Abstract:
The dispensing device for single use includes a multicomponent cartridge with a closure and a mixer. The cartridge and the mixer form an interconnected unit and the closure, arranged between the outlets of the cartridge and the inlets of the mixer, is configured as a valve arrangement in order to establish a connection between the cartridge outlets and the mixing elements of the mixer after performing a relative movement between the mixer and the cartridge or syringe. In certain embodiments of the invention the connection is effected by rotation of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge, and in other embodiments of the invention by axial displacement of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge. This results in a disposable dispensing unit that can be economically produced and is particularly easy to use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is the National Phase of International Application No. PCT/CH2005/000391, filed Jul. 7, 2005, and published as WO 2006/005213, which in turn claims priority to Switzerland Application Nos. 1170/04 and 1954/04, the contents of these applications are herein incorporated by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dispensing device for single use that includes a multicomponent cartridge with a closure and a mixer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, such dispensing devices are reusable, i.e. the content of the double cartridge or double syringe is sufficient for multiple applications while the static mixer can only be used for a single application and is then replaced. In applications of multicomponent cartridges or syringes in medicine, however, the tendency is toward single use. The advantage is that a possible contamination of the patient is prevented since an application for a single patient respectively a single treatment can be ensured. 
     The dispensing devices discussed above have a cartridge with a closure that has to be removed prior to their application in order to be able to attach the mixer. This applies especially also to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,690,306; 5,301, 842; DE-A-34 20 323; EP-A2-0 319 135; and DE-A-101 32 417, all of which further comprise more or less complicated valve arrangements for preventing the outflow of materials when reused. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For single use in the medical field, such dispensing devices are too demanding both economically and with respect to time aspects, and it is consequentially the object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device that is both economical to manufacture and simple and quick but above all safe to handle. 
     The object is attained with a dispensing device wherein the cartridge or syringe and the mixer form an interconnected unit and the closure that is arranged between the outlets of the cartridge and the inlets of the mixer is configured as a valve arrangement in order to establish a connection between the cartridge outlets and the mixing elements of the mixer after performing a relative movement between the mixer and the cartridge or syringe. 
     Further advantages and solutions are defined in the dependent claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to schematic drawings of exemplary embodiments, wherein 
         FIG. 1  shows a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the closed condition, 
         FIG. 1   a  is a cross-section according to the section line in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIGS. 2 and 2   a  show the device according to  FIG. 1  in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 3 and 3   a  and  FIGS. 4 and 4   a  show a second exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 5 and 5   a  and  FIGS. 6 and 6   a  show a third exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 7 to 10  show a sectioned side elevation of another exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  show another exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 13 to 16  show another exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 17 to 23  show another exemplary embodiment in the closed and in the open condition, 
         FIGS. 24 to 30  show a variant e.g. of the embodiment according to  FIGS. 17 to 23 , and 
         FIGS. 31 to 36  show another exemplary embodiment in the open and in the closed condition. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a double cartridge or syringe  1 , hereinafter cartridge, and mixer  2  with mixing elements  3 . The two storage containers  4  and  5  have respective outlets  6  and  7  opening onto a conical sealing surface  8  of outlet end  9  of the cartridge. As appears in  FIG. 1 , outlet end  9  has a circumferential collar  10 . 
     Mixer  2  has a housing  11  whose lower portion is in the form of a bell-shaped inlet section  12  having a circumferential step  13  or several steps  13  at its cartridge side end in order to engage behind circumferential collar  10  at the outlet end and to secure the mixer to the cartridge in such a manner that the mixer is no longer detachable from the cartridge without damaging components. 
     Inlet section  12  of the mixer comprises a cone  14  at its end on the cartridge side that corresponds to conical internal surface  8  at the outlet end in order to provide a tight seal. As appears particularly in a comparison of  FIGS. 1   a  and  2   a , cone  14  on the mixer comprises a transversal bore  15  that is located at the height of outlets  6  and  7  in the assembled condition. A comparison of  FIGS. 1 ,  1   a  and  2 ,  2   a  further shows that in  FIG. 1 , the passage from the cartridge outlets to the mixer inlet is closed whereas after a rotation by 90°, the two outlets are connected to each other such that the components may reach the mixing elements. It is further visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2  that the cavity formed by the interior of mixer housing  11  is sealed at its cartridge side end by a closure  16  such that the cavity extends down to transversal bore  15 . 
     The cartridge or syringe is supplied in the filled and closed state. For its application it is sufficient to rotate the mixer 90° with respect to the cartridge so that the two components can be mixed and dispensed. 
     In the embodiment variant according to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , instead of a conical seal between the mixer and the cartridge, a cylindrical arrangement is used while the principle of the rotary closure remains the same. Cartridge  17  has the same storage containers  4  and  5  and outlets  6  and  7  with transversally extending outlet channels  6   a ,  7   a  while outlet end  9  is provided with the same circumferential collar  10  for receiving circumferential step  13  on mixer  18 . Mixer  18  has a housing  19  with inlet section  20  on which circumferential step  13  is provided. However, it is also possible to combine conical and cylindrical surfaces on the mixer inlet end and correspondingly on the cartridge outlet. 
     Both the outlet end and the inlet section of the mixer have mutually complementary cylindrical internal surfaces  21 ,  22 , cylinder  22  of mixer  18  having a transversal bore  23  in order to establish a connection between the two outlets  6  and  7  of the cartridge, thereby allowing the components to reach the mixing elements. The two outlets  6  and  7  are arranged in an annular portion  24 , and outlet channels  6   a ,  7   a  are sealed on the mixer side by a sealing ring  25  placed in the mixer inlet section. 
     A comparison of  FIGS. 3 ,  3   a  and  4 ,  4   a  shows that by rotating the mixer with respect to the cartridge by 90°, the connection between outlet channels  6   a ,  7   a  and mixing elements  3  is established. 
     In the following exemplary embodiments, the mixer is no longer rotated with respect to the cartridge but displaced toward the cartridge in an axially guided manner. Cartridge  26  of  FIG. 5  comprises the same storage chambers  4  and  5  and outlets  6  and  7 , each of which leads to transversally extending outlet channels  6   a  and  7   a . Outlet end  27  is provided with two circumferential, saw tooth like retaining collars  28  and  29  engaging behind circumferential step  13  on inlet section  31  of mixer  30 . The prolongation of the mixer inlet section on the cartridge side end thereof has a through-going inlet  32  arranged at such a distance from the end that it communicates with outlet channels  6   a  and  7   a  of the cartridge in the open condition according to  FIG. 6 . In this condition, circumferential step  13  on the mixer inlet section engages behind the second collar  29  on the cartridge side of outlet end  27  of the cartridge. Consequently, in the open condition also, the mixer is firmly secured to the cartridge in such a manner that it cannot be detached therefrom without destroying the components. In the inlet section of the mixer, a sealing ring  33  is arranged that seals outlet channels  6   a  and  7   a  at the top in order to ensure a correct seal both in the closed and in the open condition. 
     However, it is also possible in this embodiment variant to arrange the mixer inlet and correspondingly the outlet channels of the cartridge in such a manner that the mixer inlet is located on the cartridge side, and to establish the connection between the cartridge and the mixer by retracting the mixer in the outlet direction. 
       FIGS. 7 to 10  illustrate another embodiment variant where the mixer is axially displaced with respect to the cartridge. Cartridge  34  comprises the same storage containers  4  and  5  as well as outlets  6  and  7  while outlet end  9  has a circumferential collar  35  behind which circumferential step  13  of the mixer inlet section engages. In the inlet section of mixer  36 , a closure member  37  having two closure plugs  38  and  39  is arranged, the latter fitting into outlets  6  and  7  in the closed condition according to  FIG. 7  in order to seal them. On closure member  37 , two cylindrical guide members  40  are arranged which enclose mixer outlets  6  and  7 . At its cartridge side end, the mixer inlet section is provided with the circumferential step  13  that prevents that the mixer can be withdrawn from the cartridge. Closure member  37  with closure plugs  38  and guide cylinders  40  may be produced in one piece. 
     A comparison of  FIGS. 7 and 9  shows that after axially displacing the mixer, the two closure plugs  38  and  39  have been withdrawn from the mixer outlets so that the components may reach mixing elements  3  through inlets  69  arranged around the closure plugs. From lateral views of  FIGS. 8 and 10  it follows that the end of closure member  37  is provided with retaining noses  41  which in the closed condition engage in corresponding openings  42  in outlet end  9  of the cartridge. In the open position of  FIG. 10  it is further apparent that the circumferential step  13  at the mixer end engages behind collar  35 . 
     In the embodiment variant according to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the mixer is axially moved away from the cartridge by means of a screw thread to release the outlets. At its outlet end  9 , cartridge  44  with storage containers  4  and  5  as well as outlets  6  and  7  is provided with a retainer  45  having a bead  52  for a threaded ring having an internal thread  46  and whose end portion  47  encloses retainer  45  and is externally provided with snap noses  48 . 
     The external surface of closure member  49  of the inlet section of mixer  50  is correspondingly provided with an external thread  51  that cooperates with the internal thread of the threaded ring. Closure member  49  is engaged in the mixer housing and has two closure plugs  53  and  54  fitting into outlets  4  and  5 . Partly arranged around the closure plugs are inlet channels  70  for the components through which the components reach the mixing elements. 
     From the comparison of  FIGS. 11 and 12  it becomes apparent that by rotating threaded ring  46 , closure member  49  is lifted off from the cartridge along with the mixer housing and the closure plugs liberate the two outlets of the cartridge. 
       FIGS. 13 to 16  show another embodiment variant whose cartridge  55  has the two storage containers  4  and  5  as well as outlets  6  and  7 . The two retainers  56  at the outlet end of the cartridge comprise respective retaining noses  57  which engage behind the circumferential step  13  on the cartridge side of the mixer inlet end in order to non-detachably retain mixer  58 . As follows from  FIG. 14  or  16 , the retainers on outlet end  9  are arranged in two opposite locations. 
     Mixer inlet section  62  has two opposite downholding ridges  59  and  60  holding down a closure composed of a closure disk  66  on which two closure plugs  64  and  65  of a soft material are arranged, as shown in  FIG. 13 . The closure disk further comprises two slots  67  and  68  whose width corresponds to the thickness of the downholding ridges. 
     After a rotation by 90° up to a stop, downholding ridges  59  and  60  are in the released position according to  FIG. 16  and are located above slots  67  and  68  in the closure disk, thereby allowing the closure to be opened. As the components are dispensed, the closure plugs on the closure are pushed out of the outlet channels and the cartridge is thus opened, i.e. in the position of  FIG. 15 . 
     In  FIGS. 17 to 23 , another exemplary embodiment is illustrated where a joint of an elastomeric material is arranged between the double cartridge and the mixer.  FIG. 17  shows the new exemplary embodiment with double cartridge  71  and mixer  72  in a lateral view, the double cartridge having a flange  73  that serves either as a fastening flange if the double cartridge is pushed into a dispensing appliance, or as a retaining flange if the thrust rods are directly actuated manually. Of mixer  72 , housing  74  with tubular portion  75  and fastening portion  76  with two wings  77  is visible. Double cartridge  71  further comprises two storage containers  78  and  79 . 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 18  shows the mixer after having been attached to the cartridge while the illustration of  FIG. 22  shows the mixer after a clockwise rotation by 45°, whereby the mixer is locked with the cartridge, and  FIG. 23  shows the latter after a backward rotation in the counterclockwise direction by 90°, whereby the mixer is locked and secured against rotation. 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 18  shows that mixing elements  80  in mixer housing tube  75  and mixer inlet section  81  are integrally formed. Between mixer inlet section  81  and cartridge outlet section  82  a sealing disk  83  is arranged that is illustrated in  FIG. 21  and consists of a suitable elastic and self-restoring material. 
     As already mentioned,  FIG. 18  shows the mixer attached to the cartridge by snap action while bayonet tabs  84 A and  84 B on the mixer, see also  FIG. 22 , engage behind recesses  107 A,  107 B in bayonet ring  85  on the cartridge, which are designed as snap tongues, see also  FIG. 21 . 
     In the top view of  FIG. 18   a , flange  73  as well as the two storage containers  78  and  79  of the cartridge are visible and, of mixer  72 , mixer tube  72  with fastening portion  76  and its two wings  77  and the two bayonet tabs  84 A and  84 B, which are visible through an unmolding opening. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates sealing disk  83  that serves as a rotary slide valve and consists of a disk  87  having two opposed passages  88 A and  88 B and two driving pegs  89 A and  89 B arranged thereon. 
     Rotary slide valve seal  83  is placed on mixer inlet section  81  that has corresponding passages  90 A and  90 B as well as recesses  91 A and  91 B for driving knobs  89 A and  89 B. The fastening portion of the mixer housing further comprises two stop noses  92  and  93  that serve for positioning a correspondingly shaped inlet flange  94  of mixer inlet section  81 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , the cartridge outlet with locking flange  85  and the two bayonet locking members  86 A and  86 B is visible. On its side facing the cartridge, the bayonet locking portion has a tightening surface  95  that is directed toward the cartridge and has an adjacent recess  96  followed by two stop ridges  97  and  98 , stop ridge  98  being followed by a second recess  99  that belongs to tightening surface  100 . While edge  96 A of recess  96  is sharp-edged on the side of tightening surface  95 , edge  99 A between recess  99  and tightening surface  100  is beveled. 
     The parts on bayonet tabs  84 A or  84 B that correspond to recesses  96  and  99  are two steps  101  and  102  that are arranged according to  FIG. 20  on the bayonet tab side facing the mixing elements. The result of the different design of edges  96 A and  99 A is that step  101  can still be rotated out of recess  99  after a clockwise rotation of the mixer by 45°, i.e. that the mixer can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction until step  101  engages in recess  96 A and the mixer can therefore no longer be turned back. Cartridge outlet flange  103  is provided with a notch  104  that serves for visually coding the cartridge so that the latter is inserted in a dispensing appliance in a defined position. 
     As already mentioned, in  FIGS. 18 and 18   a , respectively, the mixer has been placed on the cartridge and snapped in, and in the illustration of  FIG. 22 , the mixer has been rotated 45° in the clockwise direction as symbolized by arrow C in  FIG. 22 . In this position, step  101  on bayonet tab  84 A engages in recess  99 A in locking portion  86 A in order to lock and secure the mixer on the cartridge. In  FIG. 22  it is apparent that in this position, outlets  105  and  106  of the cartridge are sealed by sealing disk  83 . The filled cartridge or the syringe including the mixer is thus ready for shipment. 
     In the position of  FIG. 23 , the mixer has been rotated by 90° in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the position of  FIG. 22 , as shown by arrow O. In this position, steps  102  on the bayonet tabs of the mixer engage in sharp-edged recess  96  in such a manner that the mixer can no longer be turned back without applying destructive force. It is thus ensured that the double cartridge or syringe can no longer be reclosed or reused after use. In  FIG. 23  it is visible that passages  90 A and  90 B in the sealing disk coincide with outlets  105  and  106  of the cartridge so that the material can be dispensed via the mixer. 
     In  FIGS. 24 to 30 , a variant of the preceding exemplary embodiment is illustrated.  FIG. 24  shows double cartridge  108  and mixer  109  in a lateral view, the double cartridge having a flange  110  that serves either as a fastening flange if the double cartridge is pushed into a dispensing appliance, or as a retaining flange if the thrust rods are directly actuated manually. Of mixer  109 , housing  111  with tubular portion  112  and fastening portion  113  with two wings  114  is visible. Double cartridge  108  further comprises two storage containers  115  and  116 . 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 25  shows the mixer after it has been attached to the cartridge while the illustration of  FIG. 29  shows the fastening portion of the mixer after a clockwise rotation by 45°, whereby the mixer is in firm engagement with the cartridge and the outlets are closed, and  FIG. 30  shows the latter after a backward rotation by 90° in the counterclockwise direction, whereby the outlets are opened but the mixer is secured against rotation. 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 25  shows that mixing elements  117  are arranged in mixer housing tube  112  after mixer inlet section  118 . Between mixer inlet section  118  and cartridge locking flange  119  a sealing disk  120  is arranged that is illustrated in  FIG. 26  and consisting of a suitable elastic and self-restoring material such as silicone or polyurethane. 
     As already mentioned,  FIG. 25  shows the mixer attached to the cartridge by snap action while bayonet tabs  121  of the mixer, see also  FIG. 29 , engage behind recesses  122  in bayonet ring  123  on the cartridge, which are designed as snap tongues, see also  FIG. 28 . 
     In the top view of  FIG. 25A , flange  110 , the two storage containers  115  and  116  of the cartridge and, of mixer  109 , mixer tube  112  with fastening portion  113  and its two wings  114  as well as a positioning nose  129  are visible. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates sealing disk  120  that consists of a disk  124  having two opposed passages  125  and  125 A and two driving apertures  126  and  126 A in the form of grooves with a bore arranged therein. 
     Sealing disk  120  is placed on mixer inlet section  118  that has corresponding passages  127  and  127 A as well as two driving ridges that are shaped according to the driving apertures and provided with pressure pegs  128  and  128 A, and bayonet tabs  121 . The pressure pegs, which are made slightly longer than the bore and arranged in the center of the driving ridges, press the joint against the cartridge outlets in the closed position. 
     In  FIG. 28 , the cartridge outlet end with locking flange  119  and bayonet noses  130  and projections  131  on bayonet ring  123  is visible. The bayonet noses have the usual tightening surfaces that are facing and directed toward the cartridge. A limitation of the bayonet action during locking and opening is provided by two stops  132  on two opposed bayonet noses which cooperate with corresponding stop surfaces  133  in the mixer inlet section. 
     Furthermore, bayonet ring  123  is provided in addition to projections  131 , which are not sharp-edged but beveled, with two stop cams  137  having straight edges. Projections  131  and stop cams  137  cooperate with incisions  121 A that are formed in bayonet tabs  121  of the mixer. These incisions have a bevel  138  on one side and a sharp edge  139  on the other side. 
     These locking means still allow the mixer to be rotated out of projections  131  after a clockwise rotation by 45°, i.e. the mixer can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction by 90° but can no longer be turned back as the sharp edges  139  are now abutting to stop cam  137 . 
     As already mentioned, in  FIGS. 25 and 25   a , respectively, the mixer has been placed on the cartridge and snapped in, and in the illustration of  FIG. 29 , the mixer has been rotated by 45° in the clockwise direction. In  FIG. 29  it is apparent that in this position, outlets  135  and  136  of the cartridge are sealed by sealing disk  120 . The filled cartridge or syringe including the mixer is thus ready for shipment. 
     In the position of  FIG. 30 , the mixer has been rotated by 90° in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the position of  FIG. 29 . As already described, the mixer engages in this position in such a manner that it can no longer be turned back without applying destructive force. It is thus ensured that the double cartridge or syringe can no longer be reclosed or reused after use. In  FIG. 30  it is further visible that passages  125  and  125 A in the sealing disk coincide with outlets  135  and  136  of the cartridge so that the material can be dispensed via the mixer. 
       FIGS. 31 to 36  illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the inlets of the mixer are connected to the outlets of the syringe by withdrawing a closure loop.  FIG. 31  illustrates a dispensing assembly including a double syringe  140 , a mixer  141 , thrust rods  142 , and a closure loop  143  in a perspective view and in the open position. In the exploded view of  FIG. 33 , these parts are shown separately, and in  FIG. 32 , syringe outlet end  144  and the closure loop are shown on an enlarged scale. 
     According to  FIG. 33 , mixer  141  comprises a mixer tube  146  and an inlet housing  147  in which snap openings  150  are arranged which serve for receiving snap tongues  151  on cartridge outlet flange  152 . Furthermore, the two outlets  153  and  154  of storage containers  155  and  156  in the form of nipples are arranged on the outlet flange. 
     The mixer inlet housing further comprises two guiding sleeves  157  having each a conical bore  158  that tapers on the inlet side and serves for receiving a corresponding conical closure plug  144  at end of shank  159  of closure loop  143 . The mixer further includes a mixing helix  160  provided on the syringe side with an inlet flange  161  that has two passages  162  and fits into mixer inlet housing  147 . On its syringe side, the inlet flange has two inlets  163  and  164 . 
     Behind closure plug  144  of each shank  159  there is a constriction  164  as well as at some distance a collar  165 , see  FIGS. 34 and 35 . In the closed position of  FIG. 34 , the closure loop is pushed both trough bores  158  of guiding sleeve  157  and through the passages respectively outlets  162 ,  163  of the syringe up to its collar  165 . In the open position of  FIG. 35 , closure loop  143  has been pulled out until conical closure plugs  144  sit tight in conical bores  158  of the guiding sleeves. The constrictions are shaped such as to form a rupture point where the closure loop can be snapped off and removed. Alternatively, a concentric opening ring may be used instead of the closure loop.