Suction device

Abstract

The invention discloses an inhalation device which comprises an inhaler main body, a suction nozzle, a tank assembly, a drying module and a counting module, and the inhaler main body is provided with a trigger surface; the suction nozzle is arranged on one side of the inhaler main body, and a discharge hole is formed in the suction nozzle; the tank assembly is movably arranged in the inhaler main body, the tank assembly is configured to press out mist, and an outlet of the tank assembly is communicated with the discharge hole; the drying module is arranged around the outlet of the tank assembly, and the drying module is configured to at least dry a channel of the outlet of the tank assembly when the suction device is in the storage state; the counting module is arranged at the tail part of the tank body, and the counting module is configured to be capable of being pressed by a user to move downwards to the triggering surface and cooperatively perform dose counting when the inhalation device is in a delivery state. According to the suction device, the drying chamber is arranged to perform moisture absorption treatment on the channel of the valve rod, so that deposition or accumulation of pharmaceutical preparations in the channel of the device is limited or basically eliminated, and the service life of the device is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to an inhalation device. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known to treat patients with medications contained in aerosols, for example, in the treatment of respiratory diseases. It is also known that medications for such treatment are contained in aerosols and administered to the patient via an inhalation device comprising a mouthpiece and a housing containing an aerosol canister. Such inhalation devices are commonly referred to as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). The aerosol canister used in such inhalation devices is designed to deliver a predetermined dose of medication each time it is actuated by means of an outlet valve member (e.g., a metering slide valve) at one end, which can be opened by pressing down the valve member while the canister is stationary or by pressing down the canister while the valve member is stationary. When using such a device, the aerosol canister is placed in the housing with the outlet valve member in communication with the mouthpiece. When dispensing medication (e.g., in bronchodilator therapy), the patient holds the housing generally upright and places the mouthpiece of the inhalation device in the patient's mouth, then actuates the aerosol canister to dispense a dose of medication from the canister, which is then inhaled by the patient.

[0003] Effective drug delivery to patients using inhalation devices such as conventional MDIs may be hampered by the deposition and accumulation of expelled drug or other substances in the expulsion channel (e.g., accumulation of hygroscopic drugs in the valve stem) or other harmful effects caused by moisture seeping into the device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inhalation device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] An inhalation device, comprising: The inhaler body has a trigger surface; A mouthpiece is provided on one side of the inhaler body, and an exhaust hole is provided inside the mouthpiece; A canister assembly is movably disposed within the inhaler body, the canister assembly is configured to dispense mist upon pressing, and the canister assembly outlet communicates with the discharge port; A drying module is arranged around the outlet of the can assembly, and the drying module is configured to dry at least the passage of the can assembly outlet when the inhalation device is in a storage state. A counting module is located at the tail of the canister body. The counting module is configured to be pressed down by the user to the trigger surface and cooperate in dose counting when the inhalation device is in delivery mode.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, a drying chamber is formed between the tank assembly and the drying module, and the outlet of the tank assembly includes a side opening; When the inhalation device is in storage mode, the drying chamber is connected to the can assembly outlet channel through a side hole; when the inhalation device is in delivery mode, the drying chamber is isolated from the can assembly outlet channel.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the tank assembly further includes: The tank body has a built-in metering valve, which has a downwardly extending valve stem; A can fixing component is provided at the head of the can body, and the lower end of the can fixing component is folded inward to form a mating part that abuts against the drying module; A can seal is disposed between the can body and the can fixing member. The can seal is used to dry and prevent moisture from entering the drying chamber through any means other than the passage of the valve stem.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the drying module includes: A drying housing is detachably attached to the tank fixing member, and a rod seal is provided between the drying housing and the valve stem; The drying element is housed within the drying housing and partially exposed to the drying chamber.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the drying housing includes a loading section and an attachment section, the drying component is pre-filled into the loading section, and the attachment section is circumferentially provided with at least one guide groove and a plurality of first snap holes; The mating part of the tank fixing member abuts against the filling part, and the tank fixing member is provided with at least one guide block and a plurality of first locking blocks in the circumferential direction; The drying shell and the can fixing component are positioned by a guide groove and a guide block, and are connected and fixed by the first buckle hole and the first locking block.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the drying element is a ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped molded component, and the drying element is arranged to remain effective at least throughout the entire service life of the pharmaceutical preparation contained within the can body.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the drying module further includes a rod seal fitted onto the valve stem, and the rod seal is also used to dry at least the area containing the drying chamber.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the rod seal includes a sealing ring body comprising a sealing layer and a drying layer formed by double injection molding, wherein the drying layer is located on the side of the sealing layer closer to the metering valve.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the rod seal further includes a tensile arm extending downward from the sealing ring body, the tensile arm being connected to the drying housing, and a drying layer also being formed on a portion of the surface of the tensile arm.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the counting module is configured to convert linear actuation motion into circumferential rotational motion when it moves from top to bottom to the trigger surface, thereby propelling the indicator dial to perform counting actions.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece is snapped into and fixed to the inhaler body, and the drying component extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem, with the extended portion arranged to surround the outer periphery of the valve stem by up to 50%.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece is integrally formed with the inhaler body, and the drying portion extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem, with the extended portion arranged to surround the outer periphery of the valve stem by at least 55%.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the inhalation device further includes a cap assembly for selectively isolating the mouthpiece from the external environment.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the cover assembly includes a strap and a dust cover; The belt is constructed as a multi-segment bendable structure, with its two ends connected to the inhaler body and the dust cover, respectively. The dust cover is adapted to the shape of the mouthpiece and can be locked in place with the inhaler body when the inhalation device is in storage.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the counting module includes a downwardly extending decorative panel configured to engage with the dust cover when the inhalation device is in a stored state to prevent triggering of dose counting.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, a nozzle block is further included, the nozzle block having an assembly hole that connects to the outlet of the tank assembly and the assembly hole communicating with a discharge hole located on the nozzle block.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following: 1. By setting up a drying chamber to absorb moisture from the valve stem channel, the deposition or accumulation of drug preparations in the device channel is limited or essentially eliminated, thus extending the service life of the device.

[0022] 2. The can holder is compatible with different can bodies, and its detachable design from the drying module allows the device to be reused, reducing the user's medication costs.

[0023] 3. The tank fixing component can form a structurally stable drying chamber with the drying shell, and can also adjust the assembly tolerance of the valve stem and the nozzle block, so that the valve stem can accurately abut the nozzle block.

[0024] 4. Specially designed tank seals and valve stem seals further enhance the moisture absorption capacity of the drying chamber.

[0025] 5. The valve stem seal has good tensile strength and can meet the requirements of long-term dynamic sealing.

[0026] 6. The counting module achieves precise driving through a gear mechanism, enabling more accurate counting of drug dosages.

[0027] 7. The device's actuation drive structure requires less starting force, making it suitable for children or people with limited hand strength.

[0028] 8. The three anti-accidental-touch designs at the decorative panel and extension cover, the recess and the force arm, and the drive gear and fastener effectively prevent the device from being actuated due to accidental touch or collision, thereby avoiding counting by the counting module or causing the can assembly to deliver material.

[0029] 9. The counting panel adopts a production process of split molding followed by welding, which has low equipment requirements and simple process, and can effectively reduce production costs.

[0030] 10. By molding the nozzle and the inhaler body into one piece, the assembly structure is simplified and the drying area of ​​the drying component is increased.

[0031] 11. By integrating the dust cover with the main body of the inhaler, the problem of the cover being easily lost after opening the inhaler is effectively solved, making it convenient to carry and use. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inhalation device of the present invention in the storage state.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inhalation device of the present invention in the delivery state.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the valve stem and the nozzle block.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tank assembly.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Axial sectional view.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the drying module.

[0038] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the drying module and the tank assembly.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Axial sectional view.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a rod seal.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Axial sectional view.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the drying chamber.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the counting module.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between a portion of the counting module and the main body of the inhaler.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the counting module.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the counting panel.

[0047] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the connection structure between the counting panel and the counter base.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the counting panel and the counter base.

[0049] Figure 18 This is an exploded view showing the mouthpiece and the main body of the inhaler being connected separately.

[0050] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure where the mouthpiece and the main body of the inhaler are integrally formed.

[0051] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the inhalation device of the present invention with the nozzle in a closed state.

[0052] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the inhalation device of the present invention with the nozzle exposed.

[0053] Figure 22 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cover component.

[0054] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of a standard MDI can body.

[0055] In the picture: 1. Inhaler body; 11. Notch; 111. Rib structure; 12. Arc-shaped groove; 2. Suction nozzle; 21. Suction channel; 22. Limiting step; 23. Connecting part; 3. Tank assembly; 31. Tank body; 32. Tank fixing component; 321. Mating part; 322. Guide block; 323. First locking block; 33. Tank seal; 34. Metering valve; 35. Valve stem; 351. Side hole; 4. Drying module; 41. Drying shell; 411. Loading part; 412. Attachment part; 4121. Guide groove; 4122. First snap hole; 4123. Tensile groove; 42. Drying components; 43. Rod seal; 431. Sealing ring body; 4311. Sealing layer; 4312. Drying layer; 432. Tensile arm; 433. Protrusion; 434. Air passage groove; 5. Counting module; 51. Counter base; 511. Sleeve part; 512. Cavity part; 5121. Horizontal slot; 5122. Vertical slot; 513. Through hole; 514. Decorative panel; 52. Counting panel; 521. Counting disk frame; 5211. Foolproofing component; 5212. Horizontal protrusion; 5213. Vertical protrusion; 522. Counting disk; 5221. Foolproofing groove; 5222. Energy guiding rib; 5223. Static display part; 53. Indicator dial; 531. Ring edge; 532. Gear ring; 533. Movable display part; 54. Gear mechanism; 541. Bracket; 542. Main gear; 5421. Cylindrical section; 5422. Slide groove; 543. Drive gear; 5431. Raised rib; 5432. Internal vertical tooth; 5433. External vertical tooth; 544. Spring; 545. Fastener; 5451. Racket tooth; 546. Moving part; 5461. Actuating tooth; 547. Drive component; 5471. Force arm; 5472. Reinforcing rib; 5473. Guide rib; 5474. Groove structure; 548. Connecting gear; 5481. Upper gear section; 5482. Lower gear section; 55. Central hole; 6. Nozzle block; 61. Discharge hole; 62. Assembly hole; 7. Cover assembly; 71. Strip; 711. Groove; 712. Flip-over part; 713. Second snap hole; 72. Dust cover; 721. Second locking block; 722. Anti-disengagement groove; 723. Interference rib; 724. Extension cover; 725. Arc-shaped protrusion; 8. Drying chamber; 9. Anti-accidental touch spacing. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make the invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0057] The terms used to express position and direction in this invention are illustrated with the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0058] As background, Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of a conventional MDI can body 31 is shown, and a metering valve 34 is shown at its head. The metering valve 34 includes a movable valve stem 35 extending from the can body 31, and the can body 31 contains a substance to be delivered, such as a specific pharmaceutical preparation.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the valve stem 35 is displaced relative to the canister body 31, a dose of the pharmaceutical preparation contained in the canister body 31 can be discharged through the passage of the valve stem 35 and then through the discharge port 61. More specifically, according to Figure 1 The specific arrangement shown allows the substance contained in the can body 31 to enter its internal channel through the hole on the side of the valve stem 35 and move toward the discharge hole 61 after the valve stem 35 is moved fully upward relative to the can body 31. This substance is then dispersed into the suction channel 21 for the user to inhale.

[0060] It should be noted that in existing structures, the passage from the valve stem 35 to the discharge port 61 is typically kept open and exposed to the external environment of the device, for example, through holes on the side of the valve stem 35 and / or the discharge port 61. In this manner, the passage of the valve stem 35 is susceptible to moisture intrusion, which may lead to accelerated scaling in the passage, i.e., the deposition or accumulation of pharmaceutical preparations within the passage.

[0061] This application limits or substantially eliminates the deposition or accumulation of pharmaceutical preparations within the device channels by selectively sealing at least a portion of the channels of the valve stem 35 and / or exposing its channels to dry material when the device is in a storage state.

[0062] See Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention discloses an inhalation device, including an inhaler body 1, a mouthpiece 2, a canister assembly 3, and a drying module 4.

[0063] The mouthpiece 2 is located on one side of the inhaler body 1, and the mouthpiece 2 or the inhaler body 1 is provided with an outlet 61. The canister assembly 3 is movably disposed within the inhaler body 1. The canister assembly 3 includes a canister body 31 with a metering valve 34. The metering valve 34 has an axially extending valve stem 35 connected to the outlet 61, wherein the lower end from the metering valve 34 to the valve stem 35 constitutes the outlet of the canister assembly 3. The drying module 4 is arranged around the outlet of the canister assembly 3, more specifically around the valve stem 35, and the drying module 4 is configured to dry at least the passage of the canister assembly outlet when the inhalation device is in a storage state.

[0064] Specifically, after the drying module 4 is connected to the can assembly 3, a drying chamber 8 is formed between them. The drying module 4 includes a drying element 42 that is built into and partially exposed in the drying chamber 8. The drying element 42 is a pre-molded component, and its material can be made of at least one of the following: silica, activated carbon, and calcium sulfate, to ensure drying performance and medication safety. A side hole 351 is provided on the upper part of the valve stem 35, and the device is configured such that when it is in storage, the drying chamber 8 communicates with the channel of the valve stem 35 through the side hole 351. To prevent the side hole 351 from being exposed to the external environment of the device, the drying chamber 8 can be sealed and / or the channel of the valve stem 35 can be dried by means of the drying element 42, thereby limiting or substantially eliminating the deposition or accumulation of drug preparations in the channel. When the device is in delivery mode, the drying chamber 8 is isolated from the valve stem 35. That is, after applying a starting force to the tank body 31, the valve stem 35 is displaced relative to the tank body 31, and the side hole 351 on the valve stem 35 retracts into the metering valve 34 (see...). Figure 2 A dose of the drug preparation contained in the canister body 31 enters the channel of the valve stem 35 through the side hole 351, and is atomized through the discharge hole 61 and delivered outward from the suction channel 21 of the nozzle 2.

[0065] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the drying module 4 also includes a drying housing 41, which includes a loading section 411 and an attachment section 412. The attachment section 412 connects to the can assembly 3, and the drying component 42 is housed within the drying housing 41. In this application, the drying component 42 is a molded part with the same shape and size as the loading section 411, facilitating its own disassembly and installation. The shape of the drying component 42 is preferably annular or semi-annular, which is beneficial for drying arrangements around the side hole 351 of the valve stem 35.

[0066] Furthermore, the drying element 42 extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem 35 to increase the drying area, extend the drying cycle, and ensure that the drying element 42 remains effective for at least the entire service life of the pharmaceutical preparation contained in the can body 31, and can still meet the next round of drying needs even after the can assembly 3 is replaced.

[0067] See Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the drying module 4 includes a rod seal 43, which is disposed between the valve stem 35 and the drying housing 41. The rod seal 43, together with the drying housing 41 and the tank assembly 3 (tank fixing and pipe body head), forms a structure as shown in the diagram. Figure 11 The drying chamber 8 shown.

[0068] In some embodiments, the stem seal 43 is a seal with a moisture-absorbing function. For example, the stem seal 43 can be made by double injection molding of a thermoplastic material (such as PP, TPE, etc.) and a drying material (such as mineral desiccant), which further expands the drying area while sealing the valve stem 35, thereby improving the drying capacity of the drying chamber 8. In this application, the stem seal 43 includes a sealing ring body 431, which includes a sealing layer 4311 and a drying layer 4312 bonded together; wherein, the drying layer 4312 is located on the side of the sealing layer 4311 near the metering valve 34, and is used to absorb moisture and dry the passage of the valve stem 35.

[0069] Furthermore, Figure 9 and Figure 10 The rod seal 43 is shown to also include a tensile arm 432 and a boss 433, and in Figure 1 and Figure 8 As can be seen, tensile arms 432 are respectively disposed on both sides of the sealing ring body 431 and extend downward until they are embedded into the drying shell 41. Protrusions 433 are circumferentially spaced on the upper end face of the sealing ring body 431 for contact with the head of the tank assembly 3, and an air passage groove 434 is formed between adjacent protrusions 433 to maintain communication between the drying chamber 8 and the side hole 351. In addition, a tensile groove 4123 for fixing the edge of the sealing ring body 431 is also provided on the inner bottom of the drying shell 41. It can be understood that when the valve stem 35 is actuated and displaced, due to the tensile action of the tensile arms 432 and the tensile groove 4123, combined with the supporting action of the protrusions 433, the stem seal 43 can be effectively and stably held in place, preventing the valve stem 35 from displacing and causing it to loosen and fail, thus ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the seal.

[0070] Furthermore, the sealing ring body 431 preferably has a V-shaped cross-section, which gives it better axial extension performance and allows for better adaptation to the displacement of the valve stem 35. Additionally, the lengths of the tensile arms 432 on both sides of the sealing ring body 431 can be consistent or different, depending on the drying housing 41. In a preferred example, at least one of the two tensile arms 432 extends beyond the lower end of the valve stem 35, and at least a portion of the surface of the tensile arm 432 is provided with a drying layer 4312 for drying areas outside the drying chamber 8, i.e., for auxiliary drying of the area where the valve stem 35 connects to the discharge port 61, reducing the possibility of moisture entering the valve stem 35 through the discharge port 61.

[0071] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the can assembly 3 also includes a can fixing member 32, which is disposed at the head of the can body 31, and the lower end of the can fixing member 32 is folded inward to form a mating part 321. The mating part 321 abuts against and supports the filling part 411 and part of the drying component 42 of the drying shell 41. The can body 31 is detachably attached to the drying shell 41 via the can fixing member 32, thereby forming a structurally stable and well-sealed chamber, namely the drying chamber 8. For example, the can fixing member 32 is circumferentially provided with at least one guide block 322 and multiple first locking blocks 323, and the corresponding attachment part 412 is circumferentially provided with at least one guide groove 4121 and multiple first snap holes 4122. When the drying shell 41 is combined with the can fixing member 32, it can first be positioned by the guide groove 4121 and the guide block 322, and then connected and fixed by the first snap holes 4122 and the first locking blocks 323.

[0072] It is worth noting that in this example, the can fixing member 32 is configured to connect with different can bodies 31 and the drying module 4 to facilitate the reuse of the inhalation device; on the other hand, since the drying chamber 8 is directly formed by the drying module 4 and the can fixing member 32 and the drying shell 41 are fixed by snap-fit, the structure of the dried chamber 8 after forming is stable and can ensure long-term effectiveness during repeated use.

[0073] See Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the mating portion 321 of the aforementioned canister fixing member 32 is also used to adjust the assembly tolerance at the lower end of the valve stem 35, i.e., the assembly tolerance to the nozzle block 6. Specifically, in the inhalation device, a nozzle block 6 is provided in the mouthpiece 2 or the inhaler body. The nozzle block 6 is provided with an assembly hole 62 that connects to the valve stem 35, and this hole communicates with the discharge hole 61 located on the nozzle block 6. In actual production, it is difficult to achieve a precise and consistent length dimension of the valve stem 35. For valve stems 35 with a slightly larger length dimension, the mating portion 321 of the canister fixing member 32 can also be used as a gasket to ensure the precise assembly of the valve stem 35 and the nozzle block 6, and to ensure the consistency of drug dosage delivery during actuation.

[0074] See Figure 5 As shown, the can assembly 3 also includes a can seal 33, which is disposed between the can body 31 and the can fixing member 32. Similar to the rod seal 43, the can seal 33 is also configured as a moisture-absorbing seal to dry and prevent moisture from entering the drying chamber 8 through any means other than the channel of the valve stem 35, ensuring the overall sealing of the drying chamber 8 and extending its service life.

[0075] See Figures 12 to 17 As shown, the inhalation device of the present invention further includes a counting module 5, wherein the counting module 5 is disposed at the tail of the canister body 31 and is configured to provide a surface for applying an actuating force and cooperate in dose counting when the inhalation device is in the delivery state. It should be noted that the actuating force described in this application refers to the force capable of triggering the valve stem 35 to displace, thereby delivering a dose of drug formulation, and this force is also used to drive the counting module 5 to perform dose counting.

[0076] Specifically, the counting module 5 includes a counter base 51, a counting panel 52, an indicator disk 53, and a gear mechanism 54. The counter base 51 includes a sleeve portion 511 and a cavity portion 512, with the sleeve portion 511 detachably connected to the tail of the can body 31. The counting panel 52 is disposed on top of the cavity portion 512, and includes a surface for applying an actuating force. A static display portion 5223 is provided on this surface, and at least the area inside the static display portion 5223 is made of a transparent material. The indicator disk 53 is disposed inside the counting panel 52, and includes a movable display portion 533 for counting in conjunction with the static display portion 5223. The gear mechanism 54 is disposed within the cavity portion 512 and is configured to convert linear actuation motion into circumferential rotational motion, thereby propelling the indicator disk 53 to perform the counting action. In short, pressing the counting panel 52 actuates the canister body 31, causing the valve stem 35 to shift relative to the canister body 31. A dose of the drug preparation contained in the canister body 31 can then enter the channel of the valve stem 35 through the side hole 351, be atomized through the discharge hole 61, and be delivered outward from the suction channel 21 of the nozzle 2. During this process, the gear mechanism 54 converts the linear actuation motion during pressing into a circumferential rotational motion, and propels the indicator dial 53 to rotate by the angle corresponding to the dose. The movable display portion 533 on the indicator dial 53 also changes accordingly. Combined with the static display portion 5223 on the counting panel 52, the dose of the delivered drug preparation or the remaining usable dose can be clearly and accurately read.

[0077] from Figures 12 to 14As can be seen, the gear mechanism 54 includes a bracket 541, a main gear 542, a drive gear 543, a spring 544, a fastener 545, a movable part 546, a drive part 547, and a connecting gear 548. The bracket 541 is fixedly disposed within the cavity 512, and has a notch on one side for housing the connecting gear 548. The main gear 542 is rotatably disposed at the center of the bracket 541, and has an integrally formed downwardly extending cylindrical portion 5421. The drive gear 543 is disposed within the cylindrical portion 5421 and slidably engages with it to drive the main gear 542 to rotate synchronously. The spring 544 is disposed between the main gear 542 and the drive gear 543, and is used to reset the drive gear 543 after the starting force is removed. The fastener 545 is disposed below the drive gear 543 and fixed to the bracket 541; the fastener 545 is used to contact and engage with the drive gear 543 to prevent the drive gear 543 from reversing. One end of the movable member 546 contacts and engages with the drive gear 543, while the other end passes through the fastener 545 and extends downwards. The movable member 546 can cause the drive gear 543 to rotate under the action of a starting force. The drive member 547 is positioned below and abuts against the movable member 546 to provide the starting force. The connecting gear 548 is rotatably positioned at the notch and contacts and engages with both the main gear 542 and the indicator disc 53, serving as the steering transmission. When the drive member 547 is subjected to force, the drive gear 543 rotates unidirectionally under the combined action of the movable member 546 and the fastener 545. It can also drive the connecting gear 548 to rotate synchronously via the main gear 542, thereby driving the indicator disc 53 to rotate at a predetermined angle.

[0078] More specifically, combined Figure 14 As shown, in the gear mechanism 54, at least one groove 5422 is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 5421 of the main gear 542; at least one rib 5431 is provided on the outer periphery of the drive gear 543; in addition, the bottom of the drive gear 543 is provided with an inner vertical tooth 5432 and an outer vertical tooth 5433; the top of the movable member 546 is provided with an actuating tooth 5461; the top of the fastener 545 is provided with a ratchet 5451; the indicator disk 53 includes a downwardly extending ring portion 531, and a toothed ring 532 is provided on the inner wall of the ring portion 531; the connecting gear 548 includes an upper gear portion 5481 and a lower gear portion 5482 arranged coaxially, and the diameter and number of teeth of the lower gear portion 5482 are both greater than the diameter and number of teeth of the upper gear portion 5481.

[0079] Among them, the cylindrical part 5421 and the drive gear 543 are slidably engaged through the rib 5431 and the groove; the drive gear 543 and the movable part 546 are in contact engagement through the inner vertical tooth 5432 and the actuating tooth 5461; the drive gear 543 and the fastener 545 are in contact engagement through the outer vertical tooth 5433 and the ratchet tooth 5451; the upper gear part 5481 meshes with the gear ring 532; and the lower gear part 5482 meshes with the main gear 542.

[0080] It is understood that, in a stationary state, the counting module 5, under the biasing action of the spring 544, allows the vertical surface of the outer vertical tooth 5433 of the drive gear 543 to abut against the vertical surface of the ratchet 5451 of the fastener 545. With the application of the starting force, the drive member 547 transmits the force to the movable member 546, which moves towards the drive gear 543, causing the actuating tooth 5461 to contact the inner vertical tooth 5432. Since the interaction area between the actuating tooth 5461 and the inner vertical tooth 5432 is constructed with opposing surfaces at a 71° angle, and when force is applied, the engagement of the actuating tooth 5461 and the inner vertical tooth 5432 forces the drive gear 543 to rotate. However, because the outer vertical tooth 5433 and the ratchet 5451 initially remain abutted, this restricts any rotational movement of the drive gear 543. Therefore, the applied force can only cause the drive gear 543 to continuously move upwards. During this period, if the user has removed the force applied to the movable part 546 while the drive gear 543 is disengaging from the fastener 545, the drive gear 543 will return to its initial position under the action of the spring 544 and will not record the dose count, in order to avoid unnecessary counts caused by accidental touch or collision. Once the drive gear 543 disengages from the fastener 545 and continues to move upward, a dose count is recorded and is therefore irreversible. Furthermore, since the movable part 546 cannot rotate, the interaction between the actuating tooth 5461 and the inner vertical tooth 5432 will cause the cylinder 5421 of the main gear 542 to begin rotating in one direction and advance by one dose unit. At the same time, the drive wheel will drive the connecting gear 548 to rotate through the lower gear 5482. The connecting gear 548 will then drive the movable gear ring 532 to rotate through the upper gear 5481, thereby causing the indicator dial 53 to rotate by the angle corresponding to the dose. The movable display portion 533 on the indicator dial 53 will also change accordingly. In conjunction with the static display portion 5223 on the counting panel 52, the dose of the delivered drug preparation or the remaining usable dose can be clearly and accurately read. It should be noted that in this gear mechanism 54, the rotation angle of the main gear 542 is fixed for each dose of drug preparation delivered. However, by setting a connecting gear 548 for transmission, the gear ratio is adjusted using the coaxially arranged upper gear 5481 and lower gear 5482 (which can be freely adjusted according to actual needs). This reduces the number of actuations required to trigger the rotation of the indicator disk 53 from multiple actuations to fewer. For example, in the existing counting module 5, the movable display portion 533 (arrow) on the indicator disk 53 will rotate from the 0 mark to the 10 mark on the static display portion 5223 on the counting panel 52 after 10 actuations. However, with the counting module 5 of this application, it may only take 5 actuations for the movable display portion 533 on the indicator disk 53 to rotate from the 0 mark to the 5 mark on the static display portion 5223 on the counting panel 52. This makes the dosage division more accurate and allows users to clearly understand the used or remaining status of the drug preparation in the container.

[0081] It is worth noting that the counting module 5 of this application does not have a scrap design for the indicator panel 53. After completing a round of dose counting with the canister assembly, the movable display part 533 can be reset to zero, so that it can be used again after the canister assembly is replaced.

[0082] Furthermore, or as Figure 12 As shown, the gear mechanism 54 has a central hole 55 at its center, and the indicator disk 53 has a long shaft portion that extends to the central hole 55 and rotates with it. While improving the rotational stability of the indicator, the gear mechanism 54 is fixed in the counter base 51 by the protruding portion in the cavity 512.

[0083] See Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the top of the inhaler body has a trigger surface, namely the inner bottom surface of the notch 11, and a force arm 5471 is provided on one side of the drive member 547. The two are in contact and cooperate to form the actuation drive structure of the inhalation device of the present invention.

[0084] Specifically, in combination Figure 17 As shown, a through hole 513 is provided on one side of the counter base 51, located above the recess 11. The force arm 5471 passes through the through hole 513 of the counter base 51 but does not contact it. When the user applies a starting force to the counting panel 52, the counter base 51 moves the canister body 31 downward, and the recess 11 of the inhaler body 1 contacts the lower end of the force arm 5471. As the counter base 51 continues to move downward, the recess 11 pushes up the drive member 547 through the force arm 5471, thereby driving the counting module 5 to count the dose. Compared to the existing actuation drive structure of the inhalation device, the top of the inhaler body only has a notch 11 and does not have a protrusion extending into the through hole 513. Instead, a force arm 5471 passing through the through hole 513 is used instead, and the through hole 513 does not contact each other. This makes it so that when the inhaler is actuated, the inhaler body will not generate too much friction or interference with the counter base 51, thereby effectively reducing the starting force and making it easy to operate. It is especially suitable for children with less hand strength or special people with limited hand strength.

[0085] Furthermore, the counter base 51 also includes a decorative plate 514 located outside the socket portion 511, a through hole 513 located between the socket portion 511 and the decorative plate 514, and the through hole 513 is preferably a regular rectangular hole to better fit the force arm 5471.

[0086] See Figure 13As shown, the driving component 547 and the force-bearing arm 5471 are integrally formed, and a reinforcing rib 5472 is provided at the connection between the two to ensure the structural strength of the connection and meet the requirements for the transmission of starting force. In addition, guide ribs 5473 are provided on both sides of the portion of the force-bearing arm 5471 above the through hole 513. The guide ribs 5473 are vertical and slender arc-shaped ribs, which are used to contact the inner wall of the decorative panel 514 and the outer wall of the sleeve part 511, so as to improve the movement stability of the force-bearing arm 5471 without generating excessive friction.

[0087] As shown in the figure above, the force arm 5471 has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. To reduce the overall weight of the force arm 5471 and enhance the structural strength of the contact area at the lower end of the force arm 5471, this application makes the lower half of the force arm 5471 a groove structure 5474. Referring to Figure 1, the inner side of the recess 11 is provided with a raised rib structure 111 opposite to the groove structure 5474. This is also to enhance the structural strength of the contact area of ​​the recess 11 and increase the contact area to ensure the reliability of the actuation fit.

[0088] See Figure 1 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, when the inhalation device is in a stored state, an anti-accidental contact gap 9 is provided between the lower end of the force arm 5471 and the recess 11. This gap acts as a barrier to prevent accidental activation caused by accidental contact or collision, which would cause the counting module 5 to perform dose counting or cause the canister assembly 3 to deliver the drug formulation. Only when the anti-accidental contact gap 9 disappears and a continuous starting force is applied can the counting and delivery of the inhalation device be fully triggered, thereby improving the reliability of the device. As an example, in this application, the anti-accidental contact gap 9 is 3mm-5mm, preferably 4mm-5mm.

[0089] See Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the counting panel 52 includes a counting disk frame 521 and a counting disk 522. The counting disk 522 and the counting disk frame 521 are each independently molded and then welded together. Compared to the dual-injection molding process, the counting panel 52 of this application uses a separate molding and welding process, which has lower equipment requirements and a simpler process, effectively reducing production costs.

[0090] Specifically, the counting disk frame 521 is provided with an installation port, and the counting disk 522 is disposed within the installation port. The counting disk frame 521 and the counting disk 522 are independently molded components, and the two can be welded (e.g., ultrasonically welded) into a single structure.

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 16As shown, a foolproof component 5211 is provided inside the mounting port, and a foolproof groove 5221 corresponding to the foolproof component 5211 is provided on the counting disk 522. The counting disk frame 521 and the counting disk 522 can be positioned by the foolproof component 5211 and the foolproof groove 5221, thereby ensuring the accurate position of the static display part 5223 on the counting disk 522 and facilitating subsequent welding operations.

[0092] from Figure 17 As can be seen, the edge cross-section of the mounting port and the edge cross-section of the counting disk 522 are complementary stepped structures. This design facilitates the assembly of the counting disk frame 521 and the counting disk 522. In addition, the counting disk 522 is provided with energy guiding ribs 5222 along its own contour. The energy guiding ribs 5222 are small triangular structures, which can enhance energy transfer and improve the welding strength of the counting disk frame 521 and the counting disk 522.

[0093] See Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the counting disk frame 521 is provided with multiple horizontal protrusions 5212 at intervals around the circumference, and the counter base 51 is provided with multiple horizontal slots 5121 that correspond to the horizontal protrusions 5212 around the circumference, so that the counting panel 52 can be quickly snapped and fixed to the counter base 51, which is convenient for assembly.

[0094] Furthermore, a vertical protrusion 5213 is provided below some of the horizontal protrusions 5212, and the counter base 51 is provided with multiple vertical slots 5122 that correspond to the vertical protrusions 5213 in the circumferential direction to limit the degree of freedom of the counting panel 52 in the circumferential direction and further improve its stability after installation.

[0095] Furthermore, the counting disk frame 521 and the counter base 51 are snapped together and then welded into a single structure. By snapping together and then welding, the welding process is facilitated, while the connection strength between the counting panel 52 and the counter base 51 is enhanced, ensuring that the static display part 5223 on the counting panel 52 will not move, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the counting results.

[0096] See Figure 7 and Figure 18 As shown, the mouthpiece 2 is snapped and fixed to the inhaler body 1. The drying component 42 extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem 35, and this extension is arranged to surround the outer circumference of the valve stem 35 by up to 50%. As can be seen from the figure, the mouthpiece 2 and the inhaler body 1 adopt a separate connection structure. The left and right sides of the mouthpiece 2 are provided with snap-fit ​​portions for docking with the inhaler body 1, and the upper and lower sides are provided with triangular connecting portions 23 for connecting with the nozzle block 6. However, due to the limited space occupied by the snap-fit ​​portions within the inhaler body 1, the extension of the drying component 42 can only be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the valve stem 35 by up to 50%. For example, the extension of the drying component 42 can be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the valve stem 35 by 40%-48%.

[0097] See Figure 19 As shown, the nozzle 2 is integrally formed with the inhaler body 1, and the drying component 42 extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem 35, with the extended portion surrounding the valve stem 35 by at least 55%. As can be seen from the figure, the nozzle 2 and the inhaler body 1 are integrally formed. Since there is no need for snap-fit ​​parts on the left and right sides of the nozzle 2, the extended portion of the drying component 42 can surround the valve stem 35 by at least 55%, with the specific surrounding percentage determined by the nozzle block 6.

[0098] In some embodiments, the nozzle block 6 forms an integral structure with the inner bottom of the inhaler body 1. Figure 19 In this case, the extension portion of the drying element 42 has the largest circumference, and can be arranged to surround 60%-75% of the outer periphery of the nozzle block 6.

[0099] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the nozzle block 6 is integrated with the suction nozzle 2 via the connecting portion 23. It is conceivable that the nozzle block 6 is positioned similarly. Figure 18 As shown, there are no snap-fit ​​parts on the left and right sides. In this case, due to the obstruction of the triangular connecting part 23, the surrounding proportion of the extension of the drying element 42 is relatively small, but it can still be arranged to surround 55%-65% of the outer periphery of the nozzle block 6.

[0100] The comparison revealed that the nozzle 2, which is integrally formed with the inhaler body 1, not only simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs, but also increases the drying area of ​​the drying component 42, thereby extending the drying time of the drying chamber 8. However, the separate nozzle 2 can be disassembled for cleaning of the nozzle block 6.

[0101] See Figures 20 to 22 As shown, the inhalation device of the present invention also includes a cover assembly 7, which is used to selectively isolate the mouthpiece 2 from the external environment to prevent moisture and dust from entering and to protect the passage of the mouthpiece 2 and the valve stem 35.

[0102] Specifically, from Figure 21 and Figure 22 As can be seen, the cover assembly 7 includes a strap 71 and a dust cover 72. The strap 71 is constructed as a multi-segment, bendable structure, with its two ends connected to the inhaler body 1 and the dust cover 72, respectively. The dust cover 72 is adapted to the shape of the mouthpiece 2 and can be locked in place with the inhaler body 1 when the inhalation device is in storage. This cover assembly 7, by using the strap 71 to connect the dust cover 72 to the inhaler body 1 as a single unit, effectively solves the problem of the cover being easily lost after the inhalation device is opened, making it convenient to carry and use.

[0103] Furthermore, the band 71 has at least two grooves 711 spaced apart along its length to facilitate segmented bending of the band 71, thereby making it easier to adjust the position of the dust cover 72. In this application, the grooves 711 have a trapezoidal or arc-shaped cross-section and a depth of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the band 71, ensuring sufficient connection strength while meeting bending requirements. In addition, one end of the band 71 is integrally formed with the inhaler body 1, and a flip-up portion 712 is provided at the connection point. In this application, the flip-up portion 712 has a "human" shaped cross-section and a thickness of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the band 71.

[0104] Or as Figure 22 As shown, the other end of the belt 71 is provided with a second buckle hole 713, and one side of the dust cover 72 is provided with a second locking block 721. The belt 71 and the dust cover 72 are connected and fixed through the second buckle hole 713 and the second locking block 721, so that the dust cover 72 is integrated with the inhaler body 1. In addition, an anti-detachment groove 722 is provided at the connection between the belt 71 and the dust cover 72. The anti-detachment groove 722 overlaps with part of the belt 71, and its distance from the second locking block 721 is less than the thickness of the belt 71. Once the dust cover 72 is engaged with the belt 71, the anti-detachment groove 722 will prevent the belt 71 from detaching from the second locking block 721, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection.

[0105] Combination Figure 1 As shown, multiple interference ribs 723 are provided on both sides of the inner wall of the dust cover 72. The interference ribs 723 are used to contact and fix with the nozzle 2, thereby enhancing the tightness of the connection between the dust cover 72 and the nozzle 2. In addition, a limiting step 22 is provided at the connection between the nozzle 2 and the inhaler body 1. The limiting step 22 is used to fix and cooperate with the dust cover 72, that is, to cooperate and fix with the interference ribs 723.

[0106] Furthermore, the inhaler body 1 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 12, and the dust cover 72 has an extension cover 724 on the side away from the band 71, and the extension cover 724 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 725 that corresponds to the arc-shaped groove 12. After the dust cover 72 is fitted onto the mouthpiece 2, the extension cover 724 can be locked onto the inhaler body 1 by the arc-shaped protrusion 725 cooperating with the arc-shaped groove 12, thereby improving the fixing effect of the dust cover 72.

[0107] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the counting module 5 includes a downwardly extending decorative panel 514, which is configured to engage with the dust cover 72 when the inhalation device is in a stored state. That is, by engaging the decorative panel 514 with the extension cover 724, the counting module 5 is prevented from being triggered, thus preventing accidental activation caused by accidental contact or collision, which would cause the counting module 5 to perform dose counting or cause the canister assembly 3 to deliver the drug formulation.

[0108] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and all such changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inhalation device, characterized in that, include: The inhaler body (1) has a trigger surface; A suction nozzle (2) is provided on one side of the inhaler body (1), and an exhaust hole (61) is provided inside the suction nozzle (2). The canister assembly (3) is movably disposed within the inhaler body (1), the canister assembly is configured to dispense mist by pressing, and the outlet of the canister assembly (3) is connected to the discharge port (61). A drying module (4) is arranged around the outlet of the can assembly (3), and the drying module (4) is configured to dry at least the passage of the outlet of the can assembly (3) when the inhalation device is in a storage state. A counting module (5) is provided at the tail of the canister body (31). The counting module (5) is configured to be pressed down by the user to the trigger surface and cooperate in dose counting when the inhalation device is in delivery state.

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drying chamber (8) is formed between the tank assembly (3) and the drying module (4), and the outlet of the tank assembly (3) includes a side hole (351). When the inhalation device is in storage, the drying chamber (8) is connected to the channel of the can assembly (3) outlet through the side hole (351); when the inhalation device is in delivery, the drying chamber (8) is isolated from the channel of the can assembly (3) outlet.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tank assembly (3) also includes: The tank body (31) has a built-in metering valve (34) with a downwardly extending valve stem (35). A can fixing member (32) is provided at the head of the can body (31), and the lower end of the can fixing member (32) is folded inward to form a mating part (321) that abuts against the drying module (4). A can seal (33) is disposed between the can body (31) and the can fixing member (32). The can seal (33) is used to dry and prevent moisture from entering the drying chamber (8) through any means other than the passage of the valve stem (35).

4. The inhalation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drying module (4) includes: A drying housing (41) is detachably attached to the tank fixing member (32), and a rod seal (43) is provided between the drying housing (41) and the valve stem (35). The drying component (42) is housed within the drying housing (41) and partially exposed in the drying chamber (8).

5. The inhalation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drying housing (41) includes a loading part (411) and an attachment part (412). The drying component (42) is pre-filled into the loading part (411). The attachment part (412) is provided with at least one guide groove (4121) and a plurality of first buckle holes (4122) in the circumferential direction. The mating part (321) of the can fixing member (32) abuts against the loading part (411), and the can fixing member (32) is provided with at least one guide block (322) and a plurality of first locking blocks (323) in the circumferential direction. The drying shell (41) and the can fixing member (32) are positioned by the cooperation of the guide groove (4121) and the guide block (322), and are connected and fixed by the first buckle hole (4122) and the first locking block (323).

6. The inhalation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drying element (42) is a ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped molded component, and the drying element (42) is arranged to remain effective for at least the entire service life of the pharmaceutical preparation contained in the can body (31).

7. The inhalation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drying module (4) also includes a rod seal (43) fitted onto the valve stem (35), and the rod seal (43) is also used to dry at least the area where the drying chamber (8) is located.

8. The inhalation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rod seal (43) includes a sealing ring body (431), which includes a sealing layer (4311) and a drying layer (4312) formed by double injection molding, wherein the drying layer (4312) is located on the side of the sealing layer (4311) close to the metering valve (34).

9. The inhalation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rod seal (43) also includes a tensile arm (432) extending downward from the sealing ring body (431), the tensile arm (432) being connected to the drying housing (41), and a drying layer (4312) is also formed on a portion of the surface of the tensile arm (432).

10. The inhalation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting module (5) is configured to convert linear actuation motion into circumferential rotational motion when it moves from top to bottom to the trigger surface, thereby driving the indicator disk (53) to perform counting actions.

11. The inhalation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mouthpiece (2) is snapped and fixed to the inhaler body (1), and the drying component (42) extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem (35), and the extended portion is arranged around the outer periphery of the valve stem (35) by up to 50%.

12. The inhalation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mouthpiece (2) is integrally formed with the inhaler body (1), and the drying component (42) extends downward beyond the lower end of the valve stem (35), and the extended portion is arranged around the outer periphery of the valve stem (35) by at least 55%.

13. The inhalation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inhalation device also includes a cover assembly (7) for selectively isolating the mouthpiece (2) from the external environment.

14. The inhalation device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cover assembly (7) includes a strap (71) and a dust cover (72); The belt (71) is constructed as a multi-segment bendable structure, with its two ends connected to the inhaler body (1) and the dust cover (72) respectively. The dust cover (72) is adapted to the shape of the mouthpiece (2) and can be locked and fixed to the inhaler body (1) when the inhalation device is in storage.

15. The inhalation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The counting module (5) includes a downwardly extending decorative panel (514) configured to engage with the dust cover (72) when the inhalation device is in a stored state to prevent triggering dose counting.

16. The inhalation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a nozzle block (6), which has an assembly hole (62) connected to the outlet of the tank assembly (3), and the assembly hole (62) communicates with a discharge hole (61) located on the nozzle block (6).

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