DE102019110224B3 - Aerosol inhalation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol inhalation unit (10), comprising a pressure container (12) with consumable contained therein under pressure, the pressure container (12) having a connecting piece (16) which can be actuated to release the consumable, a mouthpiece (26) , A nozzle element (28) with nozzle bores (30) which form a fluid connection between the mouthpiece (26) and the connecting piece (16) of the pressure vessel (12), wherein the mouthpiece (26) is arranged such that a suction channel with the Forms nozzle element (28), and actuating means (35) by means of which an interaction with the connecting piece (16) of the pressure container (12) can be implemented, in order to thereby open a valve of the pressure container (12), so that in the pressure container (12) Consumable contained is atomized mechanically through the nozzle bores (30) as a result of the internal system pressure of the pressure vessel (12) and then enters the suction channel.

Description

The invention relates to an aerosol inhalation unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

As an alternative to classic tobacco cigarettes, electric cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and aerosol cigarettes are known on the market in which a liquid (“liquid”) is atomized and inhaled as an aerosol (vapor). In this respect, the consumption of e-cigarettes or aerosol cigarettes is also referred to as "vaping".

The e-cigarettes are usually electrically heated devices for vaporizing a consumable, in particular a flavored liquid (also called a liquid). Most of these devices consist of a tank, an evaporator and a battery.

With the tank systems, a distinction is made between cartomizers, drippers, clearomizers and cartridges. In the Cartomizer, the heating coil is surrounded by a non-woven material or cotton wool that serves as a liquid reservoir. Technically, a dripper is a cartomizer with a very small intake volume. The user drops the consumable directly onto the wicks, which also serve as a liquid reservoir and has to be applied again by the user after a few strokes. A clearomizer consists of a tank in which the liquid is free from the carrier material and encapsulated by the evaporator.

The systems mentioned all have in common that the user must regularly refill new consumables.

In the case of cartridge systems, cartridges filled with liquid are inserted into the e-cigarette.

The evaporation unit is used to evaporate the liquid. As a rule, no combustion process takes place in an e-cigarette vaporizer, but rather a liquid gets from a tank to an evaporation unit, which is usually designed as a heating coil, in particular due to the capillary action of a wick. As soon as the user creates a negative pressure within the evaporator by inhaling, an air flow flows around the evaporation unit and the aerosol produced is inhaled by the user through the suction effect. The energy supply of the evaporation unit is usually carried out via a battery carrier equipped with rechargeable batteries or batteries. Various interfaces for connecting a battery carrier to an evaporator are known in the prior art.

Evaporators of the type mentioned at the outset are known in a large number of different embodiments.

A major disadvantage of these previously known vaporizers is, in particular, that after inhaling when exhaling, the surroundings are contaminated with residual amounts of the vaporized liquid. Another disadvantage is the use of rechargeable batteries or batteries for operating these e-cigarettes, the use of which has so far already resulted in accidents with serious health damage to users of these e-cigarettes.

According to the prior art, aerosol generators are known in which only pressure vessels and no separate energy supply in the form of rechargeable batteries or batteries are used to dispense an aerosol, which may also contain nicotine, for example from DE 40 30 257 A1 , EP 2 575 938 B1 or EP 2 170 280 B1 known.

DE 20 2006 021 269 U1 shows an aerosol inhalation unit in the form of an aerosol spray actuator according to the preamble of claim 1. In such an aerosol spray actuator, a base body with an upper opening is attached to the upper end face of an aerosol container. An actuator button is received in this upper opening and can be rotated radially, namely between an actuation position and a non-actuation position. In the non-actuation position, an axial pressing down of the actuator button in the direction of the base body is blocked, so that a valve of the aerosol container cannot be opened. The aerosol inhalation unit according to DE 20 2006 021 269 U1 is subject to the disadvantage that the actuator button can be rotated between its actuation position and non-actuation position without overcoming further locks or the like, so that the actuator button can thereby be misused, for example by children, into its actuation position and then by axially pressing the actuator button opening the valve of the aerosol container is possible.

The invention is based on the object of developing an aerosol inhalation unit in such a way that inadvertent or improper operation, in particular by children, can be prevented or can be excluded by suitable actuating means.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by an aerosol inhalation unit with the features of claim 1 and by a corresponding method for actuating such an aerosol inhalation unit with the features of claim 18. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

An aerosol inhalation unit according to the present invention comprises a pressure container with the consumable contained therein under pressure, the pressure container having a valve which can be actuated by a connecting piece to release the consumable. Furthermore, this aerosol inhalation unit comprises a receptacle body which is fastened on an upper end face of the pressure vessel adjacent to the valve for shielding the valve of the pressure vessel and has an upper opening, a head element which can be introduced with a lower region thereof into the upper opening of the receptacle body and, in contrast thereto, has an upper area to which a mouthpiece can be attached, and actuating means by means of which the head element, when inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body, can be brought into interaction with the connecting piece to open the valve of the pressure container. Here, the actuating means are designed in such a way that the head element, when it is introduced into the receiving body, can first be brought into a locked starting position by a radial rotation and from there can be transferred into a released operating position. In its locked starting position, the head element is blocked for axial movement or pushing, in order to thereby open the valve of the pressure container. The head element can only be moved in the direction of the connecting piece and thus translationally along its longitudinal axis in the released operating position such that the valve of the pressure vessel is actually opened.

A nozzle element is provided for the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention, which can be brought into interaction with the connecting piece by the actuating means and has nozzle bores which form a fluid connection between the mouthpiece and the connecting piece. Here, the mouthpiece is attached to the head element in such a way that a suction channel is formed with the nozzle element. When the valve is open, the consumable contained in the pressure container emerges in the direction of the nozzle element as a result of the internal system pressure of the pressure container, thereby enters the nozzle bores of the nozzle element and is mechanically atomized on a side of the nozzle element opposite the valve when it emerges from the nozzle bores, and then enters the suction channel. In connection with an actuation of the aerosol inhalation unit for releasing a nebulized liquid, preferably in the form of a disperse spray, the actuating means have a transfer device by means of which the head element can only be brought into the released operating position starting from the locked starting position by a radial rotation about its longitudinal axis is if it has previously been moved axially along its longitudinal axis in the direction of the receiving body.

In the same way, the invention also provides a method for actuating an aerosol inhalation unit. In this method, a pressure vessel is first provided with the consumable contained therein under pressure. This pressure vessel has a valve which is actuated for opening by a connection piece which interacts with it. A receptacle body is fastened on an upper end face of the pressure container adjacent to its valve, an opening being formed on an upper end face of the receptacle body. A head element is movably received or inserted in the upper opening of the receiving body and thus interacts with the connecting piece. The method according to the invention now provides that, to open the valve of the pressure vessel, the head element, starting from a locked starting position in which an axial movement of the head element within the upper opening of the receiving body is blocked until the valve opens, is initially moved axially in the direction of the receiving body and preferably against a spring bias acting on the connecting piece and then by a radial rotation about its longitudinal axis within the upper opening of the receiving body in a released operating position in which a further axial movement of the head element in connection with the connecting piece in the direction of Receiving body can be realized to open the valve of the pressure vessel.

The invention is based on the essential finding that - starting from the locked starting position - the head element can only be transferred into its released operating position by a sequence of two different forms of movement. If the head element is inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body and is in its locked starting position, a radial rotation of the head element within the opening of the receiving body is not readily possible. To lift the head element out of its locked starting position, the head element is first moved axially or translationally in the direction of the receiving body within the upper opening of the receiving body, it being only afterwards that the head element can be rotated radially within the upper opening of the receiving body to reach its released operating position in which sufficient axial movement of the head element in the direction of the receiving body or connecting piece can then be achieved, thereby opening the pressure vessel valve. The two different forms of movement mentioned above, with which the head element can be transferred or brought from its locked starting position into the released operating position, are thus initially an (axial) pressing, which is then followed by a radial rotation of the head element within the Opening of the receiving body connects. Such a sequence of different forms of movement prevents improper or accidental activation or actuation of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention, in particular in the event that it should get into the hands of children.

The interaction between the head element and the receiving body attached to a pressure container, in the opening of which the head element can be inserted for activating or starting up the aerosol inhalation unit, has the advantage that the head element is only inserted into this opening when use of the Aerosol inhalation unit is actually planned or is imminent. Until then, on the one hand the head element and on the other hand the receiving body attached to a pressure container can be stored separately from one another, which advantageously takes up less space, e.g. when transported in clothing.

As long as the head element has not yet been inserted into the opening of the receiving body, this receiving body, which is attached to an upper end face of the pressure container adjacent to the valve, fulfills the function of a protective cap for the purpose of shielding the valve of the pressure container.

With regard to the above-mentioned possibility that the head element is kept separate from the receiving body attached to a pressure vessel until the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention is actually put into use, there is a further advantage that the head element can be used repeatedly when the consumable is in the The pressure tank should be completely used up. In other words, the pressure vessel with the receiving body attached to it is a disposable article, whereas the head element, preferably also in connection with the nozzle element used, can be used repeatedly, namely with a “fresh” pressure vessel.

At this point, it is pointed out separately that the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention fulfills the function of a dispersion device with which targeted discharge or release (= fine distribution) of a nebulized consumable or liquid to the environment is possible with a certain intensity. In general, the term “mouthpiece” here means a component from which the aerosol which has already been atomized, together with a certain amount of air which has flowed in through an adjustable bypass opening, is then discharged together to the surroundings or into the mouth / throat of a user .

When using the present invention as an inhalation unit, preferably as an aerosol cigarette, the mouthpiece serves to be taken up directly into the mouth of the user in order to achieve a discharge of the atomized aerosol there with the desired or set intensity.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the nozzle element in which the nozzle bores are formed can be replaced. Such replacement is for the purpose of inserting a new nozzle element if the nozzle bores of the previously used nozzle element become clogged and / or dirty as a result of frequent use, or for the purpose of using a nozzle element whose nozzle bores have a different cross section and / or have a changed number of nozzle bores in order to achieve a changed delivery quantity of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention, for example when “inhaling”.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the consumable in the pressure container e.g. in the form of nicotine-containing liquid. Accordingly, the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention then serves as an aerosol cigarette when releasing the nicotine-containing liquid, and without the need for a separate energy supply in the form of rechargeable batteries or batteries, because the liquid is atomized solely by the system pressure of the pressure container.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the transfer device can be designed such that a spring preload is provided in the axial direction for the connecting piece which is in operative connection with the valve of the pressure vessel. This initially has the effect that the valve of the pressure container can be opened by axially moving the connecting piece against the spring preload.

If the head element comes into contact or interaction with the connecting piece when the head element is inserted or inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body, this has the consequence that the spring preload with which the connecting piece is acted upon in the axial direction then also in the same way acts on the head element when it is pressed against the connecting piece or in the direction of the receiving body or in its upper opening.

The above-mentioned spring preload, which also acts against the head element when it is inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body and then rotated radially within this opening, has the further advantage that the head element is held securely in its locked starting position. As explained above, in order to transfer the head element from the locked starting position into the released operating position, it is first necessary to move the head element axially, ie along its longitudinal axis, in the direction of the receiving body within the upper opening of the receiving body. This axial movement takes place against said spring pretension, as a result of which the head element is lifted out of its locked starting position and is thus released further into the released operating position for subsequent radial rotation.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a link guide can be provided for the transfer device, which is formed in the upper opening of the receiving body on an upper end face thereof.

Such a link guide has, in particular along an inner circumference of the upper opening of the receiving body, two straight areas and two circular segments. Here, the straight areas along the inner circumference of the upper opening are each provided in an alternating sequence to the circular segments. Accordingly, the link guide is axially symmetrical in the upper opening of the receiving body, within a plane parallel to this opening.

With regard to the slide guide just mentioned, it is important for the present invention that the elements with which the slide guide is formed on the upper end face of the receiving body are designed to be complementary to an outer peripheral surface of the head element at its lower region. This ensures that the lower area of the head element can initially be inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body solely by a translational or axial movement, in compliance with the “key-lock” principle. Only after the head element has reached an intermediate position relative to the receiving body, in which the lower region of the head element, whose outer peripheral surface is complementary to the link guide provided on the upper end face of the receiving body, is no longer in juxtaposition with said link guide Head element within the upper opening of the receiving body can be rotated radially with respect to the receiving body, in order to initially reach its locked starting position.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, at least one contact surface is formed on an upper side of the upper end face of the receiving body, namely between a peripheral edge of the upper end face and a straight section of the link guide formed in the upper opening, preferably two such contact surfaces, which are symmetrically adjacent to each other the upper opening of the receiving body are arranged. In any case, such a footprint serves that a support surface, which is formed on a first shoulder portion of the head element at the lower region thereof, is seated when the head element is inserted into the upper opening of the receiving body in the intermediate position of the head element just mentioned, so that a further axial Moving the head element in the direction of the receiving body is not possible. As explained above, starting from this intermediate position, only a radial rotation of the head element within the upper opening of the receiving body relative to the latter is then possible, the bearing surface of the first shoulder section sliding along a contact surface formed on the upper end face of the receiving body.

In an advantageous further development, on the one hand the link guide in the upper opening of the receiving body on its upper end face and on the other hand the head element with the outer peripheral surface at its lower region are adapted to one another such that when the head element is inside the upper opening of the receiving body, calculated from the insertion in this opening by means of an axial movement alone, has been rotated by 90 ° radially, then the first shoulder section of the head element, which, until reaching the released operating position, has been seated with its support surface on the contact surface formed on the upper side of the upper end face of the receiving body or thereon has glided along in the course of the rotary movement, then can “dive” into the adjacent circular segment of the link guide. This “immersion” is possible because an outer diameter of the head element, which adjoins the first shoulder section, is selected to be smaller than an inner diameter of the circular segments of the link guide. As a result of the “immersion” mentioned, the head element can then be moved or pressed sufficiently far axially or translationally against the connecting piece within the upper opening of the receiving body, so that the valve of the pressure container is thus opened.

With the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention it is achieved that through the nozzle bores of the nozzle element in combination with the internal system pressure of the pressure container, the consumable contained in the pressure container Pressure is absorbed, mechanically atomized and thereby generated as a disperse spray. This means that the consumable or a corresponding liquid is atomized or atomized as it passes through the nozzle bores in a homogeneous or fine manner. If the aerosol dispersion device serves as an inhalation unit, the result is that the consumable or the liquid can be completely absorbed by the body when inhaled by a consumer. During the subsequent exhalation, the liquid is no longer contaminated due to the small particle sizes previously reached.

The nozzle bores in the nozzle element can expediently have a diameter of 1-5 μm and a bore length of 700 nm-50 μm.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the pressure vessel can be designed as an aerosol can, and preferably as a two-chamber can, the pressure vessel being filled with a pressure range between 2 and 26 bar.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Aerosol-Inhalationseinheit, in räumlicher Ansicht;
• 2 verschiedene Ansichten einer Einwegkartusche, die Teil der Aerosol-Inhalationseinheit von 1 ist;
• 3 eine Abfolge von Ansichten a-f, die eine Überführung der Einwegkartusche von 2 zu der Aerosol- Inhalationseinheit gemäß 1 verdeutlichen,
• 4 eine Perspektivansicht eines Kopfelements von schräg unten, das Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Aerosol-Inhalationseinheit von 1 ist,
• 5 eine Seitenansicht des Kopfelements von 4,
• 6 eine weitere Perspektivansicht des Kopfelements von 4 von schräg oben,
• 7 eine weitere Seitenansicht des Kopfelements von 4, zur Verdeutlichung von verschiedenen Schnittführungen,
• 8 einen Längsschnitt des Kopfelements entlang der Linie A-A von 7,
• 9 eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Bereichs I von 8,
• 10 ein Düsenelement im Teilschnitt in seitlicher Ansicht, zur Verwendung für die Aerosol-Inhalationseinheit von 1,
• 11 einen Querschnitt durch das Kopfelement entlang der Linie B-B von 7,
• 12 einen Querschnitt durch das Kopfelement entlang der Linie C-C von 7,
• 13 eine Perspektivansicht auf eine obere Stirnseite eines Aufnahmekörpers, der Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Aerosol- Inhalationseinheit Einheit von 1 ist, und
• 14 eine Perspektivansicht von unten des Aufnahmekörpers von 13 im Halb-Längsschnitt.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with the aid of a schematically simplified drawing. Show it:

• 1 an aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention, in a spatial view;
• 2nd different views of a disposable cartridge that is part of the aerosol inhalation unit of 1 is;
• 3rd a sequence of views af, the transfer of the disposable cartridge from 2nd to the aerosol inhalation unit according to 1 clarify
• 4th a perspective view of a head element obliquely from below, the part of the aerosol inhalation unit of the invention 1 is
• 5 a side view of the head element of 4th ,
• 6 another perspective view of the head element of 4th from diagonally above,
• 7 another side view of the head element of 4th , to illustrate different cuts,
• 8th a longitudinal section of the head element along the line AA from 7 ,
• 9 an enlarged view of area I of 8th ,
• 10th a nozzle element in partial section in a side view, for use for the aerosol inhalation unit of 1 ,
• 11 a cross section through the head element along the line BB from 7 ,
• 12 a cross section through the head element along the line CC from 7 ,
• 13 a perspective view of an upper end face of a receiving body, the part of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention from 1 is and
• 14 a perspective view from below of the receiving body of 13 in half-longitudinal section.

Below are with reference to the 1-14 preferred embodiments of an aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th shown and explained, with which a consumable, which is accommodated under pressure in a pressure vessel, can be nebulized to a disperse spray. The same features in the drawing are provided with the same reference numerals. At this point, it is pointed out separately that the drawing is only simplified and in particular is shown without a scale.

The aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th serves, according to its name, preferably for inhaling a consumable, and for this purpose comprises a mouthpiece with which a finely atomized aerosol is discharged or introduced directly into the mouth or throat of a user in a desired or set intensity.

The consumable contained in the pressure container under pressure can be a liquid which contains portions of nicotine and / or other flavorings.

In view of the fact that the consumable contained in the pressure container can be formed from a liquid with portions of nicotine, the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention is also referred to below as an “aerosol cigarette”, without restricting it only to the use of a liquid, which contains nicotine.

With the aerosol inhalation unit shown here 10th comes a pressure vessel in the form of an aerosol can 12 used, which is a disposable item. After consumption, the aerosol can 12 can be easily replaced or replaced with a new can.

• Die Aerosol-Inhalationseinheit 10 umfasst, ausweislich der Perspektivansichten in den 1-3, einen Druckbehälter 12, in dem ein Verbrauchsstoff unter Druck aufgenommen ist. Bei dem Druckbehälter 12 handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen Einwegbehälter, der mit einem Liquid unter Druck gefüllt ist, welches Nikotin enthalten kann.

The following are details of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th explained in detail:

• The aerosol inhalation unit 10th includes, according to the perspective views in the 1-3 , a pressure vessel 12 , in which a consumable is absorbed under pressure. With the pressure vessel 12 it is preferably a disposable container which is filled with a liquid under pressure which may contain nicotine.

On an upper face 13 of the pressure vessel 12 (see. 2nd ) is a receiving body 18th attached to the one valve 14 of the pressure vessel 12 shields from the environment. The receiving body has an upper end face 19th (see. 13 ) an upper opening 20th on.

In a non-use state of the pressure container 12 is the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th through a seal 17th locked. This prevents dirt, moisture or the like from penetrating into the interior of the receiving body 18th what else is the proper functioning of the valve 14 could affect. In other words, the valve is 14 of the pressure vessel 12 with undamaged sealing 17th and an opening closed with it 20th effectively protected against disturbing external influences.

In the representation of 2nd is indicated in the right picture by the arrow that the seal 17th from the receiving body 18th can be deducted. In this way, as represented by representations a and b of 3rd you can see the upper opening 20th exposed that on the upper front 19th of the receiving body 18th is trained.

The valve 14 of the pressure vessel 12 is in operative connection with a connecting piece 16 , also known under the name "stem", by a spring 15 (see. 8th ) is biased in the axial direction, namely - in relation to the representation of 8th - in an upward direction.

The valve can be made in a known manner 14 of the pressure vessel 12 , to discharge the consumable contained or contained therein under pressure, open by the connecting piece 16 against its spring preload downwards, ie in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 is pressed. How this is the case with the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th is reached, is explained separately below.

The aerosol inhalation unit 10th includes a head element 22 (see. 3rd ) that with its lower area 23 into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th can be used. The head element points at its opposite end 22 an upper area 24th (see e.g. 5 ) on which a mouthpiece 26 is appropriate.

The mouthpiece 26 can at the top 24th of the head element 22 be firmly attached, for example by a one-piece design, as can be realized by the injection molding of plastics. Alternatively, it can be the mouthpiece 26 around one of the head element 22 act separate component, then the mouthpiece 26 in an annular flange (not shown) which is adjacent to the upper region 24th of the head element 22 is formed, is rotatably received.

If using the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th This aerosol inhalation unit is used for consumables or liquid containing nicotine 10th as an aerosol cigarette. In this case comes the head element 22 the function of a cigarette head element. The following explanation is for the head element 22 the term “cigarette head element” is also used, without any restriction being seen here.

The sequence of representations a to f of 3rd clarifies that after the top opening 20th the protective cap in the form of the receiving body 18th has been exposed, the coupling element 36 (in connection with the nozzle element used in it 28 ) from below into the lower area 23 of the cigarette head element 22 is used, then the cigarette head element 22 in connection with the coupling element 36 and the nozzle element accommodated therein 28 from above into the upper opening 20th of the receiving body 18th (with seal already removed 17th ) is used. If the cigarette head element 22 completely into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been used, the coupling element 36 Contact to the connector 16 , wherein a lower edge region of the nozzle element 28 with the nozzle holes formed in it 30th adjacent to an upper open end face (not shown) of the connector 16 is arranged.

In a known manner, the connector 16 provided with a longitudinal hole through which a liquid or consumable - with the valve open 14 - can step through. In this way, the liquid or the consumable can then through the longitudinal bore of the connector 16 to the nozzle element 28 reach.

If the pressure vessel valve 16 is of the "female" type (not shown in the drawing), the coupling element 36 by means of a connecting piece in one-piece or multi-piece Execution in the (not shown) receptacle of the female valve for actuating the female valve.

After the cigarette head element 22 into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been used (cf. 3c ), it is caused by a radial twist within this upper opening 20th first transferred to a locked starting position in the 3d shown and there is designated accordingly with "AP". The head element can be in this locked starting position AP 22 in the axial direction, ie translationally along its longitudinal axis L (see. 5 ), not so far against the receiving body 18th or in the direction of the valve 14 to move the valve 14 to open. In other words, the cigarette head element 22 , when it is in its starting position AP, for a sufficiently large axial movement in the direction of the connecting piece 16 how it is for opening the valve 14 would be required blocked.

Starting from its locked starting position AP (cf. 3d ) the cigarette head element 22 are transferred to an approved operating position, which is shown in the representation of 3e shown and labeled "BP". This transfer takes place in such a way that the cigarette head element 22 initially axially in the direction of the receiving body 18th is moved or pressed, whereby the cigarette head element 22 is lifted out of its locked starting position AP - as explained in detail below. Meanwhile the cigarette head element 22 is still held down, it can then be turned radially about its longitudinal axis L inside the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th are transferred to its released operating position BP, which is also shown in the representation of 3f is present. This operating position also corresponds to the representation in 1 .

The aerosol inhalation unit 10th further comprises a nozzle element 28 with preferably fine nozzle bores 30th (see. 9 , 10th ). The nozzle element 28 can be in a coupling element 36 be used, then this coupling element 36 in connection with the nozzle element accommodated therein 28 as it is in the 3rd is illustrated from below in the lower area 23 of the head element 22 can be used.

The 9 and 10th clarify further details regarding the coupling element 36 and the nozzle element used therein 28 .

The nozzle element 28 has the smallest openings in the form of nozzle holes 30th on. In the representation of 10th with the reference symbol “31” is a supply bore inside the nozzle element 28 shown in a nozzle bore 30th flows. As from the 10th the diameter for this supply hole can be seen 26 larger than that of the smallest opening or nozzle bore 30th , so that too much backflow or flow resistance within the nozzle element for the liquid 28 is prevented.

Ideally, these should be nozzle holes 30th a diameter of about 2 µm and a bore length 30L from about 700nm to 50 µm.

The liquid is in the pressure container 12 pressurized, causing the liquid to actuate the connector 16 through the nozzle element 28 or its nozzle openings 30th is pressed. This causes the liquid jet to decay as a disperse spray.

The sectional view of 9 illustrates a shot of the nozzle element 28 inside the coupling element 36 . The nozzle element 28 is such in the coupling element 36 used that in the nozzle element 28 trained nozzle bores in the representation of 9 are aligned vertically, ie from bottom to top. The nozzle element 28 is enclosed by a nozzle (not designated in any more detail), the free opening of which in the illustration shown points upwards, ie in the direction of the mouthpiece 26 .

As already explained above, the nozzle element 28 preferably in the coupling element 36 recorded and can also, as not shown, be provided axially and / or radially with sealing elements and / or with filters. In the example shown, the nozzle element is sealed 28 by means of a seal 58 that creates a radial and / or axial seal and between the coupling element 36 , the nozzle element 28 and a retaining ring 57 is arranged.

Inside the coupling element 36 is a through hole 37 formed from below on the inside of the coupling element 36 used nozzle element 28 , d .H. on an underside of its nozzle holes 30th flows.

In the assembled state of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th (see. 1 , 3c-f ) there is the coupling element 36 with the nozzle element used in it 28 at least in contact with an upper opening of the stem or connector 16 , or sits on the connector 16 from above. In any case, the through hole is aligned 37 with the top opening of the connector 16 , so that a fluid connection in the direction of the nozzle element 28 and its nozzle holes 30th is guaranteed.

The pressure with which the liquid, not shown, in the pressure vessel 12 should preferably be applied, should be between 16 to 22 bar. Optionally, the pressure in the pressure vessel 12 can also be up to 26 bar. This pressure causes the pressure tank to open 12 and a corresponding leakage of the liquid in the suction channel 32 can form a disperse spray. However, all other known nozzle shapes from mechanical process engineering, such as the double jet nozzle, hollow cone nozzle, swirl nozzle etc. can also be used.

As an alternative to the embodiment shown, other known valve types, whether male or female or tilting valve or 360 ° valve, can also be used.

After the cigarette head element 22 its released operating position BP (cf. 3f) has reached, it can be inside the top opening 20th as far as axially pressed down or translationally, ie in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 (as in 3f by the arrow V indicated) are moved, so that the connecting piece 16 of the pressure vessel 12 as a result of exposure to the coupling element 36 - contrary to that of the spring 15 applied preload - is also pressed down and thus the valve 14 of the pressure vessel 12 opened to release the liquid. For this purpose is on the side of the cigarette head element 22 an operating button 35 molded or formed, which a user can operate with his thumb, for example.

After the valve 14 of the pressure vessel 12 , as explained, by axially pressing or moving the cigarette head element 22 has been opened downwards, the liquid that is in the pressure container 12 is received under pressure and through the bore of the connector 16 and thus flush through hole 37 of the coupling element 36 towards the nozzle element 20th passes through the nozzle holes 30th of the nozzle element 28 nebulized or finely dispersed and then through the opening of the nozzle into the mouthpiece 26 applied.

• Ausweislich der 13 ist innerhalb der oberen Öffnung 20 des Aufnahmekörpers 18 eine Kulissenführung K vorgesehen, die komplementär zu der Kontur der Außenumfangsfläche A des unteren Randbereichs 23 das Kopfelements 22 ausgebildet ist.

Below are with reference to the 4-8 and the 11-14 further details regarding the receiving body 18th and the cigarette head member 22 explained that in connection with the locked starting position AP and the released operating position BP for the cigarette head element 22 stand. In detail:

• According to the 13 is inside the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th a guided tour K provided complementary to the contour of the outer peripheral surface A of the lower margin 23 the head element 22 is trained.

The scenery guide K includes along the inner circumference of the opening 20th two essentially straight sections each 38 and two circular segments 39 . The representation according to 13 clarifies that these sections 38 and segments 39 along the inner circumference of the opening 20th are formed alternately in succession. This guided tour is corresponding K in a plane through the opening 20th itself is defined, axisymmetric.

On a top of the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th are adjacent to the substantially straight sections 38 the scenery K in each case contact areas 40 educated.

14 shows the recording body 18th in half section in a perspective view obliquely from below and illustrates that on an underside U the top face 19th first locking means 42 are formed, which in the present case can have the shape of elevations or locking cams.

The half cut of 14 that the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th a thickness " d " having.

As evidenced by the perspective view of 4th is along the peripheral surface of the head member 22 , in an area below the control button 35 , a first shoulder section 44 formed, which extends approximately 180 ° along the outer circumference of the head element 22 extends. This shoulder section 44 has a first contact surface 45 that towards an end face of the lower edge area 23 of the head element 22 is aligned.

Between the ends of the first bearing surface 45 is on the outer peripheral surface of the head member 22 a step section 46 formed of a second bearing surface 47 has, which also in the direction of the end face of the lower edge region 23 of the head element 22 is aligned.

Regarding the step section 46 - according to its name - may be emphasized here separately that its second contact surface 47 compared to the first contact surface 45 that on the first shoulder section 44 is provided a greater distance from the end face of the lower edge area 23 of the head element 22 having. The importance of this second contact surface 47 will be explained separately below.

Adjacent to the first shoulder section 44 of the head element 22 is a circular neck portion on the outer peripheral surface 52 provided or formed, which - in the direction of the end face of the lower edge region 23 of the head element 22 seen - from a second shoulder section 48 followed in the perspective view of 6 is clearly visible.

The second shoulder section 48 has an area 49 on that in a horizontal plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the head element 22 runs. In the horizontal area 49 the second shoulder section 48 are second locking devices 50 formed, which in the present case can have the shape of depressions or locking grooves.

The neck section 52 that on the outer peripheral surface of the head member 22 is shown, as shown in the illustration in 4th and 5 between the first shoulder section 44 and the second shoulder section 48 . The associated height H (see. 5 ) of the neck section 52 - in the longitudinal direction L of the head element 22 seen - is defined here as the distance that the first contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 from the horizontal area 49 the second shoulder section 48 Has. It is important for the present invention that this height H of the neck section 52 is greater than the thickness d (see. 14 ), which is the top end face 19th of the receiving body 18th adjacent to the opening 20th the scenery K having.

With regard to the first and second locking means 42 , 50 it is emphasized at this point that these locking means are complementary to each other. This means that - as already explained - the first locking means 42 can be elevations or locking cams, the second locking means 50 can be designed in the form of depressions or locking grooves. As an alternative to this, an inverted configuration of these locking means is also possible, after which it is the first locking means 42 around depressions or the like, and with the second locking means 50 are surveys or the like.

In the 14 can also be seen that along an inner peripheral surface of the head element 22 third locking means 54 are formed that are parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the head element 22 run. These third locking means are expediently 54 in the form of (slight) elevations or bulges. Corresponding to this are in the lower margin 23 of the head element 22 , namely in the circular segment of its outer peripheral surface A , elongated grooves or depressions 55 (see. 6 ) trained, also in the longitudinal direction L of the head element 22 run.

• Bevor das Zigarettenkopfelement 22 in die obere Öffnung 20 des Aufnahmekörpers 18 von oben her eingebracht wird, werden zunächst das Kupplungselement 36 und das darin aufgenommene Düsenelement 28 (vgl. 3b) von unten her in den unteren Randbereich 23 des Aufnahmekörpers 18 eingesetzt.

Taking into account the design of the various parts or areas of the head element just explained 22 and the receiving body 18th be for the head element 22 after it, as for example in the order of the individual representations according to 3rd illustrated in the upper opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been used, the locked starting position AP and, based on this, the released operating position BP are achieved in the following manner:

• Before the cigarette head element 22 into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th is introduced from above, the coupling element 36 and the nozzle element received therein 28 (see. 3b) from below into the lower edge area 23 of the receiving body 18th used.

Then the receiving body thus completed is then 18th (in connection with coupling element 36 and nozzle element 28 ) from above into the upper opening 20th of the receiving body 18th plugged in. As a result of the shape of the outer peripheral surface A at the bottom 23 of the cigarette head element, which coincides with the backdrop guide K also has two straight sections and two circular segments, the cigarette head element 22 with its lower margin 23 only translationally, initially without the possibility of twisting, into the upper opening 20th be plugged in.

By inserting the lower edge area 23 into the opening 20th then the first contact surface is reached 45 the first shoulder section 44 in contact with the contact areas 40 that are adjacent to the border areas at the top of the top end face 19th of the receiving body 18th are provided. In other words, the receiving body 18th with its lower margin 23 so far into the upper opening 20th inserted until the first contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 on the contact patch 40 sits on. Such seating on the support surface 45 on the contact patch 40 is achieved in that a diameter of mutually opposite sections of this contact surface 45 (i.e. around 180 ° along the outer circumference of the head element 22 spaced apart) is larger than the distance between the two contact surfaces 40 that are adjacent to the backdrop tour K or their straight sections 38 face each other. As a result, the above-mentioned intermediate position for the cigarette head element 22 reached, in the further axial movement in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 not possible.

In the intermediate position of the cigarette head element 22 , so if the first contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 as explained on the Contact areas 40 is the coupling element 36 already in contact with the connector 16 arrives and presses the connector 16 against its spring preload slightly downwards, at least not so far that this causes the valve 14 is opened. Through this contact between the coupling element 36 and the connector 16 is for the cigarette head element 22 achieves that when it's its intermediate position in the backdrop guide K has reached, then according to the law actio = reactio an upward force, ie away from the pressure vessel 12 is exercised by a user when handling the cigarette head element 22 has to overcome.

Once the cigarette head element 22 the said intermediate position within the scenery guide K has reached the neck section 52 exactly opposite to the edge of the upper face 19th of the receiving body 18th . This also means that the bottom edge area 23 of the head element 22 completely through the scenery K "Dipped through" and thus into the interior of the receiving body 18th has been introduced. Thanks to the fact that the height H of the circular neck section 52 is chosen larger than the thickness d the top face 19th , then the cigarette head element 22 starting from the intermediate position mentioned within the opening 20th then be rotated radially, on the condition that on the cigarette head element 22 still a pressure force in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 or the receiving body attached to it 18th is exercised. The first contact surface slides 45 the first shoulder section 44 along or on the contact patch 40 .

If now, starting from its intermediate position, the head element 22 inside the opening 20th is rotated radially, the locking grooves 55 that on the outer peripheral surface A of the lower margin 23 of the head element 22 are formed, in engagement with the third locking means 54 on the inner peripheral surface of the receiving body 18th , which is also audible. In this angular position of the cigarette head element 22 relative to the receiving body 18th are the first locking devices 42 in contrast to the second locking means 50 reached. Then then on the cigarette head element 22 no more pressure force in the direction of the pressure vessel 12 or the receiving body attached to it 18th , then get the first and second locking means 42 , 50 with each other because the cigarette head element 22 by the spring preload of the connector 16 is pushed up. This means that then on the second shoulder section 48 trained second locking means 50 , for example in the form of locking grooves, due to the spring preload from below to the bottom U the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th provided first locking means 42 , for example in the form of locking cams, are pressed. This active intervention between the first and second locking means 42 , 50 is for the cigarette head element 22 defines its locked starting position AP in which, at least as long as the first and second locking means 42 , 50 are in engagement with each other and on the cigarette head element 22 no compressive force against the spring preload of the connector 16 is exercised, no further radial twisting of the cigarette head element 22 inside the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th is possible.

In addition, it should be noted that when the head element 22 as explained, has reached its starting position AP and, in the absence of an external force, the head element with its second shoulder section 48 and the second locking means formed therein 50 against the bottom U the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th is pressed, then the first contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 no longer in contact with the contact patches 40 adjacent to the scenery tour K is, but instead is lifted up from it. This is achieved thanks to the relationship H> d and has the consequence that for the head element 22 if it is in the starting position AP, an at least slight axial movement against the spring preload of the connecting piece 16 is possible until then the contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 again on the contact patch 40 sits on. The amount by which such a slight axial movement is possible is defined by the amount by which the height H of the neck section 52 is greater than the thickness d the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th .

A transfer of the cigarette head element 22 , starting from said starting position AP, further in the direction of its released operating position BP, this initiates or enables the cigarette head element 22 again a compressive force against the spring preload of the connector 16 is exercised, which then causes the cigarette head element 22 so far in the direction of the receiving body 18th is moved until the contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 again on the contact patch 40 sits on or comes into contact with it. The resulting axial movement of the cigarette head element 22 towards the receiving body 18th is achieved that the first and second locking means 42 , 50 detach from each other or disengage, so that a further radial rotation of the cigarette head element 22 inside the top opening 20th is possible. As long as the first contact surface 45 the first shoulder section 44 along on the contact patches 40 slides is another axial movement of the cigarette head element 22 towards the pressure vessel 12 prevented.

As soon as the cigarette head element during this further radial rotation 22 inside the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been rotated by about 90 °, calculated from the initial insertion of the lower edge area 23 of the head element 22 the first shoulder section arrives in this opening in an initially purely axial direction 44 with its opposite outer areas facing the circular segments 39 the scenery. As a result, a diameter of these circular segments 39 or the distance between them is greater than the diameter of the first shoulder section 44 , then the cigarette head element can be reached when this 90 ° rotation position is reached 22 with its first shoulder section in the scenery guide K , ie between the two circular segments 39 "Immerse" so that it also moves the cigarette head element axially 22 towards the pressure vessel 12 he follows. At the same time, the coupling element then presses 36 the connector 16 against the spring preload sufficiently far down towards the pressure vessel 12 that the valve 14 is opened.

The aforementioned 90 ° rotation position defines the cigarette head element 22 his released operating position BP. Proceeding from this is for the cigarette head element 22 then, thanks to the "immersion" of the first shoulder section 44 between the circular segments 39 the scenery K , Another axial movement by applying a compressive force against the spring preload of the connector 16 possible to the coupling element 36 against the connector 16 down towards the valve 14 to press and the valve 14 open with it. This axial movement of the cigarette head element 22 down to open the valve 14 , is along its longitudinal axis L possible by a distance until the second contact surface 47 of the step section 46 against one of the contact patches 40 bumps and sits on it.

To further clarify the above-mentioned mode of operation, the 7 different cuts for the head element 22 shown, the representation in 8th the cut along the line AA , the representation in the 11 the cut along the line BB , and the representation in the 12 the cut along the line CC shows. The representations in the 8th , 11 and 12 show the aerosol inhalation unit 10th each in a position in which the cigarette head element 22 is in the released operating position BP.

Regarding the first locking means 42 may be pointed out that these are symmetrical on both sides of the guide K , d .H. each at the bottom U adjacent to the two straight sections 38 the scenery K are provided. To this extent, the cigarette head element 22 starting from its intermediate position when the lower margin 23 completely into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been inserted or introduced, optionally rotated in both directions, ie to the left or to the right, in order to then reach the released operating position BP, in the activation sequence of the aerosol inhalation unit, in the sequence explained above via the locked starting position AP that has initially been reached 10th with the valve open 14 is possible.

In the representation of 13 you can see that on the contact patch 40 the "lock" markings are applied, with which a respective locked starting position for the cigarette head element 22 is designated. The arrangement of the markings "lock" on both sides of the opening 20th , d .H. on both footprints 40 , also makes it clear that the cigarette head element 22 after inserting it into the top opening 20th of the receiving body 18th can be turned to the left or to the right in order to finally reach its released operating position BP. This is in line with the explained symmetry for the possible twisting of the head element 22 inside the top opening 20th .

In the representation of 13 continue to show two arrows on the contact patch 40 radially inwards. These arrows indicate an operating position BP for the cigarette head element 22 marked if it, calculated from the first insertion in the upper opening 20th alone in the translational direction, then by about 90 ° within the opening 20th has been rotated radially.

In the embodiment of the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention shown 10th can the head element 22 , starting from the locked starting position AP, reach its released operating position BP when it is within the upper opening 20th is rotated a further 22.5 ° radially. In the same way, this means that the locked starting position AP after the head element 22 at the beginning with a purely axial movement into the upper opening 20th of the receiving body 18th has been inserted after turning the head element 22 inside the opening 20th is reached by 67.5 °.

The different parts of the body 18th and the head element 22 , which interact with each other in the manner explained, together form a transfer device 34 , which are part of actuators B (see. 8th ) with which the head element 22 relative to the receiving body 18th is axially and or radially movable. This ensures this transfer device 34 on the one hand, a secure holding of the head element 22 in its locked starting position AP, if no external pressure forces are exerted on it, and on the other hand the possibility of activating the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th (to open the valve 14 ) only after the head element 22 has been deliberately moved to its released operating position BP.

In the embodiment of the aerosol inhalation unit explained above 10th can be an intensity with which a finely dispersed aerosol comes out of the mouthpiece 26 is applied, adjusted or regulated. This means that there is a fluid connection between the nozzle element 20th that in the coupling element 36 is included, and the connector 16 of the pressure vessel 12 consists. The mouthpiece 26 is so on the cigarette head element 22 attached and thus adjacent to the nozzle element 20th arranged that there is a suction channel 32 (see. 8th ) with the nozzle element 20th forms. Here, the setting of the intensity or amount of air that a user through the mouthpiece 26 inhaled, thereby ensuring that at least one bypass opening is provided which provides a further fluid connection between the surroundings of the aerosol inhalation unit 10th and the suction channel 32 forms. For this purpose are at the bottom 23 of the head element 22 Recesses 56 trained, sucked in by the "fresh air" from the environment and thereby into the suction channel 32 can occur in order to mix there with the already atomized aerosol.

An intensity related to the delivery of a finely dispersed aerosol from the mouthpiece 26 can be done easily by twisting the mouthpiece 26 within an associated receptacle of the cigarette head element 22 (eg in the form of an annular flange, as explained).

In the aerosol inhalation unit according to the invention 10th it is possible to use the nozzle element 20th exchange, for example in the event that the nozzle bores 30th should be dirty, or in the event that a nozzle element 20th with nozzle bores 30th which have a different diameter should be desired. In view of the fact that the nozzle element 20th as explained in the coupling element 36 (see. 3rd ) is added, the nozzle element can be replaced 20th in a simple manner by changing the coupling element 36 respectively.

The aerosol inhalation unit explained above 10th can also be used, for example, for salt water sprays with or without plant extracts, for water sprays with cosmetic ingredients with and without alcohol, for sprays for moistening mouth and breath, for nasal sprays and for eye sprays for moistening. Solutions, dispersions and emulsions with active pharmaceutical ingredients and auxiliary substances, water and water / alcohol mixtures with active active pharmaceutical ingredients and auxiliary substances can be used for pharmaceutical sprays.

Reference symbol list

10th

Aerosol inhalation unit

12

pressure vessel

13

upper end face (of the pressure vessel 12 )

14

Valve

15

feather

16

Connector

17th

sealing

18th

Receiving body

19th

upper end face (of the receiving body 18th )

20th

Opening (at the top end 19th of the receiving body 18th )

22

Head element / cigarette head element

23

Lower edge area (of the head element 20th )

24th

Upper area (of the head element 20th )

26

Mouthpiece

28

Nozzle element

30th

Nozzle bores

30L

Length of the nozzle bore

31

Supply hole

32

Suction channel

34

Transfer facility

35

Control button

36

Coupling element

37

Through hole (in the coupling element 36 )

38

straight sections (the scenery guide K )

39

circular segments (the backdrop guide K )

40

Contact areas

42

first locking means

44

first shoulder section

45

first contact surface

46

Step section

47

second contact surface

48

second shoulder section

49

horizontal area (of the second shoulder section 48 )

50

second locking means

52

Neck section

54

third locking means

56

Recess

57

poetry

58

Retaining ring

A

Outer peripheral surface (of the head element 22 )

B

Actuating means

d

Thickness (the top face 19th of the receiving body 18th )

H

Height (of the neck section 52 of the head element 22 )

K

Scenery tour

L

Longitudinal axis (of the head element 22 )

U

Underside (the upper end face 19th of the receiving body 18th )

V

Direction of movement for the head element 22 in the released operating position, to open the valve 14 of the pressure vessel 12

Claims (18)

Aerosol inhalation unit (10), comprising a pressure container (12) with consumable contained therein under pressure, the pressure container (12) having a valve (14) which can be actuated by a connecting piece (16) to release the consumable, a receiving body ( 18), which is fastened to shield the valve (14) of the pressure vessel (12) on an upper end face (13) of the pressure vessel (12) adjacent to the valve (14), the receiving body (18) having an upper opening (20) , a head element (22) which can be introduced with a lower region (23) thereof into the upper opening (20) of the receiving body (18) and, in contrast thereto, has an upper region (24) to which a mouthpiece (26) can be attached , Actuating means (B) through which the head element (22) can be brought into interaction with the connecting piece (16) to open the valve (14) of the pressure vessel (12), the actuating means (B) being designed in such a way that the head element ( 22) , when it is introduced into the receiving body (18), can be brought into a locked starting position (AP) by a radial rotation and can be transferred from there into a released operating position (BP), the head element (22) in the locked starting position (AP) is blocked for axial movement to open the valve (14) and can only be moved in the released operating position (BP) in the direction of the connecting piece (16) and thus translationally along its longitudinal axis (L), in order to thereby move the valve (14) of the pressure vessel (12), characterized in that a nozzle element (28) is provided which can be brought into interaction with the connecting piece (16) by the actuating means (B) and has nozzle bores (30) which establish a fluid connection between the mouthpiece (26 ) and the connecting piece (16), the mouthpiece (26) being attached to the head element (22) in such a way that a suction channel (32) forms with the nozzle element (28) that when open tem valve (14) of the consumable contained in the pressure vessel (12) as a result of the internal system pressure of the pressure vessel (12) in the direction of the nozzle element (28), thereby entering the nozzle bores (30) of the nozzle element (28) and at one Valve (14) opposite side of the nozzle element (28) is mechanically atomized when it emerges from the nozzle bores (30) and then enters the suction channel (32), and that the actuating means (B) have a transfer device (34) by means of which the head element (22) starting from the locked starting position (AP) by a radial rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) can only be brought into the released operating position (BP) if it has previously been axially along its longitudinal axis (L) in the direction of the receiving body (18) has been moved. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 1 , characterized in that the nozzle element (28) is interchangeably received in the head element (22), preferably in that the nozzle element (28) is received in a coupling element (36) which is interchangeably insertable into the head element (22) Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the transfer device (34) provides a spring preload for the connecting piece (16) in the axial direction when the connecting piece (16) is brought into interaction with the valve (14) of the pressure vessel (12), the valve (14 ) can be opened by axially moving the connecting piece (16) in the direction of the valve (14) and against the spring preload. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (34) has a sliding block guide (K) which is formed in the upper opening (20) of the receiving body (18) on an upper end face (19) thereof , wherein the link guide (K) is complementary to an outer peripheral surface (A) of the head element (22) at its lower region, an interaction between the link guide (K) and the outer peripheral surface (A) of the head element (22) at the lower This means that the area of the head element (22) can be inserted into the upper opening (20) or sliding block guide (K) solely by a translatory movement. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 4 , characterized in that the link guide (K) of the upper opening (20) of the receiving body (18) comprises two opposite straight sections (38) and two opposite circular segments (39), the straight sections (38) being symmetrical relative to one another and the circular segments (39) are symmetrical relative to one another, the straight sections (38) and the circular segments (39) being provided alternately in succession along an edge region of the upper opening (20). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 5 , characterized in that a diameter of the circular segments (39) formed on the outer circumferential surface (A) in the lower region (24) of the head element (22) is smaller than a diameter of the circular segments (39) of the link guide (K ) in the area of the upper opening (20) of the receiving body (18). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that contact surfaces (40) are formed on an upper side of the upper end face of the receiving body (18) between a peripheral edge of the upper end face (19) and the straight sections (38) of the link guide (K). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (34) comprises a first shoulder section (44), a step section (46), a second shoulder section (48) and a neck section (52), these Sections (44, 46, 48, 52) are all formed on the head element (22), the first shoulder section (44) having a first contact surface (45) which extends essentially 180 ° around the outer circumference of the head element (22) extends around, wherein the step portion (46) is formed between the ends of the first bearing surface (45) of the first shoulder portion (44) and has a second bearing surface (47) which to the lower edge region (23) of the head element (22) compared to the first contact surface (45) of the first shoulder section (44) is at a greater distance, the second shoulder section (48) being adjacent to a circular region of the outer peripheral surface (A) of the head element (22) and has a surface area (49) which extends in a horizontal plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L) of the head element (22), and wherein the neck portion (52) is circular and - in the longitudinal direction (L) of the head element (22) - between the first shoulder section (44) and the second shoulder section (48) on an outer circumferential surface (A) of the head element (22). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 8 , characterized in that the head element (22), when it is inserted into the link guide (K) and thereby the first contact surface (45) of its first shoulder section (44) on the contact surfaces (40) on the upper side of the upper face of the receiving body ( 18), preferably by means of the coupling element (36) interacts with the connecting piece (16) and thereby overcomes the spring preload acting on the connecting piece (16). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the transfer device (34) has first latching means (42) which are provided on an underside (U) of the upper end face (19) of the receiving body (18), and in that the transfer device (34) has second latching means (50) which are formed in the horizontal surface area (49) of the second shoulder section (48) and complementary to the first latching means (42), wherein an interaction of the first and second latching means (42, 50) the locked starting position (AP) for the head element (22) defines, preferably, that the first locking means (42) are in the form of elevations or locking cams and the second locking means (50) are in the form of depressions or locking grooves, or vice versa. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) Claim 10 , characterized in that the first and second locking means (42, 50) are positioned such that a radial rotation for transferring the head element (22) between the locked starting position (AP) and the released operating position (BP) by an angle of at least 20 °, in particular at an angle of 22.5 °. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the Claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that a thickness (d) of the upper end face (19) of the receiving body (18) adjacent to the straight Sections (38) of the link guide (K) smaller than a distance between the first shoulder section (44) and the second shoulder section (48) of the head element (22) and thus smaller than a height () in the longitudinal direction (L) of the head element (22) H) of the neck portion (52). Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the Claims 8 to 12 , characterized in that after the head element (22) has been inserted with its lower region (23) into the upper opening (20) of the receiving body (18) and the link guide (K) formed therein, the first bearing surface (45) of the first Shoulder portion on the contact surfaces (40), which are provided on the top of the upper end face (19) of the receiving body (18), and the second contact surface (47) of the step portion (46) is spaced from the top of the head element (22) , wherein the first shoulder section (44), when the head element (22) has been rotated radially through 90 ° within the link guide (K), is immersed in the circular regions of the link guide (K), so that axial movement of the head element (22 ) in the direction of the receiving body (18) is possible until the second contact surface (47) of the step section (46) with a contact surface (4.) formed on the upper side of the upper end face (19) of the receiving body (18) 0) got into contact system. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle bores (30) in the nozzle element (28) have a diameter of 1-5 µm and a bore length of 700nm-50µm. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle bores (30) in combination with the internal system pressure of the pressure container (12) produce the mechanically atomized liquid as a disperse spray. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure container (12) is designed as a two-chamber can and is filled with a pressure range between 2 and 26 bar. Aerosol inhalation unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the consumable is accommodated in the pressure container (12) in the form of nicotine-containing liquid, so that the aerosol inhalation unit (10) releases the nicotine-containing liquid as an aerosol cigarette serves. Method for actuating an aerosol inhalation unit (10) in particular according to one of the Claims 1 to 17th , in which a pressure vessel (12) is provided with consumable contained therein under pressure, the pressure vessel (12) having a valve (14) which is actuated for opening by a connecting piece (16) interacting therewith, a head element ( 22) within an opening (20) of a receiving body (18), which is attached to an upper end face of the pressure vessel (12) adjacent to the valve (14), is movably received and is in interaction with the connecting piece (16), whereby for Opening the valve (14) of the pressure vessel (12) the head element (22) starting from a locked starting position (AP), in which an axial movement of the head element (22) is blocked until the valve (14) opens, initially by an axial one Moving in the direction of the receiving body (18) and preferably against a spring bias acting on the connecting piece (16) and then by a radial rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) in a released ne operating position (BP) is transferred, in which there is a further axial movement of the head element (22) in connection with the connecting piece (16) in the direction of the receiving body (18) in order to open the valve (14) of the pressure container (12).

Images