U.S. patent application number 09/780932 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for discharge apparatus for media.
Invention is credited to Fuchs, Karl-Heinz.
Application Number | 20010016701 09/780932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65728958 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010016701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fuchs, Karl-Heinz |
August 23, 2001 |
Discharge apparatus for media
Abstract
The problem of the invention is to provide a locking cap for
discharge apparatuses for media, which cannot be unintentionally
opened or opened by children. A discharge apparatus for media
according to the invention has a casing with a discharge opening
for discharging the medium. The medium is preferably a fluid, which
can in particular contain a pharmaceutical substance. A locking cap
can be fixed by a catch system to the casing and covers the
discharge opening. The catch system between casing and locking cap
is constructed in such a way that the cap can only be removed by an
actuation thereof comprising at least two partial actuations. The
partial actuations directly follow one another. The partial
actuations essentially differ in that each partial actuation
requires an actuating direction independent of the preceding
partial actuation.
Inventors: |
Fuchs, Karl-Heinz;
(Radolfzell, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael J. McGovern
Quarles and Brady LLP
411 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
65728958 |
Appl. No.: |
09/780932 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 7/0445 20150501;
A61M 2205/215 20130101; A61M 15/0081 20140204; B65D 50/06 20130101;
B65D 83/565 20150701; B05B 12/02 20130101; A61M 15/0065 20130101;
A61M 2205/8206 20130101; B05B 11/0027 20130101; B05B 11/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/11 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2000 |
DE |
10006370.5 |
Claims
1. Discharge apparatus for media, having a casing (11) with a
discharge opening (12) for discharging the medium, having a
removable locking cap (20) fixable by a catch system to the casing
(11) and which in the secured position covers the discharge opening
(12), wherein the catch system is constructed in such a way that it
is only possible to remove the locking cap (20) by an actuation
thereof comprising a sequence of at least two partial actuations in
different actuating directions independent one form another.
2. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge
apparatus is used for spraying a fluid optionally containing a
pharmaceutical substance.
3. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
partial actuation takes place in an actuating direction opposed to
the removal of the locking cap (20) from the casing (11).
4. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second
partial actuation is a rotation about the longitudinal axis of the
locking cap (20).
5. Discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rotation
angle of the second partial actuation is limited, to an angle
between 10.degree. and 90.degree..
6. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catch
system is constructed as a connecting link guide located between
the locking cap (20) and the casing (11).
7. Discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the connecting
link of the connecting link guide (28) is formed in the locking cap
(20).
8. Discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the path of
the connecting link (28) corresponds to that of a bayonet
joint.
9. Discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there are
several, regularly spaced connecting link guides (28) between the
locking cap (20) and casing (11).
10. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein accumulators
(29) acting between the locking cap (20) and casing (11) are
provided, said accumulators (20) acting in the sense of maintaining
the action of the catch system.
11. Discharge apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
accumulators (29) are formed from elastically deformable webs (33)
constructed on the locking cap (20) and which cooperate with a
correspondingly shaped surface of the casing (11).
12. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein on the
locking cap (20) are constructed working elements (30), which
produce forces counteracting at least the second partial actuation
of the locking cap (20).
13. Discharge apparatus according to claim 9, wherein there is at
least one of the to elements: at least one accumulator (29) at
least one working element (30) located between two connecting link
guides (28).
14. Discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking
cap (20) is constructed in two parts, an inner part (27) being
inserted in an outer part (21) and in which the outer part (21),
apart from the opening facing the casing (11), has a closed
surface.
15. Discharge apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
connecting link guide (28) and/or accumulator (29) and/or working
elements (30) are constructed on the inner part (27).
16. Discharge apparatus according to claim 14, wherein on the
locking cap (20), particularly on the outer part (21), is formed a
shaped section (22), which surrounds the discharge opening (12) and
sealingly engages on the casing (11).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to discharge apparatuses for media,
particularly for spraying a fluid preferably containing at least
one pharmaceutical substance.
[0002] A discharge apparatus for media according to the DE 197 53
147 A1 is in particular suitable for spraying a fluid preferably
containing a pharmaceutical substance, e.g. anti-migraine agents or
other medicaments, which can be applied by spraying into the nose
or mouth of the patient. Such discharge apparatuses have a casing,
which is provided with a discharge opening applied to the
administration point.
[0003] When the discharge apparatus is not in use a locking cap
seals the area of the discharge opening to prevent unnecessarily
germs, together with the ambient air, coming into contact with the
discharge opening. Thus, through the closing of the discharge
opening by a locking cap it is possible to prevent an unnecessarily
high or even product or patient-endangering contamination of the
discharge opening, particularly through the ambient air. To hold
the locking cap on the casing, a catch system is provided between
the cap and the casing.
[0004] A locking cap solely closed by a catch system can easily be
removed. For example, when transported, it can be separated from
the casing as a result of the influence of other articles in the
same transportation container, e.g. a handbag. This is not desired,
particularly with very sensitive medicaments. Simultaneously the
discharge apparatus may contain medicaments which, as a result of
the active substance composition or for other reasons, are only to
be carefully administered It must in particular be ensured that if
the discharge apparatus comes into the hands of children, they
cannot open the locking cap and therefore apply the pharmaceutical
substance.
[0005] Therefore the problem of the invention is to provide a
locking cap for discharge apparatuses for media, which cannot be
unintentionally opened and also not opened by children.
[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention in the
case of a discharge apparatus for media according to the preamble
by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.
[0007] A discharge apparatus for media according to the invention
has a casing with a discharge opening for discharging the medium.
Said medium is preferably a fluid, which in particular contains a
pharmaceutical substance. A locking cap covering the discharge
opening is fixed by a catch system to the casing. The catch system
between the casing and the locking cap is constructed in such a way
that a removal of the cap is only possible through an actuation of
said cap involving at least two partial actuations. The partial
actuations directly follow one another. The partial actuations
essentially differ in that each partial actuation requires an
actuating direction independent of the preceding partial
actuation.
[0008] Preferably the first partial actuation takes place in an
actuating direction opposite to the direction for removing the
locking cap from the casing.
[0009] Preference is also given to a construction in which the
second partial actuation is a rotation of the locking cap about its
longitudinal axis. The rotation angle of the second partial
actuation is limited, preferably being an angle smaller than
90.degree.. Especially vallues of that angle between 10.degree. and
45.degree. can be advantageous.
[0010] According to an advantageous development the catch system
between the locking cap and the casing is constructed as a
connecting link guide. Preferably the connecting link of the
connecting link guide is constructed in the locking cap. Preference
is also given to a development of the invention in which the path
of the connecting link corresponds to that in bayonet catches.
[0011] According to another preferred development of the invention
between the locking cap and the casing are constructed several
regularly spaced connecting link guides.
[0012] According to another preferred development between the
locking cap and the casing act accumulators, which serve to
maintain the catch system effect between the cap and the casing.
According to a preferred development the accumulators are formed by
elastically deformable webs constructed on the locking cap and
which cooperate with a correspondingly shaped casing surface.
[0013] It is also advantageous to form on the locking cap working
elements counteracting the second partial actuation of the cap.
[0014] Preference is also given to a two-part construction of the
locking cap, an inner part being fixed in an outer part and the
outer part having a closed surface with an opening for receiving
the casing. Preferably the connecting link guides and/or
accumulators and/or working elements are constructed on the inner
part. Preferably on the locking cap and in particularly preferred
manner on the outer part of the locking cap is constructed a shaped
section, which surrounds the discharge opening and sealingly
engages on the casing.
[0015] The subclaims contain advantageous further developments of
the constructions according to the independent claims. The
invention is described in greater detail relative to embodiments
illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein show:
[0016] FIG. 1 A part sectional representation of a discharge
apparatus for media according to the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2a to 2e The control unit located in the actuator with
the controllable actuating stop in the release position and in the
blocking position.
[0018] FIGS. 3a to 3c A locking cap according to the invention with
connecting link guide.
[0019] FIGS. 4a & 4b The construction of a gravity dependently
operating blocking means in a position permitting actuation and in
a position preventing actuation.
[0020] FIG. 5 A block circuit diagram of a control unit and the
actuating stop actuatable by it.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows in a part sectional representation a discharge
apparatus for media, such as can in particular be used for spraying
a fluid, which preferably contains a pharmaceutical substance.
[0022] The discharge apparatus has a casing 11 containing in a
manner sealed from the outside the functional elements. For the
discharge of the medium, particularly a fluid, the casing has a
discharge opening 12. In order to prevent dirtying in the vicinity
of the discharge opening 12 and consequently a possible infection
or contamination with bacteria, the casing is closed with the
locking cap 20 mountable thereon in locking manner. The locking cap
20 is formed by an outer part 21 and an inner part 27. Between the
lower edge of the locking cap 25 and the associated casing section
is left a narrow gap 24. Otherwise the casing 11, together with the
fitted locking cap 20, forms a substantially uniform, closed
surface. The outer part 21 of the locking cap also has the shaped
section, which is here in the form of a hollow cylinder and is
placed from the inside on the closed surface 23 of the outer part
21 and projects into the inner part 27 of the locking cap 20. The
shaped section 22 surrounds the casing 11 in the area containing
the discharge opening 12 and sealingly engages on the casing in the
vicinity of the bearing surface 26. This ensures that no air from
the outside can be exchanged with that in the hollow cylindrical
portion of the shaped section 22, which is closed by the sealing
bearing surface 26 on the casing. This prevents contamination or
infection of the casing 11 in the vicinity of the discharge opening
12. The inner part 27 of the locking cap 20 has a connecting link
guide 28 for the slider 19 constructed on the casing 11 and which
is not visible in this part sectional representation.
[0023] On its end remote from the locking cap 20 the casing 11 has
gripping surfaces 14, which can be used for holding the casing 11
when the discharge apparatus is in use. The casing is opened at its
lower end and is closed by the actuator 50. For guiding the
actuator 50 in the casing 11 an annular groove 15 is formed in the
casing and in it is immersed during actuation the corresponding
immersion web 51 of the actuator. The path of an actuating stroke
of the actuator is fixed in cooperation between the depth of the
annular groove 15 of the casing 11 and the length of the immersion
web 51 on the actuator 50. In the selected construction according
to the invention the actuating stroke is limited in that the
immersion web 51 abuts on the bottom of the annular groove 15. In
the non-actuated position of the actuator 50 there is consequently
a gap between said actuator 50 and the casing 11. This gap can be
closed with anti-tampering means, having predetermined breaking
points and therefore removable.
[0024] The spacer 13 is positionally fixed with the casing 11,
leads to the discharge opening 12 and contains the discharge
channel. The length of the spacer 13 is determined through the
space remaining in the casing 11 as a function of the size of the
container 54. The larger the container 54, the more actuations of
the actuator 50 can be performed before the container 54 is
emptied. The spacer 13 is positionally fixed with respect to the
casing 11. The container 54 is positionally fixed on the actuator
50. The container 54 is closed by the suction pump 56 by means of
the crimp ring 55. The plunger 57 of the suction pump 56 is
constructed in such a way that it bears on the spacer 13 and for
the discharge of the medium a through channel is formed through the
plunger 57 and spacer 13 to the discharge opening 12. The container
54 is fixed to the support member 52 by means of the holder 53
acting on the crimp ring 55. The support member 52 is in turn at
least indirectly fixed to the actuator 50.
[0025] In the vicinity of the lower seal of the casing 11, which is
formed by the stop face 16, the guide ring 60 is located in the
actuator 50 in the form of a mechanically constructed operating
means of a gravity dependently operating blocking means. In the
guide ring 60 there are several and in the represented embodiment
three cam or curved paths 62 in each case mutually displaced by
120.degree. and in which is guided a ball 61. However, FIG. 1 only
shows one curved path 62. At its inner end the curved path 62 has
the stop face 66 against which the ball 61 engages in this
orientation of the discharge apparatus. In this position the balls
permit the performance of anactuating stroke of the actuator 50.
Apart from its end stop 66, the curved path has a ramp in the form
of an inclined plane 63, which has the inclination angle 64 with
respect to the horizontal. This inclination angle determines as
from which inclination of the discharge apparatus the balls guided
in the curved path 62 can roll on the ramp and finally pass into
the other, outer end position formed by the dwell trough 65. In the
dwell trough 65 the balls 61 are beld between the guide ring 60,
which is firmly fastened to the actuator 50 and the stop face 16 of
the casing 11. As the ball diameter at least approximately
corresponds to the actuating path of anactuating stroke, if the
balls 61 are in this position an actuation of the actuator is
blocked. There can be two or four curved paths 62 instead of three.
If two curved paths are provided, they must be constructed in such
away that they operate in double-sided manner, i.e. determining an
inclination with respect to the privileged direction in which the
discharge apparatus is to be oriented, usually the vertical
direction, in one direction on bothsides. All that is important is
that the curved paths 62 can determine the inclination in a random
direction with respect to the privileged direction, i.e. with
resolution into at least two independent directional
components.
[0026] The actuator 50 also contains the control unit 70, which
incorporates a time determination and a determination of the
actuations of the actuator. The control unit is able to switch
backwards and forwards the blocking member 74 between a release
position 71 and a blocking position by means of the electromagnet
75, which is controllable by the control unit 70 and which can act
on the blocking nember 74.
[0027] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a view of the actuator 50 with the
actuating stop located therein. The actuating stop is formed by the
control unit 70, the electromagnet 75 and the blocking member 74.
Preferably said elements are placed on a common base plate 73,
which is preferably fixed by locking in the actuator 50.
[0028] FIG. 2a shows the blocking member 74 in the release position
71 of the actuating stop, whereas in FIG. 2b which otherwise
corresponds to FIG. 2a, the blocking member 74 is in the blocking
position 72 of the actuating stop.
[0029] The power supply, which is not shown in the drawings, is
provided by means of a battery, greferably a button cell or the
like and is e.g. positioned below the base plate 73. The power
supply can be buffered with acapacitor, which e.g. permits the
maintaining of the stored values during a battery change or allows
a final actuation of the actuator 50 by the battery after a failure
of the power supply. The base plate 73 is preferably simultaneously
constructed as a blank having the corresponding electric lines,
which in particular include the electrical connections between the
control unit 70 and the electromagnet 75, which is also located on
the base plate 73. It acts or a magnetic body 77 constructed on the
blocking member 74. The magnetic body 77 is used, under the
influence of the electromagnetic forces acting between said body 77
and the electromagnet 75 constructed as a current relay, to produce
a changeover movement of the blocking member 74. The blocking
member 14 in the embodiment shown can be brought by pivoting about
its centre axis from the release position 71 into the blocking
position and vice versa.
[0030] A detailed drawing of the blocking member 74 is shown in
plan view and side view in FIGS. 2c and 2d respectively.
[0031] For determinining the position of the blocking member 74 on
the latter is constructed a holding arm 83, on whose end is
provided a contact piece 84. On either side of the contact piece 84
on the base plate 73 are provided first and second contact pin
pairs 86, 87.
[0032] In the release position 71 shown in FIG. 2a by means of the
contact piece 84 the electrical connection between the two contact
pins of the second contact pin pair 87 is closed and consequently a
signal is generated for the control unit 70 indicating that the
blocking member 74 is in fact in the release position 71. If the
blocking member 74 is brought by the action of the electromagnet 75
into the blocking position shown in FIG. 2b, the contacting of the
second contact pin pair 87 is interrupted by means of the contact
piece 84 and at the end of actuation the electrical connection of
the contact pins of the first contact pin pair 86 is restored by
means of the contact piece 84. Thus, a signal is generated for the
control unit 70 indicating that the base plate 73 is in the
blocking position 72. At the same time it is possible to provide
the blocking body 89 on its casing-side face with a colour marking
detectable by means of a casing-side viewing window and providing
optical information on the operating position of the blocking
member (e.g. green=release position/red=blocking position).
[0033] FIG. 2e is a view from below of the outside of the casing of
the actuator 50, which has on its base surface 58 the switch 78 and
the interface 79. The switch 78 can in particular be constructed as
a countersink keying switch, whose operation is performed e.g. by
an auxiliary means, preferably a sharp object, e.g. a pencil point.
The interface 79 is placed on the base surface 58. The interface 79
is used for contacting an information medium with the control unit
70. The information medium can either be a passive component, in
the sinplest case a contacting bridge or an input/output unit, such
as e.g. a PC, by means of which data, preferably parameters for the
function of the control unit 70, can be transmitted thereto and
information can also be read out of the control unit. The
parameters which can be transmitted to the control unit 70 are in
particular the value of the first time interval beginning when an
actuation of the actuator takes place and which establishes the
time period which must elapse before the next actuation of the
actuator, so that no actuation blocking takes place. The second
time interval can also be transferred as a parameter into the
control unit 70. The second time interval determines the time
during which, after operating the switch 78, a predetermined number
of actuator actuations can be carried out without the actuating
stop coming into action. lt is also possible to preset by means of
the interface 79 said number of actuations which can be performed
without intervention of the actuating stop following operation of
the switch 78. The interface 79 can in particular be a plug
connection of a data bus for the control unit 70. Two-wire data
buses can be used. it is also possible to read out information from
the control unit 70 via the interface 79. it is e.g. possible to
determine the number of actuating strokes which have taken place,
together with the number of actuations of the switch 78. It is also
possible to determine how often the actuator has actuated before
the end of the first time interval after the preceding actuation of
the actuator. This information can be looked upon as a measure of
the need for a patient to receive a higher active substance dose
administration. It is possible to fix in accordance with needs the
parameters which are to be preset and the information which is to
be read out of the control unit 70. Due account must be taken of
this when designing the control unit 70.
[0034] In a simpler construction the information element can be
constructed merely as a contact bridge for electrical contacting
between the two individual wires terminating at the interface 79.
Preferably the contact bridge is in the form of a specially shaped
plug only suppliable e.g. to limited numbers of people, such as
nurses and pharmacists. If the presence of the bridge plug at the
interface 79 is required when the switch 78 is operated, in this
way it is possible to ensure that unauthorized persons cannot
perform a number of actuations of the actuator 50 without the
actuating stop coming into action. This ensures an increase in
operating reliability. However, it can also make it necessary that
the first putting into operation of the discharge apparatus takes
place by an authorized person.
[0035] FIGS. 2c and 2d are a plan view and side view of the
blocking member 74. In its centre 82 the blocking member 74 is in
the form of a disk rotatable about the centre axis 80. From the
centre projects to the outsidethe holding arm 83, which is
constructed at its end for receiving the contact piece 84 and also
the permanent magnetic body 77. Facing the magnetic body 77 and
holding arm 83 is constructed the counter weight 85, which ensures
an at least approximate balancing of the blocking member 74 with
respect to the centre axis 80 and consequently easy operation of
the blocking member 74. Two arms 88 located on an axis eccentric to
the centre axis 80 also project from the centre 82. The blocking
bodies 89 are formed at the end of the arms 88. The blocking bodies
project upwards parallel to the centre axis 80 in the actuator 50
out of the plane of the blocking member 74. The height of the
blocking bodies 89 correspond to the path of an actuating stroke of
the actuator 50. It is possible in the release position 71 of the
blocking member 74 to introduce the blocking bodies 89 into the
casing 11, e.g. in a guidance groove. In the blocking position 72
the blocking bodies 89 are positioned in such a way that they fill
the gap between the lower end of the casing 11 with its stop face
16 and a correspondingly constructed face on the actuator. This
prevents a sliding of the actuator by the path of the actuating
stroke of the discharge apparatus, so that an operation of the
latter is prevented. lt must be borne in mind that a discharge
apparatus of the type used here, i.e. in particular a pump
atomizer, has a certain idlep ath. By this idle path at the most
the blocking bodies 98 can be shorter than the path of the
actuating stroke of the actuator 50. By pivoting about the centre
axis 80, the blocking member 74 can be moved into the blocking
position 72 and then back into the release position 71. At least
for as long as the blocking bodies are not non-positively held in
the casing, said movement can take place almost free from forces,
e.g. if a person operates the actuator 50 and the blocking body 89
in its blocking position 72. Thus, an electromagnet producing low
forces is adequate for very rapidly changing the operating position
of the blocking member 74. No great force expenditure or energy
expenditure are required. In particular, a changeover can take
place in the short time period during which the idle path of the
actuator 50 is covered during an actuation. lt is possible in
energy-saving manner with the blocking member 74 located in the
release position 71 and in monostable form in the rest position, to
produce the blocking position by brief operation of the
electromagnet.
[0036] FIGS. 3a and 3b show from two different perspectives a view
of the inner part 27 of the locking cap 20. The locking cap 20 is
formed from the inner part 27 and the outer part 21 shown in FIG.
3c. The inner part 27 is formed by a basic body 31, which carries
all the elements constructed for the function of the locken cap.
For the construction of the connecting link guide 28 for the
slieder 19 located an the casing a free space 31 is provided, which
skirts a web. After crossing the web, it is possible to turn the
locking cap by an angle, which is preferably smaller than
90.degree. and in the represented embodiment is approximately
20.degree.. The slider can then "drop" into the trough 32. The
slider 19 is held in the trough 32 in such a way that a turning of
the locking cap cannot take place directly out of this position. To
ensure that the slider 19 securely enters the trough 32, an the
inner part 27 the accumulator 29 is constructed in the form of a
bendable material element, which is elastically deformable in the
vicinity of the shank 34. The head 35 projects into the interior of
the inner part and engages with the casing 11. As the inside of the
head is bevelled in the same way as the casing 11 in this area, the
head is pressed outwards, so that a force is built up if the inner
part or the locking cap is placed an the casing 11. The bevel
ensures that if no further force acts from the outside an the
locking cap 20, the elastic deformation has a tendency to re-form
and said force, supported an the casing, slides upwards the cap in
the release direction an the casing 11. Thus, due to the
intermediately effected rotation of the locken cap 20, the slider
19 of the casing enters the trough 32. The working element 30 is
also formed an the inner part 27 and is also a material web
elastically deformable within certain limits. On rotating the
locking cap an the easing 11, the working element 30 engages with
said casing shaped in non-round manner. During rotation the working
element 30 is pressed outwards and slightly elastically deformed.
Thus, a force counteracting the opening of the locking cap is built
up. Simultaneously a certain force must be expended in order to
place the locking cap on the casing. Operational reliability and
safety is aided by the fact that the user of the discharge
apparatus during actuation for opening purposes must apply a
minimum force and also during the closing of the casing with the
cap a force must be applied.
[0037] Advantageously on both opposite sides are formed connecting
link guides 28 and between the same in each case an accumulator 29
and/or working element 30.
[0038] It is easy from the manufacturing standpoint to produce the
locking cap from the inner part 27 and the outer part 21. However,
it is also possible to have only a one-part locking cap, which then
has a more complicated shape or towards the outside does not have a
closed, smooth surface throughout.
[0039] FIG. 3c shows the outer part 21 having a closed, smooth
outer surface 23. Into the interior of the outer part 21 is
introduced the inner part 27 and is positively or non-positively
fixed there. The interior of the outerpart 21 also has the shaped
section 22 in the form of a hollow cylinder. The shaped section 22
abuts by one end against the inside of the closed surface 23. On
its other end is formed the sealing bearing surface 26, which bears
on the casing 11 in such a way that the discharge opening 12 is
surrounded.
[0040] On the outer part 21 is also formed the lower edge or border
28, on which can be supported a mandrel, not shown in the drawings,
when the locking cap is placed on the casing 11. The mandrel is
passed through an opening 11 in the casing and is firmly connected
to the actuator 50. This ensures that there is no actuator of the
actuator 50 when the locking cap is closed. This increases safety
and in particular operational reliability in conjunction with the
time-out during the first time interval following anactuation of
the actuator 50, which can only take place when the locking cap has
been removed.
[0041] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the function of the guide ring 60 in
two different positions. The guide ring 60 is fixed to the actuator
50 and is positioned in the vicinity of its upper end, i.e. the
casing-side end. The casing 11 has the annular groove 11 in which
the immersion web 51 of the actuator 50 is immersed during
actuation. The guide ring is positioned in such a way that the
curved path 62 for the balls 61 guided therein issues on the
outside of the actuator 50 immediately below the stop face 16 on
casing 11. The stop face 16 can be shaped in such a way that it
takes over part of the guidance of the balls 61 in the curved
path.
[0042] FIG. 4a shows the situation of the discharge apparatus when
discharge is possible. This is preferably desired if the discharge
apparatus is no longer inclined by a preset angle, preferably
between 30 and 35.degree., with respect to the vertical (as the
privileged direction). The balls 61 are guided in the curved path
62 of the guide ring 60. The curved path 62 has an inclined plane
63, so that in an almost vertical position the balls 61 are located
on the inner end stop 66. It is possible in this position to
performan actuating stroke of the actuator. For this purpose it is
merely necessary to move the actuator by the actuating path
relative to the casing 11.
[0043] As soon as the inclination of the discharge apparatus
exceeds an angle with respect to the vertical preset by the
inclination 64 of the inclined plane 63, the balls roll in the
curved path 62 until the outer end of said path is reached and
abutment occurs on the actuator 50. Holding then takes place in the
dwell trough 65 formed on the curved path 62. It is now located
between the dwell trough 65, i.e. the guide ring 60 and the stop
face 16 on the casing 11. As the balls 61 have a diameter
approximately corresponding to the path of an actuating stroke,
they block the performance of such a stroke, because the necessary
free space between the dwell trough 65 and stop face 16 is filled
by the balls. This prevents an actuation of the actuator 50 for as
long as the inclination of the discharge apparatus with respect to
the privileged direction is not within a preset angular position.
The blocking position of the balls 61 is shown in FIG. 4b.
[0044] This ensures that during each discharge stroke the same
medium quantity is discharged from the container 54. This is
particularly important if a time-out is provided, which blocks a
following actuation of the actuator 50. If an only inadequate
partial quantity of medium is discharged during an actuation, it is
not possible by a second actuation or second partial actuation to
discharge the residual quantity or also a complete discharge
quantity. This problem more particularly arises if a suction pump
is used for discharge purposes. It is possible with such suction
pumps if the container inclination exceeds a certain angle, for no
complete medium suction to occur and instead for a partial
secondary air volume to be sucked in and discharged.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows the diagram for a medium discharge apparatus
according to the invention with an actuating stop controllable by a
control unit. For actuating the actuator the electromagnet 75 is
provided and controlled by the control unit 70.
[0046] If the control unit is energized for the first time, i.e. a
battery for power supply purposes is fitted on the side of the
actuator, or removal takes place by the user of a contact
protection from the battery or the contact elements forming the
electrical contact with the battery, the control unit permits the
performance of a predetermined number of actuations of the actuator
50 without the actuating stop coming into action. These actuations
serve to prime the discharge apparatus in the manner described
hereinbefore.
[0047] The actuation of an actuator is detected by means of the
dosing sensor 40, which is placed in the actuator 50 in such a way
that an actuation of the latter exceeding a specific amount is
detected. The sensor is preferably constructed as a switch or
keying switch, which is switched by a relative position change
between the actuator 50 and the casing 11.
[0048] If the actuator is actuated, the dosing sensor 40 is
operated and a corresponding switching signal is generated in the
control unit 70. A check is then made to establish whether at least
one preset time interval was exceeded since the preceding actuation
of the actuator 50. If this is not the case the electromagnet is
activated in such a way that the actuating stop with its blocking
member 74 is brought into the blocking position 72. Otherwise the
relay is controlled in such a way that the blocking member 74 is
brought into the release position 71. If an actuation of the
actuator 50 is permitted, then simultaneously the timer for
monitoring the time interval since the last actuation of the
discharge apparatus is again reset to zero. Obviously monitoring
can also incorporate a timer which instead of incrementing,
decrements back to zero. Simultaneously with the bringing of the
blocking member 74 into the release position 71 or blocking
position 72 an alarm signal can be generated by means of a signal
generator, the signal preferably being an acoustic signal.
[0049] This procedure corresponds to the construction of the
blocking member 74 as a bistable element. However, if it is
constructed as a monostable element and is e.g. held by an
accumulator either in the blocking position 72 or the release
position 71, an actuation of the electromagnet must only take place
when there is to be a changeover of the blocking member.
[0050] Biasing of the monostable blocking member 74 in the release
position 71 has the advantage that in the case of a failure of the
electronics a discharge can take place by actuating the actuator 50
and then, however, an uncontrolled discharge not respecting the
spacing of the first time interval.
[0051] As opposed to this a biasing of the monostable blocking
member 74 in the blocking position 72 prevents this uncontrolled
discharge in the case of a fault, but then a discharge respecting
the first time interval is impossible due to the blocking position
72 of the blocking member 74. Particularly in this case it is
advantageous to provide means (removable securing element), which
permit an at least single actuation of the actuator 50, optionally
taking account of irreversible damage.
[0052] The release position 71 or blocking position 72 of the
blocking member 74 is detected by means of control sensors 41. The
control sensors 41 are formed from the first or second contact pin
pairs, which are contacted by the contact piece 84 and consequently
determine the position. By means of the switch 78 it is possible to
generate a new start at which the preset number of actuations of
the actuator 50 can be performed without intervention by the
actuating stop. By means of the interface 89 it is additionally
possible to access the control unit and to perform a data
communication. It is in particular possible to set the parameters
of the control unit 70 and to read out the detected data concerning
the use of the discharge apparatus.
* * * * *