Dispenser and evaluation unit therefor

Abstract

A dispenser (10) for discharging a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium has a housing (12), a medium reservoir (14) and a discharge opening (16). Furthermore, it is known that such a dispenser is provided with an electronic evaluation unit (40) for detecting the use of the dispenser, which evaluation unit is designed to be detachably mounted on the housing (12) of the dispenser (10). According to the invention, a magnetic or magnetisable holding surface (70) is provided on the outer side of the housing (12), in particular on the memory body (18) of the housing (12). A contact side (42) of the evaluation unit (40) is designed to be magnetically or magnetizable in correspondence, such that the evaluation unit (40) can be magnetically fixed to the housing (12). Alternatively, it is proposed that the evaluation unit (40) has at least two and preferably at least three elastically deflectable retaining arms (80, 82) which enclose the housing (12), in particular a memory body (18) of the housing, and thus cause the evaluation unit (40) to be held on the housing in a clamped manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a medicinal or cosmetic medium and in particular to an electronic evaluation unit for such a dispenser. Background Art

[0002] Dispensers of this type are used to discharge media, in particular pharmaceutical liquids. It is known that such dispensers are provided with an evaluation unit which detects the use of the dispenser via a sensor device, for example to allow a subsequent check whether the drug is taken in the correct manner and in accordance with the dosage plan.

[0003] The known evaluation units are structurally integrated into the respective dispenser or are detachably attached to the dispenser, so that the evaluation unit can be detached from the dispenser and attached to another dispenser of the same type.

[0004] For a detachable evaluation unit, a coupling mechanism is required in order to attach the evaluation unit to the housing of the dispenser. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation unit for a dispenser which allows for simple handling during disassembly and assembly at the dispenser.

[0006] According to the invention, a dispenser for dispensing a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium is proposed, which has an electronic evaluation unit. The invention also relates to the evaluation unit itself.

[0007] The dispenser according to the invention has a housing which forms the outer contour of the dispenser and can be constructed in multiple parts. In particular, such a housing can have a storage body which forms a medium storage and in particular a liquid storage in which a medium, in particular a pharmaceutical liquid, is stored before discharge.

[0008] The dispenser has an outlet opening through which the medium can be discharged from the medium reservoir into the surroundings.

[0009] Preferably, the dispenser is configured to discharge liquid, in particular in the form of a jet, a spray jet or in the form of a single drop. However, instead, the dispenser can also be arranged to be used for other media, in particular to discharge powder for the purpose of inhalation.

[0010] If the dispenser is designed as a liquid dispenser, this can in particular be a pump dispenser having a manually operable pumping device which delivers the liquid from a liquid reservoir to an outlet opening. Alternatively, this can be a squeeze bottle dispenser having an elastically deformable reservoir body which can be manually compressed to discharge the liquid.

[0011] The dispenser can also be configured as an inhaler, in particular a dispenser with a container that can be pressed down for delivering a dose of liquid, for delivering a defined dose of a medicament. According to another example, the dispenser can be configured as a nasal dispenser (Nasalspender, sometimes referred to as a nasal dispenser), in particular with an elongated (langgestreckt, sometimes referred to as an elongated) nasal applicator (Nasalapplikator, sometimes referred to as a nasal applicator), the discharge opening being arranged at the distal end of the nasal applicator.

[0012] The electronic evaluation unit is designed to detect the use of the dispenser. For this purpose, the evaluation unit has electrical or electronic components, in particular a battery, a processor and at least one sensor. Data are detected via the sensor, which data allow the use of the dispenser to be inferred. In this case, the sensor can be designed to directly detect external force application, such as occurs, for example, when the operating handle is pressed downwards to perform a pumping operation. However, preferably, at least one sensor is provided, which can detect data contactlessly and without external force application, wherein this is in particular a microphone and / or a motion sensor. For example, the output data of the microphone can be evaluated in order to recognize characteristic (charakteristisch, sometimes called unique) sounds ( Sometimes called noise).

[0013] The evaluation unit preferably comprises output means, in particular in the form of at least one LED, a display, a vibrator and / or a loudspeaker, in order to signal a user, for example in order to communicate that an expulsion has been sensed or is pending according to the dosing plan.

[0014] The evaluation unit is preferably configured for use with an external device, such as, in particular, a smartphone. In order to communicate with the external device, the evaluation unit preferably has a radio module, in particular a Bluetooth and / or WIFI radio module or a GSM / 3G / 4G or 5G radio module.

[0015] In order to be able to quickly and easily detach the evaluation unit from the housing of the dispenser and attach it to a new dispenser, according to a first aspect of the invention, it is proposed that a magnetic or magnetizable holding surface is provided on the outer side of the housing of the dispenser, in particular on the reservoir body of the housing. The contact side of the evaluation unit is correspondingly designed magnetically or magnetizable, so that the evaluation unit can be magnetically fixed to the housing.

[0016] By means of the magnetic connection provided according to the invention, the installation of the evaluation unit can be realized very simply and conveniently. As soon as the evaluation unit is brought into the area of ​​the housing provided for installing the evaluation unit, the evaluation unit is magnetically attracted and remains attached to the housing of the dispenser in a prescribed position.

[0017] In addition to the ease of operation, a suitable design and in particular dimensions of the holding surface on the housing also allow the evaluation unit to occupy a predefined position quite precisely. This represents an advantage, since the predefined position can be selected such that it is particularly well suited for detecting the use of the dispenser, in particular via a motion sensor or a microphone, i.e. data detectable via the at least one sensor, such as sounds during use, allow reliable conclusions to be drawn about the use of the dispenser.

[0018] Preferably, a magnetizable and in particular metallic holding surface is provided on the housing, and at least one permanent magnet is provided on the evaluation unit, but the opposite arrangement is also possible. Also possible is a design in which both the holding surface and the magnetic design of the evaluation unit are realized with permanent magnets.

[0019] Neodymium magnets are particularly suitable as permanent magnets, since such magnets provide a strong magnetic force and are therefore particularly advantageous for securely fixing the evaluation unit to the housing of the dispenser.

[0020] The evaluation unit is preferably provided for detachable attachment to a circumferential surface of a reservoir body of the housing. The reservoir body itself preferably has a cylindrical shape in the region of the circumferential surface, in particular with a circular or oval cross section.

[0021] The outer side of the storage body can be provided with a magnetic or magnetizable holding surface. Correspondingly, the magnetic or magnetizable retaining surface is preferably also designed in an arc-shaped manner (sometimes referred to as a circular arc-shaped) or cylindrical segment-shaped circumferential surface.

[0022] The evaluation unit preferably has an electronics housing which forms the contact side and in which the electronic components of the evaluation unit, in particular the processor, the memory and the battery and, depending on the type of evaluation, one or more sensors, are arranged. The electronics housing does not completely surround the housing of the dispenser and, in particular, the storage body, but is preferably arranged like a backpack on one side of the storage body, so that the dispenser including the evaluation unit thus obtains an asymmetrical design. Particularly preferably, the electronics housing covers a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 40%, of the circumference of the storage body in the circumferential direction.

[0023] The storage body preferably has plastic as the main material. The magnetic or magnetizable holding surface is preferably designed as a separate component, in particular as an at least partially metallic component, which is firmly attached to the plastic wall of the storage body on the outside. In accordance with the above-mentioned extension of the electronic device housing, the holding surface preferably also only partially surrounds the circumference, in particular up to a maximum of 50%, particularly preferably up to a maximum of 40%.

[0024] The holding surface arranged at the housing can be provided in different ways. In particular, it is preferred that the holding surface is arranged in the area of ​​a label with a text description. The holding surface can directly form the label or be glued to the housing surface of the housing by means of a label. The label can include a product name or a product description for the pharmaceutical or cosmetic product contained in the medium storage. Alternatively, the label can also contain operating instructions describing the installation of the evaluation unit. For example, the operating instructions can also be present in a symbol explaining the installation.

[0025] The holding surface can also be attached to the housing independently of the label by means of an adhesive connection. A design is also possible in which the holding surface is formed by a holding sleeve or a holding clip which is attached to the housing of the dispenser in a clamping manner. In particular, such a holding sleeve or a holding clip can be completely or almost completely metallic. However, it can also be made of plastic and have a magnetic or magnetizable insert.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the invention, an alternative design is proposed, which allows the evaluation unit to be conveniently mounted on the housing of the dispenser. According to this alternative design, it is provided that the evaluation unit has at least two and preferably at least three elastically deflectable holding arms, which grip the housing and thus cause the evaluation unit to be held on the housing in a clamped manner.

[0027] The holding arms preferably extend from the housing of the evaluation unit in different directions around the dispenser housing. In the relaxed state, the holding arms define a clear cross section that is smaller than the cross section of the housing and, in particular, the reservoir body, so that the holding arms are under elastic tension after being attached to the housing. In order to introduce the housing into the clear cross section, the holding arms are preferably broken apart. This can be done directly manually at the holding arms or by means of gripping surfaces connected to the holding arms, which gripping surfaces indirectly open the holding arms under force loading and thus enlarge the clear cross section.

[0028] The holding arm is flexibly deflectable, so that it allows attachment to reservoir bodies having different cross-sectional shapes and in particular different diameters.

[0029] The electronic evaluation unit is preferably provided for detachable attachment to a circumferential surface of a reservoir body of the housing. The reservoir body itself preferably has a cylindrical shape in the region of the circumferential surface, in particular with a circular or oval cross section.

[0030] The evaluation unit preferably has an electronic device housing, in which the electronic components of the evaluation unit are arranged. Starting from the electronic device housing, the holding arms preferably extend in the circumferential direction around the circumference of the storage body, wherein the holding arms each span an angular range of at least 120°. The holding arms are firmly attached to the mentioned electronic device housing with their respective roots and their flexibility is achieved by their own elastic deformation.

[0031] The individual holding arms are preferably curved. In particular, the holding arms extend in the form of circular segments in order to embrace an approximately cylindrical housing segment, in particular a correspondingly shaped reservoir body. The holding arms preferably extend over an angular range of at least 120°, so that two holding arms that surround the housing in opposite directions embrace the housing by approximately at least 240°. The holding arms do not completely surround the housing and in particular the reservoir body. Preferably, the holding arms surround the housing or the reservoir body to a maximum of 75%, i.e., have a maximum circumference extension of 270°.

[0032] The diameter of the base circle of the circle segment shape, with which the holding arm is formed in turn, is preferably between 10 mm and 25 mm.

[0033] The number of holding arms is preferably at least three, wherein preferably two of the three holding arms extend around the dispenser housing in a first extension direction, and the third holding arm is arranged between the two holding arms and extends around the dispenser housing in an opposite extension direction.

[0034] Independent of the mounting method via magnetic force or via holding arms, the evaluation unit can have a housing which is of non-modular construction and cannot be further disassembled in accordance with regulations for the user. However, a special embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention and the evaluation unit according to the invention provides that the evaluation unit comprises a fastening unit and an electronics unit which are separate structural units.

[0035] The fastening unit is designed for detachable attachment to the housing and for this purpose has the described magnetic or magnetizable design and / or the described holding arms. The electronics unit, which can be separated therefrom, is provided for detachable attachment to the fastening unit. The electronics unit preferably includes all electronic components of the evaluation unit, but at least a battery, a processor and at least one sensor.

[0036] The division of the evaluation unit into two allows the use of the electronics unit with different fastening units, for example such a fastening unit for magnetic fastening to a dispenser housing and such a fastening unit for fastening to a dispenser housing using the above-described holding arms.

[0037] Thus, the same electronics unit can be provided for installation on a plurality of different dispensers by being equipped with different fastening units.

[0038] The possibility of separating the fixing unit and the electronic device unit and reassembling them in a different configuration does not have to be mandatory for the end user. The mentioned modularity can also be used to provide a unified (einheitlich, sometimes called standardized) electronic device unit with a suitable fixing unit as required within the scope of production and provision and, if necessary, firmly connected.

[0039] However, it is particularly preferred that the fastening unit is designed to be detachably attached to the electronic device unit without tools and thus make the fastening unit replaceable by the end user himself. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the electronic device unit is magnetically fastened to the fastening unit or that the electronic device unit is fastened to the fastening unit by a latching mechanism with elastically deflectable latching tabs.

[0040] The fixing unit preferably has no electronic components. However, it can also be a carrier for a sensor and / or have an electronically readable identification feature, for example an identification feature stored in an RFID chip of the fixing unit and readable by a sensor of the electronic device unit. This makes it possible to record which fixing unit the electronic device unit is connected to.

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the electronic evaluation unit has a contact side which, in the installed state of the evaluation unit, points in the direction of the housing, wherein at least two mutually parallel contact ribs are provided on the contact side for contacting the housing.

[0042] Preferably, this involves exactly two or three mutually parallel contact ribs, wherein the individual contact ribs can also be discontinuous and can consist of mutually aligned rib sections. The ribs form a protruding area for contacting the housing. The ribs preferably have a length of between 10 mm and 30 mm. The width of the ribs is preferably 5 mm or less, particularly preferably 3 mm or less. The ribs are preferably provided with rounded edges on their side pointing toward the housing.

[0043] Between the at least two abutment ribs, a set-back intermediate region is provided, which separates the abutment ribs from one another. In this intermediate region, the abutment side of the evaluation unit is set back so that it does not abut against the housing of the dispenser. The contact between the abutment side and the housing of the dispenser is therefore limited to the at least two abutment ribs.

[0044] Since the pressing force occurs in a defined abutment area, an evaluation unit with such an abutment rib allows to abut reliably against the housing of the dispenser. In addition, the abutment rib allows abutment against housings of different sizes and especially storage bodies with different curved outer contours.

[0045] Which radii of curvature of such an outer contour are respectively covered depends on the geometry of the contact side. A design is preferred in which the contact ribs are at a distance of at least 8 mm from one another, wherein the contact ribs preferably protrude beyond the contact surface in the middle region by at least 1 mm, preferably by at least 1.5 mm. Two contact ribs, between which an 8 mm middle region is arranged, which is set back by 1 mm, can be placed on a housing section with a radius of curvature of more than 10 mm without the housing section remote from the contact ribs coming into contact with the contact side. In the case of an 8 mm wide middle region, which is set back by 1.5 mm, the placement of a radius of curvature of up to approximately 6 mm is possible.

[0046] One or more of the contact ribs can be arranged on an elastic cantilever, in particular on a cantilever in the form of a plastic tongue cut freely on three sides, which can achieve elastic properties orthogonal to the contact side. It can also be provided that one or more, but not all, of the contact ribs are deflectable in this way, while at least one contact rib is arranged firmly and non-deflectably on the contact side of the evaluation unit. A possible arrangement is, for example, to provide three contact ribs, one or two of which are respectively arranged on an elastic cantilever, while the third contact rib is arranged in a fixed position on the contact side. A rib design with two contact ribs, both of which can be deflected, can also be suitable.

[0047] The design with contact ribs can also play a positive role in the context of a magnetic mounting of the evaluation unit on the housing. The extension direction of the contact ribs defines a movement direction in which the evaluation unit can be moved relative to the housing in order to cause the evaluation unit to be separated from the housing.

[0048] In addition to the dispenser in its entirety including the evaluation unit, the invention also relates to a separate evaluation unit which is designed to be detachably attached to the dispenser in the manner described above in order to detect the use of the dispenser, in particular by using a microphone and / or a motion sensor.

[0049] According to a first embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed magnetically or magnetizable in the region of the contact side for attachment to the housing of the dispenser in the manner described above. In particular, at least one permanent magnet, in particular a neodymium magnet, can be provided on the contact side.

[0050] According to a second embodiment, the evaluation unit has at least two and preferably at least three elastically deflectable holding arms which can grip the housing, in particular a storage body of the housing, in a defined manner and thus can bring about a clamped holding of the evaluation unit on the housing.

[0051] The evaluation unit can be designed modularly in the manner already described above and has a fixing unit and an electronic unit. The fixing unit is designed for detachable attachment to the housing and is designed magnetically or magnetizable in the region of the contact side. The electronic unit is provided for detachable attachment to the fixing unit and preferably includes all electrical / electronic components of the evaluation unit.

[0052] Preferably, the evaluation unit comprises a plurality of exchangeable fixing units, which are adapted to different types of dispenser housings and which can be selectively coupled to the electronics unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An inventive liquid dispenser with an inventive evaluation unit is shown by way of example.

[0055] Figures 3 to 5 A first configuration of the embodiment of the magnetic connection between the evaluation unit and the housing of the liquid dispenser is explained.

[0056] Figures 6 to 8 A second configuration of the embodiment of the magnetic connection between the evaluation unit and the housing of the liquid dispenser is explained.

[0057] Figures 9 to 11 The embodiment of the connection between the evaluation unit and the housing of the liquid distributor via a holding arm provided on the evaluation unit is explained.

[0058] Figures 12 to 15 A possible modular design of an evaluation unit is shown with a fastening unit and an electronics unit and a coupling element for coupling the electronics unit to the fastening unit.

[0059] Figures 16 to 18 A first configuration of the contact ribs on the contact side of the evaluation unit is explained.

[0060] Figures 19 to 21 A first configuration of the contact ribs on the contact side of the evaluation unit is explained. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A dispenser 10 according to the invention is shown, which is configured for discharging a medicinal liquid. The liquid dispenser 10 is exemplarily configured as a nasal dispenser and has an applicator component with an elongated nasal applicator 13, at the distal end of which a discharge opening 16 is provided. However, this specific dispenser type should be understood only as an example. The present invention also includes other dispensers for media and in particular liquids, in particular medicinal dispensers, which are configured for orally (oralen, sometimes referred to as orally) or topically delivering a medicament.

[0062] By pressing the applicator member downward relative to the liquid reservoir 14 or the reservoir body 18 forming the liquid reservoir, the pumping device 30 can be actuated, which pumps the liquid from the liquid reservoir 14 to the outlet opening 16 .

[0063] In the dispenser 10 according to the invention, it is provided that the use of the dispenser 10 by the user is detected electronically. For this purpose, an electronic evaluation unit 40 is provided. In the present example, the evaluation unit comprises a battery 25, a display device 24, a circuit board with a processor 28, an operating element 27 and various sensors 26A to 26C.

[0064] The sensors 26A to 26C can in particular include motion sensors which detect the orientation and / or acceleration of the dispenser. In addition, the sensors 26A to 26C can include microphones which detect the sounds that occur when the dispenser 10 is operated. The detected data are evaluated either directly by means of the processor 28 or completely or partially on an external system which is connected to the evaluation unit 40 via a radio interface.

[0065] Exemplarily, the processor 28 can be designed to activate the microphone when a movement of the dispenser 10 is detected by means of the motion sensor. Sounds can be detected by means of the microphone, in particular sounds transmitted through the dispenser housing 12. In particular, different phases of the pumping process (i.e., the discharge of liquid from the pumping chamber and the re-sucking of liquid from the medium reservoir 14 into the pumping chamber) are accompanied by characteristic sounds that can be easily distinguished from one another.

[0066] The evaluation unit 40 is arranged on the circumferential surface 19 of the reservoir body 18 of the dispenser housing 12. The reservoir body 18 has a cylindrical basic shape, in the present case a circular cylindrical basic shape.

[0067] The evaluation unit 40 does not surround the storage body 18, but is arranged at one side like a backpack, so that the evaluation unit gives the dispenser an asymmetrical overall shape. The evaluation unit or the electronic device housing 41 forming the main component only spans a relatively small part of the circumference, currently spanning about 90° or a quarter of the circumference in the circumferential direction.

[0068] According to the invention, two fastening principles are proposed for attaching the evaluation unit 40 to the storage body 18, which are based on Figures 3 to 8 or Figures 9 to 11 Make an introduction.

[0069] exist Figures 3 to 8 In a refinement of the embodiment, it is provided that the evaluation unit 40 is fixed magnetically to the storage body 18 .

[0070] Figure 3 The storage body 18 of the dispenser 10 is shown, which is provided with a label 72, which can contain, for example, the product name or product details or also operating instructions for installing the evaluation unit 40. A magnetic or magnetizable holding surface 70 is provided in a manner integrated into the label 72 or covered by the label 72. In particular, the holding surface can be a rectangular metallic sheet metal section.

[0071] As in Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , a permanent magnet 43 is correspondingly arranged on the contact side 42 of the evaluation unit 40. The shape and size of the holding surface 70 and the permanent magnet 43 are preferably coordinated with one another in such a way that the evaluation unit 40 is held in a defined position on the storage body 18. Figure 5 Such a connected state is presented in .

[0072] Figure 6 The following design is shown, that is, a retaining sleeve 74 is provided therein, which is designed to be magnetizable completely or at least in the region of the retaining surface 70. The retaining sleeve 74 is designed as a sleeve with a cutout and can be magnetized in the region of the retaining surface 70. Figure 7 The retaining sleeve 74 is pushed onto the storage body 18 in the manner explained in the figure, wherein the inner diameter of the retaining sleeve 74 is adapted to the outer diameter of the storage body 18 in such a way that the retaining sleeve 74 elastically expands after being pushed onto the storage body 18 and is thereby held on the storage body 18 in a clamping manner.

[0073] The retaining surface 70 as part of the retaining sleeve is Figure 8 The approach explained in allows the evaluation unit 40 to be mounted magnetically.

[0074] Figures 9 to 11 Another form of fastening the evaluation unit 40 to the storage body 18 is shown. Fig. 9As can be seen, in this embodiment, a total of three holding arms 80, 82 are provided on the housing of the evaluation unit, which holding arms each have a curved shape and together surround the area for accommodating the memory body 18. The holding arms 80, 82 are firmly attached to the electronic device housing 41 with their base.

[0075] The upper holding arm 80 and the lower holding arm 80 extend in the counterclockwise direction from the housing of the evaluation unit 40. The holding arm 82 located in the middle extends around the housing of the evaluation unit 40 in the clockwise direction.

[0076] exist Fig. 9 In the unmounted state, the retaining arms 80 and 82 are not elastically deflected. However, if the storage body 18 is pushed into the area surrounded by the retaining arms, the retaining arms are thereby pushed slightly apart from one another, so that the retaining arms rest in a clamping manner on the outside of the storage body and thus create a secure connection. Fig.10 The assembly state is presented in .

[0077] Fig.11 It is explained how the evaluation unit can be mounted on housings 12 having different diameters. Fig.11 The left-hand illustration of shows the evaluation unit 40 in a non-used state. Fig.11 The middle illustration of shows the evaluation unit 40 after being coupled to the housing 12 , the outer diameter of which is only slightly larger than the resting state of the holding arms 80 , 82 . The holding arms 80 , 82 are thereby elastically deflected outwards and thus clamp the storage body 18 . Fig.11 The illustration on the right in the middle shows the use of the evaluation unit 40 with a significantly larger housing 12. The holding arms 80, 82 are significantly further expanded here. As a result, the holding arms do not rest on the outside of the housing 12 over their entire length. However, due to the significantly greater deflection and the associated restoring forces, a secure hold is nevertheless achieved on the housing 12.

[0078] Figures 12 to 15 The possibility of designing the evaluation unit 40 in a modular manner is explained. In a manner not shown in detail, the contact side 12 of the evaluation unit 40 can correspond to Figures 3 to 8 Magnetic or magnetizable, or corresponding to Figures 9 to 11 A retaining arm is provided.

[0079] As per Fig.12As explained, in this case, the evaluation unit 40 is subdivided into a fixed unit 40A (where the contact side 42 is arranged) and an electronic device unit 40B (which has a major number of electrical / electronic components, preferably all electronic components). However, it can be provided that the fixed unit 40A has an electronic identification device (such as an RFID chip 41) so that the electronic device unit 40B can recognize whether it is connected to the fixed unit 40A, or which fixed unit 40A it is connected to.

[0080] The subunits 40A, 40B are preferably connectable to one another without tools. Fig.13 In the design mode, the two subunits are connected by magnetic or magnetizable coupling surfaces 94A, 94B. In such a design mode, it is feasible to set a common magnet at the fixing unit 40A, which is used to couple to the housing 12 and to couple with the electronic device unit 40B.

[0081] exist Fig.13 In the design mode, a latching tab 90A is provided on the fixing unit 40A, and the latching tab is locked in a latching opening 90B on the electronic device unit 40B. Fig. 20 The latching tab 90A can preferably be manually deflected so that the connection can be disconnected again. However, it can also be provided that the connection of the electronic device unit 40B to the fixing unit 40A is not releasable according to regulations, so that the corresponding coupling can only be achieved once, especially when fastening to a specific fixing unit 40A has already occurred during the manufacturing process.

[0082] exist Fig.14 In the design mode, screw holes 92A, 92B are provided at the electronic device unit 40B and the fixing unit 40A, through which the two subunits can be screwed together. This connection is usually not arranged to be loosened by the end user, but is used to enable the unified electronic device unit 40B to be permanently connected to the fixing unit 40A during the manufacturing process.

[0083] Figures 16 to 21 It is explained that it can be advantageous if the evaluation unit 40 or its fastening unit 40A is provided with contact ribs 44 . The contact ribs are provided for contact against the housing 12 or the retaining sleeve 74 .

[0084] Figures 16 to 21 A first configuration of the abutment ribs 44 is shown. Fig.16 The back side of the evaluation unit 40 is shown in FIG. This back side forms a contact side 42, wherein two parallel contact ribs 44 are arranged fixedly in position relative to one another on the contact side 42. Between the two contact ribs 44 there is a set-back intermediate region, wherein a permanent magnet 43 is fixed thereto. Fig.17As can be seen, the contact ribs 44 enable contact with dispenser housings 12 having different radii of curvature. Thus, the same evaluation unit 40 or the same fastening unit 40A of the evaluation unit 40 can be used equally well for different dispensers 10 .

[0085] Fig.18 The geometry of the abutment side 42 is explained again, and it can be seen that the abutment side has a substantially arched concave shape and that the two abutment ribs 44 protrude beyond the arched concave shape. The distance 46A corresponds to the width of the middle region. In order to realize the rib function, this distance is smaller than the diameter of the reservoir body 18, preferably, the distance is 46A. Fig.17 The horizontal diameter in the orientation is a maximum of 80% of this diameter.

[0086] The distance 46B shows how far the middle region is set back at most relative to the abutment ribs 44. Since the permanent magnet 43 is also arranged in the middle region, it is slightly spaced apart from the outside of the dispenser housing 12 due to the abutment ribs 44. However, if a sufficiently strong magnet is selected, in particular a neodymium magnet, this distance does not prevent a sufficient holding force.

[0087] Figures 19 to 21 A second configuration of the abutment ribs 44 is shown. Fig.19 As can be seen, the contact side 42 is provided with a total of three contact ribs 44. The central contact rib 44 is firmly connected to the housing of the evaluation unit 40 and cannot be deflected to any significant extent relative to the housing. In contrast, the two lateral contact ribs 44 are provided by the cantilever 50, wherein the two lateral contact ribs 44 each consist of two mutually aligned rib sections, which are themselves each provided on the cantilever 50. The two outer contact ribs can therefore be elastically deflected.

[0088] The cantilever 50 allows the outer abutment ribs 44 to be displaced relative to one another against the elastic force of the cantilever 50. As a result, despite a total of three abutment ribs, it is possible for all abutment ribs to abut against the dispenser housing 12 when the evaluation unit 40 is used with different dispenser housings 12 or storage bodies 18. In the case of a dispenser housing 12 / storage body 18 with a larger diameter, the cantilever 50 is elastically deflected.

Claims

1. A dispenser (10) for discharging a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium, having the following features: a. The dispenser (10) has a housing (12), and b. The dispenser (10) has a medium storage (14), and c. the dispenser (10) has a discharge opening (16) through which the medium can be discharged from the medium storage (14) into the surrounding environment, and d. the dispenser (10) has an electronic evaluation unit (40) for detecting the use of the dispenser, and e. the electronic evaluation unit (40) is designed to be releasably mounted on the housing (12) of the dispenser (10), Features the following Additional Features: f. A magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) is provided on the outer side of the housing (12), in particular on the storage body (18) of the housing (12), and g. The contact side (42) of the evaluation unit (40) is accordingly designed to be magnetic or magnetizable, so that the evaluation unit (40) can be magnetically fixed to the housing (12).

2. The dispenser (10) according to claim 1, with the following additional features: a. the electronic evaluation unit (40) is configured to be releasably mounted on a peripheral surface (19) of a storage body (18) of the housing, in, A magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) is provided on the outer side of the storage body (18), and the circumferential surface (19) is preferably a cylindrical circumferential surface (19).

3. The dispenser (10) according to claim 2, with the following additional features: a. The outer side of the storage body (18) and the magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) have a curved shape.

4. Dispenser (10) according to claim 2 or 3, with the following additional features: a. the evaluation unit (40) has an electronic equipment housing (41), in which the electronic components of the evaluation unit (40) are arranged, and b. The electronic device housing (41) covers at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, of the circumference of the memory body in the circumferential direction.

5. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. The storage body (18) is mainly made of plastic, and b. The magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) is firmly attached on the outside to a plastic wall of the reservoir body (18).

6. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. The magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) is covered by a label (72) with a text description or integrated into a label with a text description, In particular, it has at least one of the following additional features: b. the text description includes the product name and / or product description, and / or c. The written instructions include operating instructions for installing the evaluation unit.

7. Dispenser (10) according to claim 1 or 6, with the following additional features: a. The magnetic or magnetizable retaining surface (70) is formed by a retaining sleeve (74) or a retaining clip which is fixed to the housing in a clamping manner.

8. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. The magnetic or magnetizable holding surface (70) is fixed to the housing by adhesive bonding.

9. A dispenser (10) for discharging a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium, having the following characteristics: a. The dispenser (10) has a housing (12), and b. The dispenser (10) has a medium storage (14), and c. the dispenser (10) has a discharge opening (16) through which the medium can be discharged from the medium storage (14) into the surrounding environment, and d. the dispenser (10) has an electronic evaluation unit (40) for detecting the use of the dispenser, and e. the electronic evaluation unit (40) is designed to be releasably mounted on the housing (12) of the dispenser (10), Features the following Additional Features: f. The evaluation unit (40) has at least two and preferably at least three elastically deflectable holding arms (80, 82), which grip the housing (12), in particular the storage body (18) of the housing, and thus cause the evaluation unit (40) to be held on the housing in a clamped manner.

10. Dispenser (10) according to claim 9, with the following additional features: a. the electronic evaluation unit (40) is configured to be releasably mounted on a peripheral surface (19) of a storage body (18) of the housing, in, The peripheral surface (19) is preferably a cylindrical peripheral surface (19), and b. The evaluation unit (40) has an electronic equipment housing (41), in which the electronic components of the evaluation unit (40) are arranged, and c. The retaining arms (80, 82) extend from the electronic device housing (41) in a circumferential direction around the circumferential surface (19) of the memory body (18), wherein the retaining arms each span an angular range of at least 120°.

11. Dispenser (10) according to claim 9 or 10, with the following additional features: a. The retaining arms (80, 82) each span an angular range of up to 270°.

12. Dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, with the following additional features: a. the evaluation unit (40) has an electronic equipment housing (41), in which the electronic components of the evaluation unit (40) are arranged, and b. the electronic device housing (40) covers at most 50% of the circumference of the housing (12), in particular the memory body (18) of the housing (12), and particularly preferably at most 40% of the memory body (18) of the housing (12), in the circumferential direction; and c. The holding arms (80, 82) are firmly mounted on the electronic device housing (41) and extend from there in different directions.

13. Dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 12, with the following additional features: a. At least three holding arms (80, 82) are provided, two of which (80) extend in a first extension direction, and a third holding arm (82) is arranged between the two holding arms (80) and extends in an opposite extension direction.

14. Dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, with the following additional features: a. The holding arm extends in a circular segment shape, Preferably with at least one of the following additional features: b. at least one retaining arm spans an angular range of at least 120°, and / or c. The diameter of the base circle of the circle segment shape is between 10 mm and 25 mm.

15. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. The evaluation unit (40) comprises a fixing unit (40A) and an electronic equipment unit (40B), and b. The fixing unit (40A) is configured to be releasably mounted on the housing (12), and c. The electronic equipment unit (40B) is configured to be releasably mounted on the fixing unit (40A).

16. The dispenser (10) according to claim 15, with at least one of the following additional features: a. The fixing unit (40A) is configured to be detachably mounted on the housing (12) without tools, and / or b. The electronic device unit (40B) is magnetically fixed to the fixing unit (40A), and / or c. The electronic device unit (40B) is fixed to the fixing unit (40A) by a locking mechanism with an elastically deflectable locking tab (90), and / or d. The fixing unit (40A) has an identification feature, in particular stored in an RFID chip of the fixing unit, and the identification feature can be read by the sensor (26B) of the electronic device unit (40B).

17. A dispenser (10) for dispensing a pharmaceutical or cosmetic medium, having the following features: a. the electronic evaluation unit (40) has a contact side (42) which, in the installed state of the evaluation unit (40), points in the direction of the housing (12), and b. The electronic evaluation unit (40) has two mutually parallel abutment ribs (44) on the abutment side (42) for abutting against the housing (12), in particular for abutting against a storage body (18) of the medium storage (14).

18. Dispenser (10) according to claim 17, with at least one of the following additional features: a. the ribs (44) have a distance (46A) of at least 8 mm from each other, and / or b. the ribs (44) protrude by a distance (46B) of at least 1.5 mm relative to the intermediate region (48) located therebetween, and / or c. at least one rib (44) is arranged at the elastic cantilever (50), and / or d. The at least one rib (44) is formed by a plurality of mutually aligned rib segments, wherein the rib segments are preferably respectively arranged on the elastic cantilever (50).

19. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with at least one of the following additional features: a. The evaluation unit (40) comprises at least one sensor (26A, 26B, 26C), in particular a motion sensor (26A) and / or a microphone (26C), and / or b. the evaluation unit (40) comprises an output device (24), in particular in the form of at least one LED, a display (24), a vibrator and / or a loudspeaker, c. The evaluation unit comprises a radio module (22), in particular a Bluetooth and / or WIFI radio module (22), and / or d. The evaluation device comprises an energy source (25), in particular in the form of a battery.

20. Dispenser (10) according to any of the preceding claims, with the following additional features: a. The distributor (10) is configured as a liquid distributor (10), in, The medium storage (14) is designed as a liquid storage (14), In particular, it has at least one of the following additional features: b. The dispenser is configured as a squeeze bottle dispenser and has an elastically deformable reservoir body of a liquid reservoir, which can discharge the liquid by manually compressing the reservoir body, or c. The dispenser (10) is configured as a pump dispenser having a manually operable pumping device (30) for conveying liquid from the liquid reservoir (14) to the discharge opening (16), and / or d. The dispenser (10) is configured as a spray dispenser, and / or e. the dispenser is configured as an inhaler, in particular a dispenser with a container that can be pressed down to deliver a dose of liquid, f. The dispenser is configured as a drop dispenser, in particular with a drop forming surface surrounding the discharge opening, and / or g. The dispenser is configured as a nasal dispenser, in particular with an elongated nasal applicator, the outlet opening being arranged at the distal end of the nasal applicator.

21. An evaluation unit for a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, with the following features: a. The evaluation unit (40) is designed to be releasably mounted on the dispenser (10), and b. The electronic evaluation unit (40) is designed to detect the use of the dispenser and has at least one sensor (26A, 26C) for this purpose, Features At least one of the following additional features: c. The contact side (42) of the evaluation unit (40) is designed to be magnetic or magnetizable, so that the evaluation unit (40) can be fixed magnetically to the housing (12), and / or d. The evaluation unit (40) has at least two and preferably at least three elastically deflectable retaining arms (80, 82), which grip the housing (12), in particular the storage body (18) of the housing, and thus cause the evaluation unit (40) to be held on the housing in a clamped manner.

22. Evaluation unit according to claim 21, with the following additional features: a. The evaluation unit (40) comprises a fixing unit (40A) and an electronic equipment unit (40B), in, The fixing unit (40A) is configured to be releasably mounted on the housing (12), and the electronic device unit (40B) is configured to be releasably mounted on the fixing unit (40A). Preferably with the following additional features: b. The evaluation unit (40) comprises a plurality of fixing units (40A), which can be selectively mounted on the electronic equipment unit (40B).

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