Dispensing tip and dispensing system

Abstract

A dispensing tip 10 for dispensing material from a material source 110 comprises a connecting section 40 comprising an inlet cavity 42, a dispensing section 30 comprising one or more outlet cavities (

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a dispensing tip for dispensing viscous material provided by a material source of a dispensing system. Further, the present invention relates to a dispensing system for viscous material comprising a material source comprising one or more material containers in which the viscous material to be dispensed is stored, and said dispensing tip. BACKGROUND Dispensing tips for dispensing systems, and corresponding dispensing systems comprising said dispensing tips, exist in different forms and sizes. Especially, properties of said dispensing tips such as for instance shape, hardness, number of openings, etc. can be different for different intended fields of usage. Furthermore, said dispensing tips and dispensing systems can be used in many different applications, like medical applications, dental applications, or industrial applications. It is further known that said dispensing systems can be used for an application of a viscous material in areas and / or volumes, which are difficult to reach, for instance in dental applications. The three-dimensional shape of the dispensing tips, in particular of bends along a longitudinal extension of the dispensing tips, is accordingly designed for specific areas of application and / or volumes. However, this often means that it is not possible to use one dispensing tip for different application areas and / or volumes, and thus the inconvenience of the need of having several dispensing tips or even complete dispensing systems, especially with regard to the application areas and / or volumes. Accordingly, there is a need for dispensing tips and dispensing systems to improve an applicability concerning the intended application areas and / or volumes. SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a dispensing tip and a dispensing system according to the independent claims. Embodiments are given in the subclaims, the description and the drawings. In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed at a dispensing tip for dispensing viscous material provided by a material source of a dispensing system. The dispensing tip comprises a connecting section comprising an inlet cavity open to the outside, the connecting section constructed to connect the inlet cavity to the material source, a dispensing section comprising one or more outlet cavities open to the outside for dispensing the viscous material, and a metal tube extending at least between the connecting section and the dispensing section, the metal tube comprising an inlet opening fluidly connected to the inlet cavity of the connector and one or more outlet openings fluidly connected to the one or more outlet cavities of the dispensing sections for providing a continuous flow-path between the inlet cavity of the connecting section and the one or more outlet cavities of the dispensing section, wherein the metal tube is bendable at least in sections. The dispensing tip according to the invention essentially comprises three sections. First of all, a connecting section is provided for a connection to an external material source. The material source can be for instance a material compartment and / or a static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer. As the material source provides the viscous material to be dispensed, the connecting section comprises an inlet cavity open to the outside, wherein the connecting section is further constructed and designed such that viscous material provided by the material source can enter the dispensing tip via the inlet cavity. For instance, the connecting section can be pro vided as an end of the dispensing tip according to the invention made from thermoplastic material, preferably with in inner or outer mixer-port-interface. Also, a configuration of the connecting section for connecting at least two outlets of one or more material compartments with the inlet cavity is feasible. Secondly, the dispensing tip according to the invention comprises a dispensing section for the actual dispensing process. The dispensing section comprises one or more outlet cavities open to the outside. Hence, the viscous material to be dispensed can leave the dispensing tip via the one or more outlet cavities, wherein said one or more outlet cavities can be constructed and designed with respect to the intended application, for instance as a tube or as a sponge. As third section, the dispensing tip according to the invention comprises a metal tube arranged between the connecting section and the dispensing section. In particular, the metal tube at least extends between the connecting section and the dispensing section in such that the metal tube can for instance also extend into or beyond said sections. Also, an integration of the metal tube as part of the connecting section and / or the dispensing section is possible. It is even feasible to completely design one of said sections using the metal tube only. Preferably, a length extension of the metal tube between the connecting section and the dispensing section is selected between 1 mm and 15 mm, especially 4 mm. The principal purpose of the metal tube is providing a continuous flow-path for the viscous material from the connecting section to the dispensing section of the dispensing tip according to the invention. As is generally known, the metal tube has, by definition, a continuous cavity that extends from its inlet opening to its outlet opening. The inlet opening of the metal tube is fluidly connected to the inlet cavity of the connecting section, and likewise the one or more outlet openings of the metal tube are fluidly connected to the outlet cavity of the dispensing section. Viscous material provided and conveyed by the material source into the inlet cavity of the connecting section can thereby enter the metal tube through its inlet opening, is transported within the metal tube up to its outlet opening, and can subsequently be dispensed through the outlet cavity of the dispensing section. In addition, the metal tube of the dispensing tip according to the invention fulfils also a secondary purpose, namely increasing the application areas and / or volumes accessible by the dispensing tip according to the invention. For that, the metal tube is provided bendable at least in sections. Preferably, the metal tube is bendable over its complete extension between the connecting section and the dispensing section. By bending the metal tube, the dispensing section can be accordingly arranged concerning the application area and / or volume to be reached. By accordingly adjusting the bending of the metal tube, different shapes of the dispensing tip adapted to reach different application areas and / or volumes can be provided. According to an embodiment, the metal tube comprises a sharpened end which protrudes into or through the inlet cavity to form a needle tip for piercing a sealing element of the material source. In most of the cases, the dispensing tip according to the invention and the material source are provided separately. As a contact to the environment may alter, even destroy, the material to be dispensed, said material sources often comprise sealing elements, such as for instance a lid or a foil, made from plastic and / or metal, which close and seal a providing opening of the source element, through which during the dispensing process the material is conveyed. By providing the metal tube with a sharpened end protruding into or even through the inlet cavity, an element for opening the material source during connecting to the dispensing tip according to the invention is automatically provided. In other words, especially in the latter example, the metal tube forms the essential parts of the inlet cavity. During connection of the dispensing tip and the material source, the needle tip formed by the sharpened end of the metal tube pierces through the sealing element, and hence fluidly connects the metal tube, in particular the inlet opening of the metal tube, with the interior of the material source. An undesired contact of the material to be dispensed to the environment before and during conveying the material into the metal tube, and hence through the dispensing tip, can thereby be avoided. According to an embodiment, the dispensing section is moulded over the at least one outlet opening of the metal tube, wherein the dispensing section is moulded over the one or more outlet openings of the metal tube such that each of the one or more outlet openings is fluidly connected with at least one of the one or more outlet cavities. Thereby a flow of material through each of the one or more outlet openings into and through the dispensing section can be ensured. In other words, said over-moulded part of the metal tube forms a functional application-aid. In particular, the material used for over-moulding the metal tube can be a plastic material. Preferably, said at least one outlet openings is arranged at and / or at least near an end of the metal tube. By moulding the dispensing section over the at least one outlet opening, an especially strong connection between the dispensing section and the metal tube can be established. Further, moulding the dispensing section allows a wide variety of shapes of the dispensing sections, especially with respect to the number, shape and / or orientation of the one or more outlet cavities of the dispensing section fluidly connected to the one or more outlet openings of the metal tube. Also, by accordingly selecting the material used for moulding the dispensing section over the metal tube, for instance with respect to rigidity, the variety of providable dispensing sections can be enlarged further. According to an enhanced embodiment, the metal tube is completely overmoulded along its extension between the connecting section and the dispensing section. For the over-moulding of the remaining metal tube, namely the part of the metal tube not over-moulded with the dispensing section, the same material or a different material can be used. By completely over-moulding the metal tube, the over-moulded part of the metal tube extends seamless between the dispensing section and the connecting section. In other words, the metal tube is completely shielded with respect to the environment, and hence against any damaging influences. Further, edges and / or small gaps formed between over-moulded parts and exposed sections of the metal tube, where dirt or impurities could accumulate, can be avoided. According to an embodiment, an outer surface of the metal tube comprises a rough surface and / or grooves and / or tongues and / or an adhesive coating and / or a flame coating, for increasing the friction and bond between metal tube and the over-moulded plastic material. Said grooves or tongues can for instance comprise a helical shape, or can be provided as several, adjacently arranged rings along a longitudinal extension of the metal tube. Said adhesive coating can for instance be provided as coating with functional adhesive monomers bonded on the metal-surface, which build a surface coating which bonds to the over-moulded material. According to an embodiment, the dispensing section is provided as a cannula, or as an intra oral tip (IOT), or as a micro-brush, or as a swab. A cannula is a simple tubular element with, in most of the cases, a single opening at or near an end for directedly dispensing material. An intra oral tip is a special type of cannula specifically designed for accessing dental cavities. (Micro-)brushes and swabs are both areal application devices, wherein they differ in that brushes comprise a plurality of flexible bristles and swabs are rather sponge-like in structure. Brushes and swabs, in particular, normally comprise more than one outlet cavity. Said cannula, but especially an IOT, a micro-brush, or a swab as dispensing section can be overmoulded onto the metal tube. A wide variety of dispensing sections can be provided according to the invention. According to an enhanced embodiment, the metal tube comprises only one single outlet opening, wherein further the dispensing section is formed by an end of the metal tube comprising the single outlet opening, or wherein the dispensing section is formed by a plastic tube fluidly connected to the single outlet opening, for providing the dispensing section as cannula. As mentioned above, a cannula mostly comprises only a single opening. By using the metal tube itself as dispensing section, a very simple embodiment of the dispensing tip according to the invention can be provided. Especially, in this embodiment the single outlet opening of the metal tube also forms the outlet cavity of the dispensing section. Alternatively, also a plastic tube arranged at the end of the metal tube with the outlet opening can form a simple cannula. For the latter, the outlet opening preferably is provided at the end of the metal tube and not in a side surface for ensuring a fluid connection between the metal tube and the plastic tube. By additionally adding the plastic tube, a danger of harming the environment when accidently touching a surface of the environment with the dispensing section can be lowered. According to an alternative embodiment, the metal tube comprises two or more outlet openings, wherein each of the two or more outlet openings is fluidly connected to at least one of the one or more outlet cavities of the dispensing section. Again, the dispensing section can be formed by an end of the metal tube itself, or by an additional, preferably over-moulded, dispensing element such as a microbrush of a swab. Simultaneously dispensing the viscous material at several positions at the same time can thereby be provided. According to an embodiment, at least one of the one or more outlet cavities are constructed for generating a flow direction of the viscous material different from a longitudinal direction of the metal tube. In particular, a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction of the metal tube can be selected as flow direction. Reaching application areas and / or volumes not accessible in a straight line can thereby be provided or at least provided in a more simple and convenient way. In addition, by providing two or more outlet cavities which provide different flow directions of the dispensed viscous material, preferably back-to-back flow directions, the material can be dispensed over a larger volume, in other words, a spread of the dispensed material can be enlarged. According to an embodiment, the connecting section is formed by a connector element comprising the inlet cavity, wherein the connector element is moulded over the inlet opening of the metal tube such that the inlet cavity is fluidly connected with the inlet opening. Likewise to the dispensing section, also the connecting section can be provided by over-moulding the metal tube with a connector element. Analogous, the fluid connection between the inlet opening and the inlet cavity is ensured for allowing a flow of material. Also for the connector element, the material used for over-moulding the metal tube can be a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic material. By moulding the connector element over the inlet opening, an especially strong connection between the connector element, and hence the connecting section, and the metal tube can be established. According to an enhanced embodiment, the connector element comprises connecting means for connecting the connector element to the material source. Said source element can preferably be a material compartment or static mixer or a dynamic mixer. In other words, the connector element forms an interface to the respective material source, for instance if applicable an inner or outer mixer-port-in-terface. Connecting means in the sense of the present invention can for instance comprise an inner or an outer thread, and / or a female or a male thread, and / or a snap-in configuration, for instance with internal or external ring grooves or tongues. A wide variety of especially firm and secure connections provided by the connector element can thereby be provided. According to a further enhanced embodiment, the connector element comprises keying means configured such that the connector element can only be connected to a material source comprising corresponding keying means. Such mechanical keying means can for instance comprise projections, ridges, recesses, grooves or other three-dimensional features on a surface of the respective connector element facing and contacting the material source to be connected. By that, the connector element, and hence the dispensing tip, can be connected only to material sources comprising matching geometrical three-dimensional features. Preferably, the respective mechanical keying means of the connector element and the matching material source form-fittingly interlock with each other. Mistakes when choosing the material source or the dispensing tip, respectively, can thereby be avoided, which is for instance very important for medical or dental applications. Further, by providing mechanical keying means, a safe handling can be also provided in environments with restricted visibility up to complete darkness. According to an embodiment, the metal tube, a material used for over-moulding the metal tube, and if applicable material used for forming the connecting section and the dispensing section, respectively, consist of medically approved materials. This allows the dispensing tip according to the invention to be used for medical and / or dental applications. In particular, as material used for the dispensing tip according to the invention a selection of medical metal and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is possible. For forming the dispensing section, for instance provided as micro-brush or swab or cannular, respectively, thermoplastic plastic like PE, PP, POM, PET, PA, PBT, PVC, PS, ABS, PMMA, PTFE, can be selected. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed at a dispensing system for viscous material. The dispensing system comprises a material source comprising one or more material containers in which the viscous material to be dispensed is stored, and any embodiment of a dispensing tip according to the present invention described above, wherein the material source is constructed for providing the viscous material at a providing opening of the material source, and wherein the connecting section of the dispensing tip is connectable to the material source such that the inlet cavity of the dispensing tip is fluidly connected to the providing opening- The dispensing system according to the present invention comprises a dispensing tip according to the present invention. All advantages described above with respect to different embodiments of the dispensing tip according to the present invention can also be provided by the dispensing system according to the present invention comprising the respective embodiment of the dispensing tip according to the present invention. The viscous material stored in the material container of the material source can be in particular dental substances like impression- and bite materials, flowable fillingcomposites, composite-filling-materials, cements, sealers, adhesives, whiteninggels, bondings, primers and / or varnishes. Further, the material source and / or the material container can be provided as simple material compartment, but can also provide a static mixer and / or dynamic mixer mixing different materials and / or ensure an even and smooth density of the provided material. According to an embodiment, the material source comprises an activation means for starting and / or maintaining conveying the viscous material through the providing opening into and through the dispensing tip. In other words, by implementing the activation means, conveying the viscous material from the material source and subsequently dispensing the viscous material through the dispensing tip, can be actively activated and / or actuated. The activation means allows precisely defining the start and stop of the dispensing process. Said activation means can be actuated manually, but alternatively or additionally also an electromechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic activation is possible. Even remotely actuable activation means, for instance via an IR- or RF-interface or via wireless LAN, is feasible. According to an enhanced embodiment, the one or more material containers in which the viscous material is stored are deformable, and wherein the activation means comprises one or more handling areas and / or a piston for applying pressure on the one or more deformable material containers for conveying the viscous material stored therein. Deformable in the sense of the present invention encompasses in particular that a pressure applied on the material container reduces the internal volume of the respective material container and hence pushes out the material stored in the respective material container. This can be for instance realized as a finger-pressure on the deformable material container itself for selective dosing and conveying the viscous material. However, also a piston can be used for applying said pressure onto the deformable material container. Thereby, the piston can preferably be actuated manually and / or electromechanically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically. According to a further enhanced embodiment, the one or more handling areas are arranged on a surface of the one or more material containers. Hence, the pressure applied to the one or more handling areas are applied directly onto the deformable material container. A setup of the dispensing system according to the invention can thereby be simplified. According to an alternatively further enhanced embodiment, the one or more handling areas and / or the piston are provided as part of a reusable handling unit. In this alternative embodiment, the deformable material containers are preferably provided as items intended for single use. The same normally applies for the dispensing tips. In other words, the reusable handling unit comprising the one or more handling areas and / or the piston can be used several times, whereas for each use the material containers, and preferably also the dispensing tip, are exchanged. In particular, also using material containers providing different materials and / or dispensing tips providing different shapes and / or dispensing sections, is possible. According to an embodiment, the material source comprises a single component (1K) container as material container. In other words, the viscous material stored in the 1K container is dispensed unchanged by the dispensing tip of the dispensing system. According to an alternative embodiment, the material source comprises a two-component (2K) container as material container. In other words, the 2K container stores two, preferably different materials, which are combined to be dispensed. Said combining the two materials can be provided already by respective means of the material source, and / or by respective means of the dispensing tip. Preferably, the two materials are already well mixed when dispended by the dispensing tip of the dispensing system. When using a reusable handling unit as described above, said handling unit preferably is constructed for a usage with both, 1K container and 2K container. According to a further enhanced embodiment, the material source comprises a static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer. Said static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer can comprise mixing and / or swirling elements. With respect to a 1K container, said mixing and / or swirling element provides a high smoothness of the dispensed material, preferably without any local fluctuations for instance concerning density. Additionally to that, with respect to 2K containers, said mixing and / or swirling elements further provide a uniform mixing of the two material components originally provided separately within the 2K container. According to an embodiment, the material source and the dispensing tip form a pen-like shape, wherein the shape has a round- or twisted-triangular outer surface. By providing a pen-like overall shape of the dispensing system, the handling of the dispensing system according to the present invention during dispensing material by a user can be improved and simplified. In particular, the dispensing system according to the present invention with such a pen-like overall shape can be intuitively used like a pen. In particular, by providing an outer surface with a round- or twisted-triangular outer appearance, the pen-like shape of the dispensing system according to the present invention, and all advantages linked to this specific shape, can be enhanced further. DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings, showing schematically: Fig. 1 Four views of an embodiment of the dispensing system according to the invention, Fig. 2 An embodiment of a dispensing section, and Fig. 3 Another embodiment of the dispensing system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 depicts a possible embodiment of the dispensing system 100 according to the invention in four different views, denoted with letters A, B, C, and D, respectively. The dispensing system 100 comprises in particular a dispensing tip 10 according to the invention and a material source 110. Views A, B, respectively, show the dispensing system 100 before a connection of the dispensing tip 10 and the material source 110, wherein view A shows the respective elements in a solid view, and view B in a sectional view. Views C, D, respectively, show the dispensing system 100 after the connection of the dispensing tip 10 and the material source 100, wherein in view C the metal tube 20 of the dispensing tip 10 is shown in a straight state, in view D in a bended state, respectively. In the following, the depicted embodiment of the dispensing system 100 is described, wherein the specific features shown in the different views A, B, C, D are explicitly described. The dispensing system 100 according to the invention comprises two main elements, namely a dispensing tip 10 according to the invention and a material source 110. The dispensing tip 10 provides dispensing a viscous material stored and / or provided by the material source 110 at a desired destination, for dental applications for instance into dental cavities. As different combinations of materials to be dispensed, provided by different material sources 110, and dispensing processes, provided by different embodiments of the dispensing tip 10, are desirable, the respective material source 110 and the respective dispensing tip 10 are provided separately (see views A, B) and are connected for forming the respective dispensing system 100 (see views C, D). In views A, B, the dispensing tip 10 and the material source 110 are depicted before connected on each other. In the depicted embodiment, the material source 110 is essentially formed as a simple material container 112, namely a single component (1K) container. However, also more complex material sources 110 are possible, for instance a two component (2K) container as material container 112. Also, the provision of a static mixer or a dynamic mixer as part of the material source 110 is possible. For said connection, the dispensing tip 10 comprises a connector element 50 at its connecting section 40 facing the material source 110. The connector element 50 can comprise connecting means 52, as depicted for instance threads, for safely connecting and fixing the dispensing tip 10 to the material source 110. As depicted, also the material container 112 can comprise compatible connecting means. Further, but not depicted, also keying means can be present for enhancing the security when using a certain combination of dispensing tip 10 and material source 110, as only elements with matching keying means can be connected to each other. The dispensing tip 10 comprises a metal tube 20, which is used for guiding the material to be dispensed from the connecting section 40 of the dispensing tip 10 to a dispensing section 30 of the dispensing tip 10. As shown especially in the sectional view B, the metal tube 20 comprises an inlet opening 20 which protrudes into an inlet cavity 42 of the connecting section 42. In the depicted embodiment, the metal tube 20 comprises a sharpened end forming a needle tip 26. This allows, during the connecting process of the dispensing tip 10 and the material source 110, to pierce the needle tip 26 of the metal tube 10, and especially an inlet opening 22 arranged at said end of the metal tube 20, through a sealing element 114 of the material source 110. Said sealing element 114 seals a providing opening 116 of the material source 110 for avoiding contact of the material to be dispensed with the environment. In summary, by connecting the dispensing tip 10 onto the material source 110 to form the dispensing system 100, the needle tip 26 pierces through the sealing element 114 and hence places the inlet opening 22 of the metal tube 20 directly into the material source 110, namely into the material to be dispensed. In other words, the providing opening 116 of the material source 110 is fluidly connected to the inlet cavity 42, actually formed by the inlet opening 22 of the metal tube 20, after the connection of the dispensing tip 10 and the material source 110. For actually dispensing the material, the material source 110 comprises activation means 120, in the present embodiment simple handling areas 122 on the material container 112. In particular, the material container 112 is deformable, and upon application of external, in particular manual, pressure onto the handling areas 122, the material is pressed out of the material container 112 into the inlet opening 22 of the metal tube 20, and further through said metal tube 20 towards one of more outlet openings 24 of the metal tube 20 fluidly connected to one or more outlet cavities 32 of the dispensing section 30. In the depicted embodiment of the dispensing system 100 according to the invention, the dispensing section 30 is formed as a swab 34. For forming said swab 34, the respective end of the metal tube 20 is over-moulded with the material forming the swab 34. However, the dispensing section 30 of the dispensing tip 10 according to the invention is not limited to this embodiment and can alternatively also be provided in the form of a cannula, or of an intra oral tip (IOT), or of a micro-brush, respectively. For allowing medical and / or dental applications, the used material for over-moulding the metal tube 20, and also of all other materials used for the dispensing tip 10, medically approved materials are used. During the over-moulding process, it is ensured that outlet cavities 32 of the dispensing section 30 are fluidly connected to at least one outlet opening 24 of the metal tube 20, and vice versa, for ensuring an unobstructed flow of material through the dispensing section 30 and hence for ensuring an optimal dispensing process. The over-moulding of the metal tube 20 is not to be limited to the dispensing section 30 and / or the connecting section 40. Also, the part of the metal tube 20 extending between the dispensing section 30 and the connecting section 40 can be over-moulded. By that, the metal tube 20 can be completely over-moulded. As depicted especially in views C, D, respectively, the metal tube 20 of the dispensing tip 10 according to the invention is bendable at least in sections. View C depicts the metal tube 20 in a straight state, view D in a bended state. Preferably, the metal tube 20 is bendable over its complete extension between the connecting section 30 and the dispensing section 40. By bending the metal tube 20, the dispensing section 30 can be accordingly arranged concerning the application area and / or volume to be reached. By accordingly adjusting the bending of the metal tube 20, different shapes of the dispensing tip 10 adapted to reach different application areas and / or volumes can be provided. In Fig. 2, another possible embodiment of a dispensing section 30 of the dispensing tip 10 is shown. As depicted, the dispensing section 30 can be provided by an end of the metal tube 20 without any other elements. In this case, the outlet cavities 32 of the dispensing section 30 are directly formed and identical to the outlet openings 24 of the metal tube 20. In the depicted embodiment, two separate outlet openings 24, and hence outlet cavities 32, are positioned at the respective end of the metal tube 20, which is otherwise closed. In particular, the outlet cavities 32 are arranged such that a flow direction the dis-pended material is selected perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the metal tube 20. Reaching application areas and / or volumes not accessible in a straight line can thereby be provided or at least provided in a more simple and convenient way. In addition, by providing two or more outlet cavities 32 which provide different flow directions of the dispensed viscous material, as depicted preferably back-to-back flow directions, the material can be dispensed over a larger volume, in other words, a spread of the dispensed material can be enlarged. Fig. 3 very schematically shows another embodiment of the dispensing system 100 according to the invention. Again, a dispensing tip 10 according to the invention is connected to a material source 110. Especially, again a needle tip 26, encompassing an inlet opening 22 of the metal tube 20, is pierced into a material container 112. The material to be dispensed flows through the metal tube 20 towards the dispensing section 30, and is dispensed through the fluidly connected outlet openings 24 of the metal tube 20 and the outlet cavities 32 of the dispensing section 30. In contrast to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the present embodiment com- 5 prises different activation means 120. In particular, a handling unit 102 with a piston 124 is provided. The handling unit 102 can be attached to the material container 112, for instance as depicted by threads, and the piston can be used for applying pressure on the again deformable material container 112. 10 Preferably, said handling unit 102 is reusable. Thereby, different combinations of dispensing tips 10 and material sources 110 can be used with the same handling unit 102. In addition, the additional handling unit 102 forms the dispensing system 100 with 15 a pen-like shape. Preferably, said pen-like shape has a round- or twisted-triangular outer surface. A handling of the dispensing system 100 can thereby be enhanced. However, the pen-like shape of the dispensing system 100 according to the invention is not limited to embodiments comprising a handling unit 102. Reference numeral list 10 dispensing tip 20 metal tube 22 inlet opening 24 outlet opening 26 needle tip 30 dispensing section 32 outlet cavity 34 swab 40 connecting section 42 inlet cavity 50 connector element 52 connecting means 100 dispensing system 102 handling unit 110 material source 112 material container 114 sealing element 116 providing opening 120 activation means 122 handling area 124 piston

Claims

1. A dispensing tip (10) for dispensing viscous material provided by a material source (110) of a dispensing system (100), comprising:a connecting section (40) comprising an inlet cavity (42) open to the outside, the connecting section (40) constructed to connect the inlet cavity (42) to the material source (110),a dispensing section (30) comprising one or more outlet cavities (32) open to the outside for dispensing the viscous material, anda metal tube (20) extending at least between the connecting section (40) and the dispensing section (30), the metal tube (20) comprising an inlet opening (22) fluidly connected to the inlet cavity (42) of the connector and one or more outlet openings (24) fluidly connected to the one or more outlet cavities (32) of the dispensing sections (30) for providing a continuous flowpath between the inlet cavity (42) of the connecting section (40) and the one or more outlet cavities (32) of the dispensing section (30), wherein the metal tube (20) is bendable at least in sections.

2. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 1, wherein the metal tube (20) comprises a sharpened end which protrudes into or through into the inlet cavity (42) to form a needle tip (26) for piercing a sealing element (114) of the material source (110).

3. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensing section (30) is moulded over the one or more outlet openings (24) of the metal tube (20), wherein the dispensing section (30) is moulded over the one or more outlet openings (24) of the metal tube (20)such that each of the one or more outlet openings (24) is fluidly connected with at least one of the one or more outlet cavities (32).

4. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 3, wherein the metal tube (20) is completely over-moulded along its extension between the connecting section (40) and the dispensing section (30).

5. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an outer surface of the metal tube (20) comprises a rough surface and / or grooves and / or tongues and / or an adhesive coating and / or a flame coating, for increasing the friction and bond between metal tube (20) and the over-moulded plastic material.

6. The dispensing tip (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing section (30) is provided as a cannula, or as an intra oral tip (IOT), or as a micro-brush, or as a swab (34).

7. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 6, wherein the metal tube (20) comprises only one single outlet opening (24), wherein further the dispensing section (30) is formed by an end of the metal tube (20) comprising the single outlet opening (24), or wherein the dispensing section (30) is formed by a plastic tube fluidly connected to the single outlet opening (24), for providing the dispensing section (30) as cannula.

8. The dispensing tip (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the metal tube (20) comprises two or more outlet openings (24), wherein each of the two or more outlet openings (24) is fluidly connected to at least one of the one or more outlet cavities (32) of the dispensing section (30).

9. The dispensing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more outlet cavities (32) are constructed for generating a flow direction of the viscous material different from a longitudinal direction of the metal tube (20).

10. The dispensing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting section (40) is formed by a connector element (50) comprising the inlet cavity (42), wherein the connector element (50) is moulded over the inlet opening (22) of the metal tube (20) such that the inlet cavity (42) is fluidly connected with the inlet opening (22).

11. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 10, wherein the connector element (50) comprises connecting means (52) for connecting the connector element (50) to the material source (110).

12. The dispensing tip (10) according to claim 11, wherein the connector element (50) comprises keying means configured such that the connector element (50) can only be connected to a material source (110) comprising corresponding keying means.

13. The dispensing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal tube (20), a material used for over-moulding the metal tube (20), and if applicable material used for forming the connecting section (40) and the dispensing section (30), respectively, consist of medically approved materials.

14. A dispensing system (100) for viscous material comprising:a material source (110) comprising one or more material containers (112) in which the viscous material to be dispensed is stored, anda dispensing tip (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the material source (110) is constructed for providing the viscous material at a providing opening (116) of the material source (110), and wherein the connecting section (40) of the dispensing tip (10) is connectable to the material source (110) such that the inlet cavity (42) of the dispensing tip (10) is fluidly connected to the providing opening (116).

15. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 14, wherein the material source (110) comprises an activation means (120) for starting and / or maintaining conveying the viscous material through the providing opening (116) into and through the dispensing tip (10).

16. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 15, wherein the one or more material containers (112) in which the viscous material is stored are deformable,and wherein the activation means (120) comprises one or more handling areas (122) and / or a piston (124) for applying pressure on the one or more deformable material containers (112) for conveying the viscous material stored therein.

17. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 16, wherein the one or more handling areas (122) are arranged on a surface of the one or more material containers (112).

18. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 16, wherein the one or more handling areas (122) and / or the piston (124) are provided as part of a reusable handling unit (102).

19. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 18,wherein the material source (110) comprises a single component (1K) container as material container (112).

20. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 5 14 to 18,wherein the material source (110) comprises a two-component (2K) container as material container (112).

21. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 19 or 20,10 wherein the material source (110) comprises a static mixer and / or a dynamic mixer.

22. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 21,15 wherein the material source (110) and the dispensing tip (10) form a penlike shape, wherein the shape has a round- or twisted-triangular outer surface.

Images