Medication dispenser

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a medicine dispenser comprising: a housing having an opening; a lid assembly for the opening and movably mounted on the housing, the lid assembly comprising: a first lid pivotally mounted on the housing; a second lid arranged inside the first lid, wherein the second lid is configured to be rotatable by the first lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to drug dispensers. Background Technology

[0002] A known inhalation-based drug dispenser has an opening for the user to inhale the drug. This opening is fitted with a cap to prevent contamination. During use, the cap must be removed from the opening to expose it. However, the cap is often unintentionally removed, undesirably exposing the opening and thus posing a risk of contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a drug dispenser that can at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] According to this disclosure, a drug dispenser is provided, comprising: a housing having an opening; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a drug and disposed within the housing; and a cover assembly for the opening and movably mounted on the housing, the cover assembly comprising: a first cover pivotally mounted on the housing; and a second cover disposed inside the first cover, wherein the second cover is configured to be rotatable by the first cover.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the dispensing mechanism is not triggered at least before the second cover is driven by the first cover.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is provided with a stop for the first cover to provide a first stop position and a second stop position for the first cover, wherein, at least in the first stop position, the first cover completely covers the second cover.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cover is pivotally mounted on the housing, wherein when the first cover is about to move to the second stop position, the rotational movement of the second cover is triggered by the triggering unit of the drug dispenser.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the triggering unit includes a torsion spring, the two toggle arms of which are effectively connected to a first cover and a second cover, respectively, wherein the torsion spring is configured to apply forces in opposite directions along the circumferential direction to the first cover and the second cover, respectively.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the triggering unit includes a cantilevered triggering arm that is elastically deformable, and has a first mating protrusion assigned to a first protrusion of a first cover and a second mating protrusion assigned to a second protrusion of a second cover, wherein the first mating protrusion and the second mating protrusion are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0010] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in the first stop position, the second protrusion of the second cover abuts against the second mating protrusion of the trigger arm;

[0011] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in the second stop position, the first protrusion of the first cover abuts against the first mating protrusion of the trigger arm.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the triggering unit includes an actuator that is non-rotatably connected to the first cover and a drive ring that is non-rotatably connected to the second cover. The actuator is provided with a first notch for a first button arm of a torsion spring, and the drive ring is provided with a second notch for a second button arm of a torsion spring.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the side of the second mating protrusion facing the first mating protrusion is configured as an inclined surface, and / or the side of the second protrusion of the second cover facing away from the second mating protrusion is configured as an inclined surface.

[0014] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the trigger arm is configured at a retaining plate mounted on the housing.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first cover is configured in a U-shape, and the second cover is configured in a hook shape.

[0016] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the first cover moves to a point where it is partially misaligned with the second cover, the movement of the second cover is triggered by the triggering unit of the drug dispenser.

[0017] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second cover can be movably held inside the first cover.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cover and the second cover are respectively provided with a mutually cooperating arc-shaped groove and a first protrusion, the first protrusion being arranged in the arc-shaped groove.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover with the first protrusion also has a second protrusion, the second protrusion being arranged to enter and exit the groove, wherein, with reference to the opening direction of the drug dispenser, the circumferential distance between the front end of the groove and the front edge of the cover with the arcuate groove is equivalent to the circumferential distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0020] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first bulge is columnar, and the end faces of at least two successive ends of the second bulge along the opening direction are inclined.

[0021] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the housing is provided with a limiting structure for the second cover, and the second cover is provided with a matching limiting structure corresponding to the limiting structure.

[0022] The drug dispenser disclosed herein, particularly with its two covers, effectively prevents the unintended exposure of the dispenser's opening due to accidental opening of the covers, thus preventing contamination of the opening. Furthermore, the proposed drug dispenser has a simple structure, is easy to install, and is easy to operate.

[0023] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following brief description of the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0024] This disclosure will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a drug dispenser according to the present disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the drug dispenser is in a first state;

[0026] Figure 2 An exploded view of a drug dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 Another exploded view of a drug dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the drug dispenser;

[0029] Figure 5 An exploded view of a portion of the triggering unit of a drug dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A partially enlarged view of the first cover of a drug dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 A partially enlarged view of the second cover of a drug dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a portion of a drug dispenser, in which the housing is omitted;

[0033] Figures 9a to 9c Perspective views of a drug dispenser in a second state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0034] Figures 10a to 10c Perspective views of a drug dispenser in a third state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0035] Figures 11a to 11c Perspective views of a drug dispenser in a fourth state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0036] Figure 12 A perspective view of a drug dispenser in an alternative fourth state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 13 An exploded view of a drug dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 14 Another exploded view of a drug dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figures 15a to 15d Illustrations show the drug dispenser according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in different states;

[0040] Figure 16 Another perspective view of a drug dispenser according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein a dispensing mechanism arranged in the housing of the drug dispenser is shown;

[0041] Figure 17 An exploded view shows the dispensing mechanism arranged in the housing of the drug dispenser; and

[0042] Figures 18a to 18c The diagrams show the distribution mechanisms in different locations. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0044] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments of the invention to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known apparatuses, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of embodiments.

[0045] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, shall be understood to have an open, inclusive meaning, that is, to be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”.

[0046] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in one embodiment" or "in some embodiments" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any way in one or more embodiments.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims are used only for clarity of description to distinguish between different objects, and do not limit the size, quantity, or other order of the objects they describe.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of a drug dispenser 1 according to the present disclosure. The drug dispenser 1 includes a housing 10 having an opening 11 through which an object to be received or removed is inserted into or removed from the housing 10. The object may be, for example, solid, liquid, fluid, or other suitable state, such as water, beverage, powder, pill, ointment, etc. The drug dispenser 1 also includes a cap assembly for the opening 11, i.e., the cap assembly can be used to release or seal the opening 11, wherein the cap assembly is movably mounted on the housing 10. The cap assembly may include a first cap 20 and a second cap 30, the first cap 20 being pivotally mounted on the housing 10, and the second cap 30 being disposed inside the first cap 20. The first cap 20 is configured to drive the second cap 30 to move, particularly pivot. Therefore, each of the caps can have a relatively smaller circumferential dimension, thereby increasing the design freedom of the drug dispenser, and particularly the housing of the drug dispenser. This arrangement also at least partially prevents unintentional opening of the opening 11.

[0049] As in Figure 1 As shown, the cover assembly can pivot in the direction indicated by the double arrow R to release or seal the opening 11. It can also be seen from... Figure 1 As can be seen, in this state of the drug dispenser, namely the first state, the first cover 20 completely covers the second cover 30. In this case, the second cover 30 can be considered to be retracted into the space between the first cover 20 and the housing 10. Therefore, the outer periphery of the second cover 30 is not larger than the inner periphery of the first cover 20, which, for example, makes the overall structure of the drug dispenser more compact and achieves a better visual effect.

[0050] At least one of the two sides of the housing 10 perpendicular to the pivot axis A of the cover assembly is provided with a stepped portion, which forms a stop 14 for the first cover 20, thereby defining the end position of the first cover 20 in the circumferential direction by the stop 14, that is, providing a first stop position and a second stop position for the first cover 20 to achieve restricted movement of the cover assembly. Preferably, the contour direction of the stop 14 corresponds at least in a partial section to the contour direction of the leading edge 20A and the trailing edge 20B of the first cover 20 in the reference direction R. Figure 1 In the first state of the illustrated drug dispenser, that is, in the first stop position of the first cover 20, the first cover 20 completely covers the second cover 30.

[0051] The stop 14 of the housing 10 may have an opening such that at least a portion of the sidewall of the first cover 20 can extend into the housing. For example, the sidewall of the first cover 20 extending into the housing may cooperate with other components arranged in the housing to achieve a desired function.

[0052] In a first embodiment of the drug dispenser 1 according to this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first cover 20 is configured in an inverted U-shape, having two spaced-apart sidewalls 21 and 22, with the housing 10 partially situated between these two sidewalls 21 and 22. The second cover 30 is substantially hook-shaped, having only one sidewall 31 of substantially the same length as the sidewall of the first cover 20 and another sidewall 32 of significantly shorter length, wherein the sidewall 31 is positioned between the sidewall 21 of the first cover 20 and the side of the housing 10. The sidewalls 21 of the first cover 20 and 31 of the second cover 30 are configured to cooperate with the triggering unit of the drug dispenser, as will be further described below.

[0053] The trigger unit 2 includes a torsion spring 50. The torsion spring 50 has two toggle arms 51 and 52 and a cylindrical helix 53 between them, defining an outlet 55. The torsion spring 50 is configured to apply forces in opposite circumferential directions to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, respectively. Preferably, the forces are proportional to the amount of torsion of the torsion spring 50. Therefore, the toggle arms 51 and 52 of the torsion spring 50 can be effectively connected to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, respectively, for example, through a force-transmitting connection, particularly an indirect force-transmitting connection.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion springs 50 have toggle arms 51 and 52 that are effectively connected to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 via corresponding intermediate members. Specifically, the first cover 20 is provided with an actuator 40 that is non-rotatably connected to the first cover 20; and the second cover 30 is provided with a drive ring 60 that is non-rotatably connected to the second cover 30.

[0055] The end of the sidewall 21 of the first cover 20 has a first interface 23, the inner periphery of which is provided with a first recess 24. The actuator 40 correspondingly has a first boss 43. In the assembled state, the first boss 43 is received in the first recess 24, thereby establishing a form-fit connection between the first cover 20 and the actuator 40. Exemplarily shown is the first cover 20 having three square first recesses distributed circumferentially, and the actuator 40 having three square first bosses distributed circumferentially. One of the first bosses 43 of the actuator 40 has a first notch 44 configured to receive the first torsion arm 51 of the torsion spring 50. Of course, other numbers or shapes of bosses or recesses are also possible.

[0056] The sidewall 22 of the first cover 20 has an actuation structure 27, for example, in the form of an elongated hole, which is effectively connected to the dispensing mechanism 300, which will also be described below, so that the dispensing mechanism 300 can be triggered by the first cover 20 at an appropriate time to dispense the drug. Of course, the actuation structure 27 may also be other forms of non-circular holes or any other suitable structure.

[0057] The end of the sidewall 31 of the second cover 30 adjacent to the sidewall 21 of the first cover 20 has a second interface 33, the inner periphery of which has a second recess 34. The drive ring 60 correspondingly has a second boss 63. In the assembled state, the second boss 63 is received in the second recess 34, thereby establishing a form-fit connection between the second cover 30 and the drive ring 60. Exemplarily shown is the second cover 30 having three square second recesses distributed circumferentially, and the drive ring 60 having three square second bosses distributed circumferentially. One of the second bosses 63 of the drive ring 60 has a second notch 64 configured to receive the second torsion arm 52 of the torsion spring 50. Of course, other numbers or shapes of bosses or recesses are also possible.

[0058] Therefore, when the first cover 20 is manipulated, the force applied to the first cover 20 can be transmitted to the first button arm 51 of the torsion spring 50 via the actuator 40, and then to the second cover 30 via the second button arm 52 of the torsion spring 50. When the triggering condition is met, the mechanical energy stored in the torsion spring 50 causes the second cover 30 to move, thereby opening the opening.

[0059] To hold the torsion spring 50 and the drive ring 60 in the housing 10 of the drug dispenser, the actuator 40 can be approximately constructed in the shape of a thumbtack. That is, the actuator 40 can have a disc portion 41 and a columnar portion 45 protruding from one side of the disc portion 41. The end of the columnar portion 45 is provided with at least a pair of latches 47, wherein the columnar portion 45 can be inserted into the holes 55, 65 of the helix 53 of the torsion spring 50 and the annulus 61 of the drive ring 60, and is locked in place by the latches at the slots 76 formed in the housing or in a component fixed to the housing. In addition, annular portions 42 are arranged radially spaced outside the columnar portion 45, and a first boss 43 can be formed radially outside the annular portion 42. Preferably, a plurality of protrusions protruding radially inward and distributed in the circumferential direction can be constructed on the radially inner side of the annular portion 42, and the diameter of the circle defined by the end face of the protrusions corresponds to the outer diameter of the helix 53 of the torsion spring 50. Therefore, the aforementioned protrusion can be used at least in part to hold the torsion spring 50 during assembly, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

[0060] The hole 65 of the drive ring 60 is a stepped hole, so that the end of the torsion spring 50 facing the drive ring 60 can abut against the step of the hole 65.

[0061] Preferably, the actuator 40 is integrally formed.

[0062] Preferably, the columnar portion 45 of the actuator 40 is constructed in a stepped manner, that is, the columnar portion 45 may have a first columnar segment 45A and a second columnar segment 45B, wherein the first columnar segment 45A and the second columnar segment 45B have different diameters. In the example shown, the diameter of the first columnar segment 45A is larger than the diameter of the second columnar segment 45B. The inner diameter of the helix 53 of the torsion spring 50 is larger than the diameter of the first columnar segment 45A, and the diameter of the smallest inner diameter segment of the bore 65 of the drive ring 60 is equivalent to the diameter of the first columnar segment 45A. Therefore, the torsion spring 50 can be held between the actuator 40 and the drive ring 60.

[0063] Preferably, the annular portion 42 of the actuator 40 can also be constructed in a stepped manner, that is, the annular portion 42 may have a first annular segment 42A and a second annular segment 42B, which have different axial heights, thus forming a step in the annular portion 42. Correspondingly, the drive ring 60 is provided with a lug 62 on its side facing the actuator 40. The step of the annular portion 42 of the actuator 40 and the lug 62 of the drive ring 60 are configured to abut together in the initial state under the action of the torsion spring 50.

[0064] Preferably, the coils of the helix 53 of the torsion spring 50 are spaced apart from each other. When the actuator 40, the torsion spring 50 and the drive ring 60 are mounted on the housing, the torsion spring 50 is also subjected to axial compression, thereby applying an axial force to the drive ring 60, causing the drive ring 60 to abut against the housing or a related component fixed to the housing.

[0065] The latch 76 of the snap-fit ​​47 for the columnar portion 45 of the actuator 40 can be directly constructed in the housing. Alternatively, a separate retaining plate 70 can be provided, which is fixed to the housing and has the latch 76 for the aforementioned snap-fit ​​47. In particular, to enhance the structural strength of the latch 76, reinforcing ribs can be provided for the latch or the wall thickness of the wall surrounding the latch can be increased. By providing a separate retaining plate 70, the design and manufacture of the housing 10 can be simplified.

[0066] Preferably, in order to make it easier for the latch 47 of the columnar portion 45 of the actuator 40 to be inserted into the slot, the columnar portion 45 may be provided with a central cut 46, thereby dividing at least a portion of the columnar portion 45 into two parts, which can move toward each other under the action of an external force and return to their original positions after the external force is released.

[0067] The triggering unit also includes a cantilevered trigger arm 72, which is elastically deformable and has a first mating protrusion 75 assigned to a first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 and a second mating protrusion 74 assigned to a second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30, wherein the first mating protrusion 72 and the second mating protrusion 75 are arranged spaced apart from each other. In this case, the first mating protrusion 75 is disposed on the path of rotational movement of the first protrusion 25 about axis A, and the second mating protrusion 74 is disposed on the path of rotational movement of the second protrusion 35 about axis A.

[0068] If possible Figure 8 As can be seen, the second protrusion 35 is located radially inside the first protrusion 25 relative to axis A.

[0069] If possible Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As can be seen, the first protrusion 25 and the second protrusion 35 protrude from their respective sidewalls toward the internal space of the housing 10.

[0070] The trigger arm 72 can also be particularly preferably constructed at the retaining plate 70, thereby reducing the number of parts used in the drug dispenser or simplifying the structure of the housing. For this purpose, a U-shaped notch 71 can be provided at the retaining plate 70, thus forming a cantilever beam structure. A first mating protrusion 75 and a second mating protrusion 74 are located on the same side of the arm portion 73 of the trigger arm 72.

[0071] Preferably, the aforementioned bayonet 76 and trigger arm 72 are integrally formed with the retaining plate 70, for example by injection molding.

[0072] The operation of the drug dispenser according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] exist Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 8 The image shows the drug dispenser in its first state, i.e., the cap is in the first stop position. In this first stop position, under the action of the torsion spring 50, due to the opposite circumferential forces applied to the first cap 20 and the second cap 30, the first cap 20 abuts against the stop 14, i.e. Figure 1 The upper portion of the stop, the second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30 abuts against the second mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72. In order to apply a circumferential force to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the torsion spring 50 is already under prestress in the first state of the drug dispenser. (As can be seen from...) Figure 5 As can be seen from [the image], in this example, the circumferential distance between the two toggle arms 51, 52 of the torsion spring 50 is almost zero. This can be seen from [the image]. Figure 8 As can be seen, in the opening direction, i.e. clockwise, the second protrusion 35 is arranged downstream of the first protrusion 25, and the first protrusion 25 and the first mating protrusion 75 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0074] exist Figures 9a to 9c The image shows the drug dispenser 1 in its second state. It can be seen that the first cover 20 has rotated clockwise relative to the second cover 30. In this second state, the positions of the second cover 30 and the drive member 60 remain unchanged relative to their positions in the first state. Figure 9b As can be seen, the first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 is closer to the first mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72 in the circumferential direction, while the second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30 remains abutted against the second mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72. The first torsion spring arm 51 moves with the circumferential movement of the first cover 20, while the second torsion spring arm 52 remains stationary because the second cover 30 is stopped by the second mating protrusion 75. As a result, the circumferential distance between the torsion spring arms 51 and 52 increases to C1, that is, the torsion spring is further pre-tensioned, thereby further increasing the energy stored in the torsion spring.

[0075] exist Figures 10a to 10cThe figure shows the drug dispenser 1 in its third state. At this point, the first cover 20 is about to move to the second stop position, meaning that the second cover 30 is about to be pivoted via the trigger unit of the drug dispenser through the first cover 20. Compared to the second state, in the third state, the first cover 20 moves further clockwise, causing the leading edge of the first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 to contact the rear edge of the first mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72. Meanwhile, the second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30 remains abutted against the second mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72. Therefore, the positions of the second cover 30 and the drive member 60 do not change. As can be seen in Figure 10, the first torsion spring arm 51 moves further in the circumferential direction following the movement of the first cover 20, while the second torsion spring arm 52 remains stationary because the second cover 30 is stopped by the second mating protrusion 75. As a result, the circumferential distance between the torsion spring arms 51 and 52 increases to C2, where C2 is greater than C1. At this point, the energy stored in the torsion spring reaches its maximum. In this way, the unintentional opening of the opening is avoided, which could lead to unintended leakage of the objects contained in the drug dispenser.

[0076] exist Figures 11a to 11c The image shows the drug dispenser 1 in its fourth state, also referred to as the second stop position of the cover. In this state, the first cover 20 moves clockwise to the lower portion of the stop 14 abutting the housing 10, i.e., the side 20A abuts the stop 14. During this time, the first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 slides onto the top of the first mating protrusion 75 of the trigger arm 72, thereby pressing the first mating protrusion 75 downwards toward the interior space of the housing. This causes the arm of the trigger arm 72 to deflect toward the interior space of the housing, thereby moving the second mating protrusion 74 at the end of the trigger arm 72 away from the second cover 30. When the distance moved by the second mating protrusion 74 exceeds the height of the second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30, the movement of the second cover 30 is no longer constrained, the pre-tensioned torsion spring begins to reset, and thus the second cover 30 rotates clockwise via the torsion arm 52 of the torsion spring and the drive member 60. Figure 11a and Figure 11b The image shows the second cover 30 having moved inside the first cover 20. Figure 11c As can be seen, the positions of the two torsion arms of the torsion spring correspond to the positions of the torsion arms in the first state. In this fourth state, the first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 can remain abutted against the top of the first mating protrusion 72 of the trigger arm 72, so that the trigger arm 72 is in a deflected state.

[0077] Figure 12The drug dispenser 1 is shown in an alternative fourth state. The main difference between this alternative fourth state and the one described above is that the first protrusion 25 of the first cover 20 remains abutted against the other side of the first mating protrusion 72 of the trigger arm 72, thus allowing the deflected trigger arm 72 to return to its original state. Other aspects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0078] Preferably, the tops of the second protrusion 25 and / or the second mating protrusion 75 may be chamfered to facilitate sliding of the second protrusion 25 onto the top of the first mating protrusion 72. The term "chamfer" can be understood as a machined rounded corner or bevel. Figure 6 The example shows a rounded corner 26 located at the second protrusion 25.

[0079] Preferably, the side of the second mating protrusion 75 facing the first mating protrusion 72 is constructed as an inclined surface, and / or the side of the second protrusion 35 of the second cover 30 facing away from the second mating protrusion 75 is constructed as an inclined surface, which makes it easy for the second cover 30 to return to the closed opening position.

[0080] Figures 13 to 15c A drug dispenser 1' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which also includes a housing 110, a first cover 120, and a second cover 130. The structure of this drug dispenser 1' is substantially similar to the structure of the drug dispenser described above. The differences between the drug dispenser 1' and the drug dispenser 1' will be described below, while the rest can be referred to the description above.

[0081] The first cover 120 of the drug dispenser 1' is pivotally held on the housing 110 via a pivot (not shown) arranged in the housing, such that the first cover 120 can move between a first stop position and a second stop position, wherein in the first stop position, the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 cover the opening; and in the second stop position, the opening is released. For this purpose, at least one of the sidewalls 121, 122 of the first cover 120 is mounted to the pivot in the housing.

[0082] Combination Figure 13 and Figure 14 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the second cover 130 remains inside the first cover 12. That is, the second cover 130 has no part that is effectively connected to the pivot. Therefore, both the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 can be regarded as U-shaped pieces. The second cover 130 can also move relative to the first cover 120.

[0083] The accompanying drawings show a first cover 120 with a first bulge 123 and a second bulge 124 on the inner sides of its sidewalls 121 and 122, which lie on the same imaginary circle whose center falls on the pivot axis of the first cover 120. Correspondingly, the first cover 120 has an arcuate groove 133 in its sidewalls 131 and 132, the radius of which corresponds to the radius of the aforementioned imaginary circle. The first bulge 123 is columnar and is arranged in the arcuate groove 133. The second bulge 124 is arranged to enter and exit the groove 133. Referring to the opening direction of the drug dispenser 1', i.e., clockwise, the second bulge 124 is located downstream of the first bulge 123. The first protrusion 123, the second protrusion 124, and the groove 133 are constructed such that the circumferential distance between the front end of the groove 133 and the front edge where the second cover is located is equivalent to the circumferential distance between the first protrusion 123 and the second protrusion 124, so that when the second protrusion 124 moves away from the groove 133, the first protrusion 123 is attached to the front end of the groove. Therefore, there is no relative movement between the first cover 120 and the second cover 130, and the second cover can be driven by the first cover when the first cover continues to move.

[0084] The end faces of at least two successive end faces along the rotation direction of the second ridge 124 may be inclined, which makes it easy for the second ridge 124 to leave or return to the groove.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the positions of the mating grooves and protrusions provided on the cover can be adjusted as needed. For example, grooves can be arranged on the first cover, and protrusions can be arranged on the second cover, with the protrusions located on the outer side of the second cover.

[0086] Preferably, to maintain the initial position of the second cover 130, the housing 110 may be provided with a limiting structure 112 for the second cover 130, and the second cover 130 may be provided with a corresponding matching limiting structure 134. For example, a recess 112 may be provided on the housing 110, and a protrusion 134 may be provided on the inner side of the second cover 130, which can be accommodated in the recess. Similarly, the end faces of the two successive ends of the protrusion 134 along the rotation direction may be beveled, which makes it easy for the protrusion 134 to leave or return to the recess.

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first cover 120 moves to a point where it is partially misaligned with the second cover 130, the movement of the second cover 130 can be triggered by the first cover 120. It can be said, at least to a certain extent, that the aforementioned groove and protrusion form a triggering unit.

[0088] exist Figures 15a to 15d The different states of the drug dispenser are shown in the diagram.

[0089] Figure 15a The first state of the drug dispenser is shown, in which the first cover 120 is abutted against the stop 114; the first protrusion 123 and the second protrusion 124 are in the groove; and the protrusion 134 of the second cover 130 is received in the recess 112 of the housing. At this time, the opening is closed by the aforementioned cover.

[0090] Figure 15b The second state of the drug dispenser is shown, in which the first cover 120 is rotated clockwise by a first circumferential distance, such that the first bulge 123 abuts against the front end of the recess, and the second bulge 124 is positioned just before the leading edge of the second cover. In this second state, the protrusion 134 of the second cover 130 is still accommodated in the recess 112 of the housing.

[0091] Figure 15c The third state of the drug dispenser is shown. In this state, the first cover 120 continues to rotate clockwise, causing the protrusion 134 of the second cover 130 to move out of the recess 112 in the housing under the action of the first housing.

[0092] Figure 15d The fourth state of the drug dispenser is shown, in which the first cover 120 is rotated clockwise to near the second stop position, and the second cover 130 is fully released from the opening 111 by the action of the first cover 120.

[0093] In this embodiment, the aforementioned grooves, ridges, depressions, and protrusions can be provided on at least one side wall of the relevant component, and preferably symmetrically provided on two side walls.

[0094] In another embodiment not shown, grooves and protrusions may also be provided for the cover in the first embodiment to establish further controlled guided movement between the covers.

[0095] The housing 10 may be integrally formed, or, as shown in the accompanying drawings, may comprise two housing halves 10A, 10B that can be assembled together.

[0096] To facilitate manual operation, ribs 13 and textured structures can be provided on the side of the shell opposite to the side through which the cover moves, to enhance the friction when gripping.

[0097] The opening of the drug dispenser can form the suction nozzle of the drug dispenser. The first cover can be a protective cover, and the second cover can be a driving cover. The driving cover is effectively connected to the dispensing mechanism, enabling sequential movement.

[0098] Figure 16 A drug dispenser is shown, comprising a housing 10 with a cap assembly (the first caps 20, 120 are visible) and a dispensing mechanism 300. (See from...) Figure 16As can be seen, the first cover bodies 20, 120 of the cover assembly have side arms 22, which are provided with elongated holes for mounting, to interact with the ratchet 306 of the dispensing mechanism 300, which is in the form of a gear set. In use, the cover assembly, i.e., the first cover body and the second cover body, can be rotatably moved about an axis defined by the rotation axis of the ratchet 306. Figure 16 In the middle, the cover assembly is in its original position, that is, the first cover and the second cover overlap each other and completely cover the opening of the housing 10.

[0099] Figure 17 An exploded view of the dispensing mechanism 300 of a drug dispenser is shown. It can be seen that the dispensing mechanism 300 is housed within housings 10 and 110. The dispensing mechanism 300 includes a ratchet gear 302 mounted on a drive shaft 301. The ratchet gear 302 has opposing inner surfaces 301 and outer surfaces 303 (facing the outside of the dispenser), wherein a plurality of protrusions 304 are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction from the outer surface 303 toward the outside of the housing, and gear portions 307 protrude from the inner surface 301 in the opposite direction. Each protrusion 304 has an outer peripheral surface 305a and an inner peripheral surface 305b. The inner peripheral surface 305b has a stepped profile to form steps 304b for ratcheting interaction with the ratchet 306, which will be discussed in [reference needed]. Figures 18a to 18c More specifically, in this embodiment, five protrusions 304 are provided, thus forming a total of five steps 304b. The steps 304b are located in the middle of the inner circumferential surface 305b of the protrusions 304, i.e., spaced circumferentially from the end points 304a, which also interact with the fixed elastic pawl legs of the retaining plate (not shown) to prevent the ratchet 306 from returning.

[0100] The ratchet 306 includes a central hub 306a and a plurality of circumferentially oriented, cantilevered ratchet legs 306b spaced at equal angles from the outer periphery of the central hub 306a. That is, each ratchet leg 306b is connected to the ratchet hub 306a at one end and is a free end. The hub 306a also includes a boss 306c, which, as shown... Figure 17 The openings in the side arms 22, 122 of the first cover, as shown, form a direct drive connection between the first cover and the ratchet 306. Thus, the rotational movement of the first cover from its first state to its fourth state causes rotation of the ratchet 306 in the ratchet gear 302, as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the number of resilient ratchet legs 306b corresponds to the number of steps 304b of the ratchet gear 302.

[0101] The distributing mechanism 300 also includes indexing wheels 320a and 320b, cover-side winding gears 321a and 321b, bottom-side winding gears 322a and 322b, and idler wheels 324 and 325, which mesh with the gear portion 307 of the ratchet gear 302. Specifically, the gear portion 307 provided on the inner surface 301 of the ratchet gear 302 meshes with the first indexing wheel 320a and the first idler wheel 324. The first indexing wheel 320a meshes with the first cover-side winding gear 321a and the second indexing wheel 321b of the cover-side winding gears, and the cover-side winding gear meshes with the second cover-side winding gear 321b. The first idler wheel 324 meshes with the first bottom-side winding gear 322b and the second idler wheel 325 of the bottom-side winding gears, and the second idler wheel 325 meshes with the second bottom-side winding gear 322a. This configuration provides, as the cover moves from its second position to its third position, the graduation of the drug carrier (not shown) and the roll-up of the substrate and cover.

[0102] See Figures 18a to 18c A better understanding of the interaction between ratchet gear 302 and ratchet 306 can be achieved, which illustrates the movement of components of the dispensing mechanism 300 when ready for use during continuous operation.

[0103] exist Figure 18a In its original position (i.e., with the cover closed, corresponding to the first state described above), the ratchet 306 is positioned within the ratchet gear 302, such that the steps 304b of the ratchet gear 302 are spaced apart from the free end of the ratchet leg 306b in the circumferential direction. Figure 18b In the second position (i.e., the cover is partially open, corresponding to the second state described above), the ratchet 306 rotates in the ratchet gear 302, causing the ratchet leg 306b to slide sequentially through the second segment 309b of the inner circumferential surface 305b, the interval between the protrusions 304, and the first segment 309a of the inner circumferential surface 305b, thereby engaging the step 304b. Therefore, in this second position, the ratchet gear 302 is ready to move but has not yet moved, and the dispensing mechanism 300 is not activated. Figure 18c The third position (i.e., the cover is fully open, corresponding to the fourth state described above) wherein, during the transition from the second position to the third position, the ratchet 306 and the ratchet gear 302 rotate together through the engagement between the ratchet leg 306b and the step 304b, thereby advancing the dispensing mechanism 300 so that the drug carriers acting in conjunction with the dispensing mechanism 300 open the capsules of each carrier and thus allow the drug powder contained in each open capsule to be inhaled by the user through the opening.

[0104] When the lid is closed, the reverse rotation of ratchet 306 is not transmitted to ratchet gear 302, and therefore not to other gears. Thus, each time the lid is fully opened and closed, ratchet gear 302 rotates only in one direction. When the lid returns to its original position... Figure 1 , Figure 16 ), so that the ratchet 306 in the ratchet gear 302 rotates back to its original position. Figure 18a When the lid is opened, the elastic ratchet leg 306b can slide on the inner circumferential surface 305b to be spaced apart from the different steps 304b and ready for the next opening of the lid.

[0105] According to the first embodiment, when the drive cover is in the first state, the entire nozzle and the protective cover are covered by the drive cover; when the drive cover is in the second state, the entire nozzle is covered by the protective cover, and the protective cover is partially covered by the drive cover; when the drive cover is in the third state, the entire nozzle is covered by the protective cover, and the protective cover is fully exposed; when the drive cover is in the fourth state, the nozzle is fully exposed, and the protective cover is completely covered by the drive cover. During this period, when the nozzle cover moves from the first state to the second state, the movement of the protective cover and the operation of the dispensing mechanism are not triggered; when the nozzle cover moves from the second state to the third state, and when the nozzle cover moves from the third state to the fourth state, any movement will drive the dispensing mechanism to perform corresponding operations, but the movement of the protective cover is not triggered; when the nozzle cover moves from the third state to the fourth state, the movement of the protective cover is triggered.

[0106] According to the second embodiment, when the drive cover is in the first state, the entire nozzle and protective cover are covered by the drive cover; when the drive cover is in the second state, the entire nozzle is covered by the protective cover, and the protective cover is partially covered by the drive cover; when the drive cover is in the third state, the nozzle is partially exposed, but mostly covered by the protective cover, and the protective cover moves with the drive cover while being partially covered; when the drive cover is in the fourth state, the nozzle is fully exposed, and the protective cover is partially covered by the drive cover. During this period, when the nozzle cover moves from the first state to the second state, the movement of the protective cover and the operation of the dispensing mechanism are not triggered; when the nozzle cover moves from the second state to the third state, the movement of the protective cover is triggered, but the operation of the dispensing mechanism is not triggered; any movement of the nozzle cover from the third state to the fourth state will drive the dispensing mechanism to perform corresponding operations.

[0107] Although the attached figures show a flat drug dispenser and its housing, they may have any other suitable shape to match the shape of the cap, and in particular the sidewalls of the cap, as long as the aforementioned movement can be achieved.

[0108] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, only the components of the drug dispenser relevant to this application are shown in the drawings; the drug dispenser may also have other components.

[0109] It should be noted that the features or combinations of features of the apparatus according to this disclosure described above, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned and / or shown only in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0110] This disclosure has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the scope of the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure, and all such variations and modifications fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A drug dispenser, the drug dispenser comprising: A housing having an opening; A dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to trigger drug dispensing; A cover assembly for the opening and movably mounted on the housing. Its features are, The cover assembly includes: A first cover, which is pivotally mounted on the housing; A second cover is disposed inside the first cover. The second cover is configured to rotate in a manner that can be driven by the first cover. Specifically, the dispensing mechanism was not triggered at least before the second cover was actuated by the first cover. The housing is provided with a stop for the first cover to provide a first stop position and a second stop position for the first cover, wherein, at least in the first stop position, the first cover completely covers the second cover. The second cover is pivotally mounted on the housing, wherein when the first cover is about to move to the second stop position, the rotational movement of the second cover is triggered via the triggering unit of the drug dispenser. The triggering unit includes a torsion spring, the two torsion arms of which are effectively connected to the first cover and the second cover, respectively. The torsion spring is configured to apply forces in opposite directions along the circumferential direction to the first cover and the second cover, respectively.

2. The drug dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering unit includes a cantilevered triggering arm that is elastically deformable and has a first mating protrusion assigned to a first protrusion of the first cover and a second mating protrusion assigned to a second protrusion of the second cover, wherein the first mating protrusion and the second mating protrusion are arranged spaced apart from each other.

3. The drug dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the first stop position, the second protrusion of the second cover abuts against the second mating protrusion of the trigger arm; In the second stop position, the first protrusion of the first cover abuts against the first mating protrusion of the trigger arm.

4. The drug dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The triggering unit includes an actuator that is non-rotatably connected to the first cover and a drive ring that is non-rotatably connected to the second cover. The actuator has a first notch for the first torsion arm of the torsion spring, and the drive ring has a second notch for the second torsion arm of the torsion spring.

5. The drug dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the second protrusion and / or the second mating protrusion is chamfered, and / or The second mating protrusion is constructed as a slope on the side facing the first mating protrusion, and / or The side of the second protrusion of the second cover opposite to the second mating protrusion is constructed as a slope.

6. The drug dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The trigger arm is configured at the retaining plate mounted on the housing.

7. The drug dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first cover is U-shaped, and the second cover is hook-shaped.

8. The drug dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first cover moves to a point where it is partially misaligned with the second cover, the movement of the second cover is triggered by the triggering unit of the drug dispenser.

9. The drug dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second cover can be movably held inside the first cover.

10. The drug dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first cover and the second cover are respectively provided with a matching arc-shaped groove and a first bulge, with the first bulge arranged in the arc-shaped groove.

11. The drug dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cover with the first raised portion also has a second raised portion, which is arranged to enter and exit the groove, wherein, with reference to the opening direction of the drug dispenser, the circumferential distance between the front end of the groove and the front edge of the cover with the arcuate groove is equivalent to the circumferential distance between the first raised portion and the second raised portion.

12. The drug dispenser according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first bulge is columnar, and the end faces of at least two successive ends of the second bulge along the opening direction are inclined.

13. The drug dispenser according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a limiting structure for the second cover, and the second cover is provided with a matching limiting structure corresponding to the limiting structure.

Images