Dispensing device for a fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing a fluid, comprising a head base (2) with a dispensing opening (15), a liner (10) arranged within the head base (2), and a valve element (13) movably arranged within the liner (10). The valve element (13) is arranged to be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the liner (10) by means of a stroke. In the first position, the valve element (13) closes the dispensing opening (15), and in the second position, it opens the dispensing opening (15). The simple design of the dispensing device, wherein the valve element (13) and the liner (10) seal against each other in the first and second positions of the valve element (13), thus forming a nozzle chamber (22) and a valve chamber (12), and wherein the dispensing device (1) has a channel (28) connecting the valve chamber (12) and the nozzle chamber, enables its use as a spray device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid. Such a dispensing device can comprise a head base part with a dispensing opening, a liner arranged within the head base part, and a valve element movably arranged within the liner. The valve element is arranged to be transferable from a first position to a second position relative to the liner via a stroke. The valve element can close the dispensing opening in the first position and open the dispensing opening in the second position.

[0002] Dispensing devices for dispensing fluids exist particularly in the form of sprays and droppers. EP 3 072 597 A1 describes a dropper dispensing device for dispensing predetermined amounts of fluid in drop form. To ensure that the fluid to be dispensed in this dispensing device does not escape from the dispensing opening at high speed upon a slight lift of the valve element, the valve element or its cylinder interacts with the dispensing opening such that, in a closed state, the dispensing opening is sealed by the valve element and even a slight lift does not open the dispensing opening. Likewise, the volume of the nozzle chamber is selected such that the fluid is decelerated before exiting the dispensing opening. Only a sufficiently large lift of the valve element opens the fluid path from a chamber arrangement to a nozzle chamber including the dispensing opening.

[0003] This structural design of the dispensing device allows the dispensing device to be used as a dropper, i.e., for example, for eye drops. A dropper is characterized by a droplet-shaped fluid outlet, with the fluid having a low fluid outlet velocity.

[0004] The disadvantage of using droppers, however, is that they often require practiced and precise instillation of fluid. With eye or nasal droppers, for example, instilling fluid into the conjunctival sac or nose requires both skill and practice. Consequently, sprays are often used. These have the advantage over droppers in that they can be sprayed onto a closed eye or into the nose or mouth against gravity, making them significantly easier to use than droppers. The use of sprays can also have other advantages, such as better distribution of the sprayed fluid and deeper penetration.

[0005] Due to the higher fluid discharge velocities required for sprays, such dispensing devices typically have a more complex design than droppers. This is due, among other things, to the fact that greater pressure is required for fluid delivery, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient leak-tightness. Accordingly, dispensing devices for sprays require more complex sealing while simultaneously allowing for a high pressure build-up. The complexity of the design is often reflected in the manufacturing costs.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a dispensing device which allows use as a spray device and at the same time has a simple structure.

[0007] The object is achieved with a dispensing device according to the invention as claimed in claim 1. According to the invention, in a dispensing device of the type mentioned above, the valve element and the liner seal against each other in the first position and in the second position of the valve element and thus form a nozzle chamber and a valve chamber, wherein the dispensing device has a channel that connects the valve chamber and the nozzle chamber to each other.

[0008] The chosen design allows the combination of sealing and pressure build-up in a simple component arrangement and, due to its simplicity, is particularly economical and less prone to errors.

[0009] The fluid that the dispensing device can dispense is preferably a medicinal or cosmetic active ingredient solution, for example for application to the nose, mouth, or eyes of a user of the dispensing device. Furthermore, dispensing is preferably in spray form, i.e., the dispensing device is preferably a spray dispensing device. The head base part of the dispensing device essentially forms the housing part of the dispensing device designed to dispense the fluid and accordingly has a dispensing opening. The head base part can be provided with a closure cap, which must be removed from the head base part before use of the dispensing device.

[0010] A liner is arranged within the head base part and extends in the axial direction away from the dispensing opening, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the dispensing device. The liner is a tubular, essentially cylindrical body with a wall and a cavity. The liner accordingly has an inner wall and an outer wall. In addition, the liner can be formed in one piece. Also arranged within the liner is a valve element which is arranged to be movable relative to the liner. The valve element can thus be displaced, for example, in the axial direction relative to the liner. The valve element can be moved from a first position to a second position by a stroke relative to the liner. In the first position, the valve element closes the dispensing opening. In the second position, the valve element opens the dispensing opening.This means that in the second position, the discharge opening is no longer closed by the valve element and is open for fluid to escape. The discharge device or the nozzle chamber including the discharge opening preferably forms a nozzle, in particular a hollow cone nozzle.

[0011] Preferably, the valve element is only moved to the second position when the fluid in the valve chamber has a pressure of at least 3 bar. However, depending on the application or the design of the dispensing device, the pressure in the valve chamber can also be greater than 3 bar. Particularly for use as a nasal spray, the dispensing opening preferably opens at 3 bar or more.

[0012] In addition, the dispensing device has a nozzle chamber and a valve chamber, which are formed by the valve element and the liner sealing against each other both in the first position of the valve element and in the second position of the valve element. The nozzle chamber denotes a chamber of the dispensing device in the region of the dispensing opening. The valve chamber, in contrast, denotes a chamber on the opposite side of the nozzle chamber, with the region relevant for the seal between the valve element and liner being arranged between the two chambers. The valve element is thus arranged in an area between the chambers and separates them from one another. The seal between the valve element and liner can be achieved by sealing elements, such as sealing lips, or, for example, by surface pressure.The valve chamber can comprise an area inside and outside the liner, wherein at least one area of ​​the valve chamber is arranged inside the liner.

[0013] The dispensing device further comprises a channel, in particular a nozzle channel, which connects the valve chamber and the nozzle chamber. The channel is thus configured to allow fluid to flow from the valve chamber into the nozzle chamber. The channel accordingly has a channel opening that allows fluid to enter the nozzle chamber, also called the outlet opening of the channel, as well as an inlet opening that allows fluid to enter from the valve chamber into the channel. The fluid flow in the channel always bypasses the seal between the valve element and the liner, since the seal is never broken regardless of the position of the valve element. The seal is therefore constant, sustained, and permanent.

[0014] The dispensing device according to the invention is therefore particularly characterized in that no fluid flow from the valve chamber to the nozzle chamber can occur past the valve element. "Bypassing" in this regard means that no fluid path is formed between the valve chamber and the nozzle chamber, allowing continuous contact between the fluid and the valve element during the fluid flow from the valve chamber into the nozzle chamber. A fluid path between the valve chamber and the nozzle chamber can only be formed by bypassing the channel. This fluid path thus bypasses the seal. However, this does not preclude the dispensing device from also having multiple channels to form the fluid path. Each channel has a smaller cross-section than the valve chamber, so that the fluid is accelerated in the channel.

[0015] The dispensing device can additionally comprise a liner channel for feeding the valve chamber. The liner channel is preferably located between the head base part and the liner arranged in the head base part. Accordingly, the liner channel is preferably formed between the outer wall of the liner and the inner wall of the head base part. The liner channel preferably ends in the valve chamber, i.e. preferably in an area inside the liner. The liner channel therefore enables the fluid to be transported from the outer wall of the liner into the interior of the liner. The liner channel can, for example, be fed by a pump chamber or a fluid channel connected thereto and used to guide a fluid into the valve chamber. For this purpose, an opening can, for example, be arranged in the liner, which allows the fluid to pass from the liner channel to the interior of the liner.

[0016] Consequently, a single stroke of the valve element is sufficient to direct a fluid under pressure in the valve chamber through the channel into the nozzle chamber, where it can exit the dispensing device's discharge opening. Due to the channel's smaller cross-section compared to the valve chamber, the fluid is also accelerated in the channel, which promotes the spray function of the dispensing device and ensures an increased fluid exit velocity from the discharge opening. The spray can preferably be used as a nasal spray. However, use for the eyes or mouth, or other applications, is equally possible, depending on the fluid used.

[0017] In a first embodiment, the channel is a vortex channel and accordingly at least partially designed in the shape of a helix. A vortex channel is therefore understood to be a channel in which the fluid path runs essentially in the shape of a circular arc, and wherein an inlet opening into the channel from the valve chamber is arranged offset from an outlet opening of the channel into the nozzle chamber. This means that a guide curve of the channel preferably represents a helix. The path traveled by the channel preferably corresponds to at least half a turn. However, the vortex channel can also have several turns. The helix or channel is preferably arranged such that, seen in a plan view, it winds around the discharge opening of the discharge device.Due to the helical channel, the fluid flows faster further inside than further outside, creating fluid turbulence within the channel, which gives the channel its name, "vortex channel." The fluid turbulence offers the advantage that, particularly with fluids containing multiple components, such as an active ingredient and a carrier medium, the components are thoroughly mixed before exiting the dispensing opening or entering the nozzle chamber through the channel opening. Furthermore, the fluid can be sprayed more effectively due to the turbulence.

[0018] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the channel is formed at least partially in the liner. Alternatively, the channel can also be formed entirely within the liner. The channel can have any shape or the previously described helical shape. The inlet opening of the channel is accessible to a fluid from the valve chamber. The outlet opening of the channel, or the channel opening, opens into the nozzle chamber. The arrangement of the channel within the liner offers the advantage that the channel is additionally protected by the head base part. At the same time, no additional components are required for the channel.

[0019] Additionally, in a further embodiment, the valve element can close a channel opening into the nozzle chamber when the valve element is in the first position. This means that the valve element is arranged at least partially in front of the channel opening into the nozzle chamber, i.e., the outlet opening of the channel, in such a way that fluid from the channel cannot enter the nozzle chamber. For this purpose, a lateral surface of the valve element can cover and close the channel opening. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the outlet opening of the channel is arranged such that a slight stroke of the valve element does not expose the outlet opening.Closing the channel opening into the nozzle chamber in the first position of the valve element offers the advantage that no fluid can enter the nozzle chamber unless, for example, the pressure in the valve chamber is sufficient to move the valve element or movement of the valve element has been authorized by a user. As soon as the valve element is moved from the first position to the second position, fluid can flow from the valve chamber into the nozzle chamber, so that the channel creates a fluid connection between the two chambers. By closing the channel opening in the first position of the valve element, it can be prevented that liquid at low pressure flows into the nozzle chamber, which would impair the spray function of the dispensing device.

[0020] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the nozzle chamber can have a smaller volume than the valve chamber in the first position of the valve element and in the second position of the valve element. This means that, regardless of the valve position, the nozzle chamber always has a smaller volume than the valve chamber. In particular, a lifting movement of the valve element can change the volume of the chambers. Preferably, the volumes of the valve chamber and the nozzle chamber are increased by transferring the valve element from the first to the second position. Because the nozzle chamber always has a smaller volume than the valve chamber, the pressurized fluid from the valve chamber is accelerated through the channel and is not decelerated, or only insignificantly, in the nozzle chamber. Preferably, the volume of the valve chamber is at least ten times larger than the volume of the nozzle chamber.However, the volume of the valve chamber can also be twenty times or more the nozzle chamber volume.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the channel is configured to introduce a fluid tangentially into the nozzle chamber. The channel opening into the nozzle chamber, i.e., the outlet opening of the channel, is arranged for this purpose on an inner wall of the liner. The fluid thus enters the nozzle chamber essentially perpendicular to the outlet direction from the discharge opening of the dispensing device. Tangential introduction of the fluid into the nozzle chamber causes the fluid in the nozzle chamber to rotate. At the discharge opening of the dispensing device, the rotational movement of the fluid is converted into an axial movement, creating a very fine spray mist.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the dispensing device has a head spring which presses the valve element against the dispensing opening in the first position. The head spring thus ensures a frictional connection between the valve element and the dispensing opening. Consequently, a force greater than the spring force must be applied in order to move the valve element from the first position to the second position of the valve element. For this purpose, the fluid pressure of the fluid which accumulates within the valve chamber or builds up against the spring force can be used, for example. The head spring can furthermore be configured to move the valve element from the second position back to the first position, so that the dispensing device is moved back to the starting position (the first position) after the fluid has been dispensed.Depending on the spring force of the head spring, the force required to open the discharge port—that is, the force required to move the valve element—can be determined. This procedure allows for targeted fluid discharge from the discharge port of the dispensing device at the desired pressure and speed.

[0023] Furthermore, the valve element can additionally have a sealing lip, whereby the sealing lip seals the valve chamber from the head spring. The fluid that collects within the valve chamber can therefore not penetrate to the head spring, whereby the head spring can be protected from undesirable influences by the fluid, for example from corrosion. Furthermore, the sealing lip can form a type of shield onto which the pressure in the valve chamber acts. The pressure force on the shield counteracts the spring force of the head spring, so that the head spring is compressed when there is sufficient fluid pressure. The area in which the head spring is arranged can be referred to as the spring chamber. The valve chamber is thus sealed from both the nozzle chamber and the spring chamber.Fluid entering the valve chamber, for example, via a liner channel, can cause fluid to accumulate in the valve chamber. The fluid presses against the sealing lip and, with sufficient pressure, moves the valve element from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the sealing lip can be used to guide the valve element within the liner.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the dispensing device, and preferably the liner, has a stop, wherein the stop limits the stroke movement of the valve element from the first position to the second position of the valve element. The stop can be designed, for example, as a projection on the inner wall of the liner. If the dispensing device has a head spring, the stop is preferably arranged such that the movement of the valve element is limited by the stop in such a way that the movement is smaller than a movement of the valve element without a stop. This means that there is no equilibrium of forces between the pressure force and the spring force in the second position of the valve element. The use of a stop and the associated limitation of the movement of the valve element ensures a more constant discharge of the fluid and can therefore improve the spray pattern of the fluid generated by the dispensing device.

[0025] Additionally, the valve element can have a hemispherical closure surface that rests against the discharge opening in the first position. Since the closure surface of the valve element is partially located within the nozzle chamber even during fluid discharge, a hemispherical closure surface ensures a more uniform fluid flow within the nozzle chamber than, for example, a closure surface with edges. Accordingly, the fluid flow in the nozzle chamber can be better controlled.

[0026] In addition, the discharge opening can have a cone that interacts with the closing surface of the valve element. The cone is assigned to the discharge opening. The cone is preferably designed in the shape of a truncated cone, wherein the base surface of the cone, i.e. the surface with a larger radius, faces the nozzle chamber and tapers towards a cover surface which has a smaller radius and is arranged further away from the nozzle chamber. The use of a cone on the discharge opening ensures a uniform fluid flow from the nozzle chamber to the discharge opening. The cone can, for example, particularly well convert the rotational movement of the fluid in the nozzle chamber into an axial movement. If the closing surface of the valve element is hemispherical, the closing surface of the valve element can also interact particularly effectively with the cone.Preferably, the cone has the shape of a truncated cone, with the radius of the hemispherical closure surface preferably being selected such that the closure surface protrudes beyond the truncated cone in some areas, i.e., beyond the top surface of the truncated cone, and in particular protrudes into a passage. This allows for a particularly tight fit between the closure surface and the cone or dispensing opening.

[0027] Furthermore, the dispensing opening can have a radius surface that forms part of an outer contour of the head base part. The radius surface preferably forms a recess in the outer contour and not a bulge. The wall thickness in the region of the recess can thus be reduced, at least in some areas, compared to the wall thickness of the head base part in other areas. By designing the radius surface as a recess, contact between the opening that guides the fluid into the radius surface is also made more difficult when the dispensing device is in use. This is because areas of the outer contour of the head base part protrude further than the fluid opening, which, for example, discharges fluid from a passage from the nozzle chamber into the radius surface. Furthermore, the use of a radius surface also allows the length of the passage or the wall thickness of the head base part in the region of the passage to be reduced.Consequently, the likelihood of unintentional contact of the opening, for example with the user's skin, can be reduced when using the dispensing device. The radius area can also be used to determine the spray pattern or spray cone of the fluid. The radius area can also ensure a more even fluid flow. If the dispensing device has both a cone and a radius area, the cone is significantly smaller in relation to the radius area. This means that the radius of the base area of ​​the cone is smaller than the radius of the radius area. A passage can be arranged between the cone and the radius area, which allows fluid flow from the cone to the radius area.

[0028] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the dispensing opening has a cone that interacts with the closure surface of the valve element, a radius surface that forms part of an outer contour of the head base part, and a passage, wherein the passage connects the cone and the radius surface. The passage is thus designed so that a fluid can flow from the cone to the radius surface through the passage. The passage is preferably cylindrical, wherein the radius of the passage is preferably smaller than the radius of the base surface of the cone and smaller than the radius of the radius surface. The passage preferably has a diameter (passage diameter) between 0.2 and 0.6 mm or a radius of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. A diameter of 0.3 mm or a radius of 0.15 mm is particularly preferred. The radius surface preferably has a radius of 3 mm. The base surface of the cone preferably has a radius of 0.5 mm.The angle of the cone is preferably in the range of 100° to 140°. This arrangement allows a fluid flowing from the nozzle chamber to the dispensing opening to initially be converted into an axial movement by the cone. Depending on the specific design of the cone and the passage, whose radius is reduced compared to the radius of the cone's base, the fluid flow can be influenced and, in particular, accelerated. Finally, the fluid can exit the dispensing opening in a spray cone, with the radius surface promoting the spray pattern. In addition, the radius surface, particularly if it is designed in the form of a recess, can reduce the likelihood of the passage coming into contact with the user's skin in the area of ​​the radius surface.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the liner can have an opening configured to allow a fluid to flow through the opening into the liner. If a fluid is transported through a liner channel, the fluid can enter the interior of the liner through the opening and, for example, act on the sealing lip, thus moving the valve element. Furthermore, the use of an opening allows the liner to be supported on the head base part, so that the valve element and the liner can be sealed against each other and the nozzle chamber can be formed without the use of additional components.

[0030] In addition, the dispensing device can be configured so that the dispensing opening generates a maximum spray cone of 70° in a second position of the valve element. Since the pressure in the valve chamber decreases as the fluid escapes from the dispensing opening, the spray cone varies over time. In particular, the use of a stop as described above can ensure a constant spray cone over a longer period of time. This is because the stop already defines the second position of the valve element before a force equilibrium exists between the spring force of the head spring and the force applied by the fluid pressure. Thus, there is no change in the valve position even if a certain amount of fluid has already escaped from the dispensing opening.However, for the use of the dispensing device and the associated adequate moistening of a body part, for example, a sufficiently large spray cone is required. The maximum angle of the spray cone is therefore preferably 70°. The minimum angle of the spray cone is preferably 15°. The angle is particularly preferably in a range of 30° to 45°.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their interrelationship.

[0032] They show schematically: Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention in a first (closed) position; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of a section X from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a sectional view of a dispensing device according to Fig. 1 in a second (open) position; Fig. 4 a detailed view of a section Y from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a detailed view of a section Z from Fig. 4 ; and Fig. 6 an exemplary fluid flow in a nozzle chamber and a discharge opening according to the Fig. 1 to 6 .

[0033] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a dispensing device 1 for dispensing a fluid, preferably in spray form. The dispensing device 1 has a head base part 2 arranged on a snap-on 3. The head base part 2 is provided with a removable closure cap 4, which can be removed from the dispensing device 1 during use (see Fig. 3 to 6). A cone 5 extends from the head base part 2 in an axial direction through the snap-on 3 into a housing 6. The cone 5 interacts with a housing spring 7 in the housing 6. The cone 5 has a fluid channel 8. The fluid channel 8 extends in the axial direction toward the head base part 2.

[0034] The fluid channel 8 continues in the head base part 2 into a liner channel 9. This liner channel 9 is arranged between the head base part 2 and a liner 10. The liner 10 is formed in one piece. The liner 10 rests on the head base part 2. Furthermore, the liner 10 has an opening 11 through which the liner channel 9 opens into a valve chamber 12.

[0035] In addition, the dispensing device 1 has a valve element 13, which is movably arranged in the liner 10. In the first position of the valve element 13 shown here, the valve element 13 is pressed against a dispensing opening 15 by a head spring 14. The dispensing opening 15 is thus closed by the valve element 13. The dispensing opening 15 is better integrated into the Fig. 2 , 4 , 5 and 6 and is described in more detail below.

[0036] The valve element 13 has a sealing lip 16, which rests against an inner wall 17 of the liner 10. At an end of the valve element 13 opposite the sealing lip 16, the valve element 13 has a hemispherical closure surface 18, which also fits better into the Fig. 2 , 4 , 5 and 6can be seen and will be described in more detail below. In the first position of the valve element 13, the closure surface 18 presses against the discharge opening 15 and closes it.

[0037] The sealing lip 16 spatially separates one area of ​​the valve chamber 12 from another area. This additional area, in which the head spring 14 is arranged, is called the spring chamber 19. On the end opposite the valve element 13, the liner 10 has a plug 20, which is inserted into the liner 10. The plug 20 forms a contact surface for the head spring 14 and simultaneously forms the transition between the fluid channel 8 and the liner channel 9.

[0038] The valve element 13 and the liner 10 also seal against each other. This seal is designated by the reference numeral 21, for example in Fig. 2, wherein the seal 21 is locally variable due to the different positions of the valve element 13 and does not require any explicit component design. Rather, the seal 21 is provided as shown in Fig. 2 shown, by a surface pressure. Furthermore, the seal 21 separates the valve chamber 12 from the nozzle chamber 22. In the Fig. 1 and 2 In the illustrated first position of the valve element 13, in which a hemispherical closure surface 23 of the valve element 13 rests against a cone 24 of the discharge opening 15, the volume of the nozzle chamber 22 is very small and barely recognizable. The cone 24 has the shape of a truncated cone. A better representation of the nozzle chamber 22 and the cone 24 is particularly shown in the Fig. 4 to 6 removable.

[0039] In Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the front area of ​​the dispensing device 1 of the Fig. 1 shown, ie, section X.

[0040] As in the Figures 1 and 2 As shown, the spherical closure surface 23 of the valve element 13 rests against the cone 24 in the first position in such a way that the closure surface 23 partially protrudes into a passage 25 of the discharge opening. This means that the closure surface 23 partially protrudes beyond the truncated cone, ie, beyond the top surface of the truncated cone, and protrudes into the passage 25.

[0041] The cylindrical passage 25 has a passage diameter D 1, which is better in Fig. 5can be seen. D 1 is preferably between 0.2 and 0.6 mm. A diameter of 0.3 mm is particularly preferred. Furthermore, the passage 25 opens into a recess with a radius surface 26. The radius RR of the radius surface 26 is greater than the radius RK of the base surface of the cone 24, which lies opposite the cover surface of the cone 24, and wherein the cover surface forms the transition from the cone 24 to the passage 25. Preferably, RR is 3 mm and RK is 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the radius of the passage 25 is smaller than the radius of the radius surface 26 and the base surface of the cone 24 and corresponds to the radius of the cover surface of the cone 24.

[0042] The width of the radius surface WK is approximately 2.65 mm in the illustration shown. Furthermore, the cone has a cone angle β of approximately 120°. Preferably, the cone angle β is in the range of 100° to 140°. The radius RR of the radius surface 26, the radius RK of the base surface of the cone 24, the width of the radius surface WK, and the cone angle β are shown in the Fig. 5 A spray angle α is also shown in Fig. 6 shown.

[0043] The radius surface 26 forms a section of the outer contour 27 of the head base part 2, wherein due to the radius surface 26 designed as a recess, the opening of the passage 25 on the side of the radius surface 26 lies behind a front region of the head base part 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the Fig. 2a channel 28 in some areas, which bypasses the seal 21 and opens into the nozzle chamber 22. A fluid can thus flow through the channel 28 from the valve chamber 12 into the nozzle chamber 22. The channel thus represents the only fluid connection between the valve chamber 12 and the nozzle chamber 22. The fluid flow from the valve chamber 12 to the nozzle chamber 22 thus bypasses the seal 21.

[0045] In Fig. 3 the dispensing device 1, which is already in the Fig. 1 and 2is shown in a second position of the valve element 13, wherein the closure cap 4 has been removed from the dispensing device 1. In the second position of the valve element 13, the valve element 13 is displaced in the axial direction away from the dispensing opening 15 against the spring force of the head spring 14. This may be due to a fluid accumulation in the valve chamber 12, which exerts fluid pressure on the sealing lip 16 and moves the valve element. Due to the movement of the valve element 13, both the volume of the valve chamber 12 and the volume of the nozzle chamber 22 are increased compared to the first position of the valve element 13.

[0046] As shown in the detailed view of section Y from Fig. 3 , which in Fig. 4 shown, or the detailed view of section Z from Fig. 4 , which in Fig. 5As can be seen, due to the movement of the valve element 13 from the first position to the second position, a channel opening 29 of the channel 28 is released. A fluid which is under pressure in the valve chamber 12 can flow tangentially into the nozzle chamber 22 through the channel 28, which in this case is a vortex channel.

[0047] An example of a fluid flow is shown with solid arrows in Fig. 6shown, wherein the fluid entering the nozzle chamber 22 from the channel opening 29 initially flows in a rotational movement through the nozzle chamber 22 to the cone 24. With the help of the cone 24, the rotational movement of the fluid is converted into an axial movement, i.e. essentially into a movement parallel to an axis x 1 , which simultaneously forms the longitudinal axis of the dispensing device 1. The fluid is accelerated in the passage 25 and forms a spray cone 30 with a spray angle α upon exit. The spray cone 30 is shown by way of example with dashed lines for a better understanding of the invention. When the dispensing device is used, the spray cone 30 is formed by fluid droplets.

[0048] In the case of reference to the Fig. 1 to 6 In the embodiment described above, the identical features have been given the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 and 2represent a state of the dispensing device 1 in which the valve element 13 is arranged in a closed state, ie, in a first position. In the Fig. 3 to 6 however, the same dispensing device 1 is shown without closure cap 4, in an open state, ie in a state in which the valve element 13 is in a second position.

[0049] To dispense the fluid, a user moves the head base part 2 in the axial direction toward the snap-on 3 after the closure cap 4 has been removed from the dispensing device 1. This causes the cone 5 inside the housing 6 to move against the spring force of the housing spring 7. This reduces the volume in a pumping chamber of the housing 6. The pumping chamber is formed by a space surrounding the housing spring 7. The amount of fluid delivered is determined by a stroke of the cone 5 within the pumping chamber. This enables the metering of a predetermined amount of fluid. The resulting overpressure displaces the fluid from the pumping chamber into the fluid channel 8. The fluid is transported in an axial direction along the fluid channel 8. The transport of the fluid continues along the liner 10 through the liner channel 9. At one axial end of the liner channel 9, the fluid finally passes through the opening 11 and reaches the valve chamber 12.

[0050] In the embodiment shown here, a certain amount of fluid accumulates in the valve chamber 12. The resulting pressure of the fluid on the valve element 13 or the sealing lip 16, which forms a type of umbrella, creates a counterforce against the spring force of the head spring 14, which is arranged in a spring chamber 19 sealed off from the valve chamber 12. As long as the force exerted on the valve element 13 by the fluid pressure is smaller than the force exerted on the valve element 13 by the head spring 14, the valve element 13 is in the first position and rests with its hemispherical closing surface 23 against the cone 24 and closes the discharge opening 15, i.e. the passage 25 in the direction of the radius surface 26. At the same time, the valve element 13 closes with its outer surface the channel opening 29 of the channel 28, which connects the valve chamber 12 to the nozzle chamber 22 past the seal 21.

[0051] As soon as the pressure in the valve chamber 12 is great enough to displace the valve element 13, the latter moves longitudinally within the liner 10 into a second position. This second position can be defined by a stop (not shown), so that the valve element 13 is moved until it strikes a stop. Due to the fluid pressure in the valve chamber 12, the fluid presses through the channel 28 and through the outlet opening of the channel, i.e., the channel opening 29, into the nozzle chamber 22. The smaller cross-section of the channel 28 accelerates the fluid. The use of a vortex channel also ensures swirling of the fluid, which enters the nozzle chamber 22 tangentially.

[0052] During the movement of the valve element 13 from the first to the second position, the volumes of the nozzle chamber 22 and the valve chamber 12 increase. However, the valve element 13 and the liner 10 continue to seal against each other. The seal can be achieved, for example, by means of surface pressure, which is designated by reference numeral 21 in the figures.

[0053] As soon as the fluid enters the nozzle chamber 22, the fluid flows in a rotational movement through the nozzle chamber 22 in the direction of the discharge opening 15. The cone 24 ensures that the rotational movement of the fluid is converted into an axial movement, so that the fluid is guided through the passage 25 essentially parallel to the axis x 1.

[0054] The fluid then exits the passage 25, creating a spray mist formed from droplets in the form of a spray cone 30. The spray cone initially has a spray angle α, with the angle α preferably being between 15° and 70°. α is particularly preferably between 30° and 45°. The pressure within the valve chamber 12 decreases during fluid discharge through the discharge opening 15, provided no further fluid flows into the valve chamber 12. Consequently, the force acting on the sealing lip 16 also decreases as fluid continues to escape from the discharge opening 15 of the dispensing device 1. As soon as the spring force of the head spring 14 is greater than the fluid pressure, the valve element 13 is back in the first position, thus closing the discharge opening 15 until, for example, a liquid is pumped into the valve chamber 12 again and the pressure in the valve chamber 12 rises again.

[0055] The embodiment according to the invention thus allows a continuous, sustained, and permanent seal 21 between liner 10 and valve element 13, which is maintained independently of its movement, wherein, at the same time, a fluid can be discharged in the form of a spray from the discharge opening 15 in the second position of the valve element 13. The invention thus allows, using fewer components and a simple structural design, the combination of a sealed pressure chamber 22, a valve chamber 12 that allows pressure to build up, and a nozzle formed from a nozzle chamber 22 and a discharge opening 15, so that a fluid can be sprayed out in spray form. This simple design of the discharge device 1 makes the discharge device 1 particularly cost-effective to manufacture, as well as reliable and less prone to failure. List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 Dispensing device 2 Head base 3 Snap-on 4 Closure cap 5 Cone 6 Housing 7 Housing spring 8 Fluid channel 9 Liner channel 10 Liner 11 Breakthrough 12 Valve chamber 13 Valve element 14 Head spring 15 Discharge opening 16 Sealing lip 17 Inner wall (of the liner) 18 Closure surface 19 Spring chamber (of the head spring) 20 Plug 21 Seal (between valve element and liner) 22 Nozzle chamber 23 Closure surface 24 Cone 25 Passage 26 Radius surface 27 Outer contour (of the head base) 28 Channel 29 Channel opening 30 Spray cone D 1 Passage diameter RR Radius of the radius surface WR Width of the radius surface RK Cone radius αSpray angle βCone angle X 1 Axis

Claims

1. Dispensing device (1) for dispensing a fluid, comprising a head base part (2) with a dispensing opening (15), a liner (10) arranged within the head base part (2), and a valve element (13) movably arranged within the liner (10), wherein the valve element (13) is arranged such that it can be transferred from a first position to a second position relative to the liner (10) via a stroke, and wherein the valve element (13) closes the dispensing opening (15) in the first position and opens the dispensing opening (15) in the second position, characterized in that the valve element (13) and the liner (10) seal against each other in the first position and in the second position of the valve element (13) and thus form a nozzle chamber (22) and a valve chamber (12), wherein the dispensing device (1) has a channel (28) which connects the valve chamber (12) and the nozzle chamber to each other.

2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe channel (28) is a vertebral canal and is accordingly formed at least in part in the form of a helix.

3. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (28) is formed at least partially within the liner (10).

4. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (13) closes a channel opening (29) into the nozzle chamber (22) when the valve element (13) is in the first position.

5. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle chamber (22) has a smaller volume than the valve chamber (12) in the first position of the valve element (13) and in the second position of the valve element (13).

6. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (28) is designed to introduce a fluid tangentially into the nozzle chamber (22).

7. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) has a head spring (14) which presses the valve element (13) against the dispensing opening (15) in the first position.

8. Dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve element (13) additionally has a sealing lip (16), wherein the sealing lip (16) seals the valve chamber (12) against the head spring (14).

9. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (1), preferably the liner (10), has a stop, wherein the stop limits the stroke movement of the valve element (13) from the first position to the second position of the valve element (13).

10. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (13) has a hemispherical closure surface (23) which, in the first position, rests against the discharge opening (15).

11. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge opening (15) has a cone (24) which cooperates with the closure surface (23) of the valve element (13).

12. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge opening (15) has a radius surface (26) which forms part of an outer contour (27) of the head base part (2).

13. Dispensing device according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the discharge opening (15) has a passage (25), the passage connecting the cone (24) and the radius surface (26).

14. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liner (10) has an opening (11) which is designed to allow a fluid to flow through the opening (11) into the liner (10).

15. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe discharge opening (15) produces a maximum spray cone of 70° in a second position of the valve element (13).

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