DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR MEDIA

The invention relates to a discharge apparatus for media. Such discharge apparatuses are more particularly used for spraying a fluid. Preferably the fluid contains one or more pharmaceutical substances.

Such discharge apparatuses are e.g. known from DE 198 07 921 and have a casing on which is arranged in relatively movable manner an actuator. The actuator can be moved with respect to the casing by a path corresponding to an actuating stroke path. A control unit is provided, which at least determines the time since the last actuation of the actuator. There is also an actuating stop actuatable in controlled manner by the control unit, the actuating stop in its blocking position blocking the performance of an actuating stroke and in its release position allowing the performance of an actuating stroke.

Such discharge apparatuses are used if, to avoid an excessively high active substance concentration, the delivery of the medium to be discharged is to take place in time-extended manner. This is e.g. the case if the medium to be discharged contains a pharmaceutical substance or substance combination to be administered by the patient. As a result of the possibility of being able to block an actuation of the actuator for a certain time after the performance of an actuating stroke, a rapidly succeeding administration of the active substance is prevented.

The problem of the invention is to provide an easily manipulatable and long term-usable discharge apparatus.

Based on the preamble features, the problem of the invention is solved by the characterizing features of the independent claims.

An inventive discharge apparatus for media, particularly for spraying a fluid preferably containing a pharmaceutical substance has a casing. On the casing is located an actuator, which can be moved relative to the casing by a path corresponding to the actuating stroke path. The discharge apparatus has a control unit, which at least determines the time which has elapsed since the last actuation of the actuator. An actuating stop, operable in controlled manner by the control unit, in its blocking position prevents the performance of an actuating stroke and allows such an actuating stroke in its release position. Such an actuating stop has a blocking member, which can be brought by means of an electromagnet from the release position into the blocking position and/or from the blocking position into the release position.

As a result of this measure it is advantageously ensured that for switching the actuating stop from the blocking position into the release position and vice versa only a relatively small amount of energy is required, namely the quantity in order to energize briefly an electromagnet, preferably corresponding to a relay and to briefly build up an adequately strong electromagnet field. The blocking action of the actuating stop is achieved in that the blocking member acts in the mechanism of the actuator in such a way that a blocking action occurs. The blocking member is correspondingly supported and the force bringing about the block or stop does not have to be applied by the electromagnet or by the power supply of the actuating stop.

A preferred construction of the discharge apparatus is obtained if actuation is stopped if, since the preceding actuation, a preset time interval has not yet elapsed.

Preference is also given to a discharge apparatus having a contact switch bound into the circuit supplying the electromagnet and which interrupts the electromagnet power supply for as long as the actuator is not moved by a minimum path out of its unactuated rest position. Preferably the amount of the minimum path is smaller than the idle path of the actuator at the start of an actuating stroke.

According to a first, preferred development of the invention the blocking member is constructed as a bistable element and consequently is located without any constant action of a force either in the release position or in the blocking position. According to alternative developments of the invention it is possible to have a monostable blocking member construction. Consequently the blocking member either remains in the blocking position or in the release position and is kept in the release or blocking position for the duration of the electromagnet action.

According to a preferred development of the features of the preamble of claim1a switch is located on the discharge apparatus, which can be manually operated and whose operation makes it possible to perform a preset, small number of actuating strokes without the actuating stop having to be brought into the blocking position. Following the operation of the switch it is possible to perform a small number of actuating strokes, particularly between two and ten strokes, without any action of the actuating stop. In the case of discharge apparatuses according to the invention, e.g. in pump atomizers, it is possible to ensure as a result of this measure that in the first actuating stroke administered to the patient the preset discharge quantity is delivered. Particularly with pump atomizers, but also with other discharge apparatuses, as a result of the design it is initially necessary to prime the discharge apparatus or suction pump following prolonged storage or from the packing time, e.g. due to the need for a sterile or at least approximately sterile packing. For this several pump strokes must be performed and during said pump strokes only partial medium discharge takes place and subsequently air is also discharged as the number of actuating strokes decreases. Preferably, independently of the volume of the pump atomizer or other technical circumstances, during the first or first few discharge strokes it is necessary, prior to the first application of the discharge element to perform said “empty” actuations, so that during the first actuation for administering the active substance, it is ensured that the desired, prescribed medium quantity is discharged. In the case of pump atomizers the number of necessary strokes is dependent on the volume of the pump atomizer, i.e. the size of the volume of a discharge or actuating stroke. It is also dependent on the medium to be discharged. In case of doubt the necessary number of empty actuating strokes is to be empirically determined at the start of use of the discharge apparatus and correspondingly preset.

According to a preferred development of this apparatus a second time interval is preset during which the preset number of actuating strokes must be performed. If the second time interval is exceeded, it is in particular possible to bring the actuating stop into its blocking position. This ensures that a time link between the actuation of the switch and the performance of the number of actuating strokes is maintained. This can in particular prevent incorrect operations and actuations by the user. It must simultaneously be avoided that through repeated operation of the switch does not allow overdosing of the active substance.

According to another development of a discharge apparatus according to the invention, the control unit has an externally accessible interface by means of which it is possible to act on the control unit. The interface is accessible from the outside. By means of the interface it is possible to set at least one of the following parameters for the control of the actuating stop by the control unit: duration of the first time interval, duration of the second time interval and number of actuating strokes performable after operating the switch.

This construction of the invention has the advantage that the simple adaptation to different time intervals and different numbers of empty actuating strokes can be variably preset at the start of the use of a discharge apparatus. As a function of the filling and dimensioning of the discharge apparatus, e.g. in the pharmacists when delivering a medicament the necessary setting can take place, preferably in patient-individual manner. This permits a high flexibility of the discharge apparatuses and a better adaptation to different patients and active substances.

According to another advantageous development of the invention it is possible to ensure that the possible successive number of actuations which can take place after operating the switch can only be carried out if a communications means is contacted at the interface in simultaneous manner. The communications means can either be a computer or a passive part. This advantageously ensures that the performance of the number of actuations without the intervention of the actuating stop can only be performed by trained personnel, e.g. the pharmacist when delivering the medicament. This further increases safety for the user. Thus, it is no longer possible to get round the actuating stop by operating the switch several times.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention the presettable number of actuating strokes successively performable without the intervention of the actuating stop can be effected during the initial actuation of the actuator. This permits the putting into operation of the discharge apparatus in simple manner without further measures and without the user necessarily being given the possibility of performing several successive actuating strokes at a later time without this being prevented by the action of the actuating stop.

According to an advantageous development of the invention a single actuation of the actuator and consequently the performance of an actuating stroke is also possible after a failure of the power supply. This possibility exists following an irreversible removal of a securing element.

FIG. 1shows in a part sectional representation a discharge apparatus for media, such as can in particular be used for spraying a fluid, which preferably contains a pharmaceutical substance.

The discharge apparatus has a casing11containing in a manner sealed from the outside the functional elements. For the discharge of the medium, particularly a fluid, the casing has a discharge opening12. In order to prevent dirtying in the vicinity of the discharge opening12and consequently a possible infection or contamination with bacteria, the casing is closed with the locking cap20mountable thereon in locking manner. The locking cap20is formed by an outer part21and an inner part27. Between the lower edge of the locking cap25and the associated casing section is left a narrow gap24. Otherwise the casing11, together with the fitted locking cap20, forms a substantially uniform, closed surface. The outer part21of the locking cap also has the shaped section, which is here in the form of a hollow cylinder and is placed from the inside on the closed surface23of the outer part21and projects into the inner part27of the locking cap20. The shaped section22surrounds the casing11in the area containing the discharge opening12and sealingly engages on the casing in the vicinity of the bearing surface26. This ensures that no air from the outside can be exchanged with that in the hollow cylindrical portion of the shaped section22, which is closed by the sealing bearing surface26on the casing. This prevents contamination or infection of the casing11in the vicinity of the discharge opening12. The inner part27of the locking cap20has a connecting link guide28for the slider19constructed on the casing11and which is not visible in this part sectional representation.

On its end remote from the locking cap20the casing11has gripping surfaces14, which can be used for holding the casing11when the discharge apparatus is in use. The casing is opened at its lower end and is closed by the actuator50. For guiding the actuator50in the casing11an annular groove15is formed in the casing and in it is immersed during actuation the corresponding immersion web51of the actuator. The path of an actuating stroke of the actuator is fixed in cooperation between the depth of the annular groove15of the casing11and the length of the immersion web51on the actuator50. In the selected construction according to the invention the actuating stroke is limited in that the immersion web51abuts on the bottom of the annular groove15. In the non-actuated position of the actuator50there is consequently a gap between said actuator50and the casing11. This gap can be closed with anti—tampering means, having predetermined-breaking points and therefore removable.

The spacer13is positionally fixed with the casing11, leads to the discharge opening12and contains the discharge channel. The length of the spacer13is determined through the space remaining in the casing11as a function of the size of the container54. The larger the container54, the more actuations of the actuator50can be performed before the container54is emptied. The spacer13is positionally fixed with respect to the casing11. The container54is positionally fixed on the actuator50. The container54is closed by the suction pump56by means of the crimp ring55. The plunger57of the suction pump56is constructed in such a way that it bears on the spacer13and for the discharge of the medium a through channel is formed through the plunger57and spacer13to the discharge opening12. The container54is fixed to the support member52by means of the holder53acting on the crimp ring55. The support member52is in turn at least indirectly fixed to the actuator50.

In the vicinity of the lower seal of the casing11, which is formed by the stop face16, the guide ring60is located in the actuator50in the form of a mechanically constructed operating means of a gravity dependently operating blocking means. In the guide ring60there are several and in the represented embodiment three cam or curved paths62in each case mutually displaced by 120° and in which is guided a ball61. However,FIG. 1only shows one curved path62. At its inner end the curved path62has the stop face66against which the ball61engages in this orientation of the discharge apparatus. In this position the balls permit the performance of anactuating stroke of the actuator50. Apart from its end stop66, the curved path has a ramp in the form of an inclined plane63, which has the inclination angle64with respect to the horizontal. This inclination angle determines as from which inclination of the discharge apparatus the balls guided in the curved path62can roll on the ramp and finally pass into the other, outer end position formed by the dwell trough65. In the dwell trough65the balls61are beld between the guide ring60, which is firmly fastened to the actuator50and the stop face16of the casing11. As the ball diameter at least approximately corresponds to the actuating path of anactuating stroke, if the balls61are in this position an actuation of the actuator is blocked. There can be two or four curved paths62instead of three. If two curved paths are provided, they must be constructed in such away that they operate in double-sided manner, i.e. determining an inclination with respect to the privileged direction in which the discharge apparatus is to be oriented, usually the vertical direction, in one direction on bothsides. All that is important is that the curved paths62can determine the inclination in a random direction with respect to the privileged direction, i.e. with resolution into at least two independent directional components.

The actuator50also contains the control unit70, which incorporates a time determination and a determination of the actuations of the actuator. The control unit is able to switch backwards and forwards the blocking member74between a release position71and a blocking position by means of the electromagnet75, which is controllable by the control unit70and which can act on the blocking member74.

FIGS. 2aand2bshow a view of the actuator50with the actuating stop located therein. The actuating stop is formed by the control unit70, the electromagnet75and the blocking member74. Preferably said elements are placed on a common base plate73, which is preferably fixed by locking in the actuator50.

FIG. 2ashows the blocking member74in the release position71of the actuating stop, whereas inFIG. 2bwhich otherwise corresponds toFIG. 2a, the blocking member74is in the blocking position72of the actuating stop.

The power supply, which is not shown in the drawings, is provided by means of a battery, greferably a button cell or the like and is e.g. positioned below the base plate73. The power supply can be buffered with acapacitor, which e.g. permits the maintaining of the stored values during a battery change or allows a final actuation of the actuator50by the battery after a failure of the power supply. The base plate73is preferably simultaneously constructed as a blank having the corresponding electric lines, which in particular include the electrical connections between the control unit70and the electromagnet75, which is also located on the base plate73. It acts or a magnetic body77constructed on the blocking member74. The magnetic body77is used, under the influence of the electromagnetic forces acting between said body77and the electromagnet75constructed as a current relay, to produce a changeover movement of the blocking member74. The blocking member14in the embodiment shown can be brought by pivoting about its centre axis from the release position71into the blocking position and vice versa.

A detailed drawing of the blocking member74is shown in plan view and side view inFIGS. 2cand2drespectively.

For determinining the position of the blocking member74on the latter is constructed a holding arm83, on whose end is provided a contact piece84. On either side of the contact piece84on the base plate73are provided first and second contact pin pairs86,87.

In the release position71shown inFIG. 2aby means of the contact piece84the electrical connection between the two contact pins of the second contact pin pair87is closed and consequently a signal is generated for the control unit70indicating that the blocking member74is in fact in the release position71. If the blocking member74is brought by the action of the electromagnet75into the blocking position shown inFIG. 2b, the contacting of the second contact pin pair87is interrupted by means of the contact piece84and at the end of actuation the electrical connection of the contact pins of the first contact pin pair86is restored by means of the contact piece84. Thus, a signal is generated for the control unit70indicating that the base plate73is in the blocking position72. At the same time it is possible to provide the blocking body89on its casing-side face with a colour marking detectable by means of a casing-side viewing window and providing optical information on the operating position of the blocking member (e.g. green=release position/red=blocking position).

FIG. 2eis a view from below of the outside of the casing of the actuator50, which has on its base surface58the switch78and the interface79. The switch78can in particular be constructed as a countersink keying switch, whose operation is performed e.g. by an auxiliary means, preferably a sharp object, e.g. a pencil point. The interface79is placed on the base surface58. The interface79is used for contacting an information medium with the control unit70. The information medium can either be a passive component, in the sinplest case a contacting bridge or an input/output unit, such as e.g. a PC, by means of which data, preferably parameters for the function of the control unit70, can be transmitted thereto and information can also be read out of the control unit. The parameters which can be transmitted to the control unit70are in particular the value of the first time interval beginning when an actuation of the actuator takes place and which establishes the time period which must elapse before the next actuation of the actuator, so that no actuation blocking takes place. The second time interval can also be transferred as a parameter into the control unit70. The second time interval determines the time during which, after operating the switch78, a predetermined number of actuator actuations can be carried out without the actuating stop coming into action. lt is also possible to preset by means of the interface79said number of actuations which can be performed without intervention of the actuating stop following operation of the switch78. The interface79can in particular be a plug connection of a data bus for the control unit70. Two-wire data buses can be used. lt is also possible to read out information from the control unit70via the interface79. lt is e.g. possible to determine the number of actuating strokes which have taken place, together with the number of actuations of the switch78. It is also possible to determine how often the actuator has actuated before the end of the first time interval after the preceding actuation of the actuator. This information can be looked upon as a measure of the need for a patient to receive a higher active substance dose administration. It is possible to fix in accordance with needs the parameters which are to be preset and the information which is to be read out of the control unit70. Due account must be taken of this when designing the control unit70.

In a simpler construction the information element can be constructed merely as a contact bridge for electrical contacting between the two individual wires terninating at the interface79. Preferably the contact bridge is in the form of a specially shaped plug only suppliable e.g. to limited numbers of people, such as nurses and pharmacists. If the presence of the bridge plug at the interface79is required when the switch78is operated, in this way it is possible to ensure that unauthorized persons cannot perform a number of actuations of the actuator50without the actuating stop coming into action. This ensures an increase in operating reliability. However, it can also make it necessary that the first putting into operation of the discharge apparatus takes place by an authorized person.

FIGS. 2cand2dare a plan view and side view of the blocking member74. In its centre82the blocking member74is in the form of a disk rotatable about the centre axis80. From the centre projects to the out side the holding arm83, which is constructed at its end for receiving the contact piece84and also the permanent magnetic body77. Facing the magnetic body77and holding arm83is constructed the counter weight85, which ensures an at least approximate balancing of the blocking member74with respect to the centre axis80and consequently easy operation of the blocking member74. Two arms88located on an axis eccentric to the centre axis80also project from the centre82. The blocking bodies89are formed at the end of the arms88. The blocking bodies project upwards parallel to the centre axis80in the actuator50out of the plane of the blocking member74. The height of the blocking bodies89correspond to the path of an actuating stroke of the actuator50. It is possible in the release position71of the blocking member74to introduce the blocking bodies89into the casing11, e.g. in a guidance groove. In the blocking position72the blocking bodies89are positioned in such a way that they fill the gap between the lower end of the casing11with its stop face16and a correspondingly constructed face on the actuator. This prevents a sliding of the actuator by the path of the actuating stroke of the discharge apparatus, so that an operation of the latter is prevented. lt must be borne in mind that a discharge apparatus of the type used here, i.e. in particular a pump atomizer, has a certain idlep ath. By this idle path at the most the blocking bodies98can be shorter than the path of the actuating stroke of the actuator50. By pivoting about the centre axis80, the blocking member74can be moved into the blocking position72and then back into the release position71. At least for as long as the blocking bodies are not non-positively held in the casing, said movement can take place almost free from forces, e.g. if a person operates the actuator50and the blocking body89in its blocking position72. Thus, an electromagnet producing low forces is adequate for very rapidly changing the operating position of the blocking member74. No great force expenditure or energy expenditure are required. In particular, a changeover can take place in the short time period during which the idle path of the actuator50is covered during an actuation. lt is possible in energy-saving manner with the blocking member74located in the release position71and in monostable form in the rest position, to produce the blocking position by brief operation of the electromagnet.

FIGS. 3aand3bshow from two different perspectives a view of the inner part27of the locking cap20. The locking cap20is formed from the inner part27and the outer part21shown inFIG. 3c. The inner part27is formed by a basic body31, which carries all the elements constructed for the function of the locken cap. For the construction of the connecting link guide28for the slieder19located an the casing a free space31is provided, which skirts a web. After crossing the web, it is possible to turn the locking cap by an angle, which is preferably smaller than 90° and in the represented embodiment is approximately 20°. The slider can then “drop” into the trough32. The slider19is held in the trough32in such a way that a turning of the locking cap cannot take place directly out of this position. To ensure that the slider19securely enters the trough32, an the inner part27the accumulator29is constructed in the form of a bendable material element, which is elastically deformable in the vicinity of the shank34. The head35projects into the interior of the inner part and engages with the casing11. As the inside of the head is bevelled in the same way as the casing11in this area, the head is pressed outwards, so that a force is built up if the inner part or the locking cap is placed an the casing11. The bevel ensures that if no further force acts from the outside an the locking cap20, the elastic deformation has a tendency to re-form and said force, supported an the casing, slides upwards the cap in the release direction an the casing11. Thus, due to the intermediately effected rotation of the locken cap20, the slider19of the casing enters the trough32. The working element30is also formed an the inner part27and is also a material web elastically deformable within certain limits. On rotating the locking cap an the easing11, the working element30engages with said casing shaped in non-round manner. During rotation the working element30is pressed outwards and slightly elastically deformed. Thus, a force counteracting the opening of the locking cap is built up. Simultaneously a certain force must be expended in order to place the locking cap on the casing. Operational reliability and safety is aided by the fact that the user of the discharge apparatus during actuation for opening purposes must apply a minimum force and also during the closing of the casing with the cap a force must be applied.

Advantageously on both opposite sides are formed connecting link guides28and between the same in each case an accumulator29and/or working element30.

It is easy from the manufacturing standpoint to produce the locking cap from the inner part27and the outer part21. However, it is also possible to have only a one-part locking cap, which then has a more complicated shape or towards the outside does not have a closed, smooth surface throughout.

FIG. 3cshows the outer part21having a closed, smooth outer surface23. Into the interior of the outer part21is introduced the inner part27and is positively or non-positively fixed there. The interior of the outerpart21also has the shaped section22in the form of a hollow cylinder. The shaped section22abuts by one end against the inside of the closed surface23. On its other end is formed the sealing bearing surface26, which bears on the casing11in such a way that the discharge opening12is surrounded.

On the outer part21is also formed the lower edge or border28, on which can be supported a mandrel, not shown in the drawings, when the locking cap is placed on the casing11. The mandrel is passed through an opening11in the casing and is firmly connected to the actuator50. This ensures that there is no actuator of the actuator50when the locking cap is closed. This increases safety and in particular operational reliability in conjunction with the time-out during the first time interval following anactuation of the actuator50, which can only take place when the locking cap has been removed.

FIGS. 4aand4bshow the function of the guide ring60in two different positions. The guide ring60is fixed to the actuator50and is positioned in the vicinity of its upper end, i.e. the casing-side end. The casing11has the annular groove11in which the immersion web51of the actuator50is immersed during actuation. The guide ring is positioned in such a way that the curved path62for the balls61guided therein issues on the outside of the actuator50immediately below the stop face16on casing11. The stop face16can be shaped in such a way that it takes over part of the guidance of the balls61in the curved path.

FIG. 4ashows the situation of the discharge apparatus when discharge is possible. This is preferably desired if the discharge apparatus is no longer inclined by a preset angle, preferably between 30 and 35°, with respect to the vertical (as the privileged direction). The balls61are guided in the curved path62of the guide ring60. The curved path62has an inclined plane63, so that in an almost vertical position the balls61are located on the inner end stop66. It is possible in this position to performan actuating stroke of the actuator. For this purpose it is merely necessary to move the actuator by the actuating path relative to the casing11.

As soon as the inclination of the discharge apparatus exceeds an angle with respect to the vertical preset by the inclination64of the inclined plane63, the balls roll in the curved path62until the outer end of said path is reached and abutment occurs on the actuator50. Holding then takes place in the dwell trough65formed on the curved path62. It is now located between the dwell trough65, i.e. the guide ring60and the stop face16on the casing11. As the balls61have a diameter approximately corresponding to the path of an actuating stroke, they block the performance of such a stroke, because the necessary free space between the dwell trough65and stop face16is filled by the balls. This prevents an actuation of the actuator50for as long as the inclination of the discharge apparatus with respect to the privileged direction is not within a preset angular position. The blocking position of the balls61is shown inFIG. 4b.

This ensures that during each discharge stroke the same medium quantity is discharged from the container54. This is particularly important if a time-out is provided, which blocks a following actuation of the actuator50. If an only inadequate partial quantity of medium is discharged during an actuation, it is not possible by a second actuation or second partial actuation to discharge the residual quantity or also a complete discharge quantity. This problem more particularly arises if a suction pump is used for discharge purposes. It is possible with such suction pumps if the container inclination exceeds a certain angle, for no complete medium suction to occur and instead for a partial secondary air volume to be sucked in and discharged.

FIG. 5shows the diagram for a medium discharge apparatus according to the invention with an actuating stop controllable by a control unit. For actuating the actuator the electromagnet75is provided and controlled by the control unit70.

If the control unit is energized for the first time, i.e. a battery for power supply purposes is fitted on the side of the actuator, or removal takes place by the user of a contact protection from the battery or the contact elements forming the electrical contact with the battery, the control unit permits the performance of a predetermined number of actuations of the actuator50without the actuating stop coming into action. These actuations serve to prime the discharge apparatus in the manner described hereinbefore.

The actuation of an actuator is detected by means of the dosing sensor40, which is placed in the actuator50in such a way that an actuation of the latter exceeding a specific amount is detected. The sensor is preferably constructed as a switch or keying switch, which is switched by a relative position change between the actuator50and the casing11.

If the actuator is actuated, the dosing sensor40is operated and a corresponding switching signal is generated in the control unit70. A check is then made to establish whether at least one preset time interval was exceeded since the preceding actuation of the actuator50. If this is not the case the electromagnet is activated in such a way that the actuating stop with its blocking member74is brought into the blocking position72. Otherwise the relay is controlled in such a way that the blocking member74is brought into the release position71. If an actuation of the actuator50is permitted, then simultaneously the timer for monitoring the time interval since the last actuation of the discharge apparatus is again reset to zero. Obviously monitoring can also incorporate a timer which instead of incrementing, decrements back to zero. Simultaneously with the bringing of the blocking member74into the release position71or blocking position72an alarm signal can be generated by means of a signal generator, the signal preferably being an acoustic signal.

This procedure corresponds to the construction of the blocking member74as a bistable element. However, if it is constructed as a monostable element and is e.g. held by an accumulator either in the blocking position72or the release position71, an actuation of the electromagnet must only take place when there is to be a changeover of the blocking member.

Biasing of the monostable blocking member74in the release position71has the advantage that in the case of a failure of the electronics a discharge can take place by actuating the actuator50and then, however, an uncontrolled discharge not respecting the spacing of the first time interval.

As opposed to this a biasing of the monostable blocking member74in the blocking position72prevents this uncontrolled discharge in the case of a fault, but then a discharge respecting the first time interval is impossible due to the blocking position72of the blocking member74. Particularly in this case it is advantageous to provide means (removable securing element), which permit an at least single actuation of the actuator50, optionally taking account of irreversible damage.

The release position71or blocking position72of the blocking member74is detected by means of control sensors41. The control sensors41are formed from the first or second contact pin pairs, which are contacted by the contact piece84and consequently determine the position. By means of the switch78it is possible to generate a new start at which the preset number of actuations of the actuator50can be performed without intervention by the actuating stop. By means of the interface89it is additionally possible to access the control unit and to perform a data communication. It is in particular possible to set the parameters of the control unit70and to read out the detected data concerning the use of the discharge apparatus.