Liquid dispenser

Abstract

A liquid dispenser (10) is known, having a liquid reservoir for containing liquid and a discharge head (30) fixed to a bottle body (20) surrounding the liquid reservoir, and a discharge opening (40) provided at the discharge head. It is also known that the liquid dispenser (10) may have a protective cap (60) that can be inserted into the discharge head (30), and the protective cap has at least one ventilation opening (62) through which ambient air can flow into the interior space of the cap when the protective cap is inserted. In the delivered state, a removable closure element (80) is provided to prevent ambient air from reaching the discharge opening (40) through the ventilation opening (62). The discharge head (30) has a substantially flat upper annular surface (34) surrounding an applicator connector (36), and the protective cap (60) is held outside the annular surface in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner in the inserted state. The applicator connector (36) has an elongated shape with a generally cylindrical outer peripheral surface (36A) and an end face (36B) penetrated by the discharge opening (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquids, particularly for dispensing pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids. Background Technology

[0002] This type of liquid dispenser has a liquid reservoir for holding liquid before discharge and a discharge head with a discharge opening through which liquid can be discharged when needed. With the aid of a pump or other mechanism, the user can apply pressure to the liquid from the liquid reservoir, thereby forcing the liquid to be discharged through the discharge opening.

[0003] It is known that such a liquid dispenser may have a removable protective cap for dispensing liquid, which mechanically protects the discharge opening when plugged in. However, in order to allow any remaining liquid to dry quickly if possible, the cap may have at least one ventilation opening through which ambient air can flow into the interior space of the cap when the protective cap is plugged in.

[0004] Such a protective cap is known from DE 10 2013 226 250 A1. The cap proposed herein has a ventilation opening having an outer peripheral surface with a substantially constant outer diameter and an end side, wherein the ventilation opening is disposed in the outer peripheral surface or the end side.

[0005] To prevent contaminants and germs from entering the liquid dispenser until it is put into use, the aforementioned document proposes keeping the ventilation opening closed until the liquid dispenser is put into use, either by means of a sealing strip or by means of a section connected to the cap in one piece. The ventilation opening is only opened when the liquid dispenser is put into use, so as to allow ventilation to the discharge opening during the use phase of the liquid dispenser. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to improve this type of liquid dispenser so that a ventilated protective cap can be achieved in an improved manner.

[0007] According to the invention, a liquid dispenser is proposed that generally has a liquid reservoir for containing liquid before discharge and a discharge head with a discharge opening.

[0008] The liquid reservoir is defined by a bottle body. Particularly preferably, the bottle body can be a squeeze bottle, i.e., a bottle body made of plastic that can be compressed against a restoring force to apply pressure to the liquid in the reservoir and thereby displace the liquid. For example, polyethylene is considered as a material for such a bottle body. Alternatively, a rigid bottle body may also be used.

[0009] The liquid reservoir preferably has an internal volume of less than 20 ml, particularly between 5 ml and 15 ml. In its delivered state, the liquid reservoir is filled with liquid to be dispensed, particularly with pharmaceutical liquid. The liquid dispenser according to the invention is particularly suitable for ophthalmic use, i.e., for application to the user's eyes. Accordingly, the liquid reservoir can be filled with eye drops, particularly cyclosporine eye drops.

[0010] The discharge head is secured to the bottle body surrounding the liquid reservoir, for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​connection or a threaded connection. A one-piece design is also feasible in principle.

[0011] The discharge head has a base with an upper annular surface pointing outwards away from the liquid reservoir, the annular surface being substantially flat. A coupling device for coupling with the bottle body is preferably located at this preferably cylindrical base.

[0012] The aforementioned annular surface surrounds the applicant nozzle, which protrudes beyond the annular surface. The applicant nozzle has an elongated and substantially cylindrical shape. The central axis of the applicant nozzle preferably extends coaxially with the central axis of the substantially flat annular surface and the base. The normal vector on the annular surface encloses the central axis of the applicant nozzle at an angle of less than 20°.

[0013] The substantially cylindrical shape of the applicator nozzle is also understood to be a shape with a low taper. In the sense of the present invention, an applicator nozzle whose outer peripheral surface from the proximal end to the distal end at the height of the annular surface is understood to be substantially cylindrical with an angle of less than 10° relative to the central axis of the applicator nozzle.

[0014] The elongated shape is understood as the length of the cylindrical applicator nozzle being greater than its average diameter. Preferably, the length is at least 50% greater than the average diameter.

[0015] The discharge opening is located at the distal end of the applicator connector. The discharge opening has a discharge direction, which is preferably aligned with the orientation of the central axis of the applicator connector.

[0016] The applicator connector has a length preferably at least 9 mm, and more particularly preferably at least 12 mm, from its proximal end in the annular region to its distal end (where the discharge opening is located). The maximum diameter of the applicator connector is preferably less than 8 mm, and more particularly less than 6 mm, and this maximum diameter is preferably located in the region of its proximal end. The outer diameter of the annular surface, or the outer diameter of the base of the discharge head that is locked upwards through the annular surface, is preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. Particularly preferably, the maximum outer diameter of the applicator connector is a maximum of 40% of the outer diameter of the annular surface.

[0017] The discharge head has an inflow channel on its side facing the liquid reservoir, which connects to a discharge opening. Preferably, at least one discharge valve or delivery device, such as a pump, is disposed between the inflow channel and the discharge opening. In the case of a discharge valve, the discharge valve is particularly a pressure-dependent valve that opens under a defined liquid pressure. If such pressure is not present, the discharge valve closes the discharge opening, thereby preventing pathogens from entering through the discharge opening. Specifically, the discharge valve may have a valve body with a valve plate and a valve pin projecting from the valve plate, wherein the valve plate is arranged below the annular surface of the discharge head, and wherein the valve pin extends from the valve plate into the applicator connector.

[0018] In addition to the liquid passage guiding the liquid from the inlet channel to the outlet opening, the outlet head may also have a ventilation passage through which air flows into the liquid reservoir. The ventilation passage is preferably equipped with a ventilation valve and / or a filter for removing bacteria and contaminants.

[0019] The housing of the discharge head or its applicator connector is preferably made of plastic, especially of polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0020] Various designs of liquid dispensers are feasible, designed according to the type of invention, such as liquid dispensers for discharging atomized or non-atomized jets. However, in particular, the design of the liquid dispenser according to the invention is suitable in the case of a droplet dispenser. Such a droplet dispenser has an end face at the distal end of the applicator nozzle, said end face being designed as a droplet-forming geometry. Liquid exiting through the discharge opening accumulates at said droplet-forming geometry with the discharge opening pointing downwards until the amount of liquid is sufficient to detach from the end face in the form of droplets. The droplet-forming geometry may in particular be provided with an abrisskante on the outer limiting end face.

[0021] The liquid dispenser according to the invention is provided with a removable protective cap for discharging liquid, which can be inserted into the discharge head. The protective cap can be fixed to the outer side of the annular surface, and in particular to the base of the upward locking annular surface of the discharge head, especially by means of a friction-fitting clamping connection or by means of a form-fitting connection, such as a threaded connection or a bayonet connection.

[0022] The protective cap has at least one ventilation opening through which ambient air can flow into the interior space of the cap when the cap is plugged in. In addition to the protective cap, a removable closure element is provided to prevent ambient air from reaching the exhaust opening through the at least one ventilation opening before use. This closure, which is completely removed from the protective cap or liquid reservoir or displaced relative to the protective cap so that it no longer closes the at least one ventilation opening when the liquid dispenser is put into use, ensures that contaminants in the ambient air do not reach the exhaust opening until the liquid dispenser is put into use. Only after use does the exhaust opening communicate with the environment via the ventilation opening.

[0023] The applicator nozzle of the liquid dispenser according to the invention, being significantly thinner than the outer diameter of the annular surface or base, offers a significant advantage in situations involving ventilated protective caps with removable closure elements. In particular, the applicator nozzle allows for a variety of feasible solutions for implementing the closure element, which can alternatively utilize the same discharge head. Thus, different types of protective caps and closure elements can be provided with the same discharge head to meet situation-specific requirements or national regulations. Different feasible solutions for designing the closure element are explained below.

[0024] Preferably, the protective cap has two partial regions (coupled section and covering section) with different cross-sections. The coupled section forming the lower end of the protective cap in the installed state has an internal cross-section that is at least as large as the outer contour of the annular surface, and this internal cross-section abuts against the outer peripheral region of the base of the discharge head at the connection to the annular surface in the installed state. The internal cross-section of the coupled section preferably has a circular shape.

[0025] A covering section is connected to the coupling section in a distal direction, i.e., in the discharge direction. The covering section has a stepped internal cross-section that tapers relative to the coupling section. The applicator connector is arranged within the covering section in the inserted state of the protective cap. The internal cross-section of the covering section can also be circular. However, a flattened shape, such as an elliptical shape with an inner cross-section, is preferred. This facilitates the gripping, placement, and installation of the protective cap. Furthermore, it is advantageous to connect a locking section with a wider outer contour relative to the covering section at its distal end to ensure reliable gripping of the covering section.

[0026] At least one ventilation opening of the protective cap may be provided, particularly at the covered section, and penetrate the protective cap there. For example, the ventilation opening may penetrate the end face forming the distal end of the covered section, or be provided, particularly laterally, at the outer peripheral surface of the covered section. Particularly preferably, at least one ventilation opening is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the covered section and in the longitudinal direction of the dispenser at approximately the same height (+ / - 3 mm) as the discharge opening. This facilitates particularly rapid drying of residual liquid at the discharge opening.

[0027] The arrangement of the at least one ventilation opening at the cover section, which tapers relative to the coupling section, is considered advantageous because the removal of the sealing element or the gripping section connected to it before the liquid dispenser is put into use does not result in an increase in the maximum diameter of the liquid dispenser. This gripping section extends outward from the cover section, but preferably does not extend beyond the coupling section in the radial direction.

[0028] For example, the closure element can be formed by a pull-down element integrally disposed at the protective cap, which, in the delivered state, is materially connected to the edge surrounding the vent and can be removed from the protective cap by a pulling force to open the vent. The integral connection between the edge of the vent and the closure element can be achieved, for example, by manufacturing the closure element together with the protective cap and, in particular, its covering section, through a uniform injection molding process, wherein the separation line between the closure element and the surrounding portion of the protective cap is preferably formed by a region with reduced wall thickness. Alternatively, it is feasible to first manufacture the protective cap with at least one open vent, and then subsequently close the vent using a separate injection molding process to form the closure element. In both cases, it is advantageous to provide a gripping section of the type already mentioned, which is an integral part of the closure element.

[0029] Alternatively, the sealing element can also be formed in the form of a sealing strip disposed on the protective cap. This strip, which can simultaneously cover one or more ventilation openings, is preferably disposed on the outside of the protective cap, particularly in a manner that completely or partially surrounds the protective cap circumferentially in the area of ​​the tapering coverage section. In the case of such a strip, a gripping section is also preferably provided, which is disposed at the end of the strip and is designed to remove the gripping and loading force on the strip.

[0030] Another feasible solution for implementing the sealing element is that the sealing element is formed by an additional cap disposed within the interior space of the protective cap and covering the exhaust opening. In this design, air can therefore flow in through at least one ventilation opening of the protective cap in the delivery state. However, due to the additional cap, the inflowing air cannot reach the exhaust opening, thereby effectively preventing contamination of the exhaust opening.

[0031] When using the dispenser, the user first removes the protective cap, and then removes the additional cap. After the first use of the liquid dispenser, simply replace the protective cap again and remove the additional cap.

[0032] Before initial use, the additional cap can be locked at the discharge head in various ways. A preferred design is that the additional cap itself remains at the applicator connector. In particular, the additional cap can be force-fitted at the outer circumferential surface of the applicator connector. For this purpose, a clamping surface, particularly clamping ribs, can be provided on the inner side of the additional cap. Alternatively, the fastening at the applicator connector can also be achieved through a form-fit, particularly by means of an internal thread on the inner side of the additional cap, which, in the delivered state, abuts against the applicator connector on the outer side.

[0033] The additional cap can also be connected to the discharge head in the delivery state via a coupling structure, either force-fitting or form-fitting, at the annular surface surrounding the applicator nozzle. For this purpose, a notch can be provided in the annular surface into which the coupling structure of the additional cap engages. Alternatively, a retaining structure can be provided on the annular surface, the retaining structure being undercut by the additional cap. The notch or retaining structure is preferably designed such that removing the additional cap requires two parts of movement, particularly including a rotational movement and a subsequent pull-down movement, or a compression of the additional cap and a subsequent pull-down movement.

[0034] While an additional cap within the internal space of the protective cap is considered advantageous, it is also conceivable in principle that an additional cap or other airtight insulating layer, which, in the delivered state, covers the protective cap and, if possible, also a portion of the exhaust head, thereby preventing the inflow of air to at least one ventilation opening.

[0035] Instead of the described closure element that separates from and is removed from the liquid dispenser when it is put into use, the protective cap may also have a movable or rotatable section as the closure element, which is movable between a position where the vent is closed and a position where the vent is released. Preferably, this section is adapted to the protective cap in such a way that returning from the position where the vent is released to the original position is impossible or difficult. For this purpose, a locking edge may be provided, in particular, at the protective cap or at the section, where the locking edge engages with the locking section when the position is moved to the released position, and thus prevents or makes returning difficult.

[0036] Movable or rotatable segments are preferably located in the region of the tapered covering segment. In particular, the segments may surround the covering segment from the outside. This is achieved by the tapering design of the covering segment relative to the coupling segment: even the covering segment with the surrounding segment does not have a larger cross-section than the coupling segment.

[0037] Another possible design for the closure element is that the applicator connector, in its delivered state, is surrounded by a tubular cover forming the closure element. Preferably, the tubular cover is made of elastic plastic. During the commissioning of the liquid dispenser, the cover is removed, and preferably disposed of separately. Due to the cylindrical shape of the applicator connector, the tubular cover remains sealed, and therefore does not need to be subjected to high tangential stress.

[0038] The tubular cover is sealed against the outer peripheral surface of the applicator nozzle and closed at the distal end, thereby effectively isolating the discharge opening relative to the surrounding cap interior space in the delivered state.

[0039] The tubular cover can be configured such that it is pulled down or rolled off as a whole when the liquid dispenser is put into use, without damaging the cover. For this purpose, gripping elements can be provided at the distal or proximal end of the cover. An alternative feasible solution is to configure the tubular cover to be irreversibly destroyed for removal. In particular, the cover may have at least one defined separation line with a reduced wall thickness for this purpose, in the region of which the cover is torn open as intended. Preferably, two such defined separation lines may be provided, with a separable opening strip for the cover between them. The opening strip is removed for removing the cover, particularly by gripping a gripping section at the end of the opening strip and pulling at that section. This causes the opening strip to open the tubular cover when both defined separation lines are torn open simultaneously, allowing the cover to be easily removed.

[0040] The type of hose-like cover without a defined separation line can be formed in such a way that the applicator tube, in its delivered state, is surrounded at least in the region of the discharge opening and in the region of the substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the applicator tube by a layer of paint, plastic or wax forming the sealing element.

[0041] This layer can be applied, in particular, by partially immersing the discharge head in an impregnation bath during the manufacture of the liquid dispenser, into a liquid paint, a liquid plastic with a lower melting point than the material of the applicator nozzle, a latex material, or a liquid wax. Polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are particularly considered as plastic materials. The corresponding material forms a thin layer in the area of ​​the applicator nozzle, which cures after removal from the impregnation bath and thus forms a covering, which is removed upon initial use. Alternatively, instead of using an impregnation bath, the layer can also be applied to the outside of the applicator nozzle by a spraying process.

[0042] Preferably, sterilization occurs during the manufacturing process of the applicator nozzle and its discharge head using radiation. If this is the case, then the described process should be carried out using a coating material that is not damaged by the corresponding irradiation.

[0043] Removable closure elements, especially those in the form of the described cover, can be made of antimicrobial materials to provide additional antimicrobial protection. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Other advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1A and 1B A discharge device for a liquid dispenser according to the present invention is shown, and its use is illustrated by way of example.

[0046] Figure 2 An embodiment of a liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected by a cover in the delivery state.

[0047] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figures 5A to 5C Another embodiment of the liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected in the delivery state by other types of coverings.

[0048] Figure 6 An embodiment of a liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected by an additional cap in the delivery state.

[0049] Figures 7 to 9 Another embodiment of the liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected by an additional cap of another type in the delivery state.

[0050] Figure 10A and 10B An embodiment of a liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected in the delivery state by means of a movable section of the protective cap.

[0051] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Another embodiment of the liquid dispenser with a protective cap according to the invention is shown, wherein the discharge opening is protected in the delivery state by means of a sealing element that directly closes the ventilation opening of the protective cap. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A liquid dispenser 10 is shown, which is exemplarily configured as a droplet dispenser. A ventilated protective cap is provided in the liquid dispenser 10 according to the invention. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Not shown in the image.

[0053] The liquid dispenser 10 has a liquid reservoir 22 disposed inside the bottle body 20. A discharge head 30 with a discharge opening 40 is fixed to the bottle body 20, for example by means of a snap-fit ​​connection or a threaded connection.

[0054] The discharge head 30 has a cylindrical base 31, and an applicator connector 36 is provided on the distal side of the base, opposite to the bottle body 20. A generally flat annular surface 34 is provided on the outer side of the applicator connector 36, the annular surface surrounding the applicator connector 36.

[0055] A discharge valve 50 is provided inside the discharge head. The discharge valve has a valve body 54 that is force-loaded by a spring 52, the valve body having a valve plate 56 and a valve pin 58 extending from the valve plate into the applicator connector 36. In the stationary state, the discharge valve 50 is closed because the spring 52 presses the valve pin from the inside toward the end face of the applicator connector 36 and thereby closes the discharge opening 40.

[0056] The liquid dispenser 10 shown in the embodiment is an exemplary droplet dispenser. This droplet dispenser is used in an orientation in which the discharge opening 40 points downwards or diagonally downwards. Figure 1B In the position shown, the bottle body 20, configured as a squeeze bottle, is compressed, as if by... Figure 1B As indicated by the arrow, the pressure inside bottle 20 increases. The increased pressure causes the discharge valve 50 to open, allowing the liquid to exit through the discharge opening 40.

[0057] A droplet-forming geometry 42 is provided behind the discharge opening 40, currently serving as a droplet-forming surface, which is locked outward by tearing edges. The discharged liquid gathers at this droplet-forming surface and forms a droplet. Once the droplet becomes too heavy to remain at the droplet-forming surface, it detaches from the droplet-forming geometry 42.

[0058] After use of the liquid dispenser, residual liquid typically remains in the area of ​​the drain opening 40. Especially in the case of liquid dispensers with a drain valve 50, this liquid cannot be drawn back into the drain head 30. To ensure that the protective cap does not impede the rapid drying of residual liquid and thus does not hinder the reduction of the risk of contamination and rapid bacterial growth, a protective cap with at least one ventilation opening is used in this type of liquid dispenser.

[0059] exist Figure 1A The diagram depicts a ventilation channel 24 through which ambient air can follow the exhaust and enter the liquid storage container.

[0060] Figure 2 A first design of a liquid dispenser is shown, which has a protective cap 60 and a removable closure element 80.

[0061] The protective cap 60 has a basic shape with at least segmental rotational symmetry. Its lower portion is formed by a coupling segment 64, the inner diameter of which matches the outer diameter of the base 31 so that the protective cap 60 is held in a clamping manner after insertion. A stepped portion is provided at the upper end of the coupling segment 64, where the protective cap 60 tapers and transitions into the covering segment 66. The covering segment 66, like the coupling segment, has a substantially unchanged or only slightly tapered internal cross-section and surrounds the applicator nozzle 36.

[0062] The protective cap is penetrated by at least one ventilation opening 62. Currently, the ventilation opening 62 is located in the outer peripheral surface of the covered section 66. Ambient air can flow into the interior space of the cap through the ventilation opening and accelerate the drying of the discharge opening 40 and the droplet forming geometry 42 after the liquid dispenser 10 is used.

[0063] However in Figure 2 In its delivered state, the applicator connector 36 remains surrounded by a tubular cover made of an elastic material, such as latex or TPE. This cover forms an additional sealing element 80 that isolates the interior space of the cap from the discharge opening 40 before removal. Therefore, bacteria entering through the ventilation opening 62 will not cause contamination of the discharge opening 40 and the upper portion of the applicator connector.

[0064] During the manufacture of the discharge head 30, a cladding element 80 can be positioned on the applicator tube 36 such that the applicator tube is guided into the impregnation tank in a downward orientation of the discharge opening 40. The material forming the cladding adheres to the applicator tube 36 and cures as the applicator tube is pulled out of the impregnation tank. Application can also be achieved by spraying.

[0065] According to Figure 3In this design, a sealing element 80, in the form of a cover for the applicator nozzle 36, is also provided inside the protective cap 60. In this design, the applicator nozzle is also designed to be slightly thinner and has a fully cylindrical section. This fully cylindrical section ensures, in a particularly good way, that the cover does not detach from the applicator nozzle 36 independently and without external force loading. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the design, the cover extends into the area of ​​the base 31 as a closing element 80 and covers the annular surface 34, thereby additionally securing its edge area with a protective cap 60. Figure 3 The shape of the applicator connector 36 may also be advantageously used in other embodiments different from those shown herein.

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the design scheme, a closure element 80 in the form of a tubular cover is also used, which isolates the discharge opening 40 from the surrounding internal space of the cap. However, Figure 4 The coating is not applied by dipping or spraying, but is manufactured separately and pushed onto the applicator nozzle 36 during the production of the dispenser.

[0067] exist Figures 5A to 5C In the design scheme, a flexible tube-shaped covering is also provided on the applicator connector 36 as a sealing element 80. Figures 2 to 4 In the case of a cover, the cover is designed to be removed as a whole without forcibly causing damage. However, in the design shown in Figure 5, the cover is designed to be damaged according to a predetermined method for removal. For this purpose, the cover has two parallel pre-set separation lines 82, which are located on both sides of the opening bar 84. The opening bar 84 transitions into the gripping section 86. After the user removes the protective cap 60, the user grasps the gripping section 86 and pulls it, thereby removing the opening bar 84 and thus irreversibly opening the closure element 80.

[0068] An advantage of this type of design is that the user will not accidentally return the closure element 80 to its initial position after using the liquid dispenser 10. This is advantageous because... Figures 2 to 4 The design scheme is possible and potentially beneficial to bacterial growth, while Figures 5A to 5C In the design scheme, it is obvious to the user that the repositioning of the sealing element 80 could not have been intentional. Even if the user repositions the laterally opened cover onto the applicator connector 36, it will no longer achieve the isolation of the discharge opening 40.

[0069] exist Figure 6In this design, an additional cap is provided as an additional sealing element 80 instead of a flexible and close-fitting cover. This additional cap seals the internal space of the additional cap, or at least the exhaust opening 40 itself, relative to the rest of the internal space of the protective cap 60, thus preventing ambient air flowing in through the ventilation opening 62 from reaching the exhaust opening 40 in the delivered state. The outward sealing structure of the additional cap can be located at the lower edge of the additional cap, with the additional cap resting against the annular surface at this lower edge. However, sealing can also be achieved in the area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 36A of the applicator nozzle 36 or at its end face 36B.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the case of the design scheme, the fastening of the additional cap is achieved by means of the inner clamping rib 90, which is attached to the outer peripheral surface 36A of the applicator tube 36 in a clamping manner.

[0071] exist Figure 7 The design also includes an additional cap as a sealing element 80. This additional cap similarly isolates the discharge opening from the portion of the protective cap 60 that surrounds the cap's interior space. In this design, the additional cap is secured to the applicator connector via an internal thread 93 on the inner side of the additional cap.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the design, a retaining structure in the form of a retaining ring 39 is provided on the annular surface of the base 31, which is shown in partial cross-section. A closing element 80 in the form of an additional cap is inserted into the retaining ring 39 and forms an undercut together with the retaining ring, so that the additional cap cannot slip out of the retaining ring 39. In order to remove the additional cap, the additional cap must be radially compressed and pulled out from the retaining ring 39 in this state.

[0073] Similar concepts in Figure 9 This is achieved under the design scheme. Here, multiple notches 35 are provided in the annular surface 34. An additional cap, provided as an additional closing element 80, has a corresponding hook-shaped element 94 at its lower edge, which engages in the notch 35 and is snapped in place. (As in...) Figure 8 As in the design scheme, the additional cap must also be compressed or otherwise deformed so that it can be removed.

[0074] exist Figure 10A and 10B The design scheme implements a significantly different concept. Here, the closure element 80 is designed as a non-removable cap that is pushed onto the actual protective cap 60 in the area of ​​the covered section 66. The ventilation opening 62 is arranged such that, in the delivered state, the ventilation opening is closed by the closure element 80 in the moving position of the closure element 80, as... Figure 10AAs shown in the diagram. The ventilation opening is only opened when the user moves the cap upward and thereby removes the closed section from the ventilation opening 62. From this moment on, ambient air can flow into the interior space of the protective cap 60 through the ventilation opening 96 in the cap and through the ventilation opening 62 of the protective cap 60, allowing residual liquid to dry quickly.

[0075] The protective cap 60 and the cover are preferably configured to prevent the cover from returning to the closed state. In this embodiment, this is achieved via a snap-fit ​​element 95 that engages with the protective cap 60 when the ventilation opening 62 is open.

[0076] exist Figure 11 The design incorporates one or more ventilation openings 62 on the outer periphery of the covered section 66, which are sealed in the shown delivery state by means of an adhesive strip serving as an additional sealing element 80. The adhesive strip transitions at its end into a radially outwardly extending gripping section 98. This gripping section preferably does not extend radially beyond the coupling section 64, and therefore does not increase the outer diameter of the liquid dispenser 10.

[0077] exist Figure 12 In the design, the closure element 80 is a one-piece part of the protective cap 60 itself. In the delivered state, it remains completely closed. However, since the closure element 80 is surrounded by a thin-walled area, the ventilation opening 62 is already in place. Once the user pulls at the gripping section 98, the material tears in the thin-walled area, thereby opening the ventilation opening 62 and the ventilation path to the exhaust opening 40.

[0078] In the described design, the ventilation opening 62 is shown as a simple through-hole for the cap body of the protective cap 60. However, it is advantageous that a sterile filter with a separation limit of 0.3µm or less is additionally provided inside the ventilation opening 62, through which the incoming air is filtered.

Claims

1. A liquid dispenser (10) having the following characteristics: a. The liquid dispenser (10) has a liquid reservoir (22) for containing liquid; and b. The liquid dispenser (10) has a discharge head (30) fixed to the bottle body (20) surrounding the liquid reservoir (22), and a discharge opening (40) is provided at the discharge head; and c. The liquid dispenser (10) has a protective cap (60) that can be inserted into the discharge head (30); and d. The protective cap has at least one ventilation opening (62), through which ambient air can flow into the interior space of the cap when the protective cap (60) is plugged in; as well as e. In the delivered state, a removable closure element (80) is provided, which prevents ambient air from passing through the ventilation opening (62) to the exhaust opening (40); It is characterized by the following additional features: f. The discharge head (30) has a substantially flat upper annular surface (34) surrounding the applicator connector (36), and the protective cap (60) is held in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner outside the annular surface in the plugged-in state; and g. The applicator connector (36) has an elongated shape with a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface (36A) and an end face (36B) penetrated by the discharge opening (40).

2. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The protective cap (60) has a coupling section (64) whose internal cross-section is at least as large as the outer contour of the annular surface (34), and the coupling section abuts against the outer peripheral region (32) connected to the annular surface (34) in the plugged state. b. The protective cap (60) has a covering section (66) connected to the coupling section (64) and the covering section has an internal cross-section that tapers in a stepped manner relative to the coupling section (64), wherein, The applicator connector (36) is arranged within the covered section (66) with the protective cap plugged in.

3. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 2, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: c. The internal cross-section of the coupling section (64) is circular, and / or the internal cross-section of the covering section (66) is elliptical; and / or d. A locking section (68) is connected at the distal end of the covering section (66), the locking section having an outer contour that is wider than that of the covering section (66).

4. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 3, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The at least one ventilation opening (62) penetrates the covered section (66).

5. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The closing element (80) is formed by a pull-down element that is one-piece disposed at the protective cap, the pull-down element being materially connected to the edge surrounding the ventilation opening (62) in the delivered state and being removable from the protective cap (60) by pulling force in order to open the ventilation opening (62).

6. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The sealing element (80) is formed by an adhesive strip placed on the protective cap, the adhesive strip covering the ventilation opening (62) in the delivered state, wherein, The adhesive strip is placed on the protective cap (60).

7. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 6, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The adhesive strip is placed around the protective cap (60) in a circumferential manner.

8. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 6, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The adhesive strip is placed on the protective cap (60) in the area of ​​the covered section (66).

9. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The closure element (80) is formed by an additional cap arranged in the cap interior space of the protective cap (60) and covering the discharge opening.

10. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 9, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: b. The additional cap is forcefully held at the outer peripheral surface (36A) of the applicator nozzle (36); or c. The additional cap is shaped to fit within the outer peripheral surface (36A) of the applicator nozzle (36).

11. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The additional cap is held in place at the outer peripheral surface (36A) of the applicator nozzle (36) by means of a clamping rib (92) on the inside of the additional cap.

12. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The additional cap is held at the outer peripheral surface (36A) of the applicator nozzle (36) by means of the shape of the internal thread (93) on the inside of the additional cap.

13. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 9, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The additional cap is connected to the discharge head (30) in the delivery state by means of a coupling structure force fit or shape fit.

14. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 13, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: b. A notch (35) is provided in the annular surface (34), and the coupling structure (94) engages in the notch; or c. A retaining structure (39) forming an undercut is provided on the annular surface (34).

15. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The protective cap (60) as a sealing element (80) has a movable or rotatable section that can move between a position that closes the ventilation opening (62) and a position that releases the ventilation opening (62).

16. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 15, wherein the liquid dispenser has one of the following additional features: b. Movable or rotatable sections are guided on the outside of the covered section (66); and / or c. The movable or rotatable section and the protective cap (60) have a locking device (95) to lock the release position of the section.

17. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The applicator connector (36) is surrounded in the delivery state by a hose-shaped cover forming the closure element (80).

18. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 17, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: b. The tubular cover is made of elastic plastic; and / or c. The tubular cover has a defined separation line (82) and a separable opening strip (84) is provided between the defined separation lines.

19. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 18, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The tubular cover has two defined separation lines (82).

20. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 18, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: A gripping section (86) is provided at the end of the opening bar (84).

21. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The applicator nozzle (36) in the delivery state is surrounded at least in the region of the discharge opening (40) and in the region of the substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface (36A) by a layer of paint, plastic or wax forming the closure element (80).

22. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: a. The liquid dispenser (10) is configured as a droplet dispenser.

23. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 22, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: b. A droplet-forming geometry (42) is provided around the discharge opening (40) at the end face of the applicator connector; and / or c. The bottle body (20) is constructed as a compressible squeeze bottle body.

24. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 23, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: An annular droplet forming surface is provided at the end face of the applicator connector surrounding the discharge opening (40), the droplet forming surface having a tear edge that defines the droplet forming surface on the outside.

25. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: a. The applicator nozzle (36) protrudes at least 9 mm beyond the surrounding annular surface (34); and / or b. The outer diameter of the annular surface (34) is between 15 mm and 20 mm; and / or c. The maximum outer diameter of the applicator nozzle (36) is 8 mm or less; and / or d. The maximum outer diameter of the applicator nozzle (36) is 40% of the maximum outer diameter of the annular surface (34).

26. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 25, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The applicator nozzle (36) protrudes at least 12 mm beyond the surrounding annular surface (34).

27. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 25, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The maximum outer diameter of the applicator nozzle (36) is 6 mm or less.

28. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: a. The applicator nozzle (36) is composed of polyolefin; and / or b. The covering surrounding the applicator nozzle (36) in the delivery state is composed of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer.

29. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 28, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The applicator connector (36) is composed of polypropylene or polyethylene.

30. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: a. The liquid reservoir has an internal volume of less than 20 ml; and / or b. The liquid reservoir is filled with pharmaceutical liquid.

31. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 30, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The liquid reservoir has an internal volume between 5 ml and 15 ml.

32. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 30, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: The liquid reservoir is filled with cyclosporine eye drops.

33. The liquid dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid dispenser has at least one of the following additional features: a. The discharge head (30) has a liquid channel connecting the liquid reservoir (22) to the discharge opening (40); and b. A discharge valve (50) is provided in the liquid passage, which opens in relation to pressure.

34. The liquid dispenser (10) according to claim 33, wherein the liquid dispenser has the following additional features: c. The discharge valve (50) has a valve body (54) with a valve plate (56) and a valve pin (58) protruding from the valve plate, wherein, The valve plate (56) is arranged below the annular surface (34) of the discharge head (30), and wherein the valve pin (58) extends into the applicator connector (36).

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