阅读说明：本技术 排气式保护帽和排气***件以及其生产方法 (Vented protective cap and vent insert and methods of producing the same ) 是由 J.格赖纳-佩尔特 A.赫茨 于 2020-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及排气式保护帽和排气插入件以及其生产方法。本发明涉及一种用于液体分配器(100)的排气式保护帽(10),并且涉及一种排气插入件,特别是用于这种保护帽的排气插入件。所述保护帽(10)具有围绕帽内部(14)的帽壁(12)。所述帽壁(12)具有排气孔(16),所述排气孔(16)被柔性片状结构(18)跨越。所述片状结构(18)的边界区域(18A)以环绕方式固定到所述排气孔(16)的边界。所述片状结构(18)由至少两个层(20、22)组成,所述至少两个层(20、22)直接相互抵靠,但是至少在所述片状结构(18)的中心区域(18B)中没有相互固定连接。(The invention relates to a vented protective cap and a vent insert and methods of producing the same. The present invention relates to a vented protective cap (10) for a liquid dispenser (100), and to a venting insert, in particular for such a protective cap. The protective cap (10) has a cap wall (12) surrounding a cap interior (14). The cap wall (12) has vent holes (16), the vent holes (16) being spanned by flexible sheet structures (18). The boundary region (18A) of the sheet-like structure (18) is fixed to the boundary of the vent hole (16) in a surrounding manner. The sheet-like structure (18) is composed of at least two layers (20, 22), the at least two layers (20, 22) lying directly against one another, but not being fixedly connected to one another at least in a central region (18B) of the sheet-like structure (18).)

1. A vented protective cap (10) for a liquid dispenser (100), in particular a liquid dispenser (100) for expelling a pharmaceutical liquid, the vented protective cap (10) having the following features:

a. The protective cap (10) has a cap wall (12) surrounding a cap interior (14), and

b. the cap wall (12) having vent holes (16), the vent holes (16) being spanned by a flexible sheet structure (18), an

c. A boundary region (18A) of the sheet-like structure (18) is fixed to the boundary of the vent hole (16) in a surrounding manner,

the method is characterized in that:

d. the upper sheet-like structure (18) is composed of at least two layers (20, 22), the at least two layers (20, 22) lying directly against one another, but not being fixedly connected to one another at least in a central region (18B) of the sheet-like structure (18).

2. The vented protective cap (10) of claim 1, the vented protective cap (10) having the following further features:

a. the two layers (20, 22) of the sheet-like structure (18) are held at the boundary of the vent opening (16) by a common injection-molded support structure (24), which common injection-molded support structure (24) protrudes over the boundary region (18A) of the sheet-like structure (18) on one side or on both sides in its entirety.

3. The vented protective cap (10) of claim 1, the vented protective cap (10) having the following further features:

a. A support structure (26) having an annular fastening surface (28) is provided at the boundary of the venting aperture (16), and

b. in a boundary region (20A), a first layer (20) of the sheet-like structure is thermally fastened to the fastening surface (28), and

c. in a border area (22A), a second layer (22) of the sheet-like structure (18) is thermally fastened to the border area (20A) of the first layer (20).

4. Vented protective cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the vented protective cap (10) having the following further features:

a. the protective cap (10) has a main part (30), the main part (30) at least predominantly forming a lateral wall of the cap wall (12), and the support structure (24; 26) is integrally arranged on the main part (30).

5. The vented protective cap (10) of one of claims 1 to 3, the vented protective cap (10) having the following further features:

a. the protective cap (10) has a main part (32), which main part (32) at least predominantly forms a lateral wall of the cap wall (12) and has an opening for receiving a vent insert (34), and

b. The protective cap (10) has a venting insert (34), the venting insert (34) being sealingly inserted into the opening and comprising the surrounding support structure (24; 26), and the sheet-like structure (18) being held and surrounded by the latter.

6. Vented protective cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the vented protective cap (10) having the following further features:

a. at least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is formed by a sterile filter (21A, 21B), the sterile filter (21A, 21B) preferably having a separation limit of at most 1 [ mu ] m, particularly preferably at most 0.5 [ mu ] m or at most 0.2 [ mu ] m, and/or

b. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is an absorbent layer (21C), the absorbent layer (21C) being provided for absorbing residual droplets from an outlet opening of the dispenser, wherein, starting from the cap interior (14), the at least one layer preferably constitutes the first layer of the sheet-like structure (18), and/or

c. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is formed as a depth filter (21B), and/or

d. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is formed as a membrane filter (21A), and/or

e. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) has a hydrophilic surface, and/or

f. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) has a hydrophobic surface, and/or

g. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is formed as an antimicrobial layer (21C) and comprises an antimicrobial component, and/or

h. At least one layer of the sheet-like structure (18) is formed as a support layer (21D), in particular as the outermost layer, and/or

i. At least one outermost layer is formed as a shielding layer (21E) and has a uniform color with respect to the surrounding support structure, and/or

j. The protective cap (10) has a protective structure for protecting the sheet-like structure, wherein the protective structure (29) is formed as a component which is separate from the support structure (24) and is connected to the support surface (24) in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner.

7. A venting insert (34) for a venting channel, in particular for a protective cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the venting insert (34) having the following features:

a. The venting insert (34) has a venting opening (16), the venting opening (16) being surrounded by a support structure (24; 26), and

b. the vent hole (16) is spanned by a flexible sheet structure (18), an

c. The boundary region (18A) of the sheet-like structure (18) being fixed to the support structure (24; 26) in a surrounding manner,

it is further characterized in that:

d. the sheet-like structure (18) is composed of at least two layers (20, 22), the at least two layers (20, 22) lying directly against one another, but not being fixedly connected to one another at least in a central region (18B) of the sheet-like structure (18).

8. The venting insert of claim 7, having the following further features:

a. the two layers (20, 22) of the sheet-like structure (18) are held at the boundary of the vent opening (16) by a common injection-molded support structure (24), which common injection-molded support structure (24) protrudes over the boundary region (18A) of the sheet-like structure (18) on one side or on both sides in its entirety.

9. The venting insert of claim 7, having the following further features:

a. A support structure (26) having an annular fastening surface (28) is provided at the boundary of the venting aperture (16), and

b. in a boundary region (20A), a first layer (20) of the sheet-like structure is thermally bonded to the fastening surface (28), and

c. in a boundary area (22A), a second layer (22) of the sheet-like structure (18) is thermally bonded to the boundary area (20A) of the first layer (20).

10. The venting insert of one of claims 7-9, having one of the following features:

a. the exhaust insert (34) has a tapered lateral surface for simplified fitting into the exhaust channel, or

b. The exhaust insert (34) is fastened in the exhaust channel by means of a snap connection, or

c. The exhaust insert (34) is fastened in the exhaust channel by means of a screw connection, or

d. The exhaust insert (34) is fastened in the exhaust channel by means of an adhesive or welded connection.

11. A liquid dispenser (100), in particular for pharmaceutical liquids, the liquid dispenser (100) having the following features:

a. The liquid dispenser (100) has a main unit (102), the main unit (102) having a liquid reservoir (104) and a delivery device (106) and an exit opening (108) for releasing the liquid, and

b. the liquid dispenser (100) having a protective cap (10), the protective cap (10) being mountable onto the main unit (102) and protecting the discharge opening (108) in the mounted state,

characterized by one of the following:

c. the protective cap (10) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6, and/or

d. The liquid dispenser (100) comprising a venting insert (34) according to claims 7 to 10.

12. The liquid dispenser (100) of claim 11, the liquid dispenser (100) having the following further features:

a. at least one layer (22) of the sheet-like structure (18) is an absorbing or sterilizing layer (22), wherein, with the protective cap (10) installed, the layer is arranged directly above the discharge opening (108), with the result that residual droplets remaining at the discharge opening can be absorbed and/or purified thereby.

13. The liquid dispenser (100) of claim 11 or 12, the liquid dispenser (100) having the following further features:

a. the liquid distributor (100) is designed as a drop distributor and has a drop formation geometry (110) in a manner surrounding the discharge opening (108), and/or

b. The liquid dispenser (100) is filled with a pharmaceutical liquid, and/or

c. The liquid dispenser (100) has a pump device (106) for conveying the liquid from the liquid reservoir (104) to the discharge opening (108), and/or

d. The liquid dispenser (100) has a squeeze bottle (112), the squeeze bottle (112) being compressible for conveying the liquid from the liquid reservoir (104) to the discharge opening (108), and/or

e. The liquid dispenser (100) has a pressure reservoir, and/or

f. The liquid dispenser (100) is designed as a spray dispenser by means of which the liquid is released in atomized form.

14. A method for producing a protective cap (10) according to claim 2 and one of claims 4 to 7 or a venting insert according to any one of claims 8 and 10, the method comprising the steps of:

a. Continuously feeding at least a first layer of a first sheet material and a second layer of a second sheet material in the form of sheet belts (220, 222), an

b. In the overlapping region of the bands, at least two layers are pressed together by a top side stamp (80) and a bottom side stamp (82), and a cut is made using a cutting contour (84) in a manner surrounding the stamps (80, 82), by means of which cut the two layers (20, 22) of a sheet-like structure (18) provided for the protective cap (10) or for the venting insert (34) are separated from the sheet-like bands (220, 222), and

c. inserting the multilayer sheet structure (18) in the injection molding cavity (90) in a state fixed by the stamp (80, 82), and

d. injecting a plastic material (92) into the injection molding cavity (90), the plastic material forming a common support structure (24), the common support structure (24) protruding over the boundary region of the sheet structure (18) and fixing the layers (20, 22) of the sheet structure, on one side or integrally on both sides of the sheet structure (18), and

e. After the support structure (24) has cured, the stamps (80, 82) on both sides are spaced apart from the sheet-like structure (18).

15. A method for producing a protective cap (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7 or a venting insert according to one of claims 9 and 10, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a body (8) of a vented protective cap or a body (8) of a venting insert, the body (8) having a venting hole, the venting hole being surrounded by a support structure (26), the support structure (26) having an annular fastening surface (28), and

b. placing a first layer (20) of sheet-like structure and a second layer (22) of sheet-like structure such that a border region (20A) of the first layer (20) is in contact with an annular fastening surface (28) and a border region (22A) of the second layer (22) is in contact with the border region (20A) of the first layer (20), and

c. thermally bonding the boundary regions (20A, 22A) of the first layer (20) and the second layer (22) together is achieved by means of a heated stamp (86) after the second layer (22) is inserted.

16. The method according to claim 15, having the following features:

a. after placing the first layer (20) and before placing the second layer (22), the boundary region (20A) of the first layer has been thermally bonded to the annular fastening surface (28) by means of a heated stamp (86).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vented protective cap, in particular a venting insert for such a protective cap, and a liquid dispenser having such a protective cap. The invention also relates to a corresponding production method.

Background

A vented protective cap is used in a liquid dispenser for pharmaceutical liquids in order to allow air exchange between the cap interior and the surroundings after a first use. The purpose of this is to dry more quickly the liquid residue that has remained outside the discharge opening of the dispenser. In this way, the growth of bacteria is prevented. However, the vent openings of vented protective caps also for their part lead to the risk of introducing bacteria from the surroundings, so that it has been proposed to provide the vent openings with a sterile filter.

Such a sterile filter is provided on a cap, known from DE 102013226253B 4. Here, the above-mentioned document also proposes the use of a double-layer insert consisting of a thin carrier cover to which the sterile filter is fixedly attached.

The use of such a multilayer structure is advantageous in order to be able to perform a plurality of functions. However, the production of multi-layer flexible sheet materials is cumbersome, making such materials worthwhile only for mass production or adding significantly to the production costs.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vented protective cap or in particular a venting insert for such a protective cap which allows adaptation to specific requirements in an inexpensive manner.

To achieve the stated object, a vented protective cap for a liquid dispenser is proposed, having a cap wall surrounding a cap interior. The cap wall has vent holes that are spanned by flexible sheet structures. The border area of the sheet-like structure is fixed to the border of the vent hole in a surrounding manner.

The sheet-like structure of the protective cap according to the invention consists of at least two layers which bear directly against one another but are not fixedly connected to one another at least in the central region of the sheet-like structure.

The sheet-like structure spans the at least one venting opening and thus ensures that, with the protective cap installed, an air exchange between the cap interior and the surroundings is possible only via the sheet-like structure. The sheet-like structure has a plurality of layers which preferably perform different functions. Said layers being treated separately during production and preferably at least 9mm²Are not directly connected to each other in the central region. However, during the course of production, the layers can be connected to one another in the boundary region, in particular by common encapsulation with plastic or by thermal bonding.

A high degree of flexibility is provided by the at least two layers not being derived together from the composite material but each being produced separately from a sheet or tape of its particular type. Multiple layers may also be put together in a specifically desired manner for a small series of dispensers.

For example, the following layers may be mentioned, which may be part of the sheet-like structure of the dispenser cap according to the invention.

Typically including a layer formed as a sterile filter. This preferably has a separation limit of at most 1 μm in size, particularly preferably of at most 0.5 μm in size. In the case of a separation limit of at most 0.2 μm in size, better sterility can be achieved. Such a sterile filter prevents bacteria from entering through the vent hole.

The filter layer may be formed as a depth filter or a membrane filter. The depth filter has a three-dimensional structure into which bacteria can enter, but which separates the bacteria from the air flowing through. In the membrane filter, pores of a defined size are provided, by means of which the bacteria have been separated out before entering the layer.

The layer of the sheet-like structure can be formed as an absorbent layer provided for absorbing residual droplets from the discharge opening of the dispenser, wherein, starting from the interior of the cap, said layer preferably constitutes the first layer of the sheet-like structure. In the case where the protective cap is mounted, the absorption layer may directly abut against the end surface of the main unit of the dispenser or be slightly spaced from the end surface.

The layer may have a hydrophilic surface or a hydrophobic surface. In this regard, for example, it may be advantageous to configure the absorbent layer to be hydrophilic in order to accelerate the absorption of liquid. It is also possible to configure the layers to be hydrophilic to different degrees in order in this way to allow residual liquid to be absorbed and guided to the particularly hydrophilic core layer.

It may also be advantageous to provide a layer formed to be antimicrobial or to include a biocidal ingredient. In this way, bacteria contained in the air or absorbed liquid can be killed as they pass through the layer, and the growth of bacteria can at least be reduced.

The layer of the sheet-like structure can also be formed as a support layer, in particular as the outermost layer. Such a support layer can impart mechanical stability to the sheet-like structure. This allows to protect the further layers of the sheet-like structure from unintentional or intentional damage.

Here, one type of stiff fabric may be involved. A design with multiple support layers, in particular on both sides of the sterile filter layer, may also be advantageous.

A further layer which is advantageous according to circumstances is a shielding layer which shields at least one layer lying thereunder from the field of view. This is particularly advantageous for protective caps with a colored design. Since sterile filters usually have a technically defined coloration and are usually white, these immediately stand out on the colored protective cap and may cause a misunderstanding that the corresponding layer should be removed depending on the intended use. The plastic coloured barrier layer with the protective cap conceals the sterile filter and thus prevents the misunderstanding described above.

In a first variant of the protective cap according to the invention, it is provided that at least two layers of the sheet-like structure are held at the boundary of the venting opening by a common injection-molded support structure. It is provided here that the support structure projects over a boundary region of the sheet-like structure on one side of the sheet-like structure or particularly preferably on both sides in their entirety.

In particular, retention on both sides is considered advantageous. In this case, two surrounding webs of the support structure above and below the flexible sheet-like structure project over the flexible sheet-like structure and in this way fix the sheet-like structure. Production is preferably effected in that the multilayer sheet structure is first introduced into the injection-molding cavity and then encapsulated by the plastic which forms the two surrounding webs mentioned above in the process.

However, other designs with only one such web may also be advantageous. The layer facing away from the web is then circumferentially retained by the plastic material. In particular, in the case of a porous layer (such as a depth filter), a firm connection to the plastic of the cap can be provided, despite only a small surface on the circumference.

In a further variant of the protective cap according to the invention, provision is made for a support structure with an annular fastening surface to be provided at the boundary of the venting opening. In the border area, a first layer of the sheet structure is thermally fastened to the fastening surface. In the border area, the second layer of the sheet-like structure is also thermally fastened to at least the border area of the first layer.

In this type of design, the layers of the sheet structure are not encapsulated, but are thermally fastened to the above-mentioned fastening surfaces or to each other. The connection is preferably produced by means of a hollow stamp which compresses and melts the respective layer in the boundary region, so that the layers form a tight connection with each other or to the fastening surface. Other joining techniques, such as laser welding and ultrasonic welding, are also possible here.

The protective cap may have a main part which at least mainly forms a lateral wall of the cap wall and on which the support structure is integrally provided. In this case, the cap can therefore also be produced in one piece, in addition to the layer of the sheet-like structure above the venting opening.

In addition to this design with the support structure arranged integrally on the lateral walls, it can also be provided that the protective cap has a main part which at least predominantly forms the lateral walls of the cap wall and has an opening for receiving the exhaust gas insert. In this case, the protective cap has a further component, namely a degassing insert, which is sealingly inserted into the opening and comprises a surrounding support structure and a sheet-like structure held and surrounded by the latter.

While this modular construction is associated with somewhat higher costs in terms of production, it allows the use of integral main components and the adjustment of its specific requirements by using suitable exhaust inserts.

In a simple construction of the protective cap according to the invention, provision is made for only one venting hole to be provided, which is not segmented by a support structure or segment integrally connected thereto. This may be particularly advantageous in those cases where the protective cap has a protective structure for protecting the sheet-like structure, wherein the protective structure is formed as a component which is separate from the supporting structure and is connected to the supporting surface in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner. Said protective structure, produced as a separate plastic part, is capable of protecting the sheet-like structure to an even more reliable degree than the above-mentioned supporting layer.

In addition to the cap, the invention also relates to the venting insert already described, in particular for use in the cap according to the invention.

Here, it is also provided that the venting insert has a venting opening which is surrounded by the support structure, and that the venting opening is spanned by a flexible sheet-like structure, the border region of which is fixed to the support structure in a circumferential manner.

The sheet-like structure here consists of at least two layers which have already been described and which lie directly against one another, but are not fixedly connected to one another at least in the central region of the sheet-like structure. Here, the possible layers include all of the layers described above with respect to the protective cap.

Likewise, with the described protective cap, it can also be provided for the corresponding venting insert that the two layers of the sheet-like structure are held at the boundary of the venting opening by a common injection-molded support structure which projects on one side or on both sides of the sheet-like structure over the boundary region of the sheet-like structure. Alternatively, it can also be provided here that a support structure with an annular fastening surface is provided at the boundary of the venting opening, wherein in the boundary region a first layer of the sheet-like structure is thermally bonded to the fastening surface, and wherein in the boundary region a second layer of the sheet-like structure is thermally bonded to the boundary region of the first layer.

By means of different connection techniques, the connection of the venting insert can be fastened in a receptacle, in particular in a receptacle of the described protective cap. A preferred design provides that the venting insert has a tapered and preferably at least partially conical lateral surface which allows simple insertion and, where appropriate, establishes a self-locking press fit relative to the receptacle.

An alternative to this provides that the venting insert is fastened by means of a snap-action connection and therefore has an outer geometry with a concealed snap-on capability. Threaded connections or adhesive or welded connections are also possible. In the case of a welded connection, this can be produced in particular by means of laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

In addition to the described protective cap and the described venting insert, the invention also relates to a liquid dispenser, in particular for pharmaceutical liquids. The liquid dispenser has a main unit which, as such, comprises a liquid reservoir and delivery means and an exit opening for releasing the liquid. The delivery device can be designed in particular as a pump device for delivering a pressure-free stored liquid or as a valve device for delivering a pressurized stored liquid in a pressure reservoir. Upon manual actuation of the delivery device, liquid is transferred from the liquid reservoir to the discharge opening. Instead of a delivery device separate from the liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir may also be provided with a squeeze bottle, i.e. a bottle which can be compressed by manual application of force and thus constitutes the delivery device itself.

The liquid dispenser may be designed in particular as a drop dispenser, i.e. for releasing individual drops, in particular for application into the nose, ears or eyes. Such a droplet dispenser preferably has a droplet forming geometry in a manner surrounding the discharge opening, for example in the form of a concave or planar droplet forming surface, which is preferably surrounded by a sharp separating edge. This is particularly advantageous for discharging preservative-free liquids if a release valve is arranged upstream of the discharge opening and prevents the introduction of bacteria here, however, at the same time as the residual droplets are also prevented from being sucked back.

In particular, for the purpose of quickly drying such residual droplets, the liquid dispenser has, according to the invention, a vented protective cap of the type described above, which can be mounted on the main unit and protects the discharge opening in the mounted state. According to the invention, a venting insert of the above-mentioned type may be provided on the protective cap or, in an alternative use, at another location of the liquid dispenser.

The use of a protective cap according to the invention and/or a venting unit according to the invention may also be advantageous for other dispensers, for example spray dispensers for the atomized discharge of a liquid.

Here, the protective cap is preferably provided with a sheet-like structure having an absorbing or antimicrobial layer, wherein, in the case of a mounted protective cap, said layer is arranged directly above the discharge opening, as a result of which residual droplets left at the discharge opening can be absorbed and/or purified thereby.

In the delivery state, the liquid dispenser is filled with the medicament liquid. This is particularly the case for pharmaceutical liquids used in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (for glaucoma), in the treatment of dry eye and in the treatment of allergies and inflammation. In this case, especially molecular group α -2 agonists (e.g., brimonidine), prostaglandin analogs (tafluprost, latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost), β blockers (e.g., timolol), and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., dorzolamide or hyaluronic acid compounds), film formers (e.g., methylcellulose compounds), and cyclosporines or antihistamines (e.g., olopatadine and zombastine), steroids (e.g., loteprednol and dexamethasone), and also NSAIDs (e.g., ketorolac) are acting.

Furthermore, the dispenser according to the invention can advantageously be used for liquids having one or several of the following molecules: trichloroacetic acid, trimetsalam, urea, zinc oxide, tacrolimus, clobetasol propionate, mometasone furoate, betamethasone dipropionate, fluocinonide, desoximetasone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluticasone propionate, hydrocortisone, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, undecylenic acid, terbinafine, ciclopirox olamine, tolnaftate, acyclovir, imiquimod, behenyl, finasteride, minoxidil, dexamethasone, tramazoline, naphazoline, norsella (nostrilla), oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, tetrahydrozoline, tramazoline hydrochloride, isoheptamide, and butylbenzazole.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a protective cap of the above-mentioned type or a venting insert of the above-mentioned type. This will be explained below primarily on the basis of the protective cap, wherein the method steps can also be used correspondingly for producing a separate venting insert which is then inserted in particular into the receptacle of the protective cap.

According to a first variant of the invention, the first layer of the first sheet material and the second layer of the second sheet material are fed continuously in the form of sheet-like bands. If more layers are expected to be used, additional sheet-like bands are provided accordingly.

In the overlapping region of the band, at least two layers are pressed together by the top side stamp and the bottom side stamp, and a cut is made in a manner surrounding the stamps using a cutting profile, by means of which the two layers of the sheet-like structure provided for the protective cap or for the venting insert are separated from the sheet-like band. At this point in time, the two layers that are not fixedly connected to each other are held between the two stamps.

This multilayer sheet structure is then inserted into an injection molding cavity in a state fixed by a stamp. A plastic material (e.g. HDPE or PP) is then injected into the injection moulding cavity, which plastic material forms a common support structure that protrudes over the border area of the sheet structure and secures the layers of the sheet structure on one side or integrally on both sides of the sheet structure.

The stamp on both sides is spaced apart from the sheet-like structure after the support structure has cured and in this case opens a path from the external surroundings to the sheet-like structure and from the sheet-like structure into the inner region of the protective cap.

The special feature in the described method is in particular that the same instrument (in particular the two described stamps) is used to press together the two layers which are not connected to one another at this point in time and to position them in the cavity so that during injection molding they are held in the desired position and are surrounded there by plastic. Here, the stamp itself keeps the venting holes free of plastic on both sides of the sheet-like structure.

In an alternative method, provision is first made for the body of the vented protective cap or the body of the venting insert to be provided, which body has a venting hole which is surrounded by a support structure which has an annular fastening surface.

The first layer of the sheet-like structure and the second layer of the sheet-like structure are placed successively or together in the venting aperture such that the border region of the first layer is in contact with the annular fastening surface and the border region of the second layer is in contact with the border region of the first layer.

For the purpose of fastening the layers to each other or to the annular fastening surface, the thermal bonding together of the boundary regions of the first and second layers is effected by means of a heated stamp after the insertion of the second layer.

The use of the heated stamp may be effected once after the introduction of the second layer. In this case, there may also be cases where the first layer is then fastened indirectly to the annular fastening region. Alternatively, however, the heated stamp may also be used multiple times, in particular once per layer. Thus, after placing the first layer and before placing the second layer, the border area of the first layer has been thermally bonded to the annular fastening surface by means of the heated stamp.

Drawings

Further advantages and aspects of the invention will emerge from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which will be explained below on the basis of the drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a dispenser according to the invention with a vented protective cap having a vent hole covered by means of a flexible sheet structure.

Fig. 3A to 3C show three variants of the vented protective cap in sectional views.

Fig. 4A to 4D illustrate the possibility of connecting the body of the protective cap directly to the flexible sheet structure and also using a separate vent insert, in addition to the design in fig. 3A and 3C.

Fig. 5A to 5D show different configurations of the layers of the flexible sheet structure.

Fig. 6 and 7A to 7H illustrate a first method for producing a protective cap according to the invention.

Fig. 8A to 8D and fig. 9A to 9F illustrate two variants of an alternative method for producing a protective cap according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a liquid dispenser 100 according to the invention.

The liquid dispenser comprises a main unit 102 in which a liquid reservoir 104, a delivery means 106 and an exit opening 108 are provided. A delivery device 106 is provided for directing liquid from the liquid reservoir 104 to the discharge opening 108. In this case, various technical designs are conceivable, in particular the design of a dispenser with a pressure reservoir 104 and a delivery device 106 designed as a switching valve. Once the user presses the actuation button 107, the switching valve opens and the liquid pressurized in the liquid reservoir 104 flows to the discharge opening 108. As an alternative to this, the conveying device 106 can be designed as a pump device 106. In any case, the liquid is stored pressureless in the liquid reservoir 104 and is pumped to the discharge opening 108 by actuating the pump means 106 by means of the actuation button 107. Other designs (e.g., a squeeze bottle with both a liquid reservoir and a delivery device) are also possible.

The liquid dispenser in fig. 1 and 2 is a drop dispenser and, therefore, has a drop forming geometry 110, e.g. a planar or concave annular surface, surrounding the discharge opening 108, to which a drop in the inverted position of the dispenser can adhere until it breaks free of the drop forming geometry 110 under the influence of gravity.

The liquid dispenser 100 has a protective cap 10 formed as a vented protective cap. This means that the cap interior 14 is connected to the surrounding atmosphere via a vent hole 16, which is provided on the end surface of the cap wall 12 of the protective cap 10 in the case of the configuration of this exemplary embodiment. The vent 16 is provided with a sheet-like structure 18, which is a flexible sheet-like structure consisting of a plurality of flexible layers having different properties, as will be explained in more detail below. The exemplary sheet structure 18 illustrated in fig. 2 has two layers, the inner layer 22 of which is formed as an absorbent pad and is capable of absorbing residual droplets remaining in the area of the droplet formation geometry 110 after the protective cap 10 is mounted on the main unit 102 and, where appropriate, killing bacteria contained therein by the antimicrobial arrangement. The side of the sheet-like structure 18 facing away from the outlet opening 108 is formed by an outer layer 20, which may be formed, for example, as a sterile filter, so that, with the protective cap 10 installed, introduction of bacteria into the cap interior 14 is avoided.

Fig. 3A to 3C show three variants of the protective cap 10, wherein the variants in fig. 3A and 3C are also explained in more detail below with regard to their respective production.

In the design according to fig. 3A, the protective cap 10 has a body 8 which forms both the lateral surface of the protective cap 10 and a support structure 24 which is provided in a manner surrounding the vent hole 16 and extends above the latter on both sides of the sheet-like structure 18 and thereby fixes the two layers 20, 22. The layers 20, 22 are not fixedly attached to each other. To illustrate this, a small gap between the layers 20, 22 is shown in fig. 3A. In practice, however, the layers 20, 22 will abut each other, but in particular completely, at least in their boundary regions 20A, 22A. However, the layers are not directly interconnected, at least in the central region, and as will be explained in more detail below, are not generally interconnected before being attached to the main body of the protective cap. The layers 20, 22 are secured to each other only in the mated condition by the support structure 24, for example, as illustrated in fig. 3A.

In the variant according to fig. 3B, the support structure 24 is formed differently, since it extends only on one side, in the present case underneath the sheet-like structure 18, over its boundary region 18A. However, the support structure 24 does not protrude beyond the layers 20, 22 above the support structure 18. The layers 20, 22, and in particular the outer layer 20, are instead fastened to the body 8 of the protective cap, since said body is injection-molded onto the layer 20 in the manner explained in more detail below, which layer is placed in advance in the cavity, wherein the boundary area 20A of the layer 20 is connected to the body 8 in a material-bonded manner.

In the design according to fig. 3C, it is again the case that no support structures are provided on both sides of the sheet structure 18. Instead, a support structure 26 is provided having a fastening surface 28 only above the sheet structure 18. As illustrated in fig. 3C in the relatively thin border area, the layers 20, 22 of the sheet structure 18 have in this case been thermally bonded together or in succession to said fastening surface 28 by means of a stamp.

A special feature of the design in fig. 3C is a protective structure 29 which is formed as a separate component and is pushed into the venting opening 16 on the outside and is held there in a force-fitting manner. The protective structure protects the sheet-like structure and in particular protects the layer used as sterile filter from damage. The protective structure 29 is illustrated by way of example only in the design in fig. 3C and may equally well be provided in other cap designs described herein.

With regard to the design in fig. 3A and 3C, fig. 4A to 4D show two different configurations in each case. Here, the design in fig. 4A and 4C corresponds to the design in fig. 3A and 3C.

In contrast, the variant in fig. 4B shows a design in which the venting insert 34 is attached to the main part 32 of the protective cap 10 on the end side (which also forms in particular a lateral wall) and has, as such, the venting hole 16 and the flap structure 18. The vent insert 34 is secured in the main part 32 of the protective cap 10 by means of a press fit. Instead of fastening, such as adhesive, welded and screwed connections are also possible here.

Corresponding to the variant in fig. 4B, in the variant in fig. 4D a separate venting insert 34 is provided which provides the support structure 26 with the fastening surface 28 and which is inserted into the main part 32 of the protective cap 10 by means of a press fit in the same way as the venting insert 34 in fig. 4B.

Fig. 5A to 5D illustrate different configurations of the individual layers which together form the sheet structure 18. Since it is provided according to the invention that the layers of the sheet-like structure are not connected to one another, or at least in the central region, it is advantageously possible in a simple manner to provide a specific combination of layers for a specific use case. The technically cumbersome production of the composite tape from which the sheet-like structure is extracted is only cost-effective for large quantities and is therefore not necessary. The arrangements shown here by way of example each have a sterile filter. The separation limit of the sterile filter is preferably at most 1 μm, preferably at most 0.5 μm, in terms of size. A finer separation limit with a size of at most 0.5 μm may also be advantageous.

Fig. 5A shows a design in which a sterile filter 21A and an absorbent layer 21C together form a sheet-like structure 18. Here, the sterile filter 21A is shown as being rather thin for illustration, in this case it is a membrane filter, i.e. a filter comprising a plurality of pores, each of said pores being smaller than a predefined separation limit, so as not to allow passage of specific components (such as bacteria).

In the variant according to fig. 5B, a sterile filter 21B is likewise provided. However, it is formed as a depth filter. This means that, although not every single pore of the filter is smaller than the desired separation limit, the filter is still able to reliably filter out components above the separation limit due to its thickness.

Whereas for the membrane filter 21A in fig. 5A the components separated by the filter remain on the top side of the filter, for the depth filter 21B in fig. 5B the components enter the filter itself and are separated there from the passing air.

The design in fig. 5C provides that a shielding layer 21E is provided in addition to the sterile filter 21A and the absorbent pad 21C. This mainly performs the function of shielding the sterile filter 21A from the field of view. Furthermore, since the sterile filter 21A typically has a different coloration than the protective cap 10, it has been found that the user mistakenly believes that the sterile filter 21A was removed upon initial operation of the dispenser. By means of said shielding layer 21E (which, moreover, is designed with the same coloration as the protective cap 10), the presence of a distinctly differently colored sterile filter 21A is shielded from the field of view and, therefore, the user does not have the idea of damaging the sheet-like structure 18.

In the design according to fig. 5D, again a sterile filter layer 21A and an absorbent layer 21C for absorbing residual droplets are provided. Here, however, furthermore, a support layer 21D is provided which is relatively strong and thus mechanically protects the sterile filter 21A from unintentional or intentional damage.

Fig. 6 to 7H show a first method for producing a protective cap of the type described above, which in the present case is the protective cap also shown in fig. 3A and 4A.

Fig. 6 schematically shows the basic configuration. The two strips 220, 222 are fed to a combined stamping and injection moulding tool 70. Fig. 7A to 7H show the handling of the bands 220, 222 in the region of the stamping and injection molding tool 70 and the production of the protective cap 10.

Fig. 7A shows an initial state. In this state, the cavity 90, which is mainly defined by the top case 72 and the bottom case 74, remains open. The straps 220, 222 are moved into two slots in the top housing 72. The bottom housing 74 is centrally provided with a vertically displaceable stamp 82 located in a hole in the bottom housing 74. Correspondingly, the top housing 72 is provided with an impression 80 which is likewise vertically displaceable and a cutting contour 84 which is movable independently thereof and surrounds the impression 80. The stamp 80 and the cutting profile 84 are arranged in a hole of the top housing 72.

In the initial state in fig. 7A, the stamp 80 and the cutting profile 84 are located above the slot through which the strips 220, 222 are fed.

Starting from this, first, the stamp 82 is displaced vertically upward from the bottom until it abuts against the bottom side of the lower band 222. The top stamp 80 and the cutting profile 84 are simultaneously pushed from above onto the band 220 so that the bands 220, 222 are pressed together. The state in fig. 7B is established.

In the manner illustrated by fig. 7C, the stamps 80, 82 and the cutting profile 84 are then moved together vertically downwards, thereby separating the sheet-like structure 18 consisting of the two layers 20, 22 from the surrounding bands 220, 222, as the cutting profile 84 cuts it off at the boundary of the hole in the top shell 72. The stamps 80, 82 and the cutting profile 84 are moved together to the position illustrated in fig. 7D.

From here the stamps 80, 82 are moved a little further, while the bottom housing 74 and the top housing 72 are moved to each other simultaneously or separately, so that the cavity 90 is closed. As the stamps 80, 82 are lowered into the position in fig. 7E, the cutting profile 84 is no longer moved along with it and therefore a relative displacement between the cutting profile 84 and the stamp 80 occurs for the first time. The cutting contour 84 is left further up and thus forms, together with its downwardly facing end side, a part of the delimiting wall of the cavity 90.

While the step described, in which the stamps 80, 82 are displaced relative to the cutting profile, is considered advantageous, it is not essential. The above-described design in fig. 3B can be produced by means of substantially the same method as described herein, although the relative displacement is not provided. For this method, a tool can be provided with which the cutting profile 84 and the stamp 80 are formed as a common component.

Starting from the state in fig. 7E, liquid plastic (e.g. PP or HDPE) is then guided through a feed opening (not shown) into the cavity 90, as can be seen in fig. 7F. The plastic 92 solidifies in the cavity 90, with the result that the finished protective cap 10 can then be removed in the manner illustrated by fig. 7G and 7H after the bottom shell 74 and the top shell 72 are spaced apart.

An alternative method is illustrated in fig. 8A to 8D. The method starts from a main body 8 of the protective cap 10, which has been completely produced by injection moulding and in which a vent hole 16 is provided at the end side. The latter passing through a support structure 26 formed mainly by fastening surfaces 28.

The two layers 20, 22 of the sheet structure 18 are inserted separately into the body 8. At this point in time the layers are not fixedly connected to each other, but may of course deviate from fig. 8A and be introduced in such a way that they have been pressed against each other. The two layers 20, 22 have a surface that is larger than the cross-sectional surface of the vent hole 16, with the result that they press against the fastening surface 28, as shown in fig. 8B.

Subsequently, a heated stamp 86 is introduced into the body 8 from above in the manner illustrated by fig. 8C. The annular end surfaces of the stamp serve to press the boundary regions 20A, 22A of the layers 20, 22 against the fastening surface 28 and thermally bond them together and to the fastening surface 28 in the process. The result is a two-layer structure that can be seen in fig. 8D.

An alternative to this method appears from fig. 9A to 9F. Here, two layers 20, 22 are inserted one after the other. As appears from fig. 9A to 9C, the first layer 20 is first placed on the fastening surface 28 and there thermally fastened by means of an embossing die 86. The second layer 22 is only introduced afterwards, and then it is fastened, in the manner illustrated by fig. 9E, also by means of a heated stamp 86, in particular on the previously fastened layer 20.

As shown in fig. 9F, this results in a configuration similar to that in the method in fig. 8A to 8D. Even though the method in fig. 9A to 9F comprises more manufacturing steps, a better tightness in the border area may hereby be obtained depending on the material of the layers 20, 22, and thus this more complex method has its reasons for its existence.