Multi-use dispenser

Abstract

A multi-use dispenser (10) for dispensing a material stored inside a tank (16), the dispenser (10) comprising: a housing (12) configured to at least partly receive the tank (16) having a piston (58) arranged therein, a dispensing mechanism (52) comprising a threaded piston rod (50) extending in a longitudinal direction defining a longitudinal axis (L) and a body nut (54) in threaded engagement with the piston rod (50), the dispenser (10) further comprising a spring (60) acting on the piston rod (50) and urging the piston rod (50) towards the dispensing direction, when a clutch (56) is disengaged.

Description

[0001] Multi-use dispenser

[0002] The present disclosure refers to a multi-use dispenser for dispensing a material stored inside a tank. The dispenser comprises: a housing configured to at least partly receive the tank having a piston arranged therein, a dispensing mechanism comprising a threaded piston rod extending in a longitudinal direction defining a longitudinal axis and a body nut in threaded engagement with the piston rod.

[0003] In the use of such kind of dispensers it is desirable that dispensing from a tank is directly possible or at least after only a few clicks of a dispense activator even if the installed or reinstalled tank was partly emptied or originally partly filled.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multi-use dispenser that can be directly used even if a partly filled tank is installed therein.

[0005] This object is satisfied by a multi-use dispenser according to claim 1.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea that, upon the disengagement of a clutch, a spring acting on a piston rod urges the piston rod towards a piston stored in a tank, thereby bringing the piston rod and the piston into contact or near contact with each other. Material can then be discharged directly or after only a few clicks as the piston rod is further advanced by means of a dispense activator operable by a user of the dispenser.

[0007] Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure become apparent from the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] In the following, exemplary embodiments and functions of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the drawings, showing schematically:

[0009] Fig. 1 a perspective explosion view of a multi-use dispenser comprising a shielding;

[0010] Fig. 2 a perspective explosion detail of the multi-use dispenser of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional side view of an assembled multi-use dispenser without an applicator tip;

[0011] Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the assembled multi-use dispenser without shielding; Fig. 5 a perspective detail of the multi-use dispenser;

[0012] Fig. 6 a perspective partial cross-sectional detail of the multi-use dispenser;

[0013] Fig. 7 a cross-sectional detail of the multi-use dispenser, with a clutch in a disengaged state;

[0014] Fig. 8 the cross-sectional detail of Fig. 7, with the clutch in an engaged state;

[0015] Fig. 9a a perspective detail of a tank storable in the multi-use dispenser;

[0016] Fig. 9b a perspective detail of the clutch of Figs. 7 and 8;

[0017] Fig. 10 a perspective cross-sectional showing an interaction of the parts shown in

[0018] Figs. 9a and 9b;

[0019] Fig. 11 a semi transparent view of yet another detail of the multi-use dispenser;

[0020] Fig. 12 a perspective view of an applicator tip of the multi-use dispenser; and

[0021] Fig. 13 a perspective view of an outlet section of a tank engageable with the applicator tip of Fig. 12.

[0022] In the following, a multi-use dispenser 10 and advantageous aspects thereof are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Statements made with regard to direction and use are made with reference to the drawing.

[0023] The multi-use dispenser 10 may also be referred to as dispensing device, dispensing system or shortly dispenser 10 and is typically applicable to dispense a material used in medical and dental applications. In particular, the material dispensable by the multi-use dispenser 10 may be for example at least one of IK materials, fluids, cremes, medical fluids, etching materials, adhesives, ointments, paints and the like.

[0024] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the dispenser 10 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 may formed as a single piece or may comprise multiple parts. The housing 12 is at least partly receivable inside a shielding 14 used as a protection against external influences, such as fluids, dust, dirt or the like. The shielding 14 as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a front part 14a and a rear part 14b connectable to the front part 14a. The front part 14a and the rear part 14b are connectable, for example by means of a snap-lock connection or a threaded joint. However, the shielding 14 may also be formed as a single piece.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing 12 is configured to at least partly receive a tank 16 therein.

[0026] The housing 12, the shielding 14 and the tank 16 each extend into a longitudinal direction defining a longitudinal axis L.

[0027] The tank 16 is connectable to the housing 12 by a bayonet type connection mechanism (Fig. 2). For this purpose the tank 16 comprises at its outer circumferential surface at least one protrusion 106 that, upon assembly, is guided in a L-shaped groove 118 formed on an inner wall of the housing 12. The L-shaped groove comprises an axial portion 118a extending in direction of the longitudinal axis L and a circumferential portion 118b extending in a circumferential direction of the inner wall of the housing 12.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the tank 16 comprises two protrusions 106 formed in a diametrically opposed manner on the outer circumferential surface of the tank 16. In this context, the housing 12 comprises two corresponding L-shaped grooves 118 present in an inner wall of the housing 12.

[0029] In order to safely retain the tank 16 inside the housing 12, when assembled, the tank 16 and the housing 12 comprise retaining means 120.

[0030] A first retaining means 120a is formed as a radially outwardly projecting protrusion at the outer circumferential surface of the tank 16, whereas a second retaining means 120b is formed as a radially inwardly projecting protrusion at the inner circumferential surface of the housing 12. Furthermore, in an entirely assembled state, the first retaining means 120a of the tank 16 rests in a pocket 122 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 12.

[0031] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the first retaining means 120a is arranged axially adjacent to the protrusion 106 as seen in the longitudinal axis L. Correspondingly, the second retaining means 120b and the pocket 122 are arranged axially adjacent to the circumferential portion 118b of the L-shaped groove 118.

[0032] In order to connect the tank 16 to the housing 12, the tank 16 is axially inserted into the housing 12 such that the protrusion 106 is guided in the axial portion 118a of the groove 118. When the tank 16 is fully axially inserted, the tank 16 is then rotationally twisted, such that the protrusion 106 is guided in the circumferential portion 118b of the groove 118 (in Fig. 2 counter-clock wise). At the same time, the first retaining means 120a of the tank 16 passes by the second retaining means 120b of the housing 12 and ultimately comes at rest in the pocket 122, when the tank 16 is entirely connected to the housing 12. In this state, the retaining means 120a, 120b hinder a backwards rotation of the tank 16, thereby safely connecting the tank 16 to the housing 12. It is to be understood, that the tank 16 can be removed from the housing 12 by being moved in a manner opposite to the above described assembly procedure. It is also noted that hand strength of the user is sufficient to pass the first retaining means 120a by the second retaining means 120b.

[0033] The tank 16 is configured to store a material, such as the ones discussed above.

[0034] It is noted that, generally speaking, a front part refers to a portion of the dispenser 10 from which the material can be discharged, whereas a rear part refers to a portion opposite of the front part when viewed in direction of the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, a dispensing direction points from the rear part towards the front part.

[0035] In order to apply the material dispensed by the dispenser 10, for example to a tooth of a patient, the dispenser 10 comprises an applicator tip 18. The applicator tip 18 may be connectable to either one of the housing 12, the shielding 14 or the tank 16. In this context, in Fig. 1 the applicator tip 18 is connectable to the front part 14a of the shielding 14, whereas Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the applicator tip 18 is connected to the tank 16. An advantageous way to connect the applicator tip 18 will be described later with regard to Figs. 12 and 13.

[0036] The applicator tip 18 serves as a dispending outlet of the dispenser 10.

[0037] The applicator tip 18 may further comprises a cannula 20. The cannula 20 allows for a more precise application of the material dispensed by the dispenser 10.

[0038] The cannula 20 may be already bent or individually bendable as indicated in Fig. 1 or may be straight as shown in Fig. 4. It is to be noted that the applicator tip 18 may be also formed without a cannula if the material is to be dispensed over larger areas than within a tooth canal or the like.

[0039] Now turning to Figs. 3 and 5 further details of the dispenser 10 will be described with reference to the other drawings.

[0040] The dispenser 10 comprises a dispense activator 22 that is movable relative to the housing 12. Activation of the dispense activator 22 allows for dispensing a certain pre-defined amount of material from the dispenser 10.

[0041] As can be best seen from Fig. 5, the dispense activator 22 comprises a two-arm lever 24. The two-arm lever 24 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L and is pivotably supported by a fulcrum 24a to make the two-arm lever 24 pivotable about a pivot axis P. The pivot axis P is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0042] The fulcrum 24a may be formed at the inner wall of the housing 12 or, as shown in Fig. 5, on a support structure 26. The support structure 26 is receivable in the housing 12. One arm 28 of the two-arm lever 24 is attached to a push button 30, whereas the other arm 32 of the two-arm lever 24 is configured to drive a drive nut 34 of a rotation mechanism 36. The arm 28 of the two-arm lever 24 attached to the push button 30 may also be referred to as a push arm 28 and the other arm 32 of the two-arm lever 24 engageable with the drive nut 34 may be referred to as a drive arm 32.

[0043] In order to limit a travel of the two-arm lever 24, the dispenser 10 comprises a stopping element 27 that interacts with the drive arm 32 of the two-arm lever 24 and stops a travel of the two-arm lever 24, when the drive arm 32 comes at rest at the stopping element 27. The stopping element 27 ensures that the push arm 28 of the two-arm lever 24 does not collide with the tank 16 received in the housing 12, when the push button 30 is pushed radially inwardly. Generally speaking, the stopping element 27 limits a travel of the dispense activator 22 and therefore hinders a collision of the dispense activator 22 with the tank 16 received in the housing 12.

[0044] A snap dome 29 is attached to the stopping element 27 and provides an acoustical feedback, when the drive arm 32 of the two-arm lever 24 reaches the stopping element 27. The user then knows that the dispense activator 22 has been fully activated, such that the user can release the dispense activator 22 and activate the dispense activator 22 by pushing of the push button 30 of the dispense activator 22 again for further material discharge.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to ensure a secure and proper functioning of the push button 30, the push button 30 is supported on both longitudinal sides with an arm of a lever. In detail, the push button 30 is supported on one side by means of the push arm 28 of the two-arm lever 24 and on the opposite side by an arm of a single-arm lever (not shown). The two-arm lever 24 and the single-arm lever are pivotable about the same pivot axis P.

[0046] Furthermore, the two-arm lever 24 and the single-arm lever are arranged on opposite sides of the support structure 26. However, the two-arm lever 24 and the single-arm lever may also be arranged on opposite inner wall sections of the housing 12. As indicated above, the push arm 28 of the two-arm lever 24 interacts with the drive nut 34 of the rotation mechanism 36. For this purpose, the two-arm lever 24 comprises a cam (not shown) projection radially inwardly towards the drive nut 34 and interacting with ratchet teeth 38 formed on an outer circumferential surface of the drive nut 34.

[0047] Rotational movement of the drive nut 34 is achieved, when the push button 30 of the dispense activator 22 is pushed radially inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis L (arrow B in Fig. 5), which results in a counter directed movement of the drive arm 32. During this movement of the drive arm 32 its cam engages with one of the ratchet teeth 38 of the drive nut 34, thereby rotating the drive nut 34 about the longitudinal axis L (arrow R in Fig. 5).

[0048] A spring 35 (Fig. 3) pushes the dispense activator 22 back into its initial position, such that the dispense activator 22 can be operated again to further rotate the drive nut 34.

[0049] In order to avoid an unwanted backwards rotational movement of the drive nut 34, the rotation mechanism 36 comprises a blocking element 40 interacting with the drive nut 34. The blocking element 40 is rotationally fixed and acts as a counter part for the drive nut 34. The blocking element 40 and the drive nut 34 together form a ratchet.

[0050] In particular, the drive nut 34 comprises further ratchet teeth 42 formed on an end face of the drive nut 34 interacting with corresponding ratchet teeth 44 formed on an end face of the blocking element 40.

[0051] As becomes apparent from Fig. 5, the blocking element 40 is connected to the support structure 26. However, the blocking element 40 and the support structure 26 may also be a single piece. That is, the blocking element 40 may be formed at the support structure 26.

[0052] During rotation of the drive nut 34, its ratchet teeth 42 pass by the ratchet teeth 44 of the blocking element 40. After rotational movement of the drive nut 34, engagement between the ratchet teeth 42 of the drive nut 34 and the ratchet teeth 44 of the blocking element 40 hinder a reverse rotational movement.

[0053] In order to ensure a safe engagement of the ratchet teeth 42, 44 of the drive nut 34 and the blocking element 40, the rotation mechanism 36 comprises a spring 46 that axially biases the drive nut 34 towards the blocking element 40 with regard to the longitudinal axis L. The spring 46 is compressed as the ratchet teeth 42 of the drive nut 34 pass by the ratchet teeth 44 of the blocking element 40 during rotation of the drive nut 34.

[0054] One end of the spring 46 bears against the housing 12, whereas the other end of the spring 46 bears against a washer 48 arranged between the spring 46 and the drive nut 34. The washer 46 ensures a safe rotational movement of the drive nut 34 during operation.

[0055] Furthermore, the drive nut 34 comprises an inner thread in threaded engagement with a threaded piston rod 50 of a dispensing mechanism 52. The threaded engagement between the drive nut 34 and the piston rod 50 allows for a transmission of the rotational movement of the drive nut 34 to a rotational movement of the piston rod 50.

[0056] The piston rod 50 further engages with a body nut 54 of the dispensing mechanism 52. For example, the piston rod 50 and the body nut 54 may be in threaded engagement. In this context, it is to be noted that the piston 50 may be double threaded, wherein one thread interacts with the drive nut 34 and the other thread interacts with the body nut 54. Preferably, the respective threads are configured in a counter running manner.

[0057] As will be described later, the body nut 54 is rotationally fixable by means of a clutch 56. In a rotationally fixed state, the body nut 54 enables a transformation of a rotational movement into a translational movement of the piston rod 50 in which the piston rod 50 moves in direction of the longitudinal axis L towards the front end of the dispenser 10.

[0058] In particular, a translational movement of the piston rod 50 brings the front end of the piston rod 50 into contact with a plunger 58 (Fig. 4) stored inside of the tank 16 when received in the housing 12. In particular, when the piston rod 50 contacts the plunger 58, activation of the dispense activator 22 results in a further translational movement of the piston rod 50, thereby pushing the plunger 58 towards a front end of the tank 16 ultimately resulting in a dispense operation. The plunger 58 is also referred to as piston 58.

[0059] In this regard, it is desirable that dispensing from the tank 16 is directly possible or at least after only a few operational clicks of the dispense activator 22 even if the tank 16 is installed or reinstalled that was partly emptied or originally only partly filled.

[0060] To achieve this, the dispenser 10 comprises a spring 60 that acts on the piston rod 50, with the spring force of the spring 60 being selected such that the piston rod 50 is urged in the dispensing direction towards the plunger 58 of the tank 16, thereby making the dispenser 10 directly ready to use after insertion of the tank 16.

[0061] In particular, the spring 60 acts with one end on the piston rod 50 by means of a transmitter element 62, whereas the other end of the spring 60 bears against the housing 12, in particular an inner end surface 64 of the housing 12 (see Figs. 4 and 7).

[0062] The transmitter element 62 comprises a cavity 66 configured to receive a reverse end of the piston rod 50, i.e. the end of the piston rod 50 that does not engage with the plunger 58. The cavity 66 has a conical shape that enhances the coupling between the piston rod 50 and the transmitter element 62.

[0063] Furthermore, the transmitter element 62 comprises a guidance structure 68. The guidance structure 68 is set back radially inwardly with respect to a collar 72 against which the spring 60 bears.

[0064] As can be seen from Figs. 4 and 6, the guidance structure 68 is surrounded by the spring 60 and prevents an unwanted tilting of the transmitter element 62, when the spring 60 is compressed or decompressed. A rear end 70 of the guidance structure also serves as a stopper upon contact with the inner end surface 64 of the housing 12, thereby limiting a travel of the piston rod 50 towards the rear direction.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the guidance structure 68 has a cross-shaped crosssection. However, the guidance structure 68 may also have other cross-sectional shapes, for example a round cross section.

[0066] To allow the spring 60 to axially displace the piston rod 50, the dispenser 10 comprises said clutch 56 interacting with the body nut 54 such that upon disengagement of the clutch 56 the body nut 54 is allowed to freely rotate thereby enabling an easy axial displacement of the piston rod 50 by means of the spring force of the spring 60. In other words, the spring 60 pushes the piston rod 50 through the drive nut 34.

[0067] However, when the clutch 56 is engaged, the body nut 54 is rotationally fixed. The piston rod 50 is then no longer axially displaceable by the spring 60. In fact, the engagement of the piston rod 50 with both of the rotationally fixed body nut 54 and the drive nut 34 prevents an axial displacement of the piston rod 50 by means of only the spring 60. Therefore, an unwanted discharge operation caused by only the spring 60 is avoided. Nevertheless, the piston rod 50 can still be axially displaced by means of the rotation mechanism 36 activated by the dispense activator 22.

[0068] It is noted that the clutch 56 is rotationally fixed. However, to still allow a dis- or engagement with the body nut 54, the clutch 56 is axially displaceable with regard to the longitudinal axis L.

[0069] For a rotational fixation as well as a guidance during axial displacement, the clutch 56 comprises guidance means 73 formed at its outer circumferential surface (see in particular Fig. 9b). The guidance means 73 are respectively guided in a longitudinally extending grooves 71 present in the support structure 26 (Fig. 5). The groove may be also formed on an inner surface of the housing 12. In the present embodiments, the clutch 56 comprises two guidance means 73 arranged at the outer circumferential surface of the clutch 56 in a diametrically opposed manner. The clutch 56 may also comprise only one guidance means 73 or more than two guidance means 73, like three, four or more guidance means 73.

[0070] An engagement between the body nut 54 and the clutch 56 is achieved by engagement means 74 formed at the body nut 54 and corresponding engagement means 76 formed at the clutch 56.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the engagement means 74 of the body nut 54 are formed as teeth 78 extending radially outwardly from a circumferential surface of the body nut 54.

[0072] In a corresponding manner, the engagement means 76 of the clutch 56 are formed as teeth 80 extending radially inwardly into a passage 82 extending through the clutch 56 and configured to receive the body nut 54. In particular, the passage 82 of the clutch 56 is dimensioned in such a manner that in an engaged state, the body nut 54 is at least partly received therein.

[0073] Furthermore, it is to be understood, that in the engaged state, the teeth 78 of the body nut 54 mesh with the teeth 80 of the clutch 56, thereby hindering rotational movement of the body nut 54.

[0074] It is noted, that an engagement between the clutch 56 and the body nut 54 is also possible with one tooth extending into the passage 82 of the clutch interacting with one cavity formed at the body nut 54. In a similar manner, the body nut 54 may comprise a radially outwardly extending tooth interacting with a cavity formed in the passage 82 of the clutch 56. The body nut 54 and the clutch 56 can also be configured in the opposite manner, i.e. the body nut 54 may comprise a passage configured to at least partially receive the clutch 56 therein, when the clutch 56 is engaged. In this configuration, at least one tooth and / or at least one cavity is formed in the passage of the body nut 54 interacting with at least one corresponding cavity and / or tooth formed at the clutch 56, when the clutch 56 and the body nut 54 are engaged.

[0075] It is further noted that other designs of the engagement means 74, 76 are possible. For example, the engagement means 74, 76 could be formed as rough surfaces on respective end faces of the body nut 54 and the clutch 56, the respective end faces facing each other. Therefore, when the clutch 56 and the body nut 54 are engaged, frictional force between the engagement means 74, 76 is large enough to hinder a rotational movement of the body nut 54.

[0076] To ensure that a dispense operation is only possible by means of the dispensing mechanism 52, the clutch 56 is engaged by fully inserting the tank 16 into the housing 12.

[0077] This is achieved in the following manner. The tank 16 comprises at least one ramp feature 84 projecting away from a rear side of the tank 16. The ramp feature 84 comprises a ramp 86 helically inclined with regard to the longitudinal axis L. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9a, the tank 16 comprises two such ramp features 84 arranged diametrically opposed at the rear side of the tank 16.

[0078] The clutch 56 also comprises at least one ramp feature 88 being complementary to the ramp feature 84 of the tank 16. In particular, the ramp feature 88 of the clutch 56 comprises a ramp 90 that is helically inclined with regard to the longitudinal axis L in a manner complementary to the ramp 86 of the tank 16.

[0079] The ramp feature 88 of the clutch 56 is formed on an end surface of the clutch 56 facing the tank 16. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9b, the clutch 56 comprises two such ramp features 88 arranged diametrically opposed at the end surface of the clutch 56 facing the tank 16, when assembled.

[0080] Engagement of the clutch 56 is achieved by inserting the tank 16 into the housing 12 and rotationally twisting the tank 16 about the longitudinal axis L. During the twisting movement (arrow T in Fig. 10) of the tank 16, the ramp feature 84 of the tank 16 and the ramp feature 88 of the clutch 56 get into contact, such that, when the tank 16 is further twisted the ramp 86 of the tank 16 slides along the ramp 90 of the clutch 56, which ultimately results in an axial displacement of the clutch 56 and an engagement with the body nut 54 (arrow E in Fig. 10).

[0081] In the entirely assembled state, the outer most tips of the respective ramp features 84, 88 as seen in direction of the longitudinal axis L contact each other (see Fig. 10).

[0082] During engagement of the clutch 56, the clutch 56 is moved against a spring force of a spring 92 used to bias the clutch 56 away from the body nut 54 for disengagement.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the spring 92 is arranged between the blocking element 40 and a shoulder 94 formed at the clutch 56. However, the spring 92 may also bear against the inner wall of the housing 12 instead of the blocking element 40.

[0084] Furthermore, the spring 92 is arranged radially inwardly with respect to the guidance means 73 of the clutch 56 (see Figs. 7 and 8). This allows for the spring 92 to be securely held in place.

[0085] Engagement of the piston rod 50 with the plunger 58 of the tank 16 and dispense operation is achieved as follows.

[0086] The spring 60 pushes the piston rod 50 towards the front end of the dispenser, when the clutch 56 is disengaged and the body nut 54 is allowed to freely rotate. Upon insertion of the tank 16 into the housing 12, the piston rod 50 gets in contact with the plunger 58. Upon further insertion of the tank 16, the piston rod 50 is pushed into a direction opposite to the dispensing direction (towards the rear end of the dispenser 10), with the piston rod 50 still being in contact with the plunger 58.

[0087] The spring 60 is compressed and the spring force of the spring 60 ensures that the piston rod 50 and the plunger 58 remain in contact. This contact is still maintained when the clutch 56 and the body nut 54 are engaged, thereby allowing for an immediate dispensing operation. However, as the frictional force between the body nut 54 and the piston rod 50 is larger than the spring force of the spring 60, dispensing operation is only achieved upon operation of the dispense activator 22.

[0088] Now referring to Fig. 11, a further advantageous aspect related to keying or dedication of components of the dispenser 10 is described. Such kind of keying or dedication is desirable because the multi-use dispenser 10 may be used with various tanks 16 containing different materials, in particular different medications, adhesives, paints or the like. However, it needs to be ensured that the dosing is correctly set for each tank used.

[0089] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary dedication mechanism used to connect the correct tank 16 into the correct housing 12. However, the dedication mechanism described herewith is also applicable to any other part combination of the dispenser 10, including for example, but not limited to connections between the applicator tip 18 and / or the tank 16 and / or the housing 12 and / or the shielding 14.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the dedication mechanism is realized as first coding means 96 formed at an outer circumferential surface of the tank 16 and matching second coding means 98 formed on the inner wall of the housing 12, which in this case is the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall of the housing 12.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the first coding means 96 is formed by a number of protrusions and indentations of varying width, whereas the second coding means 98 is formed by corresponding number of indentations and protrusions with complementary width. Consequently, the tank 16 and the housing 12 can only be assembled if the first coding means 96 and the second coding means 98 match. In Fig. 11 the coding means 86, 98 are shown schematically as blocks.

[0092] The first and second coding means 96, 98 may also be realized in another way. By means of example, the first and second coding means 96, 98 could be realized by a typical magnetic pattern. It is to be understood that the magnetic pattern of the first and second coding means 96, 98 are complementary to each other.

[0093] As can be seen from Fig. 11, the tank 16 as well as the housing 12 each comprise a set of two identical coding means 96, 98. Within a set of coding means, a first coding means is configured in a point symmetrical manner with regard to a second coding means of the same set of coding means.

[0094] It is to be noted that such kind of sets of coding means could be also used for the connection between the other parts of the dispenser 10.

[0095] In order to allow for versatile applications, the second coding means 98 present in the housing 12 may formed on a ring 100 fixedly connected to inner circumferential surface of the housing 12. Upon the use of a designated tool, the ring 100 may be removed from the housing 12 and may be replaced by another ring 100 comprising other coding means 98. The dispenser 10 may then be used with another tank 16 comprising matching coding means 96.

[0096] Furthermore, the ring 100 forms a part of a bayonet type connecting mechanism and for this reason comprises a groove 102 in the inner circumferential surface of the ring 100. The groove 102 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L. That is, the groove 102 extends parallel to a passage surrounded by the ring 100, with the passage configured to receive the tank 16.

[0097] The other part of the bayonet type connecting mechanism is formed by a circumferentially extending groove 108 and a notch 104, each formed in the inner circumferential surface of the housing 12. It is to be understood, that the circumferentially extending groove 108 and the notch 104 could be also formed in the ring 100, i.e. the entire bayonet type connecting mechanism is formed in the ring 100.

[0098] Assembly of the tank 16 in the housing 12 functions as follows.

[0099] If the first and second coding means 96, 98 match then a protrusion 106 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tank 16 passes through the groove 102 of the ring (arrow I in Fig. 11). By twisting the tank 16, the protrusion 106 is guided in the channel 108 and ultimately comes at rest at the notch 104 in the inner surface of the housing 12. It is noted that the spring 92 axially biasing the clutch 56 to the front end also acts on the tank 16 via the respective ramp features 84, 88, thereby bringing the protrusion 106 of the tank 16 at rest at the notch 104 of the housing 12. In other words, the spring 92 supports in the assembly of tank 16 to the housing 12.

[0100] However, when the tank 16 is reversely twisted to remove the tank 16 from the housing 12, the spring 92 may also assist to eject the tank 16, when the protrusion 106 passes by the groove 102, thereby supporting the disassembly of the dispenser 10.

[0101] The protrusion 106 is preferably spring elastically deflectable in radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L. This allows for the protrusion 106 to snap fit into the notch 104 if the tank 16 is entirely inserted into the housing 12, thereby securely retaining the tank 16 in the housing 12.

[0102] Now referring to Figs. 12 and 13 an advantageous connection mechanism for the connection of the applicator tip 18 to the tank 16 is described.

[0103] As can be seen from Figs. 12 and 13, the applicator tip 18 comprises a protrusion 110 that upon connection to the tank is guided in a guide track 112 formed on the outlet side of the tank 16. The protrusion 110 and the guide track 112 together form a bayonet type connecting means. The protrusion 110 is elastically deflectable in radial direction with regard to the longitudinal axis L.

[0104] It is to be noted that the protrusion may also be formed at the tank 16 and the guide track may be formed at the applicator tip 18.

[0105] It is further noted that the connection mechanism described herein with regard to the applicator tip 18 and the tank 16 is also applicable for a connection between the applicator tip 18 and the housing 12 and / or the shielding 14.

[0106] As can be seen from Fig. 13, the guide track 112 comprises a first portion 112a that is helically inclined and comprises an extension component that extends into the longitudinal direction. Such kind of orientation of the first portion 112a forces the applicator tip 18 onto the tank 16, when attached, and pushes the applicator tip 18 of the tank 16, when detached.

[0107] A second portion 112b of the guide track 112 extends into a direction circumferentially surrounding the longitudinal axis L. The first portion 112a and the second portion 112b transition into each other.

[0108] Furthermore, a detent 114 is formed in the guide track 112 that prevents unwanted detachment of the applicator tip 18 from the tank 16. However, upon applying a predefined force, the protrusion 110 can be moved over and past the detent 114. The force is a force that is typically applied by a user manually operating of the dispenser 10, i.e. the applicator tip 18 can be attached and detached by hand using a typical hand strength. Preferably, the applicator tip 18 can be attached to or detached from the tank 16 by single-hand operation.

[0109] In particular, the detent 114 hinders that the protrusion 110 guided in the circumferentially extending second portion 112b is moved towards the first portion 112a such that the applicator tip 18 is accidentally detached from the tank 16 during rotational movement of the applicator tip 18. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the detent 114 is formed in the of the second portion 112b and defines a starting point of the second portion 112b. In particular, the detent 114 is formed in the second portion 112b, where the first portion 112a transitions into the second portion 112b.

[0110] Furthermore, the second portion 112b ends at a stopping member 116. The stopping member 116 separates the end of the second portion 112b from the first portion 112a of the guide track 112.

[0111] As can be seen from Fig. 13 the part of the stopping member 116 facing the first portion 112a lies flush with the first portion 112a and has the same inclination with regard to the longitudinal axis L like the first portion 112a.

[0112] The detent 114 and the stopping member 116 define rotational angle of the second portion 112b of at least 270°, preferably of at least 280° and more preferably of at least 300°. That is, the applicator tip 18 can be rotated relative to the tank 16 by a rotational angle of at least 270°, preferably of at least 280° and more preferably of at least 300°. This is desirable if the applicator tip 18 comprises a bent cannula 20. The cannula 20 can then be rotated in a desired position for application of a material. Yet the dispense activator 22 remains in a position which is comfortable for the user.

[0113] However, to keep the applicator tip 18 in a desired rotational position, at least one of the tank 16 and the applicator tip 18 may comprise at least one interference means 124.

[0114] The interference means 124 causes an interference fit between the tank 16 and the applicator tip 18, in particular when fully assembled.

[0115] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 the interference means 124 is formed by three splines 126 protruding radially inwardly from an inner surface of the applicator tip 18 and extending in axial direction with regard to the longitudinal axis L. The number of the splines 126 may vary, i.e. to be less than three or more than three, such as one spline 126, two splines 126, four splines 126 or five or more splines 126.

[0116] An interference means 124 may also be provided on an outer circumferential surface of a portion of the tank 16 interacting with the applicator tip 18. In this case, the interference means 124 may be formed for example by portions radially protruding from the tank 16.

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, an interference fit can also be created by the interaction of the protrusion 110 with the second portion 112b of the guide track 112. This can be achieved for example if a width of the protrusion 110 as seen in the longitudinal axis L is slightly larger than a width of the second portion 122b of the guide track 112 as also seen in the longitudinal axis L.

[0118] In this context, as can be seen from Fig. 13, the width of the first portion 112a as seen in the circumferential direction that is larger than a width of the second portion 112b as seen in the longitudinal direction L. To ensure safe guidance, the protrusion 110 may be sized as to basically correspond to the dimensions of the first and second portions 112a, 112b of the guide track 112.

[0119] According to another embodiment basically corresponding to the one just described, but not shown, the detent 114 is formed in the first portion 112a of the guide track 112 instead of the second portion 112b. In particular, in the end part of the first portion 112a that transitions into the second portion 112b. Furthermore, the detent 114 of this embodiment may lie flush with the second portion 112b.

[0120] Such kind of configuration allows for a rotational angle of nearly 360°, which is only limited by the circumferential dimension of the stopping member 116. Hence, the applicator tip 18 can be rotated to an even larger extent.

[0121] According to still another embodiment not shown, the detent 114 may also be formed in that region in which the first portion 112a transitions into the second portion 112b. It is to be understood, that additionally at least one further detent 114 may be also formed in at least one of the first and second portions 112a, 112b.

[0122] List of reference signs

[0123] 10 multi-use dispenser

[0124] 12 housing

[0125] 14 shielding

[0126] 14a front part of 14

[0127] 14b rear part of 14

[0128] 16 tank

[0129] 18 applicator tip

[0130] 20 cannula

[0131] 22 dispense activator

[0132] 24 two-arm lever

[0133] 24a fulcrum

[0134] 27 stopping element

[0135] 26 support structure

[0136] 29 snap dome

[0137] 28 push arm

[0138] 30 push button of 24

[0139] 32 drive arm of 24

[0140] 34 drive nut

[0141] 35 spring

[0142] 36 rotation mechanism

[0143] 38 ratchet teeth of 34

[0144] 40 blocking element

[0145] 42 ratchet teeth of 34

[0146] 44 ratchet teeth of 40

[0147] 46 spring

[0148] 48 washer

[0149] 50 threaded piston

[0150] 52 dispensing mechanism

[0151] 54 body nut 56 clutch

[0152] 58 plunger

[0153] 60 spring

[0154] 62 transmitter element

[0155] 64 inner end surface of 12

[0156] 66 cavity

[0157] 68 guidance structure

[0158] 70 rear end

[0159] 72 collar

[0160] 71 groove

[0161] 73 guidance means

[0162] 74 engagement means of 54

[0163] 76 engagement means of 56

[0164] 78 teeth

[0165] 80 teeth

[0166] 82 passage

[0167] 84 ramp feature

[0168] 86 ramp of 84

[0169] 88 ramp feature

[0170] 90 ramp of 88

[0171] 92 spring

[0172] 94 shoulder

[0173] 96 first coding means

[0174] 98 second coding means

[0175] 100 ring

[0176] 102 groove

[0177] 104 notch

[0178] 106 protrusion

[0179] 108 channel

[0180] 110 protrusion

[0181] 112 guide track 112a first portion

[0182] 112b second portion

[0183] 114 detent

[0184] 116 stopping member

[0185] 118 L-shaped groove

[0186] 118a axial portion of 118

[0187] 118b circumferential portion of 118

[0188] 120 retaining means

[0189] 120a first retaining means

[0190] 120b second retaining means

[0191] 122 pocket

[0192] 124 interference means

[0193] 126 spline

[0194] B arrow indicating pushing direction

[0195] E arrow indicating engagement direction

[0196] I arrow indicating an insertion direction

[0197] R arrow indicating rotation direction

[0198] T arrow indicting a twisting direction

[0199] L longitudinal axis

[0200] P pivot axis

Claims

Claims1. A multi-use dispenser (10) for dispensing a material stored inside a tank (16), the dispenser (10) comprising: a housing (12) configured to at least partly receive the tank (16) having a piston (58) arranged therein, a dispensing mechanism (52) comprising a threaded piston rod (50) extending in a longitudinal direction defining a longitudinal axis (L) and a body nut (54) in threaded engagement with the piston rod (50), the dispenser (10) further comprising a spring (60) acting on the piston rod (50) and urging the piston rod (50) towards the dispensing direction, when a clutch (56) is disengaged.

2. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the clutch (56) allows a free rotational movement of the body nut (54) if the clutch (56) is disengaged.

3. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the clutch (56) is engaged by an insertion of the tank (16) into the housing (12), in particular a full insertion of the tank (16) into the housing (10).

4. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the spring (60) is compressed upon an insertion of the tank (16) into the housing (12) of the multi-use dispenser (10).

5. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the piston rod (50) is pushed into a direction opposite to the dispensing direction upon insertion of the tank (16) into the housing (12), thereby compressing the spring (60) against its spring force.

6. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, whereinthe clutch (56) is axially displaceable and rotationally fixed.

7. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the clutch (56) is moveable against a spring force of a spring (92) during engagement.

8. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the clutch (56) comprises a passage (82) extending therethrough and configured to receive the body nut (54) at least partly therein; or wherein the body nut (54) comprises a passage extending therethrough and configured to receive the clutch (56) at least partly therein.

9. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the clutch (56) and the body nut (54) each comprise engagement means (74, 76).

10. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the engagement means (74, 76) comprise at least one tooth and / or at least one cavity formed in the clutch (56) configured to interact with at least one corresponding cavity and / or at least one corresponding tooth formed in the body nut (54).

11. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the clutch (56) comprises at least one ramp feature (88).

12. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 11, wherein the ramp feature (88) of the clutch (56) is configured to interact with a corresponding ramp feature (84) formed at the tank (16), in particular wherein the clutch (56) is engaged by a rotational movement of the tank (16) fully inserted into the housing.

13. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the ramp feature (84, 88) comprises a ramp (86, 90) helically inclined with regard to the longitudinal axis (L).

14. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the spring (60) acts onto the piston rod (50) by means of a transmitter element (62).

15. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 14, wherein one end of the spring (60) acts on the transmitter element (62) and the other end bears against the housing (12).

16. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the transmitter element (62) comprises at least one of a cavity (66) configured to receive an end of the piston rod (50) and a guidance structure (68) configured to be surrounded by the spring (60).

17. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the clutch (56) comprises at least one guidance means (73) guided in a groove (71) extending in the longitudinal direction.

18. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 17, wherein the groove (71) is either formed in an inner wall of the housing (12) or in a support structure (26) receivable in the housing (12).

19. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism (52) comprises the body nut (54) in threaded engagement with the piston rod (50) and a rotation mechanism (36) interacting with the piston rod (50) such that a rotation of the rotation mechanism (36), in particular induced upon activation of a dispense activator (22) of the dispenser (10), causes a rotation of the piston rod (52), and wherein the clutch (56) is engageable with the body nut (54) of the dispensing mechanism (52), the clutch (56) upon engagement with the body nut (54) causing a fixation of a rotational movement of the body nut (54) thereby allowing for a dispensing operation by transforming the rotational movement of the piston rod (50) into a translational movement of the piston rod (50) into the dispensing direction.

20. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 19, wherein a stopping member (27) limits a travel of a dispense activator (22) interacting with the rotation mechanism (36).

21. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 20, wherein a snap dome (29) is attached to the stopping member (27), the snap dome (29) configured to provide an acoustical feedback, when the dispense activator (22) is fully activated.

22. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tank (16) is connectable to the housing (12) by a bayonet type connection mechanism, in particular wherein the bayonet type connection mechanism comprises a protrusion (106) formed at an outer circumferential surface of the tank (16) and an L-shaped groove (118) formed at an inner circumferential wall of the housing (12).

23. The multi-use dispenser (10) according to claim 22, wherein the tank (16) and the housing (12) each comprise retaining means (120) configured to securely retain the tank (16) in the housing (12).

Images