EP3402372A1

EP3402372A1 - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP3402372A1
Application number: EP16819958.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Grohs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: 4gourmet Innovation GmbH
Priority date: 2016-01-15
Filing date: 2016-12-29
Publication date: 2018-11-21
Also published as: CA3011055A1; US10520345B2; CA3011055C; WO2017121625A1; US20190017856A1; AU2016385936A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for discharging an amount of a substance to be discharged, comprising a container (4) with a discharge opening (6), and a metering device (14) that is mounted so as to move relative to said discharge opening (6) and that has at least one recess portion (16) for conveying the substance to be discharged through the discharge opening (6) and out of the container (4), said metering device (14) being connected to a drive element, particularly to a spring element (13), and the drive element being configured to accelerate an amount of the substance which is received in the recess portion (16) of the metering device (14), as said amount leaves the dispenser (1).

Description

donor

The invention relates to a dispenser, i. a device for dispensing a substance amount of a substance to be dispensed, a

Cartridge for use in such a dispenser and a

Method of using such a dispenser. In particular, the invention relates to a portable, manually from a

User-operable dispensers. In detail, the concerns

Invention relates both to a dispenser per se and to a dispenser cooperating with a cartridge and supplemented by the cartridge, wherein the dispenser in question and the respective cartridge are each related as such. The substance to be dispensed may e.g. a free-flowing material or grit or a liquid. Preferably, the substance to be dispensed is a spreadable food, in particular a spice or salt.

In a variant, the dispenser comprises a container having a dispensing opening and a relative to the dispensing opening movably mounted metering device with at least one recess for transporting the substance to be dispensed through the dispensing opening from the container, wherein the metering device with a

Drive element, in particular with a spring element, is connected. The metering device thus serves the limitation or

Measurement of the delivered amount of substance. The drive element may preferably be a spring element, which by a

mechanical spring or a gas spring or a

comparable resilient element is formed.

In a further variant, the dispenser comprises a

Cartridge holder for holding a cartridge and a relative to the cartridge holder movably mounted

Drive unit, wherein a container with a discharge opening and a relative to the discharge opening movably mounted

Metering device with at least one recess for transporting the substance to be dispensed through the discharge opening of the

Containers are part of the cartridge to be accommodated in the cartridge holder; i.e. The cartridge in turn comprises a container with a dispensing opening and a relative to the

Delivery opening movably mounted metering device with at least one recess for transporting the dispensed

Substance through the discharge opening from the container.

A dispenser or scoop according to the former variant is already known from DE 20312737 Ul. The spring element connected to the slider serves to return the

Slider after the ejection of free-flowing material, wherein the metering device formed by the slide with the

deflated dosing supported by the spring element against gravity back into a receiving position for receiving free-flowing material is moved from the storage chamber.

Accordingly, in the operation of the slider, the material received in the metering chamber is pushed against the restoring force of the spring through the scattering opening.

GB 1 133 137 A describes a similar dispenser with a spring which retracts one by a piston

formed metering device supported in a receiving position in the dispenser.

US 3 823 853 A discloses a dispenser with a spring, the spring holding a piston in a position in which the dispensing opening is closed.

In connection with the device shown in CH 153 431 A, it is described that a lower part is an upper part of a

Retains stamp with slight compression of a spring. It follows immediately that the spring causes withdrawal of a metering device called a punch into the container.

Furthermore, FR 712 916 A also shows a spreader in which a punch is held by a spring in a closed position

is held and the ejection can thus take place only against the spring force.

Similar devices have also become known, for example, from DE 9217208 Ul and DE 1651682 U.

A disadvantage of the known dispensers is that the direction and distribution of the substance to be dispensed upon delivery or during ejection is not reproducible. This can make it strong

Fluctuations in the concentration of the substance to be delivered on the target surface, which is undesirable in many applications, as this requires a subsequent distribution or homogenization. In some cases, such is one

subsequent distribution is not possible at all, so that the

uneven concentration must be accepted.

For example, when used as a salt shaker on solid or specially shaped food equal distribution would not be possible without dismembering the food, so that a

Unequal salt concentration with the consequent

unpleasant taste must be accepted.

The mentioned variations of the concentration result

in particular from the dependence of the direction and distribution of the substance to be dispensed on the orientation of the donor and the force acting on the substance due to the gravity and the variation of the force acting on the metering force due to the - generally not or poor

reproducible - manual operation.

On the other hand, devices are already known which allow a reproducible with regard to the direction and distribution of a substance. For example, the shows

DE 2705297 AI a snuff dispenser, in which means

Spring force is thrown a pinch up out of the device. However, the device does not have a metering device in the sense of the present invention, and metering can at best be done manually by checking the snuff freely flowing out of the container through an opening.

Accordingly, the spring force can not of course act on a - not present - metering device. In this device, the reproducibility thus suffers mainly from the non-reproducible amount of the substance to be dispensed.

In addition, the desired ejection in this device only works against gravity, ie, with the opening directed vertically upward, since the pinch would otherwise fall out of the ejection device prior to ejection. Another snuff dispenser is known from DE 2926659 AI. In this dispenser, a separate metering mechanism is provided, which should remove a defined amount from a container and prepare for ejection. These

Device has the disadvantage that dosage and ejection are separated and thus the device is not only more complicated to manufacture, but also provides little protection against overdosing during ejection. In particular, a previously improperly ejected amount of substance in the

As a result of the functional separation of dosage and ejection following the metering mechanism, accumulation and consequent overdosage may occur during ejection. Again, the ejection works only against gravity.

It is an object of the invention to improve the reproducibility of the amount, as well as the direction and distribution of the substance to be dispensed in the delivery.

This object is achieved in a dispenser of the initially mentioned type according to the invention that the drive element is set to accelerate a recorded in the recess of the metering amount of substance in the direction of ejection when leaving the donor. The acceleration of the quantity of substance brought about by the drive element when leaving the dispenser accordingly has a component directed in the direction of ejection. The direction of ejection refers to the direction in which the metering device moves on leaving the dispenser for dispensing a quantity of substance through the dispensing opening. The ejection direction is preferably substantially parallel to one

Movement axis of the metering device and points from the interior of the container through the discharge opening to the outside. In contrast to known dispensers with reliable dosage that works

Drive element when ejecting the amount of substance to be dispensed gravity, but supports the ejection from the dispenser. The drive element thus forms a technical means for exerting force on the metering device or the amount of substance received in the recess of the metering device (for example of the grit). The drive element may be - as mentioned - to a mechanical spring or a Gas spring or a comparable resilient element act. In this case, this is formed by a spring element

Drive element arranged so that it is in the transport of the substance to be dispensed from the container or between the

Transport from the container and leaving the recess of the metering relaxed and thus an acceleration of the metering device and consequently of the so transported

Substance olumens causes. Since the acceleration caused by the spring element for a given substance to be dispensed depends almost exclusively on the properties of the dispenser, in particular the spring element and the metering device, and these properties do not change or hardly change, the acceleration is very well reproducible. The from this

Acceleration resulting direction and distribution of

The substance to be dispensed is therefore also reproducible. This also results in at least an improvement in the overall reproducibility, taking account of persisting, fluctuating influences (for example, gravity), because the

fluctuating influences have a reduced relative proportion of the overall effect on the direction and

Have distribution.

The spring element is preferably configured such that the spring force exerted by the spring element replaces or overrides a manual action of force on the metering device. This virtually eliminates the (fluctuating) influence of manual operation and further increases reproducibility. Particularly preferably, the spring force exerted by the spring element also exceeds the force of gravity, so that the influence of

Relative orientation of the dispenser during dispensing on the direction and distribution of the dispensed substance is comparatively low. In particular, the ejection in the present dispenser also works, and especially with, or in the direction of gravity, i. with downwardly directed discharge opening.

The drive element may alternatively be formed by a linear electromagnetic drive, e.g. through a linear motor. In this case, the donor can have a

Energy storage, eg in the form of a battery or a battery, comprise, which is set up to power the drive is. In a further alternative, a solenoid or an electric motor for biasing a spring element may be provided, so that the drive element comprises a spring element and a lifting magnet or electric motor.

The above object is also solved in a corresponding manner in a dispenser of the initially mentioned further variant in that the drive unit has a second coupling part for connection to a first coupling part of the

Cartridge holder held cartridge, and that the drive unit is a drive element, in particular a

Spring element comprises, which in operation with a in the

Cartridge held cartridge is arranged to accelerate a recorded in the recess of the metering device of the cartridge amount of substance in the direction of ejection on leaving the dispenser. Consequently, the donor or

the drive unit connected in operation via a two-part coupling with the cartridge or its metering device. In the donor complementary cartridge of the type mentioned is provided to solve the problem that the

Dosing has a first coupling part for connection to a second coupling part of said dispenser. The first and second coupling parts together form a connection between the drive unit of the dispenser and the metering device of the cartridge, are transmitted by the forces and a synchronous operation is possible.

In particular, the force exerted by the drive element is transmitted via the coupling parts to the metering device and consequently to the substance volume transported during the ejection. The coupling parts, for example, as magnetic

Coupling be executed with at least one permanent magnet. Alternatively, a mechanical connection, e.g. a screw or a hook connection, possible.

Also in connection with the aforementioned dispenser, which itself comprises the metering device, it is useful if the container is formed by a replaceable cartridge. This allows easy refilling of the substance to be dispensed by the dispenser, especially with liquids or fine grit. Otherwise, a comparably simple handling would only be possible through To achieve a complete replacement of the donor, but this would result in disproportionately high packaging costs compared to the material cost of the substance to be dispensed contained in the container due to the relatively high-quality ejection mechanism.

Accordingly, the invention also includes a cartridge for use in such a dispenser, which comprises a container for a substance to be dispensed, wherein the container a

Dispensing opening, which is adapted to receive a metering device of the aforementioned dispenser has. The cartridge thus complements the dispenser according to the invention by the

Container for storage of the substance to be dispensed provides and acts in so far as the dispenser together, as the discharge opening of the container with the dispenser, in particular with the metering device, is tuned.

In a mechanically comparatively simple design of the present invention, the metering device is formed by a relative to the container slidably mounted piston. In this case, a linearly acting drive element, e.g. a tension or compression spring are used, which acts directly on the metering device. Overall, this results in a relatively inexpensive to produce and reliable device for the dispenser and possibly also for the cartridge (if the metering device is part of the cartridge). The at least one recess of the metering device can be formed for example by a recess, in particular a circumferential recess in the piston.

It has especially in connection with a liquid or a spreading material, which in contact with moisture

Clump forms, as proved favorably, when the container

at least in a receiving position of the metering device, in which a volume of the at least one recess communicates with a volume of the container, through the metering device

to the environment of the container substantially

is closed. Such a closure, for example, by a vote of the discharge opening and the

Dosing be achieved in that the Dispensing opening is completely filled by a part of the metering device and thus sealed.

Preferably, the drive element is formed by a spring element which is biased in said receiving position. For example, the spring element can be held by a blocking element in the receiving position. The restoring force of the spring element accordingly causes an acceleration of the metering device from the receiving position into a

Delivery position, whereby the recorded substance volume is accelerated with the metering device.

In addition, it is advantageous if the donor or

optionally, the cartridge has a subsequent to the discharge opening of the container discharge channel, wherein the

Metering device forms a lock with the discharge channel.

In this case, the at least one recess of the metering device for transporting a defined maximum volume of

to be dispensed substance through the discharge opening from the container. Such a lock for the container preferably forms the only access to the container volume during operation. In this case, the dispensing channel surrounds the metering device such that the volume received in the recess of the metering device is closed during a passage of the recess through the discharge channel and thus closed and in particular separated from the container volume to the outside of the dispenser. The container is therefore closed at all times to the surroundings of the dispenser. Thus, contamination of the container, e.g. by a moisture ingress, are largely avoided. Due to the temporarily closed

Volume of the recess limits the recess the maximum in a dispensing cycle removed from the container volume of the substance to be dispensed and thus reliably prevents a

Overdose.

In view of the dispensing behavior of the dispenser, which is otherwise determined in favor of the reproducibility, as explained above, it is particularly favorable if the volume of the at least one dispenser is at least one

Recess of the metering device is adjustable. Such an adjustment of the volume of the recess causes an equally reproducible change in the distribution of the discharged substance due to the changed total amount, so that the original object of the invention is still solved well. A

Adjustment can be achieved, for example, by an adjusting screw, which changes an extension of the recess. Alternatively, an adjustment by deposits, which are inserted into the recess and thus the volume of

Change recess, possible.

To ensure a reliable and reproducible delivery and dosage even when compared to the volume of the recess larger

To allow quantities of substance, it is favorable if the

Dosing device of the dispenser or the drive unit is connected to a counting device, wherein the counting device for counting the dispensing cycles, i. each of a transport of the defined or set, maximum recorded in the recess volume of the substance to be dispensed by the

Dispensing opening from the container when using the

Spenders is set up. The counting device can

For example, make a mechanical or electronic detection of the number of dispensing cycles and output (e.g., display or otherwise transmit) the detected number.

In order to achieve an optimal distribution of the discharged substance with respect to the discharge direction and target surface, the shape and geometry of the metering device, in particular the

Recess, and / or the discharge opening or the discharge channel, taking into account by the drive element

caused acceleration to be adjusted.

Furthermore, an integrated or connected to the donor weighing device may be provided which a weight change of the container, the cartridge or the entire donor

registered and thereby provides a means of controlling the dosage of the delivered substance. As a result, for example, an inefficient / incomplete use of the recess in the

Transportation can be determined. In addition, at a

adjustable recess, a calibration of the discharge amount based on the determined by the weighing device amounts, optionally together with the counting device made become .

The inventive method for using one of the above-defined dispenser comprises one or more dispensing cycles, wherein a dispensing cycle is a movement of the recess of the

Dosing device from a receiving position, in which a volume of the at least one recess communicates with a volume of the container, through the discharge opening into a delivery position in which communicates a volume of the at least one recess with the environment of the dispenser, wherein one case in the recess transported amount of substance before reaching the

Dispensing position is accelerated by the drive element in the direction of ejection.

By accelerating or in particular by the abrupt stopping of the metering device when reaching the end position of the delivery position, a complete emptying of the recess is ensured or at least substantially promoted.

The invention will be explained below with reference to particularly preferred embodiments, to which it should not be limited, and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show in detail:

Fig. 1A is a perspective sectional view and Figure 1B is a simplified partial sectional view of a dispenser with a substantially cylindrical container for grit and with a Dosierstempel in a dispensing position.

Figure 2A is a perspective sectional view and Figure 2B is a simplified partial sectional view of the dispenser according to Figures 1A and 1B in a receiving position ..;

3A is a simplified sectional view of the dispenser according to FIGS. 1A and 1B in a transport position in which the recess is completely closed, and FIG. 3B shows the detail B of FIG. 3A;

4A is a perspective sectional view and FIG. 4B is a partial sectional view of a dispenser with a

Cartridge for grit;

Fig. 5A is a perspective sectional view, Fig. 5B is a side view and Fig. 5C is a sectional view of a

A cartridge for use in a dispenser according to Figs. 4A and 4B; Fig. 6A is a perspective sectional view, Fig. 6B is a side view and Fig. 6C is a sectional view of a

Cartridge according to 5A-C with a closure element;

Fig. 7A is a perspective sectional view and Fig. 7B is a sectional view of a dispenser with a cartridge for grit, with a drive unit and with a coupling for connecting the drive unit with a metering unit of

Cartridge; and

8A and 8B show a punch according to FIGS. 7A and 7B with a counting device connected to the drive unit.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B each show a dispenser 1 with a housing 2, which forms a container 4 together with a housing cover 3. The housing cover 3 closes an access opening 5 of the housing 2. The housing 2 and thus the container 4 faces in a housing cover 3

lying bottom a discharge opening 6. The discharge opening 6 corresponds to an inner end of a cylindrical

Bore, which is formed in the bottom of the housing 2. The volume 7 defined by the container 4 for receiving a substance to be dispensed has an elongated, substantially cylindrical shape. In the region of the dispensing opening 6, the volume 7 has a conically tapered shape in the direction of the dispensing opening 6. In a side wall of the housing 2 is a gap 8 with a

Storage of a pivotable actuating lever 9 is provided.

The actuating lever 9 has a first lever arm 10 arranged substantially outside the housing 2 for operating the actuating lever 9 and a second lever arm 11 arranged essentially in the housing 2. The second lever arm 11 acts with a displaceably mounted in the housing 2

Clamping piston 12 together to the clamping piston 12 against the

Restoring force of a spring element 13, which is the

Drive element of the dispenser 1 is to move. The

Spring element 13 is received by a housing 2 in the housing

Spiral spring formed. The spring element 13 is connected at one end to the tensioning piston 12 and at the other end to the housing cover 3. When the spring element 13 is biased during operation under the action of the actuating lever 9, the spring force thus acts between the housing cover 3 and the displaceable The housing cover 3 is connected to the housing 2 such that it reliably closes the housing 2 even under the action of the spring force. Preferably, the housing cover 3 is screwed to the housing 2, whereby a simple removal of the housing cover 3 (together with the

Clamping piston 12, the spring element 13 and the metering device 14) for refilling the container 4 is made possible.

The tensioning piston 12 is fixedly connected to a metering device 14. The metering device 14 is formed by an elongated, cylindrical, the container 4 passing through the piston (also "Dosierstempel"), which on the one hand in the housing cover 3 and on the other hand in the discharge opening 6 of the housing. 2

is slidably mounted. Outside the housing cover 3, the metering device 14 is fixedly connected to a stamp stop 15, which a displacement of the metering device 14 in the direction of ejection, i. in the direction of the discharge opening 6 (in Fig. 1 down), limited. A displacement of the metering device 14 in the opposite direction, i. in the direction of the housing cover 3 (in Fig. 1 upwards) is by the clamping piston 12, the

Spring element 13 and the housing cover 3 limited.

The metering device 14 has at its end opposite the punch stop 15 a recess 16 for transporting the stored in the container 4, to be dispensed substance through the

Dispensing opening 6 from the container 4. The recess 16 is preferably formed as an annular recess in the piston, so that a transported in the recess 16 amount of substance in the dispensing position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is substantially annular in all directions from the recess 16 is discharged.

The bore in the bottom of the housing 2, the inner end of which forms the discharge opening 6, forms along its extension

The dimension or length of the recess 16 parallel to the axis of movement of the metering device 14 along which the metering device 14 is displaceably mounted is preferably shorter than the length of the discharge channel 17 can the recess 16 at Transport through the discharge channel 17 through the wall of the discharge channel 17 are temporarily completely closed and form a closed Dosiervolumen. Thus, according to the position of the metering device 14, the volume of the recess 16 communicates either with the volume of the container 4 or with the surroundings of the dispenser 1 or with neither.

Accordingly, the metering device 14 with the discharge channel 17 forms a lock between the container volume and the surroundings of the dispenser 1.

In particular, due to the dimension of the recess 16 and of the recess 16 to the end of the metering device 14 towards limiting end portion 18 of the dispensing passage 17 in the receiving position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B of the metering device 14, in which a volume of the at least one recess with a volume the container communicates closed by the end portion 18. Accordingly, in this position, the container 4 is closed to the environment as a whole.

During operation of the dispenser 1, starting from the dispensing position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B for dispensing a substance quantity of a substance to be dispensed, which is stored in the container 4, the following steps are performed: The first lever arm 10 of the actuating lever 9 is actuated by the user Housing 2 used. As a result, the second lever arm 11 is pivoted in the direction of the housing cover 3 and displaces the clamping piston 12 against the restoring force of the spring element 13, so that the spring element 13 is biased. At the same time connected to the clamping piston 12 metering device 14 is through the

Dispensing opening 6 fed into the container 4 until the recess 16 is at least partially in the interior of the container 4. In this receiving position (see Fig. 2A and 2B) communicates the volume of the recess 16 with the container volume 4. So now the substance to be dispensed from the container 4 penetrates into the recess 16, the dispenser 1 is held in operation so that the substance to be released by gravity in the area of

Recess 16 collects. In particular, in a less than half full container 4, the bottom of the housing 2 with the

Point discharge opening 6 downwards or at least diagonally downwards. Now, if the operating lever 9 is pivoted further, reaches the spring element 13 a reproducible maximum

Deflection at the point where the second lever arm 11 slips laterally from the clamping piston 12 and thereby the prestressed

Spring element 13 releases. Through the over the shared

Clamping piston 12 acting on the metering device 14 spring force is now the metering device 14 in the direction of ejection, i. in the direction of the discharge opening 6, accelerated. This leads to an acceleration of the amount of substance of the substance to be dispensed, received in the recess 16 of the metering device 14

Ejecting direction when leaving the dispenser 1. The metering device 14 passes through that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B

Transport position in which the recess 16 is closed by the wall of the discharge channel 17. That of the recess 16 and the adjacent wall of the discharge channel 17 in this

Transport position included volume defines

maximum volume of substance dispensed in one delivery cycle. The displacement of the metering device 14 ends again in the delivery position (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), as soon as the

Stamp stop 15 meets the housing cover 3 and the

Dosing device 14 is thus stopped abruptly. The recorded in the recess 16 amount of substance is with the

Dosing device 14 is not firmly connected and thus ejected laterally from the recess 16 due to their previously recorded pulse, wherein the end part 18 of the

Dosing device 14 or its shape, the deflection and thus the direction and the dispersion (distribution) of the ejection

certainly .

The termination part 18 may preferably be with the rest

Piston of the metering device 14 screwed element be provided so that by further or lesser screwing of the end part 18, the volume of the recess 16 is adjustable.

The operating lever 9 allows one-handed operation of the dispenser 1, e.g. the housing 2 is held in the palm and the first lever arm 10 with the fingers as in the

Closing a fist is brought or pulled to the housing.

Alternatively, of course, a variant without Actuator conceivable, for example, in which the metering device 14 forming piston directly by means of a handle 19 on the

Dosing device 14 is operated. In this case, the housing 2 can be held in one hand, while taken with the second hand, the handle 19 and pulled up to the stop from the housing 2 away. If the metering device is pulled to a defined stop and released from there, causes the spring element as well as in the variant described above a reproducible movement (acceleration in the direction of ejection and abrupt stopping) of the metering device 14 and thus a reproducible scattering behavior.

For the sake of simplicity, therefore, the variant without actuating lever 9 and also without the optional handle 19 is shown in the further figures, the explanations of which are explained below

Variants of course analogous to FIGS. 1A and 1B can be provided with an operating lever 9 or handle 19.

Otherwise, in order to avoid repetition in the dispensers described below, only the differences from the dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1 are discussed, and otherwise identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

The dispenser 20 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B differs from the dispenser 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B by a cartridge 21 received in the housing 2 (see FIGS

Container 22 for storage of the substance to be dispensed forms. In order to facilitate the replacement of the cartridge 21, the housing 2 is formed by a substantially cylindrical shell, wherein attached to a known housing cover 3 opposite end of the housing 2, a closure cap 23 (e.g.

screwed on, attached or by means of a

Bayonet catch is held). The cap 23 holds the cartridge 21 in the housing 2. The metering device 14 is movable relative to the discharge opening 24 of the cartridge 21 and in a in the cap 23 subsequent to the

Dispensing opening 24 formed release channel 25 slidably

stored. The metering device 14 is substantially similar to the metering device 14 according to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The position of the metering device 14 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B corresponds to a transport position (see Fig. 3A and 3B)

between the receiving position (see Figures 2A and 2B) and the dispensing position (see Figures 1A and 1B), in which

Transport position, the volume of the recess 16 in the discharge channel 25 is closed.

The cartridge 21 for use in a dispenser according to Figs. 4A and 4B is shown in more detail in Figs. 5A-C. The cartridge 21 comprises a cartridge housing 26, which has a substantially cylindrical outer shell 27 and a concentric, in

Substantially cylindrical inner jacket 28 includes. Of the

Outer jacket 27 has a conically tapered to a discharge opening 24 section 29. The inner shell 28 is connected via an annular cartridge bottom 30 with the

Dispensing opening 24 opposite end of the outer shell 26 connected. The inner cross section of the cartridge bottom 30, i. The opening in the cartridge bottom 30, and the inner shell 28 substantially corresponds to the cross section of the discharge opening 24, so that a dosing element 14 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) passing through the cartridge 21 at least in one

Closing delivery position. The inner jacket 28 goes from the

Cartridge bottom 30 off and ends at a distance in front of the

Dispensing opening 24. This distance corresponds to the intended (with an adjustable recess: maximum) length of the recess 16 of the metering device 14. The container 22 is essentially bounded by the inside of the outer shell 27, the inside of the cartridge bottom 30 and the outside of the inner shell 28.

For transport, the cartridge 21 is closed by a plug 31, as shown in Fig. 6A-C for the cartridge of FIG. 5A-C. The plug 31 comprises an elongate pin 32, which in the closed position shown extends from the discharge opening 24 to the inner casing 28, and a

Plug cap 33, which closes and protects the conical portion 29 and prevents slipping in the direction of the cartridge bottom 30 and facilitates the removal of the plug 31. The cross section of the pin 32 substantially corresponds to the cross section of the metering device 14 of the dispenser 20 for the use of the cartridge 21. To use the cartridge 21, first the cap 23 is removed from the housing 2 of the dispenser 20, a previously located in the dispenser 20 cartridge 21 withdrawn from the metering device 14 and removed, the plug 31 of the new, filled cartridge 31, the cartridge 21 on the

Dosing device 14 postponed and by attaching the

Cap 23 fixed in the housing 2. During this

Refilling process, i. if the plug 31 is manual

is pulled out, the dispenser and the cartridge are to be held vertically with the top up, the cartridge may be filled only to the end of the inner shell 28. Preferably, the plug 31 but also when pushed onto the

Dosing device 14 through the metering device from the

Cartridge 21 are pushed out, so that in the

Cartridge 21 stored substance to be dispensed by the donor, is separated from the environment during the entire exchange. In this way, contamination of the cartridge contents, i. of the substance received in the container 22, not only in the use of the dispenser 20 but also already be prevented when inserting the cartridge.

Even better can the integrity of the cartridge and the

Protected integrity of the cartridge contents are protected when the metering device, which closes the container in operation, is part of the cartridge. A corresponding embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this case, the

Cartridge 35 a metering device 34 with a recess 16 in the region of the discharge opening 24 of the cartridge 35 on; i.e. the metering device 34 is part of the cartridge 35. In operation, the metering device 34 is connected via a first coupling part 36 to a drive unit 37 of the dispenser 40. The

Drive unit 37 is part of the dispenser 40 and formed by a metering device 34 of the inserted into the dispenser 40 cartridge 35 substantially continuing piston. The cartridge 35 with the metering device 34 is formed in a through the housing 2 and the cap 23

Cartridge holder 2, 23 held and fixed. The

Drive unit 37 is part of the dispenser 40 and with the

Tensioning piston 12 and the punch stopper 15 and slidably mounted in a passage opening 38 in the housing cover. The movement, especially the acceleration, the

Drive unit 37 works analogous to the movement of

Dosing device 14 in the dispensers according to FIGS. 1A and 1B or FIGS. 4A and 4B. The drive unit 37 has a second

Coupling member 39, for example in the form of a permanent magnet, so that the first coupling part 36 of the metering device 34, which in this example has a ferromagnetic material, in conjunction with the second coupling part 39th

is held. As a result, the metering device 34 during

Retracting the drive unit 37 due to the connection of the coupling parts 36, 39, e.g. due to the magnetic forces of the second coupling part 39, entrained and when advancing the drive unit 37, the accelerating spring force of the spring element 13 is transmitted directly to the metering device 34 due to the mechanical contact. Overall, thus follows the metering device 34 of the cartridge 35 of the movement of the

Drive unit 36 of the dispenser 40 and therefore acts in

Operation as a continuous metering device 14 according to FIGS. 1A and 1B or FIGS. 4A and 4B.

When replacing the cartridge 35, the metering device 34 is released from the second coupling part 39 by e.g. by a manual pulling or tilting movement, the connecting forces between the coupling parts 36, 39 are overcome, and then the cartridge 35 is removed with its associated metering device 34 and replaced. A new cartridge 35 is thus already provided and sealed during production, immediately after filling with a metering device 34, which already closes the container 22 formed by the cartridge 35 during delivery and during the entire period of use of the cartridge 35.

Another preferred embodiment of a dispenser 41 is shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. The dispenser 41 includes all

Characteristics of the dispenser 40 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, so that

with regard to the basic structure, reference is made to the above description. In addition, a counting device 42 is provided on the housing cover 3 and connected to the housing cover 3. The counting device 42 detects the movement of the

Drive unit 37 or - in case of use in one Dispenser according to FIGS. 4A and 4B - the metering device 14 and the delivery cycles executed therefrom. Since with each delivery cycle a fixed maximum amount of the substance to be dispensed can be delivered, which by the volume of the recess 16

is defined by the counting device 42

provided meter reading a simple and accurate monitoring of the total (maximum) delivered amount of substance.

Claims

Claims :

1. dispenser (1) for dispensing a quantity of substance to be dispensed substance comprising

a container (4) with a discharge opening (6) and

a relative to the discharge opening (6) movably mounted metering device (14) with at least one recess (16) for transporting the substance to be dispensed through the discharge opening (6) from the container (4),

wherein the metering device (14) is connected to a drive element, in particular to a spring element (13),

characterized in that

the drive element for accelerating a in the

Recess (16) of the metering device (14) recorded

Quantity of substance in ejection direction when leaving the dispenser (1) is set up.

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (22) by an exchangeable cartridge (21) is formed.

A cartridge (21) for use in a dispenser (1) according to claim 2, comprising a container (22) for a substance to be dispensed, the container (22) having a dispensing opening (24) adapted to receive a metering device (14) Dispenser (1) is arranged according to claim 6.

4. dispenser (40) for dispensing a quantity of substance to be dispensed, comprising

a cartridge holder (2, 23) for holding a

Cartridge (35) according to claim 5 and

a drive unit (37) movably mounted relative to the cartridge holder (2, 23),

characterized in that

the drive unit (37) has a second coupling part (39) for connection to a first coupling part (36) of a cartridge (35) held by the cartridge holder (2, 23), and in that the drive unit (37) comprises a drive element, in particular a Spring element (13) is connected, which in operation with a in the cartridge holder (2, 23) held cartridge (35) is arranged according to claim 5 for accelerating a in the recess (16) of the metering device (34) of the cartridge (35) amount of substance in the ejection direction when leaving the dispenser (40).

A cartridge (35) for use in a dispenser (40) according to claim 4, comprising

a container (22) having a discharge opening (24) and

a relative to the discharge opening (24) movably mounted metering device (34) with at least one recess (16) for transporting a defined maximum volume of the substance to be dispensed through the discharge opening (24) from the container (22),

characterized in that

the metering device (34) has a first coupling part (36) for connection to a second coupling part (39) of a

Dispenser (40) according to claim 4.

6. Dispenser (1) according to claim 1 or 2 or cartridge (35) according to claim 5, characterized in that the

Dosing (14, 34) by a relative to the container (4, 22) slidably mounted piston is formed.

7. Dispenser (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 6 or cartridge (35) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the

Container (4; 22) at least in a receiving position of the

A metering device (14; 34) in which a volume of the at least one recess (16) communicates with a volume of the container (4; 22) substantially through the metering device (14; 34) relative to the environment of the container (4; 22) is closed.

8. dispenser (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive element by a spring element (13) is formed, which is biased in the receiving position.

9. dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 6 to 8 or cartridge (35) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized

in that the volume of the at least one recess (16) of the metering device (14; 34) is adjustable.

A dispenser (1; 40) according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 6 to 9, characterized by a dispensing channel (17; 25) adjoining the dispensing opening (6; 24) of the container (4; 22), wherein the dispensing device (14; 34) forms a lock with the dispensing channel (17,15).

11. Dispenser (1; 40) according to one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 6 to 10, characterized in that the metering device (14) of the dispenser (1) or the drive unit (37) with a

Counting device (42), wherein the counting device (42) for counting the dispensing cycles when using the

Dispenser (1; 40) is arranged according to claim 12.

A method of using a dispenser (1; 40) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 6 to 11, comprising one or more dispensing cycles wherein a dispensing cycle comprises movement of the recess (16) of the dispenser (14; 34) one

Receiving position in which a volume of at least one

Recess (16) with a volume of the container (4; 22)

communicates through the discharge opening (5; 24) into one

Delivery position in which a volume of at least one

Recess (16) with the environment of the dispenser (1; 40)

communicates, includes,

characterized in that a quantity of substance transported thereby in the recess (16) is accelerated in the direction of ejection before the delivery position is reached by the drive element, in particular by the spring element (13).

13. A method for using a dispenser (1; 40) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 6 to 12, characterized in that in the recess (16) transported amount of substance on reaching the delivery position by the drive element,

is stopped abruptly, in particular by an associated punch stop (15).