Device for generating at least one drop of a liquid

Abstract

Device (1) for generating at least one drop (2) of a liquid (3), comprising: - a receiving means (5), comprising a receiving space (4) for receiving a liquid (3), wherein the receiving means (5) has an outlet opening (6) adjacent to the receiving space (4), - an actuator (8), wherein, by activating the actuator (8), an impact (9) can be generated against a transmission means (11) which is movably mounted, at least in sections, and leads to an impact transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11), at least in sections, and - the impact (9) received from the transmission means (11) can be transmitted to the receiving means (5) by the impact transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11), in order to trigger the dispensing of a drop (2) through the outlet opening (6).

Description

[0001] Device for producing at least one drop of a liquid

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing at least one drop of a liquid.

[0003] Corresponding devices for generating at least one drop of a liquid are known in principle from the prior art. For example, it is known to use actuators or vibration elements to directly act on a liquid-filled tank in such a way that a small amount of the liquid emerges from an opening in this tank. The disadvantage here is that these systems are limited in the amount of liquid in the drop to be generated and / or in their ability to adjust the amount of liquid in the drop to be generated.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of specifying a device which, in particular with regard to a simple, rapid and cost-effective measure, increases the accuracy and / or possibilities of influencing the variability of the at least one drop of a liquid to be produced.

[0005] The object is achieved by a device for generating at least one drop of a liquid according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the device. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 21.

[0006] The invention relates to a device for generating at least one drop of a liquid. Such a device can be used, for example, in an industrial plant to apply a defined amount of a liquid in a production process. In general, the device according to the invention can also be referred to as an applicator or liquid dispenser. For example, the device is used in production technology and / or in laboratory technology (e.g., in an automated analyzer) and / or in medical technology, for example, in dentistry, for applying drops of liquid. The liquid drops generated by means of the device can, for example, have a volume in the range of 25 picoliters to 100 nanoliters, preferably of 50 picoliters to 50 nanoliters. The liquid applied by means of the device can comprise an emulsion or a suspension.Alternatively or additionally, a liquid can be used that has a viscosity of a maximum of 100 millipascal seconds (mPa*s), preferably a maximum of 50 millipascal seconds, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 millipascal seconds, and most preferably a maximum of 5 millipascal seconds, particularly during droplet generation and / or at a temperature of 20 °C. A suspension, for example, can be used as the liquid or can be applied via the device.

[0007] The device comprises a receiving means comprising a receiving space for receiving a liquid, wherein the receiving means has an outlet opening adjacent to the receiving space. The receiving means has a cavity or a receiving space and delimits or defines the receiving space with an inner wall. This inner wall comprises an outlet opening through which a liquid contained in the receiving space can escape to the outside.

[0008] The device further comprises an actuator, which optionally has a movably mounted impact means, which can also be referred to as a plunger. By activating the actuator, an impact, in particular of the impact means, is generated or can be generated against a transmission means that is movably mounted at least in sections. In other words, by activating the actuator, the actuator, in particular its impact means, is set in motion and impacts, in particular strikes at the end of its movement path, against the transmission means, thereby generating an impact or impact on the transmission means. This impact or impact of the impact means against the transmission means results in the transmission means being set in motion at least in sections, such that an impact transmission movement of the transmission means is generated at least in sections.

[0009] The shock received by the transmission means can be transmitted directly or indirectly to the receiving means through the shock transmission movement of the transmission means, such that a shock effect occurs on the receiving means. This shock effect on the receiving means causes a drop of liquid to be released through the outlet opening. Because a transmission means is arranged between the actuator and the receiving means, and the kinetic energy generated by the actuator is thus transmitted to the receiving means via the transmission means and its shock transmission movement, the generation of the drop can be specifically influenced by controlling, influencing or designing the shock transmission movement behavior of the transmission means. It is therefore possible to adjust and / or change the point of application of the impact means orThe actuator's action on the transmission means and / or the point of action of the transmission means on the receiving means can influence the quantity or volume and / or shape of the droplet emerging through the outlet opening of the receiving means in a defined and reproducible manner. However, if a direct or immediate impact were to be transmitted from the actuator or from the actuator's impact means to the receiving means having the receiving space and the receiving opening, the limited controllability of the actuator and its impact means would also result in a correspondingly limited design option for generating the droplet.

[0010] The shock transmission movement of the transmission means can be a movement comprising linear and / or rotational movement components. Thus, the transmission means can be mounted, in particular exclusively, for linear movement and / or, in particular exclusively, for rotational movement relative to a support structure of the device that carries or supports it. It is also possible for the transmission means to be mounted in such a way that it executes a rotational and linear movement superimposed, e.g., by a slotted guide. An axis of rotation for a rotating shock transmission movement of the transmission means can run inside or outside the geometry of the transmission means. For example, the shock transmission movement of an at least partially, preferably completely, elastic transmission means can also comprise a deflection or elastic bending of the transmission means.The transmission means can, for example, be designed to be elastic in such a way that an impact or shock movement of the actuator or its impact means acting on the transmission means in the form of a linear movement leads to an elastic bending of the transmission means. In other words, the transmission means can be designed to be elastic in such a way that the transmission means executes an elastic bending or elastic deflection during the shock transmission movement. For example, a transmission means can be mounted in a support structure in such a way that it executes a defined, section-by-section shock transmission movement in the form of a deflection or bending. The bending of the transmission means can be understood as its shock transmission movement, which leads to the transmission of the shock or the kinetic energy to the receiving means.The bending of the transmission means performed during the impact transmission movement can include a movement out of the main extension plane of the transmission means; in particular, a bend can occur such that the neutral fiber of the bent transmission means runs along the longitudinal extension of the transmission means or corresponds to the longitudinal center line of the transmission means. The impact means can, for example, contact or touch the transmission means at a contact section of the transmission means, which thus acts as an (end) stop for the impact means set in motion by the actuator and thereby sets the transmission means in an at least section-by-section movement, wherein this movement is intercepted or limited by the receiving means acting directly or indirectly as a movement limiter for the transmission means.A shock induced in the receiving medium, particularly in this case, leads to the ejection of a drop. The shock-transmitting movement of the transmission medium leads to a movement of the receiving medium, so that the walls defining the receiving space move. Due to mass inertia, the liquid in the receiving space tends to remain in its original position and only follows the movement of the receiving medium with a delay. This shock-induced relative movement of the receiving medium to the liquid contained therein causes a small portion of the liquid to escape through the outlet opening, or in other words, a drop of the liquid is released via the outlet opening.

[0011] It is possible for the actuator, in particular a component of the actuator such as a pusher of the actuator or an impact element of the actuator, to be in contact with the transmission element even when the actuator is not activated. For example, the actuator, in particular a component of the actuator such as a pusher of the actuator or an impact element of the actuator, can be in contact with the transmission element both before and during activation of the actuator. Preferably, the transmission element can have an internal and / or external preload in the direction of the actuator, so that the formation of a gap between the actuator and the transmission element is largely or completely prevented.

[0012] It is possible for the actuator to have a movably mounted impact device, whereby an impact of the impact device can be generated by activation of the actuator.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator can be designed as a piezo device or comprise a piezo device. By activating or energizing or electrically charging the actuator designed as a piezo device, it executes a stroke, whereby this stroke directly or indirectly exerts an impact on the transmission means. For example, the component of the actuator designed as a piezo device that directly contacts the transmission means can be regarded as a movably mounted impact means. This means:A component of the actuator designed as a piezoelectric device, either integral or separate, facing the transmission means, forms a movably mounted impact means, such that this component is configured to execute a defined movement relative to other components of the actuator designed as integral or separate elements. In the case of a multi-layer piezoelectric device, individual layers execute a relative movement relative to other layers or are arranged or mounted so as to be movable relative to one another.

[0014] It is possible for the actuator to comprise a lifting means and an impact means, wherein the lifting means reacts electrically and actively as a function of energization of the actuator and executes a volume change or a lifting movement, whereas the impact means or striking means does not actively execute a volume change or an active lifting movement as a result of energization or loading of the actuator, but rather, as an element, in particular directly adjacent to the lifting means, experiences a force from the lifting means and, as a result of this force, executes a movement which is transmitted to the transmission means. For example, the impact means is designed as a rigid body. For example, the impact means can be formed or comprise at least sectionally, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, from metal or ceramic.The impact means can, for example, be arranged or configured as a cap, in particular a ceramic cap, on, in particular in or on, the lifting means. The impact means configured as a cap can cover the lifting means at least at the front, in particular completely.

[0015] The receiving means can, for example, form a rigid body which does not undergo any elastic deformation upon application of the impulse or upon receipt of the shock by means of the shock transmission movement of the transmission means. The rigidity of the receiving means can be such that upon application of the shock to the receiving means, it does not undergo any deformation, i.e., no elastic or plastic deformation of its walls forming the receiving space, and thus no effect on the liquid in the receiving space due to a deformation or a change in volume of the receiving space occurs, in particular no effect that would influence the formation of drops. In other words, the receiving means is designed to be so rigid that upon application of the shock, its receiving space does not undergo any deformation.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the direction of movement of the impact means or a stroke direction of the actuator designed as a piezo device during its acceleration can be aligned parallel to an exit movement direction of the drop exiting through the outlet opening. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of movement of the impact means during the acceleration of the impact means or the one stroke direction of the actuator designed as a piezo device can be aligned opposite to an exit movement direction of the drop exiting through the outlet opening. It is also possible for a movement or a movement axis of the impact means to enclose an angle in the range of 20° to 160°, preferably from 45° to 135°, particularly preferably from 65° to 115°, most preferably from 80° to 100°, further preferably from 90°, to a longitudinal axis of the transmission means.

[0017] It is possible for the receiving means to be designed as a rigid body, so that the receiving space formed by the receiving means does not undergo any change in shape during the action of an impact transmitted from the transmission means to the receiving means. A change in shape here means, in particular, that the wall sections of the receiving means defining the receiving space do not lead to bending and / or deformation of these wall sections due to the impact of the transmission means on the receiving means. At the very least, the transmitted impact does not cause any change in shape of the wall sections of the rigid receiving means forming the receiving space on a scale that would have a significant influence on the type and / or size of the droplet released from the outlet opening during the impact transmission.This ensures that the droplet generation is targeted and defined depending on the impact and not influenced by any deformation of the wall or the receiving space.

[0018] It can prove advantageous if a damping means is arranged between the transmission means and the receiving means in such a way that the shock transmitted from the transmission means to the receiving means is dampened. In other words, in a shock transmission chain or in a shock transmission path, a damping means is arranged or formed between the receiving means and the transmission means. By specifically designing the damping means, the amplitude and / or the temporal behavior of the reaction of the receiving means to the shock transmitted from the transmission means to the receiving means can be influenced in a defined manner. For example, the damping means is made of metal or plastic, preferably the damping means is made of an elastic plastic and / or synthetic rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the damping means has an annular ora circular contact area with the receiving means and / or the transmission means. Thus, it is possible for the damping means to have a recess into which the receiving means is inserted. In the final assembly state, the transmission means and the damping means can encompass the receiving means, in particular, completely enclose a cross-section of the elongated receiving means.

[0019] It is possible for an elastic damping element to be arranged or formed between an abutment and the transmission means in such a way that the shock transmission movement of the transmission means is dampened during the shock transmission movement of the transmission means, in particular in such a way that a deflection movement of the transmission means is dampened during the shock transmission movement of the transmission means. The abutment can be formed, for example, by a housing body and / or by a structural element of the device. For example, the device comprises a first housing body with a recess, wherein at least one actuator is received or can be received in the recess. Optionally, a further housing body can be provided, wherein the transmission means is arranged or formed between the first and the further housing body.Preferably, a portion of the first housing body and a portion of the further housing body can contact the transmission means. In particular, the transmission means can be clamped between a portion of the first housing body and a portion of the further housing body. For example, the first and further housing bodies can form a support structure for the transmission means and / or a storage area for the transmission means.

[0020] A silicone, particularly a two-component silicone, can be used as the damping element. The damping element can have a Shore A hardness of 10 to 30, preferably 15 to 25, and particularly preferably 20.

[0021] In the event of a shock transmission movement or a deflection of the transmission medium, a movement is transmitted from the transmission medium to the damping element or the damping element is set in motion, at least in part. This at least partial movement of the damping element is limited by the abutment or the abutment acts as a resistance to the movement tendency of the damping element, so that the elastic properties of the damping element dampen the shock transmission movement or the deflection of the transmission medium. It is possible that the damping element is or will be formed from a cured casting compound.Preferably, the damping element was introduced in liquid or pasty or bulk form into a cavity of the device adjacent to the actuator and / or the transmission means, wherein during or after the introduction of the damping element, the latter underwent partial curing or partial solidification, which ultimately led to an elastic damping element.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, it can be provided that the damping element is adjacent to at least one closed pressure chamber, wherein during a shock transmission movement of the transmission means, the damping element penetrates at least partially into the at least one pressure chamber. The at least partial movement of the damping element into the pressure chamber can preferably take place against a media volume, in particular a gas volume (e.g., air volume), trapped or enclosed in the at least one pressure chamber. Due to the pressure chambers provided for the damping element, a defined damping behavior of the damping element during the shock transmission movement of the transmission means can be specified in a structurally simple manner by the dimensioning of the pressure chambers and / or the geometric design of the pressure chambers.In particular, the position of the at least one pressure chamber relative to the bearing point of the transmission means and / or to the receiving means and / or to the point of action of the actuator on the transmission means can predetermine or enable a defined and, in particular, location-dependent, different damping of the transmission means during its shock transmission movement.

[0023] In principle, it is possible to provide the abutment of the damping element, regardless of whether it forms closed pressure chambers or not, with a rigid abutment structure which enables a different, defined counter-hold against the damping element depending on the area. For example, along the longitudinal course of the transmission means, a first section of the abutment structure is at a greater distance from the transmission means than a second section of the abutment structure, so that depending on the respective section, a different resistance behavior of the damping element results and this affects the deflection behavior of the transmission means, in particular depending on the area. The receiving means can be designed, for example, as a sleeve body. The receiving means preferably has a taper, i.e. a cross-sectional constriction, at its end facing the outlet opening.In other words, the outlet opening can be designed as a nozzle. The outlet opening of the receiving space can, for example, be arranged or formed at an end section of an elongated receiving means. In the case of a receiving means designed as a sleeve body, the outlet opening can be formed at one end of the sleeve. A fluid-conducting channel of the receiving means is preferably designed to be rectilinear, at least in sections, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably completely.

[0024] The receiving means can, for example, comprise a radially outwardly expanding contact section for introducing an impact onto the receiving means, generated by the impact means and transmitted from the transmission means to the receiving means. For example, the contact section can be designed or arranged as a continuous or interrupted annular bead on the outside of the receiving means. The contact section acts as a stop for a force introduction coming from the transmission means. It is possible for the contact section to be in direct contact with the damping means, which is arranged in the force transmission or movement transmission between the transmission means and the receiving means.The contact section can have a shape corresponding to the damping means contacting the contact section or - if no damping means is interposed - to the transmission means contacting the contact section.

[0025] For the construction of the device or for the arrangement of the essential elements of the device, it can prove advantageous if a movement axis of the actuator, in particular for executing an impact on the transmission means, and / or a movement axis of the impact means is aligned parallel to an exit movement axis of the drop exiting through the outlet opening. This makes it possible to realize a compact device. Preferably, a movement direction of the actuator and / or the impact means for bringing into contact with the transmission means and thus for forming the impact is opposite to a movement direction of the drop exiting the outlet opening. The outlet movement axis of the drop can be influenced by the shape and orientation of the outlet opening and / or by the movement direction of the impact applied directly or indirectly to the receiving means via the transmission means.Optionally, the movement axis of the actuator (e.g., stroke movement axis), in particular of the actuator's impact mechanism, can enclose an angle with the movement axis of the droplet exiting the outlet opening. Because the actuator, in particular its impact mechanism, executes a linear movement and / or the receiving mechanism triggered by the transmission mechanism executes a linear movement, the respective movements can be described by corresponding movement axes, namely by the movement axis of the actuator and / or the impact mechanism, or by an exit movement axis for the droplet, which can be significantly influenced by the movement axis of the receiving mechanism.

[0026] It is possible for the transmission means to have a recess in which the receiving means is arranged or can be arranged at least in sections. For example, the transmission means can have a recess designed as an opening into which the receiving means is inserted. In particular, a channel cross-section of the receiving means that guides the liquid from a supply region to the outlet opening is arranged or can be arranged predominantly, preferably entirely, within the recess of the transmission means. In other words, the transmission means can encompass the receiving means at least in sections with a structure forming a recess. Preferably, the recess is designed as a recess forming a closed peripheral edge. Alternatively, the recess can be designed as a recess having an interrupted peripheral edge.The channel cross-section can, for example, comprise an area running transversely to a longitudinal axis of the receiving means.

[0027] For example, the transfer medium can be designed as a flat body. The transfer medium is preferably made of metal, e.g., the transfer medium is formed from a metal sheet. The transfer medium can, for example, be designed as a flat body with a substantially and / or at least predominantly constant cross-section. The transfer medium can, for example, have an average material thickness of 0.2 mm to 7 mm, preferably of 0.4 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably of 0.6 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably of 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0028] The transmission means can, for example, be mounted or fixed to a support structure of the device via a mounting area of ​​the transmission means, and a contact area of ​​the transmission means, at which the impact means and / or the actuator touches the transmission means, can be arranged or can be arranged between the mounting area and a transmission area of ​​the transmission means that transmits the impact directly or indirectly to the receiving means. In this way, it can be achieved that, like a lever, a movement of the transmission means induced by the actuator or impact means has a defined greater movement at the location of the impact transmission from the transmission means to the receiving means than at the location of contact between the actuator or impact means and the transmission means. By specifically designing and / or adjusting the distance between the contact area, i.e. the contact or impact point of the actuator orBy determining the impact device and the transfer device, and the transfer point—the transfer area—of the kinetic energy from the transfer device to the receiving device or, if applicable, to the damping device arranged between the receiving device and the transfer device, the movement of the receiving device can be defined or adjusted. Thus, the volume and / or shape of the droplet to be produced can be designed or specifically influenced.

[0029] Alternatively, the transmission area of ​​the transmission means for transmitting an impact or kinetic energy from the transmission means to the receiving means can be arranged between the bearing point of the transmission means on the support structure of the device and the contact area of ​​the transmission means for the contacting contact of the actuator or impact means with the transmission means.

[0030] In order to specifically influence the volume and / or shape of the droplet to be released, it can be provided that a distance, in particular a parallel axial distance, between the movement axis of the actuator or the impact means and the exit movement axis of the droplet exiting through the outlet opening is variable. Preferably, the movement axis of the actuator or the impact means can be locked at a first distance and at at least one second distance different from the first distance to the exit movement axis of the droplet exiting through the outlet opening.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a distance between the movement axis of the actuator or the impact means and a bearing point (bearing area) supporting or fixing the transmission means to a support structure of the device and / or a distance between the movement axis of the receiving means and a bearing area supporting or fixing the transmission means to the support structure of the device is variable, in particular additionally lockable at different distances. A parallel axis distance exists when the exit movement axis of the drop emerging from the outlet opening is aligned parallel to a movement axis of the actuator or the impact means. Alternatively or additionally, there can be a parallelism between the movement axis of the actuator or the impact means and the longitudinal axis of the receiving means.

[0032] The device can comprise a support structure, wherein the actuator and / or the receiving means is / are detachably connected or fastened to the support structure, in particular detachably without tools. For example, the receiving means is designed as a unit that can be detached from the device. This unit can, for example, also comprise a liquid tank and a damping body connecting the liquid tank to the receiving means. Preferably, the transmission means is fastened to the support structure and the receiving means is detachably connected to the transmission means, in particular detachably without tools. By connecting the receiving means to the transmission means in a way that can be detachably connected without tools, it is achieved that a person can easily and conveniently remove the receiving means, optionally with other components of the device, which form an assembly or an applicator unit with the receiving means, from the device.A detachable connection exists if it can be removed without causing damage.

[0033] Preferably, an actuator inserted into the device and / or a receiving means inserted into the device can be locked in the inserted state by means of a locking device. For example, the locking device has a handle for locking and / or releasing the actuator and / or the receiving means by manual force introduction, i.e. by means of manual muscle power. In other words, the locking device can comprise a manually activated locking mechanism by means of which a receiving means inserted into the device can be locked in the inserted state. The handle can also be subjected to a predefined force to release the locking in order to enable the receiving means to be released from the device.For example, a locking device designed as a locking mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted lever with a handle, wherein the receiving means can be locked and / or released in the device by a targeted rotary movement of the lever.

[0034] The receiving means can, for example, have a guide and / or centering structure that is configured to center and / or guide the receiving means at least sectionally relative to the support structure of the device during insertion of the receiving means into a receiving section of the device. In other words, the guide and / or centering structure enables centering and / or guidance of the supplied receiving means in a predefined manner relative to the support structure of the device. The guide and / or centering structure can be formed as a component of the body forming the receiving means, in particular in one piece with it. Alternatively, the guide and / or centering structure is connected to the body forming the receiving means as a separate component by means of a material and / or form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection.

[0035] It is possible for the receiving means to have a fastening structure configured to form a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection with a counter-fastening structure of the transmission means. The fastening and counter-fastening structures are preferably designed, for example, as a bayonet connection. A bayonet connection can enable a simple and reliable connection, particularly manually or robot-assisted, between the receiving means and the transmission means.

[0036] The receiving means and the transmission means can, for example, be connected or connectable to one another exclusively via the fastening and counter-fastening structure. The fastening and counter-fastening structure are preferably designed such that only at least one defined orientation of the receiving means and the transmission means is possible. For example, only a single predefined orientation of the transmission means and receiving means is possible due to the interaction, in particular the geometries, of the fastening and counter-fastening structure.

[0037] It is possible for the receiving means and the transfer means to be connectable or connected, in particular exclusively, by means of an adhesive bond. Preferably, the receiving means and / or the transfer means can have adhesive surfaces on which an adhesive can be applied, in particular at the factory. Preferably, an adhesive applied at the factory to the receiving means and / or the transfer means is protected by a protective layer or film applied at the factory, so that, if necessary, the protective layer or film can be removed and the receiving means can be bonded to the transfer means.

[0038] The outlet opening of the receiving means can be temporarily closed and / or opened, for example, by a closure means mounted movably relative to the receiving means, in particular movably on an applicator unit carrying the receiving means. Preferably, a closing movement of the closure means for closing the outlet opening is positively coupled or positively controlled with a removal movement of the receiving means from a receiving section of the device. A positive coupling or positive control occurs, for example, when a mechanism causes a positive movement through the contact of the applicator unit receiving the receiving means with a counter-contact section of the counter-unit assigned to the receiving section of the device, e.g., an actuator unit.Alternatively or additionally, a release movement of the closure means for releasing the outlet opening can be forcibly coupled or forcibly controlled with a feed movement of the receiving means into a receiving section of the device. Optionally, a locking device for locking the receiving means that can be received in the device can be operatively connected, in particular forcibly controlled, to the closure means and its movement. The closure means can execute a rotational and / or translational movement from a release position to a closed position. Preferably, the closure means can, for example, execute an exclusively rotational or exclusively linear movement during a displacement from a closed position to a release position and / or from a release position to a closed position. A forcibly controlled connection orA positive control can provide that during the removal of the receiving means from the device or during the release of the receiving means from the support structure of the device, the outlet opening of the receiving means is closed by a closure means, either at the same time or at a different time, by a locking device actuated during this process. This can ensure, for example, that when the receiving means is removed, no liquid contained in the receiving means escapes, e.g. due to vibrations during disassembly and / or during further transport of the receiving means. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that when the receiving means is inserted into the device orinto a receiving section of the device, a release movement of the closure means for releasing the outlet opening is carried out simultaneously or with a time delay thereto, in particular prior thereto, by actuating the locking device which locks the insertion. A closure means can also be used on a device which does not provide a locking device for locking the receiving means in the device. Finally, a closure means can also be provided independently of a locking device for locking the receiving means in the device. Preferably, the closure means is non-detachably connected to the receiving means, i.e. cannot be removed non-destructively and / or cannot be removed without tools. This can prevent accidental loss of the closure means during transport or storage of the receiving means.

[0039] The impact means can, for example, be mounted on an actuator base structure via at least one guide means. The guide means serves to ensure a predefined alignment and thus movement of the impact means during its movement. The impact means is preferably mounted on the actuator base structure via at least two guide means, in particular arranged at opposite end regions of the impact means. The actuator base structure can, for example, have an energizable coil body that forms a component of an electromagnet. A first guide means can be placed on a first side of the coil body, and a second guide means can be placed on a second side of the coil body, opposite the first guide means.

[0040] The striking means can, for example, be movable back against an actuator-initiated direction of movement by means of at least one return means, or a restoring force can act on the striking means from the return means, which is directed counter to the actuator-initiated direction of movement. Preferably, the striking means can be moved back via a further return means in a direction that is opposite to a return movement direction of the first return means. In other words, the further return means can enable a restoring force to be exerted on the striking means in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the restoring force of the first return means. The striking means can, for example, be brought into a predefined rest position via the first and the at least one further return means.Preferably, the impact means is subjected to a preload force in the rest position by the first and the at least one further restoring means. Alternatively, the impact means is subjected to a restoring force exclusively from a restoring means or is not subjected to any restoring force from any restoring means in the rest position.

[0041] The rest position refers to a state in which the actuator is not activated. In the case of an actuator designed as an electromagnetic assembly, this would be in the rest state when the electromagnetic assembly is not energized or is energized with a lower current than in the activated state.

[0042] The actuator can, for example, be designed as an electromagnetic assembly or as an electromagnetic actuating means. The actuator preferably has an energizable electromagnet, the magnetic field generated by energization of which leads to the movement of the impact means arranged in the electromagnet. Alternatively, the actuator can comprise a piezo device, wherein an increase in volume or a stroke of the piezo device can be carried out by energizing or electrically charging the piezo device. The control can be carried out in a simple manner, for example, a voltage pulse can be used to control the actuator and thus to set the impact means in motion or to set the piezo device in motion. For this purpose, the actuator can, for example, have a digital input for receiving the control and / or power signal. For example, a voltage pulse in the range of 12 volts to 36 volts can be used.Alternatively or additionally, a control and / or power signal in the form of a voltage pulse with a pulse duration of 0.1 ms (milliseconds) to 2 ms, preferably 0.5 ms to 1.5 ms, most preferably 0.8 ms to 1.2 ms, can be used. The control and / or power signal can, for example, form an edge-triggered signal, in particular a square-wave signal.

[0043] Furthermore, it may prove expedient if the guide means and / or the return means are designed as a spring element. The spring element is preferably designed as a bending-stressed spring, particularly preferably as a leaf spring. In the present case, a leaf spring can optionally also be understood to mean a diaphragm spring, i.e. the leaf spring has a flat structure, with a first force acting at its center, which is supported against a bearing area located in the edge region of the leaf spring, so that it executes an elastic bend. The flat leaf spring or diaphragm spring can, for example, have recesses that influence its rigidity, e.g. radial and / or spiral recesses are formed on the flat body, which determine its spring behavior perpendicular to the main plane of extension.

[0044] It is possible to provide a stop damper 48 so that the striking means set in motion by the activation of the actuator is dampened in its subsequent return movement after the impact or contact with the transmission means. This quickly decelerates the return movement of the striking means, or the stop damper causes the striking means to quickly come to a stop after its return movement. In other words, the aim is to prevent the striking means from continuing to swing after its activation in order to have a reproducible and / or defined initial situation for the striking means as quickly as possible for the next activation. The stop damper achieves this by quickly reaching a defined basic state before or during the renewed activation of the striking means. For this purpose, the stop damper preferably has a high damping effect. For example, it exhibits viscoelastic behavior.The impact damper can be made of plastic, metal or rubber, for example, or contain components thereof.

[0045] The guide means and the return means can be configured as (a) a single-piece element or (b) a multi-piece assembled element. In the case of the single-piece element, the guide and return means fulfill both functions, namely returning and guiding the impact means, as a single body.

[0046] For example, a sealing means can be arranged or formed between the receiving means and the actuator, which sealing means is designed to separate a first receiving section of the device for receiving the receiving means from a further receiving section of the device for receiving the actuator, in particular the impact means of the actuator, in a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. Preferably, a first section of the transmission means is arranged on the side of the sealing means facing the first receiving region of the device, and a further section of the transmission means is arranged on the side of the sealing means facing the further receiving region. In other words, the transmission means can penetrate the sealing means or a sealing plane defined by the sealing means.The sealing means can separate the receiving area of ​​the device for receiving the receiving means from other areas of the device, in particular from the actuator, so that no liquid and / or dust or other contaminants can penetrate into the other areas of the device, in particular into the actuator, during removal and / or insertion of a receiving means. It is possible for the sealing means to seal two sections of the transmission means from one another, so that a first section of the transmission means is sealed or separated from another section of the transmission means in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner by the sealing means.

[0047] The receiving space of the receiving means can, for example, be fluidly connected or connected to a liquid tank. Preferably, after a drop has been ejected from the outlet opening of the receiving means, liquid can be fed from the liquid tank into the receiving space of the receiving means. In this case, refilling or supplementing of liquid originating from the liquid tank into the receiving space of the receiving means can preferably take place, in particular exclusively due to gravity and / or, in particular exclusively due to negative pressure and / or, in particular exclusively due to overpressure. For at least partially overpressure- or underpressure-initiated refilling of liquid, a pressure generating device (e.g., a pump or a compressor) can be fluidly connected to the liquid tank and / or to the receiving means.

[0048] For example, a damping body can be arranged or formed between the receiving means and the liquid tank in order to prevent or dampen the transmission of a shock acting on the receiving means from a transmission means to the liquid tank. In other words, there can be a mechanical decoupling or a dampened coupling of the liquid tank and the receiving means. This means that when the impact means impacts the transmission means and the resulting shock is transmitted from the transmission means to the receiving means, the receiving means can be moved without the movement of the receiving means transmitting a shock to the liquid tank, or if shock is transmitted, this is at least done in a dampened manner. Conversely, this also ensures that the receiving means can move independently of the liquid tank.The damping body can be designed, for example, as an annular body or channel body, preferably as a plate-shaped annular body. For example, the damping body can have the shape of a lateral surface of a truncated cone, in particular substantially. Alternatively or additionally, the damping body can have a rotationally symmetrical shape, for example. Optionally, the damping body can have a passage channel, in particular a centrally arranged one, through which a liquid in the liquid tank can pass and reach the receiving space of the receiving means. The damping body and / or the receiving means can be designed as a rotationally symmetrical component. A damping body designed with a liquid guide channel can, for example, be aligned with its channel center axis coaxially to a channel center axis and / or to a longitudinal axis of the receiving means.The passage channel of the damping body can preferably be designed to be rectilinear, at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably entirely.

[0049] It is possible for an influencing structure to be arranged or formed in the receiving space of the receiving means in order to influence the movement of the liquid relative to the receiving means resulting from the inertia of the liquid during the action of an impact exerted by the transmission means on the receiving means. In other words, the influencing structure acts as a movement barrier for a liquid located in the receiving space and moving towards the outlet opening or forming a drop at the outlet opening due to an impact acting on the receiving means. Thus, the shape and / or quantity and / or the temporal exit behavior of the drop triggered from the outlet opening can be adjusted or changed through a targeted design of the influencing structure.The influencing structure can be formed, for example, as a protrusion and / or as a recess on a wall forming an inner wall of the receiving space. For example, the influencing structure is designed as a grid and / or diaphragm body. The influencing structure can have a passage surface, in particular a passage cross-sectional surface, through which a liquid moved from a liquid tank to an outlet opening passes. The influencing structure is preferably configured or designed such that its passage surface, in particular its passage cross-section, is variable. It is possible, via an actuator and / or a manually operable adjusting means, to move at least one element of the influencing structure influencing the passage surface in order to change the passage surface or to specifically change its position and / or orientation.Consequently, the actuator and / or the manually operable actuating means can specifically influence the reaction movement of the liquid located in the receiving space of the receiving means to the impact applied to the receiving means and thus adjust the volume or quantity and / or the shape and / or the time course of the drop generation.

[0050] In addition to the device for generating at least one drop of a liquid, the invention also relates to a method for generating at least one drop of a liquid using a device described herein. In particular, the generation of the drop can be influenced by changing the control of the actuator and / or the actuator and / or the manually operable actuating means.

[0051] All advantages, details, embodiments and / or features of the device according to the invention are transferable or applicable to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0052] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. In the drawings:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device for producing at least one drop of a liquid according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a perspective schematic diagram of a first applicator unit comprising a receiving means in a state detached from an actuator unit comprising an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic diagram of the applicator unit in a state assembled with the actuator unit according to Figure 2;

[0055] Fig. 4 is a schematic full-sectional view of the applicator and actuator unit in their separated state according to Figure 2;

[0056] Fig. 5 is a schematic full-sectional view of the applicator and actuator unit in its assembled state according to Figure 3;

[0057] Fig. 6 is a perspective full-section view of the assembled applicator and actuator unit according to Figure 5;

[0058] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an applicator and actuator unit, comprising an actuator comprising a piezo device according to an embodiment, in a discharged state of the piezo device or a rest state of the actuator;

[0059] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an applicator and actuator unit, comprising an actuator comprising a piezo device according to Figure 7 in a charged state or in an activated state of the piezo device.

[0060] The figures show an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for generating at least one drop 2 of a liquid 3, cf. Figure 1, wherein the device 1 comprises an applicator unit 50 comprising a receiving means 5 and an actuator unit 60 comprising an actuator 8, and the applicator unit 50 can be assembled with the actuator unit 60. The receiving means 5 has a receiving space 4 for receiving a liquid 3. The receiving means 5 can be designed as a sleeve, wherein the receiving means 5 has an outlet opening 6 adjacent to the receiving space 4. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises an actuator 8 with a movably mounted impact means 7 or a plunger, wherein by activating the actuator 8, an impact 9 of the impact means 7 can be generated against a transmission means 11 that is movably mounted at least in sections and leads to an at least partial impact transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11.In a basic position, the impact means 7 can be spaced from the transmission means 11 or form an air gap. This distance can be used as a path for actuator-assisted acceleration of the impact means 7 in order to execute an impact or a shock 9 through the impact means 7 on the transmission means 11. The shock 9 received by the transmission means 11 is transmitted to the receiving means 5 by the shock transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11 and leads to an impact 10 against the receiving means 5 in order to trigger the ejection of a drop 2 through the outlet opening 6. Alternatively, the actuator 8, in particular the impact means 7 or a shock means of the actuator 8, can rest against the transmission means 11 or touch it without forming a gap in the non-activated state of the actuator 8. In this way, an actuator-initiated shock 9 orThe impact can be carried out without an acceleration movement of the actuator, in particular of an impact means 7 and / or an impact means of the actuator 8, forming a free space. The impact means 7 or the impact means of the actuator 8 can be designed, for example, as a rigid closing body 99 of the lifting means 100, e.g., as a ceramic cap.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the actuator 8 is designed as a piezo device 86 or comprises a piezo device 86. For example, a multi-layer piezo device can be used. The piezo device 86 can, for example, have a capacitance of 0.1 to 50 F, preferably of 0.2 to 35 pF, particularly preferably of 0.3 to 25 pF, further preferably of 0.4 to 15 pF. The piezo device 86 can, for example, have a stroke length or an effective impact movement of a maximum of 100 pm, preferably of 60 pm, particularly preferably of 50 pm, most preferably of 40 pm, further preferably of 30 pm. Alternatively or additionally, the stroke length of the piezo device can be at least 0.5 pm, preferably 1.0 pm, particularly preferably 2.0 pm, further preferably 3.0 pm.

[0062] For a compact device, it can be advantageous if a lower edge 87 of the actuator unit 60 is at a distance 89 of a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 8 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 5 mm, from a lower edge 88 of the applicator unit 50 and / or a lower edge 88 of the outlet opening 6 of the receiving means 5. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the lower edge 88 of the applicator unit 60 and / or the lower edge 88 of the outlet opening 6 is arranged or formed in the distance range of 5 mm above to 10 mm below, preferably 3 mm above to 8 mm below, particularly preferably 1 mm above to 5 mm below, most preferably 1 mm below to 5 mm below, the lower edge 87 of the actuator unit 60.An inner diameter 98 and / or an inner maximum cross-sectional length of the receiving means 5 can, for example, be in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 8 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm to 6 mm, most preferably 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0063] The receiving means 5 can, for example, have a length of 4 mm to 50 mm, preferably of 7 mm to 40 mm, particularly preferably of 10 mm to 30 mm. It is possible for the receiving means 5 to be made of plastic, in particular of polypropylene. For example, the receiving means 5 is produced using an injection molding process. As shown by way of example in Figure ?, the receiving means 5 can have a reservoir 90, in particular a one-piece reservoir, which is arranged or formed on the end region of the receiving means 5 facing away from the outlet opening 6. The reservoir 90 can, for example, have a rotationally symmetrical shape and / or the reservoir 90 is arranged or formed coaxially to a central section or a main section or a nozzle section of the receiving means 5.For example, a contact collar 40, in particular in the form of an annular bead, can be formed on the outer circumference of the receiving means 5, which can be brought into contact with the transmission means 11, cf. Figures 7 and 8. Alternatively or additionally, a step-like transition can be formed from the reservoir 90 and a section of the receiving means 5 adjoining it in the direction of the outlet opening 6. Preferably, this transition can form a stop or a contact area, in particular a ring-like one, between the receiving means 5 and the transmission means 11 in the assembled state of the receiving means 5 and the transmission means 11. In an optional embodiment, it can be provided that the walls defining the reservoir 90 are formed in one piece, i.e., from the same material or integrally, with the walls forming the receiving space 5 of the receiving means 5.

[0064] The reservoir 90 can, for example, have an average inner diameter 90 and / or an average inner transverse extent in the range from 5 mm to 30 mm, preferably 6 mm to 25 mm, particularly preferably 7 mm to 20 mm, most preferably 8 mm to 15 mm. Alternatively or additionally, an average inner diameter 90 and / or an average inner transverse extent of the reservoir 90 can have a ratio of 1.15 to 30, preferably from 1.25 to 20, particularly preferably from 1.5 to 13, most preferably from 1.75 to 10, further preferably from 2 to 5, to an inner diameter 98 and / or to an inner transverse extent of a base portion of the receiving means 5. The base section is preferably formed by a region of the receiving means 5 having the greatest longitudinal extent and / or by a region of the receiving means 5 adjoining the reservoir 90 in the direction of the outlet opening 6.For example, the base section, as a geometrically uniform section, has the largest length component along the longitudinal axis of the receiving means 5.

[0065] It is possible for a closure body 92 to be arranged or arrangeable at the end of the receiving means 5, in particular facing away from the outlet opening 6. The closure body 92 can preferably be detachably or permanently connected or connected to the receiving means 5. For example, the closure body 92 has a pressure equalization opening 93 so that, when the closure body 92 is mounted on the receiving means 5, pressure equalization for the receiving space 4 of the receiving means 5 can take place via the pressure equalization opening 92 when a liquid 3 escapes via the outlet opening 6. Due to the dimensioning of the receiving means 5, the pressure equalization opening 93 and the outlet opening 6, as well as in coordination with the flow behavior or the viscosity and / or the density of the liquid 3 to be applied, flowing out of the liquid 3 from the receiving space 4 when the device 1 and / or the receiving means 5 is in the idle state can be prevented.It is possible to form an interface structure for connecting a suction device (not shown) on, in particular in or on, the closure body 92. By means of the suction device connected or connectable to the pressure equalization opening 93, a negative pressure can be generated in the receiving space 4. In particular, by generating the negative pressure in the receiving space 4, a fluid can be sucked into the receiving space 4 via the outlet opening 6. For this purpose, the outlet opening 6 can protrude into or be immersed in a container filled with a fluid. The suction device can generate a negative pressure by means of a motor or by means of muscle power. For example, the suction device is designed as a syringe, in particular as a piston syringe, wherein a particularly standardized outlet end of the suction device, e.g., a nozzle, can correspond to the interface structure of the closure body.For example, the interface structure of the closure body can be designed in the manner of a Luer system (e.g. as a Luer slip or as a Luer lock) and thus enable the force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection of a syringe provided with a Luer system to the closure body 92.

[0066] The receiving means 5 is designed, for example, as a rigid body, so that the receiving space 4 formed by the receiving means 5 does not undergo any change in shape during the action of an impact 10 transmitted from the transmission means 11 to the receiving means 5. Thus, the receiving means 5 and its inner wall delimiting or forming the receiving space 4 move relative to the liquid 3 located in the receiving space 4, so that due to the persistence or inertia of the liquid 3 relative to the movement of the receiving means 5, a drop 2 is formed that is released from the outlet opening 6 in response to the impact 9, 10.

[0067] A damping means 49 is preferably arranged between the transmission means 11 and the receiving means 5, such that the shock 10 transmitted from the transmission means 11 to the receiving means 5 is dampened. The damping means 49 is designed as one, in particular a single, means that receives the shock from the receiving means 5 and transmits it to the receiving means 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the damping means 49 is designed as an elastomer ring. The sleeve-shaped receiving means 5 can, for example, have a radially outward-pointing or radially outwardly projecting contact section, e.g., a contact collar 40, against which the damping means 49 or the transmission means 5 directly comes into contact or bears during contact to transmit the shock 10. The contact collar 40 can, for example, be designed as an annular bead.

[0068] It is possible for an elastic damping element 80 to be arranged or configured between an abutment 81 and the transmission means 11, such that during the shock transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11, a damping effect is exerted on the shock transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11. This can, for example, dampen the deflection movement 85 of the transmission means 11.

[0069] The abutment 81 can, for example, be formed by a housing body 94, 95 and / or by a structural element of the device 1. For example, the device 1 comprises a first housing body 94 with a recess 96, wherein at least one actuator 8 is received or can be received in the recess 96. Optionally, a further housing body 95 can be provided, wherein the transmission means 11 is arranged or formed between the first and the further housing body 94, 95. Preferably, a section of the first housing body 94 and a section of the further housing body 95 can touch the transmission means 11, in particular receive or hold it between them. For example, the first and the further housing body 94, 95 can form a support structure 19 for the transmission means 11 and / or a bearing area 20 of the transmission means 11. It is possible for the damping element 80 to be made of a hardened orto be cured. The damping element 80 was preferably introduced in liquid, pasty, or bulk-like form into a cavity of the device 1, in particular of at least one housing body 94, 95, adjacent to the actuator 8 and / or the transmission means 11, wherein during or after the introduction of the damping element 80, the latter has undergone or undergoes partial curing or partial solidification, which ultimately leads to an elastic damping element 80. It is possible for at least one housing body 94, 95 to have an introduction opening 97 which serves to introduce the liquid, pasty, or bulk-like damping element 80 into a cavity of at least one housing body 94, 95, in particular into a recess of at least one housing body 94, 95 which at least partially accommodates the actuator 8 and / or the transmission means 11.

[0070] An optional manufacturing method can, for example, be carried out in such a way that first an actuator 8 is inserted, in particular fixed, into a recess 96 of the first housing body 94. Then the transmission means 11 is placed, in particular fixed, between the first housing body 94 and an attached second housing body 95. Then, a liquid or pasty or bulk (e.g., powdery) damping material is introduced to form a damping element 80 via an introduction opening 97. The introduction opening 97 can be made on at least one housing body 94, 95 and / or on a gap formed by a housing body 94, 95 and the transmission means 11 or by at least two housing bodies 94, 95.Preferably, the damping material introduced into the recess 96 and forming the damping element 80 touches at least partially, preferably predominantly, the actuator 8 and / or the transmission means 11.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, it can be provided that the damping element 80 is adjacent to at least one closed pressure chamber 84, 84', wherein during a shock transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11, the damping element 80 penetrates or protrudes at least partially into the at least one pressure chamber 84, 84', preferably temporarily. The at least partial movement of the damping element 80 into the at least one pressure chamber 84, 84' can preferably occur against a media volume, in particular a gas volume (e.g., air volume), trapped or enclosed in the at least one pressure chamber 84, 84'.Due to the pressure chambers 84, 84' provided for the damping element 80, a defined damping behavior of the damping element 80 during the shock transmission movement 12 of the transmission means 11 can be specified in a structurally simple manner by the dimensioning of the pressure chambers 84, 84' and / or the geometric design of the pressure chambers 84, 84'. In particular, the position of the at least one pressure chamber 84, 84' relative to the bearing point of the transmission means 11 and / or to the receiving means 5 and / or to the point of action of the actuator 8 on the transmission means 11 can specify or enable a defined and, in particular, location-dependent, different damping of the transmission means 11 during its shock transmission movement 12.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving means 5 is designed as a rigid sleeve body, wherein the end 13 of the receiving means 5 facing the outlet opening 6 is tapered or forms a nozzle. A movement axis 14 of the actuator 8, in particular for executing an impact on the transmission means 11, and / or of the impact means 7 can—as illustrated—be aligned parallel to an exit movement axis 15 of the drop 2 exiting through the outlet opening 6. This juxtaposition of the impact means 7 or the impact means of the actuator 8 and the receiving means 5 enables a compact design.

[0073] The transmission means 11 can, for example, have a recess 16 in which the receiving means 5 is arranged or can be arranged at least in section. Figure 2 shows a claw-like recess 16 or one having the shape of an open mouth, into which the receiving means 5 is inserted. In this case, a channel cross-section 18 of the receiving means 5 leading the liquid 3 from a feed area 17 to the outlet opening 6 is arranged predominantly (see Fig. 2) or completely (see Fig. 1) within the recess 16 of the transmission means 11 or is predominantly (see Fig. 2) or completely (see Fig. 1) encompassed by the structure of the transmission means 11 forming the recess 16.

[0074] The transmission means 11 is mounted on a support structure 19 of the device 1 via a mounting area 20 of the transmission means 11. A contact area 21 of the transmission means 11, at which the actuator 8 and / or the impact means 7 touches the transmission means 11, is arranged or can be arranged between the mounting area 20 and a transmission area 22 of the transmission means 11 that transmits the impact 9 directly or indirectly to the receiving means 5. Thus, the contact area 21 is arranged between the mounting area 20 and the transmission area 22.

[0075] BISHIER A distance 23, in particular a parallel axial distance, of a movement axis 14 of the actuator 8, in particular of its impact means 7, can be changed relative to an exit movement axis 15 of the drop 2 exiting through the outlet opening 6 and / or relative to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve-shaped receiving means 5. For this purpose, an adjustment device (not shown) can be provided which enables manual or automated adjustment of the distance 23 between the movement axis 14 and the exit movement axis 15 and / or the longitudinal axis of the sleeve-shaped receiving means 5.

[0076] The actuator 8 and / or the receiving means 5 can be detachably connected, in particular detachably without tools, to the support structure 19 of the device 1. Preferably, the transmission means 11 is fastened to the support structure 19, in particular not detachably without tools, and the receiving means 5 is detachably connected, in particular detachably without tools, to the transmission means 11. This makes it possible to achieve a device 1 which enables easy replacement of the receiving means 5 on a support structure 19 having or supporting the actuator 8 and in particular additionally the transmission means 11. This also makes it possible to detach an applicator unit 50 to the actuator unit 60 in a detachable manner, in particular detachably without tools, wherein the actuator unit 60 can form the support structure 19 of the device 1.

[0077] It is possible to provide a device 1 that is compact, easy to control, and whose receiving means 5, preferably together with the liquid tank 34, can be easily detached from the actuator unit 60 comprising the actuator 8 and preferably also the transmission means 11. This allows for a simple and convenient exchange of the applicator unit 50, comprising the receiving means 5 and a liquid tank 34, on the actuator unit 60. It is thus possible for an arrangement to comprise at least one actuator unit 60 and at least two applicator units 50, wherein the applicator units 50 can be alternately assembled with the actuator unit 60. For example, the liquid tanks 34 of at least two applicator units 50 are filled with different liquids, so that, as needed, the applicator unit 50 whose liquid is to be used to generate a drop can be used.

[0078] The receiving means 5 can have a guide and / or centering structure 24 (see Figure 1), which is designed to center and / or guide the receiving means 5 relative to the support structure 19 of the device 1, at least in sections, during insertion of the receiving means 5 into a receiving section 25 of the device 1. Preferably, at least a part of the guide and / or centering structure 24 is arranged or formed in the vicinity of the end 13 of the receiving means 5 facing the outlet opening 6. The guide and / or centering structure 24 enables convenient installation of the receiving means 5 in the support structure 19 of the device 1 and, in particular, during the feed movement of the receiving means 5, directs or guides it into a predefined position and / or orientation.The guiding and / or centering structure 24 can, for example, have mutually corresponding surfaces and / or points, in particular sliding bevels, on the receiving means 5 and the support structure 19.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the receiving means 5 has a fastening structure 82 which is configured to form a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection with a counter-fastening structure 83 of the transmission means 11. For example, the fastening and counter-fastening structures 82, 83 are designed as a bayonet connection. Optionally, the receiving means 5 and the transmission means 11 are or can be connected to one another exclusively via the fastening and counter-fastening structure. Thus, the receiving means 5 can, for example, be carried within the device 1 exclusively via the transmission means 11. The fastening and counter-fastening structures 82, 83 are preferably designed such that only defined orientations of the receiving means 5 and the transmission means 11 are possible.For example, only a single predefined alignment of transmission means 5 and receiving means 11 is possible due to the interaction, in particular the geometries, of fastening and counter-fastening structure 82, 83.

[0080] The receiving means 5 and the transmission means 11 can be connected or connected to one another, for example, in particular exclusively, by means of an adhesive connection.

[0081] Optionally, the outlet opening 6 of the receiving means 5 can be closed by a closure means 26 movably mounted on the applicator unit 50 comprising the receiving means 5. Preferably, a closing movement of the closure means 26 for closing the outlet opening 6 with a removal movement of the receiving means 5 from the receiving section 25 of the device 1 and / or a release movement of the closure means 26 for releasing the outlet opening 6 with a feed movement of the receiving means 5 into the receiving section 25 of the device 1 is positively controlled, i.e. can be carried out in the course of a controlled movement. Alternatively or additionally, the release and / or closing movement of the closure means 26 can be dependent on a locking device 27 locking the receiving means 5 in the receiving section 25 of the device 1; in particular, there is a positive control between the release and / or closing movement and the state of the locking device.According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the closure means 26 is provided with an elastic sealing element 41 which closes the outlet opening 6 in the closed position, see Figure 4. The closure means 26 is designed as a lever mounted for rotation about the axis of rotation 42, wherein the lever has a contact section 44 between its axis of rotation 42 and the sealing element 41. During insertion of the applicator unit 50 into or onto the actuator unit 60, a mating contact section 47 of the actuator unit 60 comes into contact with the contact section 44 and leads to a displacement of the closure means 26 into the release position exposing the outlet opening 6.The closure means 26 can be pre-tensioned by means of a pre-tensioning means (not shown) into the closed position closing the outlet opening 6, so that when the applicator unit 50 is removed from the actuator unit 60, the closure means 26 is moved into the closed position due to the contact section 44 and counter-contact section 47 being brought out of contact and due to the pre-tensioning force of the pre-tensioning means.

[0082] Furthermore, the applicator unit 50 or the actuator unit 60 can comprise a lever 46 rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 45, wherein the lever has a handle 43 by means of which the lever 46 can be moved by a person in order to engage a lever-side engagement element 48 with a counter-element 49 on the actuator unit side. Thus, the applicator unit 50 and the actuator unit 60 can be locked by a locking device 27 designed as a rotatable lever 46. Alternatively, the locking device 27 can comprise a locking means that is exclusively linear or can be moved both linearly and rotationally.

[0083] The impact means 7 is mounted on an actuator base structure 30 via at least one guide means 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the impact means 7 is mounted on the actuator base structure 30 via two guide means 28, 29, which are arranged in particular at opposite end regions of the impact means 7.

[0084] The impact means 7 can be moved back, or can be moved back, counter to an actuator-initiated direction of movement, for example, by means of at least one return means 31. Furthermore, the impact means 7 can be moved back via a further return means 32 in a direction that is opposite to a return movement direction of the first return means 31. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the return function and the guide function with respect to the impact means 7 for its movement relative to the actuator base structure 30 are realized by two guide and return means 28, 29, 31, 32, each comprising both functions. These guide and / or return means 28, 29, 31, 32 are designed, for example, as a spring element; the spring element is preferably designed as a bending-stressed spring, particularly preferably as a leaf spring. In particular, at least one, in particular both, guide and return means 28, 29, 31, 32 can be designed as a disc spring orbe designed as diaphragm springs, which allows a low overall height in the Y-direction to be achieved, see Figures 4 and 5.

[0085] Alternatively or in addition to at least one return means 31, 32, in particular in addition to at least two return means 31, 32, a stop damper 48 can be provided. This stop damper 48 is preferably arranged on the side of the striking means 7 facing away from the transmission means 11 and has a damping effect on a return movement of the striking means after it has contacted the transmission means 11. For this purpose, the stop damper 48 can preferably serve as an end length limiter for the returning striking means 7. In other words, further swinging of the striking means 7 after its activation should be prevented or at least kept as short as possible in time so that a reproducible and / or defined initial situation of the striking means 7 is available as quickly as possible for the next activation.

[0086] It is possible for the impact means 7 and / or the stop damper 48 to be equipped with an adjustment means 70, with which the maximum travel of the impact means 7, in particular between the stop damper 48 as a one-sided end stop and the transmission means 11 as the other-sided end stop, can be adjusted. For this purpose, the adjustment means 70 can be arranged or formed, for example, in or on a cover for closing the receiving area of ​​the actuator base structure for receiving the impact means 7. Alternatively, the adjustment means 70 can be arranged or formed so as to be adjustably mounted on the actuator base structure 30 itself.

[0087] The adjustment means 70 can, for example, be screwably attached to a structure receiving it. For example, the adjustment means 70 is designed as a screw, in particular as a grub screw. For example, the adjustment means 70 is designed as a screw and arranged in a screw receiving recess of the impact means 7, see Figure 6. Between the receiving means 5 and the actuator 8, a sealing means 33 can optionally be arranged or formed - as shown in Fig. 1 - which is designed to separate a first receiving section 25 of the device 1 for receiving the receiving means 5 from a further receiving section 35 of the device 1 for receiving the impact means 7 in a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner.Preferably, a first portion of the transmission means 11 is arranged on the side of the sealing means 33 facing the first receiving portion 25 of the device 1 and a further portion of the transmission means 11 is arranged on the side of the sealing means 33 facing the further receiving portion 35.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the sealing means 33 comprises at least one sealing ring, in particular at least one O-ring. For example, a portion of the sealing means 33, e.g., an O-ring, is arranged on each of the top and bottom sides of the transmission means 11.

[0089] The receiving space 4 of the receiving means 5 can, for example, be fluidly connected to a liquid tank 34. In particular, after a drop 2 emerges from the outlet opening 6 of the receiving means 5, liquid 3 can be fed from the liquid tank 34 into the receiving space 4 of the receiving means 5 due to gravity and / or overpressure and / or underpressure. A damping body 38 can be arranged or configured between the receiving means 5 and the liquid tank 34 in order to prevent or dampen the transmission of an impact 10 acting on the receiving means 5 from a transmission means 11 to the liquid tank 34. As shown, for example, in Figure 4, the damping body 38 can be configured as a rotationally symmetrical body. In particular, the receiving means 5 is connected in a supporting manner to the body forming the liquid tank 34, in particular exclusively, via the damping body 38.

[0090] Furthermore, it is optionally possible for the applicator unit 50 comprising the receiving means 5 to comprise a holding arm 36 for releasably holding the receiving means 5 on the applicator unit 50. Thus, the holding arm 36 can comprise an insertion recess 37 into which the receiving means 5 is inserted or inserted at least partially, so that the receiving means 5 is trapped within a space formed by the damping body 38 and the insertion recess 37 of the holding arm 36. In the receiving space 4 of the receiving means 5, for example, an influencing structure

[0091] 39 may be arranged or configured to influence the movement of the liquid 3 relative to the receiving means 5 resulting from the inertia of the liquid 3 during the action of an impact 10 acting from the transmission means 11 on the receiving means 5. For example, an influencing structure 39 in the form of a movably mounted fluid steering element may be arranged in the receiving space 4, and depending on the position and / or orientation of this fluid steering element, the volume and / or quantity and / or temporal progression of the droplet discharge and / or the shape of the droplet 2 may be influenced or changed.

[0092] Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for producing at least one drop 2 of a liquid 3 using a device 1 described herein.

[0093] The device 1 can, for example, be designed such that a stroke 101 of the receiving means 5 at its outlet opening 6, generated by the activation of the actuator 8, is carried out in the range 1 .m to 120 .m, preferably from 3 .m to 90 .m, more preferably from 5 .m to 60 .m, most preferably from 6 .m to 40 .m.

[0094] A stroke 102 or a maximum effective impact extension of the actuator 8 can, for example, be in the range from 0.5 m to 60 m, preferably from 1 m to 50 m, more preferably from 2 m to

[0095] 40 .m, most preferably from 3 .m to 30 .m.

[0096] Optionally, a lever ratio starting from a bearing region 20 fixing the transmission means 5, from which bearing region 20 the transmission means 5 undergoes a deflection, e.g. a bend, due to the activation of the actuator 8, to the contact region 21 at which the actuator 8 touches the transmission means 5, and to an outlet opening 6 of the receiving means 5 or to an outlet longitudinal axis (exit movement axis 15) of the receiving means 5 running through the outlet opening 6, can be in a range from 1.1 to 5, preferably 1.2 to 4, particularly preferably 1.3 to 3, most preferably 1.5 to 2.5.In other words, the lever ratio relates to the ratio of the lengths 103, 104 between the bearing area 20 and the contact area 21 (length 103) and between the bearing area 20 and an outlet opening 6 (length 104), wherein both lengths 103, 104 are taken from or correspond to a projection of the distances in a plane running parallel to the main extension plane of the transmission means 5. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST.

[0097] device

[0098] Drops of 3

[0099] liquid

[0100] Recording room of 5

[0101] Recording equipment

[0102] Outlet opening of 5

[0103] whipping agent

[0104] Actuator

[0105] Push from 8 to 11

[0106] Push from 11 to 5 or from 11 to 49 and from 49 to 5

[0107] Transmission medium

[0108] Shock transfer movement of 11

[0109] End of 5

[0110] Movement axis of 7

[0111] Exit movement axis of 2

[0112] Recess of 11

[0113] Feeding area of ​​5

[0114] Channel cross-section of 5

[0115] Supporting structure of 1

[0116] Storage area of ​​11

[0117] Touch area of ​​11

[0118] Transmission range of 11

[0119] Distance between 14 and 15

[0120] Guide and / or centering structure

[0121] Recording section of 1

[0122] Closure agent

[0123] Locking device first guide means second guide means

[0124] Aktu atorgru n dstru ktu r first return means second return means

[0125] Sealant liquid tank additional receiving section

[0126] Holding arm of 50

[0127] Insertion recess of 36

[0128] Damping body

[0129] Influence structure

[0130] contact collar

[0131] Sealing element of 26

[0132] Rotation axis of 26

[0133] Handle of 27

[0134] Contact structure of 26

[0135] Rotation axis of 46

[0136] Leverage of 27

[0137] Counter contact section

[0138] Stop damper

[0139] Damping agent

[0140] Applicator unit

[0141] Actuator unit

[0142] Adjustment means

[0143] Damping element

[0144] abutment

[0145] Mounting structure of 5

[0146] Counter-fixing structure of 11.84' pressure chamber (84.84')

[0147] Deflection movement of 11

[0148] Piezo device

[0149] Lower edge of 60

[0150] Lower edge of 50 or 6

[0151] Distance between 87 and 88

[0152] Reservoir of 5

[0153] Inner diameter of 90

[0154] Closure body

[0155] Pressure equalization opening of 92 first housing body further housing body recess of 94 insertion opening inner diameter of closing body lifting means of 8 stroke of 6 stroke of 8

[0156] Length between 20 and 21 Length between 20 and 6

Claims

PATENTED SPEAKS 1. Device (1) for producing at least one drop (2) of a liquid (3) comprising: - a receiving means (5) comprising a receiving space (4) for receiving a liquid (3), wherein the receiving means (5) has an outlet opening (6) adjacent to the receiving space (4), - an actuator (8), wherein by activating the actuator (8) an impact (9) can be generated against a transmission means (11) which is mounted so as to be movable at least in sections and leads to an at least partially impact transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11), and - the shock (9) received by the transmission means (11) can be transmitted to the receiving means (5) by the shock transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11) in order to trigger the ejection of a drop (2) through the outlet opening (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (8) has a movably mounted impact means (7), wherein an impact (9) of the impact means (7) can be generated by activation of the actuator (8).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (8) is designed as a piezo device (86) or comprises a piezo device (86).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving means (5) is designed as a rigid body, so that the receiving space (4) formed by the receiving means (5) does not undergo any change in shape during the action of an impact (10) transmitted from the transmission means (11) to the receiving means (5).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a damping means (49) is arranged between the transmission means (11) and the receiving means (5) in such a way that the shock (9, 10) transmitted from the transmission means (11) to the receiving means (5) is dampened.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastic damping element (80) is arranged or formed between an abutment (81) and the transmission means (11) in such a way that during the shock transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11) the shock transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11) is damped.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping element (80) is formed from a hardened casting compound.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping element (80) adjoins at least one closed pressure chamber (84, 84'), wherein during a shock transmission movement (12) of the transmission means (11) the damping element (80) penetrates at least partially into the at least one pressure chamber (84, 84').

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving means (5) is designed as a sleeve body, preferably the receiving means (5) is tapered at its end (13) facing the outlet opening (6).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement axis (14) of the actuator (8), in particular for executing an impact on the transmission means (11), and / or a movement axis (14) of the impact means (7) is aligned parallel to an exit movement axis (15) of the drop (2) exiting through the outlet opening (6).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (11) has a recess (16) in which the receiving means (5) is arranged or can be arranged at least in sections, in particular a channel cross-section (18) of the receiving means (5) leading the liquid (3) from a feed area (17) to the outlet opening (6) is arranged or can be arranged predominantly, preferably completely, within the recess (16) of the transmission means (11).

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (11) is mounted on a support structure (19) of the device (1) via a mounting area (20) of the transmission means (11) and a contact area (21) of the transmission means (11), at which the impact means (7) and / or the actuator (8) touches the transmission means (11), is arranged or can be arranged between the mounting area (20) and a transmission area (22) of the transmission means (11) which transmits the impact (9) directly or indirectly to the receiving means (5).

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a support structure (19), wherein the actuator (8) and / or the receiving means (5) is or can be connected to the support structure (19) in a detachable manner, in particular detachable without tools, preferably the transmission means (11) is fastened to the support structure (19) and the receiving means (5) is detachably connected to the transmission means (11), in particular detachable without tools.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving means (5) has a fastening structure (82) which is designed to form a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection with a counter-fastening structure (83) of the transmission means (11), preferably the fastening and counter-fastening structure (82, 83) are designed as a bayonet connection.

15. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the receiving means (5) and the transmission means (11) are connectable or connected, in particular exclusively, by means of an adhesive connection.

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (6) of the receiving means (5) can be closed by a closure means (26) which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the receiving means (5), preferably a closing movement of the closure means (26) for closing the outlet opening (6) is positively controlled by a removal movement of the receiving means (5) from a receiving section of the device (1).

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing means (33) is arranged or formed between the receiving means (5) and the actuator (8), which sealing means is designed to separate a first receiving section (25) of the device (1) for receiving the receiving means (5) from a further receiving section (35) of the device (1) for receiving the actuator (8) in a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner.

18. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (4) of the receiving means (5) is connected to a liquid tank (34) in a liquid-conducting manner, in particular after a drop (2) emerges from the outlet opening (6) of the receiving means (5), liquid (3) can be fed from the liquid tank (34) into the receiving space (4) of the receiving means (5).

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that a damping body (38) is arranged or formed between the receiving means (5) and the liquid tank (34) in order to prevent or dampen a transmission of an impact (10) acting on the receiving means (5) from a transmission means (11) to the liquid tank (34).

20. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (11) is designed to be elastic, such that the transmission means (11) performs an elastic bending during the shock transmission movement (12).

21. Method for producing at least one drop (2) of a liquid (3) using a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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