HK1236017A1 - Pump head for a metering device, metering device, and applications - Google Patents

Description

Pump head for a metering device, metering device and use possibility

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pump head for a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid. The pump head can be mounted on a storage container, for example a bottle, which is designed for storing the fluid to be dispensed. The pump head and the storage container together form a metering device according to the invention. The pump head is characterized in that it comprises an air channel through which air from the outside can be conveyed into the storage container for pressure compensation during the pumping process. The invention also relates to the use object of the pump head and the metering device.

Background

From the prior art, for example from WO 2012/031775a1, a metering device is known which is designed to be unventilated, i.e. no air flows into the interior of the device during metering. In addition to the storage container, these metering devices also have a further bag which contains the fluid to be metered. The bag collapses due to the negative pressure prevailing when dispensing fluid, so that fluid can be dispensed. However, a disadvantage of such metering devices is the relatively complex and failure-prone construction of the storage container in particular. Furthermore, such systems are relatively bulky and expensive.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pump head and/or a metering device which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1 when relating to a pump head, by the features of patent claim 19 when relating to a metering device, and by the features of patent claim 21 when relating to the purpose of use. The corresponding dependent patent claims represent advantageous developments here.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a pump head for a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising a pump housing having a pressure chamber; an inlet valve defining a pressure chamber; a cone which is movably arranged in the pressure chamber of the pump housing and comprises a through-passage, wherein the cone in the portion facing the inlet valve is dimensioned such that it can be guided in a form-fit in the pressure chamber and in the remaining portion is dimensioned to be smaller on average; a discharge valve via which the distribution of the fluid is effected, wherein the discharge valve is in fluid communication with the through channel of the cone; and a member narrowing the diameter of the pressure chamber in a portion opposite the inlet valve, the member being designed for guiding the cone.

A pump head according to the invention is characterized in that the pump head has at least one air inlet for guiding air, wherein the air inlet comprises a passage for air between the cone and the component, and at least one through opening for air in the pump housing, which through opening is open when the cone is transferred to an outlet position at which the pump head dispenses fluid.

In the case of the pump head according to the invention, it is therefore essential that it has a pump housing with a pressure chamber, wherein the cone is insertable into the pressure chamber in a form-fitting manner and is movable therein. By moving the cone into the pressure chamber, the volume of the pressure chamber is reduced, so that the fluid located in the pressure chamber is transported out of the pressure chamber through the channel located in the cone. The cone is here guided sealingly against the wall of the pressure chamber or has, for example, a corresponding sealing element. Due to the fact that the cone outside the pressure chamber has a smaller diameter and thus narrows than the pressure chamber, an air inlet passage can be opened which enables air from the environment of the pump head to enter the interior of the pump head and thus, for example, also a storage container mounted on the pump head for the fluid to be dispensed. The passage is then opened, in particular when the cone is transferred from the inactive position to the dispensing position. As already mentioned, a reduction of the volume of the pressure chamber thereby occurs, and the fluid contained in the pressure chamber is conveyed out of the pressure chamber through the cone. During this movement process of the cone within the pressure chamber, the through opening in the wall of the pressure chamber (i.e. the pump housing) is thereby exposed or opened, so that during the outflow of the fluid air can pass through the unsealed housing simultaneously into the pump head, or into a storage container for the fluid to be dispensed.

A particular advantage of the pump head according to the invention or of the metering device according to the invention is therefore that a simplified system can be achieved compared to a hermetically sealed metering system. However, the stored fluid can be stored in the metering device without the use of preservatives, which is advantageous in particular in the case of pharmaceutical applications, for example eye and/or nasal sprays.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the component has a smaller dimension than the inner diameter of the pressure chamber. Thus, the size of the cone near the component also has a smaller size than the pressure chamber.

In particular in the case of a reduction, preferably a strictly monotonous reduction, of the diameter of the cone from the diameter in the vicinity of the pump chamber to the diameter in the vicinity of the component, in particular in the case of a cone-shaped design in the vicinity of the component, it may be the case that the cone abuts on the component in the inoperative position or seals with the component in a form-fitting manner as a result of the reduction in the diameter of the cone. Due to this abutment, an automatic sealing function can be provided, so that the inlet channel is closed in the rest position of the cone. According to the position of this preferred embodiment, the cone is thus sealingly mounted in the closed position of the pump head relative to the component.

Furthermore, it is advantageous here if the component has guide ribs, by means of which it is guided. The guide ribs here surround the cone in the vicinity of the component 6 at least partially in a form-fitting manner, so that the cone can be guided in the component precisely and reliably. In this way, on the other hand, the cone can be precisely guided in the pump housing or the pressure chamber, so that unintentional outflow of fluid due to the lateral guidance of fluid through the cone can be avoided.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the air inlet comprises at least one hole introduced into the component.

A particular embodiment of the pump head provides that between the fluid outlet and the discharge valve an insert is arranged, which insert has a housing surrounding an inner cavity, which surrounds the discharge valve, a through opening (pin bore) through the wall of the housing, which through opening leads to at least one fluid conducting channel arranged on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the at least one fluid conducting channel is preferably guided around the housing in an upper part of the housing and fed to an outlet end of the housing, and the at least one fluid conducting channel is delimited by an upper pump head part which receives the insert in a form-fitting manner. In this embodiment, the fluid guide channel in the insert is arranged on the outer surface of the shell, i.e. the fluid guide channel here represents a recess in the shell. The fluid conducting channel is closed off here by the upper pump head which receives the insert in a form-fitting manner. Thus, a continuously configured fluid conducting channel is formed by the delimitation created by the upper part of the pump head at the location of the recess of the fluid conducting channel in the outer surface of the housing.

Preferably, the insert has means for sterilising, bacteria removing or bacteria reducing the fluid, preferably a silver spiral, and/or the upper part of the pump head, and/or the insert has or is formed from an anti-bacterial or bacteriostatic material.

Due to the fact that the fluid guide channel is not guided in a straight line on the outer surface of the housing, but around the housing as described above, the means for sterilizing, disinfecting or reducing bacteria for the fluid in the previously described particular embodiment can play the greatest role, since the fluid guide channel is designed as long as possible due to its guidance.

The outlet valve is preferably designed here as a cylindrical valve, which comprises a closing body which closes the passage of the cone in the closed position of the pump head and opens the passage of the cone and the through-opening (pin bore) of the housing in the outlet position of the pump head. The closing body is pressed upwards by the fluid flowing out of the through-opening during the pumping process, even during the transition of the cone from the inoperative position to the dispensing position. The closing body thus opens a pin bore, i.e. a through opening, in the insert, so that fluid can enter the fluid conducting channel through the through opening.

After the metering process is completed, no additional fluid passes through the through-flow opening, so that the closure body can return to its initial position and close the through-opening of the cone and the pin bore. The return of the closing body into this position closing off the passage is preferably assisted by a return spring.

Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that at least one air-permeable means, preferably a bacterial filter, in particular a HEPA filter, for sterilization, depalletizing or reducing bacteria of the air is provided in the air inlet. The device is preferably inserted at the upper end of the component. Thus, the air entering as early as is practical is sterilized or sterile filtered accordingly, so that it is ensured that no bacteria can enter through the pump head and thus into the storage container for the fluid. Furthermore, there is preferably a pump head upper part which surrounds the outlet valve, the outlet opening abutting the outlet valve, and the cone, wherein the pump head upper part is movably arranged relative to the component such that the cone can be guided in the pressure chamber by means of the pump head upper part.

The upper part of the pump head is connected to the component, in particular by means of a return spring.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the component is configured as a separate component and connected with the pump housing, preferably via a snap-on connection (snap-on).

The pump head is preferably connectable via this means, preferably via a snap-on connection (snap-on), to a storage container for storing the fluid to be dispensed.

The inlet valve via which fluid can be introduced from the storage container into the pressure chamber can also comprise a riser pipe, in particular if the fluid is intended to be dispensed in the upright state of the respective metering device (i.e. the pump head is arranged above the storage container). Also embodiments of the metering device provided with a corresponding pump head and not comprising a riser pipe are possible, for example in case the metering device is intended to be emptied via a top, as is the case in particular for example with eye drops.

The inlet valve can in particular be embodied as a disk valve, a cylindrical valve or a ball valve. Reference is made in particular to the preceding embodiments in connection with the embodiments relating to cylindrical valves. Particularly preferred are disk valves.

The invention furthermore relates to a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising a pump head as described previously. The pump head according to the invention is here connected to a storage container for storing the fluid to be dispensed. The storage container has an opening and is connected to the pump head at the opening in a fluid-tight manner via components of the pump head.

The sealing connection can in particular be realized by a flange or gasket mounted between the pump head and the storage container.

The invention also relates to the use possibilities of the pump head or the metering device. In particular, the previously mentioned components are suitable for the metered dispensing of fluids or semi-solids, such as solutions, sprays, gels, ointments, creams, pastes, in particular for pharmaceutical applications, preferably eye drops, eye sprays, nose drops, nasal sprays, and/or in the food field.

With the pump head according to the invention and the metering device according to the invention, the following advantages can be achieved in particular: no metallic contact of the fluid is provided within the device, except for the presence of a silver spiral that can be inserted, in particular, in the upper part of the pump head, for example, as a device for fluid sterilization, if necessary.

Additionally or alternatively, the silver spiral can be replaced by an antimicrobial additive (e.g., a thermoplastic injection molding compound) from which the pump head upper portion and/or the shell of the insert is formed.

The entry of bacteria via the discharge opening is further hindered due to the special channel guidance in the shell of the insert (which represents an extension of the direct path).

In particular, a horizontal passage of the fluid channel occurs if the fluid channel in the shell is guided around the shell. Because of this fact, bacteria cannot reach the pin hole due to the gravity condition, so that the entry of bacteria is further hindered thereby. Bacteria contained in a typical air intake can be filtered out by an antibacterial filter.

Furthermore, the start-up time of the pump head or the metering device can be reduced in the above-mentioned components of the pump head by the additional air channel which is opened during start-up.

The microbiological safety of the pump head or the metering device is further increased by the fact that the air channel is only open at start-up, but otherwise closed.

Detailed Description

The present invention is described in more detail with reference to the following drawings and the invention is not limited to the specific parameters illustrated.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a pump head according to the present invention. The pump head I has a pump head upper part 2, the pump head upper part 2 having a discharge opening a. The pump head upper part has a cavity in this case, into which the insert 3 can be inserted in a fitting manner. The insert 3 has a through opening G (pin hole) through which fluid from the inside can be guided to the outer surface of the insert. The outer surface has a fluid guiding channel, which is not shown in more detail in fig. 1. Furthermore, the insert 3 has a silver spiral 9, which serves to disinfect or kill bacteria that may enter the pump head I via the discharge opening a. The insert 3 comprises a shell having a cavity shown in the lower part of the shell. Into which cavity is inserted a discharge valve 4 closing the through opening of the cone 5 in the closed position. The valve 4 is here a cylindrical valve and is held in place by a return spring 10. The abutment cone 5 has a through passage through which the cone 5 is able to withstand fluid flow. The cone 5 is held in the pump housing 7 by means of a part 6. The lower part of the cone 5 can here be introduced with a form fit into the cavity, i.e. the pressure chamber, of the pump housing 7, where the upper conical part of the cone 5 is held and guided through a corresponding opening of the component 6. The component 6 has a recess in which a bacterial filter (e.g. a HEPA filter 12) can be inserted. The lower end of the pump housing 7 has a discharge port that can be sealed with respect to the space outside the pump chamber 7 via a disc valve. A riser pipe may also be present at the lower end. Furthermore, a flange or gasket 13 can be arranged above the pump housing in order to be able to achieve a sealing connection with a storage container which is not shown in fig. 1. The pump head I can also comprise a protective cap 1, which can be applied to the upper part of the pump head and protects the outlet a.

Fig. 2 shows a metering device according to the invention, comprising a pump head I as described in fig. 1, which is mounted on a storage container II. Like reference numerals refer to like parts herein. On the left in fig. 2 the metering device is shown in the rest position and on the right the metering device is shown in the outlet position, in which the cone 5 is pressed downwards compared to the left.

The interaction of the various components can be found in fig. 2. If the user activates the metering device by pressing down on the upper pump head part 2 and thereby causing the metering device in the position shown on the left in fig. 2 to be transferred to the right position, the cone 5 is pressed down into the pump housing. The pump housing 7 here accommodates the fluid to be discharged in the discharge volume V. Due to the resulting volume reduction, the fluid located in the pressure chamber or in the discharge volume V is pressed upwards in the cone. The cone valve 4 is thus opened so that fluid passes through the wall of the insert 3 via the pin hole H in the insert 3. The fluid is thus guided in the fluid guide channel on the outer surface of the insert 3 towards the discharge opening a and flows out there. In the upper part of the insert 3, the silver spiral prevents the fluid located in the discharge opening from being contaminated. During pumping, air can enter the storage container II via the path shown in the right figure due to pressure compensation. The air here follows a path through the sterile filter 12, through the channel shown in the right-hand drawing in fig. 2. A non-hermetically sealed gap is provided between the member 6 and the cone 5, through which air can enter. When the cone 5 moves downwards in the pressure chamber, additionally a through-opening in the wall of the pump housing 7 is opened, via which through-opening an air flow can enter the interior of the storage container II and thus be pressure compensated. After the start-up procedure is completed, the cone is guided back to the initial position. This can be done automatically by the return spring 11. The inlet passage is thus closed, the inlet valve 8 opens as a result of the low pressure generated, and the fluid from the reservoir II is sucked into the pressure chamber of the pump housing 7. As can also be found in fig. 2, the cone 5 has a conical configuration and has a reduced outer diameter (the largest outer diameter being designed in the vicinity of the pressure chamber of the pump housing 7). Near the part 6 the outer diameter of the cone 5 has been reduced. At the point where the cone 5 hits the assembly 6 in the rest position, sealing is ensured. The part 6 and/or the cone 5 may in this position be able to have further sealing elements which contribute to the gastight seal.

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the metering device according to the invention. This embodiment according to fig. 3 has holes H present in the component 6. The cavity formed by the hole H here abuts directly on the cone 5. The component 6 can have, for example, 1 to 10 such holes. The holes make it easier to let air through in the channels already discussed in fig. 2, so that a faster reset and response of the metering device is provided.

In addition, in the alternative embodiment shown in fig. 3, the component 6 has guide ribs R which are designed, for example, as small projections in the component 6. The guide rib R here seals in a form-fitting manner with the cone 5 and serves for precise guidance of the cone 5. The cone 5 guided by the component 6 can thus be guided into the pump housing 7 precisely and with a positive fit. The guide ribs R can also be present independently of the holes H given by way of example in fig. 3.

Figure 4 shows details of the interaction of the cone 5 and the member 6. Fig. 4a shows the cone 5 in the closed position of the metering device. In the region marked with reference M, it can be found that, due to the tapering process of the cone 5 in this region, the cone 5 abuts against the component 6 and thus sealing is possible.

In contrast, fig. 4b shows the open position of the metering device, i.e. the cone 5 is introduced into the pressure chamber. In this case, the air channel is open, which enables pressure compensation in the storage container II, which is not shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 4c shows an alternative embodiment of the component 6 with an additional hole H in this case.

Fig. 5 shows a special embodiment of the insert 3. The insertion can be designed differently depending on the respective configuration. For example, fig. 3a shows an insert that is particularly advantageous for applications with liquid droplets. In contrast, fig. 3b shows an insert suitable for spraying. The insert 3 here differs only in the design of the outlet opening.

Both embodiments, however, comprise a through-opening, the so-called pin hole G, through which the cavity of the insert housing 3, shown at the bottom, can communicate with the fluid channel F. Fig. 5c shows a top view of the housing, on which the through-opening G and the fluid-conducting channels F and E are shown. The fluid guide channels F and E are here recesses designed in the outer surface of the insert 3. The fluid conducting channel is realized here by a form-fitting fit of the insert 3 into the pump head upper part 2. This is already explained in detail in fig. 1 and 2. In the case of fig. 3, the fluid guide channel is designed such that a riser pipe type is realized in the region of reference F, upwards from the through opening G. In the upper part of the insert 3, the guidance of the fluid channel takes place horizontally around the insert 3. Subsequently, a further guidance of the fluid channel is effected further upwards in the region of reference E, so that a fluid connection is possible in the discharge region. Fig. 3d shows a top view of the insert 3. In particular, the indexing diameter of the insert 3 is also evident here, which is indicated by the reference numerals A, B, C and D. In the region of reference D, there can likewise be a recess, so that drops can be formed and dispensed in a targeted manner at the outlet opening a.

Claims (21)

1. A pump head (I) for a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising

A pump housing (7) having a pressure chamber,

an inlet valve (8) defining the pressure chamber,

a cone (5) which is movably arranged in the pressure chamber of the pump housing (7) and comprises a through-passage, wherein the cone is dimensioned in a portion facing the inlet valve such that it can be guided in the pressure chamber with a positive fit and has a smaller cross-sectional dimension in the remaining portion,

a discharge valve (4) via which the distribution of the fluid is effected, wherein the discharge valve (4) is in fluid communication with the through-passage of the cone (5), and

a member (6) narrowing the diameter of the pressure chamber in a portion opposite the inlet valve (8) and configured for guiding the cone (5),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the pump head (I) has at least one air inlet for guiding air, wherein the air inlet comprises a passage for air between the cone (5) and the component (6), and at least one through opening for air in the pump housing (7), which through opening is open when the cone (5) is transferred to an outlet position at which the pump head (I) dispenses fluid.

2. A pumphead (I) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the member (6) has a defined inner diameter into which the cone (5) is guided, wherein the inner diameter of the member (6) is smaller than the inner diameter of the pressure chamber.

3. A pumphead (I) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the diameter of the cone (5) decreases from a diameter in the vicinity of the pump chamber to a diameter in the vicinity of the member (6), preferably strictly monotonically, in particular the cone is configured as a cone in the vicinity of the member (6).

4. A pumphead (I) as claimed in claim 3, wherein in the closed position of the pumphead (I), the cone (5) is mounted in a sealing manner relative to the component (6).

5. A pumphead (I) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said member (6) has a guide rib (R) by which said cone (5) is guided.

6. A pumphead (I) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet comprises at least one aperture (H) in the component (6).

7. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert (3) is arranged between the fluid outlet and the discharge valve (4), said insert having a housing surrounding an inner cavity, said inner cavity surrounding the discharge valve (4), a through opening (pin bore) through the wall of the housing, said through opening leading to at least one fluid guide channel (E, F) arranged on the outer surface of the housing, wherein said at least one fluid guide channel (E, F) is guided around the housing at the upper part of the housing and fed to the discharge end of the housing, and said at least one fluid guide channel is delimited by a pump head upper part (2) which receives the insert (3) with a form fit.

8. A pump head (I) according to claim 7, wherein the insert (3) has means (9) for sterilizing, de-sterilising or reducing bacteria of the fluid, preferably a silver spiral, and/or the pump head upper part (2), and/or the insert (3) comprises or is formed from an anti-bacterial or bacteriostatic material.

9. A pump head (I) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the discharge valve (4) is a cylindrical valve comprising a closing body closing the passage of the cone (5) in the closed position of the pump head (I) and opening the passage of the cone (5) and the through opening (pinhole) (G) of the housing in the outlet position of the pump head (I).

10. A pump head (I) according to claim 9, wherein in the closed position of the pump head (I), the closing body is held in a position closing the through passage of the cone (5) by means of a return spring (10).

11. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one air-permeable means (12), preferably a bacterial filter, in particular a HEPA filter, for sterilizing, de-disinfecting or reducing bacteria to the air is provided within the air inlet.

12. A pumphead (I) as claimed in claim 11, wherein means (12) for sterilizing, de-disinfecting or reducing bacteria from air are inserted into the component (6) at its upper end.

13. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pump head upper part (2) surrounding the discharge valve (4), and a discharge opening abutting the discharge valve (4), and the cone (5), wherein the pump head upper part (2) is movably arranged with respect to the component (6) such that the cone (5) can be guided in the pressure chamber by means of the pump head upper part (2).

14. A pump head (I) according to claim 13, wherein the pump head upper part (2) is connected to the component (6) by means of a return spring (11).

15. A pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (6) is configured as a separate component and is connected with the pump housing, preferably via a snap connection.

16. A pump head (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump head (I) is connectable via said means (6), preferably via a snap-fit connection, to a storage container (II) for storing a fluid to be dispensed.

17. Pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a riser pipe (14) abutting on a side of the inlet valve (8) remote from the pressure chamber.

18. A pumphead (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet valve (8) is a disc valve, a cylindrical valve or a ball valve.

19. A metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, comprising a pump head (I) according to one of the preceding claims, and a storage container (II) for storing the fluid to be dispensed, the storage container (II) having an opening and being connected to the pump head (I) at the opening in a fluid-tight manner via a component (6).

20. A metering device according to claim 19, comprising a flange or gasket (13) for sealingly connecting the pump head (I) to the storage container (II).

21. Use of a pump head (I) according to one of claims 1 to 18 or of a metering device according to one of claims 19 to 20 for metered dispensing of fluids or semi-solids, such as solutions, sprays, gels, ointments, creams, pastes, in particular for pharmaceutical applications, preferably eye drops, eye sprays, nose drops, nasal sprays, and/or in the food field.