EP2214759A2

EP2214759A2 - Dosing device for the inhalation of a powder substance

Info

Publication number: EP2214759A2
Application number: EP08851138A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alfred Von Schuckmann; Yorick Kamlag; Stefan Mayer; Dennis Sandell
Original assignee: Siegfried Generics International AG
Current assignee: Sanofi SA
Priority date: 2007-11-22
Filing date: 2008-10-29
Publication date: 2010-08-11
Also published as: UA99744C2; MD4287C1; NZ585422A; JP2011504388A; CN101939039B; ES2434832T3; IL205731A0; JP5411870B2; MD20100077A2; SA08290745B1; EG26730A; MY152246A; DE102007056263A1; CA2706569A1; WO2009065708A3; RU2468831C2; HRP20131054T1; TW200930422A; CL2008003448A1; MX2010005615A

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing device (1) which can be activated by the vacuum air stream of the user, for the inhalation of a powder substance (2), particularly medicine, which is arranged in a supply chamber (15) and which can be brought out of the same into an open emptying-ready position (B) by means of a dosing chamber (4) of a dosing rod (33) when the mouthpiece-closure cap(7) is removed. In particular, the invention suggests, in order to improve dispensing, the provision of two air paths, of which one serves to open and empty the dosing chamber, and/or the second air path (a) penetrates directly into a ring chamber (63) in order to mix with the air flow containing the substance.

Description

Dosing device for inhaling a powdery substance

The invention relates to a metering device, which can be activated by the user's suction air stream, for inhaling a powdered substance, in particular of a medical nature, according to the preamble of the main claim.

A metering device of the type in question is known from WO 2006/021546 Al. The divided in the dosing amount of substance is moved tsstellung in a closed emptying readiness. As a result of inhalation, a piston moves and opens the dosing chamber. This is hereafter following an air flow path for clearing the separated substance from the metering chamber and for transfer into the air stream to be sucked.

In view of this known prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in developing a metering device of the type in question in terms of optimum air flow in an advantageous manner. WO02 / 26299 already proposes to use the suction air flow both for displacing a dosing rod and for conveying the substance through the mouthpiece. However, these solutions are to be used only in the upright position of the metering, so practically not lying in bed. There is also the danger of segregation of the inhalant substance.

The problem of an optimal air flow is essentially solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Two streams of air meet in one

Ring chamber, one of which initially opens the metering chamber and then meets with the other air flow in the annular chamber. Due to the selected configuration of the piston is to relocate the same relatively little mass to relocate at large attack surface, which means the movement of the piston from the emptying standby position in the emptying release position the user suction air stream easier. It requires correspondingly only a relatively small Saugluf tstromenergie to release the metering chamber. In addition, with a slim design of the piston increased air energy in the course of inhalation can be achieved.

hi advantageous development is envisaged that the upper edge of the piston in its upper end position in front of an annular wall occurs, which belongs to an annular chamber, preferably has the ceiling edge projecting, projecting hills, which leave between them spaces. This is subordinate to a ceiling section, which is an inclined, bundling baffle wall. In the course of inhalation, i. the suction air impinging on the user by the user is more preferably in the upper, i.e., in the upper part. in the emptying-release position of the metering chamber the way to the annular chamber free, this under sealing engagement with the annular chamber side ring wall. The annular chamber acts in the manner of a vortex chamber, in which an optimum distribution of the powder to be inhaled in the suction air is achieved. The powder to be inhaled consists, for example, of a suction-transportable base body such as lactose, which is suitable as a carrier for surface-side adherent, micronized drug fine particles. These basic bodies are usually available in different sizes. As a result of the flow through the powdery

Suction air through the annular chamber, the powder particles are approximately equal in size, ie larger powder particles are broken due to the Verwirbe- ment and the associated centrifugal forces. The powder-laden suction air is sucked off by the interspaces formed between the vanes, which discharge radially outward on the cover side, from where they pass into the mouthpiece of the metering device in a slightly bundled manner. Distributed over the circumference of the lid can be formed in the circumferential direction equal width wings and gaps formed. However, it is also possible in the circumferential direction to create wings and / or gaps of different widths. In that regard, in the flow direction of the Ringkam- mer considers the end of the annular chamber a forced operation of the powdered Luf tstromes created by a corresponding lid provided space provided in the mouthpiece. In a further development of the subject invention, it is provided that a part of the wings is made wider in the circumferential direction to form a deflection baffle wall wing for the powder-laden suction air stream. Preferably, this is initially directed in the axial direction of the annular chamber. The deflection baffle wing forces the inflowing suction air flow for deflection in a direction transverse to the annular chamber circulation level. By acting on the deflecting baffle wing at a relatively high speed, a breakup of larger powder particles is already achieved. The metering rod is slidably supported in an inner cylinder rotatable with the cap in the axial extension of the inner cylinder. The rotation of the inner cylinder is transferred to the dosing rod. On the shell wall side, this inner cylinder is provided with an axially extending channel, which starts from the discharge side of the metering chamber and ends in the annular chamber, the deflecting baffle being provided for deflecting the axial airflow direction into the circulation plane. The latter is correspondingly arranged in the axial extension of the channel like a lid, leaving a radial outlet. About this channel is sucked air-induced lifting of the piston and concomitant release of the dosing the separated substance dose sucked and fed through the annular chamber, the user building up the suction air flow. In a preferred embodiment, the deflection from the radial flow into the axial flow is achieved by means of two channel deflection regions connected directly one behind the other, each of which effects a flow deflection of 45 degrees. Thus, it is further preferable to provide a channel intermediate portion extending at an angle of about 45 degrees to a plane oriented transverse to the device axis, which communicates the discharge side of the metering chamber with the axially extending channel. Overall, two air flow paths are created, one of which causes the emptying of the dosing and the second leads directly into a mouthpiece upstream annular chamber where meet both air streams. Accordingly, the one, in the course of the inhalation adjusting, particulate-laden air flow is performed separately. The amount of air needed for inhalation is supplied in part via the first air flow path within the annular chamber. When the metering chamber is closed, the metering chamber can be opened via this air flow path, for example via the suction-charged piston. By separating the air flow paths, a stream of non-particulate air is first formed. With proper inhalation, about 50 liters of air per minute flow through the device, which amounts of air result from the addition of at least the two air streams, with a proportion initially being supplied via the first flow path opening the metering chamber. This opening of the metering chamber, for example by displacing a piston from an emptying chamber.

Ready position in a discharge-emptying position, is carried out in a preferred embodiment at an opening pressure of about 2 kPa, further at an air flow of 18 to 22 liters of air per minute. The air flow of the second air flow path, which leads directly from the metering chamber into the mouthpiece upstream annular chamber, has a much higher flow velocity than the emptying performing air flow.

The second air stream is sucked in a preferred embodiment by a grid wall section. This leaves a free opening cross-section, which allows easy intake of the required amount of air. The air inlet grating surface is more preferably on the opposite to the inner cylinder not rotatable, further the cap leading outer cylinder on that side of the metering, which is opposite to the emptying direction of the metering chamber. This achieves a clear structural separation of the air flow paths. A compact design of such a dosing device is further achieved by the fact that a flow channel directed towards the dosing chamber is arranged below the air inlet grating surface even in the position occupied by the dosing chamber in an emptying standby position filled or closed metering chamber is present in a preferred embodiment, this channel passes through the outer cylinder below the air inlet grating surface for the first air flow path in the region of a correspondingly shaped Luf teintritts- opening. Both air flow paths open according to this embodiment with respect to the Lufteirüassöffnungen to the same side of the outer cylinder. About the provided below the air inlet grating surface flow channel in the emptying release position, the metering chamber is preferably cleared transversely to the device axis for transporting the separated substance via the second air flow path, the annular chamber passing through the mouthpiece, all as a result of Saugluftbeaufschlagung by the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the interior of the inner cylinder is fully available for free distribution for the air sucked in through the air inlet grid surface and is in fluid communication with the annular chamber.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket wall of the outer cylinder has at least one, preferably two radially opposite air inlet openings. About this separate air inlet openings more air flow paths are reached, which are separated at least in the emptying standby ts position to the two other air flow paths. Thus, in an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the air inlet openings open tangentially directed into the annular chamber while specifying a common flow direction, this being directed further into a flow direction predetermined by the two further air flow paths. About these air inlet openings is a kind of initial ignition tion reached for deflecting the other air flow paths in the desired flow direction within the annular chamber.

The substance to be inhaled is stored in a storage chamber into which the dosing chamber dips to fill it. In order to support the B eftill process of the metering chamber to continue to achieve an always loosened, penetrated by the metering top layer of substance stock, a rotor-like wing is supported at the bottom of the inner cylinder, so for example. Clipped to this, which wing with an inward directed stator-shaped shoulder of the storage chamber wall cooperates. By this means the Nachbring and also the density of the substance in the pantry is equally durable. In addition, there is a loosening effect in the vicinity of the dosing chamber, which excludes the stagnation of substance parts. In addition, the rotor is designed in cooperation with the stator so that upon a return movement of the rotor-like wings in the course of the reassigning and screwing the cap with concomitant lowering of the metering chamber into the pantry a slight pressing of the uppermost substance layer is achieved, so a gleichmäßigten , to offer the metering chamber associated highest substance amount range in the pantry.

Finally, it proves to be advantageous if a level indicator is provided in the region of the storage chamber wall, which can detect the filling. In the simplest embodiment, this can be directly coupled to the axial movement of a stored in the storage chamber, the stored substance amount from below in the direction against the inner cylinder loading pressure piston. This moves with substance extraction, which can be observed via the level indicator. The invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrates only one embodiment _/ explained in more detail. It shows:

1 shows the vertical section through a metering device according to the invention in cap-closed basic position.

FIG. 2 shows a further vertical section along the line II-II in FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an enlargement of an upper area of the device according to FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional illustration corresponding to FIG. 1 _/ the situation with the storage chamber almost empty for the substance to be inhaled;

5 shows the section along the line V - V in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is another representation corresponding to Figure 1, in the course of the removal of the cap.

FIG. 7 shows the section according to the line VII - VII in FIG. 6; FIG.

8 shows the vertical section according to FIG. 1, but after removal of the closure cap and the resulting displacement of a dosing chamber into the emptying ready position;

FIG. 9 shows the section according to the line IX-IX in FIG. 8; FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a detail view corresponding to FIG. 3 / concerning the situation as shown in FIG. 8; FIG. Fig. 11 is a sequential view of Figure 8, but concerning a position in the course of inhalation.

FIG. 12 shows the section along the line XII - XII in FIG. 11; FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a further detail view corresponding to FIG. 3, but relating to the situation according to FIG. 11; FIG.

Fig. 14 is a further of Figure 1 corresponding vertical sectional view, an intermediate position in the course of re-putting the cap after inhalation regarding;

Fig. 15 is a sequential view of Fig. 14, concerning an intermediate position;

FIG. 16 is a sequential view of FIG. 15, relating to an intermediate position in the further course of screwing on the closure cap; FIG.

17 shows the cross section through the metering device in the emptying ready position according to the line XVII - XVII in Fig. 8;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view through the metering device according to the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 11; FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an illustration according to the line XIX - XIX in FIG. 11, corresponding to the emptying release position, corresponding to FIG. 17; FIG.

FIG. 20 shows the section according to the line XX - XX in FIG. 11 through the storage chamber, omitting the substance stored here; FIG. FIG. 21 is an individual perspective view of an inner cylinder of the metering device; FIG.

Fig. 22 is another perspective view of the inner cylinder;

FIG. 23 shows the metering rod of the metering device in a perspective detail view; FIG.

Fig. 24 is a perspective detail view of the piston;

Fig. 25 in a further perspective individual representation of a rotor-like wing for arrangement on the inner cylinder;

FIG. 26 shows the rotor-like wing in a further perspective illustration; FIG.

Fig. 27 in a single view, the bottom view against a lid of an annular chamber.

The dosing device 1 shown in the figures for inhaling a powdered substance 2, in particular of a medical nature, is realized as a pocket-type device which can easily be carried along, and which has a shape-determining cylindrical housing 3.

The cylindrical, tubular housing 3 has on the head side a relative to the housing 3 about the device axis x rotatable outer cylinder 4. The latter is rotatably fixed to the housing 3 in the region of an end-side radial stage 5.

This likewise cylindrical, tubular outer cylinder 4 passes on the head side of the device 1 in an attached mouthpiece 6, which is suitable for the mouth is formed, for example, flattened. This mouthpiece 6 is protectively überf by means of a cup-shaped cap 7. The latter is realized as a screw cap, for which purpose an internal thread 8 assigned to it engages in a corresponding external thread 9 on the jacket wall of the housing 2.

The outer cylinder 4 is in non-rotatable connection with the closure cap 7, to which the outer cylinder mantelwandaußenseitig vertically aligned ribs 10 which cooperate with correspondingly positioned, slot-like vertical grooves 11 wall inside the cap 7. Accordingly, a screw actuation of the closure cap 7 triggers a rotation of the outer cylinder 4 about the device axis x.

On the foot side, the end edge of the cup-shaped closure cap 7 abuts the stop and, via a cone, seals against an annular shoulder 12, which is achieved on the basis of the aforementioned paragraph of the cylindrical housing 3.

The cap 7 also serves as an actuating handle 13 for discharging the pulverf örmigen substance 2 in reproducible subsets 14, including the axial Schraubhub the threaded engagement of internal thread 8 and external thread 9 is used. The substance 2 is received in a storage chamber 15 of the housing 3 (possibly refillable). In each case a substance subset 14 is conveyed to a transition point U lying outside the storage chamber 15 via a metering device.

With regard to the product which can be dispensed, it is a (mostly medical) powdery substance 2. For example, bodies susceptible to suction flow, such as lactose, can be carriers for micro-sized fine pharmaceutical particles adhering to the surface. The lower end of the storage chamber 15 forms a cup-shaped pressure base 16, which is in the direction of the mouthpiece 6 by means of a compression spring 17 under spring load. The compression spring 17 is supported with the foot-side end turn on a bottom cap 18 closing the housing 3 there. This is in latching engagement with the section of the housing 3 which is larger in cross-section on the inside of the wall, with a corresponding latching collar 19 of the bottom cap 18 engaging in a matching annular groove of the housing 3.

The head-side end turn of the prestressed compression spring 14 acts on a load on an inner shoulder 20 of a hollow piston 21 of the piston-shaped device 16/21. As can be seen from the illustrations, the stepped pot-shaped pressure base 16 in the region of the inner shoulder 20 with the hollow piston 21 is latchably connected.

The pot edge of the pressure floor 16 provides a ring lip 22, the walls of the pantry 15 strikes lossless due to their rubber-elastic material.

The compression spring 17 is in the illustrated embodiment, a cylinder spring, with a measured in the relaxed state length, which corresponds to about a ten times the maximum contact pressure. The Anpresslänge is defined by the Axialverlagerungsmaß the pressure floor 16 between a lower, the filling position corresponding position shown in Figure 1 and an upper limit stop position of the pressure base 16 in the storage chamber 15 according to Figure 4. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, such a Anpresslänge of 15 mm given. According to the design of the spring, in particular according to the selected spring length, a constant spring pressure on the pressure base 16 is achieved over the entire contact pressure, which leads to uniform substance compression over the entire period of use of the device 1. From the bottom cap 18 is centrally a hollow stay pin 23. This forms, together with the hollow piston 21 surrounding the latter at a distance, a spring chamber 24 for the compression spring 17. In the hollow standing stud 23, a moisture-absorbing material in the form of a desiccant capsule 25 is centrally located. On the transition side to the outer cylinder 4 adjoining the housing 3 in the axial direction, the storage chamber 15 closes with a chamber ceiling 26 formed integrally with the jacket wall of the storage chamber 15. This is centrally interspersed by a Zy cylinder portion 27 of a in a vertical plane to the device axis x extending rotary member 28. This is substantially plate-like shape and is rotatably connected to the outer cylinder 4, so according to the chamber ceiling 26 rotatable about the device axis x , The cylinder portion 27 extends below the rotary member 28, the chamber ceiling 26 passing through. The lower free end face of the cylinder portion 27 lies in the plane of the chamber 15 covering the surface of the chamber ceiling 26th

The opening in the chamber ceiling 26 is enlarged in diameter relative to the diameter of the cylinder portion 27. In the remaining annular gap, a ring-shaped holder for a rotor wing R is positioned. This is rotatably connected to the cylinder portion 27.

The inner surface of the rotor ring 30 facing the storage chamber 15 lies in the plane of the end face of the cylinder section 27 pointing in the corresponding direction.

The rotor R shown in Figures 22 and 23 in individual views carries the underside, that is, the storage chamber 15 facing a wing 29. This is a kugelkapp enabschnittförmigen wing 29, which projects radially beyond the rotor ring 30 of the rotor R to the outside. The wing 29 under- commences in accordance with the area of the chamber ceiling 26 which adjoins radially outside the rotor R, this with a planar configuration of the surface of the wing 29 facing the chamber ceiling 26. This surface of the wing 29 bears against the facing chamber ceiling surface. In radial extension, the wing 29 extends to the inner wall of the storage chamber 15. From this radially outer region of the wing 29 increases in cross-section radially inwardly convexly to an axial height which corresponds approximately to the radial Überstandsmaδ of the blade 29 via the rotor ring 30.

As a result of this arrangement, the wing 29 of the rotor R projects into the substance supply of the storage chamber 15. The shoulder formed by the chamber cover 26 forms a stator St. in cooperation with the rotor R or wing 29 rotatable relative to the storage chamber 15.

The rotor R is clipped via the rotor ring 30 to the cylinder portion 27 of the rotary member 28.

In the center of the cylinder portion 27 receives a sealing bush 31. This consists of a rubber material or similar elastic material. This leaves centrally a cross-sectionally slit-shaped guide opening 32 for a cross-section adapted metering 33rd

The sealing bushing 31, as well as a between the rotary member 28 and a housing side, the chamber ceiling 26 overarching housing portion 34 provided ring seal 35 can in the simplest embodiment in two-component injection molding together with the rotary member 28 and beyond with an inner cylinder described in more detail be made. However, in this regard, a subsequent arrangement of the rubber or elastomer parts in the course of production is possible. The latching with the pressure base 16 hollow piston 21 has a radial boom 36 on the foot side. At this the storage chamber wall is formed on the outside of the outer wall overlapping, axially oriented display projection 37 formed. Its axial position achieved as a function of the pressure bottom position can be recognized from the outside for the user by a viewing window 38 provided in the housing. It is thus given a level indicator 39.

The metering rod 33 functions according to a corresponding design as a moving metering chamber 40 for the substance subset 14 to be dispensed, wherein the movement of the metering rod 33 is linear in the longitudinal center axis x - x of the substantially rotationally symmetrical shaped device 1, superimposed by one about the longitudinal central axis x - x rotational movement. The dosing rod 33 is formed substantially as a flat part with elongated rectangular cross-section. The aspect ratio of narrow side to broad side is in the illustrated embodiment about 1: 3.

At the end facing away from the mouthpiece 6, the metering rod 33 forms an approximately cross-slot-like taper. The two mirror-symmetrical inclined flanks start from the respective broad sides of the metering rod 33 (see FIG.

The cross-sectional configuration of the metering rod 33 and the Ausspitzung the free end portion have due to the rotational drive of the dosing rod 33 in the center region auflockernd displacing effect with respect to the lake of pul deformed substance. 2

The metering chamber 40 is realized as a transverse bore extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis x-x, this with a bore axis which passes through the broad side surfaces of the metering rod 33. The transverse bore is conical shaped, so that the transverse bore tapers to a broad side surface of the Dosierstabes 33 out. Further, as can be seen, for example, from the illustration in FIG. 2, the metering chamber 40 formed in the region of the end of the metering rod 33 projecting into the substance lake 33 is off-centered with respect to the broad side surfaces of the metering rod 33, ie laterally offset from the longitudinal axis x - x arranged.

The stroke of the linear and superimposed rotationally moving metering chamber 40 takes into account in both end positions of the metering rod 33 a locking of the cross section of the guide opening 32 with meterierkammerfüllender doctor blade or Abstreichwirkung over the length of said opening 33rd

The mouthpiece-side end of the closure cap 7 forms a docking point 41 between the dispensing rod 33 and the closure cap 7. The closure-cap-side detent means is a spring-capable hook collar which is formed in the region of the free end of a hollow cylinder 43 arranged centrally on the underside of a closure cap 42. The corresponding end of the metering rod 33 is rotationally symmetrical in cross-section, wherein a plate-shaped radial collar 44 continues to grow in the transition region from the flat part section to the cylindrical end section. With an axial distance to this radial collar 44 of the flat part facing away from the end portion of the metering rod 33 forms a locking head 45 from. Between this and the radial collar 44 a wespentaillenartige annular groove 46 is formed. In this engage inwardly directed lugs 47 of the resilient tongues of the hook ring. The locking head 45 can be overcome in both Axiaϊrichtungen by the lugs 47. The locking can be quite tight, because it is solved in the Schraubverlagerung the cap and reconnected.

The central opening 48 of the mouthpiece 6 is formed in the region of a dispersing part 49. This dispersing part 49 opens outwards, that is to say off. the storage chamber 15 is conical, the wall 50 facing the storage chamber 15 merges into an annular, roof-like ceiling portion 51. This also forms the upper end of the mouthpiece 6 bearing outer cylinder. 4

The central clearance created by the dispersion part 49 is centrally penetrated in the cap closure position by the hollow cylinder 43 carrying the lugs 47. The resulting annular space between hollow cylinder 43 and dispersing wall is filled in the cap closure position by another one Desiccant capsule 52.

In the outer cylinder 4 is centrally of the dosing rod 33 and in the cap closure position of the closure cap side hollow cylinder 43 interspersed a zylindernnenzylinder 53 added. This is rotatably connected to the outer cylinder 4.

This inner cylinder 53 is designed substantially as a hollow body and centrally carries a displaceable in the axial direction of the piston 54. The leadership of the piston 54 is approximately in the lower half of the inner cylinder 53, facing the storage chamber 15 realized by a circular cross-section guide portion 55.

The portion of the inner cylinder 53 which faces away from the storage chamber 15 forms a piston head displacement region 56 which is enlarged in cross-section relative to the guide section 55 and whose axially oriented range wall 57 has radial openings 58, 58 'and 58 " , Below the grid wall section 59, further on the foot side of the guide section 55 on the inside of the cylinder, there is formed a radially directed flow channel 60 which also opens to the grid wall section 59. This can also serve as a viewing window against the dosing 33. It flows into the open space left by the management section 55. Radially opposite the flow channel 60 is adjoined to the guide portion 55, a channel intermediate portion 61 which extends starting from the guide portion 55, including an angle of 45 ° to a plane perpendicular to the x-oriented plane in the direction of the associated wall of the outer cylinder 4 increasing then transition into an axially directed channel 62 at the end. This channel 62 is created by an axially aligned, slot-like, radially outwardly opening recess in the inner cylinder shell. The radial overlap of the channel 62 is achieved by the associated wall of the outer cylinder 4th

In addition to the radial opening 58 to be recognized, for example, in the sectional representation in FIG. 1, two further radial openings 58 'and 58 ", each viewed in a plane oriented transversely to the axis x, are provided at an angle of 90 ° to this radial opening 58. speaking embodiment of the inner cylinder wall in direct Luf tstrmö- mungsanschluss stand with the grid wall portion 59th

The axially aligned channel 62 opens with its end facing the mouthpiece 6 in an annular chamber 63. This forms a vortex chamber. Their ceiling 64 is designed like a roof in cross-section and is equipped with edge-spreading, projecting wings 65, 66. At the edge, they pass against the inner wall of the outer cylinder 4 and, seen in the circumferential direction, leave intermediate spaces 67, through which an air flow connection between the annular chamber 63 and between the dispersing element Ceiling portion 51 and annular chamber ceiling 64 left further annular space 68 is reached.

The ceiling 64 is fixed with an axially directed flange 69 inside the wall of the inner cylinder 53.

The annular chamber bottom 63 is formed by a ring collar 70 projecting radially outward on the inner cylinder 53 at an axial distance from the vanes 65, 66 of the ceiling 64. The annular collar 70 also bears against the outer side of the outer cylinder 4. This annular collar 70 is pierced by the axially aligned channel 62. The annular chamber 63 is bounded radially inward by an end-side wall section of the inner cylinder 53 serving for latching the ceiling 64. The annular chamber wall formed in this way is provided with slot-like openings 71 for connecting the annular chamber 63 with the piston head displacement area 56 in a manner appropriate to air flow.

As can be further seen in particular from the sectional view in FIG. 18, the outer cylinder wall is provided at the level of the annular chamber 63 with two diametrically opposite air inlet openings 72. These open tangentially directed into the annular chamber 63, this further under specification of a common flow direction. Accordingly, a predetermined air flow in the annular chamber 63 is achieved by sucking through the air inlet openings 72. As viewed in the direction of flow, the axially aligned channel 62 opens directly behind the mouth of an air inlet opening 72 in the annular chamber 63, so that the air flow entering the annular chamber 63 through the axial channel 62 undergoes a targeted deflection into the desired vortex direction via the air inlet openings 72. The wings of the ceiling 64 are designed differently wide viewed in the circumferential direction. Thus, two diametrically opposed wings 65 are provided with respect to the other wings 66 in the circumferential direction with an approximately three times the width. One of these widened wings 65 overlaps the mouth region of the axial channel 62 into the annular chamber 63, thus forming a deflecting baffle 73 for the suction air flow entering the annular chamber 63 through the axial channel 62.

As can be further seen in particular from the detailed representation in FIG. 27, the wings 66 extend in the described embodiment in the circumferential direction over an angle β of 15 °. The gaps 67 left between the wings 66 and 65 likewise extend in the circumferential direction over an angle a of 15 °, while the peripheral edges of the wider wings 65 enclose an angle δ of 45 °.

There are other possible divisions in this respect (eg smaller wings - larger spaces, larger wings - smaller spaces, irregular design of wings and spaces).

In the direction of the arrangement of Lufteintrittsöf 72 opposite air flow direction in the annular chamber 63 adjacent to the mouth of the axial channel 62 in the annular chamber 63, a breaker 74 is arranged. This limits the Unifangsweg the annular chamber 63, which is according to this embodiment is not continuous annular, but rather interrupted formed. The opposite of the flow direction facing trailing edge of the breaker 74 is a ramp 30, connecting the annular chamber floor with the intermediate spaces 67 having annular chamber ceiling. It is a forced deflection of the air flow in the end region of the annular chamber 63 to axially above in the other annulus 68 achieved. The rotatably held in the inner cylinder 53, but axially displaceable piston 54 initially has a plate-shaped opening in the direction of the mouthpiece piston head 76. This opens conically in cross section. On the underside of the piston plate two mutually parallel, axially aligned tongues 77 are integrally formed. The piston 54 is made of a rubber-like material.

The outer walls of the cross-sectional contour of the Führungsabschrά tt 55 of the inner cylinder 53 receiving tongues 77 are split lip-like at its lower free edge, further have in their free edge area reinforced material sealing surfaces 78th

Between the tongues 77, the flat part of the metering rod 33 is guided _/ wherein the sealing surfaces 78 in cooperation with the flat part of the metering rod 33 have stripping and sealing effect.

In a device basic position according to the illustration in FIG. 1, the lip-like, split free edges of the tongues 77 pass against the cylinder section 27 on the upper side within an axial depression.

Next is in this basic position of the plate-like piston head 76 limited to a stop on a bottom portion of the piston head displacement region 56. The circumferential edge region of the free end of the piston head 76 bears against the associated inner wall of the inner cylinder 53.

Furthermore, in this basic position, the head of the metering rod 33, that is to say its radial collar 44 and latching head 45, engages in the depression created by the plate-like configuration of the piston head 76, The piston head 76 is in this case at an axial distance ttnterhalb the ceiling 64th

The mode of operation of the indicated device 1 is as follows: To prepare for the inhalation, the cap 7 must first be removed. In the course of Schraubabhebens the cap 7 follows via the specified clutch a rotational drive of the outer cylinder 4 and on this of the inner cylinder 53, further in the specified embodiment, all parts above the Vorratskammerebene that are not rotatably connected to the housing 3. Accordingly, the dosing rod 33 is drehrit towed, wherein further by the schrattbabhebende displacement of the cap 7 at the same time an axial displacement of the Dosierstabes 33 via the docking point 41, resulting in a screw-like displacement of the metering chamber 40 in the overlapping to the flow channel 60, still closed Ent - Blanking ready position B as shown in Figures 6 and 7 causes.

Due to the eccentric arrangement of the dosing chamber 40, which is eccentric with respect to the rotational axis of the dosing rod 33, optimum filling thereof is achieved by means of helical dipping through the substance lake, supported by the rotor. Here, the larger diameter opening area of the metering chamber 40 in the direction of rotation.

The simultaneously rotating wing 29 of the rotor R in this case causes an always relaxed environment of the substance lake, wherein a blade effect is achieved. With opposite rotation of the rotor R - when screwing back the cap 7 - the wing 29 cooperates with the stator St together for scraping removal of substance 2 from the stator surface and to depress the substance 2, whereby a homogenization of the substance lake is achieved , The wing 29 of the rotor R acts accordingly in both directions of rotation on the substance lake. Upon reaching the removal-ready position B of the metering rod 33 this is determined detent. For this purpose, the radial collar 44 of the metering rod 33 moves behind latching fingers 79, which are formed on the underside of the ceiling 64.

Upon further screw displacement of the cap 7, the latching in the region of the docking point 41 between Hohlzy cylinder 43 and metering 33 is repealed. The lugs 47 correspondingly leave the annular groove 46, after which the closure cap 7 is removable. The device 1 is now ready for inhalation.

Due to the screw displacement of the closure cap 7, a sufficient force for producing the latching of radial collar 44 and latching fingers 79 and further to cancel the latching between latching head 45 and cap-side lugs 47 may be provided.

The tongues 77 of the piston 54 are on both sides of the metering chamber 40 overlapping. Accordingly, in this position, the substance subset 14 can not trickle out even partially. Rather, this is safely trapped in the dosing chamber 40. This counteracts double dosing in the case of inhalation which has not been carried out and subsequent closure via the closure cap 7. Further, the device 1 in the removal-ready position B of the metering chamber 40 can also be set aside. Even customary impacts against the device 1 do not lead to trickling out of the substance subset 14 to be inhaled, which would falsify the inhalation result.

The inhalation process is self-triggering by Saugluftbeaufschlagung by the user, in the simplest way by inhalation. Air is sucked in via the mouthpiece 6, which initially causes the piston 54 to move axially in the direction of the ceiling 64 by applying air to the piston head 76. The trigger pressure is in the illustrated embodiment at about 2 kgPa. The triggering occurs largely abruptly.

The upper free edge region of the piston head 76 occurs in the raised position on the underside against an annular wall 80 of the ceiling 64. The now surrounding the free edge region of the piston head 76 annular space of the inner cylinder 53 is radially expanded, whereby the piston 54 in the region of the piston head 76 flows radially around , This results in a main air flow a, which flows through the grid wall portion 59, the radial openings 58, 58 'and 58 "passing into the Kolbenkopf-Veragerungsbereich 56 and passes through the radially outwardly of the piston head 76 left annular space through the openings 71 into the annular chamber 63 About this Lufstrwegweg approximately 85 to 90% of the total inhaled air volume is transported.

At the same time air is sucked directly into the annular chamber 63 via the always open radial air inlet openings 72, to specify the vortex direction in the annular chamber 63.

By the axially displaced piston 54, the tongues 77 are also axially displaced to release the metering chamber 40. A supporting effect for the axial displacement of the piston 54 is achieved in that the tongues 77 receiving guide ungs section 55 in the direction of the piston head 76 easily extended so that the friction between the tongues 77 and the wall of the guide portion 55 is reduced. The friction between the tongues 44 and the flat part of the dosing rod 33 is minimized to the area of the sealing surfaces 78th The metering chamber 40 is located thereafter in a removal release position F, in which it is released in the flow path between the flow channel 60 and channel intermediate section 61. About 10 to 15% of the inhaled air volume is transported in the illustrated embodiment about this substance transport airflow b.

The metering chamber is cleared by sucking from the sides of the flow channel 60, this further from the smaller opening area in the direction of the larger opening area of the metering chamber 40. The double deflection by about 45 ° in the angled channel intermediate portion 61 and from there into the axially aligned channel 62nd leads in the manner of a flapper effect to a first break up of larger powder particles, which further leads to an improved inhalation result.

The over the channel 62 axially in the annular chamber 63 at a relatively high speed incoming, substance-laden air flow is deflected via the deflection baffle wall 73 and supported by the initial flow from the radial Luf teintrittsöffnungen 72 in the direction of rotation. At this deflection rebound wall wing 73, further breakup of larger powder particles takes place.

As a result of this embodiment, the substance-laden air flow is conducted outside the piston area. The piston 54 is flowed around only with powder-free air.

In the annular chamber 63, an optimal distribution of the substance subset 14 to be inhaled is achieved. The substance-laden air exits through the gaps 67 for inhalation. Relatively heavy, possibly not or not sufficiently broken powder particles are directed at the latest over the breaker 74 into the annular space 68. In the annular chamber 63, the first substantially axially flowing air streams a and b are directed in a common horizontal direction of circulation to hereafter together under axial enforcement of the ceiling 64 in the mouthpiece 6.

The user is given several features for successful inhalation. On the one hand, optical control is provided by the fact that the piston 54 is held in its raised position after an intake-air lifting due to the given, albeit small frictional forces. By the radially outwardly open flow channel 60 of the piston 54 and its tongues 77 can be seen in the removal standby position B. This can be further supported by an optically striking coloring of the tongues 77. After inhalation and correspondingly raised piston 54, the tongues 77 are not visible. Rather, a clear view of the empty metering chamber 40 is given. Also, the striking of the piston 54 on the underside of the ceiling 64 is detected both acoustically and haptically.

After inhalation, but alternatively also in case of unwanted inhalation from the removal-ready position B out, the cap 7 is screwed back, being first by means of loading the locking head 45 by the lugs 47, the locking between the radial collar 44 and the locking fingers 79 is repealed. The holding forces of this latching connection are set correspondingly smaller than the force measure for deflecting the lugs 47. In the course of the further screw displacement of the closure cap 7, the piston 54 is moved back to its basic position via the metering-rod-side radial collar 44. At the same time wkd moved under axial displacement and corresponding rotational movement of the metering rod 33 downwards into the storage chamber. The Schieberückverlagerung of the piston 54 via the dosing 33 ends with stop the free, tripping end ends the tongues 77 on the facing ceiling surface of the cylinder part 27. Upon further downward displacement of the displacement, the lugs 47 terminate in the annular groove 46 of the metering rod 33. This final locking is audible to the user and haptic perceived as a completed closing process. So it is also ensured that a entrainment of Dosierstabes 33 and thus the metering chamber 40 in the take-ready position B causing locking between Dosierstab 33 and cap 7 is achieved only in the lowest position of the Dosierstabes 33, in which position the filling of the metering 40th is made. Accordingly, a filled metering chamber 40 is always provided when lifting the metering rod 33.

A Pehlbe operation is certainly counteracted. Improper closure of the device 1 during the next inhalation attempt means that the correspondingly not raised dosing rod 33 closes the passage between the flow channel 60 and the channel intermediate section 61 with its flat part section on the one hand. On the other hand, the metering rod 33 continues to act on the associated surface of the piston head 76 via the radial collar 44. Accordingly, no air flow can be built up in an inhalation test due to the closure of the flow channel 60 and the blockage of the piston 54 (with the exception of the low flow over the small radial air inlet openings 72). The user is given a clear signal that there is a malposition. This can only be remedied by properly closing the device 1.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. Reference list

1 device

2 substance 3 housing

4 outer cylinders

5 radial stage

6 mouthpiece

7 Cap 8 female thread

9 external thread

10 ribs

11 grooves

12 ring shoulder 13 actuating handle

14 substance subset

15 pantry

16 pressure floor

17 Compression spring 18 Bottom cap

19 snap collar

20 inner shoulder

21 hollow piston

22 ring lip 23 standing pins

24 spring chamber

25 desiccant capsule

26 chamber ceiling

27 cylinder section 28 rotary part 29 wings

30 rotor ring

31 sealing bush

32 guide opening 33 dosing rod

34 housing section

35 ring seal

36 radial arms

37 Display projection 38 Window

39 level indicator

40 dosing chamber

41 docking point

42 Cap cover 43 Hollow cylinder

44 radial collar

45 locking head

46 annular groove

47 noses 48 mouthpiece opening

49 dispersing part

50 wall

51 ceiling section

52 desiccant capsule 53 inner cylinder

54 pistons

55 guide section

56 piston head displacement area

57 Area wall 58 Radial opening 58 'radial opening 58 "radial opening

59 Grid Wall Abraham

60 flow channel 61 channel intermediate section

62 channel

63 ring chamber

64 blanket

65 wings 66 wings

67 spaces

68 annulus

69 flange

70 ring collars 71 openings

72 air inlets

73 deflecting rebound wall wing

74 breakers

75 Slant 76 Piston head

77 tongues

78 sealing surfaces

79 snap fingers

80 ring wall

x device axis

B Take-off ready position F Take-off release position R Rotor St stator

U crossing point

α angle gaps 67 ß angle wing 66

5 angle wings 65

a main air flow b substance transport air flow

Claims

1. Dosage device (1) activatable by the suction flow of the user

Inhalation of a powdered substance (2), in particular of a medical nature, which is discharged from a storage chamber (15) when the mouthpiece is removed.

Cap (7) by means of a metering chamber (40) in a closed emptying ungs-ready position (B) can be brought and from this by means of the user suction air flow in the direction of the mouthpiece (6) can be removed by opening the closed position, characterized by two air flow paths (A, B), one of which opens the emptying stand-off position (B) of the metering chamber (40) and the second directly into a mouthpiece (6) upstream annular chamber (63) leads, where both air streams meet.

2. Metering device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the one air stream (a) is sucked through a grid wall section (59).

3. Dosing device according to one or more of claims 1 and 2 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the air inlet

Grid surface on the outer cylinder (4) on that side of the metering rod (33), which is opposite to the emptying direction of the metering chamber (40).

4. Dosing device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that at the level of the metering chamber (40) in a emptying standby position (B) occupied position below the air entrainment Gitterf on the metering chamber (40) directed flow channel (60) is arranged.

5. Metering device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a part of the wings (65) is designed wider in the circumferential direction Umf to the formation of a deflecting Abprallwandfiügels (73) for the suction air flow.

6. Metering device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the latching head (45) of the metering rod (33) is at least partially sunk into the upper recess of the disk piston (54).

7. Metering device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that mantelwand- side of the closure cap (7) moving inner cylinder (53) an axially extending channel (62) is provided, from the discharge side of the metering chamber ( 40) goes out and in the annular chamber (63) ends _/ being provided for deflecting the axial air flow direction in the circulation plane of the deflection baffle (73).

8. Dosing device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in alignment with the dosing chamber (40) - in the closed release-ready position (Fig. 10) - a channel (60) on the one tongue (77) is directed, in particular for optical control.

9. Dosing device (1) which can be activated by the suction air flow of the user for inhaling a powdery substance (2), in particular of a medical nature, according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston (54), which is plate-shaped in the upper region, starts with the plate underside, the metering chamber (40) - or several metering chambers - in the discharge emptying standby position (Fig. 1) closing tongues (77) is provided, which release the dosing chamber (40) at the piston displacement caused by the user suction air flow.

10. Dosing device according to claim 9 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper edge of the piston (54) in its upper end position in front of an annular wall (80) occurs, which belongs to an annular chamber (63).

11. dosing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Ceiling (64) of the annular chamber (63) is provided with edge-projecting, projecting wings (65, 66), which leave between them spaces (67).

12. Metering device according to claim 10, characterized in that above the ceiling (64) of the annular chamber (63) an inclined standing baffle wall (51) is provided.

13. Dosing device according to one or more of claims 1 to 4 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the interior of the inner cylinder (53) is fully available for free distribution for the sucked through the air inlet grille surface air and with the annular chamber (63) is in fluid communication.

14. Metering device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the jacket wall of the outer cylinder (4) has at least one, preferably two radially opposite air inlet openings (72).

15. Metering device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the air inlet openings (72) under specification of a common flow direction directed tangentially into the annular chamber (63) open.

16. Dosing device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the region of the upper layer of the substance supply a rotor-like wing (29) is clipped at the bottom of the inner cylinder (53), which is provided with an inwardly directed stator Shoulder of the storage chamber wall cooperates and in

Touch lies to the stator-shaped shoulder.

17. Dosing device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized by a true level associated with the display (39) in the region of the storage chamber wall.

18. Metering device according to claim 17 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the upward movement of the metering chamber piston (16) is stopped.

19. Dosing device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized by two desiccant capsules (25 and 52) in the two end regions of the inhaler.

20. Metering device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dosing rod in its high position (Fig. 10) releasably latched.

21. Metering device according to claim 20 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a radial collar of the dosing rod (33) moves behind latching fingers (79) which are formed on the ceiling (64).