DE202010015263U1 - Inhaler and inhaler system - Google Patents

Abstract

Inhaler (1) with an atomizer (3) for atomizing a fluid therapeutic agent, a storage receptacle (4) for a storage container (2) which can be fixed to the inhaler (1) and a fluid path (f) for the therapeutic agent in a fluid direction (r) from an inlet opening (10) in the storage receptacle (4) to an outlet opening (11), characterized in that a single body (5) delimiting the fluid path (f) with the storage receptacle (4) for the storage container (2) in a fluid direction (r) front end region (6) and a docking device (7) for the atomizer (3) and / or a connection piece (8) for connection to the mouth and / or nose of a user in a rear end region (9) in the direction of the fluid is provided.

Description

The invention relates to an inhaler with a nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid healing agent, a storage receptacle for a storage container that can be fixed to the inhaler and a fluid path for the remedy in a fluid direction from an inlet opening in the storage receptacle to an outlet opening. The invention further relates to an inhaler system with a storage device having the storage device for storing the fluid remedy and the inhaler.

A generic inhaler is used for example in the DE 601 25 962 T2 described, which is disadvantageously complex and cumbersome to use. In addition, the storage container which can be inserted into the inhaler must be refilled from storage containers. This entails the risk that a wrong fluid is filled into the storage container.

The object of the invention is to provide a generic inhaler or a generic inhaler system with the inhaler, which permanently eliminates at least one of the disadvantages described above.

The stated object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are described in the subclaims. The stated object is already achieved in that a single fluid path limiting body with the memory receptacle for the storage container in a fluid front end and a docking device for the atomizer and / or a connector for connection to the mouth and / or nose of a user in a is provided in the fluid direction rear end region.

It is thus proposed an inhaler with a very simple structure with the body having on both sides only a corresponding receptacle or docking device for the other components, that is atomizer, storage container and connector. To limit the fluid path, the body may be constructed like a channel to form a fluid channel.

The body can be composed of two equal halves. These two halves can be fixed to one another with respect to the fluid path in a longitudinal sectional plane. This definition can be done for example by a screw. Preferably, this determination is made cohesively by gluing or welding. By building the body from two equal halves, the inhaler is further simplified in its construction. The body may be formed as an injection molded component, in particular made of plastic. In particular, the two identical halves may each be preferably made of plastic by means of injection molding.

The storage receptacle preferably has an open receiving channel for the storage container which extends from the inlet opening in the direction of the fluid and ends in the direction of the fluid. The storage container can be designed for this purpose so that it protrudes in the insertion position at least with a rear end portion in the fluid direction in the receiving channel. Thus, the storage container can protrude in the insertion position with a fluid-direction-front end portion against fluid direction of the receiving channel and is thus freely accessible for manual operation. Advantageously, the inner contour of the receiving channel of an outer contour of at least the rear end portion of the storage container adapted matching the pass. Thus, the storage container can rest positively in the receiving channel. This in turn allows a tight fit of the storage container in the storage receptacle. Furthermore, as a result, the storage container can be arranged against rotation in the storage receptacle.

Thus, storage receptacle and storage container can be coordinated with each other so that only a specific remedy contained storage container is used with a specific shape in the memory recording. By means of the specific, standardized on a remedy or remedy group "matching" matching storage container and memory recording can thus counteract the danger that a storage container with another remedy (or remedy group), which is not congruent with the memory recording, erroneously in the memory recording can be used. Matching storage containers and storage receptacles may additionally be identified by the same color or color markings. The memory receptacle can be interchangeably arranged on the body.

In particular, because of a simple shaping, an inner contour of the receiving channel with a polygonal or round cross section is preferred. The cross section may be oval or circular. Thus, the inner contour of the receiving channel and, adapted thereto, an outer contour of at least the rear end portion of the storage container prismatic or cylindrical, preferably circular cylindrical, may be formed.

The receiving channel may have a smooth inner contour for insertion of the storage container in a plug-in direction. The storage container can thus be arranged to form a plug connection in the receiving channel. In an alternative embodiment of the inhaler, the receiving channel may have an internal thread, preferably have a trained as a round thread internal thread. Pass matching this, the rear end portion of the disposable container, at least in a provided as an insertion portion have a preferably formed as a round thread external thread. Thus, the storage container can be screwed to form a screw in the receiving channel. For the threads to come into threaded engagement, they must be adapted to each other accordingly. Thus, on the formation of the thread further counteract a risk of confusion. In general, the insertion direction can be equal to the fluid direction in the region of the storage receptacle.

The rear end portion of the storage container may include a first portion having the outer thread and a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter arranged downstream of the first portion and having the exit opening. Here, the first diameter may be larger than the second diameter. It can be arranged between the first portion and the second portion, a preferably conical transition portion, which preferably has a ball mating surface formed as a mating surface. By means of the two sections and / or the conical transition section, the outer contour of the storage container and thus, in adaptation to the storage container, the inner contour of the receiving channel further specified so that only appropriately adapted storage container can be used in the memory recording.

In a preferred development, the inhaler can have an opening device for the automatic opening of the storage container with its insertion into the storage receptacle. For this purpose, the storage container can have a factory-sealed, in particular sealed, outlet opening, which can be opened by inserting the storage container into the storage receptacle by means of the opening device. The outlet opening may be arranged in a direction of the fluid in the rear end face of the storage container. Preferably, the opening device may have a mandrel which projects into the receiving channel against the fluid direction or insertion direction. The mandrel may advantageously be formed as a hollow mandrel.

In the case of a storage container used, the hollow mandrel can protrude through its exit opening in such a way that the exit opening remains closed except for the area of the hollow mandrel or is sealed by the opening device with piercing of the mandrel through the closed exit opening. Thus, the fluid can only get into the body or into the fluid channel through the hollow mandrel.

In a preferred embodiment, the opening device with the mandrel may be part of the body. This in turn can further simplify the construction of the inhaler.

When forming the body or its two equal halves as injection-molded components, in particular the hollow mandrel may be formed of a preferably harder plastic than the rest of the body. This can be done for example by means of two-component injection molding.

Alternatively, the connector may be formed as a separate preferably one-piece component. For this purpose, the opening device may comprise a circular disk with a central axial hollow mandrel. To form a mandrel receptacle for receiving the opening device, two protrusions spaced around the thickness of the annular disc and circumferentially radially inwardly extending can be provided on the inside in the front end region of the body, between which the circular disc can be fixed. The insertion of the opening device in the mandrel receptacle can be carried out expedient with composition of the two equal halves of the body.

For ease of handling, the body may be formed with respect to the fluid path at an angle of between 60 ° to 120 °, preferably 80 ° to 100 °, and ideally bent by about 90 °. Thus, the front end portion and the rear end portion of the body can be rotated by this angle to each other. Thus, when the rear area for convenience of use of the inhaler by a user is arranged horizontally, the front end portion may be disposed approximately perpendicular thereto, so that thereby a torque exerted by the inserted storage container with the remedy on the inhaler, user friendly accordingly be minimized.

The connector may be part of the preferably one-piece body in a development of the inhaler. In a preferred embodiment of the inhaler, the connecting piece is designed as a separate, preferably one-piece component. For this purpose, the connection piece can be fixed to the body, for example by means of a bayonet connection or locking connection as part of the docking device. This allows a quick replacement of the fitting which may be required for hygiene and / or adaptation to the facial anatomy of a user.

The atomizer can be fixed to the connector itself, in particular be latched. For this purpose, the atomizer protrude into a space bounded by the connector interior. The connector may be designed like a tube for effective inhalation of the remedy at least predominantly via the nasal passages, or tube-like for purely oral inhalation of the remedy. For sealing contact of the connecting piece to the face of the respective user, the connecting piece can advantageously be formed slightly elastically deformable. For this purpose, the preferred material for the connector thermoplastic.

The atomizer can be constructed in a known manner. In this case, he alone can atomize the fluid to form an aerosol due to its mechanical construction. However, it is also possible to use atomizers of a newer type, for example those with a porous membrane. This membrane can let the fluid cure through and, electrically vibrated, atomise it. A control / regulation and voltage source required for this purpose can be arranged outside the body, preferably in a housing. The housing may in this case be attached to the body. It may be formed like a shell with preferably closable access openings, for example, to replace the voltage source in the form of batteries.

The inhaler according to the invention can be constructed from only a few components, wherein the body is a central component to which the components of the inhaler are attached and held. An exception may be the atomizer by attaching it to the body via the fitting to, in a further constructive simplification of the inhaler, enter the aerosol atomized atomizer in the atomizer directly into an interior space formed by the fitting. This also achieves a shortening of the way the aerosol has to pass from the atomizer to the mouth and / or nose of the user. This counteracts a potential danger that the desired fine droplets of the aerosol coagulate to larger.

Also proposed is an inhaler system with an inhaler and a storage device. The inhaler may have one of the previously described embodiments. The storage device may comprise a storage container, in particular a storage container according to one of the previously described embodiments, for storing a fluid remedy. Preferably, the storage container is designed as a disposable container. This facilitates the handling of the inhaler, since a cumbersome and a risk of confusion with regard to the remedy in self-saving salvaging refilling of the storage container is eliminated. As already stated above, memory receptacle and storage container can be designed to match a likelihood of confusion and to achieve a tight fit, at least in the areas in which they abut each other, matching the congruence with each other. Alternatively or additionally, storage receptacle and storage container can also be formed to match a likelihood of confusion of containers of different matching congruent, so matching with respect to the container of a manufacturer. This can prevent that containers of different manufacturers, which can represent remedies of different nature, can be confused, so that it can be ensured that only remedies of a predetermined manufacturer can be inhaled by means of the inhaler. This ensures a safe treatment of each patient.

Preferably, the disposable container is formed as a one-piece cartridge. This can have the outlet opening in a rear end face pointing in the direction of the fluid. Here, only a single outlet opening is necessary. Outlet opening of the disposable container and inlet opening of the storage receptacle are in insertion position of the disposable container in alignment with each other.

The exit opening of the cartridge can be closed at the factory, for example by means of a glass ball. The glass ball can be automatically pushed into the cartridge by means of the opening device with screwing the cartridge into the storage receptacle. Preference is given to a sealing of the exit opening mentioned at the outset by means of a film, preferably by means of a metal foil, in particular by means of an aluminum foil laminated with a plastic foil. The plastic film may preferably be arranged towards the interior of the cartridge.

It is preferably provided that the storage container has a forward end in the fluid direction, which is greater than, preferably at least twice as large as the rear end side. Thus, a larger area is provided with the front end, by means of which the storage container or the disposable container is easily inserted into the storage receptacle and thus on the mandrel.

The storage container can be widened, in particular bulged, in a front end section which is in the direction of the fluid in relation to the first end section. This has the advantage that the storage container can have a larger volume. Preferably, the end portion is round, in particular ball-shaped. Thus, the rear end portion can be easily grasped manually. Thus, a necessary for screwing in the storage container axial torque can be easily introduced into the storage container.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of the inhaler system with the inhaler shown in a drawing. In the drawing show:

1 a longitudinal sectional view of an inhaler system with a body having inhaler, storage container and housing with additional units,

2 a perspective rear view of the inhaler with the storage container,

3 a longitudinal sectional view of the inhaler with the storage container according to 2 .

4a a side view of the storage container with external thread according to 1 .

4b a side view of the storage container without external thread,

5 a longitudinal sectional view of the inhaler according to 2 with a storage container according to 4b and

6 a longitudinal sectional view of the body according to the 1 . 3 and 5 ,

In 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an inhaler system I with an inhaler 1 , a storage container 2 and a housing G with additional units Z shown. The inhaler 1 is in the 2 . 3 and 5 in different views and with two different embodiments of the storage container 2 shown. In individual presentations according to 4a and 4b such as 6 become the two embodiments of the storage container 2 or a body 5 of the inhaler 1 played.

The inhaler 1 has an atomizer 3 for the atomization of a fluid remedy not shown here and a storage receptacle 4 for the on the inhaler 1 definable storage container 2 on. The inhaler 1 has the one fluid path f limiting channel-like body 5 with the memory recording 4 for the storage tank 2 in a front end region in the fluid direction r 6 and a docking device 7 for the atomizer 3 or for a connection piece 8th for connection to the mouth and / or nose of a user, not shown here, in a rear end region which is in the direction of fluid r 9 on. The body 5 is a one-piece component. Furthermore, the body serves 5 as a support for the remaining components of the inhaler system I. The fluid path f for the remedy is in the fluid direction r forward of an inlet port 10 in the memory recording 4 or in the front end region 6 and in the fluid direction r at the rear from an outlet port 11 in the rear end area 9 limited. The body 5 has a curved shape with an angle of about 90 °.

The connection piece 8th is designed here like a mask to slipping over the mouth and nose of a user, not shown here. The atomizer 3 is in the outlet opening 11 arranged so that the center of the connector 8th protrudes and emits in the same an aerosol, not shown here, which is formed in the atomizer from the fluid by atomization.

The drawing can not be seen here that the body 5 is composed of two equal halves, which are connected with respect to the fluid path f in a dividing plane T adjacent to each other here cohesively. This division plane T is identical to the longitudinal sectional plane according to the 6 ,

The memory recording 4 has a from the inlet opening 10 against fluid direction extending and open end receiving channel 12 on. As in particular in the 1 . 3 and 5 visible, the storage tank protrudes 2 in use with a rear end section 13 in the receiving channel 12 inside and lies inside positively on the same. That is, the inner contour of the receiving channel 12 equal to the outer contour of at least the rear end portion 13 is or that the receiving channel 12 and rear end section 13 Matched matching. Thus, in this specifically designed receiving channel 12 only one appropriately designed memory container 2 be used.

In detail, the receiving channel 12 the training form of the inhaler 1 according to the 3 an internal thread 14 for screwing a thereto adapted embodiment of the storage container 2 according to 4a on, with this storage container 2 with a corresponding external thread 15 is provided. By screwing in the storage tank 2 in the receiving channel at the same time a particularly firm seat of the same is connected. Deviating from this, the storage container 2 according to 4b a smooth outer contour in adaptation to the receiving channel 12 of the inhaler 1 according to 5 on. Here is the storage tank 2 in an insertion direction e to form a plug-in connection in the receiving channel 12 plugged in. The insertion direction e is here identical to the fluid direction r in the region of the inlet opening 10 ,

Both embodiments of the storage container 2 have in the insertion direction e factory each one output port 16 on. In further Specification of the storage tank 2 to its distinctiveness and secure fit in the memory recording 4 , points the storage container 2 in its two embodiments in each case in its rear end portion 13 one the external thread 15 or a smooth outer contour having insertion section 17 on. The insertion section 17 For its part, it includes a first section 18 with optionally the external thread 15 and one in the fluid direction r behind the first section 18 arranged, the frontal outlet opening 16 comprehensive second section 19 , Between the first section 18 and the second section 19 is a conical transition section 20 provided with a designed here as a mating surface truncated cone surface. This measure also serves to further specify and tighten the storage container 2 , By this measure, in addition, the mechanical stability of the storage container 2 in the rear end portion 13 be improved.

The storage tank 2 is rotationally symmetrical in both embodiments. Furthermore, it is made as a one-piece disposable container by injection molding of plastic. How directly the 4 can be seen, the first section 18 a first diameter D1 and the second portion 19 a second diameter D2, wherein the first diameter D1 is greater than the second diameter D2. Further, the storage container 2 in an insertion direction e front end portion 21 bulged like a ball. The front end section 21 protrudes in insertion position of the storage container 2 from the receiving channel 12 out and thus at the same time as a handle for inserting the storage container 2 serve. By means of the spherical shape of the front end portion 21 can manually easier one for screwing in the storage container 2 Required torque around the longitudinal axis 1 in the storage tank 12 be initiated. Further, the front end portion has a front end in the insertion direction 22 on, here much larger than a rear insertion in the direction of insertion 23 is. This allows the storage tank 2 for forming the connector according to its embodiment 4b easier a required pressing force for inserting the storage container 2 in the receiving channel 12 be introduced manually.

The exit opening 16 of the storage container 2 is factory by means of a foil 24 sealed. So this slide 24 with insertion of the storage container 2 in the receiving channel 12 is automatically broken, is an opening device 25 with a against insertion direction e in the receiving channel 12 extending into the central hollow mandrel 26 intended. The opening device 25 is formed as a separate one-piece component. It has an annular base 27 with the central axial hollow mandrel 26 on and is between two circumferential inner bars 28 as a mandrel holder 29 in the front end area 6 of the body 5 established. The opening device 25 is done by assembling the two equal halves to the body 5 in the spine holder 29 used.

The mask-like connector 8th is designed here as a one-piece injection molded part made of thermoplastic. It is, however, which can not be removed from the drawing, at the end of the rear end portion 9 of the body 5 determined by means of a bayonet lock. The atomizer 3 is in turn by means of a latching connection to the connector 8th established. For this purpose, the connection piece 8th latch hook 30 on, on the atomizer 3 lock.

The atomizer 3 works here not purely mechanical, but electrically excited and electronically controlled. The atomizer is for this purpose, but not explicitly shown, provided with a porous membrane through which the fluid curing agent is passed and is atomized by vibration of the membrane. Thus, in contrast to a purely mechanical atomizer, accessories Z are required which, as in FIG 1 seen, are housed in the housing G. These are the atomizer 3 leading electrical connections 21 intended.

The housing G has to access the additional units Z an access opening 32 on, by means of a cap 33 is closable. The housing G is inter alia in a housing receptacle 34 positively with the body 5 connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

inhaler

2

storage container

3

atomizer

4

memory recording

5

body

6

front end area

7

docking

8th

connector

9

rear end area

10

inlet port

11

outlet

12

receiving channel

13

rear end section

14

inner thread

15

external thread

16

output port

17

insertion

18

first section

19

second part

20

Transition section

21

front end section

22

front end

23

rear end face

24

foil

25

opening device

26

hollow mandrel

27

Base

28

inner web

29

pin receptacle

30

latch hook

31

connection

32

access opening

33

cap

34

housing receptacle

e

insertion

f

fluid path

l

longitudinal axis

r

fluid direction

β

angle

d ₁

first diameter

d ₂

second diameter

G

casing

I

inhaler system

Z

additional unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 60125962 T2 [0002]

Claims (23)

Inhaler ( 1 ) with a nebulizer ( 3 ) for atomizing a fluid remedy, a storage receptacle ( 4 ) for one on the inhaler ( 1 ) storable storage containers ( 2 ) and a fluid path (f) for the remedy in a fluid direction (r) from an inlet port (10) 10 ) in the memory recording ( 4 ) to an outlet opening ( 11 ), characterized in that a single body limiting the fluid path (f) ( 5 ) with the memory recording ( 4 ) for the storage container ( 2 ) in a direction of fluid (r) front end ( 6 ) and a docking device ( 7 ) for the atomizer ( 3 ) and / or a fitting ( 8th ) for connection to the mouth and / or nose of a user in a fluid end (r) rear end region ( 9 ) is provided. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the body ( 5 ) is composed of two equal halves, which are fixed with respect to the fluid path (f) in a parting plane adjacent to each other, in particular are materially interconnected. Inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the memory receptacle ( 4 ) one from the inlet opening ( 10 ) against fluid direction (r) extending and open end receiving channel ( 12 ) for at least one in use position in the fluid direction (r) rear end portion ( 13 ) of the storage container ( 2 ), wherein the inner contour of the receiving channel ( 12 ) an outer contour of at least the rear end portion ( 13 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) is matching matching. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving channel ( 12 ) a smooth inner contour for insertion of the storage container ( 2 ) or an internal thread ( 14 ) for screwing in the storage container ( 2 ) having. Inhaler according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an opening device ( 25 ) for automatically opening a sealed, in particular sealed, outlet opening ( 16 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) with its insertion into the memory recording ( 4 ) is provided. Inhaler according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening device ( 25 ) one preferably as a hollow mandrel ( 26 ) formed mandrel which against fluid direction (r) in the receiving channel ( 12 ) protrudes. Inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening device ( 25 ) with the thorn part of the body ( 5 ). Inhaler according to claim 2 and 6, characterized in that the opening device ( 25 ) is formed as a separate one-piece component. Inhaler according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8th ) is formed as a separate one-piece component. Inhaler according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the atomiser ( 3 ) on the connector ( 8th ), in particular can be latched. Inhaler according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connection piece ( 8th ) is designed like a mask or a tube. Inhaler system with a storage tank ( 2 ) storage device for storing the fluid remedy and a memory recording ( 4 ) for the storage container ( 2 ) inhaler ( 1 ), optionally according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the storage container ( 2 ) is designed as a disposable container and that memory receptacle ( 4 ) and disposable container to avoid a risk of confusion and to allow a tight fit, at least in the areas in which they rest against each other, are formed congruent with each other. Inhalator system according to claim 12, characterized in that the storage container is designed as a one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic. Inhaler system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the storage container ( 2 ) in the fluid direction (r) in the memory receptacle ( 4 ) and an exit opening ( 16 ) in a fluid direction (r) facing rear end face ( 23 ) having. Inhaler system according to claim 14, characterized in that the outlet opening ( 16 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) is closed at the factory and with insertion of the storage container ( 2 ) in the memory recording ( 4 ) is automatically openable. Inhaler system according to claim 15, characterized in that the outlet opening ( 16 ) by means of a foil ( 24 ), preferably a metal foil, in particular a laminated with a plastic foil aluminum foil is sealed. An inhaler system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the memory receptacle ( 4 ) of the inhaler ( 1 ) an inlet opening ( 10 ) for the fluid and one from the inlet opening ( 10 ) against the fluid direction (r) extending and against the fluid direction end open receiving channel ( 12 ) for at least one in use position in the fluid direction (r) rear end portion ( 13 ) of the storage container ( 2 ), characterized in that the inner contour of the receiving channel ( 12 ) an outer contour of at least the rear end portion ( 13 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) is matching matching. Inhaler system according to claim 17, characterized in that the storage container ( 2 ) at least in the rear end portion ( 13 ) is prismatic or cylindrical, preferably circular cylindrical, is formed. Inhaler system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the rear end portion ( 13 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) at least in one as insertion section ( 17 ) provided a preferably formed as a round thread external thread ( 15 ) and the receiving channel ( 12 ) to the threaded engagement of the external thread ( 15 ) designed as a round thread internal thread ( 14 ) having. Inhaler system according to claim 19, characterized in that the rear end portion ( 13 ) an external thread ( 15 ) comprehensive first section ( 18 ) with a first diameter (d ₁ ) and one in the fluid direction (r) behind the first section ( 18 ) arranged the exit opening ( 16 ) second section ( 19 ) having a second diameter (d ₂ ), wherein the first diameter (d ₁ ) is greater than the second diameter (d ₂ ). Inhaler system according to claim 20, characterized in that between the first section ( 18 ) and the second section ( 19 ) a conically shaped transition section ( 20 ) is provided with a designed as a mating surface truncated cone surface. Inhaler system according to one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the storage container ( 2 ) in the fluid direction (r) front end face ( 22 ), which is at least twice as large as a fluid end (r) rear end face ( 23 ). Inhaler system according to one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that the storage container ( 2 ) in a fluid-direction (r) front end portion (FIG. 21 ) is formed bulged.

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