Use of a substance container having two sub-areas and a substance container having two sub-areas

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a substance container (5) having two sub-areas (46), wherein in each sub-area a partial quantity of a substance (48, 48') is contained, wherein in addition the two sub-areas have openable, pierceable protective covers (50), which substance container is used in a device (1) for inhalation of a powdered substance, which device has a piercing device (60), wherein the piercing device is designed to open the substance container, the protective covers can be opened by the piercing device and the partial quantity of each sub-area can only be emptied by the pierced protective cover belonging to this sub-area. The invention also relates to a substance container having two sub-areas, wherein in each sub-area a partial quantity of a substance is contained, wherein in addition the two sub-areas have openable, pierceable protective covers, wherein the substance container is configured as a cylinder and has a cylinder longitudinal axis and an externally surrounding, transverse to the cylinder longitudinal axis oriented groove (59) is provided approximately centrally with respect to the cylinder longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an earlier invention application entitled "Apparatus for inhaling powdered substances, a substance container for such apparatus and a method for filling such apparatus", filed on January 14, 2020, with application number 202080020434.1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates first to the application of a material container having two sub-regions, wherein each sub-region contains a portion of the material, and wherein both sub-regions have an openable cover. Background Technology

[0003] Such containers are known in different implementations. For example, reference can be made to prior art in publication WO2004 / 010978 A1.

[0004] Known drug containers are designed for ingestion by patients. These containers are made of a soluble material. When a patient swallows the capsule, the capsule dissolves after a certain period of time, allowing the medication contained within to take effect in the body.

[0005] On the other hand, it is known that capsules are designed and used in such a way that they can be opened in an insertion device and the contents, typically in powder form, of a drug can then be inhaled, for example. For examples of this, see publications WO 2018 / 195086 A1 or EP 3111978 A1.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a material container having two sub-regions, wherein each sub-region contains a portion of the material, and wherein both sub-regions have an openable, punctureable cover.

[0007] The aforementioned existing technologies can also be referenced in this regard.

[0008] Furthermore, for example, a piercing device is known from WO 2005 / 049 121 A1 (US 2007 / 0 131 225 A1), in which the application can occur, wherein a plurality of material containers are contained, which are continuously brought to an emptying position for being emptied.

[0009] WO 2003 / 061 743 A1 (US 8 511 304 B2) discloses an apparatus in which material containers are provided in a chain connected to each other in the form of a transparent plastic strip, wherein chambers containing material are arranged side by side on the transparent plastic strip. These chambers contain different materials in predetermined amounts. The two materials of the corresponding material containers are contained in areas of the transparent plastic strip that are spaced apart from each other until emptied.

[0010] A device for inhaling a powdery substance is known from US2007 / 131225 A1, wherein a plurality of substance containers are moved in an endless queue by drive wheels. One substance container is located in an emptying position (not described in detail) outside each drive wheel.

[0011] Regarding the individual material containers, they are all designed to have the same filling chamber. Regarding the filling of the equipment with the material containers, this filling is only possible when the lid is removed, and therefore perpendicular to the direction of movement of the material containers within the equipment during normal operation.

[0012] A corresponding device for inhaling powdery substances is known in the same manner from WO 02 / 053216A1. However, the substance is located in a box with a separate chamber. A device for inhaling powdery substances is also known from US2010 / 294278 A1. The substance is located in a separate transparent plastic package, which is in turn housed in a transparent plastic rotating component. To empty, the transparent plastic package is first drawn out from the rotating component and then punctured. A device for inhaling powdery substances is also known from EP 2 115 595 A2, wherein a separate transparent plastic package is housed in a box in the same manner. The box is moved by a skid-shaped drive. In the empty position of the transparent plastic package, the transparent plastic package is located in the box. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In terms of application, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an advantageous application.

[0014] The technical problem is solved in the technical solution of claim 1, wherein, according to this, the cover is a punctureable cover, and the substance container is used in a device for inhaling powdered substances, the device having a piercing device, wherein the piercing device is designed to open the substance container, the cover can be opened by the piercing device, and a portion of the amount in each sub-region can only be emptied through the punctured cover belonging to that sub-region.

[0015] Regarding the material container, the solution arises in the technical solution of claim 20, wherein the material container is constructed in a cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis, and a groove surrounding the exterior and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column is provided substantially centrally relative to the longitudinal axis of the column.

[0016] In a possible design, the material containers can be arranged in the device as a plurality of material containers that can be continuously moved to an emptying position, wherein the material containers that are not connected to each other are housed in a guide device fixed to the device so that they can be directly abutted against each other and can be moved by contact pressure spreading between these material containers, wherein the guide device may have a drive wheel with receiving molded portions separated by drive teeth.

[0017] In the emptied position, the material container can be located in the receiving and shaping part of the drive wheel.

[0018] Based on the preferred loose arrangement of multiple substance containers in the device, in possible designs, substance containers of the type described above, having, for example, different substances and / or different dosages, can be arranged in the device. Thus, the dosage of substance containers arranged, for example, directly in sequence, can be continuously increased, for example, until it reaches a medically necessary level, and, if necessary, continuously decreased again in the order of inhalation through the last of the multiple substance containers.

[0019] The individual arrangement of material containers allows the equipment to be customized.

[0020] Even if the material containers are not connected to each other, they can move in a chain-like manner within the device or in the device's guiding mechanism if necessary, especially based on the contact between two material containers directly following each other in the direction of movement. The movement of the material containers, particularly caused by the user from the outside, for example, to an empty position, is based on the contact pressure that spreads across the material containers due to this contact. If necessary, a material container actively placed in motion from the outside, preferably directly via a drive wheel, can, to some extent, push all other material containers in front of it.

[0021] Due to the position of the material container trapped in the receiving and forming section, a predetermined evacuation position of the material container can be reached, and thus can be definitively occupied during multiple suction processes. The occupation of the evacuation position is preferably independent of the container following along the transport direction and, in other cases, applying contact pressure to move the material container in the guide device. More precisely, the material container brought to the evacuation position can be temporarily detached from the direct contact pressure-spreading chain in order to definitively occupy that position.

[0022] The substance container has two sub-regions, each containing an individual amount of substance. Both sub-regions have openable, pierceable covers.

[0023] This allows two powdered substances to be contained in the same container. These two substances may differ in their composition.

[0024] Especially when different pharmaceutical substances are suitable for inhalation but should be directly mixed during inhalation to improve efficacy, it is preferable that the sub-regions also have containers that can be opened simultaneously for inhalation. Each of the different substances is contained as a separate portion in a container. Advantageously, the two sub-regions can each have an openable cap. Such opening can be achieved in the device via an insertion device.

[0025] Such a material container also provides the possibility that, with the device being designed accordingly, it may optionally open only during inhalation and empty one or another sub-area by the airflow generated during inhalation, or alternatively open or empty both sub-areas.

[0026] Therefore, an application is provided for a substance container having two sub-regions, wherein each sub-region contains a portion of the substance, and wherein both sub-regions have openable caps. The substance container is used in a device for inhaling a powdered substance, wherein the device contains such a substance container and the device has a piercing device designed to open the substance container. Each sub-region has a piercing cap that can be opened by the piercing device, and the portion of the substance in each sub-region can only be emptied through the pierced cap associated with that sub-region.

[0027] According to one possible design, the material containers are arranged in an endless chain within the guiding device of the equipment. Although the material containers are preferably not connected to each other, this design creates an endless chain-like arrangement of the material containers within the equipment. The guiding device can be designed to have only a width transverse to the direction of movement of the material containers within it, so that the material containers can only be arranged sequentially within the guiding device relative to this direction of movement. Therefore, it is preferable that the material containers are housed in the equipment in a single row and preferably moved sequentially within the equipment in a single row.

[0028] A drive element can be provided that can act on any or selected material containers to move them. The drive element can act directly or indirectly on the selected material containers, causing them to be actively moved, while other material containers in the guiding device are moved by contact pressure spreading between the material containers.

[0029] Here, the driving element can be designed as the aforementioned driving wheel with a radially open receiving and shaping portion, so as to act on the corresponding material container. This driving wheel can be designed in the form of a star wheel, having the aforementioned receiving and shaping portion.

[0030] In a preferred design, the device provides only one (numerical) drive element, particularly a drive wheel, which preferably acts directly on at least one material container to be moved to the emptying position. Furthermore, the drive wheel may also act on one or two, or if necessary, three or four or more material containers upstream and / or downstream (relative to the direction of displacement of the containers) of the material container in the emptying position.

[0031] The material container may be completely or only partially captured in the receiving molding section. Therefore, the wall of the drive wheel defining the boundary of the receiving molding section can grip the captured material container circumferentially in a section that allows for guidance and directing of the material container within a guiding device. Thus, in a plan view preferably shown as a point on the geometric axis of rotation of the drive wheel, the receiving molding section may have an arcuate edge orientation to cooperate with, for example, a cylindrical section of the material container.

[0032] The drive element, particularly the drive wheel, can be moved along a preferred predetermined transport direction by a drive mechanism that can be moved by the user. Movement of the drive element against the transport direction is preferably prohibited. The drive mechanism is intentionally moved by the user, in particular, to move the material container toward an emptying position. In another design, the drive mechanism can also be used to move the insertion device so that the cap of the material container can be pierced to open the container.

[0033] Here, the drive element is arranged coaxially and rotatably with respect to the control wheel. It can also be specified that the drive element and control wheel are arranged torsionally on the drive shaft. According to one possible design, the geometric axis of rotation of such a drive shaft can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the material container in the guiding device. Here, the guiding device can also be arranged in a track-like manner around the drive shaft.

[0034] The drive element can act on the control wheel indirectly or directly via the drive shaft. Therefore, the user can act on the drive element and the control wheel simultaneously and preferably to the same degree via the drive element.

[0035] The control wheel can cooperate with a check valve to prevent reverse rotation, that is, rotation against the predetermined direction of movement of the material container in the guiding device. Thus, the control wheel can, for example, cooperate with a spring-loaded stop in a ratchet manner, which can only be passed in one direction of rotation.

[0036] In an operationally advantageous manner, the drive unit can be connected to the closure, such that as the closure moves to the open position along the pivoting path, the drive unit moves in the transport direction. This advantageously prepares the device for suction as the closure is pivoted to the open position of the preferred release device's suction port, while the substance container is moved by the drive unit, thereby, in a preferred design, bringing a substance container to the empty position. Preferably, no additional operation is required here. More precisely, by pivoting the closure to the open position, the device is preferably prepared for suction with respect to the positioning of the substance container.

[0037] During the movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position, it may be necessary to load the actuating wheel only on a portion of the pivoting path via the drive member. This particularly involves a path that is only partially generated during the process, through which the material container must traverse, but where a longer path is required if necessary to manipulate the insertion device. For this purpose, the drive member can engage with the actuating wheel only on a preferred first portion of the pivoting path and disengage from it on the remaining portion of the pivoting path. A crescent-shaped guide can be provided for this purpose, through which the drive member is controlled to enter or exit the engagement position with the actuating wheel during the pivoting movement of the closure.

[0038] In this respect, it is preferable that, by means of a crescent-shaped guide, the drive element engages with the drive shaft and control wheel of the driving element in the first part of the pivoting path and disengages in the second part of the path of the cover movement.

[0039] During the process of the enclosure returning to the closed position, the drive unit can be completely disengaged from the control wheel or drive shaft through the crescent plate guide throughout the entire pivot path, i.e. the return path.

[0040] Therefore, the drive component can also be designed to be spring-back. Through the crescent-shaped guide, the drive component can be deflected against the restoring force generated by the spring when necessary, or the elastic restoring force can be used to squeeze the drive component into the generated crescent-shaped track section.

[0041] This elasticity can be generated based on the elasticity design of the drive section.

[0042] In the closed position of the enclosure, the drive unit can be in its initial position, where it preferably rests within the crescent-shaped guide with minimal or no elastic energy storage. Correspondingly, in the unused position of the device, the spring of the drive unit is preferably unloaded or not significantly loaded in terms of its spring force, and this unused position can correspond to the preferred storage position of the device. Based on this preferred design, even if the rebounding section of the drive unit is designed as a plastic part, the elasticity of the drive unit, which is necessary for the function of the device, will not weaken or significantly weaken, thus ensuring reliable function even if the device is not used for extended periods.

[0043] The guiding device for the material container also has a guide rail that connects to a closable inlet opening in the housing for the material container. The guide rail provides directional guidance for the material container. Here, the material container can be guided on both sides of the guide rail relative to the direction of movement.

[0044] A closable inlet opening may be provided on the housing side, which, in a corresponding open position, allows external access to the guide rail. The inlet opening allows material containers to be introduced into the guide rail, for example, and preferably, to fully equip the device with a preferred predetermined number of material containers.

[0045] Thus, in the device, for example, 15 to 60, further for example, 20 to 40, and especially about 30 such material containers can be arranged in the guide rail.

[0046] The inlet opening can be closed by a closure that can only be destructively removed. After the device is filled with a predetermined number of material containers, the closure is installed into the inlet opening to prevent the material containers from falling out of the guide rails and the device as a whole. The closure can be visually represented as part of the device housing from the outside, facing the user.

[0047] After the closure is installed into the inlet opening, it can preferably be removed by only complete or partial destruction of the closure, wherein only partial destruction of the closure in particular prevents the closure from being properly reinstalled into the inlet opening.

[0048] The corresponding securing of the closure can be achieved through the engagement of the rear clamping section of the locking mechanism with the surrounding housing area. Alternatively, it can be bonded or welded to the surrounding housing edge area.

[0049] Alternatively, and preferably, the closure forms part of the guide rail on the inside. Therefore, the guide rail facing the closure can form part of the guide rail wall, and if necessary, if provided on the guide rail side, additional guide elements such as guide strips can be formed.

[0050] Furthermore, the guide rail associated with the insertion device for the substance container may have longitudinal grooves in which substances that may escape from the insertion device can be collected. For example, if no aspiration is performed after the substance container located in the insertion device is punctured, the substance may flow into the guide rail if necessary. The substance is preferably collected in the longitudinal grooves of the guide rail so that the mobility of the substance container on the guide rail is not impaired.

[0051] Therefore, the bottom plate and / or top plate of the guide rail may have corresponding groove-shaped recesses relative to the contact surface or sliding surface for the material container.

[0052] Here, longitudinal channels can extend along the entire length of the guide rail, wherein multiple longitudinal channels arranged side by side may be provided if necessary. The multiple longitudinal channels can also be connected to each other by transverse channels that extend (essentially) laterally relative to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail, in order to achieve a favorable distribution of material that may flow into the channels.

[0053] Furthermore, the guide channel allows for the targeted transfer of material particles to an area equipped with a collection chamber, which is preferably constructed separately from the guide track. Material transported in the longitudinal channel can be collected in this collection chamber if necessary. This allows for the eventual complete removal of the material from the area of ​​the guide track, if necessary.

[0054] The material container can be constructed in a cylindrical shape, more preferably a cylindrical shape.

[0055] In such a design, two sub-regions of the material container can be provided at the ends of the longitudinal extension axis relative to the cylindrical material container, so that the two sub-regions can be observed to be arranged opposite each other along the extension direction of the axis.

[0056] Subregions of a material container can be separated from each other by their bottoms, which extend substantially in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0057] To achieve advantageous emptying of the sub-regions (cavities) by airflow, these sub-regions can be individually shaped as semi-shells, thereby preferably avoiding the creation of flow-related dead zones. For this purpose, the sub-regions can have continuously curved bottom regions. This continuous curvature is preferably also provided in the same manner in all possible cross-sections generated along the longitudinal axis.

[0058] It has proven advantageous that the material container has a groove on the outside, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column, roughly centered relative to the column's longitudinal axis. Based on this groove design, particularly regarding the semi-shell design of the sub-regions, and relative to a longitudinal section through the material container, approximately the same wall thickness is achieved in the intermediate region, with a bottom separating the sub-regions, in which the longitudinal axis is shown as a line. Especially when the material container is manufactured as a plastic injection molded part, in cases of locally high (too high) wall thickness, a collapse phenomenon may occur, as would happen in the intermediate region without the groove. Furthermore, material is saved and weight is reduced.

[0059] Therefore, the container is preferably made of rigid plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0060] Furthermore, grooves extending circumferentially on the outer side of the material container, provided as necessary, can also be used to guide the material container in a guide rail, which is fitted into the groove on one or both sides of a plan view of the material container relative to the longitudinal axis, for example, based on a guide strip.

[0061] The perforated cap covering the corresponding sub-region of the material container can, and preferably can, be made of a membrane, such as an aluminum membrane. Here, the membrane can be welded to the end edge of the material container or to the edge surrounding the sub-region. In particular, ultrasonic welding is preferred.

[0062] Here, the relevant end face edge of the material container may have, for example, individual strips, such as strips oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis, before welding the membrane. These strips melt during the welding process and are uniformly connected to the membrane across the entire end wall.

[0063] The portions of material to be stored in the cavity are introduced before the membrane is welded to cover the cavity.

[0064] The material container is introduced into the guide rail through the inlet opening, which proceeds in the direction of movement that also occurs during normal use of the equipment, so that the check valve provided when necessary does not obstruct the introduction. Attached Figure Description

[0065] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only illustrate embodiments. Components described only with respect to one of these embodiments, and which are not replaced by other different components due to their prominent features in other embodiments, are also described with respect to that other embodiment as at least possible components. In the drawings:

[0066] Figure 1A perspective view of a device for inhaling powdered substances is shown, relating to a closed, non-use location;

[0067] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Another perspective view of the equipment;

[0068] Figure 3 An enlarged view of region III is shown before the inlet opening on the housing side is closed by the closure.

[0069] Figure 4 A separate perspective view of the material container used in this device is shown;

[0070] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 The top view of arrow V in the image;

[0071] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 4 Arrow VI in the image shows the view looking towards the material container;

[0072] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 The cross section of line VII-VII in the middle;

[0073] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A magnified view of region VIII with the cover fixed to the material container;

[0074] Figure 9 Showing basically with Figure 8 The corresponding detailed cross-sectional view, but it covers the situation before the cover is fixed to the material container;

[0075] Figure 10 A detailed perspective view showing a partial cross-section of a material container, which involves... Figure 9 The situation;

[0076] Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the device is shown;

[0077] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 An enlarged, exploded stereoscopic view of region XII in the image;

[0078] Figure 13 Show Figure 11 An enlarged, exploded stereoscopic view of region XIII in the image;

[0079] Figure 14 Another exploded perspective view of the device is shown;

[0080] Figure 15 Show Figure 14 A magnified, decomposed stereoscopic view of region XV in the image;

[0081] Figure 16 Show Figure 14 An exploded stereoscopic view of region XVI in the image;

[0082] Figure 17 A perspective view showing the arrangement of the drive pinion, drive elements, and torsionally arranged control wheel on the drive shaft, as well as the transmission gear and counting wheel;

[0083] Figure 18 An exploded perspective view shows the counting wheel and the transmission wheel, as well as the housing section that houses the counting wheel and the transmission gear;

[0084] Figure 19 A top view of the device is shown, showing the enclosed, unused location.

[0085] Figure 20 Showing according to Figure 19 The cross-section of line XX-XX in the middle;

[0086] Figure 21 Showing according to Figure 19 The cross-section of line XXI-XXI in the middle;

[0087] Figure 22 Showing according to Figure 20 The cross-section of line XXII-XXII in the middle;

[0088] Figure 23 Showing with Figure 22 The illustration is consistent, but it does not have a container for the substance that can be contained in the device;

[0089] Figure 23a Showing with Figure 23 The illustrations are consistent, but alternative implementations are involved;

[0090] Figure 24 Showing with Figure 22 Another corresponding illustration depicts the process of filling equipment with a material container;

[0091] Figure 25 The device is basically the same as Figure 19 A matching top view;

[0092] Figure 26 Showing with Figure 25 A diagram illustrating the corresponding, but pivotal, movement of the closed cover toward the open position;

[0093] Figure 27 Showing according to Figure 26 The cross-section of line XXVII-XXVII in the middle;

[0094] Figure 28 Showing according to Figure 26 The cross-section of line XXVIII-XXVIII in the middle;

[0095] Figure 29 Showing relative to Figure 26 The subsequent diagrams show the enclosure in its open position;

[0096] Figure 30 Showing according to Figure 29 A cross-section of line XXX-XXX in the middle;

[0097] Figure 31 A perspective view of the device is shown, which includes the hood-open position and therefore the inhalation-ready position;

[0098] Figure 32 Showing basically with Figure 31 The illustration matches, but it's partially cut out;

[0099] Figure 32a Showing with Figure 32 The corresponding illustrations relate to alternative implementation methods;

[0100] Figure 33 Showing according to Figure 29 The cross-section of line XXXIII-XXXIII in the middle;

[0101] Figure 34 A partial exploded perspective view of the device is shown, including the area of ​​the insertion device;

[0102] Figure 35 Show Figure 34 A magnified view of region XXXV in the image;

[0103] Figure 36 A separate perspective view of the insertion device is shown;

[0104] Figure 36a A second embodiment of the insertion device is shown;

[0105] Figure 36b Show Figure 36a A magnified view of region XXXVIb in the image;

[0106] Figure 37 A side view of the insertion device is shown;

[0107] Figure 38 A cross-sectional view is shown showing the arrangement of two piercing devices in the equipment for piercing two caps of a material container;

[0108] Figure 38a Showing according to Figure 38 A cross-sectional view, but involving... Figure 36a Implementation methods;

[0109] Figure 39 Show along Figure 37 A sectional view of line XXXIX-XXXIX in the diagram;

[0110] Figure 39a Showing according to Figure 39 The cross-sectional view relates to the second embodiment;

[0111] Figure 40 Showing with Figure 37 A side view that is essentially the same, but with regard to the arrangement of the two insertion devices;

[0112] Figure 41 A perspective cross-sectional view of a material container is shown, in which the cover is based on... Figure 36 The piercing device punctured it;

[0113] Figure 41a Showing with Figure 41 The illustration matches, but the cover is based on Figure 36a The direction of penetration pierces through;

[0114] Figure 42 The diagram shows a generally schematic top view of the device with the hood closed, involving the geared engagement of the counting mechanism and the drive element for bringing the material container to the empty position, and involving the insertion of the insert as the hood pivots.

[0115] Figure 43 This illustrates the pivoting motion of the closed cover toward the open position relative to... Figure 42 Subsequent images;

[0116] Figure 44 Showing relative to Figure 43 Subsequent images;

[0117] Figure 45 Showing relative to Figure 44 The subsequent diagrams involve the intermediate position, where the material container has reached the empty position;

[0118] Figure 46 Further subsequent views are shown during the process of the enclosure pivoting to the open position, involving the application of force to the inserter;

[0119] Figure 47 Further follow-up diagrams are shown when the enclosure is in the open position;

[0120] Figure 48 Showing according to Figure 47 A schematic diagram of the air passage area of ​​the XLVIII;

[0121] Figure 48a Showing with Figure 48The illustration is consistent, but it involves following the diagram. Figure 32a Implementation methods;

[0122] Figure 49 This shows the intermediate position during the pivoting process of the enclosure from the open position to the closed position;

[0123] Figure 50 A schematic top view of the device is shown to illustrate its basic geometric outline and dimensions. Detailed Implementation

[0124] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figure 11 A device 1 for inhaling powdered substances 48, 48' is shown and described. The device 1 preferably has a suction port 6, and further has an insertion device 60 with an insertion member 63 for opening the substance containers 5. Preferably, a plurality of substance containers 5, which can be continuously moved to an emptying position P, are provided, and these substance containers are housed in a guide device 4 fixed to the device so as to be in direct contact with each other without being connected to each other. A counting mechanism 84 is provided for counting and displaying the inhalation process performed or remaining.

[0125] The main components of the device 1 listed below can, as preferred, be made of plastic, especially hard plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0126] As especially from Figures 12 to 17 As can be seen in the exploded perspective view, the device 1 can be essentially composed of a housing-upper inner part 2 and a housing-lower inner part 3, which retain a guide device 4 for the material container 5 between themselves in a manner that is directly attached to each other.

[0127] A suction port 6 is arranged on the housing-inner parts 2 and 3, through which the suction process can be carried out based on inhalation.

[0128] Furthermore, both the upper housing component 7 and the lower housing component 8 are components of the device 1, and they accommodate the housing-inner components between themselves in a manner that is close to each other along their respective edge edges.

[0129] The housing-upper outer shell 7 and the housing-lower outer shell 8, together with the suction port 6, basically form the outer contour of the device 1.

[0130] The enclosure 9 for the suction port 6 is also essentially a component of the device 1. The enclosure 9 is basically composed of two enclosure parts, namely the upper enclosure part 10 and the lower enclosure part 11, which are respectively attached to the housing-upper outer shell 7 and the housing-lower outer shell 8.

[0131] Here, each enclosure has a disc-shaped cover section 12 and a cover section 13 protruding outward from the cover section 12 and configured to be L-shaped in cross-section.

[0132] Along the free edges of these L-shaped cover sections 13 facing each other, these cover sections can be joined together, for example, by gluing or welding, thereby generally producing a cover that is substantially U-shaped in cross-section for covering the suction port 6.

[0133] These cover sections 12 are oriented parallel to each other and can pivot about the geometric pivot axis x relative to the shell-inner components and the shell-outer components.

[0134] The upper enclosure 10 may also be covered by a disc-shaped top cover 14, and the lower enclosure 11 may be covered by a similarly preferably disc-shaped bottom part 15.

[0135] The terms "upper" and "lower," or "bottom" or "top" used with respect to the aforementioned housing only apply, for example, in... Figures 12 to 17 The diagram is shown in the figure. For the proposed device 1, it is preferable that there is no preferred orientation of the device for obtaining correct operation. Therefore, in use, for example, the upper side can also constitute the lower side of device 1.

[0136] The bottom component 15 and the top cover 14 may each have flanges 16 that partially surround the pivot axis x, as also shown. The circumferentially pointing free end face edges of these flanges may provide pivot stops for the closure 9 in the closed position and in the open position, respectively. The pivot angle of the closure 9 is accordingly limited to, for example, about 50 to 70 degrees, preferably about 60 degrees.

[0137] A drive shaft 17 oriented along the geometric pivot axis x is provided in device 1. This drive shaft can, and preferably can, pivotally or rotatably move relative to the enclosure 9 and housing 52. The drive shaft 17 can be guided in the region of adapted boreholes 18, 19 in the housing-upper inner part 2 and housing-lower inner part 3 or in the housing-upper outer part 7 and housing-lower outer part 8.

[0138] The drive shaft 17 can also be housed on a shaft body 100 fixed relative to the drive shaft 17. The shaft body 100 can here be composed of hollow pivots 99 formed at the center of the top cover 14 and the bottom part 15 respectively and facing each other. The hollow pivots 99 can, and preferably can, lock each other so that the housing 52, which is therefore generally locked, can preferably no longer be opened without damage.

[0139] The drive shaft 17 can be driven in a ratchet manner by the enclosure 9, such that the drive shaft 17 is rotated by a predetermined angle based on the pivoting movement of the enclosure 9, particularly from the basic position of the closed suction port 6 to the open position. The return pivoting movement of the enclosure 9 from the open position to the closed position preferably does not cause synchronous rotation of the drive shaft 17.

[0140] For this purpose, the drive shaft 17 is torsionally connected to the control wheel 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the control wheel is located in a recessed portion 21 of the housing-lower outer casing 8 between the lower outer casing and the lower enclosure 11.

[0141] The control wheel 20 may also preferably have substantially radially projecting synchronizing protrusions 22. In the illustrated embodiment, eight such synchronizing protrusions 22 are provided, evenly distributed circumferentially, wherein each synchronizing protrusion 22 may deviate from a strictly radially surrounding acute angle of approximately 20 to 30 degrees relative to the geometric pivot axis x, thus relative to, for example, according to... Figure 42 The top view can cut the control wheel 20 like a secant line through the imaginary center line of the synchronous protrusion 22.

[0142] The control wheel 20 engages with the check valve 23 in the area of ​​the recess 21. The check valve can, or as shown, be integrally constructed with the housing-lower outer shell 8 as an elastic section of the housing-lower outer shell.

[0143] The check valve 23 is equipped with a locking lug 24 to cooperate with the synchronizing protrusion 22 of the operating wheel 20. The locking lug 24 can also be designed such that it can only be passed over by the synchronizing protrusion 22 in a predetermined rotation direction a of the operating wheel 20. In such a case, the locking lug 24 springs back accordingly.

[0144] It is impossible to bypass the rotation in the opposite direction a. Instead, the locking lug 24 of the check valve 23 prevents the operating wheel 20 from rotating in that direction.

[0145] Based on the action of the drive member 25 on one of the synchronous protrusions 22 of the control wheel 20, the control wheel 20 is rotatable, and the drive shaft 17 is rotatable via the control wheel. The drive member 25 may, and preferably is, part of the enclosure 9, especially part of the lower enclosure 11.

[0146] The drive unit 25 can be integrally constructed with the associated lower enclosure 11 and made of the same material. The drive unit 25 may also have a cantilever 26 anchored to the cover section 12, the cantilever having a raised synchronizing lug 27 at its end. The synchronizing lug 27 is adapted to cooperate with the synchronizing protrusion 22 of the operating wheel 20.

[0147] Based on the arrangement of the synchronizing lug 27 on the cantilever 26, the synchronizing lug 27 is designed to be elastically deflected substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension of the cantilever 26.

[0148] In the drive component 25 corresponding to the enclosure 9, for example, according to Figure 42 In the basic position of the suction port – closed position, the drive member 25 is embedded in the recess 21 without loading and preferably without elastic energy storage. When the closure 9 pivots from the closed position to the open position, the drive member 25 moves in a controlled manner overcoming the restoring force generated in the region of the cantilever 26.

[0149] This control is achieved via a crescent-shaped guide 28 fixed relative to the drive member 25 and the control wheel 20. This crescent-shaped guide can, and also as shown, be provided on the underside of the recess 21. The crescent-shaped guide 28 can also be designed as a circumferentially stepped rib extending substantially concentrically relative to the pivot axis x, wherein the rib first has a control surface 29 for engaging with a control pin 30 formed on the drive member 25 in the region of the synchronizing lug 27.

[0150] In the closed enclosure 9 from according to Figure 42 When the closed position is pivoted out, the control pin 30 first rests against the control surface 29, wherein, as the enclosure 9 pivots further, the control pin 30 and the synchronous lug 27 are controlled radially inward relative to the pivot axis x by the control pin, while a restoring force is generated in the cantilever 26 (see...). Figure 43 ).

[0151] The synchronizing lug 27 enters the circumferential gap between the two synchronizing protrusions 22 of the control wheel 20.

[0152] As the closed cover 9 pivots further toward the open position, the synchronous lug 27, guided along the first contact surface 31 which extends concentrically with the pivot axis x, abuts against the synchronous protrusion 22 and drives the control wheel 20 through a predetermined angle range in the direction of rotation a. This angle range enables the material container 5 to be brought to the empty position P.

[0153] The rotation angle of the control wheel 20 caused by the drive member 25 is preferably smaller than the possible, stop-limited pivot angle of the enclosure 9.

[0154] During this further pivoting movement of the enclosure 9, the synchronizing lug 27, driven by the cantilever 26, falls onto the second abutment surface 33 via the stepped retractable portion 32 in the crescent-shaped guide 28. This second abutment surface is radially outward relative to the pivot axis x compared to the first abutment surface 31. This falling of the synchronizing lug 27 is supported by the restoring force of the cantilever 26. The synchronizing lug 27 leaves the area that interacts with the synchronizing protrusion 22 of the control wheel 20, so that the further pivoting movement of the enclosure 9 does not produce any additional rotational effect on the control wheel 20.

[0155] When reached according to Figure 47 When the closed cover is in the open position, the control pin 30 disengages from the crescent plate guide 28, thereby allowing the drive 25 to reoccupy the position where the spring force is unloaded.

[0156] The stepped design of the crescent-shaped guide 28 also ensures that, after the operating wheel 20 has fully rotated to move a predetermined rotation angle and therefore after the material container 5 has moved to the empty position P, further movement of the closure 9 toward the preferred stop-limited open position must be forced. When the closure-open position is reached, the crescent-shaped guide 28 has already been disengaged (according to...). Figure 47 Only after the position in the middle can the return movement of the closed cover 9 be carried out.

[0157] Emerging from the hood-open position, preferably after a previously performed inhalation process, based on the hood 9 moving towards the basic position or according to... Figure 42 As the suction port-closed position moves, the control pin 30 of the drive member 25 is moved against another control surface 34 on the end side. This control surface allows the control pin 30 and thus the synchronous lug 27 to spring back radially outward relative to the pivot axis x. Subsequently, during further pivoting movement of the closure 9 toward the suction port-closed position, the control pin 30 is moved along a third abutment surface 35, which is radially outward relative to the pivot axis x compared to the first and second abutment surfaces 31, 33. Here, a spring restoring force is generated in the region of the cantilever 26, acting in opposition to the forward movement of the drive member 25, until the control pin 30 leaves the crescent plate guide 28 and re-occupies its position just before reaching the closure-end position. Figure 42 The position where the spring is not loaded.

[0158] A guide device 4 constructed between or constituted therefrom the upper and lower inner components of the housing forms a storage chamber 36 for a plurality of material containers 5 that are not connected to each other. Viewed along the extension direction of the pivot axis x, the upper inner component 2 and the lower inner component 3 each constitute approximately half of the guide device 4 or the storage chamber 36. Here, each inner component of the housing may form a U-shaped segment in cross-section shown as a line relative to the pivot axis x, wherein the U-shaped openings face each other and the sidewalls 37 defining the U-shaped openings abut each other at their end faces.

[0159] This creates guide rails 38 defined by sidewalls 37 on the upper and lower sides and laterally relative to the pivot axis x, wherein the longitudinal extensions of the sidewalls 37 to the guide rails 38 are preferably spaced apart from each other in a manner adapted to the outer diameter d of the material container 5.

[0160] For example, from Figure 22 As can be seen, the guide rail 38 is provided in the device 1 in a zigzag pattern as an endless rail, forming a loop that extends concentrically with the pivot axis x in the region of the pivot axis x.

[0161] Starting from this ring, the guide rails 38 extend initially on both sides of the ring toward the rear of the device 1 away from the suction port 6, so that they subsequently extend back toward the front region of the device 1 with the suction port 6 via outward-pointing arcs. Arcs surrounding the ring, extending concentrically with the pivot axis x if necessary, connect these rail segments to form a curved, endless rail, which preferably does not have sections that extend in a straight, stretched manner.

[0162] Longitudinal slots 41 may be, and preferably, provided in the region of the track base plate 39 and / or the track top plate 40, on all or most of the guide track 38. Thus, for example, two or three longitudinal slots 41 may be provided, extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the guide track 38 and spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal extension (see...). Figure 23 ).

[0163] These longitudinal grooves 41 can also be connected locally by transverse grooves 42.

[0164] According to, for example Figure 23 As illustrated in the diagram, the longitudinal strips 109, also extending in the longitudinal direction, can separate the longitudinal slots 41 from each other along the longitudinal direction. In the apex region 110 of the guide device 4 associated with the suction port 6, the longitudinal strips 109 can be designed to be non-continuous or terminated. In this region, the longitudinal slots 41 can correspondingly enter the track base plate 39 freely over the entire width viewed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal slots 41. Therefore, there are no distinguishable longitudinal slots in this region.

[0165] On the contrary, in Figure 23a In the embodiment shown, the vertex region 110 is also penetrated by the longitudinal strip 109 that separates the longitudinal slot 41.

[0166] according to Figure 23a The longitudinal strips 109 can also be connected to each other, preferably in the region of the inlet or housing opening 53, in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the strips, via bridging sections 111.

[0167] The groove structure in the bottom and / or top plate regions of the guide rail 38 advantageously guides substances 48, 48', especially powdered substances 48, 48', that escape from the substance container 5 when necessary, into the gaps formed by these grooves, and, if necessary, through these gaps into the additionally provided collection chamber 43. The collection chamber 43 can be formed in a wedge-shaped region on the rear side relative to the suction port 6 between the turning areas of the guide rail 38.

[0168] In this case, the collection chamber 43 is preferably connected to the oriented section of the guide rail 38 via a branch path 44.

[0169] The rear side of device 1 may provide a vertical surface 45 for device 1, so that in this case, collection chamber 43 is arranged in the lowest region of device 1, and if necessary, the material collected in tanks 41 and 42 reaches towards collection chamber 43 due to gravity.

[0170] Especially in Figures 4 to 10 The material container 5 shown may first and substantially have a cylindrical shape, having a cylindrical axis y that is oriented in the same direction as the geometric pivot axis y or the rotation axis of the drive shaft 17 in the receiving position of the material container 5 in the device 1 or the guide device 4.

[0171] The outer diameter d can be chosen, as shown, to be greater than the axial height extension of the material container 5. Thus, the diameter d can be approximately 1.2 to 1.5 times the axial height e (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0172] The material container 5 is also preferably made of rigid plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The material container has two sub-regions 46 or cavities that are opposite each other along the extension direction of the column axis y and oriented concentrically with the column axis y. As in, for example, in Figure 41 As shown, these two sub-regions can be constructed substantially, for example, as hemispherical recesses. Each opening is formed in a corresponding end face oriented transversely to the axis y. Each cavity can be designed to accommodate, for example, 2 to 250 μg, and further, for example, 10 to 100 μg of material.

[0173] according to Figure 38a and Figure 41aAs illustrated in the diagram, sub-region 46 of the material container 5 can also be designed as a substantially can-shaped recess, having a can wall that is substantially cylindrical relative to the cylindrical axis y and a can bottom extending transversely to the axis y. The transition from the can wall to the can bottom is circular. (Based on...) Figure 41a The cross-sectional geometry also allows for efficient emptying of the cavity. The bottom of the tank has a region extending transversely to the y-axis in a plane or is constructed to extend in a curved manner with a radius much larger than the transition from the tank wall to the bottom.

[0174] Subregion 46 is designed to contain substances 48 and 48' respectively.

[0175] Since the sub-regions 46 are spaced apart from each other, including the bottom 49 which is preferably centered relative to the height e, different substances 48, 48' can be accommodated in the sub-regions 46.

[0176] The cavity or sub-region 46 is covered by an openable or punctureable cover 50. These covers 50 enclose the corresponding sub-region 46 and the contents 48, 48' contained therein.

[0177] The cover 50 can, and preferably can, be a membrane, such as an aluminum membrane. The membrane is preferably welded to the end face edge 47 of the material container 5.

[0178] For this purpose, the end face edge 47 may also have ribs 51 that project axially around the surface, which melt during the welding process, especially ultrasonic welding, after the membrane cap 50 is placed and achieve adhesion of the cap 50 in the case of homogenization on the surface.

[0179] The guide device 4 fixed to the equipment contains a plurality of such substance containers 5, which are preferably identical in structure and size. However, the substances contained in these substance containers 5 may differ, for example, in terms of composition and / or quantity and / or dosage.

[0180] According to the illustrated embodiment, 30 such material containers 5 can be accommodated in an endless guide rail 38, wherein, viewed along the longitudinal extension of the guide rail 38, these material containers 5 are substantially in direct contact with each other. Here, the material containers 5 are each guided laterally by the sidewalls 37 of the guide device 4.

[0181] The material container 5 is supported by its end face edge 47 on the support surfaces of the track base plate 39 and the track top plate 40, which protrude relative to the longitudinal groove 41 and the transverse groove 42, respectively (see reference). Figure 20 (especially the enlarged illustrations attached).

[0182] As from Figure 24As can be seen in the illustration, the material container 5 can be introduced into the guide device 4 or guide rail 38 only after the device 1 has been substantially fully and functionally assembled. For this purpose, an introduction or housing opening 53 is provided on the housing 52 of the device 1, which is, for example, associated with the vertical surface 45 and therefore more preferably with the turning section on the rear side of the guide rail 38.

[0183] An inlet aid, such as an inlet slide rail 54, may be attached to the opening 53. This inlet aid allows the material containers 5, arranged sequentially in the slide rail, to be brought into the guide rail 38 solely by pressure spreading between the material containers 5. Preferably, the number of material containers 5 initially contained in the inlet slide rail 54 is equivalent to the maximum number of material containers 5 that can be contained in the guide rail 38 or the guide device 4.

[0184] As the last material container 5 is introduced, the endless chain consisting of unconnected material containers 5 closes in the guiding device 4. The last introduced material container 5 functions as a capstone in the endless chain.

[0185] For example, when using an equipment device 1 equipped with an inlet slide rail 54, the direction of entry of the material container 5 is consistent with the direction of movement r of the material container 5 within the equipment 1 during normal use of the equipment 1.

[0186] The inlet or housing opening 53 is finally closed by the closure 55 after the device 1 is fully equipped with the predetermined number of material containers 5. The closure 55 can be glued or welded to the surrounding housing edge, for example. A locking connection can also be used if necessary. Importantly, after the closure, the closure 55 preferably cannot be removed without damage.

[0187] In the closed position, the closure 55 forms part of the guide rail 38 or sidewall 37 on the inside of the wall.

[0188] The material container 5 is moved in the guide device 4 or guide rail 38 by the drive element 56 along the longitudinal extension direction of the guide rail 38, such that the emptied material container 5 is removed from the emptied position P and the material container 5 that directly follows, which stores the materials 48 and 48' in its sub-region 46, takes over the emptied position P.

[0189] In the illustrated embodiment, the empty position P is reached at the apex of the loop around the pivot axis x of the guide rail 38.

[0190] The drive element 56 can be a star-shaped drive wheel 57, as shown, which can be driven by the control wheel 20 in a torsionally anti-rotating manner on the drive shaft 17. Preferably, only one such drive element 56 or drive wheel 57 is provided in the device 1.

[0191] The drive wheel 57 is equipped with radially open receiving molded portions 58, which, when viewed circumferentially, are defined on both sides by radially projecting drive teeth 102 and are spaced apart from each other by the drive teeth 102. As shown in this embodiment, eight such receiving molded portions 58 can be provided, evenly distributed circumferentially. These receiving molded portions are preferably designed in the form of concave edge recesses, especially arched edge recesses, the radii of which are preferably adapted to the outer diameter d of the material container 5.

[0192] The drive element 56 grips the material container 5 in the area of ​​the guide rail-ring via the housing forming part 58. Here, for example, seven such material containers 5 are gripped or guided by the drive wheel 57 and are guided in the guide rail 38 based on the rotational movement of the drive wheel 57. Due to the contact pressure spreading in the middle of the material containers 5 in the endless chain, all the material containers 5 are further moved in the corresponding rotation of the drive wheel 57.

[0193] The rotation angle of the drive wheel 57 for changing the material container 5 in the emptying position P depends particularly on the number of receiving molding sections 58. In the case of eight receiving molding sections 58, the corresponding rotation angle is preferably about 45 degrees.

[0194] As described above, the pivoting movement of the enclosure 9 also affects the drive wheel 57 via the drive shaft 17, the pivoting angle of which is selected to be greater than the permissible rotation angle of the drive wheel 57. After the drive wheel 57 is rotated 45 degrees via the aforementioned crescent plate guide 28, the drive member 25 disengages from the operating wheel 20.

[0195] This ensures that with each opening movement of the enclosure 9, only one container of the material container-chain is moved along the direction of movement r.

[0196] As well as other special ones Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 41 As can be seen in the illustration, the material container 5 may have an externally surrounding groove 59 oriented transversely to the column axis y, approximately centered relative to the column axis y. In a cross-section shown as a line relative to the column axis y, this groove 59 may have a semi-circular, outwardly open profile (see reference). Figure 7 or Figure 41 ).

[0197] In the alternative design, the radially inward-pointing bottom of groove 59 can be constructed as a cylindrical wall section, from which the groove wall extends according to... Figure 41a The cross-section extends radially outward along the curved line, causing the funnel-shaped widening of the groove 59 to extend into the container wall.

[0198] The radial depth of the groove 59 or the radius of the surrounding semi-circular recess can preferably be selected such that it generally produces a uniform wall thickness of the material container 5, and more particularly with respect to the uniform wall thickness of the wall that is concentrically surrounding the axis y of the column.

[0199] The narrowed portion created by the material container 5 resists the so-called collapse phenomenon, which can occur, for example, in rigid plastic products with high wall thickness. Furthermore, this also saves material and thus reduces weight.

[0200] Furthermore, the slot 59 can also be used to guide the material container 5 in the device 1, particularly in the guiding device 4. For this purpose, one or both sidewalls 37 of the guiding track 38 may have ribs or similar features pointing towards the opposite sidewalls at their intermediate height when viewed along the extension direction of the pivot axis x. These ribs are guide-fitted into the slot 59 of the material container 5. Thus, the guidance of the material container 5 in the guiding device 4 can be achieved, if necessary, solely by means of the ribs fitted into the slot 59. In this case, the end face edge 47 of the material container 5 may be spaced apart from the track base plate 39 and / or the track top plate 40.

[0201] The emptying position P associated with the substance container 5 is provided with an insertion device 60 for controlled and targeted opening of the cover 50 on the side of the substance container.

[0202] According to the design of two sub-regions 46 in the material container 5, each having material 48 and 48' respectively, two insertion devices 60 are preferably also provided. These two insertion devices are positioned opposite each other along the extension direction of the pivot axis x.

[0203] Here, device 60 can be arranged in the recess 21 of housing-lower outer shell 8, and another insertion device 60 can be arranged in such a recess 61 of housing-upper outer shell 7.

[0204] exist Figures 36 to 39 The insertion device 60 is shown as an example.

[0205] Each insertion device 60 first has a retainer 62 on which an insertion member 63 is fixed. Preferably, the insertion member 63 is provided with two separate insertion areas 104, which are relative to the insertion area 63 according to the insertion method 60. Figure 39 The cross-section shown in the diagram can be designed, for example, as an arc shape.

[0206] For example, from Figure 36a and Figure 36bAs can be seen, each insertion region 104 may alternatively have two or more insertion tips 105, for example, three in this case. These insertion tips may be arranged on the end side of the arcuate base 108. The insertion tips 104 preferably protrude freely beyond the end face of the base 108.

[0207] Relative to the overall longitudinal extension L of the insertion device 60, the insertion regions 104 are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal extension L, wherein, in the case that the insertion regions 104 are designed in an arc shape, the flat sides of these arcs face each other. Accordingly, a slit-like free space 64 is created between the insertion regions 104, which preferably extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension L along the entire extension length of the insertion regions 104 to the retainer 62.

[0208] The free end region of the insertion region 104 away from the retainer 62 can be designed as a blade-like point, preferably having a blade tip in the apex region of the arc shape.

[0209] When the piercing tip 105 is constructed, a thorn-like design is preferred, which has a preferred cylindrical region 106 and a connecting tip region 107, through which the piercing tip 105 is connected to the base 108. The tip region 107 may be designed to taper gradually from the cylindrical region 106 toward the free end.

[0210] Each insertion device 60 preferably has a separate retainer 62. As exemplarily in Figure 40 As shown by the dotted line, the two insertion devices 60 may also have a common retainer 62.

[0211] Furthermore, the retaining member 62 of the insertion device 60 can, and preferably can, be designed in conjunction with a plastic spring 65. This plastic spring 65 has two cantilevers 66 oriented in opposite directions along the longitudinal extension L. Here, these cantilevers 66 preferably extend approximately within a common support plane E, oriented transversely to the extension direction of the insertion member 63, relative to the longitudinal extension L in their respective end regions. Figure 37 In the side view, the insertion direction b or c is shown linearly and two cantilever 66 are shown in their longitudinal extension. In this side view, the connecting area of ​​these cantilever 66, observed along the longitudinal extension L, extends concavely and archedly, wherein the retainer 62 is preferably arranged between the cantilever 66 in the middle of the longitudinal extension L. The inserter 63 is preferably arranged on the underside of the arch created in the region of the retainer 62 due to the concave design and preferably penetrates the aforementioned common support plane E of the two cantilever 66 (see...). Figure 37 ).

[0212] These cantilever arms 66 each have elongated guide recesses 67 in the region providing the support plane E, starting from their free ends. These guide recesses can engage with pins 68 fixed to the housing. These pins 68 secure the insertion device 60 to the corresponding housing component (housing-upper outer shell 7 or housing-lower outer shell 8). Furthermore, they also provide guidance for the retaining member 62 during insertion.

[0213] Such guidance can also be achieved through the interaction between the guide protrusion 69 on the housing side and the guide groove 70 on the edge side provided in the region of the retainer 62.

[0214] In any case, precise guidance is generated, especially for the inserter 63, along the insertion direction b or c of the respective inserting device 60, so that the insertion directions b and c pointing to each other are preferably oriented perpendicularly to the support plane E throughout the entire movement path.

[0215] Each insertion device 60 is pressed through the corresponding cover 50 of the material container 5 in the direction of the pivot axis x, in order to open the sub-region 46, while being subjected to the restoring force of the plastic spring 65. For this purpose, guide penetrations 71 are provided in the corresponding recessed bottoms of the housing-upper outer shell 7 and housing-lower outer shell 8 that carry the insertion device 60, through which the insertion region 104 can be sunk.

[0216] Corresponding through-holes 72 are also constructed in the upper inner component 2 and the lower inner component 3 of the housing. These through-holes are initially provided in a drilled shape to adapt to the outer diameter of the insert 63, and here a strip 73 is centrally located along the diameter line to divide the drilled hole into two sub-segments. The strip 73, in its width when viewed transversely to the diameter dimension, is adapted to the corresponding distance dimension between the inserting regions 104 and each other in the slit-like guide portion 64. Such a strip may also be located in the area of ​​the guide through-hole 71 in the outer casing component.

[0217] The slat 73 primarily provides stabilization and guidance to the insertion area 104, especially during insertion. Furthermore, the slat 73 simultaneously provides separation between the intake passage 74 and the exhaust passage 75.

[0218] Each cavity or sub-region 46 of the material container 5 located in the emptied position P is equipped with an intake channel 74 and an exhaust channel 75 separated by corresponding side strips 73.

[0219] Based on the aforementioned arrangement and construction of the insertion device 60, these insertion elements 63 or insertion regions 104 preferably operate in opposite insertion directions b and c, which respectively point along the pivot axis x. Under the corresponding loading for penetrating the cover 50, the insertion elements 63 preferably operate in directions pointing towards each other.

[0220] Because of the penetration area 104, in the penetration area 104, for example, according to Figure 36 or Figure 39 In the illustrated design, punched sections 76 are formed in each cap 50 of the material container 5 located in the emptying position P. These punched sections are preferably folded inward along the diameter line of the material container 5 or cap 50 on the retained cap edge 77 into the corresponding sub-region 46 (see especially). Figure 41 ).

[0221] According to Figure 38a and Figure 41a As shown, for example, according to Figure 36a The insertion tip 105 of the insertion device 60 creates a perforated punch in the container-side cap 50. The corresponding punches (openings 78 and 79) can each have a diameter, which can be selected as, for example, less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.5 mm, and if necessary, as small as 0.5 mm or smaller. Preferably, pin-sized openings 78 and 79 are created.

[0222] Here, a cover strip 77 that is not penetrated or punched is also produced between the two sets of punches consisting of opening 78 on one side and opening 79 on the other.

[0223] Furthermore, in this case, an opening 78 for the airflow s from the intake channel 74 to enter, and an opening 79 for the airflow s mixed with the substance 48 or 48' from the sub-region 46 to escape into the exhaust channel 75 can be created.

[0224] Preferably, the side strip in the through section 72 that separates the intake passage 74 from the exhaust passage 75 is sealed on the cover 50 or on the cover side strip 77 that appears after the cover 50 is opened, so that the airflow s is forced to be guided through the opening 78 and through the sub-region 46.

[0225] Sub-region 46 is shaped into a hemispherical recess when necessary to facilitate the clearing effect of the airflow s. There are no dead zones related to flow. As the punched section 76 folds toward the bottom of the sub-region, the airflow s is guided through the sub-region 46 near the bottom, which facilitates the complete clearing of the sub-region 46.

[0226] The two insertion devices 60 are preferably loaded and unloaded simultaneously. Alternatively, one or both insertion devices 60 may be loaded selectively.

[0227] These illustrations show one embodiment in which the movement of the two insertion devices 60 is synchronized with the pivotal movement of the enclosure 9.

[0228] For this purpose, protrusions 80 can be formed on the lower sides of the upper closure 10 and the lower closure 11. These protrusions point towards the recesses 21 or 61 respectively. During the pivoting movement of the closure 9, the protrusions preferably overcome the restoring force of the plastic spring 65 and press the insert 63 downward along the insertion directions b and c after the material container 5 moves forward to the emptying position P. Here, the protrusions 80 preferably act on the inserting device 60 in the area of ​​the corresponding retaining member 62.

[0229] The aforementioned forward movement of the material container 5 to reach the emptying position P is achieved, for example, by a pivoting movement of the closure 9 at approximately 45 degrees. With the driving motion between the closure 9 and the operating wheel 20 cancelled, the closure 9 can then pivot further towards the fully open position, wherein, during this pivoting movement, the protrusion 80 passes over the retainer 62 of the insertion device 60 in a manner that applies force to the retainer 62. Based on the forward movement of the material container 5, it is hereby ensured that a new, unemptied material container 5 is present in the aforementioned emptying position P. Only after this is the cover 50 specifically pierced.

[0230] At the end of the pivoting motion of the enclosure 9, the protrusion 80 leaves the area of ​​action of the insertion device 60, and the insertion device returns to its initial position based on the restoring force of the plastic spring 65. Here, the insertion member 63 or the insertion area 104 moves out from the sub-area 46 of the material container 5 to release the openings 78 and 79 accordingly or to connect these openings to the intake and exhaust channels 74, 75 in terms of flow.

[0231] Each sub-region 46 of the material container 5 in the emptied position is equipped with two suction channels 74. The suction ports 81 of these suction channels are constructed on both sides of the suction port 6 within the corresponding housing-upper outer shell 7 or housing-lower outer shell 8, while the suction channels 74 can essentially extend in a shaped manner within the housing-upper inner shell 2 or housing-lower inner shell 3 (see, for example...). Figure 32 and Figure 48 ).

[0232] Thus, a total of four suction channels 74 with four suction ports 81 are generated in device 1. These suction ports 81 are positioned on both sides next to the suction port 6, so that they are released only after the closure 9 is opened in the opening direction. In the basic closed position of device 1, the suction ports 81 are protected and hidden under the closure 9.

[0233] The two intake channels 74 of the cavity preferably meet directly in the area of ​​the through portion 72 separated by the side strip 73 (see also) Figure 48 ).

[0234] Among the alternative design options, especially and preferably based on Figure 36a , Figure 36b and39a The use of the insertion device 60 with insertion tip 105 provides a bypass 103 connecting an intake channel 74 located upstream of the material container 5 or the venting position P along the airflow direction s (see...). Figure 32a and Figure 48a Through this transverse channel (bypass 103), a portion of the inhaled air can flow directly into the exhaust channel 75 during inhalation and without passing through the cavity of the material container 5. Such a bypass 103 may, and preferably is, assigned to each pair of inhalation channels 74.

[0235] Furthermore, each cavity or sub-region 46 of the material container 5 located in the emptied position is equipped with a discharge channel 75. Accordingly, a total of two discharge channels 75 are generated in the device 1, which are guided toward the suction port 6 separately from each other starting from the corresponding through opening, especially along a direction substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned rear vertical surface 45.

[0236] The two discharge channels 75 merge directly at the transition point to the suction channel 82 (see example). Figure 33 In this merged region 83, vortex elements, etc., may be provided if necessary.

[0237] According to the above design and separation of the discharge channel 75, during inhalation, after the cover 50 is opened by the insertion device 60 and an airflow s is generated based on inhalation or inhalation through the inhalation port 6, the substances 48 and 48' are emptied separately from their respective sub-regions 46 and only converge, mix or vortex in the merging region 83 immediately upstream of the transition to the user's breathing region, especially in the root region of the inhalation port 6.

[0238] The device 1 is also designed and constructed to count the evacuation or intake processes that have been performed or are still in progress. A counting mechanism 84 is provided for this purpose.

[0239] For example, from Figure 17 and Figure 18 As can be seen in the details, the counting mechanism 84 basically has an annular counting wheel 85, a transmission gear 86, and a drive pinion 87. The drive pinion 87 is torsionally mounted on the drive shaft 17 and meshes with the external teeth of the transmission gear 86. The external teeth of the transmission gear 86, in turn, mesh with internal teeth 89 constructed inside the surrounding flange 88 of the counting wheel 85.

[0240] The resulting gear-driven counting mechanism 84 is essentially arranged between the housing - the upper outer shell 7 and the corresponding upper enclosed cover 10.

[0241] Symbols, particularly numbers, are applied to the area of ​​the annular surface on the upper side of the counting wheel 85. The number of numbers is preferably equal to the number of material containers 5 that can be contained in the guide device 4 of the device 1. Thus, a number sequence from 0 to 30 can be provided according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0242] The current rotational orientation of the counting wheel 85 and the corresponding number of unused or alternatively used material containers 5 to be displayed are visible to the user from the outside through the transparent window 90 in the top cover 16. The window 90 closes the fitting through-hole 91 in the top cover 16. The upper cover 10 also has such a through-hole 92, which is located in an overlapping position relative to the pivot axis x, aligned with the through-hole 91 and the window 90 in the top cover 14, in the suction-closed position of the cover 9. Additionally, a further through-hole 92', constructed circumferentially offset, can be provided, through which the display can also be seen in the open position of the cover.

[0243] During the pivoting motion of the closure shroud, the numbers on the counting wheel 85 are not visible through the window 90 because the additional closed cover section 12 of the upper closure shroud 10 is located between the counting wheel 85 and the window 90. As the pivoting movement of the closure shroud 9 to the closed position of the suction port 6 is completed, the visible number increases by 1 or alternatively decreases by 1 compared to before the pivoting of the closure shroud 9 from the closed position to the open position began.

[0244] The closure-pivot motion thus causes the material container 5 to move one position within the guide device 4 to bring the next material container 5 to the empty position P, and also causes the opening of the covers 50 of the two sub-regions 46 of the material container 5 located in the empty position P, and also causes a change in the display of the counting mechanism 84.

[0245] The transmission gear 86 of the counting mechanism 84 is guided on the journal 93 of the housing-upper outer casing 7. Here, the geometric axis of rotation of the transmission gear 86 extends in the same direction as the pivot axis x.

[0246] The journal 93 has radial protrusions 94 at intervals on its end side, correspondingly relative to the recessed bottom in which the journal 93 is rooted. The drive gear 86 has a correspondingly fitted, keyhole-shaped central through-hole, which allows the drive gear 86 to be pushed onto the journal 93 only in a rotational orientation. In the operating position, the hub of the drive gear 86 is located below the radial protrusions 94 of the journal 93, thus allowing the drive gear 86 to rotate freely.

[0247] The counting wheel 85 has an outwardly pointing radial flange 86 along its surrounding flange 88. In the operating position, this radial flange 86 is covered by a strip that projects radially inward in the region of the housing wall including the recess 61, constituting an additional orientation-formed portion 97. An edge-opening recess 98 adapted to the orientation-formed portion 97 is provided in the region of the radial flange 96 of the counting wheel 85.

[0248] Based on the above design, the counting wheel 85 and the transmission gear 86 can only be assembled at predetermined angles relative to each other and / or relative to the drive pinion 87.

[0249] Here, the mounting position of the counting wheel 85 can be such that, after the substance container 5 is introduced into the additionally prepared operating device 1, the counting wheel 85 is oriented so that, for example, the maximum feasible number of inhalations or the number of unused substance containers 5 can be seen through the window 90, thus the number 30 can be seen according to the illustrated embodiment. Since the substance container 5 is continuously introduced into the guide device 4, for example via the guide rail 54, the counting wheel 85, mounted in a predetermined rotational position, is driven by the aforementioned gear transmission device and placed in a precise initial position.

[0250] After the cavity of the last substance container 5 in the endless arrangement is opened, and preferably after the subsequent inhalation, the device 1 can be locked in preparation for the next hypothetical inhalation.

[0251] Therefore, in this position, the counting mechanism 84 can, and preferably, display zero. The counting wheel 85, which is correspondingly rotated to this position, can abut against a section fixed to the housing, such as the oriented section 97, by means of a stop rib 101 formed in the region of the radial flange 96.

[0252] Therefore, the gear-driven counting mechanism 84 and thus the drive shaft 17 can be locked, so that if an attempt is made to open the cover 9 from the closed position to the open position, the drive member 25 abuts against the locked drive shaft 17 or the operating wheel 20 which is torsionally connected to the drive shaft.

[0253] After all material containers 5 have been emptied, device 1 is locked and preferably can no longer be used. Without this locking, due to the preferred end-to-end sequential arrangement of material containers 5 in guide device 4, the first emptied material container after the last material container 5 will be brought back to the emptying position P. Such erroneous operation is overcome by the aforementioned locking.

[0254] List of reference numerals

[0255] 1 device

[0256] 2. Housing - Upper Internal Components

[0257] 3. Housing - Lower Internal Components

[0258] 4. Guiding device

[0259] 5. Material Containers

[0260] 6. Suction port

[0261] 7. Housing - Upper and Lower Housing Components

[0262] 8. Housing - Lower Outer Housing

[0263] 9 enclosed covers

[0264] 10. Upper enclosure

[0265] 11 Lower Enclosed Cover

[0266] 12 covered sections

[0267] Section 13

[0268] 14 top cover parts

[0269] 15 bottom components

[0270] 16 flanges

[0271] 17 drive shafts

[0272] 18 drilling holes

[0273] 19 Drilling

[0274] 20 control wheels

[0275] 21 Recessed area

[0276] 22 synchronous protrusions

[0277] 23 Check valve

[0278] 24-lock lug

[0279] 25 drive components

[0280] 26 cantilever

[0281] 27 Synchronous Protrusion

[0282] 28-month-old crescent plate guide

[0283] 29 control surfaces

[0284] 30 control pins

[0285] 31 First backing

[0286] 32 retraction section

[0287] 33 Second backing

[0288] 34 control surfaces

[0289] 35 Third backing

[0290] 36 storage rooms

[0291] 37 sidewalls

[0292] 38 guide rails

[0293] 39 track base plate

[0294] 40 track top plate

[0295] 41 longitudinal groove

[0296] 42 transverse grooves

[0297] 43 Collection Room

[0298] 44 branch paths

[0299] 45 vertical face

[0300] 46 sub-regions

[0301] 47 end wall

[0302] 48 substances

[0303] 48' substance

[0304] 49 bottom

[0305] 50 protective caps

[0306] 51 ribs

[0307] 52 housing

[0308] 53. Inlet or housing opening

[0309] 54 Import Slide Rail

[0310] 55 sealing component

[0311] 56 driving elements

[0312] 57 drive wheels

[0313] 58 Receptacle Molding Section

[0314] 59 slots

[0315] 60 Insertion Device

[0316] 61 Recessed area

[0317] 62 retaining components

[0318] 63 piercing parts

[0319] 64 slit-like free spaces

[0320] 65 plastic spring

[0321] 66 cantilever

[0322] 67 Guide recess

[0323] 68 pins

[0324] 69 Guide protrusion

[0325] 70 guide groove

[0326] 71 Guide Penetration Section

[0327] 72 pass-through part

[0328] 73 edge strip

[0329] 74 Inhalation Channels

[0330] 75 Discharge Channel

[0331] 76 punching section

[0332] 77 Protective Edge Strip

[0333] 78 opening

[0334] 79 opening

[0335] 80 bumps

[0336] 81 intake port

[0337] 82 Suction Port Channel

[0338] 83 merged regions

[0339] 84 counting mechanisms

[0340] 85 counting wheels

[0341] 86 transmission gears

[0342] 87 drive pinion

[0343] 88 flange

[0344] 89 Internal teeth

[0345] 90 windows

[0346] 91 Pass-through Department

[0347] 92 penetration part

[0348] 92'Passthrough

[0349] 93 journal

[0350] 94 Oriented Molding Section

[0351] 95 through part

[0352] 96 radial flange

[0353] 97 Oriented Molding Section

[0354] 98 hollow

[0355] 99 hollow pivots

[0356] 100 axis

[0357] 101 stop rib

[0358] 102 drive gears

[0359] 103 Bypass

[0360] 104 Penetration Area

[0361] 105 piercing tip

[0362] 106 columnar areas

[0363] 107 tip area

[0364] 108 base

[0365] 109 longitudinal edge strips

[0366] 110 Vertex Region

[0367] 111 Bridge Section

[0368] 112 baseline

[0369] 113 waist

[0370] 114 waist

[0371] 115 sidewall section

[0372] a rotation direction

[0373] b. Insertion direction

[0374] c. Direction of insertion

[0375] d outer diameter

[0376] E height

[0377] f base width

[0378] g height

[0379] h height

[0380] r transportation direction

[0381] s airflow

[0382] x-pivot axis

[0383] y-cylinder axis

[0384] z-axis of symmetry

[0385] D-triangle

[0386] E Support Plane

[0387] L longitudinal extension

[0388] P emptying position

Claims

1. An application of a material container (5) having two sub-regions (46), wherein, Each sub-region (46) contains a portion of the substance (48, 48'), wherein two additional sub-regions (46) have an openable, piercing cap (50), the substance container being used in a device (1) for inhaling powdered substance, the device having a piercing device (60) wherein the piercing device (60) is designed to open the substance container (5), the cap (50) being openable by the piercing device (60), and the portion (48, 48') of each sub-region (46) can only be emptied through the pierced cap (50) associated with that sub-region (46).

2. A substance container (5) for use in the application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substance container (5) has two sub-regions (46), each containing a portion of the substance (48, 48'), and the two sub-regions (46) also include an openable, piercing cover (50).

3. The material container (5) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material container (5) is basically constructed in the shape of a cylinder.

4. The material container (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material container (5) is cylindrical.

5. The material container (5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Two sub-regions (46) of the material container (5) are provided at the ends of the cylindrical longitudinal axis (y) of the cylindrical material container (5) respectively, so that when viewed along the extension direction of the cylindrical longitudinal axis (y), the two sub-regions are arranged opposite each other.

6. The material container (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sub-regions (46) of the material container (5) are separated from each other by their bottoms (49) which extend in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis (y) of the column.

7. The material container (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sub-region (46) of the material container (5) is designed as a recessed portion that is essentially can-shaped, having a can wall that is essentially cylindrical relative to the longitudinal axis (y) of the column and a can bottom that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis (y) of the column, wherein the transition from the can wall to the can bottom is circular.

8. The material container (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Subregion (46) has a bottom region with a continuous curved structure.

9. The material container (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that, Subregions (46) are each shaped into a semi-shell, thus avoiding the generation of flow-related dead zones.

10. The material container (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bending is provided equally in all possible cross-sections generated along the longitudinal axis (y) of the column.

11. The substance container (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, Different substances (48, 48') are contained in the subregion (46).

12. The material container (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The material container (5) has a groove (59) that surrounds the outside and is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (y) of the column, roughly centered relative to the column's longitudinal axis (y).

13. The substance container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The material container (5) is made of hard plastic.

14. The material container (5) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The material container (5) is made of polypropylene or polyethylene.

15. The substance container (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The cover (50) is made of a membrane.

16. The material container (5) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The membrane is welded to the end face edge (47) of the material container (5).

17. The material container (5) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The membrane is an aluminum membrane.

18. The substance container (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The material container (5) has a continuous wall thickness of approximately the same.

19. The material container (5) according to claim 16, characterized in that, Edge strips are constructed on the end face edge (47) for welding.

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