EP2398538A2

EP2398538A2 - Atomizer

Info

Publication number: EP2398538A2
Application number: EP10709956A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lothar Kiesewetter
Original assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
Current assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
Priority date: 2009-02-18
Filing date: 2010-02-10
Publication date: 2011-12-28
Also published as: JP2012517831A; WO2010094413A8; CA2752677A1; US20120132199A1; WO2010094413A3; WO2010094413A2

Abstract

A simply designed atomizer for atomizing a pharmaceutical preparation used for medical aerosol treatment is proposed. The pharmaceutical preparation is held without residual gas in a cloth-type bag comprising two annular pieces of film. A delivery plunger is pneumatically driven and is sealed using a tubular seal.

Description

atomizer

The present invention relates to a nebulizer according to the preamble of claim 1, 5 or 13 and a method for nebulizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation.

The present invention relates in particular to a nebulizer with a piston pump for the high-precision dosing of a pharmaceutical preparation or the like, and subsequent atomization into a very fine spray mist.

The starting point of the present invention is an atomizer in the form of an inhaler, as described in WO 2006/125577 A2. The nebulizer has, as a reservoir for a pharmaceutical preparation to be nebulized, an insertable, rigid container with an inner bag with the drug preparation and a delivery device with a piston and an associated drive spring for delivery and atomization of the pharmaceutical preparation. In the known atomizer, the drive spring must be clamped manually before each atomization can take place. The known atomizer is composed of relatively many parts and requires very low manufacturing tolerances.

The present invention has for its object to provide an atomizer and a method for atomizing a particular medical fluid, with a simple, inexpensive and / or robust construction and / or a simple operation are possible.

The above object is achieved by a nebulizer according to claim 1, 5 or 13 or by a method according to claim 15. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention resides in that a delivery device of the atomizer has a piston displaceable in a cylinder and an associated roll or hose seal for sealing between cylinder and piston. This allows a very simple, cost-effective and, in particular, dense construction, whereby frictional forces against conventional Cherweise used ring seal o. The like. Can be substantially reduced. This facilitates the operation or the drive.

A second aspect of the present invention resides in the fact that the delivery device has a pump which can be operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic working medium in order to pressurize the particular medical fluid and to disperse it via a discharge nozzle or, for example, as a jet or in another way , This allows a very simple operation. In particular, manual clamping of a drive spring or the like is dispensed with.

A third aspect of the present invention is that the conveyor is drivable with a hydraulic or pneumatic working fluid and has a pressure booster to increase the pressure acting on the liquid pressure against the working fluid. For this purpose, in particular a double or stepped piston is used, which preferably simultaneously represents a pump piston for the liquid. This allows a very simple, cost-effective and / or compact design, whereby even at high working pressures of the working medium very high output pressures and thus in particular a very good atomization can be achieved.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is that the conveyor has a pressure vessel with a hydraulic or pneumatic working medium to pressurize the particular medical liquid and output in a desired manner, in particular via a discharge nozzle, wherein the pressure vessel at least partially resilient - For example, by a wave-shaped wall - is formed to reduce the pressure drop of the pressurized working medium in particular multiple use of the atomizer. This allows a particularly compact and therefore simple and inexpensive and robust construction of the atomizer.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is to form the reservoir from a bag of two pieces of film connected together in a circumferential or annular connection region and / or the Bag flap-like, ring-shaped or disc-shaped form. This allows a particularly simple and inexpensive construction. Particularly preferably, the reservoir consists exclusively of the bag. The bag is very easy to produce with flat, circumferential and / or annular connections, in particular by welding, sealing, gluing or the like. In particular, gussets are avoided in the bag, which are problematic in the sealing.

A sixth aspect of the present invention resides in that the atomizer or a reservoir, such as the bag, has a non-return valve which opens and reverses automatically to discharge the liquid in the dispensing direction, the non-return valve being opposite to the dispensing direction, in particular for filling the reservoir - is magnetically or electrically or mechanically apparent. This allows a very simple structure and a very simple filling of the atomizer or reservoir. Such a reservoir can thus be realized and claimed independently of the atomizer.

The individual aspects and other features of the present invention may be implemented independently of each other and / or in any combination with each other.

Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 shows a schematic section of a proposed atomizer with a closed cover. Figure 2 is a schematic section of the atomizer without cover during atomization.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial enlargement of a control valve of the atomizer in an unactuated state; FIG. - A-

Fig. 4 is a representation corresponding to Figure 3 of the control valve in the actuated state for atomization.

FIG. 5 shows a representation of the control valve corresponding to FIG. 3 according to a variant embodiment in the unactuated state; FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a representation of the control valve corresponding to FIG. 4 according to the embodiment variant according to FIG. 5, but in the actuated state for atomization; FIG.

7 shows a schematic section of the atomizer in the region of a

Piston with a roller or hose seal;

Figure 8 is a schematic section of a reservoir of the atomizer in the installed state with a connection and output piece.

Fig. 9 is a schematic section through the reservoir in the unfilled

Condition for clarifying the production,

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the reservoir of FIG. 9; FIG. and

11 shows a schematic section of the atomizer according to a further embodiment variant.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

1 shows in a schematic section a proposed atomizer 1 for atomizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation 2. In particular, the atomizer 1 is an inhaler for a medical or therapeutic aerosol therapy. However, the term "liquid" is preferably also to be understood as meaning other fluids, dispersions, mixtures of solutions and dispersions) or the like. Fig. 1 shows the atomizer 1 in the unactuated or closed state, in particular with a cover 3. Fig. 2 shows the atomizer 1 in a corresponding to Fig. 1, a schematic section, but without cover 3 and in the actuated state or during the Atomization or output.

The atomizer 1 has a reservoir for the liquid to be dispensed, which is preferably formed here by a bag 4. On the preferred construction of the bag 4 will be discussed later in more detail.

The atomizer 1 preferably has a conveying device 5 in order to pressurize the liquid 2, in particular in individual cans, and to disperse it via a discharge nozzle 6 of the atomizer 1 or to dispense it in some other way, for example as a jet. The discharge nozzle 6 is shown only schematically.

The conveyor 5 is preferably drivable by a hydraulic or pneumatic working medium 7. In particular, the conveyor 5 has a pump, more preferably a metering and / or piston pump, or forms such. This is preferably drivable by the working medium 7, in particular in order to pressurize the liquid and to disperse it via the discharge nozzle 6 or to dispense it in some other way.

The atomizer 1 preferably has a pressure vessel 8 for or with the working medium 7. Particularly preferably, the pressure vessel 8 is formed as an insertable and / or connectable, for example screw-on cartridge. The working medium 7 is preferably air or other gas, such as carbon dioxide.

According to an independently realizable aspect of the present invention, the pressure vessel 8 or its wall is preferably prestressed and / or at least partially elastically deformable to increase its volume. This will be explained later with reference to FIG. 11 by way of example.

The pressure vessel 8 is gas-tight by means of a suitable connection to the conveyor 5 and / or an interposed control valve 9 of the atomizer 1 connected. The conveying device 5 or pump has a piston 10 or a pump section 16 in order to suck in, pump, meter and / or pressurize the liquid to be dispensed and to disperse and / or dispense via the expression nozzle 6. The piston 10 or its working portion 17 is preferably drivable by the working medium 7. However, in principle, another drive can be provided.

The piston 10 or its pump section 16 is preferably displaceable and / or guided in a cylinder 11. It should be noted that the piston 10 and the pump section 16 are preferably cylindrical and the cylinder 11 are formed correspondingly hollow cylindrical; However, in principle, other, matched cross-sectional shapes are possible.

By reciprocating the piston 10 or pump section 16 in the cylinder 11 is alternately liquid from the reservoir or bag 4 in a pump chamber 12 sucked (suction stroke) and then on the discharge nozzle 6 can be dispensed (pressure or Zerstäubungshub).

The atomizer 1, the reservoir or the bag 4 or the conveyor 5 preferably has an inlet valve or first check valve 13, as shown in the detail of FIG. 8, to the reservoir or the bag 4 fluidly with the pump chamber 12 connect so that during the suction stroke liquid from the bag 4 is sucked into the pump chamber 12, but during the pressure or Zerstäubungshubs no liquid is fed back into the bag 4.

Furthermore, the atomizer 1 or the conveying device 5 preferably has an outlet valve or second check valve 14 which is arranged between the pump chamber 12 and the discharge nozzle 6 in order to allow air to be drawn through the discharge nozzle 6 into the pump chamber 12 during the suction stroke prevent and allow an output of the liquid from the pump chamber 12 via the discharge nozzle 6 during the pressure or Zerstäubungshub.

During the intake stroke, the inlet or first check valve 13 opens and closes the outlet or second check valve 14. Bungshub closes the inlet or first check valve 13 and opens the outlet and second check valve 14th

The pump chamber 12 is formed or limited in the illustrated example essentially by the piston 10 and the cylinder 11 and possibly the valves 13 and 14.

The (lower) position of the piston 10 shown in FIG. 1 after the suction stroke, ie before the pressure or Zerstäubungshub, in the present invention düng referred to as the initial position. The (upper) position of the piston 10 shown in Fig. 2 after completion of the pressure or Zerstäubungshubs and before the then subsequent suction stroke is referred to in the present invention as an end position. The stroke between the two positions determines the quantity or dose of liquid dispensed.

The atomizer 1 or the conveyor 5 or pump preferably has a return means, in particular a spring 15, which is associated with the piston 10 in particular for returning to the initial position. In particular, the suction stroke or the suction of liquid from the reservoir or bag 4 is effected by the force of the restoring means or the spring 15. However, other design solutions are also possible.

The atomizer 1 or the conveyor 5 preferably has a pressure booster in order to increase the pressure acting on the liquid pressure compared to the pressure of the working medium 7. The pressure intensifier is formed in particular by a double and / or stepped piston, which is here preferably formed by the piston 10. The stepped piston preferably also forms the pump piston acting directly on the liquid at the same time. However, other constructive solutions are possible. In particular, the pressure intensifier can also be designed independently of or mechanically separate from the pump, the pump piston or the like, for example acting on an intermediate medium and / or via a gear on the pump or the pump piston or the like.

In the illustrated example, the piston 10 is designed as a double piston, which is on the one hand driven by the working fluid 7 and on the other hand the Liquid pumps. Here, the working medium 7 engages a larger effective cross-section of the piston 10, whereas the piston 10 presses with a contrast smaller cross-section of the liquid to achieve the desired pressure increase.

Particularly preferably, the stepped piston or piston 10 has a relatively thin pump section 16, which is associated with the pump chamber 12 and engages in this, and the opposite the pump section 16 in cross-section preferably substantially enlarged working portion 17, in particular dense in a cylinder I Ia is movable or guided. For example, the working portion 17 has a diameter of about 5 mm and the pump portion 16 has a diameter of less than 2 mm. The stroke of the piston 10 is preferably about 10 mm.

Particularly preferably, the piston 10, in particular double or stepped piston, integrally formed. It is preferably made of metal, ceramic or other suitable material or composite material.

In the illustrated example, the spring 15 is preferably supported with one end on a shoulder at the transition of the working section 17 to the pump section 16. With the other end, the spring 15 engages, for example, in a ring portion which surrounds the cylinder 11 on the outside. However, other constructive solutions are possible here.

The working portion 17 is associated with a working space 18, as shown in Fig. 2, which can be acted upon by the working medium 7 to act on the working portion 17 and the pressure booster or the piston 10, in particular the latter to drive.

The loading of the working space 18 or working portion 17 with the working medium 7 is controlled by the control valve 9.

Fig. 3 shows in a partial view of the atomizer 1 very schematically the control valve 9 in the unactuated state. In this state, the working space 18 is vented to the outside. In the exemplary embodiment, this takes place via a corresponding valve element 19, which is provided with a venting element. tungskanal 20 is provided, which connects the working space 18 with the environment.

Fig. 4 shows in a corresponding to Fig. 3 representation, the control valve 9 in the actuated position. Here, a connection channel 21 of the valve element 19 formed in particular by a through-bore connects the pressure vessel 8 to the working space 18, so that the working section 17 or piston 10 is pressurized or driven by the working medium 7. The arrows in Fig. 4 indicate the flow of the working medium 7 at.

For actuation or conversion of the valve element 19, the control valve 9 preferably has an associated handle 22 or another actuating element.

The control valve 9 may for example be designed such that it remains in the actuated state only during an actuation of the handle 22 or for a certain time or only until the piston 10 has reached the end position. However, the control valve 9 may also be designed so that it is from the actuated in the unactuated state and vice versa in each case only by operation of the handle 22 o. The like. Configurable.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control valve 9 is preferably designed as a rotary valve or ball valve. Fig. 5 and 6 show in Fig. 3 and 4 corresponding representations an embodiment of the control valve 9 as a slide valve. The function is the same here.

The handle 22 of the control valve 9 has - preferably biased from plastic parts - in particular two stable layers, namely on the one hand the unactuated position (Figures 3 and 5) and the actuated position (Figures 4 and 6). The handle 22 or another operating element is preferably designed as a pivot lever or push button. Depending on requirements, it is possible to provide a translation between the handle 22 and valve element 19 and / or the control valve 9 with a lock, for. B. against unintentional operation o. The like., To provide. The control valve 9 is preferably designed in such a way that it always returns to the stationary or unactuated state (FIGS. 3 and 5), for example by means of a rotation or translation spring (not shown).

Starting from the state of the atomizer 1 shown in Fig. 1 (the piston 10 is in the initial position), the control valve 9 can be actuated after the cover 3 has been opened or removed (if necessary, a coupling or blocking of the control valve 9 is provided so that when the cover 3 is closed no actuation of the control valve 9 and thus no output of liquid 2 is possible). By the actuation of the control valve 9 and thus of the atomizer 1, the piston 10 is driven by the working medium 7 and the fluid in the pump chamber 12 is pressurized and discharged through the (optional) second check valve 14 and the discharge nozzle 6, in particular atomized until the piston 10 reaches its final position.

When the control valve 9 subsequently returns to the unactuated state or is reset, the working space 18 is vented and the piston 10 can return in particular only by the force of the return means (spring 15) under suction of liquid in the pump chamber 12 back to its initial position ,

This results in a very simple, user-friendly handling.

When removing liquid collapses the bag 4. This is due to its flexible training easily and virtually without pressure loss possible. Accordingly, the liquid is very easily sucked from the reservoir into the pump chamber 12, so that the force of the spring 15 need not be very large. This is the sputtering beneficial because the spring force must be overcome during the pressure or Zerstäubungshub.

Preferably, the spring 15 is biased installed to always ensure a full provision of the piston 10 in the initial position. In order to achieve the most uniform possible atomization, a pressure control or regulation for the working medium 7 may be provided. In particular, if necessary, a pressure control or regulating valve can be provided in order to keep the working pressure of the working medium 7 acting on the piston 10 or the pressure intensifier as constant as possible. Particularly preferably, the control valve 9 is then formed directly as a pressure control or control valve. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

Additionally or alternatively, the atomizer 1 or the control valve 9 may also have a Sprühzeiteinstellung. This can be achieved, for example, by using a discharge nozzle 6 with a corresponding flow resistance, the use of a throttle or the like.

The pressure of the working medium 7 in the pressure vessel 8 is preferably about 1 to 5 MPa, in particular about 2 to 3 MPa.

The pressure booster is preferably designed to increase the pressure by at least a factor of 5, in particular by a factor of 10 or more.

The atomizer 1 is preferably designed in such a way that the liquid in the conveying device 5 or in the pumping chamber 12 reaches a pressure of substantially 5 MPa to 60 MPa, in particular approximately 10 MPa to 50 MPa, due to the force of the working medium 7 , In the case of the dispensing or atomization of the liquid, it is particularly preferred to achieve a pressure of about 5 to 60 MPa, in particular about 10 to 30 MPa, at the discharge nozzle 6 or at the nozzle orifice (s) thereof. The liquid is then transferred into a spray 23 (aerosol), as indicated schematically in FIG.

The droplets of the spray 23 have an aerodynamic diameter of preferably at most 20 microns, preferably about 3 microns to 10 microns.

If necessary, the sputtering effect or the sputtering effect can be effected or further assisted by outputting a plurality of jets from the dispensing nozzle 6, which are located immediately after the dispensing nozzle 6 cross. Alternatively or additionally, this can also be achieved a slowing down of the exit velocity or expansion rate of the spray 23.

The amount of liquid applied per stroke or dose is preferably about 10 microns to 50 microns, more preferably about 15 microns.

The discharge duration per pressure or Zerstäubungshub is preferably 1 to 2 seconds or about 1 to 2 breaths of a user, not shown.

7 shows in a very schematic section a region of the conveyor 5 or pump, specifically a preferred sealing of the piston 10 with respect to the cylinder 11. Preferably, the piston 10 is a roller or hose seal 24 for sealing between the cylinder 11 and piston 10th assigned. The seal 24 consists for example of a film tube or other suitable piece of material that hermetically seals the pump chamber 12 at one end and is reversibly deformed by the piston 10 by its reciprocation. In particular, the seal 24 rolls up and down during piston movement on the piston 10 and / or in the cylinder 11. Thus, with low dead volume and hermetic or tight seal between the piston 10 and cylinder 1 1 a very low friction can be achieved. In addition, there is a very simple structure.

If desired, the seal 24 may also be integrally formed with the bag 4 or a piece of film of the bag 4 and / or be connected thereto.

The seal 24 is made of preferably very soft and / or gas-tight material.

In the illustrated example, the seal 24 with an end portion 25, for example, between the cylinder 11 forming cylinder members 26 and 27 clamped and / or held tight. However, other constructive solutions are possible. The roll or hose seal 24 is particularly preferably formed by a sealing hose, which is pulled over the piston 10 during assembly and formed in the partially recessed functional region with its preferably flange-like end portion 25 as a sealing disk and / or the cylinder Lind 1 1 used or is trapped.

The annular gap between the piston 10 and the cylinder wall preferably corresponds substantially to twice the wall thickness of the hose material. During the reciprocation of the piston 10, the hose rolls off accordingly.

The aforementioned roll or hose seal 24 may alternatively or additionally also be used for sealing against the working medium 7, that is to say on the drive side in the working space 18 or for the working portion 17. The proposed roll or hose seal 24 is particularly preferably used at the same time a sealing of the working space 18 and a sealing of the working medium 7 with respect to the liquid.

The nebulizer 1 has minimal friction losses during use. The roll or hose seal 24 has a much lower friction than common sliding piston seals. Furthermore, the manufacturing tolerance is much lower because, for example, components with high surface quality are not required and no special fit of the piston 10 in the cylinder 11 is required.

The proposed roll or hose seal 24 may, if necessary, also be replaced by a bellows-type membrane or the like.

The use of the roll or hose seal 24 for the liquid and / or the working medium 7 is preferably also independent of other aspects of the present invention, in particular in other nebulizers or inhalers or other output devices used.

According to the proposal, atomization of the liquid takes place in a particularly simple manner. After opening the atomizer 1 or the cover 3, the control valve 9 is actuated. The working medium 7 acts on the piston 10 such that the piston 10 moves against the force of the spring 15 in the end position moves and the liquid in the pump chamber 12 is pressurized and discharged through the discharge nozzle 6 and atomized. Subsequently, liquid from the reservoir - here the bag 4 - sucked by the piston 10 into the pump chamber 12. Here, the piston 10 is moved back by the force of the spring 15 back to the initial position after the control valve 9 is returned or returned to its original position or venting or its unactuated state, ie when the working space 18 is vented, so that on the Piston 10 or working portion 17 is at least sufficiently reduced or eliminated.

The atomizer 1 can optionally be closed and stored again with the piston 10 in the initial position or the end position. If the atomizer 1 is to be storable with the piston 10 in the end position for a long time, a locking device not shown o. The like. Be provided to lock the piston 10 in the final position can mechanically. This lock can be unlocked, for example, by opening the cover 3.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the cover 3 to control, actuate and / or block the control valve 9. For example, the cover 3 may be coupled to the control valve 9 or other means such that upon opening the cover 3, the control valve 9 in the unactuated state or the ventilation position - at least temporarily - switches and vents the working space 18. This would be useful if the atomizer 1 can be stored with the piston 10 in the end position when the cover 3 is closed.

The cover 3, for example, but also be evident in several stages and at the same time serve as an actuator or handle 22 or work. Thus, for example, the actuation of the control valve 9 can be triggered by the fact that the cover 3 reaches its open end position or slightly further opened from its normal end position against spring force to flow the working fluid 7 in the working space 18 and to cause the atomization. Furthermore, it is also possible for the cover 3 and / or another atomizer or housing part to cover or block the control valve 9 or its handle 22 in the closed state such that the control valve 9 or the handle 22 is only open when the atomizer 1 is open is operable.

As already mentioned, the reservoir for the liquid is particularly preferably designed as a bag 4. 8 shows, in a very schematic section of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bag 4 with an associated connecting piece 28, in which preferably the first check valve 13 or another inlet valve is integrated, the second check valve 14 or another Exhaust valve and the discharge nozzle 6 are mounted or mounted on the connector 28 in the illustration of FIG. 8. The bag 4 is preferably flexible or deformable, in particular very soft.

Fig. 8 shows the bag 4 with an approximately parabolic curved shape in the section, which he can take as an example in the atomizer 1. However, the bag 4 can basically take any other form. Fig. 9 shows a schematic section of the bag 4 with associated connector 28 in the transferred state, for example, at or immediately after the production position. FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the bag 4 according to FIG. 9.

The bag 4 is preferably constructed of two pieces of film 29, 30, which are in particular connected to each other only in a circumferential or annular or outer connection region 31. Particularly preferably, the film pieces 29, 30 by gluing, sealing, in particular heat-sealing, or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, connected to each other.

The connecting region 31 is preferably at least substantially planar.

The film pieces 29, 30 are preferably connected to each other only with their inner sides.

Particularly preferably, the film pieces 29, 30 are not bent at the transition to the connection region 31. Rather, go the film pieces 29, 30th preferably at least substantially flat or smooth in the connecting region 31 via; this is especially true in the installed state.

The film pieces 29, 30 are each preferably at least substantially disc-shaped or annular and / or integrally formed (in particular seamless). In particular, they each form a closed ring. This minimizes required welding or other connections.

Preferably, the bag 4 or its flexible wall is formed only from the two film pieces 29, 30.

The bag 4 is preferably formed flap-like, annular or disc-shaped and / or flat and / or gore-free.

Preferably, the connecting piece 28 is connected directly to the bag 4 or the film pieces 29, 30. For this purpose, the connecting piece 28 preferably has a connecting region 32, which is designed in particular circumferentially and / or annularly and / or at least substantially flat.

The film pieces 29, 30 are preferably connected to each other by gluing or welding, in particular laser or ultrasonic welding.

The film pieces 29, 30 are preferably connected by gluing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, with the connection region 32.

Preferably, the connector 28 has two separate terminal portions 32 which are connected or connectable with two different pieces of film 29, 30 or sides of the bag 4. In particular, these connection regions 32 are arranged on opposite sides of the connecting piece 28 and / or coaxially or one above the other. In particular, the terminal regions 32 are preferably away from one another.

Particularly preferably, the connecting piece 28 has a flange, in particular annular flange 33, for forming a connection region 32 or the two connection regions 32 for the bag 4, as indicated in FIG. 9. The terminal portions 32 are then preferably on the front or axial sides of the Flange formed. The connecting regions 32 are preferably both annularly formed or closed to allow or ensure a simple continuous or circumferential or closed seal or connection with the film pieces 29, 30.

The connecting piece 28 or the annular flange 33 is preferably inserted into an at least substantially planar surface area of a piece of film 29 or 30 or both pieces of film 29, 30.

Preferably, the connector 28 has a connection channel 34 for the fluidic connection of the bag 4. The connecting channel 34 preferably extends radially through the flange 33. For this purpose, the flange 33 may be thickened in the region of the connecting channel 34 as needed or circumferentially have a sufficient thickness.

In Fig. 9, the flange 33 is shown with a substantially constant axial thickness. Preferably, the bag 4 is designed such that it can be filled with the liquid at least substantially free of air or residual gas bubbles, in particular by applying a vacuum to the bag interior before filling. In order to enable or support this at least substantially air-free or restgasblasen- free filling of the bag 4, the flange 33 may be conically tapered according to a particularly preferred embodiment outwardly or towards the outer edge, preferably a decreasing to a minimum value have axial thickness. However, other constructive solutions are possible here.

Preferably, the connecting piece 28 is provided with at least one valve, here the inlet or first check valve 13 is provided.

If necessary, the connecting piece 28 can also form the pump chamber 12 and / or the cylinder 11 or a cylinder component 26 or 27 or the like. Here are various constructive solutions possible. According to one embodiment variant, the valve 13 accommodated by the connecting piece 28 is set back into the connecting channel 34 in such a way as to offset a central through-bore of the connecting piece 28 in such a way that the piston 10 rests against the valve 13 can move past in the bore of the connecting piece 28, so that there, too, the pump chamber 12 can be formed.

The bag 4 or the pieces of film 29, 30 are preferably flexibly formed. In particular, a corresponding film or other material is used for the production or formation of the film pieces 29, 30.

The bag 4 or the film material is preferably not only liquid-tight but also largely gastight. In particular, composite material such as a metallized or laminated film, a multilayer film structure or the like can be used for this purpose. This should all fall under the term "foil" or "foil material".

Furthermore, the film with a sealing layer o. The like. Be provided inside to allow or facilitate lamination or sealing in the connection region 31 and / or connection region 32.

Fig. 10 shows that the connecting portion 31 and the connecting portion 32 are each preferably formed annular or circumferential.

The proposed atomizer 1 is very easy to handle and very simple.

To use the atomizer 1 only two steps are necessary. First, the cover 3 must be opened. Subsequently, the atomization is triggered by actuation of the control valve 9 (if the piston 10 is already in the initial position). The operation is very simple, since the power supply through the pressure vessel 8 with the working medium 7, for example, compressed air, is integrated. Subsequently, the control valve 9 is returned to the unactuated position and the cover 3 is closed, wherein the provision of the control valve 9 can possibly also be done automatically or after releasing the handle 22 or by closing the cover 3.

The nebulizer 1 has a very safe operation and in particular complete application of a dose of the liquid. Preferably, he is namely designed so that upon actuation of the control valve 9 is always a full pressure or Zerstäubungshub the piston 10. Due to the internal power supply incomplete operation or incorrect operation is excluded.

The proposed atomizer 1 is preferably pneumatically driven. This allows a very easy formation of the atomizer. 1

The liquid is preferably not under pressure in the reservoir or bag 4, even if this is possible in principle. The pressure generation is preferably carried out - at least primarily - by the piston pump or conveyor 5.

The working medium 7 is preferably always separated from the liquid and in particular is not applied together with this, even if this is possible in principle.

The liquid is stored and dosed in a very compact and narrow volume. This allows a very compact construction of the atomizer 1.

Furthermore, a very simple device construction is made possible, since a minimum number of components are required, since the atomizer 1 can be constructed essentially or completely from plastic parts and / or because the requirements for tolerances are low. The reservoir is formed, for example, only from two pieces of film 29, 30 and is therefore easy and inexpensive to produce.

The cover 3 is preferably designed as a pivotable protective cap. In particular, the cover 3 protects a nozzle head or the discharge nozzle 6 from dust or other contamination.

The nebulizer 1 preferably has a mouthpiece 35 shown only in phantom in FIG. 1, so that an unillustrated user can take the mouthpiece 35 for inhalation into the mouth. After actuation of the control valve 9 or triggering of the atomization is then a sputtering or dispensing the liquid directly into the mouth of the user. However, in principle Lich other other applications and uses of the atomizer 1 possible.

The atomizer 1 is preferably designed for short-term atomization of the pharmaceutical preparation 2, for example for one or two breaths. However, it can also be designed or used for longer or continuous atomization.

The proposed atomizer 1 preferably operates in particular purely mechanically and / or pneumatically. However, the atomizer 1 can basically work in any other way.

In contrast to stationary devices o. The like. The proposed atomizer 1 is preferably designed portable, in particular it is a mobile handset.

Due to its preferably cylinder-like shape and / or a handy size, in particular less than 15 cm in length and / or less than 5 cm in diameter or in width, the atomizer 1 can be carried by a user at all times.

The atomizer 1 is preferably constructed such that, starting from the discharge end, it first comprises the nozzle head or the discharge nozzle 6 and the reservoir. This is followed by the conveyor 5 or the pump. Subsequently, the energy storage or pressure vessel follows 8. However, in principle, other other arrangements are possible.

The atomizer 1 preferably has a common housing 36 for receiving the aforementioned components.

Preferably, the reservoir with the inlet and outlet valves or the first and second check valve 13, 14 and / or the nozzle head or the discharge nozzle 6 forms a first assembly which is pre-assembled. The conveyor 5 preferably forms a second assembly, which is also pre-assembled. For assembly, the two modules are installed in the housing 36.

The pressure vessel 8 is preferably subsequently usable - for example, only at the time of filling the reservoir 4 - with the liquid or the pharmaceutical preparation 2 can be used or connected. Optionally, the connection of the pressure vessel 8 also take place later.

If necessary, the pressure vessel 8 may be formed directly by a lower part of the housing 36 or form the housing 36. He may be tubular, bottle-shaped or flat as a box or disc-like.

11 shows in a very schematic, substantially corresponding to Fig. 2 representation of a Ausrührungsvariante of the atomizer 1. Here, the pressure vessel 8 forms at least one (lower) part of the housing 36 of the atomizer 1. This also represents an optionally independent feasible aspect of present invention.

Particularly preferably, the pressure vessel 8 can also be screwed onto the atomizer 1 or the housing 36 from below in the manner of a cartridge, wherein the atomizer 1 is then ready for use - before the first application. This prevents pressure losses during long storage.

The preferably at least partially elastic design of the housing 36 of the pressure vessel 8 can minimize the pressure drop even with multiple actuation or use of the atomizer 1.

11 shows a preferred partially elastic design of the pressure vessel 8 and the outer wall of the atomizer 1. The preferably corrugated container portion 38 is resiliently biased with a filled pressure vessel 8 so that the pressure drop even with multiple operation or use of the atomizer 1 opposite an inelasti- see pressure vessel 8 is preferably significantly reduced. The space in which the spring 15 is accommodated or which is sealed on the one hand by the working section 17 in the cylinder 11a and on the other hand by the pump section 16 in the cylinder 11 or by the seal 24 is preferably ventilated to the outside. In the case of the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 11, the atomiser 1 or the conveying device 5 preferably has a vent opening 39 for this purpose. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

It should be noted that individual features and aspects of the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 11 can also be combined as desired with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10.

The filling of the reservoir or the bag 4 with the liquid is preferably carried out after assembly of the nebulizer 1, preferably only at a Arzneimittelab filler. There can also be a corresponding labeling, packaging u. Like. done.

The atomizer 1 is preferably designed such that it can be sterilized before filling, for example by irradiation. For this purpose, the atomizer 1 is preferably produced at least as far as possible or entirely from a suitable plastic or the like.

Particularly preferably, the reservoir or the bag 4 is air-free or free of residual gas bubbles filled with the liquid or filled.

To fill the reservoir or bag 4, an external pressure, for example compressed air, is preferably initially applied in order to completely collapse the bag 4 and expel residual air.

For the actual filling of the reservoir or bag 4, the associated valve 13 - and, if the assembly or assembly of the atomizer 1 has already taken place, possibly also the second valve 14, is particularly preferably opened magnetically. This is done in particular by applying a filling machine, not shown, and a magnet or two magnets, which can be integrated into a filling head of the filling machine. Preferably, the valve 13 or the valves 13 and 14 has a metallic and / or in particular magnetic or magnetizable valve element 37, particularly preferably in the form of a valve ball, for a magnetic opening of the valve 13 or the valves 13, 14 - in particular against the force of a closing spring - to allow for flow with liquid opposite to the discharge direction. In the valve member 37 or other element of the valve 13 or 14, a magnetic element or a plurality of magnetic particles may be injected in plastic. These aspects of magnetic opening and injection of magnetic elements can also be implemented independently of one another and independently of the present invention in other atomizers 1 or the like.

However, the valve 13 and / or 14 may also be, for example, a solenoid valve or electromagnetically operating valve which can be opened electrically, for example, to fill the bag 4.

After filling the bag 4 in the mounted atomizer 1, the nozzle head or the discharge nozzle 6 can, if necessary, be covered by a protective closure, for example a self-adhesive protective film or the like. This must then be removed by the user before the first use.

If necessary, the proposed atomizer 1 can be used not only for atomizing the liquid but optionally also for spraying or otherwise dispensing the liquid.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 atomizer 33 ring flange

2 Pharmaceutical preparation 34 Connection channel

3 Cover 35 Mouthpiece

4 bags 36 cases

5 conveyor 40 37 valve element

6 discharge nozzle 38 container section

7 Working medium 39 Vent opening

8 pressure vessels

9 control valve

10 pistons

11 cylinders

I Ia cylinder

12 pump room

13 first check valve

14 second check valve

15 spring

16 pump section

17 working section

18 workspace

19 valve element

20 venting channel

21 connecting channel

22 handle

23 spray mist

24 Roll or hose seal r

25 end area

26 cylinder component

27 cylinder component •

28 fitting

29 pieces of film

30 pieces of film

31 connection area

32 connection area

Claims

claims:

1. atomizer (1) for atomizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation (2), with a conveyor (5), in particular metered to put the liquid under pressure and to atomize and / or dispense via a discharge nozzle (6), characterized in that the conveying device (5) has a piston (10) displaceable in a cylinder (11) and an associated roll or hose seal (24) for sealing between cylinder (11) and piston (10), and / or that the conveying device ( 5) has or forms a pump which can be operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic working medium (7) in order to pressurize the liquid and to atomise and / or dispense it via the discharge nozzle (6) and / or that the conveying device (5) with a hydraulic or pneumatic working medium (7) is drivable and has a pressure booster to the pressure acting on the liquid pressure against the working medium (7) to increase.

2. Atomiser according to claim 1, characterized in that air or other gas, in particular carbon dioxide, as working medium (7) is provided, and / or that the pump has a piston (10) driven by the working medium (7) is to pressurize the liquid to be dispensed and to dispense and / or dispense via the discharge nozzle (6), wherein a return means, in particular a spring (15), the piston (10) for resetting and / or for sucking liquid in associated with a pumping space (12).

3. Atomizer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the atomizer (1) has a pressure vessel (8) for the working medium (7), in particular wherein the pressure vessel (8) is designed as an insertable or screw-on cartridge and / or in particular wherein the pressure vessel (8) is prestressed or whose wall is at least partially elastically deformable for the reversible enlargement of its volume.

4. Atomizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure booster for increasing the pressure by at least a factor of 5, preferably about a factor of 10 or more, is formed, and / or that the pressure booster a stepped piston or double piston as the piston (10 ) for pumping the liquid.

5. Atomizer (1) for atomizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation (2), with a reservoir for the liquid, wherein the reservoir has a bag (4) for storing the liquid, characterized in that the bag (4) consists of two in a circumferential or annular connecting region (31) interconnected pieces of film (29, 30) is formed and / or that the bag (4) is formed flap-like, annular or disc-shaped and / or gore-free.

6. Atomiser according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting region (31) is at least substantially planar, and / or that the film pieces (29, 30) are connected to each other with their inner sides, and / or that the film pieces (29, 30) by gluing, sealing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, are connected to each other, and / or that at least one piece of film (29, 30) is at least substantially disc-shaped or annular.

7. An atomiser according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the atomizer (1) or the reservoir has a connecting piece (8) which is connected to the

Bag (4) in a connection region (32) is connected.

8. An atomiser according to claim 7, characterized in that the connection region (32) is circumferential and / or annular, and / or that the connection region (32) is at least substantially planar, and / or that the connecting piece (28) a film piece (29, 30) is connected, wherein the connecting piece (28) in an at least substantially flat surface portion of the film piece (29, 30) is inserted.

9. An atomiser according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the connecting piece (28) has two separate terminal portions (32) which are connected to two different pieces of film (29, 30) or sides of the bag (4), in particular wherein the terminal portions (32) on opposite sides of the connecting piece (28) are arranged and / or facing away from each other, and / or in particular wherein the connecting portions (32) are arranged coaxially and / or one above the other.

10. Atomiser according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the connecting piece (28) has a flange, in particular annular flange (23), for forming a connection region (32) or two connection regions (32) for the bag (4), in particular, wherein the connecting piece (28) has a connecting channel (34) for the fluidic connection of the bag (4), wherein the connecting channel (34) extends radially through the flange.

11. Atomiser according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the connecting piece (28) with the bag (4) or film pieces (29, 30) of the bag (4) by gluing, sealing or welding, in particular Öaser- or ultrasonic welding , Is connected, and / or that the connecting piece (28) has at least one valve (13).

12. An atomiser according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the reservoir is filled or filled free of air or residualgasblasenfrei with the liquid, and / or that the atomizer (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 4.

13. atomizer (1) for atomizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation (2), with a conveying device (5) to suck the liquid from a reservoir and / or - in particular in individual doses - to pressurize and via a discharge nozzle ( 6) to atomise and / or dispense, and with a mechanical non-return valve (13, 14), which opens at a corresponding pressure or suction to discharge the liquid in the discharge direction and closes automatically opposite, characterized that the check valve (13, 14) for the flow of liquid opposite to the discharge direction - in particular for filling the reservoir - is magnetically or electrically apparent.

14. An atomiser according to claim 13, characterized in that the check valve (13, 14) has a metallic, in particular magnetic or ra gnetisierbares valve element (37), and / or that the atomizer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26 formed is.

15. A method for atomizing a liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical preparation (2), the liquid being sucked from a reservoir through a piston (10) moved by spring force into a pump chamber (12) and then the piston (10) through a working medium (7). is acted upon so that the piston (10) moves back against the spring force and the liquid sucked into the pump chamber (12) pressurized and discharged through a discharge nozzle (6) and atomized.