relative to the rotation of the inner component 50. More precisely, the outer component 60 has a more precisely oval shape in cross section, which cooperates with the groove-shaped recess 38 to prevent rotation.

[0090] Therefore, the relative mobility of the outer member 60 relative to the inner member 50 is provided, that is, purely linear mobility. The user can press the outer member 60 in the direction of the operating handle 30 and achieve a Figure 4A state, in which it is related to Figure 3A The state of 96A similarly forces the liquid flowing in from the applicator channel 92 to enter the vortex chamber 96 through the vortex channel 96A and thus come out in the form of a jet.

[0091] On the contrary, if the outer member 60 moves upward, that is, away from the operating handle 30, then Figure 4B state, which in turn contributes to the generation of a jet, ie an unatomized jet.

[0092] The inner member 50 is Figure 4A and 4B In the design of Figure 3A and 3B However, a latching structure is provided on the outer side of the sleeve 56, which allows the outer member 60 to be latched in the Figure 4A In this way, the method prevents the outer member 60 from automatically and undesirably turning to the position due to the applied liquid pressure. Figure 4B in the position.

[0093] Figures 5A to 5I Another embodiment of the discharge head according to the invention is shown, which corresponds to Figure 1A and 1B The distributor 100 is fixed to the pressure storage device 110 to form the distributor 100.

[0094] In line with the previous embodiment, this discharge head 10 has two components, namely, Figure 5A The first component, which forms the base 20, the actuating handle 30 with the actuating surface 32 and the inner component 50 of the applicator in one piece, and the second component, the outer component 60, which is moved onto the inner component 50 of the applicator and is locked in the region of the clamping surfaces 55, 65, can be clearly seen.

[0095] In this embodiment, it is also provided that Figure 5B The configuration is switched between different discharge characteristics, i.e., between discharge of liquid in the form of a jet on the one hand and discharge in the form of an unatomized spray stream on the other hand, in the form of a jet and C. The switching of the configuration takes place in such a way that the outer component 60 is rotated 180° relative to the inner housing 50 about the axis 2. No axial displacement occurs in this process.

[0096] In order to avoid the lack of axial movement, as in Figure 3 and4 , but still able to influence the discharge characteristics, a special shaping of the distal interior 63 of the outer component 60 and the end region 53 of the inner housing 50 is provided. Figures 5D to 5G This is shown.

[0097] Figure 5E The end region 53 of the inner component 50 is shown. This end region has a cylindrical basic shape, the dimensions of which correspond to the dimensions of the corresponding distal interior 63 of the outer component 60 in terms of the diameter of the end face 53B, so that the end region 53 is embedded in the distal interior 63 in a circumferential and end-side sealing contact.

[0098] refer to Figure 5E It can be seen that an axially extending supply groove 97A is provided on the outer cylindrical surface 53A of the end region 53, which extends to the end surface 53B. In general, it is three supply grooves 97A spaced 120° apart from each other. For this purpose, three radial inflow grooves 97D are provided in the end surface 53B of the end region 53 of the inner component 50, which are also spaced 120° apart from each other and extend to the cylindrical outer surface 53A.

[0099] Corresponding to this construction with grooves 97A, 97D in the end region 53 of the inner component 50, three grooves 97C offset by 120° are provided on the inner cover surface 63A of the outer component, which grooves do not extend to the inner surface 63B at the end, but are located shortly before their respective ends. Three tangentially oriented inflow grooves 97B are provided in the inner surface 63B at the end itself, which flow into the vortex chamber 96 tangentially and are likewise spaced 120° from each other.

[0100] This groove arrangement is provided for opening and closing different flow paths depending on the rotational position of the outer component 60 relative to the inner component 50 .

[0101] Also refer to Figure 5H and 5I Explain in detail.

[0102] Figure 5H An arrangement is shown in which the outer component 60 is rotated relative to the inner component 50 in such a way that an unatomized spray stream is intended to escape.

[0103] The supply grooves 97C are arranged in such a way that the liquid can flow into the radial inlet grooves 97D at their ends and thus reach the outlet opening 98 without forming a vortex. Meanwhile, in this rotational position, the tangential grooves 97B are not supplied with liquid because they are arranged rotationally offset from their supply grooves 97A.

[0104] If the outer member 60 is now rotated 180°, then Fig.5I In this configuration, the supply groove 97A is flush with the inlet into the tangential grooves 97B. Liquid can therefore enter the tangential grooves 97B and, in these tangential grooves, can flow into the vortex chamber 96 while forming a vortex and can be discharged as a jet through the outlet opening 98. The radial grooves 97D that disrupt the jet formation, where liquid can also flow, are ineffective in this rotational position because they are not in a flush arrangement with their supply grooves 97C.

[0105] The described embodiment of the grooves thus allows extremely functionally reliable and mutually sealed fluid paths to be provided both for jet formation and for spray formation, wherein the paths can be opened and closed only by a rotational movement of the outer component relative to the inner component.

[0106] In order to prevent liquid from entering the wrong inlet groove in the area between the end surface 53B and the end-side inner surface 63B, it is important that the surfaces bear against each other as tightly as possible. In particular, the fact that a sealing bearing is also provided between the cylindrical surfaces 53A and 53B makes such a sealing bearing in the end area difficult. However, in order to achieve this reliably, the clamping surfaces 65, 55 mentioned above are provided, which are Figure 5A . These clamping surfaces are inclined at approximately 45° relative to the axial direction 2. The outer component 60 widens elastically, so that its restoring force permanently loads the clamping surfaces 65 that are opposite to each other. Due to the clamping surfaces 55 that are opposite to each other of the inner component 50, the outer component is permanently loaded downwardly, so that the inner surface 63B of the end side is pressed safely and flatly against the end surface 53B.

Claims

1. A discharge head (10) for administering a liquid medicine to the nose, the discharge head having the following features: a. The discharge head (10) has a nasal applicator (12) for introduction into a user's nostrils, wherein: The nasal applicator (12) has an elongated, slender shape that narrows toward the distal end, and an outlet opening (98) is provided at the distal end of the nasal applicator (12), which is connected to the inlet of the nasal applicator through the applicator channel (92) of the nasal applicator (12). b. the nasal applicator (12) has an inner member (50), and c. the nasal applicator (12) comprises an outer member (60) which is configured as a member separate from the inner member (50) and is rotatably mounted on the inner member in a manner surrounding the inner member (50), d. the discharge opening (98) is arranged as a through hole of the outer member (60), the through hole being surrounded on the inside by the inner surface (63B) of the end side, and e. an end surface (53B) of the inner member (50) is arranged opposite to the inner surface (63B) of the end side, and the end surface is flatly abutted against the inner surface (63B) of the end side, and f. at least one inflow groove (97B) is provided in the inner surface (63B) of the end side of the outer member (60) and at least one inflow groove (97D) is provided in the end surface (53B) of the inner member (50), wherein the inflow groove is connected to or separated from the inflow area (58) upstream of the inflow groove (97B, 97D) according to the rotational position of the outer member (60) relative to the inner member (50), g. One of the inflow groove (97B) in the inner surface (63B) of the end side of the outer member (60) and the inflow groove (97D) in the end surface (53B) of the inner member (50) is constructed as a radial groove (97D) oriented essentially radially, and the other is constructed as a tangential groove (97B) angled relative thereto with reference to the discharge opening.

2. The discharge head (10) according to claim 1, having the following features: a. A plurality of radial grooves (97D) and / or a plurality of tangential grooves (97B) are provided.

3. The discharge head (10) according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features: a. the outer member has a cylindrical inner surface (63A) adjacent to the inner surface (63B) of the end side of the outer member (60), and b. the inner member has a cylindrical outer surface (53A) adjacent to the end surface (53B) of the inner member (50), and c. the cylindrical inner surface (63A) and the cylindrical outer surface (53A) are sealingly abutted against each other, and d. a supply groove (97A, 97C) is provided in at least one of the two surfaces including the inner surface (63A) of the column and the outer surface (53A) of the column, and at least one inflow groove (97B, 97D) can be supplied with liquid from the inflow area (58) through the supply groove.

4. The discharge head (10) according to claim 3, having the following features: a. at least one supply groove (97A, 97C) is provided both in the cylindrical inner surface (63A) and in the cylindrical outer surface (53A) to supply the at least one inflow groove (97B, 97D) with liquid from the inflow area (58).

5. The discharge head (10) according to claim 3, having the following features: a. at least one supply groove (97A) is provided in the cylindrical outer surface (53A) of the inner member (50), the supply groove extending to the end surface (53B) of the inner member, and b. at least one supply groove (97C) is provided in the cylindrical inner surface (63A) of the outer member (60), the supply groove not extending to the inner surface (63B) of the end side of the outer member (60).

6. The discharge head (10) according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features: a. The inner member and the outer member are provided with elastic means (70), by means of which the inner member and the outer member are pressed relative to each other.

7. The discharge head (10) according to claim 6, having the following features: a. The outer component (60) and the inner component (50) have oblique clamping surfaces (55, 65), which are radially pressed relative to each other by elastic deformation of the inner component (50) or the outer component (60), thereby indirectly pressing the outer component and the inner component relative to each other.

8. The discharge head (10) according to claim 7, having the following features: a. The inner component (50) and / or the outer component (60) have a shape of the clamping surface (55, 65) that is different from a circular shape, so that when the outer component (60) is rotated relative to the inner component (50), at least one of the components (50, 60) shows a changing deformation.

9. The dispensing head (10) according to claim 8, having the following features: a. The deformation is minimal in the two end positions.

10. The dispensing head (10) according to claim 1, having the following features: The discharge head (10) is configured to administer a medical fluid to the nose from a pressure reservoir (110), the pressure reservoir having an outlet valve (112) with a valve connection (114) which can be loaded with force to overcome a spring force and thereby open the outlet valve (112).

11. A dispenser (100) for discharging a liquid medicine, having the following features: a. the dispenser (100) has a pressure reservoir (110) in which the medical liquid is stored under pressure and which itself has an outlet valve (112), and b. the outlet valve (112) has a valve connecting piece (114) which can be loaded with force to overcome the elastic force to open the valve, and c. the distributor (100) has a discharge head (10) for coupling to the pressure reservoir (110), Its characteristics are: d. The discharge head (10) is constructed according to any one of the preceding claims.

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