Inverted nozzle fixture and method

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for clamping a jet component subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet component having a downstream end, an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, the apparatus comprising a clamp, an elastomeric forming component, and a mating component, wherein the elastomeric forming component includes at least one compensating surface, and wherein, in the assembled state, at least one compensating surface does not contact the mating component or at least one protrusion of the mating component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of jet assemblies for inhalation devices. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for clamping small jet assemblies, such as nozzles subjected to fluctuating fluid pressures under standard operation. The invention also relates to inhalation devices for the inhalation and delivery of medical active liquids, wherein the inhalation device includes such a clamping device. Background Technology

[0002] Nebulizers or other aerosol generators for liquids have long been known in the art. Among other things, such devices are used in medicine and therapy. They are used as inhalation devices for administering active ingredients in the form of aerosols, i.e., small droplets embedded in a gas. Such inhalation devices are known, for example, from the document EP 0 627 230 B1. The main components of this inhalation device are a reservoir containing the liquid to be aerosolized; a pumping unit for generating a pressure sufficiently high for atomization; and a nebulizing device in the form of a nozzle.

[0003] An improvement to this inhalation device is disclosed in patent application EP 3 615 111 A1 filed by the same applicant as this invention, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] To obtain a sufficiently uniform and fine mist of droplets, relatively high pressures are typically required, such as 10 bar or up to 100 bar, or even up to 1000 bar. To maintain the amount of vaporized liquid at each dose at an acceptablely low level, atomizing nozzles typically include one or more channels, each with a diameter of only a few μm. 2 Cross-sections on the order of magnitude, for example, from 2 μm 2 up to 200μm 2 These channels exist within the nozzle body and are often fabricated using microfabrication techniques such as micro-etching and microlithography.

[0005] However, these technologies are often designed for hard and brittle materials such as silicon, glass, or metals, and the nozzle body is often made of very tough materials to prevent any undesirable deformation when subjected to such high pressure. However, this delicate and essential component of the entire device must be securely fixed inside. This involves both fluid tightness and mechanical safety. Therefore, special attention must be paid to securing the nozzle body within the suction device.

[0006] A nozzle retaining device is known from document EP 0853498 B1, which includes a can-shaped holder with an internal groove and an elastic molded part configured to fit into the groove. The molded part itself has an opening designed to receive a nozzle body. When inserted into the groove, one surface of the molded part (and the nozzle body) is exposed to high pressure during use. The holder has a small hole at its bottom aligned with the nozzle outlet, and the mating walls of both the holder and the molded part are truncated cone-shaped.

[0007] According to the latest document DE 10 2004 001 451 A1, the above-mentioned scheme works well at medium and high pressures, but provides insufficient tightness for low pressures, such as less than 10 bar. Therefore, the following document proposes a scheme in which the clamp is complementary to a corresponding part of the closed clamp on the high-pressure side, the corresponding part having an annular ridge designed to displace the elastic material of the molded part during assembly when the elastic material of the molded part is pressed against it. Furthermore, on its high-pressure side, the molded part is not flat, but has an inclined groove in the center, which results in an inclination or chamfer towards the nozzle body arranged in the center.

[0008] Similarly, WO 03 / 097139A1 discloses a nozzle system for a liquid dispensing device, comprising a nozzle and means for fixing the nozzle in the dispensing device. The nozzle fixing means can be secured by a second fixing means, for example, in the form of a cap nut. The side of the fixing means facing the nozzle outlet has a specific geometry that minimizes the amount of dispensing liquid deposited on the fixing means.

[0009] WO 2019 / 102002 A1 discloses a nozzle retaining assembly for an inhalation device, comprising a resiliently deformable sealing element having a continuous opening capable of receiving a nozzle body. The high-pressure side of the sealing element is substantially flat and chamfered, such that, in the assembled state, the distance between these high-pressure sides is greater in the central region than in the peripheral region.

[0010] Although the latter approach claims to improve fluid tightness even at low pressures, its high-pressure side elastic deformable seal is exposed to the liquid to be atomized, which has proven to be disadvantageous, especially for a particular combination of elastic sealing material and liquid to be atomized.

[0011] The object of this invention is to provide a device that avoids the drawbacks of known technologies. In particular, the nozzle fixing device should provide sufficient liquid tightness throughout the typical pressure range of the suction device, and its components should be easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, direct contact between the resilient sealing material and the liquid to be atomized should be minimized. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device (10) for clamping a jet component (20) subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet component (20) having a downstream end (21), an opposing upstream end (22), and an outer contour (23), the device comprising

[0013] A clamp (30) having a downstream end (31) and an opposite upstream end (32) and an inner contour (33), wherein, in the assembled state, the jetting component is arranged inside the clamp, and wherein the downstream end (21) of the jetting component (20) is supported by the downstream end (31) of the clamp.

[0014] An elastomeric forming member (40) having a downstream end (41) and an opposing upstream end (42), as well as an inner contour (43) and an outer contour (44), wherein the inner contour (43) of the elastomeric forming member (40) surrounds and contacts the outer contour (23) of the jetting member; and

[0015] A mating member (50) adapted to be fixed to the upstream end (32) of the clamp (30), wherein the mating member has a downstream end (51) and an opposing upstream end (52) and an outer contour (53), wherein the outer contour (52) of the mating member is adapted to the inner contour (33) of the clamp, and wherein the mating member includes at least one protrusion (55), wherein the protrusion extends into the clamp and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming member, wherein

[0016] The elastomeric forming component includes at least one compensating surface (45), and wherein, in the assembled state, the at least one compensating surface (45) does not contact the mating component or the at least one protrusion of the mating component.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a jet assembly, such as a nozzle assembly, comprising means for clamping a jet component, such as a nozzle, according to a first aspect of the invention, and a jet component, particularly a nozzle, clamped by said means.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an inhalation device for inhaling and administering a medically active liquid in atomized form, wherein the inhalation device includes means according to the first aspect of the invention, or more specifically, includes a jet assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for clamping a jet component, particularly a nozzle such as an impact nozzle, or in other words, a method for preparing a jet assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] a) Components of a device for clamping a jet component according to a first aspect of the invention, comprising:

[0021] Clamping device;

[0022] An elastomer-molded component having at least one compensating surface;

[0023] Jet components, especially nozzles such as impingement nozzles; and

[0024] The mating component includes at least one protrusion;

[0025] b) Assemble the device in the following manner:

[0026] b1) Introduce the elastomeric forming component into the clamp, and subsequently introduce the jetting component into the elastomeric forming component, or

[0027] b2) Introducing the jetting component into the elastomeric forming component, and subsequently introducing the elastomeric forming component holding the jetting component into the clamp; and

[0028] c) Secure the mating member to the clamp, and thereby compress the elastomeric member by bringing at least one protrusion of the mating member into contact with the upstream surface of the elastomeric member. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 An apparatus for clamping a jet component is described, the apparatus having an elastomeric forming component having a compensating surface facing the jet assembly, the jet component being introduced into the elastomeric forming component prior to final assembly;

[0030] Figure 2 The final assembled state is shown. Figure 1 The apparatus and the jet assembly according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 3 An apparatus for clamping a jet assembly prior to assembly is depicted, the apparatus having an elastomeric forming member having a compensating surface facing the inner contour of the clamp.

[0032] Figure 4 The final assembled state is shown. Figure 3 The apparatus and the jet assembly according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 5 An apparatus for clamping a jet assembly prior to assembly is depicted, the apparatus having an elastomeric forming member having an internal compensating surface in the form of a hollow space located inside the elastomeric forming member;

[0034] Figure 6 The final assembled state is shown. Figure 5 The apparatus and the jet assembly according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 7 A perspective view of one embodiment of a mating component with continuous annular protrusions is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 A perspective view of one embodiment of a mating component having multiple protrusions arranged in a discontinuous ring pattern is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhalation device for inhaling and administering medical active liquids in the form of atomization is shown. The inhalation device includes a clamping device for clamping the jet assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for clamping a jet assembly subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet assembly having a downstream end, an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, the apparatus comprising:

[0039] A gripper having a downstream end and an opposite upstream end as well as an inner contour, wherein, in an assembled state, a jet assembly is arranged inside the gripper, and wherein the downstream end of the jet assembly is supported by the downstream end of the gripper.

[0040] An elastomeric forming component having a downstream end and an opposite upstream end, as well as an inner contour and an outer contour, wherein the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component surrounds and contacts the outer contour of the jetting component.

[0041] A mating component, adapted to be fixed to the upstream end of a gripper, wherein the mating component has a downstream end and an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, wherein the outer contour of the mating component adapts to the inner contour of the gripper, and wherein the mating component includes at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusion extends into the gripper and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming component (in the final assembled state), wherein

[0042] The elastomeric molding component includes at least one compensating surface, wherein in the assembled state, at least one compensating surface does not contact the mating component or at least one protrusion of the mating component.

[0043] In an alternative description, according to this first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for clamping a jet component subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet component having a downstream end, an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, the apparatus comprising...

[0044] A gripper having a downstream end and an opposite upstream end as well as an inner contour, wherein, in an assembled state, a jetting component is arranged inside the gripper, and wherein the downstream end of the jetting component is supported by the downstream end of the gripper.

[0045] An elastomeric forming component having a downstream end and an opposite upstream end, as well as an inner contour and an outer contour, wherein the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component surrounds and contacts the outer contour of the jetting component.

[0046] A mating component, adapted to be fixed to the upstream end of a gripper, wherein the mating component has a downstream end and an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, wherein the outer contour of the mating component adapts to the inner contour of the gripper, and wherein the mating component includes at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusion extends into the gripper and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming component (in the final assembled state), wherein

[0047] The elastomeric forming component includes at least one compensating surface, wherein at least one compensating surface is located at the downstream end of the elastomeric forming component or inside the elastomeric forming component.

[0048] In other words, in this alternative description, the first aspect of the invention relates to a device as described above, wherein at least one compensation surface is not located at the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member.

[0049] The device according to the first aspect of the invention (hereinafter also referred to as a "clamping device") is suitable for clamping, or in other words, securing or firmly holding a jet assembly. The term "jet component" as used herein can be broadly understood to refer to components that can be used in or incorporated into jet devices for delivering, dispensing, or transporting fluids or liquids, particularly components in jet devices for medical purposes such as pumps, inhalation devices, nebulizers, etc., for medical active liquids or fluids. In the context of the invention, preferred jet components are those used in inhalation devices, particularly nebulizers for atomizing and dispensing atomized or aerosolized medical active liquids. In specific embodiments, such nebulizers may include micro-engineered components such as nozzles for atomizing or atomizing liquids.

[0050] Therefore, in a specific embodiment of this device, the jetting component is a nozzle for atomizing or aerosolizing a liquid. In another specific embodiment, the jetting component is a nozzle for atomizing or aerosolizing (as used herein by analogy) a medically active liquid dispensed to a subject in need by inhalation. In yet another specific embodiment, the jetting component, or more specifically, the nozzle, may be of the type used in so-called soft mist inhalers (SMIs) and is configured to emit at least two jets of liquid to be atomized, such as an aerosol that collides and forms dispersed droplets in the air. Such impingement nozzles are suitable for operation at relatively high pressures, such as from about 10 bar to about 100 bar or even up to about 300 bar, where the pressure is typically generated by a pumping unit rather than by pressurized gas or other propellant. Examples of this type of inhalation device are illustrated in WO 2018 / 197730 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the jetting component clamped or secured by the device of the present invention is an impingement nozzle.

[0051] In specific embodiments, the jet component clamped or secured by the device of the present invention can be a micro-engineered or miniaturized component, and therefore can have a small external size, typically ranging from a few centimeters to 1 millimeter or even less. For example, the typical size of a nozzle, particularly an impact nozzle as described above, corresponds to a range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm relative to the longest side of a cuboid structure. The jet component clamped or secured by the device of the present invention can have various shapes, such as cylindrical, rectangular, or truncated conical shapes. However, in specific embodiments, the jet component has a cylindrical or rectangular shape. The jet component, particularly the nozzle or impact nozzle clamped by the clamping device of the present invention as described above, is typically made of a hard, wear-resistant, and, under certain conditions, fragile material such as glass or silicon.

[0052] Due to its miniaturized size, the device of the present invention can clamp or secure not only a single jet component as described above, but also multiple jet components. In this regard, the term "jet component" as used herein also refers to a single jet component among multiple identical or different fluid components. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the device of the present invention is suitable for clamping multiple components, such as 2 to 4 components, or 2 or 3 components, particularly 2 components.

[0053] Under normal circumstances, the jet component clamped by the device of the present invention is subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure or even rapidly fluctuating fluid pressure, such as pressures of up to 200 bar or more being applied to the jet component, particularly the nozzle, followed by a high-pressure phase, for example, when the liquid or fluid dispensed by the jet component is ejected from the nozzle, where the pressure drops sharply. However, generally speaking, the term "fluctuating fluid pressure" as used herein is understood broadly to mean that the pressure applied to the jet component is not constant and varies (increases or decreases) continuously or discontinuously over time, and that the pressure change can be a single event or can be repeatedly applied to the jet component, as in the case of the nozzle in the aforementioned inhaler device.

[0054] The device according to the invention is preferably suited for substantially pressure sealing and liquid sealing, meaning that during normal use, although the pressure that may be applied to jet components such as nozzles is generally high, it is desirable to have no leakage or very small, negligible leakage. In particular, as further detailed below, the device is suited for pressure sealing and liquid sealing when jet components such as nozzle bodies are inserted, i.e., when the device is in the assembled state.

[0055] The jet component clamped or secured by the device of the present invention has a downstream end and an opposing upstream end. The terms “downstream” or “upstream” used herein in relation to the various components of the device should be understood to define the opposite side or end of each component relative to the direction in which fluid or liquid is conveyed or transported in relation to the jet component, while “downstream” indicates the side or direction in which the fluid or liquid is conveyed, and “upstream” indicates the side or direction in which the liquid or liquid begins to be introduced.

[0056] In cases where the jetting component is a nozzle as described above, the upstream side or end of the nozzle is subjected to high-pressure liquid in order to atomize the fluid or liquid, and therefore may also be referred to as the "high-pressure" side. The liquid to be atomized or atomized is typically forced into one or more channels, such as an inlet channel, which may optionally include a filter. The other end of the channel terminates at the actual nozzle outlet, where an inhalable mist is generated when the device operates. Since this downstream end is surrounded by ambient pressure, it may also be referred to as the "low-pressure" side.

[0057] Furthermore, the jet component has an outer contour or surface, which can be understood as the outer surface or sidewall of the jet component extending between its upstream end and the opposite downstream end. Depending on the general design and shape of the jet component described above, the contour can typically be circular or elliptical (e.g., when the jet component has a cylindrical or truncated cone shape), or it can have multiple substantially flat sidewalls (e.g., when the jet component has a rectangular or polygonal shape). In a specific embodiment, the jet component has a cylindrical or rectangular shape. Furthermore, the contour or outer surface of the jet component can have irregular shapes such as a star shape.

[0058] The device of the present invention also includes a clamp having a downstream end and an opposing upstream end (as defined above in relation to the jet component). Furthermore, the clamp has an inner contour or inner surface, which should be understood as the inner contour or surface of the sidewall of the clamp extending from the downstream end of the clamp to the upstream end of the clamp. In specific embodiments, particularly where this clamping device will be implemented in a suction device such as a handheld inhaler, the clamp may have an outlet located at the downstream end through which the liquid or fluid to be dispensed can be ejected. Typically, the clamp can have various external shapes such as integral rectangle, cylinder, polygon, or irregular shape, while the upstream end of the clamp is preferably open, thus forming an integral cup or bowl shape to allow the introduction of other components such as jet components, elastomeric forming components, or mating components as described below. In specific embodiments, the clamp is open, or in other words, has an inlet across its entire inner diameter at its upstream end or on one side, thereby allowing access to the inner cavity of the clamp. Therefore, the jet component and other components of the device can be inserted into the clamp through the inlet.

[0059] In the assembled state, the jet component is arranged inside the holder such that the downstream end of the jet component is supported by the downstream end of the holder. In specific embodiments, particularly where the jet component is a nozzle fixed within the suction device, the jet component can be arranged within the holder such that the jet passage of the nozzle is co-located with the outlet of the holder to allow for liquid jetting and atomization. The term "supported by the downstream end of the holder" in relation to the jet component means that the jet component can directly contact the downstream end (inner contour or surface) of the holder, or can indirectly contact the holder, for example via additional seals or other connections and / or cushioning structures located between the jet component and the downstream end (inner contour) of the holder. In specific embodiments, as further detailed below, the holder may include means for establishing a connection with a mating component, for example by establishing a form-fit or press-fit connection such as a snap-fit ​​connection or by threads, and such means may preferably be located at the upstream end of the holder.

[0060] The device of the present invention further includes an elastomeric forming member having a downstream end and an opposing upstream end (as defined above in relation to the jet component). The elastomeric forming member may have a generally annular shape with an internal opening in which the jet component can be received and clamped or secured after final assembly of the device. Typically, the outer surface or contour of the elastomeric forming member may be adapted to the inner contour of the clamp, and more specifically, as further detailed below, has dimensions and shape suitable for the cavity of the clamp before assembly and in the assembled state of the device. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the total volume of the elastomeric forming member is equal to or less than the total volume of the cavity of the clamp. Due to its generally annular shape, the elastomeric forming member has an inner contour or surface that, after insertion of the jet component, surrounds and contacts the outer contour of the jet component after assembly or final assembly of the device, preferably over the entire outer periphery of the jet component. However, prior to assembly, the cross-section of the internal opening of the elastomeric forming member may be slightly larger than the cross-section of the jet component to be closed or secured. For example, the cross-sectional diameter of the internal opening can be about 10 μm to about 2 mm or about 10 μm to about 1 mm larger than the corresponding cross-sectional diameter of the jet component.

[0061] However, as detailed below, particularly prior to the final assembly of the device or fluid assembly, the outer surface or contour of the jetting component may or may not fully contact the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component. In a specific embodiment, the entire outer contour of the jetting component (corresponding to the sidewall surface of the jetting component) contacts the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component. However, in an alternative embodiment, when the jetting component is introduced into the elastomeric forming component, however, prior to the assembly of the device as detailed below, the outer contour or surface of the jetting component contacts only about 50% to about 99%, or about 60% to about 95%, or about 70% to about 90% of the inner surface of the elastomeric forming component.

[0062] In one embodiment, the elastomeric forming member is made of an elastically deformable material that can deform upon exposure to external pressure applied to the outer surface of the elastomeric forming member (such as deformation pressure applied by at least one protrusion of the mating member, as further detailed below). In another embodiment, the elastomeric forming member is made of a material with low compressibility, which allows pressure applied to one side or surface of the elastomeric forming member to be transferred to the other side or other surfaces. In other words, depending on the compressibility of the elastomeric forming member, deformation of one surface or side of the elastomeric forming member will result in expansion of another surface or side of the same element, preferably resulting in expansion of at least one compensating surface, as further detailed below.

[0063] Therefore, elastomeric molded parts may include or are substantially composed of a variety of elastomeric materials, such as synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer materials, for example... Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone resin or liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

[0064] The device according to the invention further includes a mating member adapted to be secured to the upstream end of the gripper, and in a specific embodiment, is secured to the upstream end of the gripper in the final assembled state of the device. The mating member has a downstream end and an opposing upstream end, as well as an outer contour or surface. The outer contour or surface of the mating member is adapted to the inner contour of the gripper, specifically to the inner contour of the gripper surrounding the inlet of the gripper. As described above, the mating member can be secured to the gripper, specifically by inserting the mating member into the inlet of the gripper. In a specific embodiment, the connection between the mating member and the gripper can be established by a form-fit or press-fit connection, particularly by a snap-fit ​​connection or by threads, for example, the mating member can be screwed into the gripper (inlet). Thus, the cavity of the gripper can be closed and further reduced by securing the mating member to the gripper as described above. The term "final assembled state" as used herein refers to the state of the clamping device in which all components of the device have been assembled and the mating member is secured to the gripper, or in other words, in which the device is ready for use. However, the term "assembled state" as used herein refers to the state in which all components of the device have been assembled and mating parts have not yet been secured to the clamp.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, during the assembly of the device according to the invention, the elastomeric forming component can be introduced into the clamp via the inlet of the clamp, and then the jetting component is introduced into the internal opening of the elastomeric forming component. Alternatively, the jetting component can be introduced into the internal opening of the elastomeric forming component, and then the assembled elastomeric forming component and the jetting component are introduced into the inner cavity of the clamp. In both cases, after the elastomeric forming component and the jetting component have been introduced into the clamp via the inlet, the inlet can be closed as described above by securing the mating component to the clamp.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mating component may have a generally flat shape, such as a rectangular or square plate, or a circular, elliptical, or even an irregularly shaped disk. However, in specific embodiments, particularly when the mating component has threads for establishing a connection with the gripper, the mating component may have the form of a flat disk with a circular outer periphery to mate into a corresponding circular inlet of the gripper. The mating component may also have fluid openings to allow the fluid to be delivered or atomized to enter a jetting component such as a nozzle.

[0067] Furthermore, the mating component includes at least one protrusion located and attached to the downstream end of the mating component, or more specifically to the surface of the downstream end of the mating component. Thus, in the final assembled state, or in other words, when the jet element and the elastomeric forming component are introduced into the holder (its cavity) and the mating component is secured to the holder, the protrusion extends into the holder and contacts and deforms the elastomeric shape portion housed therein. In a specific embodiment, as further detailed below, at least one protrusion contacts and deforms the upstream end of the elastomeric forming component, causing the elastomeric forming component to deform and / or compress.

[0068] Typically, at least one protrusion located on the downstream surface of the mating component can have different forms or shapes suitable for the deformation and compression of the elastomeric molding component. In other words, the suitable shape of at least one protrusion is mechanically stable enough to compress and deform the elastomeric molding component under pressure applied by the mating component when it is secured to the clamp. Furthermore, the suitable shape of the protrusion allows for effective compression and deformation of the elastomeric molding component without, for example, puncturing the elastomeric molding component. However, in some embodiments, particularly when multiple protrusions with different or irregular shapes are implemented, a certain degree of puncture into the elastomeric molding component can be beneficial for its fixation. In specific embodiments, as described above, the protrusion can be in the form of a single protrusion or multiple protrusions such as 2 to about 100, 2 to about 75, 2 to about 50, or 2 to 25, for example, 2 to about 20, 3 to about 15, or about 4 to about 10 protrusions.

[0069] In the case of multiple protrusions, the protrusions may have the same form or shape, or they may have different forms or shapes independently of each other. Suitable forms or shapes include, but are not limited to, dots, rings, strips, such as parallel or intersecting strips, honeycomb structures, and irregular shapes, while rings and strips may be continuous or discontinuous, such as multiple strips radially oriented relative to the central axis of the device. When arranged in the form of rings or multiple rings, the ring may have a circular shape preferably centered on the longitudinal axis of the downstream end (center) of the connecting device and the upstream end (center) of the device. In a specific embodiment, at least one protrusion of the mating component may have the form of at least one annular ring. In another specific embodiment, multiple annular rings may have different diameters and may be arranged concentrically around the same center. In another embodiment, at least one protrusion may have a curved line or a circular or non-circular form such as a collar.

[0070] In some embodiments, regarding the horizontal dimension, i.e., horizontal to the main axis of the aforementioned device, independent of the general shape described above, at least one protrusion of the mating component may have a uniform or continuous height measured from the downstream surface of the mating component. In other embodiments, at least one protrusion may have a non-uniform height, meaning that in the case of a single protrusion such as an annular ring, the protrusion may have a varying height, or in the case of multiple protrusions, the protrusions may have different heights measured from the downstream surface of the mating component.

[0071] Furthermore, when viewed along a vertical cross-sectional plane, i.e., a plane perpendicular to the downstream end of the mating component, at least one protrusion may have a different cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, for example, at least one protrusion may have a circular, pointed, cubic, or trapezoidal shape, which defines the width of the protrusion at its upstream end (contacting the downstream surface) and equal or different widths at its opposite downstream ends, i.e., a smaller width. In specific embodiments, the height of at least one protrusion (measured from the downstream end of the mating component) may range from about 100 μm to about 20 mm, such as from about 500 μm to about 6 mm or from about 500 μm to about 2 mm. In another specific embodiment, the maximum width of at least one protrusion, i.e., the width of the bottom of the protrusion facing the downstream end of the mating component, may range from about 100 μm to about 20 mm, such as from about 500 μm to about 6 mm or from about 500 μm to about 2 mm. In yet another specific embodiment, multiple protrusions have equal heights and / or widths.

[0072] Therefore, at least one protrusion as defined above may have a total volume Vp, which should be understood as the overall internal volume of a single protrusion measured from the downstream surface of the mating component, or, in the case of multiple protrusions, the sum of the individual volumes of the multiple protrusions.

[0073] The gripper and its independent mating component, including at least one protrusion, can be made of a material with sufficient mechanical stability or rigidity, such as metals like stainless steel or thermoplastic polymers that allow for injection molding of the individual components. In specific embodiments, the gripper and / or mating component and / or at least one protrusion comprises or is substantially composed of stainless steel, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, and polyamide, particularly PEEK.

[0074] The elastomeric forming component of the device according to the invention includes at least one compensating surface. The term "compensating surface" as used herein defines a surface or profile of the elastomeric forming component that, after the elastomeric forming component and the jetting component are introduced into the holder as described above, but before the inlet of the holder is closed by securing the mating component to the upstream end of the holder (i.e., in the assembled state), does not contact the inner surface of the holder or the outer surface of the jetting component, thereby defining a hollow space (hereinafter referred to as the "compensating volume") that the elastomeric forming component can expand into when compressed by the mating component and / or at least one protrusion of the mating component (in the final assembled state).

[0075] In the equivalent description, the compensating surface is the surface or surface area of ​​the elastomeric forming component that, in the assembled state (where the elastomeric forming component and the jetting component have been introduced into the clamp), does not contact the inner surface of the clamp and / or the outer surface of the jetting component, and in the final assembled state where the mating component is fixed to the clamp, contacts the inner surface of the clamp and / or the outer surface of the jetting component, thereby deforming and compressing the elastomeric forming component.

[0076] In yet another equivalent description, the term "compensating surface" refers to a surface or surface region of an elastomeric component that is deformable (more specifically, expandable) when the elastomeric component contacts and deforms with the mating component (in its final assembled state). However, as further detailed below, the compensating surface does not contact the mating component or at least one protrusion of the mating component.

[0077] It should be noted that the compensating surface described herein allows for effective and tight clamping and fixation of the jet assembly held by the elastomeric molding component by pressure and liquid, while the micronized jet component, and in many cases (especially where such jet component is made of brittle materials such as glass or silicon), is not at risk of deformation or damage to the brittle jet component.

[0078] In one embodiment, the compensation surface is located at the downstream (low-pressure) end of the elastomeric forming member. In another embodiment, the compensation surface, formed by at least a portion of the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming member, is biased, inclined, or chamfered toward the inner and / or outer contours of the elastomeric forming member (relative to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the device).

[0079] In this context, the terms “biased” or “tilted” or “beveled” refer to the distance (perpendicular to the main axis of the device) between the compensating surface and the outer surface of the jet component (if the compensating surface faces the jet assembly) or the inner surface of the holder (if the compensating surface faces the holder), which, depending on the specific circumstances, is greater at the downstream end after the elastomeric forming component is introduced into the holder, but before the mating component is secured to the holder, and decreases continuously or discontinuously, for example linearly, from the downstream end to the upstream end.

[0080] Therefore, the elastomeric forming component can have one or more compensating surfaces. For example, in some embodiments, the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming component (before assembly of the device as described above) can be biased, inclined, or chamfered toward the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component, thereby forming a hollow space defined by the gripper, the elastomeric forming component, and the jetting component, i.e., a compensating volume. In another embodiment, the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming component (before assembly of the device as described above) can be biased, inclined, or chamfered toward the outer contour of the elastomeric forming component, thereby forming a hollow space (i.e., a compensating volume) defined only by the gripper and the elastomeric forming component. In yet another specific embodiment, the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming component (before assembly of the device) can be biased, inclined, or chamfered toward both the inner and outer contours of the elastomeric forming component, thereby forming two separate hollow spaces (or compensating volumes) defined by the gripper, the elastomeric forming component, and the jetting component, or defined only by the elastomeric forming component and the gripper.

[0081] The term "compensation volume" as used herein can also be understood as referring to the hollow space defined and defined by the compensation surface of the elastomeric forming component, which, after the elastomeric forming component and the jetting component are introduced into the clamp as described above, does not contact the inner surface of the clamp or the outer surface of the jetting component before the inlet of the clamp is closed by fixing the mating component to the upstream end of the clamp, thereby defining the hollow space that the elastomeric forming component can expand into when compressed by the mating component and / or at least one protrusion of the mating component.

[0082] In another specific embodiment, the compensating surface of the elastomeric forming component can be an inner surface formed by an internal space or volume or multiple internal spaces or volumes located within the elastomeric forming component. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the compensating surface is formed by at least one hollow space located within the elastomeric forming component, and in a specific embodiment, it does not contact the surrounding atmosphere, the outer surface of the jet component, or the inner surface of the clamp, or in other words, it is completely surrounded by the material of the elastomeric forming component. In these cases, the compensating volume as defined above can also be referred to as an "internal compensating volume," and correspondingly, the compensating surface can be referred to as an "internal compensating surface."

[0083] In some embodiments, the internal compensation volume within the elastomeric molding component can be a single hollow space, such as an inner channel surrounding the inner contour of the elastomeric molding component. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the internal compensation volume is formed by a hollow annular space located inside the elastomeric molding component.

[0084] In other specific embodiments, the internal compensation volume may be, for example, a plurality of discrete hollow spaces distributed within the elastomeric forming member or, for example, aligned along the periphery of the inner contour of the elastomeric forming member in the form of spherical or ellipsoidal hollow spaces.

[0085] In another specific implementation, the internal compensation volume or multiple volumes may have one or more channels connecting the internal compensation volume to the surrounding atmosphere to provide pressure compensation within the internal compensation volume.

[0086] It should be noted that when the compensating surface is an internal compensating surface, the outer contour or surface of the elastomeric molding component can be shaped to completely fill the internal volume of the clamp; in other words, an (external) compensating surface is not required. However, in other embodiments, it is advantageous to combine at least one (external) compensating surface with at least one internal compensating surface.

[0087] As described above, for at least one protrusion, the compensation volume or internal compensation volume as defined above may have a total volume Vc, which should be understood as the total internal volume of a single compensation volume or internal compensation volume, or, in the case of multiple compensation volumes and / or internal compensation volumes, the sum of the individual volumes of multiple internal compensation volumes. Typically, the total volume Vc may be selected in the range of about 5% to about 80% or about 15% to about 30% of the total volume of the elastomeric molded part.

[0088] According to the invention, at least one compensation surface (in the fully assembled state of the device, or in other words, in the jet assembly according to the invention) does not contact the mating part and / or at least one protrusion of the mating part. In other words, as described above, at least one compensation surface is located at the downstream end of the elastomeric forming part or inside the elastomeric forming part.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, at least one compensation volume or surface does not contact the mating member or at least one protrusion of the mating member; preferably, in the case of multiple protrusions, it does not contact all of the multiple protrusions. In other embodiments, at least one compensation volume or surface does not contact the mating member or at least one protrusion of the mating member; preferably, in the case of multiple protrusions, it does not contact all of the multiple protrusions.

[0090] In other words, when the elastomeric forming component and the jetting component housed therein are introduced into the holder, the holder can be closed, and the device of the present invention, or more specifically, the jetting assembly including the device and the jetting component, can thus be accomplished by attaching or securing a mating component to the holder without bringing the mating component and / or at least one protrusion into contact with either the compensation surface or the volume of the elastomeric forming component. Also as described above, at least one protrusion of the mating component extends into the holder and contacts the upstream surface of the elastomeric forming component. When the mating component is attached or secured to the holder, at least one protrusion of the mating component compresses the elastomeric forming component, such that the jetting element surrounded by the inner surface of the elastomeric forming component is securely clamped and secured within the elastomeric forming component, and the compensation surface deforms, thereby reducing or completely filling the corresponding compensation volume.

[0091] Surprisingly, it was found that when the compensation volume or surface is not located upstream of the elastomeric forming component, the jetting component can be effectively fixed without the risk of damage or deformation. Therefore, in a specific embodiment of this device, the compensation surface of the elastomeric forming component is not located upstream of the elastomeric forming component.

[0092] As described above, the compensating surface can be located at the downstream end of the elastomeric forming member and can be formed by deflecting, tilting, or chamfering at least a portion of the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming member toward the inner and / or outer contours of the elastomeric forming member (relative to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the device). In other embodiments, also as described above, the compensating surface can be defined by a hollow space within the elastomeric shape portion (as an internal compensating surface). In both cases, at least one compensating surface of the elastomeric forming member provides a space or compensating volume that can expand into when the elastomeric forming member is compressed by the mating member and / or at least one protrusion of the mating member.

[0093] In a specific embodiment, the surface of the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member, or more specifically, the entire surface, contacts the downstream surface of the mating member and / or at least one protrusion. However, since there is no compensating surface or volume located at the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member, the mating member, or more specifically, the downstream surface of the mating member and / or at least one protrusion thereon, does not contact the compensating area or surface.

[0094] In another specific embodiment, the elastomeric forming component includes the compensating surface as defined above and optional additional internal compensating surfaces, and all other outer surfaces of the elastomeric forming component are surrounded and contacted by the inner surface of the clamping or mating component. In yet another specific embodiment, the elastomeric forming component includes only the internal compensating surface as defined above, and all outer surfaces of the elastomeric forming component are surrounded and contacted by the inner surface of the clamping or mating component.

[0095] According to the present invention, independent of the specific location of the aforementioned compensation surface, the internal pressure generated within the elastomeric member when the elastomeric member is compressed by at least one protrusion of the mating member can be effectively and uniformly distributed throughout the elastomeric member by allowing the elastomeric member to expand to a compensation surface or internal compensation volume generated by a compensation surface or internal compensation volume that does not contact the mating member or at least one protrusion (and in other words, away from the upstream surface of the elastomeric member that is deformed by the mating member or at least one protrusion thereof).

[0096] In another specific embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one protrusion has a total volume Vp, and the compensation volume or internal compensation volume has a total volume Vc, wherein the total volume Vp of at least the protrusion is adapted to the total volume Vc of the compensation volume or internal compensation volume. In another specific embodiment, the total volume Vp of at least the protrusions (the sum of which) is equal to at least about 10% of the overall compensation volume Vc, such as about 10% to about 50%, or about 20% to about 30%, etc.

[0097] As described above, the device according to the invention allows for the effective clamping of jet components, particularly nozzle jet components, to securely, tightly, and precisely clamp or fix them in an inhalation device by pressure and fluid, especially when the inhalation device is a handheld device and the jet component is a miniaturized multi-channel impact nozzle to be clamped and fixed within a soft mist inhalation device that operates at a high fluid pressure of at least 10 bar, typically operating in the fluid pressure range of about 50 to about 250 bar. Surprisingly, it has been proven that jet components such as miniaturized nozzles can be effectively clamped by the elastomeric forming component even when neither the mating parts nor the protrusions are in direct contact with the compensating surface, and this design, especially when the jet component is assembled with or introduced into the elastomeric forming component before insertion into the clamp, has proven advantageous for the assembly process of fragile jet components such as nozzles.

[0098] In another aspect, the present invention provides a jet assembly such as a nozzle assembly, which includes a means for clamping a jet component such as a nozzle according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described in detail above, and the jet component (specifically, the nozzle) clamped by the means.

[0099] Therefore, the present invention provides a jet assembly comprising means for clamping a jet component subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet component having a downstream end, an opposing upstream end, and an outer contour, the means comprising...

[0100] A gripper having a downstream end and an opposite upstream end as well as an inner contour, wherein, in an assembled state, a jetting component is arranged inside the gripper, and wherein the downstream end of the jetting component is supported by the downstream end of the gripper.

[0101] An elastomeric forming component having a downstream end and an opposing upstream end, as well as an inner contour and an outer contour, wherein the inner contour of the elastomeric forming component surrounds and contacts the outer contour of the jetting component; and

[0102] A mating member adapted to be fixed to an upstream end of a gripper, wherein the mating member has a downstream end and an opposing upstream end and an outer contour, wherein the outer contour of the mating member is adapted to an inner contour of the gripper, and wherein the mating member includes at least one protrusion, and wherein the protrusion extends into the gripper and contacts and deforms an elastomeric forming member (in the final assembled state), wherein the elastomeric forming member includes at least one compensating surface, and wherein in the assembled state, at least one compensating surface does not contact the mating member or at least one protrusion of the mating member;

[0103] And jet components such as nozzles that are clamped by clamping devices.

[0104] It should be noted that all definitions, features, embodiments, and combinations thereof described above in conjunction with the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention (or alternatives to the first aspect of the invention) are thus applicable to the jet assembly of the second aspect and all other aspects.

[0105] In specific embodiments, the jet assembly of this aspect of the invention corresponds to a device for clamping a jet component, such as a nozzle, according to the first aspect of the invention, and the jet component, particularly the nozzle, clamped by the device, and thus corresponds to the device according to the first aspect of the invention in its final assembled state as described above. In another specific embodiment, the jet assembly may be a nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle holder in the form of a device for fixing the nozzle therein according to the first aspect of the invention. Such a nozzle assembly can be advantageously incorporated into inhalation devices (such as inhalation devices for dispensing medical active liquids, etc.), which typically include nozzle structures subjected to rapidly fluctuating pressures.

[0106] Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention provides an inhalation device for inhaling and administering a medically active liquid in atomized form, wherein the inhalation device includes means according to the first aspect of the invention, or more specifically, includes a jet assembly or nozzle holder according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0107] In a specific embodiment, the inhalation device of this aspect of the invention can be a handheld inhalation device, particularly a soft mist inhaler (SMI) which includes an impingement nozzle having at least two channels through which two jets of medical active liquid are ejected, wherein the trajectories of at least two channels intersect, such that the medical active liquid is atomized at the intersection when ejected at high pressure.

[0108] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for clamping a jet component, particularly a nozzle such as an impact nozzle, or in other words, a method for preparing or manufacturing a jet assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0109] a) Components providing a device for clamping a jet component as described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention, comprising:

[0110] Clamping device;

[0111] An elastomer-molded component having at least one compensating surface;

[0112] Jet components, especially nozzles such as impingement nozzles; and

[0113] The mating component includes at least one protrusion;

[0114] b) Assemble the device in the following manner

[0115] bl) The elastomeric forming component is introduced into the clamp, and then the jetting component is introduced into the elastomeric forming component, or

[0116] b2) Introduce the jetting component into the elastomeric forming component, and subsequently introduce the elastomeric forming component holding the jetting component into the clamp; and

[0117] c) Secure the mating component to the clamp, thereby compressing the elastomeric component by bringing at least one protrusion of the mating component into contact with the upstream surface of the elastomeric component.

[0118] As described above, the method according to this aspect of the invention and the device according to the first aspect of the invention allow for the advantageous assembly of the clamping device, and more specifically the jet assembly of the invention, wherein the clamping force required to fix the jet component is uniformly distributed within the elastomeric forming component, thereby allowing the jet component to be tightly clamped by liquid and pressure, while minimizing the mechanical stress on the (potentially fragile and brittle) jet component.

[0119] The following is a list of numbered items that are embodiments included in this invention:

[0120] 1. A device (10) for clamping a jet component (20) subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the jet component (20) having a downstream end (21), an opposing upstream end (22), and an outer contour (23), the device comprising

[0121] A clamp (30) having a downstream end (31) and an opposite upstream end (32) and an inner contour (33), wherein, in the assembled state, the jetting component is arranged inside the clamp, and wherein the downstream end (21) of the jetting component (20) is supported by the downstream end (31) of the clamp.

[0122] An elastomeric forming member (40) having a downstream end (41) and an opposing upstream end (42), as well as an inner contour (43) and an outer contour (44), wherein the inner contour (43) of the elastomeric forming member (40) surrounds and contacts the outer contour (23) of the jetting member; and

[0123] A mating member (50) adapted to be fixed to the upstream end (32) of the clamp (30), wherein the mating member has a downstream end (51) and an opposing upstream end (52) and an outer contour (53), wherein the outer contour (52) of the mating member is adapted to the inner contour (33) of the clamp, and wherein the mating member includes at least one protrusion (55), wherein the protrusion extends into the clamp and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming member, wherein

[0124] The elastomeric forming component includes at least one compensating surface (45), and wherein, in the assembled state, the at least one compensating surface (45) does not contact the mating component or the at least one protrusion of the mating component.

[0125] 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compensation surface is located at the downstream end of the elastomeric forming member or inside the elastomeric forming member.

[0126] 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compensation surface is not located at the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member.

[0127] 4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compensation surface is formed by at least a portion of the downstream surface of the elastomeric forming member being biased or inclined toward the inner contour and / or the outer contour of the elastomeric forming member (relative to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the apparatus).

[0128] 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compensation surface is formed by at least a portion of the downstream (low-pressure) surface of the elastomeric forming member being biased or inclined toward the inner contour of the elastomeric forming member (relative to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the apparatus).

[0129] 6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compensation surface (45) is formed by at least one hollow space located inside the elastomeric forming member (40).

[0130] 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the compensation surface (45) is formed by a hollow annular space located inside the elastomeric forming member (40).

[0131] 8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protrusion (55) of the mating member (50) has the form of at least one annular ring.

[0132] 9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protrusion (55) of the mating member (50) is in the form of a plurality of protrusions.

[0133] 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of protrusions (55) have equal height and / or width.

[0134] 11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protrusion (55) has a total volume Vp, and wherein the compensation volume (56) or the internal compensation volume has a total volume Vc, and wherein the total volume Vp of the at least protrusion (55) is adapted to the total volume Vc of the compensation volume (56) or the internal compensation volume.

[0135] 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the total volume Vp of the at least protrusion (55) is equal to about 10% to about 50% of the total compensation volume Vc.

[0136] 13. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the entire surface of the upstream end (42) of the elastomeric forming member (40) contacts the mating member (50) and / or the downstream surface (51) of the at least one protrusion (55).

[0137] 14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the jetting component (20) is a nozzle for liquid atomization or gas atomization.

[0138] 15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid component (20) is a nozzle for nebulizing or atomizing a medically active liquid dispensed to a subject in need by inhalation.

[0139] 16. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the jet component (20) is an impact nozzle.

[0140] 17. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the jet component (20) has a cylindrical or rectangular shape.

[0141] 18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is adapted to clamp a plurality of jet components (20), preferably two jet components (20).

[0142] 19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric molding component (40) comprises or is substantially composed of synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer material, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone resin or liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

[0143] 20. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp (30) and / or the mating part (50) and / or the at least one protrusion (55) comprises or is substantially composed of stainless steel, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate and polyamide.

[0144] 21. An inhalation device (60) for inhaling and administering a medical active liquid in atomized form, wherein the inhalation device (60) comprises the means according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

[0145] 22. A method for clamping a jet component, the method comprising the following steps:

[0146] a) A component providing a device for clamping the jet component (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising

[0147] Clamp (30);

[0148] An elastomer forming component (40) having at least one compensating surface (45);

[0149] Jet components (20), particularly nozzles such as impingement nozzles; and

[0150] The mating component (50) includes at least one protrusion (55);

[0151] b) Assemble the device in the following manner

[0152] bl) The elastomer forming component (40) is introduced into the clamp (30), and then the jetting component (20) is introduced into the clamp (30), or

[0153] b2) Introduce the jetting component (20) into the elastomeric forming component (40), and then introduce the elastomeric forming component (40) holding the jetting component (30) into the clamp (30); and

[0154] c) Secure the mating member (50) to the clamp (30) and thereby compress the elastomeric member (40) by bringing at least one protrusion (55) of the mating member (50) into contact with the upstream surface of the elastomeric member (40).

[0155] Detailed description of the attached figures

[0156] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view is depicted of a device 10 for clamping the jet component 20, the device having an elastomeric forming component 40 having a compensating surface 45 facing the jet component 20 prior to final assembly. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in the figure below, the jet component has a nozzle form, more specifically, an impact nozzle form having at least two jet channels 24 (two jet channels are depicted) and a downstream end 21, an opposing upstream end 22, and an outer contour or surface 23. As detailed above, even under fluctuating fluid pressure, the device 10 allows for the tight clamping and fixation of jet components such as nozzles 20 by pressure and liquid. Figure 1 The image shows the device of the present invention in an unassembled state, and therefore the jet components are not (yet) tightly clamped and secured by pressure and liquid.

[0157] The device 10 also includes a clamp 30 having a downstream end 31 and an opposing upstream end 32, and an inner contour or surface 33 corresponding to the inner surface of the sidewall 35 of the clamp 30. The clamp also includes a discharge port 34 through which the liquid or fluid can be delivered, particularly in cases where the liquid or fluid is atomized by a nozzle acting as a jet component. Opposite to the discharge port 34, such as... Figure 1 The clamp 30 shown has an inlet 36 located at the upstream end 32 of the clamp 30, through which other components of the device 10, such as the jet component 20 and the elastomer forming component 40 described below, can be introduced into the clamp 30.

[0158] like Figure 1 As shown, the jet component 20 is arranged inside the clamp 30, and the downstream end 21 of the jet component 20 is supported by the downstream end 31 of the clamp 30.

[0159] The device 10 of the present invention further includes an elastomeric forming member 40 having a downstream end 41 and an opposing upstream end 42, as well as an inner contour 43 and an outer contour 44. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming member 40 surrounds and contacts the outer contour 23 of the jetting member 20. However, it should be noted that in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming component does not contact the entire outer contour 23 of the jet component 20. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of device 10 is provided. Device 10 may have an overall cubic or circular shape, for example, as described above, although... Figure 1 The two units are depicted as two separate mirror-symmetric units in the figure below, but the elastomeric forming part 40 can still belong to an elastomeric forming part 40 in, for example, annular form.

[0160] The device 10 also includes a mating component 50 adapted to be secured to the upstream end 32 of the clamp 30. For example... Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment, the mating component can be secured to the inner surface of the upstream end 32 of the gripper 30. However, in other embodiments, the mating component may also be adapted to be secured to other areas of the gripper, such as the upstream surface of the upstream end 32 of the gripper 30. As described above, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device 10 is shown, which may have, for example, an overall cubic or circular shape. Therefore, as... Figure 1 And the retaining element 50 shown in the figure below, which are two separate components, can actually belong to the same clamp 30, which rotates about the central main axis X of the device 10 (see Figure 10). Figure 2It has an overall flat circular shape and surrounds a fluid opening 54 through which fluid or liquid delivered to the jet component can enter the clamping device.

[0161] The mating component 50 also has a downstream end or surface 51 and an opposite upstream end or surface 52, as well as an outer contour 53. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the outer contour 53 of the mating component 50 is adapted to the inner contour 33 of the clamp, so that the mating component can be fixed or mounted to the clamp, especially in the final assembled state of the clamping device as described below, where at least one protrusion 55 of the mating component contacts and compresses the elastomeric forming component, it can be fixed or mounted to the clamp.

[0162] As described above, the mating member 50 includes at least one protrusion 55 located on or attached to the downstream surface 51 of the mating member 50, such that at least one protrusion 55 protrudes into the (cavity) of the clamp 30 and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming member 40 in its final and fully assembled position. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one protrusion 55 has contacted the elastomeric forming member 40; however, since the mating member 50 is not in its final and fully assembled position and is not secured to the upstream end of the clamp 30, at least one protrusion 55 has not yet deformed the elastomeric forming member 40. As described above regarding the mating member 50, Figure 1 The protrusion 55 shown may be part of the same protrusion, such as a circular or annular structure, or it may be two separate protrusions, such as in the form of a knob or rod, located on opposite (lateral) ends of the mating part 50.

[0163] The elastomeric forming component 40 of the device 10 of the present invention further includes at least one compensating surface 45. For example... Figure 1 As shown, at least one compensating surface 45 does not contact the mating part 50 and / or at least one protrusion 55 of the mating part 50. However, it should be noted in this case that... Figure 1 The device 10 in its final assembled state is not depicted. In the final assembled state, the mating component 50 is fixed to the clamp 30, and the jetting component 20 is firmly clamped by the device 10. Figure 1 In the device shown, the jetting component 20 and the elastomer forming component 40 have been introduced into the inner cavity of the clamp 30, but the mating component 50 and the protrusion 55 are not yet in their final positions.

[0164] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment, the compensation surface (or surface) 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40 is located at the downstream end 41 of the elastomeric forming member 40. Specifically, the compensation surface (or surface) 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40 is not located at the upstream end 42 of the elastomeric forming member 40. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the compensation surface 45 is formed such that at least a portion of the downstream surface 41 of the elastomeric forming member 40 faces the inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming member 40 (relative to the principal axis X perpendicular to the device (see...)). Figure 2 The plane of the elastomeric member 40 is biased or tilted. In this arrangement, the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric member 40, together with the outer contour 23 of the jet member 20 and the inner surface of the downstream end 31 of the clamp 30, defines and restricts the compensation volume 56, which the elastomeric member 40 can expand into when compressed by the mating member 50 and / or at least one protrusion 55 of the mating member 50.

[0165] Figure 2 The final assembled state is shown. Figure 1 In the final assembled state, the mating component 50 of the device 10 shown is fixed or mounted to the clamp 30; however, for clarity, the mating component 50 is omitted. Figure 1 Some of the components and parts described herein. Therefore, Figure 2 (like Figure 4 and Figure 6 An embodiment of the jet assembly 15 of the present invention is also depicted. As shown, at least one protrusion 55 and the mating member 50 themselves contact the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member 40. Thus, at least one protrusion 55 reaches into the elastomeric forming member 40 and thereby deforms it. Due to the distribution of pressure exerted by the protrusion 55 that deforms the elastomeric forming member 40 at its upstream end or surface 42, the elastomeric forming member expands and extends into the compensation volume 56 through the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40 and deforms on the opposite side, resulting in a reduction in the compensation volume (Vc). However, this results in a uniform distribution of pressure throughout the elastomeric forming member 40, particularly on the entire inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming member 40 that contacts the outer contour 23 of the jet member 20, thereby effectively clamping the jet member 20 tightly by liquid and pressure without the risk of damaging the clamped jet member 20.

[0166] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a device 10 for clamping the jet component 20 prior to assembly is depicted, the device having an elastomeric forming member 40 having a compensating surface 45 facing the inner contour 33 of the clamp 30. Figure 2 Similarly, the components of the device correspond to Figure 1 The components are shown, and some reference numerals are omitted to avoid redundancy. As described above, according to this embodiment, the compensating surface 45, in this embodiment, also does not contact the mating component 50 and / or at least one of its protrusions 55 in the assembled state, and is located at the downstream end 41 of the elastomeric molding component 40. However, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a different embodiment, the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40 is formed such that at least a portion of the downstream surface 41 of the elastomeric forming member 40 is biased or inclined toward the outer contour 44 of the elastomeric forming member 40 (relative to a plane perpendicular to the main axis X of the device). In this arrangement, the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40, together with the inner surface 33 of the downstream end 31 of the holder 30, defines and limits a compensation volume 56 into which the elastomeric forming member 40 can expand when compressed by the mating member 50 and / or at least one protrusion 55 of the mating member 50. In this embodiment, because the inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming member fully contacts and surrounds the outer contour 23 of the jet member 20, the contact between the inner contours 43 of the elastomeric forming member is maximized from the outset.

[0167] Figure 4 Depicting the final assembled state Figure 3 In the embodiment of the device 10 and the corresponding jet assembly 15, in the final assembled state, the mating component 50 is fixed or mounted to the clamp 30, and for clarity, the details are omitted. Figure 1 Some of the components and parts described herein. As... Figure 2 As in the illustrated embodiment, at least one protrusion 55 and the mating member 50 themselves contact the upstream end of the elastomeric forming member 40. Thus, at least one protrusion 55 reaches into the elastomeric forming member 40, thereby deforming it, or more specifically, deforming the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40. Due to the distribution of pressure exerted by the protrusion 55 deforming the elastomeric forming member 40 at its upstream end or surface 42, the elastomeric forming member expands and extends into the compensation volume 56 through the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric forming member 40, deforming on the opposite side, thereby resulting in a reduction in the compensation volume (Vc).

[0168] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a device 10 for clamping jet components prior to final assembly is depicted, the device 10 having an elastomeric forming member 40 having an internal compensation surface 45 in the form of a hollow space or an internal compensation volume 57 located within the elastomeric forming member 40. (See also...) Figure 3 As in the illustrated embodiment, the components of device 10 correspond to Figure 1 The components are shown, and some reference numerals have been omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0169] As described above, according to this embodiment, the compensating surface 45, in the assembled state, also does not contact the mating part 50 and / or at least one of its protrusions 55, and is located inside the elastomeric molded part. However, with Figures 1 to 4In a different embodiment, the compensation surface 45 of the elastomeric molding component 40 is formed by at least one hollow space located inside the elastomeric molding component, and therefore does not come into contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0170] Also in this embodiment, because the inner contour 43 of the elastomeric forming member completely contacts and surrounds the outer contour 23 of the jet member 20, the contact between the inner contours 43 of the elastomeric forming member 40 is maximized from the outset. Furthermore, the contact between all outer surfaces of the elastomeric forming member 40 and the clamp 30, the mating member 50 and at least one of its protrusions 55, and the surfaces surrounding the jet member 20 is maximized, resulting in effective clamping and fixation of the jet member 20 in the final assembled state. In this embodiment, the internal compensation surface 45 surrounding the internal compensation volume 57 is formed by a hollow annular space located inside the elastomeric forming member.

[0171] Figure 6 Depicting the final assembled state Figure 5 In another embodiment of the device 10 and thus the jet assembly 15, in the final assembled state, the mating component 50 is fixed or mounted to the clamp 30, and for clarity, the [missing information] is omitted. Figure 1 Some of the components and parts described herein. As... Figure 2 and 4 As in the illustrated embodiment, at least one protrusion 55 and the mating member 50 themselves contact the upstream end 42 of the elastomeric forming member 40. Thus, at least one protrusion 55 reaches into the elastomeric forming member 40, thereby deforming it. Due to the distribution of pressure exerted by the protrusion 55 deforming the elastomeric forming member 40 at its upstream end or surface 42, the elastomeric forming member expands and extends through the internal compensation surface 45 into the internal compensation volume 57, resulting in internal deformation and a reduction in the internal compensation volume (Vc).

[0172] exist Figures 1 to 6 In all the embodiments shown, the compensation volume 56 or internal compensation volume 57 is (slightly) larger than the total volume Vp of at least one protrusion 55, thereby creating a remaining smaller compensation volume 56 or internal compensation volume 57 after the final assembly of the device is completed by securing the mating part 50 to the clamp 30.

[0173] Figure 7 A perspective view of one embodiment of a mating component 50 having continuous circular protrusions 55 is shown. Figure 7The mating component 50 shown has a downstream surface 51, an outer contour or surface 53, and a fluid opening 54 that allows fluid or liquid to pass through and be delivered to the jet component to be clamped by the clamping device of the present invention. On the downstream surface 51 of the mating component 50, a circular protrusion 55 is provided in the form of an annular ring centered on the main rotation axis X of the clamping device.

[0174] Figure 8 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mating component 50 is shown. In this embodiment, Figure 7 The continuous circular protrusions 55 shown in the implementation scheme have been combined with Figure 7 The same as in the middle, centered on the principal axis of rotation X (see...). Figure 7 The multiple protrusions 55 arranged in a discontinuous circular ring are replaced. For example... Figure 8 As shown, all of the multiple protrusions 55 have equal height and width.

[0175] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhalation device 60 for inhalation administration of a medically active liquid in atomized form. The device includes a clamping device 10, or more specifically, a jet assembly 15 including such a clamping device. The inhalation device 60 includes a housing 61, preferably shaped and sized such that it can be held in one hand and operated by one finger, such as the thumb (not shown). A reservoir 62 for storing the medically active liquid is located inside the housing 61. The reservoir 62 shown is designed to be foldable; this means that during evacuation, the resilient walls or at least the soft walls bend so that the negative pressure required to extract a certain amount of liquid does not increase, or increases very little. Furthermore, the inhalation device 60 includes a pumping unit 63 within the housing 61, having a piston 63A and a pumping chamber 63B for generating the desired pressure required to launch and atomize the medically active liquid. The pumping chamber 63B is fluidly connected to the reservoir 62 by means of an inlet check valve 64. A one-way valve 64 is used to allow medical active liquid to flow into the pumping chamber 63B and to prevent the liquid from flowing back into the reservoir 62 when a locking mechanism (not shown) is released. As a device for storing and delivering potential energy, a spring 65 is provided, one end of which (the upward-oriented end) is connected to the pumping unit 63 and supported on the housing 61 (lower part of the figure).

[0176] A clamping device 10 or jet assembly 15, including a jet component or more specifically a nozzle 20, is placed on the upper edge of the housing 61 of the suction device 60, such that the nozzle 20 is in fluid connection with the pumping unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating component is formed from the outer surface of the housing 61. However, in other embodiments, the mating component 50 may also be designed as described above. Figures 1 to 8The individual components shown are attached to the inhalation device 60, and this mating component 50 or jet assembly 15 is attached to the inhalation device 60.

[0177] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0178] 10 Clamping device

[0179] 15 jet assembly

[0180] 20 jet components, nozzles

[0181] 21 Downstream end of the jet component

[0182] 22. Upstream end of the jet component

[0183] 23 Outer contour of the jet component

[0184] 24. Injection channel of the jet component

[0185] 30 Grippers

[0186] 31 Downstream end of the clamp

[0187] 32 Upstream end of the clamp

[0188] 33 Inner contour of the clamp

[0189] 34. The outlet of the clamp

[0190] 35 Side wall of the clamp

[0191] 36. Gripper Inlet

[0192] 40 Elastomer Molded Components

[0193] 41 Downstream end of the elastomer forming component

[0194] 42. Upstream end of the elastomer forming component

[0195] 43 Inner contour of elastomer molded parts

[0196] 44 Outer contour of elastomer molded parts

[0197] 45 Compensation surface of elastomer molded parts

[0198] 50 mating parts

[0199] 51 Downstream surface of mating component

[0200] 52. Upstream surface of mating components

[0201] 53 Outer contour of mating parts

[0202] 54. Fluid openings in mating components

[0203] 55. Protrusions of mating components

[0204] 56 Compensation Volume

[0205] 57 Internal compensation volume

[0206] X-axis of rotation

[0207] 60 Inhalation devices

[0208] 61. Shell

[0209] 62. Storage container for medical fluids

[0210] 63 Pumping Unit

[0211] 63A Piston

[0212] 63B Pumping Chamber

[0213] 64 valves

[0214] 65. Spring.

Claims

1. A device (10) for clamping a fluid component (20) subjected to fluctuating fluid pressure, the fluid component (20) having a downstream end (21), an opposing upstream end (22), and an outer contour (23), the device comprising: A clamp (30) having a downstream end (31) and an opposite upstream end (32) and an inner contour (33), wherein, in the assembled state, the fluid component is arranged inside the clamp, and wherein the downstream end (21) of the fluid component (20) is supported by the downstream end (31) of the clamp. An elastomeric forming component (40) having a downstream end (41) and an opposing upstream end (42), as well as an inner contour (43) and an outer contour (44), wherein the inner contour (43) of the elastomeric forming component (40) surrounds and contacts the outer contour (23) of the fluid component; and A mating member (50) adapted to be fixed to the upstream end (32) of the clamp (30), wherein the mating member has a downstream end (51) and an opposing upstream end (52) and an outer contour (53), wherein the outer contour (53) of the mating member is adapted to the inner contour (33) of the clamp, and wherein the mating member includes at least one protrusion (55), wherein the protrusion extends into the clamp and contacts and deforms the elastomeric forming member, wherein The elastomeric forming component includes at least one compensating surface (45) which, prior to assembly, defines either a hollow space located at the downstream end (41) of the elastomeric forming component (40) between the at least one compensating surface (45) and at least the clamp (30), or defines an internal compensating volume (57) into which the elastomeric forming component expands in the assembled state, and wherein, in the assembled state, the at least one compensating surface (45) does not contact the mating component or the at least one protrusion of the mating component.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one compensation surface (45) is located inside the elastomeric forming component (40).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one compensation surface is a surface or surface area of ​​the elastomeric forming component, which is deformable when it comes into contact with and deforms the mating component or the at least one protrusion of the mating component.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one compensation surface is not located at the upstream end of the elastomeric forming component.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one compensation surface (45) is formed by at least a portion of the surface of the downstream end of the elastomeric forming member (40) and is biased or inclined toward the inner contour (43) and / or the outer contour (44) of the elastomeric forming member (40).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one compensation surface (45) is formed by at least a portion of the surface of the downstream end of the elastomeric forming member (40) and is biased or inclined toward the inner contour (43) of the elastomeric forming member (40).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal compensation volume is formed by a hollow annular space located inside the elastomer forming component (40).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The internal compensation volume is formed by a plurality of hollow annular spaces located inside the elastomer forming component (40).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one protrusion (55) of the mating component (50) has the form of at least one annular ring.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one protrusion (55) of the mating component (50) is in the form of a plurality of protrusions.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of protrusions (55) have equal height and / or width.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one protrusion (55) has a total volume Vp, and the hollow space defines a compensation volume (56) or the internal compensation volume having a total volume Vc, and the total volume Vp of the at least one protrusion (55) is adapted to the total volume Vc of the compensation volume (56) or the internal compensation volume.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The total volume Vp of the at least one protrusion (55) is equal to 10% to 50% of the total compensation volume Vc.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The entire surface of the upstream end (42) of the elastomeric forming member (40) contacts the downstream end (51) of the mating member (50) and / or the at least one protrusion (55).

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid component (20) is a nozzle for liquid atomization or gas atomization.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid component (20) is a nozzle for atomizing or atomizing a medically active liquid dispensed to a subject in need by inhalation.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid component (20) is an impact nozzle.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid component (20) has a cylindrical or rectangular shape.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device is suitable for clamping multiple fluid components (20).

20. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The elastomeric molding component (40) includes or is composed of synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer material, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone resin or liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

21. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamp (30) and / or the mating component (50) and / or the at least one protrusion (55) comprise or are composed of stainless steel, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate and polyamide.

22. A fluid assembly comprising means for clamping a fluid component according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and a fluid component clamped by said means.

23. The fluid assembly of claim 22, wherein, The device for clamping the fluid component is a nozzle holder, and the fluid component is a nozzle.

24. An inhalation device (60) for inhaling and administering a medical active liquid in atomized form, wherein the inhalation device (60) comprises the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or the fluid assembly according to claim 22 or 23.

25. A method for clamping a fluid component or manufacturing a fluid assembly according to claim 22 or 23, the method comprising the steps of: a) Components of the device (10) for clamping a fluid component (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising Clamp (30); An elastomer forming component (40) having the at least one compensation surface (45); Fluid component (20); and The mating component (50) includes at least one protrusion (55); b) Assemble the device in the following manner bl) The elastomeric forming component (40) is introduced into the clamp (30), and then the fluid component (20) is introduced into the elastomeric forming component (40), or b2) The fluid component (20) is introduced into the elastomeric forming component (40), and then the elastomeric forming component (40) holding the fluid component (20) is introduced into the clamp (30); and c) Secure the mating member (50) to the clamp (30) and thereby compress the elastomeric member (40) by bringing at least one protrusion (55) of the mating member into contact with the upstream surface of the elastomeric member (40).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The fluid component (20) is a nozzle.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The fluid component (20) is an impact nozzle.

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