Adapter for a dispensing system and dispensing system

Abstract

Adapter for a dispensing system, the adapter comprising at least one passage extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the adapter, the passage comprising a first passage portion defining a first extension axis and a second passage portion defining a second extension axis, wherein the first passage portion and the second passage portion are arranged such that the first extension axis of the first passage portion and the second extension axis of the second passage portion are inclined to each other. A dispensing system comprising a cartridge, a discharge tip and an adapter is also disclosed, the discharge tip connected to the cartridge by means of the adapter, such that a longitudinal extension axis of the discharge tip and a longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge are inclined to each other.

Description

[0001] medmix Switzerland AG M29284PWO

[0002] Adapter for a Dispensing System and Dispensing System

[0003] The invention is directed at an adapter for a dispensing system. The adapter comprises at least one passage extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the adapter, the passage comprising a first passage portion defining a first extension axis and a second passage portion defining a second extension axis.

[0004] Such kind of adapter is well known in the art and may be used for example in a dispensing system to connect a cartridge to a discharge tip. The adapter usually connects the cartridge and the discharge tip in a linear manner such that a longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge defining a longitudinal direction of the dispensing system and a longitudinal extension axis of the discharge tip are aligned at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0005] In an assembled state of the dispensing system, the adapter is arranged between the cartridge and the discharge tip and provides for a fluid communication between the cartridge and the discharge tip such that material stored in the cartridge may be discharged through the adapter and the discharge tip to a place of application.

[0006] Typical dispensing systems are for example single-component dispensing systems in which only one material is provided or multi-component dispensing systems in which at least two materials are provided.

[0007] In multi-component dispensing systems, the discharge tip may comprise a mixing element, such as a static or dynamic mixing element, which allows for mixing of the materials discharged from the cartridge. In some applications, a rather long mixing distance is required for sufficient mixing of multiple components, thereby requiring a rather long discharge tip which ultimately results in a rater long overall length of the entire dispensing system. However, in not all applications such large space is available.

[0008] Hence, it is an object of the invention to reduce the overall length of a dispensing system.

[0009] This object is satisfied by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea that the overall length of an assembled dispensing system may be reduced if a discharge tip of the dispensing system is inclined or tilted with regard to a cartridge of the dispensing system. In order to fluidi- cally connect the cartridge with the tilted discharge tip, an adapter connecting the cartridge with the discharge tip comprises at least one passage extending therethrough, wherein a first passage portion of the passage is inclined with respect to a second passage portion of the passage in at least substantially the same manner as the discharge tip is tilted with regard to the cartridge. That is a first extension axis defined by the first passage portion is inclined with regard to a second passage portion defined by the second passage portion.

[0011] In particular, by using such kind of adapter, the overall length of the dispensing system comprising a tilted discharge tip is decreased in comparison to a dispensing system using the same cartridge and the same discharge tip, but in which the discharge tip and the cartridge are linearly aligned, i.e. in which the discharge tip is not inclined with respect to the cartridge.

[0012] Furthermore, as the overall length of the dispensing system is reduced, a conventional straight discharge tip may be used without the need of changing its length or shape. This is in particular beneficial for using the discharge tip in combination with a mixing element, as the mixing element can be more easily inserted into a straight discharge tip. However, the adapter as described herein may in principle be used in combination with any kind of discharge tip of any size or shape, as long as it is connectable to the adapter.

[0013] It is noted that the overall length of the dispensing system may be defined as the length of a projection of the dispensing system on a line extending parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge. In this regard, the dispensing system longitudinally extends between a front end at which material is discharged from the discharge tip and a rear end being a rear end of the cartridge arranged oppositely to that end of the cartridge which is connected to the adapter.

[0014] Further advantages become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Preferably, the inlet opening of the adapter is configured to be connected to an outlet opening of the cartridge to allow for a fluid communication between the cartridge and the adapter. In a similar manner, the outlet opening of the adapter is configured to be connected to an inlet opening of the discharge tip, thereby allowing for a fluid communication between the adapter and the discharge tip.

[0016] The first passage portion may extend from the inlet opening towards an intermediate portion of the passage and the second passage portion may extend from the intermediate portion of the passage to the outlet opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the intermediate portion may be curved. This allows for a smooth flow of the discharged material through the adapter.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the intermediate portion may be cornered, which enables an easy production of the adapter, in particular, if the adapter is formed as a solid body, such that the first and second passage portions just need to be formed as holes drilled through the solid adapter body, a portion at which the drilled holes transition into each other forming the cornered intermediate portion.

[0019] Depending on the application, an inclination angle between the first extension axis of the first passage portion and the second extension axis of the second passage portion may be more than or equal to 90° and less than 180°. Preferably the inclination angle may range between 100° and 170°, more preferably between 1 10° and 150° and may be for example 125°. It is noted that the overall length of the dispensing system decreases as the inclination angle decreases.

[0020] It is further noted that an angle of 180° between the first extension axis and the second extension axis corresponds to a conventional non-inclined linear arrangement of the first and second passage portions.

[0021] Preferably, the inclination angle is permanently fixed. That is, the first passage portion of the passage cannot be moved relative the second passage portion of the passage. Such kind of fixed inclination allows for keeping the discharge tip tilted with regard to the cartridge in a predetermined orientation in a reproducible manner.

[0022] The adapter may comprise only one passage extending therethrough, in particular if used in combination with a single component dispensing system.

[0023] However, the adapter may comprise more than one passage. That is the adapter may comprise at least two passages. Preferably, the at least two passages are separated from each other, i.e. the at least two passages are not in fluid communication with each other. An adapter comprising at least two passages is beneficial for use in a multi-component dispensing system. In particular, the adapter may comprise one passage for each material dispensable from the multi-component dispensing system. For example, in a two-component dispensing system, the adapter may comprise two passages. However, the adapter may also comprise more than two passages if more than two components are dispensable from the multi-component dispensing system, such as for instance three passages in a three-component dispensing system or four passages in a four-component dispensing system.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, an inlet opening of one of the at least two passages may lie at least substantially flush with an inlet opening of at least one further passage of the at least two passages. Additionally or complementary, an outlet opening of one of the at least two passages may lie at least substantially flush with an outlet opening of at least one further passage of the at least two passages. Flush inlet openings of the adapter allow for an easy assembly of the adapter and the cartridge, whereas flush outlet openings of the adapter allow for an easy assembly of the adapter and the discharge tip.

[0025] However, at least one inlet opening of one of the passages and at least one further inlet opening of another passage may be stepped with regard to each other, i.e. the inlet openings are not aligned flush, such that one inlet opening projects over the other inlet opening. This allows for a coding between the adapter and the cartridge such that the adapter and the cartridge can only be assembled if the step size of the outlet openings of the cartridge corresponds to the step size of the inlet openings of the adapter.

[0026] In a similar manner, at least one outlet opening of one of the passages and at least one further outlet opening of another passage may be stepped with regard to each other, i.e. the outlet openings are not aligned flush, such that one outlet opening projects over the other outlet opening. This allows for a coding between the adapter and the discharge tip such that the adapter and the discharge tip can only be assembled if the step size of the outlet openings of the adapter corresponds to the step size of the inlet openings of the discharge tip.

[0027] Preferably, the at least two passages are aligned parallel to each other. This enables a compact design of the adapter. Furthermore, the material flow through the passages is directed in the same direction.

[0028] Preferably, the at least two passages are aligned entirely parallel to each other. However, it is also possible that only sections of the at least two passages are aligned parallel to each other, such as for example only the first passage portions and / or only the second passage portions and / or only the intermediate portions.

[0029] However, depending on the design of the discharge tip and / or the cartridge, the at least two passages extending through the adapter may at least in sections deviate from a parallel alignment. Such a configuration of passages in the adapter can be for example beneficial if outlet openings of the cartridge a spaced further apart than corresponding inlet openings of the discharge tip.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the respective inlet openings of at least two passages and the respective outlet openings of the same at least two passages are arranged at least substantially in a common plane.

[0031] If the at least two passages are aligned parallel to each other in this embodiment, the length of a first passage of the at least two passages may be longer than a length of a second passage of the at least two passages.

[0032] However, in order to ensure that an equal amount of material arrives at the discharge tip, a volume of each of the passages may be at least substantially the same, in particular a volume of two passages being the same if the volume of one of the two passages ranges between 90 to 110 % of the volume of the other one of the two passages.

[0033] Such kind of equal volume may be achieved for example if the shorter passage has at least in sections a larger diameter in comparison to the longer passage which preferably has then a smaller diameter.

[0034] However, depending on the mixing ratio between the discharged materials, the volumes of the passages may not necessarily need to be the same.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, the respective first passage portions of at least two passages may be arranged at least substantially parallel to a plane and the respective second passage portions of the same at least two passages are inclined, in particular commonly inclined, with regard to that plane.

[0036] The adapter may comprise at least one connection means for a connection of the adapter to at least one of the discharge tip and the cartridge. Preferably, the adapter comprises at least two connection means comprising a first connection means and a second connection means. For example, the first connection means may be configured to connect the adapter to the cartridge. The second connection may be configured to connect the adapter to the discharge tip.

[0037] Preferably, the first connection means and the second connection means are respectively provided at opposite end sections of the adapter. By providing the connection means at the respective end sections of the adapter, the adapter can be easily connected to the respective ones of cartridge and discharge tip.

[0038] The connection means may be selectable from a snap-fit type connection means, a bayonet type connection means and a screwing type connection means. Preferably, the first connection means and the second connection means are of the same type. This allows for a simple set-up of the adapter.

[0039] Alternatively, the first connection means and the second connection means may be of different types. This allows for a coding, such that the dispensing system can only be assembled if the connection means of the adapter matches to a corresponding counter connection means respectively formed at the cartridge and the discharge tip.

[0040] The first connection means and the second connection means may be offset to each other in circumferential direction of the adapter, in particular offset at 90° to each other. This enables for a compact design of the adapter. Furthermore, such an offset configuration allows for the connection means to be easily accessible to a user of the dispensing system thereby facilitating the attachment or detachment of the adapter to the other components of the dispensing system, i.e. to the cartridge and / or the discharge tip.

[0041] However, the first connection means and the second connection may also be arranged in-line with each other, i.e. without any offset.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one connection means is a part of a connecting system comprising the connection means and a complementary counter connection means, the connection means configured to be connected to the counter connection means such that, in a connected state, the adapter is locked, in particular rotatably locked, to the counter connection means in a predetermined orientation with regard to the counter connection means. This enables to align the discharge tip with regard to the cartridge in a reproducible manner when the dispensing system is assembled. In this regard, it is noted that the counter connection means may be formed at either one of the cartridge and the discharge tip.

[0043] The invention is also directed at a dispensing system. The dispensing system comprises a cartridge comprising at least one storing compartment, a discharge tip, and an adapter, in particular an adapter configured as described in the foregoing. In this dispensing system, the discharge tip is connected to the cartridge by means of the adapter, such that a longitudinal extension axis of the discharge tip and a longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge are inclined to each other.

[0044] In such configuration of the dispensing system its overall length is reduced as compared to a dispensing system in which the longitudinal extension axes of the discharge tip and the cartridge are not inclined, i.e. arranged parallel to each other.

[0045] An inclination angle between the longitudinal extension axis of the discharge tip and the longitudinal extension axis of the cartridge may be more than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, preferably the inclination angle ranges between 100° and 170°, more preferably between 110° and 150° and may be for example 125°. As mentioned above, the overall length of the dispensing system decreases as the inclination angle decreases.

[0046] In order to allow discharge action from the cartridge through the adapter into and out of the discharge tip, the adapter preferably comprises at least one passage extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the adapter, the inlet opening of the adapter connected to an outlet opening of the cartridge and the outlet opening of the adapter connected to an inlet opening of the discharge tip in an assembled state of the dispensing system.

[0047] The discharge tip may be in general a tubular discharge tip, in particular a tapering tubular discharge tip tapering towards its outlet opening. Preferably, the discharge tip may be selected from at least one of a cannula and a mixer, in particular a static mixer or a dynamic mixer.

[0048] Preferably, the cartridge, the dispensing tip and the adapter are each single pieces. This allows for a versatile combination of the respective components of the dispensing system.

[0049] However, the adapter together with the cartridge and / or the dispensing tip may also form a single piece.

[0050] Preferably, in the assembled state, the adapter and the cartridge are rotatably locked with respect to each other. This allows for the outlet openings of the adapter to be aligned in a fixed predetermined orientation with regard to the cartridge, such that the discharge tip connected to the adapter is also aligned in a fixed predetermined orientation with regard to the cartridge.

[0051] In the following, exemplary embodiments and functions of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the drawings, showing schematically:

[0052] Fig. 1 a side view of a dispensing system comprising an adapter;

[0053] Fig. 2 a perspective view of the adapter as used in the dispensing system of Fig. 1 ; and

[0054] Fig. 3 a sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 2.

[0055] In the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a dispensing system and Figs. 2 and 3 show details of this dispensing system. The dispensing system comprises a cartridge 10, a discharge tip 12 and an adapter 14. Each of these components are formed as separate pieces connected to each other, thereby forming the dispensing system. However, it is also possible that the adapter 14 may form a single piece with the cartridge 10 and / or the discharge tip 12. In particular, the entire dispensing system may be formed as a single piece.

[0056] The cartridge 10 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a multi-component cartridge and comprises two storage compartments 16. That is the cartridge 10 of the present embodiment is a two-component cartridge, wherein each of the storage compartments 16 is configured to store a respective material of a two-component material system.

[0057] It is noted that depending on the application, the cartridge 10 may also comprise less or more than two compartments 16, such as only one compartment in a single-component dispensing system or three, four, five or more compartments in a multi-component dispensing system.

[0058] Each storage compartment 16 extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to a longitudinal extension axis L1 of the cartridge 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the storage compartments 16 are aligned side by side to each other in direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis L1 of the cartridge 10, such that the cartridge 10 has a narrow side N and a broad side B.

[0060] The dimension of the broad side B of the cartridge 10 basically corresponds to the sum of the outer diameters of the storage compartments 16 abutting each other, whereas the dimension of the narrow side N of the cartridge 10 basically corresponds to the outer diameter of one of the storage compartments 16 perpendicular to the broad side B. In this regard it is noted that the dimension of the broad side B is larger than the dimension of the narrow side N.

[0061] The material stored in the storage compartments 16 is discharged therefrom by applying a force from a rear end 11 of the cartridge 10 such that the material is discharged out of the storage compartments 16 through the adapter 14 and ultimately out of a front end 13 of the discharge tip 12 to a place of application. In this regard, it is noted that the rear end 11 of the cartridge 10 is a rear end 11 of the dispensing system and the front end 13 of the discharge tip 12 is also the front end 13 of the dispensing system.

[0062] The material may be discharged from the storage compartments 16 for example by applying a force onto plungers (not shown) respectively inserted into the storage compartments 16 of the cartridge 10, such that the plungers are advanced from the rear end 11 of the cartridge 10 towards the cartridge’s front end, i.e. the end of the cartridge 10 connected to the adapter 14.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the discharge tip 12 is formed as a static mixer comprising a mixing element (not shown) inserted into the discharge tip. The static mixer is long enough to allow for sufficient mixing of the materials discharged from the storage compartments 16. Depending on the application, the discharge tip 12 may also be a dynamic mixer or a cannula.

[0064] However, in order to reduce the overall length of the dispensing system, the discharge tip 12 is connected to the cartridge 10 by means of the adapter 14 such that a longitudinal extension axis L2 of the discharge tip 12 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal extension axis L1 of the cartridge 10. In the embodiment shown, the discharge tip 12 is tilted towards the narrow side N of the cartridge 10 (Fig. 1 ). In the present embodiment, an inclination angle a between the longitudinal extension axis L1 of the cartridge 10 and the longitudinal extension axis L2 of the discharge tip 12 is about 125°.

[0065] However, depending on the application, the inclination angle a may be different from 125°. In particular, the inclination angle a may be more or less than 125° as long as the inclination angle is more than or equal to 90° and less than 180°.

[0066] As mentioned above, tilting of the discharge tip 12 with respect to the cartridge 10 allows for a reduction of the overall length of the dispensing system in comparison to a dispensing system in which the discharge tip 12 is not tilted, i.e. in which the longitudinal axis L1 of the cartridge 10 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the discharge tip 12 are aligned parallel to each other.

[0067] Now turning to Figs. 2 and 3 the configuration of the adapter 14 will be explained in more detail.

[0068] As can be seen best from the sectional view in Fig. 3, the adapter 14 comprises two passages 18 aligned at least substantially parallel to each other. The number of passages, however, may vary and may in particular correspond to the number of materials stored in respective storage compartments of the cartridge.

[0069] In the adapter 14, each of the passages 18 extends between a respective inlet opening 20 and a corresponding outlet opening 22.

[0070] Furthermore, each passage 18 comprises a first passage portion 18a extending from the inlet opening 20 towards an intermediate portion 24 and a second passage portion 18b extending from the intermediate portion 24 towards the outlet opening 22. The intermediate portion 24 is curved, such that a first extension axis E1 of the first passage portion 18a is inclined with respect to a second extension axis E2 of the second passage portion 18b. It is noted that for the same purpose, the intermediate portion 24 may be cornered instead of curved.

[0071] In either way, the inclination angle a between the first extension axis E1 of the first passage portion 18a and the second extension axis E2 of the second passage portion 18b is about 125° (see Fig. 3) which basically reflects the inclination angle a between the longitudinal extension axis L1 of the cartridge 10 and the longitudinal extension axis L2 of the discharge tip 12.

[0072] The inclination angle a is permanently fixed, such that an orientation of the discharge tip 12 with regard to the cartridge 10 cannot be changed in an assembled state of the dispensing system.

[0073] Due to the inclination between the first and second passage portions 18a, 18b as well as the parallel alignment of the passages 18, the length of one of the passages 18 is longer than the length of the other passage 18 (see Fig. 3).

[0074] However, in order to ensure an at least substantially simultaneous discharge of the respective materials through the adapter 14, the volume of each of the passages 18 is at least substantially the same.

[0075] In the present embodiment, this is achieved in that the intermediate portions 24 have different cross-sectional dimensions. In particular, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate portion 24 of the shorter passage 18 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate portion 24 of the longer passage 18.

[0076] In this regard it is noted that the respective first passage portions 18a of the passages 18 and the respective second passage portions 18b of the passages 18 each have about the same cross-sectional dimension. However, the cross-sectional dimension of the first passage portions 18a and / or the cross-sectional dimension the second passage portions 18b and / or the intermediate portions 24 may be different, for example to allow for different discharge volumes.

[0077] Furthermore, the respective inlet openings 20 of the passages 18 have about the same cross-sectional dimension and the respective outlet openings 22 of the passages 18 have about the same cross-sectional dimension. However, the cross- sectional dimension of the inlet openings 20 and / or the cross-sectional dimension the outlet openings 22 may be also different, for example for coding purposes and / or different discharge volumes.

[0078] Furthermore, as becomes apparent from Figs. 2 and 3 the respective inlet openings 20 of both passages 18 and the respective outlet openings 22 of the passages 18 are arranged at least substantially in a common plane. In Fig. 3 this common plane corresponds to the sectional plane being the same as the plane of the drawing sheet.

[0079] Such kind of configuration of the adapter 14 allows for said tilting of the discharge tip 12 towards the narrow side N of the cartridge 10, rendering the size of the dispensing system even more compact.

[0080] According to another not shown embodiment, the respective first passage portions 18a of the passages 18 can be arranged at least substantially parallel to a plane and the respective second passage portions 18b of the same passages 18 can be commonly inclined with regard to that plane. Preferably, the plane comprising the first passage portions 18a of the passages 18 may be aligned parallel to the broad side B of the cartridge 10 such that in an assembled state of the dispensing system the second passage portions 18b of the passages 18 are inclined towards the broad side B of the cartridge 10, thereby ultimately leading to the discharge tip 12 being tilted towards the broad side B of the cartridge 10.

[0081] It is noted that the adapter can also be configured in a manner that the discharge tip 12 is tilted with respect to the cartridge 10 in an orientation between the positions described above, i.e. tilted in a direction between the narrow side N and the broad side B of the cartridge 10.

[0082] In order to allow for fluid communication between the cartridge 10 and the discharge tip 12, the respective inlet openings 20 of the adapter 14 are respectively connected to corresponding outlet openings of the respective storage compartments 16 of the cartridge 10, whereas the respective outlet openings 22 of the adapter are respectively connected to corresponding inlet openings of the discharge tip 12.

[0083] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the inlet openings 20 of the passages 18 lie flush to each other. In a similar manner, the outlet openings 22 of the passages 18 also lie flush to each other. This facilitates the assembly of the adapter 14 to the cartridge 10 as well as the discharge tip 12.

[0084] However, the inlet openings 20 may be stepped with regard to each other. This may be the case if the outlet openings of the cartridge 10 are correspondingly stepped. Such kind of configuration allows for a coding, such that the adapter 14 can only be connected to the cartridge 10 if the step size of inlet openings 20 of the adapter 14 match the corresponding step size of the outlet openings of the cartridge 10.

[0085] In a similar manner, the outlet openings 22 of the adapter 14 may be stepped with regard to each other and the inlet openings of the discharge tip 12 may be stepped correspondingly. In order to connect the adapter 14 to the respective one of the cartridge 10 and the discharge tip 12, the adapter 14 comprises two connection means 28 each respectively provided at opposite end sections of the adapter 14.

[0086] In particular, a first connection means 28a is provided at an end section of the adapter 14 configured to be connected to the cartridge 10 and a second connection means 28b is provided at an opposite end section of the adapter 14 configured to be connected to the discharge tip 12.

[0087] Furthermore, as can be best seen from Fig. 2, the first connection means 28a and the second connection means 28b are offset at at least substantially 90° to each other in circumferential direction of the adapter 14. Such a configuration allows for a space saving arrangement of the first and second connection means 28a, 28b, which is of particular interest due to the inclined set-up of the adapter 14.

[0088] The first connection means 28a is formed as a snap-fit type connection means, whereas the second connection means 28b is formed as a bayonet type connection means. That is, the first connection means 28a and the second connection means 28b are of different types. However, the first connection means 28a and the second connection means 28b may also be of the same type, such as for example that both of the first and second connection means 28a, 28b are formed as snap-fit type connection means or that both of the first and second connection means 28, 28b, are formed as bayonet type connection means.

[0089] It is noted, at least one of the first connection means 28a and the second connection means 28b can also be formed as a screwing type connection means instead of the above described snap-fit or bayonet type connection means. In either way, the connection means 28a, 28b allows for the adapter 14 to be connected to corresponding counter connection means respectively formed at either one of the cartridge 10 and the discharge tip 12 in such a manner that the adapter 14 is connected to the cartridge 10 as well as the discharge tip 12 in a predetermined orientation. As a result, the discharge tip 12 is aligned with respect to the cartridge 10 in a predetermined orientation.

[0090] In this regard it is noted that using snap-fit type connection means the adapter 14 is rotatably locked with regard to the corresponding counter connection means. In view of the shown embodiment, this means that the adapter 14 is rotatably locked with regard to the cartridge 10, thereby ensuring that the adapter 14 and the discharge tip 12 connected thereto are aligned in a fixed predetermined orientation with respect to the cartridge 10. That is in view of the present embodiment, the discharge tip 12 is fixedly tilted towards the narrow side N of the cartridge 10.

[0091] The first connection means 28 comprises two double-sided levers 30 respectively connected via their respective fulcrums 32 in a diametrically opposed manner at an outer surface of the adapter 14.

[0092] Each of the double-sided levers 30 is aligned at least substantially parallel to the extension axes E1 of the first passage portions 18a (Fig. 3) and comprises a first lever section 30a and a second lever section 30b.

[0093] The first lever section 30a axially projects away with regard to the inlet openings 20 of the adapter 14 and comprises inclined radially inwardly protruding guidance means 34 at its free end as well as a radially inwardly projecting hook 36 arranged axially between the guidance means 34 and the fulcrum 32 of the lever 30.

[0094] The guidance means 34 facilitates a movement of the adapter 14 onto the corresponding counter connection means formed on the cartridge 10, by flexing the first lever section 30a radially outwardly. In this context, the counter connection means of the cartridge 10 may be formed as a protrusion extending radially outwardly from a side wall of the cartridge’s front end.

[0095] In an assembled state of the dispensing system, the hook 34 of the adapter 14 engages with the protrusion of the cartridge 10.

[0096] The second lever section 30b projects in an opposite direction of the first lever section 30a and is also radially deflectable. In particular, upon pressing the second lever section 30b radially inwardly into a recess 38 formed at the outer surface of the adapter 14 the first lever section 30a is moved radially outwardly, thereby allowing for a disconnection of the adapter 14 from the cartridge 10 by a disengagement of the hook 34 of the first lever section 30a and the counter connection means of the cartridge 10.

[0097] The second connection means 28b is formed by two brackets 40 arranged in a diametrically opposing manner at the other end section of the adapter 14. Each bracket 40 comprises a channel 42 extending in circumferential direction of the adapter 14, with each channel 42 being open to one side and closed to the other side in circumferential direction of the adapter 14. In particular, the channels 42 are open at diametrically opposed sides thereby allowing for a twist-lock bayonet connection with corresponding protrusions formed at the discharge tip 12.

[0098] Finally, it is noted that guide structures 44 axially extending from the same end section of the adapter 14 also comprising the first connection means 28a. The guide structures 44 assist the assembly of the adapter 14 to the cartridge 10.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the adapter 14 comprises two guide structures 44 each off-set at at least substantially 90° with regard to the first connection means 28a in circumferential direction of the adapter 14. The guide structures 44 in particular prevent unwanted canting of the adapter 14 during connection of the adapter 14 onto the cartridge 10.

[0100] List of reference signs

[0101] 10 cartridge

[0102] 11 rear end

[0103] 12 discharge tip

[0104] 13 front end

[0105] 14 adapter

[0106] 16 storage compartment

[0107] 18 passage

[0108] 18a first passage portion

[0109] 18b second passage portion

[0110] 20 inlet opening

[0111] 22 outlet opening

[0112] 24 intermediate portion

[0113] 28 connection means

[0114] 28a first connection means

[0115] 28b second connection means

[0116] 30 lever

[0117] 30a first lever section

[0118] 30b second lever section

[0119] 32 fulcrum

[0120] 34 guidance means

[0121] 36 hook

[0122] 38 recess

[0123] 40 bracket

[0124] 42 channel

[0125] 44 guide structure

[0126] L1 longitudinal extension axis

[0127] L2 longitudinal extension axis E1 extension axis

[0128] E2 extension axis N narrow side

[0129] B broad side a inclination angle

Claims

medmix Switzerland AG M29284PWOClaims1 . Adapter (14) for a dispensing system, the adapter (14) comprising at least one passage (18) extending between an inlet opening (20) and an outlet opening (22) of the adapter (14), the passage (18) comprising a first passage portion (18a) defining a first extension axis (E1 ) and a second passage portion (18b) defining a second extension axis (E2), wherein the first passage portion (18a) and the second passage portion (18b) are arranged such that the first extension axis (E1 ) of the first passage portion (18a) and the second extension axis (E2) of the second passage portion (18b) are inclined to each other.

2. The adapter (14) of claim 1 , wherein the first passage portion (18a) extends from the inlet opening (20) towards an intermediate portion (24) of the passage (18) and the second passage portion (18b) extends from the intermediate portion (24) of the passage (18) to the outlet opening (22), the intermediate portion (24) being curved or cornered.

3. The adapter (14) of claim 1 or 2, wherein an inclination angle (a) between the first extension axis (E1 ) and the second extension axis (E2) is more than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, preferably the inclination angle (a) ranges between 100° and 170°, more preferably between 1 10° and 150° and may be for example 125°.

4. The adapter (14) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapter (14) comprises at least two passages (18), with the at least two passages (18) aligned parallel to each other.

5. The adapter (14) of claim 4, wherein the length of a first passage (18) of the at least two passages (18) is longer than a length of a second passage (18) of the at least two passages (18).

6. The adapter (14) of claim 4 or 5, wherein a volume of each of the passages (18) is at least substantially the same, in particular a volume of two passages (18) being the same if the volume of one of the two passages (18) ranges between 90 to 1 10 % of the volume of the other one of the two passages (18).

7. The adapter (14) of one of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the respective inlet openings (20) of at least two passages (18) and the respective outlet openings (22) of the same at least two passages (18) are arranged at least substantially in a common plane.

8. The adapter (14) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter (14) comprises at least one connection means (28), in particular the at least two connection means (28) comprising a first connection means (28a) and a second connection means (28b).

9. The adapter (14) of claim 8, wherein the connection means (28) is selectable from a snap-fit type connection means, a bayonet type connection means and a screwing type connection means.

10. The adapter (14) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first connection means (28a) and the second connection means (28b) are of the same type; or the first connection means (28a) and the second connection means (28b) are of different types.11 . The adapter (14) of one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the first connection means (28a) and the second connection means (28b) are offset to each other in circumferential direction of the adapter (14), in particular offset at at least substantially 90° to each other.

12. The adapter (14) of one of the claims 8 to 11 , wherein the at least one connection means (28) is a part of a connecting system comprising the connection means (28) and a complementary counter connection means, the connection means (28) configured to be connected to the counter connection means such that, in a connected state, the adapter (14) is locked, in particular rotatably locked, to the counter connection means in a predetermined orientation with regard to the counter connection means.

13. Dispensing system, the dispensing system comprising:- a cartridge (10) comprising at least one storing compartment (16);- a discharge tip (12); and- an adapter (14), in particular according to one of the preceding claims; wherein the discharge tip (12) is connected to the cartridge (10) by means of the adapter (14), such that a longitudinal extension axis (L2) of the discharge tip (12) and a longitudinal extension axis (L1 ) of the cartridge (10) are inclined to each other.

14. The dispensing system of claim 13, wherein an inclination angle (a) between the longitudinal extension axis (L2) of the discharge tip (12) and the longitudinal extension axis (L1 ) of the cartridge (10) is more than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, preferably the inclination angle (a) ranges between 100° and 170°, more preferably between 110° and 150° and may be for example at least substantially 125°.

15. The dispensing system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the adapter (14) comprises at least one passage (18) extending between an inlet opening (20) and an outlet opening (22) of the adapter (14), the inlet opening (20) of the adapter (14) connected to an outlet opening of the cartridge (10) and the outlet opening (22) of the adapter (14) connected to an inlet opening of the discharge tip (12) in an assembled state of the dispensing system.

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