Atomizing device and counting module for an atomizing device

Abstract

The present application relates to an atomization device and a counting module for an atomization device. The atomization device comprises: an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell is used to install a container containing liquid, the container can move along the axial direction of the atomization device between a release position and a stretching position, wherein the stretching position is closer to the proximal end direction than the release position; and a counting module, the counting module is installed inside the lower shell, used to count the movement of the container between the release position and the stretching position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically, to a nebulizer with a counting module. Background Technology

[0002] Most commercially available medicinal aerosols lack a dose-counting function, leaving patients unable to predict the remaining dosage. This can lead to life-threatening situations or unnecessary complications during acute illness flare-ups due to insufficient medication. Many pharmaceutical companies are working to integrate dose-counting or indicator mechanisms into their products to address patient needs. However, existing aerosol products typically have the dose-counting mechanism fixed to the container holding the medication, reducing product versatility.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved counting mechanism for atomizing devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an atomizing device with a counting mechanism.

[0005] In one aspect of this application, an atomizing device is provided, the atomizing device comprising: an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing for mounting a container holding a liquid, the container being movable along the axial direction of the atomizing device between a release position and a stretch position, wherein the stretch position is closer to the proximal end than the release position; and a counting module installed inside the lower housing for counting the movement of the container between the release position and the stretch position, wherein the counting module comprises: a positioning shaft extending distally from the inner bottom surface of the lower housing; a rotating sleeve fitted onto the positioning shaft and axially movable and rotatable about the positioning shaft, wherein the rotating sleeve has a movable serrated surface facing distally; and a pressing member coupled to the distal end of the positioning shaft, axially movable but not rotatable about the positioning shaft, the pressing member including a flange having a flange operably engaged with the movable serrated surface; the flange engaging with the movable serrated surface when the container moves to a position close to the stretch position. When the toothed surfaces are at least partially engaged, the meshing flanges and the moving sawtooth surfaces generate a circumferential force that causes the rotating sleeve to rotate; a sliding ring, which is sleeved on the rotating sleeve and threadedly coupled to the rotating sleeve, is axially movable along the positioning shaft but cannot rotate about the positioning shaft; and a bias spring, which is mounted on the positioning shaft, with one end abutting the inner bottom surface of the lower housing and the other end abutting the rotating sleeve; wherein, when the container moves from the release position to the extension position... The rotating sleeve is compressed by the pressure member and moves towards the proximal end, compressing the bias spring; when the container moves from the stretched position to the released position, the rotating sleeve is no longer compressed by the pressure member, causing the bias spring to be released to push the rotating sleeve towards the distal end; during at least a portion of the axial movement of the rotating sleeve, the circumferential force generated by the meshing flange and the moving serrated surface drives the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the sliding ring and causes the axial position of the sliding ring on the rotating sleeve to change.

[0006] In some embodiments, the counting module further includes a locking mechanism configured to limit the movement distance of the sliding ring on the rotating bushing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the threaded coupling between the sliding ring and the rotating bushing is configured such that the sliding ring can move toward the proximal end, and the locking mechanism is located on the inner bottom surface of the lower housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the threaded coupling between the sliding ring and the rotating bushing is configured such that the sliding ring can move in a distal direction, and the locking mechanism is located on the bottom surface of the upper housing or the container.

[0009] In some embodiments, the counting module further includes a positioning rib disposed inside the lower housing and extending axially along the atomizing device. The positioning rib is configured to couple the sliding ring at a predetermined circumferential position of the sliding ring and restrict the sliding ring from rotating around the positioning axis.

[0010] In some embodiments, the counting module further includes a positioning ring mounted on the positioning shaft, having an annular protrusion facing the inner bottom surface of the lower housing, the positioning ring being used to restrict the axial movement of the rotating bushing away from the positioning shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the annular protrusion has a fixed serrated surface that matches the moving serrated surface of the rotating bushing. When the container moves to a position close to the release position so that the flange no longer engages with the moving serrated surface, the fixed serrated surface contacts the moving serrated surface to restrict the rotating bushing from rotating about the positioning axis.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flange has a wavy lower surface capable of engaging with the moving serrated surface of the rotating bushing, the wavy lower surface engaging with the moving serrated surface to generate the circumferential force.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pressure member further includes a piercing element located on its distal surface, the piercing element being used to open or pierce the container when the pressure member contacts the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, the travel distance of the pressure element on the positioning shaft is greater than the travel distance of the rotating shaft sleeve on the positioning shaft.

[0015] In some embodiments, the container is separate from the counting module.

[0016] In some embodiments, the container and the counting module are pre-assembled as a single unit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lower housing includes an observation window located on its side wall, through which the position of the rotating shaft sleeve on the positioning shaft can be observed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lower housing is transparent.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lower housing is rotatable relative to the upper housing to drive the container to move axially along the atomizing device.

[0020] According to another aspect of this application, a counting module for an atomizing device is also disclosed, the atomizing device having a container movable along its axial direction between a release position and a stretch position, wherein the stretch position is closer to the proximal end of the atomizing device than the release position; the counting module is installed inside the atomizing device for counting the movement of the container between the release position and the stretch position, wherein the counting module includes: a positioning shaft extending from the inner bottom surface of the atomizing device toward a distal direction; a rotating sleeve fitted on the positioning shaft and movable along and about the positioning shaft, wherein the rotating sleeve has a moving serrated surface toward the distal direction; and a pressing member coupled to the distal end of the positioning shaft, movable along the positioning shaft but not rotatable about the positioning shaft, the pressing member including a flange having a flange operably engaged with the moving serrated surface; when the container moves to a position close to the stretch position such that the flange at least partially engages with the moving serrated surface, the counting module counts the movement of the container between the release position and the stretch position. The intermeshing flanges and the moving serrated surface generate a circumferential force that causes the rotating bushing to rotate; a sliding ring, which is sleeved on the rotating bushing and threadedly coupled to it, is axially movable along the positioning shaft but cannot rotate about it; and a bias spring, which is mounted on the positioning shaft, with one end abutting the inner bottom surface of the atomizing device and the other end abutting the rotating bushing; wherein, when the container moves from the release position to the extension position, the rotating... The bushing is compressed by the pressure member and moves towards the proximal end, compressing the bias spring; when the container moves from the stretched position to the released position, the rotating bushing is no longer compressed by the pressure member, causing the bias spring to be released to push the rotating bushing towards the distal end; during at least a portion of the axial movement of the rotating bushing, the circumferential force generated by the meshing flange and the moving serrated surface drives the rotating bushing to rotate relative to the sliding ring and causes the axial position of the sliding ring on the rotating bushing to change.

[0021] The above is an overview of this application, and there may be simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that this section is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. This overview section is neither intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other features of this application will become more fully clear through the following description and appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only a few embodiments of the application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the application. The application will be described more clearly and in more detail through the use of the drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 Atomizing device 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown in a non-use state, with its container in the release position;

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the counting module of the atomizing device shown;

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the atomizing device;

[0026] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The container on the atomizing device 100 shown is in the stretched position;

[0027] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the counting module of the atomizing device shown;

[0028] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The atomizing device 100 shown has a container close to... Figure 4 The stretching position is shown, but the counting module is locked;

[0029] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged view of the counting module of the atomizing device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols generally denote similar components unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments and variations may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter of this application. It will be understood that various different configurations, substitutions, combinations, and designs can be made to the various aspects of the general description and illustrated in the drawings of this application, all of which explicitly form part of the subject matter of this application.

[0031] Figure 1A nebulizer 100 according to one embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the nebulizer 100 is in an unused state. The nebulizer 100 is designed to deliver medication multiple times, each delivery operation delivering a portion of the medication contained therein in a spray manner, for example, to a patient.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the atomizing device 100 includes an upper housing 102 and a lower housing 104 that are rotatable relative to each other. A container 106 is mounted on the upper housing 102 for holding a liquid, such as a medication. In some embodiments, the container 106 is removably connected to the upper housing 102, so that after the medication in the container 106 is used up, the container 106 can be removed from the upper housing 102 and replaced with a new liquid storage container. Optionally, the container 106 can be connected to the upper housing 102 by threads or snap-fit. The upper housing 102 also has a liquid channel 108, in which a hollow plunger 109 is provided that is movable relative to the liquid channel 108 along the axial direction of the atomizing device 100, and a one-way valve is provided at its distal end to allow unidirectional liquid flow. This one-way valve only allows liquid to flow through its internal channel from the hollow plunger 109 to the distal end of the liquid channel 108, but does not allow reverse flow of liquid. Therefore, when the container 106 and the hollow plunger 109 move axially relative to the liquid channel 108, liquid is pumped from the container 106 into the liquid channel 108 and then squeezed from the liquid channel 108 toward the distal end.

[0033] In some embodiments, the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 can rotate relative to each other, such that the container 106 and the hollow plunger 109 move axially relative to the lower housing 104, for example, toward the lower housing 104. Figure 1 The release position shown is towards the stretching position closer to the proximal end (see...). Figure 4(As shown) the movement. The relative rotation of the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 can be a partial or complete rotation of at least one of them relative to the other, as long as it changes the axial position of the container 106 within the nebulizer 100. Furthermore, the nebulizer 100 includes a nebulizing spring 110, which is disposed on the upper housing 102. During the aforementioned movement of the container 106 towards the proximal end, the nebulizing spring 110 can be compressed to accumulate energy, while the liquid in the container 106 is pumped into the liquid channel 108. After the container 106 reaches the extended position, the user can release the compressed nebulizing spring 110, thereby allowing the nebulizing spring 110 to push the container 106 from the extended position to the released position, and push the liquid contained in the liquid channel 108 to be sprayed out through the nebulizing nozzle 112. It can be understood that one round-trip movement of the container 106 between the released position and the extended position completes one drug delivery operation. In some other embodiments, the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 may also move relative to each other in other ways, such as axially relative to each other, to drive the container 106 to reciprocate between the release position and the extension position.

[0034] Anticipatedly, the counting module 114 of the nebulizer 100 can be used to count the drug delivery operations of the nebulizer 100. The counting module 114 can be activated and its state changes each time the container 106 is moved near the extended position.

[0035] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the counting module 114. Figure 3 An exploded view of the counting module 114 is shown.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a counting module 114 is disposed on the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing. The counting module 114 includes a positioning shaft 118 extending distally from the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing. A positioning ring 120 is mounted on the positioning shaft 118, which can be installed distally via, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection. In some embodiments, the positioning ring 120 is fixedly mounted on the positioning shaft 118. The positioning ring 120 has a protrusion 121 facing the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing, which may be configured, for example, as an annular shape. In some embodiments, the annular protrusion 121 has a serrated surface facing the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing.

[0037] A rotating sleeve 122 and a bias spring 126 are also fitted onto the positioning shaft 118. In the illustrated embodiment, both the rotating sleeve 122 and the bias spring 126 are fitted onto the outer side of the positioning shaft 118. However, those skilled in the art can fit these components in other ways, such as fitting the sleeve 122 and the bias spring 126 onto the inner side of the positioning shaft 118. Accordingly, the positions of other components can also be adjusted. The rotating sleeve 122 is located between the inner bottom surface 116 and the positioning ring 120. It can be operatively coupled to the positioning ring 120 and is restricted from disengaging from the positioning shaft 118 by the annular protrusion 121. In some embodiments, the rotating sleeve 122 may have a sleeve with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the positioning shaft 118, and the inner side of the sleeve may have an inner support extending toward the positioning shaft 118, wherein the inner diameter of the inner support is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding portion of the positioning shaft 118, so as to restrict the linear movement of the positioning shaft 118 in a non-axial direction. The bias spring 126 is located between the inner bottom surface 116 and the rotating sleeve 122. One end of the spring abuts against the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing, while the other end abuts against the rotating sleeve 122. Therefore, the axial movement of the rotating sleeve 122 can be related to the state of the bias spring 126. Specifically, the rotating sleeve 122 can move along the axial direction of the atomizing device between the inner bottom surface 116 and the positioning ring 120: when the rotating sleeve 122 is squeezed towards the proximal end, the bias spring 126 is compressed; and when the rotating sleeve 122 is no longer subjected to the squeezing force towards the proximal end, the bias spring 126 can be released, thereby driving the rotating sleeve 122 to move towards the distal end.

[0038] Still referencing Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the counting module 114 also includes a pressing element 128 for operably pressing the rotating sleeve 122 as the container moves toward the lower housing. Specifically, the pressing element 128 is coupled to the distal end of the positioning shaft 118 and is movable a distance along the axial direction of the atomizing device. In some embodiments, the pressing element 128 may be connected to a locking screw 130, thereby operably mounting it to the distal end of the positioning shaft 118. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure member 128 is generally constructed as a sleeve structure with a flange 129 located on the outer side of the distal end of the pressure member 128. The sleeve structure can be inserted into the positioning shaft 118 and connected to the locking screw 130 on the opposite side. Thus, the flange 129 can limit the length of movement of the pressure member 128 proximally into the positioning shaft 118, while the locking screw 130 can limit the length of movement of the pressure member 128 distally away from the positioning shaft 118. The circumferential movement of the pressure member 128 is locked, for example, by providing a mating structure of teeth and axially extending grooves between the pressure member 128 and the positioning shaft 118, thereby preventing the pressure member 128 from rotating about the positioning shaft 118.

[0039] The pressure member 128 can press the rotating bushing 122 to move it proximally to a position close to the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing, which roughly corresponds to the container being in the stretched position. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the container on the atomizing device 100 in the stretched position, while... Figure 5 This shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the counting module of the atomizing device shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the container 106 is in the stretched position, it can contact and compress the pressure member 128, causing the pressure member 128 to move proximally and penetrate into the positioning shaft 118. This causes the lower surface of the flange 129 on the pressure member 128 to compress the rotating sleeve 122. Consequently, the rotating sleeve 122 and its threadedly coupled sliding ring 124 move proximally together, simultaneously compressing the bias spring 126. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the positioning shaft 118 has a diameter slightly larger than the distal end, thus forming an outer limiting surface 134 on the outer surface of the positioning shaft 118 and an inner limiting surface 136 on the inner surface of the positioning shaft 118. The outer limiting surface 134 can abut against the lower bottom surface of the inner support portion 131 of the rotating sleeve 122 to restrict the movement of the rotating sleeve proximally.

[0040] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the pressing member 128 moves in the distal direction, the bottom surface 137 of the screw head of the locking screw 130 can abut against the inner limiting surface 136 to prevent the pressing member 128 from disengaging from the positioning shaft 118. In some embodiments, the distance between the lower bottom surface of the inner support portion 131 of the rotating bushing 122 and the outer limiting surface 134 is smaller than the distance between the inner limiting surface 136 and the bottom surface 137 of the screw head. Thus, the travel distance of the pressing member 128 on the positioning shaft 118 is greater than the travel distance of the rotating bushing 122 on the positioning shaft 118.

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the flange 129 of the pressure member 128 may have a wavy lower surface. When the pressure member 128 contacts the rotating sleeve 122, the wavy lower surface can engage with the moving serrated surface 123. During the process of the container 106 contacting the pressure member 128 and pressing the rotating sleeve 122 towards the proximal end, the engaging wavy lower surface and the moving serrated surface 123 will cause the force of the pressure member 128 and the rotating sleeve 122 to move towards each other to decompose and generate a circumferential force. However, since the circumferential movement of the pressure member 128 is locked, only the rotating sleeve 122 can rotate around the positioning axis 118. Similarly, when the container 106 leaves the pressure member 128, the rotating sleeve 122 is no longer squeezed by the pressure member 128, but is pushed by the bias spring 126 to move toward the distal end; during this process, especially when the pressure member 128 is still in the position close to the distal end, the intermeshing flange 129 and the moving serrated surface 123 decompose the support force and generate a circumferential force, causing the rotating sleeve 122 to rotate around the positioning axis 118.

[0042] A sliding ring 124 is fitted onto the outer side of the rotating sleeve 122, and is threadedly coupled to the rotating sleeve 122, thus allowing it to rotate relative to the rotating sleeve 122 and move axially. The sliding ring 124 has one or more corresponding locating blocks 125 at one or more predetermined circumferential positions. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding ring 124 has two positioning blocks 125 arranged approximately 180 degrees apart. The positioning blocks 125 can be coupled to corresponding positioning ribs 127 extending axially along the atomizing device from the inner side of the lower housing, thereby restricting the sliding ring 124 to move only axially along the positioning axis 118 and preventing rotation about the positioning axis 118. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning block 125 is configured as a recess, while the positioning rib 127 is configured as a protrusion capable of embedding into the recess. In some other embodiments, the positioning block 125 may also be configured as a protrusion, while the positioning rib 127 may be configured as an axially extending groove structure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various alternative implementations can be used for the mating structure of the positioning rib and the positioning block.

[0043] When the rotating sleeve 122 is positioned near its proximal end, it rotates under circumferential force. Meanwhile, the sliding ring 124, constrained by the positioning rib 127, cannot rotate around the positioning shaft 118, resulting in relative rotation between the rotating sleeve 122 and the sliding ring 124. Since the rotating sleeve 122 and the sliding ring 124 are threadedly coupled, their relative rotation causes a change in the axial position of the sliding ring 124 on the rotating sleeve 122, meaning the sliding ring 124 advances a certain distance on the rotating sleeve 122. It is understood that the advancing distance of the sliding ring 124 on the rotating sleeve 122 depends on parameters such as the thread pitch, lead angle, and axial movement distance of the rotating sleeve 122. Those skilled in the art can adjust these parameters according to actual needs. It is understood that each atomization operation of the atomizing device causes the sliding ring 124 to advance a certain distance on the rotating sleeve 122. Since the rotating sleeve 122 has a predetermined axial length, the advancing distance of the sliding ring 124 can be used to characterize the number of atomization operations. In other words, the longer the screw length of the sliding ring 124, the more atomization operations are performed. In some embodiments, the lower housing may include an observation window located on its side wall, through which the position of the rotating sleeve on the positioning shaft can be observed. The observation window may be transparent or notched. In other embodiments, the lower housing may be transparent.

[0044] It is understood that when the container 106 moves to a position close to the release position, causing the flange 129 to no longer engage with the moving serrated surface 123, the fixed serrated surface on the positioning ring 120 aligns with and contacts the moving serrated surface 123 to restrict the rotation of the rotating sleeve 122 about the positioning shaft 118. The fixed serrated surface may have a matching shape and / or tooth pitch with the moving serrated surface 123.

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the distal surface of the pressure member 128 has a piercing element 132. When the pressure member 128 is as... Figure 5 When the piercing element 132 contacts the container 106 as shown, it can open or pierce the container 106. Typically, when not in use, the container 106 is provided with a sealing membrane or similar sealing component. By piercing this sealing component, the piercing element 132 can open the container 106, allowing the liquid contained within it to be pumped out of the container 106 via a subsequent pumping operation. It is understood that before use, the container 106 is in a state of... Figure 1 In the release position shown, the container 106 will not come into contact with the pressure member 128 due to the limitation between the bottom surface of the screw head and the inner limiting surface, and therefore will not be punctured and opened by the puncturing element 132.

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 4The diagram illustrates some changes in the state of the counting module during a single atomization operation. As mentioned earlier, after each atomization operation, the sliding ring on the counting module moves a certain distance towards the proximal end. In some embodiments, the counting module may further include a locking mechanism configured to limit the movement distance of the sliding ring on the rotating sleeve. In other words, the number of atomization operations can be determined by the movement distance of the sliding ring, and the limiting mechanism can prevent the atomizing device from continuing to perform atomization operations after a certain number of uses.

[0047] Figure 6 This diagram shows the counting module of the atomizing device locked, with the container roughly near the extended position. It can be seen that the container reaches... Figure 4 When the device reaches the indicated stretching position, the rotation will stop at the contact surface of the pressure element, preventing the upper and lower housings of the atomizing device from rotating relative to each other. Simultaneously, the atomizing spring cannot be fully compressed, and the release button will not spring back, thus preventing the atomizing device from functioning properly. The release button is the operating mechanism used to control the release of the atomizing spring. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram shows more clearly a schematic diagram of partial interference between the container and the pressure component.

[0048] for Figure 6 and Figure 7 The counting module in the atomizing device shown is compared to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the initial operation shows that the sliding ring 124 moves axially toward the proximal end along the rotating sleeve 122, causing its lower bottom surface to abut against the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing. In this case, a locking mechanism is provided on the inner bottom surface of the lower housing. At this time, when the container 106 is subjected to a force toward the proximal end, it will abut against the pressing member 128. However, since the sliding ring 124 abuts against the inner bottom surface 116 of the lower housing at the same time, neither the pressing member 128 nor the container 106 can move toward the proximal end, thereby locking the container 106 and restricting its movement to the stretched position.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in some alternative embodiments, the threaded coupling of the sliding ring and the rotating bushing can be configured such that the sliding ring can move in a distal direction until a predetermined position, at which point the locking mechanism can be located on the bottom surface of the upper housing or container.

[0050] In the foregoing embodiments, the container and counting module are designed to be separate, allowing the counting module to be reused. It will be understood that in some other embodiments, the container and counting module may be pre-assembled as a single unit, so that each counting module and container is for single use only.

[0051] The above is an overview of this application, and there may be simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that this section is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. This overview section is neither intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0052] It should be noted that although several components or sub-components of the atomizing device have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is merely exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this application, the features and functions of two or more components described above can be embodied in one component. Conversely, the features and functions of one component described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple components.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand and implement other modifications to the disclosed embodiments by studying the specification, the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements and steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. In practical application of this application, a single part may perform the function of multiple technical features referenced in the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An atomizing device, characterized in that, The atomizing device includes: An upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing for mounting a container for containing liquid, the container being movable along the axial direction of the atomizing device between a release position and a stretch position, wherein the stretch position is closer to the proximal end than the release position; and A counting module, installed inside the lower housing, is used to count the movement of the container between the release position and the stretching position, wherein the counting module includes: A positioning shaft extends from the inner bottom surface of the lower housing towards the distal end; A rotating bushing is fitted onto the positioning shaft and is capable of moving axially along the positioning shaft and rotating about the positioning shaft, wherein the rotating bushing has a moving serrated surface facing the distal end. A pressure element coupled to the distal end of the positioning shaft, which is axially movable along the positioning shaft but not rotatable about the positioning shaft, the pressure element including a flange capable of operably engaging with the moving serrated surface; when the container is moved to a position close to the stretched position such that the flange at least partially engages with the moving serrated surface, the engaging flange and the moving serrated surface generate a circumferential force that causes the rotating bushing to rotate; A sliding ring, wherein the sliding ring is sleeved on and threadedly coupled to the rotating shaft sleeve, the sliding ring being axially movable along the positioning shaft but not rotating about the positioning shaft; and A bias spring is mounted on the positioning shaft, one end of which abuts against the inner bottom surface of the lower housing, and the other end of which abuts against the rotating sleeve. When the container moves from the release position to the extension position, the rotating sleeve is compressed by the pressing element towards the proximal end, thus compressing the bias spring. When the container moves from the extension position to the release position, the rotating sleeve is no longer compressed by the pressing element, causing the bias spring to be released and push the rotating sleeve towards the distal end. During at least a portion of the axial movement of the rotating sleeve, the circumferential force generated by the meshing flange and the moving serrated surface drives the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the sliding ring, causing the axial position of the sliding ring on the rotating sleeve to change.

2. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting module also includes a locking mechanism configured to limit the movement distance of the sliding ring on the rotating bushing.

3. The atomizing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The threaded coupling between the sliding ring and the rotating bushing is configured such that the sliding ring can move toward the proximal end, and the locking mechanism is located on the inner bottom surface of the lower housing.

4. The atomizing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The threaded coupling between the sliding ring and the rotating bushing is configured such that the sliding ring can move in a distal direction, and the locking mechanism is located on the bottom surface of the upper housing or the container.

5. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting module also includes: A positioning rib is disposed inside the lower housing and extends along the axial direction of the atomizing device. The positioning rib is configured to couple the sliding ring at a predetermined circumferential position of the sliding ring and restrict the sliding ring from rotating around the positioning axis.

6. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting module also includes: A positioning ring, which is mounted on the positioning shaft, has an annular protrusion facing the inner bottom surface of the lower housing, and is used to restrict the axial movement of the rotating bushing away from the positioning shaft.

7. The atomizing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The annular protrusion has a fixed serrated surface that matches the moving serrated surface of the rotating bushing. When the container moves to a position close to the release position so that the flange no longer engages with the moving serrated surface, the fixed serrated surface and the moving serrated surface come into contact with each other to restrict the rotation of the rotating bushing around the positioning axis.

8. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange has a wavy lower surface that can engage with the moving sawtooth surface of the rotating bushing, and the engagement of the wavy lower surface with the moving sawtooth surface generates the circumferential force.

9. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure member also includes a piercing element located on its distal surface, the piercing element being used to open or pierce the container when the pressure member contacts the container.

10. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The travel distance of the pressure element on the positioning shaft is greater than the travel distance of the rotating shaft sleeve on the positioning shaft.

11. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container is separate from the counting module.

12. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container and the counting module are pre-assembled as a single unit.

13. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower housing includes an observation window on its side wall, through which the position of the rotating shaft sleeve on the positioning shaft can be observed.

14. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower shell is transparent.

15. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower housing is rotatable relative to the upper housing, thereby driving the container to move axially along the atomizing device.

16. A counting module for an atomizing device, characterized in that, The atomizing device has a container movable along its axial direction between a release position and a stretch position, wherein the stretch position is closer to the proximal end of the atomizing device than the release position; a counting module is installed inside the atomizing device for counting the movement of the container between the release position and the stretch position, wherein the counting module includes: A positioning shaft extends from the inner bottom surface of the atomizing device toward the distal end; A rotating bushing is fitted onto the positioning shaft and is capable of moving axially along the positioning shaft and rotating about the positioning shaft, wherein the rotating bushing has a moving serrated surface facing the distal end. A pressure element coupled to the distal end of the positioning shaft, which is axially movable along the positioning shaft but not rotatable about the positioning shaft, the pressure element including a flange capable of operably engaging with the moving serrated surface; when the container is moved to a position close to the stretched position such that the flange at least partially engages with the moving serrated surface, the engaging flange and the moving serrated surface generate a circumferential force that causes the rotating bushing to rotate; A sliding ring, wherein the sliding ring is sleeved on and threadedly coupled to the rotating shaft sleeve, the sliding ring being axially movable along the positioning shaft but not rotating about the positioning shaft; and A bias spring is mounted on the positioning shaft, one end of which abuts against the inner bottom surface of the atomizing device, and the other end of which abuts against the rotating sleeve. When the container moves from the release position to the extension position, the rotating sleeve is compressed by the pressing element towards the proximal end, thus compressing the bias spring. When the container moves from the extension position to the release position, the rotating sleeve is no longer compressed by the pressing element, causing the bias spring to be released and push the rotating sleeve towards the distal end. During at least a portion of the axial movement of the rotating sleeve, the circumferential force generated by the meshing flange and the moving serrated surface drives the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the sliding ring, causing the axial position of the sliding ring on the rotating sleeve to change.

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