Abstract:
A dropper ( 10 ) for dispensing drops of a fluid from a container includes a dropping channel ( 12 ), which has a dropping channel inlet ( 13 ) for introducing the fluid into the dropping channel ( 12 ) and a dropping channel outlet ( 14 ) for dispensing drops from the dropping channel ( 12 ). The dropping channel ( 12 ) has a conical channel area ( 16 ) and a cylindrical channel area ( 15 ). The dropping channel inlet ( 13 ) is designed as an end of the cylindrical channel area ( 15 ), facing away from the conical channel area ( 16 ). To make it possible to better meter the quantities of drops that can be dispensed and to markedly reduce the dispensed quantities, the dropping channel outlet ( 14 ) is designed as an end of the conical channel area ( 16 ), facing away from the cylindrical channel area ( 15 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application DE 10 2013 018 707.9 filed Nov. 8, 2013 and German Patent Application DE 10 2014 001 247.6, filed Feb. 3, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to a dropper for dispensing drops of a fluid from a container, with a dropping channel, which has a dropping channel inlet for introducing the fluid into the dropping channel and a dropping channel outlet for dispensing drops from the dropping channel, and the inlet of the dropping channel is designed as an end of the cylindrical channel area facing away from the conical channel area. Furthermore, the present invention pertains to a dropper-cap system as well as to a container, especially a bottle, with such a dropper or dropper-cap system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A dropper, in which a conical channel area, which expands starting from the inlet of the dropping channel in the direction of a dropping channel outlet, is associated with the inlet of the dropping channel, is known from DE 197 13 951 B4. A cylindrical channel area, whose end facing away from the conical channel area forms the outlet of the dropping channel, adjoins at an end of the conical channel area, which end faces away from the inlet of the dropping channel. 
         [0004]    It is disadvantageous in the prior-art dropper that the desired dispensed quantity or drop size can often be metered only insufficiently. As a result, there is especially a risk that more fluid is dispensed than is actually necessary for the intended use. Fluid is thus needlessly discharged, which leads to higher costs. Especially when mixing two components of a two-component material, there is an increased risk that the components to be mixed with one another are not mixed with one another at the preset mixing ratio. This leads to the risk that the desired properties of the two-component material are adversely affected because of an unfavorable mixing ratio of the two components. In addition, it is disadvantageous that, at least in respect to one of the two components, there often is a large quantity of lost fluid, which leads to increased costs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A basic object of the present invention is therefore to further improve a dropper of the type mentioned in the introduction such that the quantities of drops that can be dispensed can be metered better and/or the quantities of lost fluid can be markedly reduced. 
         [0006]    The basic object of the present invention is accomplished by a dropper of the type mentioned in the introduction, in which the outlet of the dropping channel is designed as an end of the conical channel area, which end faces away from the cylindrical channel area. 
         [0007]    It is advantageous here that based on the cylindrical channel area, which is associated with the inlet of the dropping channel and/or adjoins the inlet of the dropping channel, it is possible to achieve, in particular, controllable shearing for the fluid. The cylindrical channel area is used, in particular, based on its shearing force effect on the fluid, to reduce the viscosity of the fluid. The viscosities of different fluids can be advantageously brought closer to one another by means of the shearing force effect of the cylindrical channel area. As a result, very similar drop sizes and/or dispensed quantities can be obtained hereby, especially with the same dropper, even for different fluids with viscosities that differ from each other. Furthermore, a nonuniform flow may become established during the transition of the fluid from a container through the dropping channel inlet into the dropping channel. The cylindrical channel area is preferably designed such that an at least largely established, stationary, uniform and/or reproducible flow is achieved for the fluid already within the cylindrical channel area. In particular, an at least largely established, stationary, uniform and/or laminar flow is achieved after a flow path of the fluid within the cylindrical channel area in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 times the internal diameter of the cylindrical channel area. In particular, the conical channel area adjoining the cylindrical channel area in the direction of flow makes possible a continuous transition of the flow and/or a globally established, stationary, uniform and/or reproducible flow. 
         [0008]    The cylindrical channel area is preferably used to generate a thixotropic and/or intrinsically viscous behavior in a fluid being sent through the cylindrical channel area. Especially in the case of an intrinsically viscous and/or thixotropic fluid, the viscosity decreases, especially in a time-dependent manner, because of a shearing load acting on it. The corresponding fluid thus becomes less and less viscous because of the shearing force effect in the cylindrical channel area. The viscosity increases again, especially in a time-dependent manner, after the cessation of the shear stress. The shearing load preferably has an aftereffect during the passage and flow through the channel area adjoining the cylindrical channel area. Lower viscosity of the fluid can be attained at the outlet of the dropping channel especially because of the cylindrical channel area. Thus, an especially time-dependent shear thinning can be achieved by means of the cylindrical channel area. Smaller drops and/or dispensed quantities can be obtained as a result. Higher yield is thus possible, as a result of which the quantity of lost fluid and/or needless costs are reduced. Especially in connection with the mixing of two components of a two-component material, the dropper according to the present invention makes possible a better, more optimal mixing ratio. It is guaranteed hereby that the two-component material has the desired properties. 
         [0009]    Meterable dispensing of the fluid is, in particular, facilitated by means of the dropper according to the present invention. The dropper may be designed such that the drop weight is in the range of 10 mg to 50 mg, especially in the range of 1 mg to 2 mg and preferably about 1.5 mg. The drop volume is preferably in the range of 10 μL (microliter) to 50 μL, especially in the range of 10 μL to 30 μL, and preferably in the range of 10 μL to 20 μL. In case of metering five drops, the deviation may be in the range of ±0.5 mg to about ±2 mg, especially around approximately ±1.5 mg. The diameter of the drop according to the present invention is preferably designed as a function of the viscosity, and the rheological and/or physical properties of the fluid associated with the dropper. 
         [0010]    The cylindrical channel area preferably passes over at its end facing away from the inlet of the dropping channel into the conical channel area. The internal diameter of the conical channel area increases, in particular, starting from the cylindrical channel area, in the direction of the outlet of the dropping channel. The conical channel area thus widens starting from the cylindrical channel area and away from the inlet of the dropping channel in the direction of the outlet of the dropping channel. As a result, the risk of development of a nonuniform flow is reduced at the transition from the cylindrical channel area into the downstream channel area. The conical shape of the channel area adjoining the cylindrical channel area can prevent the segregation of the especially filler-containing fluid and/or retard an increase in the viscosity of an especially thixotropic fluid after shearing force effect in the cylindrical channel area. A filler-containing fluid may contain an adhesive, nanoparticles and/or a thixotropic agent. In particular, an end of the conical channel area facing away from the cylindrical channel area is associated with the outlet of the dropping channel. The outlet of the dropping channel is preferably formed by the end of the conical channel area facing away from the cylindrical channel area. The inlet of the dropping channel may be designed as an end of the cylindrical channel area facing away from the conical channel area. In particular, the dropping channel is formed from the cylindrical channel area and the conical channel area. 
         [0011]    According to a variant, the cylindrical channel area has a channel length in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The channel length of the cylindrical channel area is especially in the range of 0.7 mm to 2 mm and preferably in the range of 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm. The channel length of the cylindrical channel area especially preferably equals 1 mm. The channel length is selected, in particular, such that a shearing force effect that is sufficiently strong for reducing the viscosity can be achieved by means of the cylindrical channel area. 
         [0012]    The cylindrical channel area preferably has an internal diameter in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The internal diameter of the cylindrical channel area is especially in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The internal diameter of the cylindrical channel area is preferably 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. In particular, the internal diameter is selected as a function of the channel length of the cylindrical channel area to be such that a sufficient reduction of the viscosity of the fluid can be achieved based on the shearing force effect produced. The shear gradient and/or the shear rate may be in a range of 0.1 per sec to 250 per sec and especially in a range of 10 per sec to 250 per sec. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, the outlet of the dropping channel has an internal diameter in the range of 1.00 mm to 2.00 mm. The internal diameter of the outlet of the dropping channel is, in particular, in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm. The internal diameter of the outlet of the dropping channel preferably equals 1.5 mm. The outlet of the dropping channel may have a canted edge, especially with an obtuse angle between a side wall of the conical channel area and an outer wall. In case of a canted edge of the outlet of the dropping channel, a drop of the fluid can be separated from the dropper directly at the canted edge of the outlet of the dropping channel. As an alternative, the edge of the outlet of the dropping channel may be rounded or bent. As a result, larger drops, especially with a larger drop diameter, can be produced. The drop size and/or the dispensed quantity of fluid is preferably determined by the size of the internal diameter of the outlet of the dropping channel. 
         [0014]    According to a variant, the dropping channel has an overall length in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm. The overall length of the dropping channel is, in particular, in the range of 5 mm to 7 mm and preferably in the range of 5.2 mm to 6.5 mm. The overall length of the dropping channel is preferably composed of the channel length of the cylindrical channel area and the channel length of the conical channel area. A globally simple design is thus obtained for the dropping channel, but considerably improved drop properties can be obtained because of the cylindrical channel area is arranged first in the direction of flow of the fluid, and it is followed downstream by the conical channel area. 
         [0015]    According to another embodiment, the dropping channel is arranged in the cylinder element. The cylinder element may be surrounded by a collection area for collecting overflowing and/or excess fluid. The collection area thus prevents, at least for a preset quantity of fluid, the fluid from flowing down on the dropper and/or on a container connected with the dropper. Undesired contamination can be prevented hereby from occurring. The collection area may be designed as a depression and/or in the manner of a basin. In particular, the collection area has a sink, a groove, a collection collar and/or a raised edge. The overflowing fluid can be flow into a basin, a sink and/or a groove in order to be collected there. In particular, the collection area is designed as a collecting ring. The collecting ring and/or a ring-shaped groove may be arranged such that it surrounds the cylinder element. 
         [0016]    An insertion base for inserting and/or fastening the dropper in an opening of a container is preferably arranged under the cylinder element and/or the collection area. The insertion base may have an essentially cylindrical and/or tubular shape. At an end facing away from the collection area and/or the dropping channel, the insertion base may have one or two slots or notches. The slots or notches preferably extend in the direction of the dropping channel. The slots or notches facilitate especially the complete emptying of a container connected with the dropper or the insertion base. The insertion base is designed especially for positive-locking and/or non-positive connection with a container. For example, the insertion base may be inserted into the opening of the neck of the container. 
         [0017]    According to a variant, a first dropping channel for a first fluid and a second dropping channel for a second fluid are provided. The first dropping channel and the second dropping channel are preferably aligned in parallel to one another. The two dropping channels are used, in particular, to dispense one component each of a two-component material. The first dropping channel may be provided for connection with a first reservoir for the first fluid and the second dropping channel for connection with a second reservoir for the second fluid. The first reservoir and the second reservoir may be associated with the same container or each with a separate container. In particular, the first dropping channel and the second dropping channel have an identical design. As an alternative, the first dropping channel and the second dropping channel may be coordinated with one another for a preset dispensed quantity and/or for a preset mixing ratio of the fluids from the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The two fluids or the two components can be dispensed in a metered manner from both reservoirs and/or containers in a simple manner and at a desired mixing ratio by means of the first dropping channel and the second dropping channel. The first dropping channel and the second dropping channel may be designed differently from each other and as a function of the viscosity, the rheological and/or physical properties of the fluids associated with the first dropping channel and the second dropping channel. In particular, the shape of the first dropping channel and of the second dropping channel is adapted as a function of the material properties of the respective associated fluid as well as the preset mixing ratio of the two fluids or components. The internal diameter at the inlet of the dropping channel and/or at the outlet of the dropping channel, the channel length of the cylindrical channel area and/or of the conical channel area may be adapted for obtaining the preset mixing ratio. However, the first dropping channel and the second dropping channel preferably have an identical design regardless of the fluid. 
         [0018]    A dropper-cap system with a dropper according to the present invention and with a cap for opening and closing the dropper is advantageous. The cap preferably has a stopper for closing the dropping channel. The stopper may enter the dropping channel at least partially. To close the dropping channel, the stopper is at least partially in contact with the inner side of the dropping channel, especially in the area of the conical channel area. The stopper is preferably elastic, as a result of which damage to the stopper or the dropping channel is avoided. As an alternative, the stopper may be rigid and/or the dropper may be elastic. In particular, the cap has a flange for coming into contact with the inner side of the contact area for covering a collection area of the stopper. The inner side of the collection area, with which the flange is in contact, is preferably on a side of the collection area facing away from the cylinder element of the dropper. The cap thus covers the collection area, especially in a position for closing the dropping channel, as a result of which fluid present in the collection area is prevented from flowing out of the collection area. The flange especially has a web-like and/or ring-shaped design. 
         [0019]    A container, especially a bottle, with a dropper according to the present invention or with a dropper-cap system according to the present invention is especially advantageous. Such a container permits smaller drops and/or dispensed quantities to be dispensed in a better meterable manner than before. Higher yield can be achieved hereby. Depending on the type of fluid used and with equal dispensed quantity, up to 8%, especially up to 20%, preferably up to 30%, and especially preferably up to 50% more additional drops or applications can be obtained compared to droppers commonly used hitherto. 
         [0020]    The container preferably contains a fluid intended for use in dentistry. In particular, the container and/or the dropper is used especially to dispense a medicinal and/or dental fluid, especially a dental material. The fluid is preferably a liquid. The fluid and/or dental material is especially one of the following: A technical bonding agent, a bonding material, especially a self-etching and/or self-adhesive bonding material, a cement liquid, a drug, an endodontic rinsing liquid, a dyeing solution, a resin emulsion (especially with a mixing ball), a ceramic liquid, a bleaching agent and/or an etching agent. 
         [0021]    The container is preferably manufactured from a plastic material, especially an elastic one. The container may permit compression at least partially, as a result of which the dispensing of a drop can be influenced. The outlet of the dropping channel is preferably directed upward in a storage position of the container, as a result of which the fluid is prevented from flowing accidentally out of the container. To dispense at least one drop, the container with the dropper is rotated especially such that the outlet of the dropping channel is directed essentially downward. 
         [0022]    The dropper has, in particular, a dropping channel section and a base section. The base section may be used to arrange and/or fasten the dropper on a container, especially a bottle. For example, the base section may have a base and/or insertion base for inserting and/or fastening the dropper in an opening of a container. The base section may have an especially cylindrical interior space and/or line section for feeding a fluid to the dropping channel section and/or to the dropping channel, especially the inlet of the dropping channel. The dropping channel is preferably arranged in the dropping channel section. The dropping channel section may be designed as a cylinder element of the dropper. The dropping channel section with the dropping channel is arranged, in particular, downstream in relation to the base section. The base section may thus be arranged upstream in relation to the dropping channel section. The upstream and/or downstream direction of flow of the fluid is obtained especially when the dropper is used to dispense at least one drop from a container with the dropper. The cylindrical channel area passes over at its end facing away from the inlet of the dropping channel into the conical channel area preferably within the dropping channel section and/or the dropping channel. The diameter of the cylindrical channel area corresponds, preferably at the transition of the cylindrical channel area to the conical channel area, especially to the smallest diameter of the conical channel area. 
         [0023]    The present invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of the figures. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In the drawings: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional side view of a dropper according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic sectional side view of the dropper according to the present invention according to  FIG. 1  with a cap attached for closing; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional side view of another dropper according to the present invention and with containers with first and second reservoirs; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional side view of the dropper according to the present invention according to  FIG. 1  with a container; 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a schematic cut-away side view of a dropper  10  according to the present invention. The dropper  10  has a cylinder element  11 , which has a dropping channel  12 . The dropping channel  12  is directed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder element  11 . At its first end in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder element (cylindrical portion)  11 , the dropping channel  12  has a dropping channel inlet  13 . At a second end of the cylinder element  11  or dropping channel  12  facing away from the dropping channel inlet  13  or the first end, the dropping channel  12  has a dropping channel outlet  14 . 
         [0030]    The dropping channel  12  is composed in this exemplary embodiment of a cylindrical channel area  15  and a conical channel area  16 . The cylindrical channel area  15  is associated here with the dropping channel inlet  13 . One end of the cylindrical channel area  15  forms the dropping channel inlet  13 . The internal diameter of the dropping channel inlet and of the cylindrical channel area equals 0.5 mm in this exemplary embodiment. The cylindrical channel area  15  has a length of 1 mm according to this example. The conical channel area  16  adjoins at the end of the cylindrical channel area  15  facing away from the dropping channel inlet  13 . Starting from the transition of the cylindrical channel area  15  into the conical channel area  16 , the conical channel area  16  expands in the direction of the dropping channel outlet  14 . The maximum internal diameter of the conical channel area  16  and the diameter of the dropping channel outlet  14  equal 1.3 mm in this exemplary embodiment. The end of the conical channel area  16  facing away from the cylindrical channel area  15  forms the dropping channel outlet  14  here. The dropping channel outlet  14  has, for example, a canted edge  17  here. An obtuse angle is formed here between an inner wall of the conical channel area  16  and an end face or outer wall  18  of the cylinder element  11 . The dropping channel inlet  13  likewise has a canted edge  19  in this exemplary embodiment, and a right angle is formed between an inner side of the cylindrical channel area  15  and an inner wall  20 , which faces away from the outer wall  18  and is directed in parallel to the outer wall  18 . As an alternative to the embodiment of canted edges  17 ,  19  selected here, the edges  17 ,  19  may also be rounded. 
         [0031]    According to the embodiment being shown here, the cylinder element  11  has a canted edge in the area of the transition from its outer circumference to the end-face outer wall  18 . The canted edge forms a right angle here. As an alternative, the edge may be rounded at the transition from the cylindrical outer circumference of the cylinder element  11  to the end-face outer wall  18 . A rounded design may facilitate the backflow of the fluid into the dropping channel  12 , the dropper  10  and/or a container connected thereto. A sharp-edged design of the edge can bring about better separation of the drop formed. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the dropper  10  has a collection area  21 . In this exemplary embodiment, the collection area  21  is led around and arranged on the outer circumference of the cylinder element  11  in a ring- or groove-like manner. An inner side of the collection area  21  is formed by the outer side of the cylinder element  11 . The outer side of the collection area  21  is formed by a ring  22  extending around the cylinder element  11 . To form the collection area  21 , the internal diameter of the ring  22  is larger than the external diameter of the cylinder element  11 . The internal diameter of the ring  22  is larger in this exemplary embodiment by about 4 mm than the external diameter of the cylinder element  11 . 
         [0033]    Starting from the inner wall  20  and approximately under the collection area  21 , an essentially tubular insertion base  23 , which is directed away from the inner wall  20 , extends coaxially to the cylinder element  11  and the dropping channel  12 . The dropper  10  has a one-piece design in this exemplary embodiment and is made of a plastic. The dropper  10  is made of a polyethylene here. As an alternative, the dropper  10  may be made of another suitable plastic material, for example, a polypropylene or a thermoplastic elastomer. 
         [0034]    According to this exemplary embodiment, the insertion base  23  has notches  24 ,  25  at an end facing away from the cylinder element  11 . The notches  24 ,  25  are arranged on two sides of the insertion element  23 , which sides face away from one another. The notches  24 ,  25  extend from the free end of the insertion nozzle  23  in the direction of the inner wall  20  or the cylinder element  11 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic cut-away side view of the dropper  10  according to  FIG. 1  with a cap  26  attached to close the dropping channel  12 . The cap  26  has a stopper  27 . The external diameter of the stopper  27  is smaller than the internal diameter of the dropping channel outlet  14  and is larger than the internal diameter of the conical channel area  15 . 
         [0036]    In the position of the 26 shown here for closing the dropping channel  12 , the stopper  27  partially enters the conical channel area  16  of the dropping channel  12 . The stopper  27  enters the conical channel area  16  to the extent that the outer circumference of the free end of the stopper  27  is in contact with the inner wall of the conical channel area  16 . The dropping channel  12  is closed as a result and a fluid is prevented from being discharged. 
         [0037]    Furthermore, the cap  26  has a flange  28 , which is coaxial to the cylindrical stopper  27  and is coaxial to the cylinder element  11  in the closed position. The flange  28  has a ring-shaped design and, in the position of the cap  26  for closing the stopper  10 , it extends from the cap  26  in the direction of the dropper  10  or the collection area  21 . In the position of the cap  26  for closing the dropper  10 , the flange  28  is in contact with an inner side of the collection area  21  formed by the ring  22 . In the area of an end face  29  of the ring  22 , the cap  26  has an opening  30 . Furthermore, in the position for closing the dropper  10 , the cap  26  is in contact with an outer side  31  of the ring  22 , which said outer side faces away from the collection area  21 . 
         [0038]    The present invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0039]    The dropper  10  can be inserted by means of the insertion base  23  into the opening of a neck of a container, which is not shown specifically here. A fluid being stored in the container can be dispensed in the form of drops in a metered manner by means of the dropper  10 . The fluid now enters first an interior space of the insertion base  23 . It is guaranteed by means of the notches  24 ,  25  that small residual quantities will also enter the dropper  10  from the container. An at least more or less complete emptying of the container is made possible hereby. 
         [0040]    When wetting the dropper  10 , the fluid enters the cylindrical channel area  15  through the dropping channel inlet  13 . The entry of the fluid through the dropping channel inlet  13  can generate a nonuniform flow. The fluid forms an at least largely uniform, stationary and reproducible flow within the cylindrical channel area  15 . This established flow can be continued and maintained in the area of the transition from the cylindrical channel area  15  into the conical channel area  16  and within the conical channel area  16 . 
         [0041]    Moreover, the cylindrical channel area  15  is used, combined with the conical channel area  16  following it downstream, to bring about a throttling function or pressure reduction. This pressure reduction facilitates the release of small quantities of fluid or drops with a small volume and diameter. Moreover, the cylindrical channel area  15  brings about a shear load on the fluid flowing through the cylindrical channel area  15 . Lower viscosity can thus be achieved for the fluid. The fluid, which is thus thinned, will subsequently enter the conical channel area  16  expanding in the direction of flow. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment with a container and dropper system  42  with a dropper with the dropping channel  12  and also comprising a second dropping channel  32  for a second fluid. The first dropping channel  12  and the second dropping channel  32  are aligned in parallel to one another. The first dropping channel  12  is provided for connection with a first reservoir  46  for the first fluid. The second dropping channel  32  is provided for connection with a second reservoir  48  for the second fluid. The container and dropper system  42  may be provided with a cap with features as shown in  FIG. 2 , but for both the dropping channel  12  and also the dropping channel  32 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a container and dropper system  40  with a container  44 , especially a bottle, with a dropper  10  with the dropping channel  12  according to the present invention or with a dropper-cap system according to the present invention ( FIG. 2 ). Such a container  44  permits smaller drops and/or dispensed quantities to be dispensed in a better meterable manner than before. 
         [0044]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 
       APPENDIX 
       [0045]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 APPENDIX 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 List of Reference Numbers: 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 Dropper 
               
               
                 11 
                 Cylinder element 
               
               
                 12 
                 Dropping channel 
               
               
                 13 
                 Inlet of dropping channel 
               
               
                 14 
                 Outlet of dropping channel 
               
               
                 15 
                 Cylindrical channel area 
               
               
                 16 
                 Conical channel area 
               
               
                 17 
                 Edge 
               
               
                 18 
                 Outer wall 
               
               
                 19 
                 Edge 
               
               
                 20 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                 21 
                 Collection area 
               
               
                 22 
                 Ring 
               
               
                 23 
                 Insertion base 
               
               
                 24 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 25 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 26 
                 Cap 
               
               
                 27 
                 Stopper 
               
               
                 28 
                 Flange 
               
               
                 29 
                 End face 
               
               
                 30 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 31 
                 Outer side