DE102004012971B4 - Inhaler, in particular powder inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

Inhaler, in particular powder inhaler, with a suction chamber from which a contained in a closed capsule consisting of two interconnected capsule capsule pharmaceutical preparation is inhaled after opening the capsule, wherein means for generating a force acting on the capsule outside pressure for striking the releasably interconnected , in particular locked-together capsule parts is provided.

Description

The Invention relates to an inhaler, in particular a powder inhaler, with a suction chamber, from one in a closed, out of two contained capsule parts existing capsule pharmaceutical preparation inhalable after opening the capsule is.

For example, a generic inhaler is off EP 0 591 136 B1 known. This inhaler has a revolver magazine which is filled with capsules containing a preparation to be inhaled. To open a capsule, a cutting device is provided, which are coupled to a spring-mounted actuating device. If a capsule is located in the suction chamber, the actuating device is actuated, with the result that the cutting device, which comprises two steel needles, is guided against the capsule and punctures it punctually. After retraction of the cutting two small holes remain at the upper and lower capsule end, through which the inhalant can be sucked out. After a capsule is pierced only twice, so therefore only a relatively small capsule opening is generated, a complete removal of the preparation from the capsule during inhalation is not possible. In order to provide the user with the required amount of preparation, an overfilling of the capsule is required.

Of the Invention has for its object to provide an inhaler, the opposite is improved.

to solution This object is with an inhaler of the type mentioned provided according to the invention, in that a device for generating an on the capsule outside acting pressure to collide the releasably with each other connected, in particular locked-together capsule parts provided is.

About the Pressure-generating device according to the invention is a capsule located in the suction chamber, which consists of two together solvable preferably over a rest or Snap connection connected capsule parts consists, defined open. The both latched capsule parts are diverge under sufficient pressure blown up after the snap or snap connection at the pressure-related Capsule deformation solved becomes. The capsule falls Completely apart, the preparation can therefore also be completely inhaled become. A capsule for this can be used in German Patent Application 10 2004 012973 entitled "Capsule for receiving at least one pharmaceutical preparation, in particular for powder inhalers' filed by the applicant on the same day as the present application. The local Capsule consists of two latched or snapped together Capsule parts, which preferably form a spherical shape, and at sufficient squeezing defined open at the separation point. It can also be a snap-in or snap connection in a capsule part supported lid, which has another cavity, another one Preparation may contain, separate, be provided, the equally apart is blown up. Reference is expressly made to this document.

The Pressure generating device is expediently for guiding the Capsule formed against an abutment, whereby the pressure is built up, for which purpose the device comprises a manually operable rotary element can that be re a stationary member is rotatable, wherein upon rotation of the rotary member the capsule taken and between two on the fixed element provided, the abutment-forming sections whose distance from each other decreases in capsule movement direction, is performed. The recorded Capsule is thus selectively moved against an abutment, in particular when using a rotary element and the two the abutment forming sections a rolling capsule movement is realized that is, the Pressure build-up occurs during the capsule movement. If the pressure is high enough, the capsule falls apart and release her inside. So there is a rolling motion to squeeze and bursting the capsule.

This is on Rotary element expediently a driver provided, wherein the stationary element, a section by means of a projecting gekrümm th wall section and the another section of a curved wall bounding the element laterally is formed. So there are two wall sections provided between the capsule over led the driver and squeezed until it rises. It looks a special advantageous embodiment of the invention that the rotary member and the fixed element limit the suction space, wherein the rotating element the inhalation opening having. The rotary element with the inhalation opening, which also carries the mouthpiece, is So part of the pressure generating device. The opening is also at a rolling capsule movement always immediately in the suction chamber, through the rotating element and the fixed element is limited, so that the preparation also completely can be included.

To be able to lead the accumulating capsule parts from the suction chamber, the suction chamber expediently downstream of a receiving space for the diverge apart capsule parts, which is separated from the suction chamber via a reversibly operable flap-like closure element. The flap-like closure element is not completely close to or has one or more air openings, so that the required for inhalation air supply into the suction chamber is possible. The closure element is advantageously coupled in terms of movement with the manually operable rotary element, so that upon closure of the rotary element, the closure element is opened positively coupled. Thus, if the rotary element together with the mouthpiece, for example, rotated by 180 ° from a non-working position into the working or inhalation position, the capsule is opened during this rotary movement. Upon further rotation after inhalation by a further 180 ° in the non-working position then the shutter is forcibly opened and the capsule parts can fall into the receiving space. The reverse rotation can be prevented in this case, for example via corresponding anti-rotation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to realize the two processes "capsule opening" and "part emptying" by turning back and forth.

For the motion coupling is expediently on the closure element a driver provided with a provided on the rotary member guide projection interacts.

Although it possible is to do the inhaler like that that of the user specifically each a single capsule in the suction chamber can be placed, sees an advantageous development of the inventive concept a feeder for feeding a capsule from a capsule supply in the suction chamber before. This allows it the user to always carry a certain amount of capsule, wherein the individual capsules are safely received and protected in the inhaler. The feeder can while a manual actuator Include one with a capsule in the suction chamber promoting Capsule conveyor is motion coupled. this makes possible it the user, by a specific operation of the actuator the capsule promotion and to inhale the inhaler so to speak advantageously a capsule receptacle with several each one capsule receiving compartments and an ejector, by means of which a supplied Capsule is forcibly conveyed from a compartment in the suction chamber. The individual compartments can of the User filled with a capsule So they form a magazine from which a capsule in the work area an ejector becomes. The capsule holder itself is advantageous as a rotary wheel, the preferred - based on the longitudinal axis of the inhaler - vertical stands, and with the actuator over a first adjusting mechanism, in particular a toggle mechanism coupled is, and that with the movable against a restoring force ejector over a second adjusting mechanism, in particular in the form of a wheel side Steering wheel is coupled: About the actuator and the first actuating mechanism becomes a defined incremental movement the rotary wheel initiates a capsule in the working area of the Ejector moves, then over a second adjusting mechanism upon movement of the rotary wheel, the further promotion a capsule in the suction chamber takes over. The actuator itself is expediently a hinged lid, over the inhaler - for example after swiveling in the mouthpiece having rotary element in the non-working position - closed can be. The lid is between a closed position and an open Stel development movable, during which movement the activity the capsule conveyor device takes place, so he operated the toggle mechanism and so the capsule promotion initiated.

As There is a possibility to manually the individual capsules, for example, in the wheel-side capsule compartments contribute. An advantageous development of the inventive concept sees the possibility to use not a single capsule, but a longer capsule chain, when the individual capsules over they connecting webs are coupled together. Such a capsule chain is from the already mentioned in the introduction German patent application 10 2004 012 973 of the applicant. Here are preferably each the same capsule parts of two adjacent capsules over a Connecting bar connected to chain shape. If such a capsule chain, which can be introduced into an inhaler-side capsule reservoir, used, so is to enable the capsule opening over the provided according to the invention Pressure generator to separate the capsule to be opened. Therefor is expediently a cutting edge, preferably provided on the ejector by means of the connecting web before or during the feeding of the capsule in the suction chamber is separable. The cutting or knife edge is thus attached, an automatic web separation takes place during the capsule movement.

A capsule reservoir for a capsule reservoir is advantageously provided in the lower region of an inhaler housing section. This reservoir is expediently removable, so it can also be filled if necessary. The user. can remove the desired number of capsules from this capsule reservoir in an embodiment of the inhaler with manual filling, for example, the rotary wheel with the capsule compartments and insert this. In the case of an inhaler design without a capsule delivery device, ie when each capsule has to be placed individually in the suction space, such can also be removed from the capsule reservoir. If a capsule chain is used, it is automatically pulled out of the capsule reservoir when a capsule is conveyed into the suction space via the capsule-feeding device.

Especially but it is advantageous if in the capsule reservoir a tracking device for continuous tracking loose capsules to Kapselzuführeinrichtung is provided. about this feeder an automatic supply to the capsule supply is ensured. The tracking device can one in the capsule reservoir via a spring to Kapselzuführeinrichtung crowded delivery piston include, about due to the spring restoring force the loose capsules continuously until the last capsule is removed against the Kapselzuführeinrichtung packed become. The shape of the top of the delivery piston is substantially the shape of the rotary wheel of the capsule supply device to enable an extensive installation designed accordingly a complete Emptying, so a takeover ensure the last capsule in a compartment of the wheel.

At the inhaler according to the invention is the recording room for the split capsule parts preferably adjacent to the capsule reservoir. These are particularly advantageously connected via an opening, so that capsule parts can pass into the vacated space in the capsule reservoir. Will the piston in the course the use always moves upwards, so opens the preferably on the Piston self-sealed opening, if it is high enough so that the capsule parts in the then unused Space below the piston can occur and make it a distinct Magnification of the Recording room is coming. For an emptying of the receiving space or a filling of the capsule reservoir it would be conceivable z. B. the bottom of the inhaler housing, which closes the receiving space or the reservoir, for example pivotable to store, so that it to empty the receiving space or to fill the Capsule reservoir can be folded away. Especially advantageous is parallel to this but an embodiment in which a recording room and / or the capsule reservoir containing housing portion releasably arranged is. This means, the entire recording room can be removed for emptying, too the reservoir is for replacement with a new pre-filled reservoir (Refill) or for refilling of the reservoir, for example, if the delivery piston is depressible manually and new capsules or a new chain can be inserted, removable. In the case of a detachable Capsule reservoir is expediently a manually or upon insertion automatically actuated retaining element, over the the spring is restrained in the tensioned state, to release provided the spring. Especially when replacing the reservoir against a prefilled Reservoir, for example, at the discharge opening via a plastic film or the like is closed, which must be deducted, must be ensured be that due to a relaxation of the spring not any capsules expelled but that this is only the case when the reservoir is correctly set. For this purpose, the spring is over the retaining element retained and will be released only when needed.

A for the A user-advantageous further development provides that a cross-capsule recording, preferably transparent cover is provided between the a closing position and allowing access to the reception-side compartments Position is movable. Especially with a transparent cover the user sees if and how many capsules in the capsule holder are still present, and whether he has to refill if necessary, why he easily removes the cover. The cover itself is advantageously bent and essentially the contour of the Turning followed executed and along a circular path in the housing interior displaceable if access to the rotary wheel is to take place.

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent the embodiments described below and with reference to the Drawings. Showing:

1 a sectional view of a capsule used with the inhaler according to the invention,

2 an exploded view of the essential parts of an inhaler according to the invention of a first embodiment,

3 a plan view of the composite inhaler of the first embodiment,

4 a sectional view in the direction of the line AA in 3 .

5 a plan view of the opened inhaler of the first embodiment,

6 a sectional view in the direction of the line BB in 5 .

7 a perspective view of the suction chamber limiting rotary element with inhalation,

8th a bottom view of the rotary element 7 .

9 a perspective view of the festste the suction-forming element,

10 a top view of the item 9 .

11 a sectional view of the position of the rotary member with respect to the stationary member, wherein the rotary member is in the non-working position,

twelve a view corresponding to the 11 wherein the rotary member is in the inhalation position,

13 a plan view of an inhaler of a second embodiment of the invention,

14 a sectional view in the direction of the line CC in 13 .

15 a sectional view in the direction of the line DD in 13 .

16 the inhaler off 14 in open inhalation position, and

17 an exploded view of the parts of the lower inhaler housing portion with the capsule follower.

1 shows a usable capsule for the inhaler according to the invention 1 , which has a spherical shape in the example shown. It consists of an upper capsule part 2 and a lower capsule part 3 that have a restraining or snapping connection 4 firmly, but releasably connected. The snap or snap connection 4 is via an inwardly projecting annular collar 5 , which serves as a locking projection and at the lower free end of the capsule part 2 is provided, as well as a likewise circumferential locking groove 6 , which serves as a detent and on the lower part of the capsule 3 is formed, realized. To assemble the capsule parts 2 . 3 becomes the upper capsule part 2 from above onto the lower capsule part 3 put on, the collar 5 runs on a circumferential guide slope 7 along the lower part of the capsule and is thereby pressed outwards until it locks in the locking groove.

Shown is also a (not necessarily vorzusehender) lid 8th , the upper capsule part 2 also via a latching or snapping connection 9 is held. This is also an inwardly projecting annular collar 10 which serves as a locking projection and on the inner wall of the capsule part 2 is formed, and a circumferential locking groove 11 , which is formed on the lid outer edge realized. For mounting the lid is quasi from below into the capsule part 2 inserted until the leading edge of the cover over the collar 10 slide over and the collar 10 in the locking groove 11 snaps.

In this three-part embodiment of the capsule according to the invention 1 three cavities are realized, namely a first cavity H1 in the 1 shown lower portion and a second cavity H2 in the upper region, the cavities ultimately over the lid 8th are separated from each other. This makes it possible to introduce in cavity H1 a first pharmaceutical preparation and in cavity H2 a second pharmaceutical preparation optionally of a different kind. Depending on requirements, these may be liquid or powdery media. In a two-part design without cover only one cavity would be realized.

To now the capsule according to the invention 1 to open and thereby to open both cavities H1 and H2 for removal of the respective preparations, the ball is to be pressed or squeezed over a pressure to be applied to the outside of the ball P, which causes the capsule walls are pressed toward each other and inwards, so that the latching or snapping connections 4 . 9 solve on reaching a sufficient deformation at concern of a sufficient pressure P and both the capsule parts 2 . 3 as well as the lid 8th fall apart. Conveniently, the pressure P is applied by a rolling movement between two abutment-forming wall sections or against an otherwise formed abutment. It is not necessary, the pressure P quasi symmetrical as in 1 rather, the pressure can be applied anywhere on the capsule exterior, especially at opposite locations. Because the training of snap or snap connections 4 . 9 as well as their position (both are related to the horizontal plane of the representation in 1 off-center), ensures opening in any case.

The two capsule parts 2 . 3 expediently consist of different hard plastic materials, which thus have a different shore hardness, also is the hardness of the lid 8th unlike that of the capsule part 2 What serves to break up. Also, the capsule parts 2 . 3 as well as the lid have different colors. The parts themselves are made of plastic.

2 shows an exploded view of an inhaler according to the invention twelve a first embodiment. Shown is a first housing part 13 , Opposite, the housing is in the upper region by means of a correspondingly formed second housing part, for the sake of clarity not shown. is closed. On the underside is a housing part 14 provided in which a recording room 15 for the after opening of the capsule in him funded capsule parts and a capsule reservoir 16 intended for new capsules. About a frame part 17 , corresponding to the two upper housing parts 14 can be locked or connected, the lower housing part 13 supported, including the frame part 17 an engagement nose, not shown in detail, in an engagement opening 18 on the lower housing part 14 engages, is provided, as well as a manually operable locking lever 19 in the latch opening 20 on the lower housing part 14 snaps.

Shown is also a device 21 for generating the pressure required for capsule blasting. This consists on the one hand of a pot-like rotary element 22 That's a fixed pot-like element 23 can be twisted. The two elements 22 . 23 are stacked and form and limit the suction chamber 24 , from which over the on the rotary element 22 provided inhalation opening 25 over a mouthpiece 26 the preparation can be sucked out. On the stationary element 23 is a downwardly open shaft 27 provided, which has a flap-like closure element 28 that over a spring neck 29 is supported spring-mounted to a wall portion of the two upper housing parts, is closed. About a driver 30 that with the rotary element 22 as will be described below, the closure element 28 after the capsules have been blasted open and the preparation is inhaled, leaving the individual capsule parts in the receiving space 15 fall.

To convey the capsules is a feeder 31 provided, on the one hand a manual actuator in the form of the lid 32 comprises, over the movement thereof a capsule conveying device 33 is pressed. The capsule conveyor device 33 on the one hand comprises a capsule receptacle in the form of a rotary wheel 34 that's about the pivot 35 is rotatable, and at the multiple compartments 36 are provided for receiving a respective capsule. Furthermore, the capsule conveying device comprises an ejector 37 , via which a capsule conveyed into its working area into the suction space 24 is encouraged to blow up.

For coupling the movement of the individual elements of the capsule supply device is first axle cover side axle 38 provided at the two toggle 39 a toggle mechanism are attached. At the axle bolt 38 is a clearance 40 trained, in the two drivers 41 intervention. This clearance prevents incomplete closure of the lid 32 So if, for example, the mouthpiece 26 is still swung in the inhalation position, the toggle 39 be brought into a position that a reopening of the lid leads to a capsule promotion. The movement of the toggle 39 in a conveying position is only possible if the lid can be completely closed, what about the clearance 40 is ensured.

At the knee levers 39 are two parallel to the Raddrehachse inwardly projecting driver pin 42 provided on the appropriate interventions on the wheel 34 to attack it. For this purpose, the rotary wheel 34 a toothed or star wheel on both sides 43 on (in 2 is only one side of the wheel 34 shown on the opposite a similarly trained tooth or star wheel is provided). On these two wheels 43 , the one-piece or fixed to the wheel 34 are connected, are several teeth 44 and 44a (please refer 15 ), wherein the drivers 42 to move the wheel 34 on the inner flanks 45 the teeth 44 and 44a attack. During the opening movement of the lid 32 become the toggle 39 pivoted about the bolt axis, which causes the the driving pins 42 carrying arms are moved upwards. Due to the engagement of the driving pins 42 on the teeth 44 . 44a the tooth or star wheels 43 becomes the wheel 34 consequently rotated about its axis of rotation by one Weginkrement. When closing the lid 32 become the toggle 39 withdrawn again, the takers 42 run in this case on the outer edges 46 along the spur gears until, with the lid completely closed, they engage behind the teeth again, the next movement can then be initiated.

Simultaneously with the movement of the rotary wheel 34 becomes the ejector 37 over the teeth 44 moved to the already located in his work area ball, which was brought there in the context of the previous conveying movement, from its compartment over its Auswerkkante 47 in the suction room 24 to promote. For this purpose, the ejector 37 that's about the spring section 48 is stored against a restoring force, over its rear edge 49 at the outer edge 46 of in 2 shown toothed or star wheel 43 guided. You can see the ejector 37 forcibly around its axis 50 against the spring attachment 48 to the suction room 24 swung when he is on the inclined guide surface for each subsequent tooth 44 runs. Upon completion of the ejection movement, the ejector snaps 37 back to the starting position, with the edge 49 then again between two teeth 44 lies, and the recess 49a in the tooth 44 enters and prevents reverse rotation (reverse rotation).

Finally, a transparent cover is shown 51 inside the two upper housing parts 13 is guided and over on the rotating wheel 34 and the upper compartments 36 can be looked at to see if they are still loaded. The lead 52 That's about moving the cover 51 inside the housing, is via a corresponding opening 53 between the two housing parts 13 is formed, tangible.

The 3 and 4 now show an assembled inhaler twelve in a supervision ( 3 ) or in a section along the line AA. The lid 32 is closed, the rotary element 22 with the mouthpiece 26 is turned inside. Shown is the fixed element 23 and the suction space formed between them 24 , The shaft 27 is over the closure element 28 closed. The compartments 36 are in the upper wheel area with one capsule each 1 occupied, with a capsule 1 already in a compartment 36 is positioned in front of the suction chamber. Now, when the lid is opened, as shown by the arrow E, the two toggle lever 39 , of which only the one shown here by dashed lines (because not visible in the section), moved obliquely above, which causes the rotary wheel is moved in the direction of the arrow F. At the same time it becomes with the toothed or star wheel 43 positively coupled ejector 37 pivoted in the direction of the arrow G, whereby the coming from above, subsequent capsule 1 in the suction room 24 is encouraged. At the end of the opening movement of the lid was the wheel 34 moved by a maximum Weginkrement, a (not shown) capsule was conveyed into the suction chamber, the entire facial expression takes in the 6 taking a cut through the opened inhaler twelve in the direction of the line BB in 5 shows a. The ejector 37 is back in the starting position and prevents reverse rotation of the wheel 34 , Only the toggle 39 are still in the deflected position. They are returned only when the lid is closed, they then run on the respective edges of their associated toothed or spur gears 43 until it's completely closed 32 again behind the next tooth 44 grab.

As 6 shows, after opening the lid 32 and loading the suction chamber, the rotating element 22 rotated by 180 °, which is ensured by a corresponding rotation, that the rotational movement can only take place in one direction. The mouthpiece 26 was placed in the inhalation position, before the capsule was blown up, so the inhalation can be done.

To blow open a capsule, the pressure generating device is used 21 , formed by the two elements 22 . 23 , 7 shows a perspective view of the element 22 with the inhalation opening 25 and a twist grip 54 , 8th shows a bottom view of the rotary member 22 , On the one hand, the capsule feed opening is shown 55 , on the other hand, the neighboring driver 56 , Passed a supplied capsule and passed against an abutment to be described. Shown is also a guide projection 57 , with the driver 30 the closure element 28 interacts. From a certain rotational position, namely when turning from the in 6 shown inhalation position in the in 4 Non-working position shown, runs the driver 30 on the inner surface 58 the leadership lead 57 on, which causes him to go against the spring 29 is pivoted into the housing interior and the closure element 28 forcibly opened. About the slightly varying radius in the rear portion of the guide projection 57 will ensure that the closure element 28 remains open for a sufficient time before it, when the driver is disengaged at this end, over the spring 29 snaps back again.

9 shows a perspective view of the fixed element 23 , This also has a capsule feed opening 59 on. Inside the element 23 is an abutment 60 formed, consisting of the wall portion 61 as well as the inner wall 62 the circumferential element wall. The wall element 61 is in his to the inner wall 62 running running area curved and formed such that the distance between the wall portion 61 and the inner wall 62 continuously tapered, as indicated by the double arrows D1, which describes a larger diameter, and D2, which describes a smaller diameter. Between these two walls, the capsule is now on the driver during the rotational movement of the rotary member 56 forcibly guided while being squeezed laterally and blown up due to the rolling movement during the capsule promotion. The 11 and twelve show the position of the rotary element 22 in the different extreme positions. 11 shows the position of the rotary member in the non-working position. The driver 56 is immediately adjacent to the capsule feed opening. Will now be a capsule 1 fed, as shown in dotted lines, so it passes directly into the access area of the driver 56 , Now, if the rotary member is rotated in the direction of arrow H, the driver moves 56 in the direction of the abutment, consisting of the wall section 61 and the inner wall portion 62 , Obviously, the ball is then squeezed between the two and blown up.

twelve shows the position of the rotary member 22 in the inhalation position. The capsule parts that have been blown apart have been forced past the abutment, they are now above the flap 28 in the shaft 27 , Will now be the rotary element 22 further rotated in the direction of the arrow H, then runs the guide projection 57 with its inner surface 58 on the driver 30 who after is moved inside, causing the shutter 28 opens.

The 13 to 17 show a second embodiment of an inhaler according to the invention 63 , The entire facial expressions in the upper housing area, that is, the pressure-generating device and the capsule-feeding device correspond to the embodiment as with respect to the inhaler twelve described, so that need not be discussed further here. For the sake of completeness, however, he said that in 15 the back of the wheel 34 is shown where the tooth or spur gear located there 43 with the teeth 44a you can see that with the toggle 39 interacts.

The inhaler 63 is a large-volume inhaler with a much larger lower housing section 64 which is equally removable. It can be designed as a refill container, which is pre-filled with new capsules, and can be infected if necessary.

In the capsule reservoir 65 is a tracking device in this embodiment 66 provided for capsules contained therein, which is a delivery piston 67 , see also 17 , which has a curved top 68 whose shape is substantially the shape of the rotary wheel 34 corresponds, and in the capsule reservoir in contact with the reservoir walls via a spring 69 pushed up. That is, the capsules therein are always in contact with the wheel 34 urged, so that in a wheel movement always a capsule is led into an open compartment. In the starting position is the spring 69 compressed and via a retaining element 70 in the form of a latch provided with a slider having an opening 71 in the piston top 68 reaches through, withheld. After attaching the housing base 64 will the slider in 14 pushed to the left, whereby the piston is released. As the capsule is removed, it continues to move upwards, pushing the capsules up continuously. Between the recording room 72 for the capsule parts and the capsule reservoir 65 Bottom is an opening 73 provided in the lowest position of the delivery piston 67 is closed over this. When the piston is sufficiently moved upwards, this opening becomes 73 released, so that in the receiving space accumulating capsule parts to the right in the lower region of the reservoir, which is unused, can occur, whereby the receiving space is de facto increased.

At the piston top 68 are, see 17 , outwardly projecting teeth 74 provided, which are slightly inclined inwards. These grab between the projections 75 at the frame 17 that - see 2 - on both sides inside, so the wheel 34 are directed towards. About this inclination of the projections 75 ensures that the balls forcibly to the center, so the wheel 34 be led out. The engagement of the teeth 74 allows the piston top 68 in direct contact with the wheel 34 bring to.

As 16 that the delivery piston 67 in the uppermost position shows, the shape is chosen so that they are not right at the right wheel on the wheel 34 but the distance increases slightly. This is used in conjunction with an obliquely positioned on the frame part 17 provided guide projection 76 to ensure that the very last capsule that enters this area also safely over the guide projection 67 is promoted to the neighboring compartment.

Next the use of isolated capsules from the capsule reservoir either manually removed and inserted from above, or which automatically over the tracking device supplied it is also possible a capsule chain, as described in the parallel German patent application 10 2004 012 973 of the applicant is known to use in the reservoir. Therefor it is only necessary to thread the capsule chain on the wheel. The individual capsules are connected, making the chain automatic is retraced. For separating the capsules is expediently formed on the ejector at its upper front edge a cutting edge over the a web connecting the capsules is separated. Will a predetermined Number of individual capsules or a capsule chain is inserted it is also conceivable to integrate a residual quantity counter on the rotary knob, or but also a daily quantity meter, by which the user can recognize the already taken doses can.

Claims (23)

Inhaler, in particular powder inhaler, with a suction chamber, from which a in a closed, consisting of two interconnected capsule capsule containing pharmaceutical preparation is inhalable after opening the capsule, characterized in that means for generating a force acting on the capsule outside pressure for colliding the detachably interconnected, in particular locked-together capsule parts is provided, wherein the means for guiding the capsule having a spherical shape is formed against an abutment, and the pressure is built up during the rolling movement of the capsule pressed against the abutment. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 21 ) a manually betä applicable rotary element ( 22 ) with respect to a fixed element ( 23 ) is rotatable, wherein upon rotation of the rotary member ( 22 ) the capsule ( 1 ) and against the abutment ( 60 ), in particular between two on the stationary element ( 23 ), the abutment ( 60 ) forming sections ( 61 . 62 ), the distance of which decreases in the capsule movement direction, is guided. Inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that on the rotary element ( 22 ) a takeaway ( 56 ) and that on the stationary element ( 23 ) a portion by means of a projecting, preferably curved wall portion ( 61 ) and the other section of one the element ( 23 ) laterally delimiting, preferably curved wall ( 62 ) is formed. Inhaler according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rotary element ( 22 ) and the fixed element ( 23 ) the suction space ( 24 ), wherein the rotary element ( 22 ) the inhalation opening ( 25 ) having. Inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction chamber ( 24 ) a recording room ( 15 . 72 ) is followed for the divergence capsule parts, which spaces ( 24 . 15 ) via a reversibly operable flap-like closure element ( 28 ) are separated from each other. Inhaler according to claim 5, characterized in that the flap-like closure element ( 28 ) with the manually operable rotary element ( 22 ) is motion coupled, so that upon movement of the rotary member ( 22 ) forcibly coupled the closure element ( 28 ) is opened. Inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that on the closure element ( 28 ) a driver ( 30 ) provided with a on the rotary element ( 22 ) guide projection ( 57 ) cooperates. Inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feeding device ( 31 ) for feeding a capsule from a capsule supply into the suction space ( 24 ) is provided. Inhaler according to claim 8, characterized in that the feeding device ( 31 ) a manual actuator ( 32 ) containing one capsule ( 1 ) in the suction chamber ( 24 ) promoting capsule conveying device ( 33 ) is motion coupled. Inhaler according to claim 9, characterized in that the capsule conveying device ( 33 ) a capsule receptacle ( 34 ) with several capsules each ( 1 ) receiving compartments ( 36 ) and an ejector ( 37 ), by means of which an applied capsule ( 1 ) compulsorily from a compartment ( 36 ) in the suction chamber ( 24 ) is supported. Inhaler according to claim 10, characterized in that the capsule holder as a rotary wheel ( 34 ) is executed, which with the actuating element ( 32 ) via a first actuating mechanism, in particular a toggle mechanism ( 39 ) is coupled, and with the movable against a restoring force ejector ( 37 ) via a second adjusting mechanism, in particular in the form of a wheel-side toothed wheel ( 43 ) is coupled. Inhaler according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a device for preventing a back movement of the feed device ( 31 ), in particular in the form of a reverse rotation to prevent a reverse rotation of the rotary wheel ( 34 ) is provided. Inhaler according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuating element is a pivotable lid ( 32 ) between one's inhaler ( twelve . 63 ) closing closing position and an open position, during which movement the operation of the capsule conveying device ( 33 ) he follows. Inhaler according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that a cutting edge, preferably on the ejector ( 37 ), is provided by means of a two capsules of a capsule chain connecting web or the like. before or during the feeding of the capsule into the suction space is separable. Inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a lower region of an inhaler housing section a capsule reservoir ( 16 . 65 ) is provided for a capsule supply. Inhaler according to claim 15, characterized in that in the capsule reservoir ( 65 ) a tracking device ( 66 ) for continuously tracking loose capsules ( 1 ) to the capsule feeding device ( 31 ) is provided. Inhaler according to claim 16, characterized in that the tracking device ( 66 ) one in the capsule reservoir ( 65 ) via a spring ( 69 ) to the capsule feeding device ( 31 ) compressed delivery pistons ( 67 ). Inhaler according to claim 17, characterized in that the shape of the upper side ( 68 ) of the delivery piston ( 67 ) substantially the shape of the rotary wheel ( 34 ) of the capsule feeding device ( 31 ) to Enabling a far-reaching investment in accordance with it. Inhaler according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the receiving space ( 72 ) for the capsule parts which have been broken open adjacent to the capsule reservoir ( 65 ) and via an opening ( 73 ) is connected to it, so that capsule parts in the vacated space in the capsule reservoir ( 65 ) can transgress. Inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving space ( 15 . 72 ) and / or the capsule reservoir ( 16 . 65 ) containing housing section ( 14 . 64 ) is detachably arranged. Inhaler according to claim 20, characterized in that in the case of a detachable capsule reservoir ( 65 ) a manually or upon insertion automatically actuated retaining element ( 70 ) over which the spring ( 69 ) is retained in the tensioned state, for releasing the spring ( 69 ) is provided. Inhaler according to one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that a capsule receptacle ( 34 ) comprehensive, preferably transparent cover ( 51 ) between a closing position and access to the reception-side compartments ( 36 ) permitting position is movable. Inhaler according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover ( 51 ) and substantially the contour of the rotary wheel ( 34 ) and is displaceable along a circular path.