Breathing actuated inhaler

Abstract

The application discloses a breath actuated inhaler. The inhaler comprises a main housing having a suction port at a distal end, a canister storing a drug solution and disposed axially within the main housing, and a force retention unit attached to the main housing and engaged with the canister, comprising an upper housing having an air intake structure disposed at a proximal end, the air inlet structure and the suction port form an air circulation path, so that the force maintaining unit responds to inhalation of a user to start the tank; wherein the air inlet structure comprises at least two holes with main openings, and the at least two holes are annularly arranged at the near end of the upper shell in an end-to-end connection mode, so that the main openings of all the holes cannot be completely covered when fingers are placed on the end face of the near end during inhalation of a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of inhaler, in particular to a breath-actuated inhaler. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a medical device, the inhaler can include a pressurized metered dose inhaler and a dry powder metered dose inhaler. The inhaler can be a breath-actuated type, that is, the inhaler releases the drug and delivers it to the patient in response to the user's inhalation, so as to achieve the purpose of treatment.

[0003] The breath-actuated inhaler needs to be actuated by the user's inhalation action and form an airflow inside it, so the shell of the inhaler is usually designed to have an air inlet that allows the airflow to pass through. However, the user needs to hold the inhaler during use to operate it, which may cover the air inlet with the user's fingers, thereby hindering the airflow, causing the inhaler to malfunction and affecting treatment.

[0004] In addition, the inhaler stores multiple doses of drugs, and the user cannot know how many doses of drugs are left in the inhaler after using one dose of drugs each time because the inhaler cannot show the drug usage on the surface. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the user can get a complete dose of drugs the next time, and the user cannot prepare a spare inhaler in advance, so that the user may cause the treatment effect to decrease, the disease to recur, and the disease to worsen gradually due to insufficient or interrupted drug taking, and other adverse consequences. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the related art, one of the purposes of the present application is to provide a breath-actuated inhaler to overcome the problem that the air inlet may be blocked by the user's fingers due to incorrect inhaler operation.

[0006] Another purpose of the present application is to provide a breath-actuated inhaler to overcome the problem of how to accurately count and display the used dose to the user after using one dose of drugs each time in the related art.

[0007] To achieve the above object and other related objects, the first aspect of the present application discloses a breath-actuated inhaler, comprising: a main housing having a mouthpiece at a distal end thereof; a canister storing a medicament solution and arranged axially in the main housing; a force holding unit attached to the main housing and engaged with the canister, comprising an upper housing having an air inlet structure arranged at a proximal end thereof, the air inlet structure forming a gas flow path with the mouthpiece to enable the force holding unit to initiate the canister in response to inhalation by a user; wherein the air inlet structure comprises at least two holes having main openings, the at least two holes being arranged in a ring shape at the proximal end of the upper housing in a head-to-tail manner to enable a user to place a finger on an end surface of the proximal end during inhalation without covering the main openings of all the holes completely.

[0008] In summary, the inhaler of the present application can ensure sufficient space for air flow to enter, ensure the required air flow for triggering the inhaler, and thus ensure normal operation of the inhaler, by arranging the air inlet structure to comprise at least two holes at the proximal end of the upper housing of the inhaler, and arranging the at least two holes in a ring shape to enable a user to place a thumb or an index finger on an end surface of the proximal end during inhalation without covering the main openings of all the holes completely, i.e., there are main openings of the holes that are free to enter air.

[0009] The second aspect of the present application provides an inhaler, comprising: an actuation mechanism configured to be driven to move towards a distal end; a counting component for counting the number of uses of the inhaler based on the movement of the actuation mechanism towards the distal end, and indicating the number of uses of the inhaler with a visualized number.

[0010] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the counting component comprises a signal element for moving into a display window to prompt a user when the number of uses of the inhaler reaches a preset number of uses.

[0011] The inhaler of the present application can accurately count the number of uses by arranging a first counting unit and a second counting unit in the counting component in cooperation, and indicating the number of uses of the inhaler with a visualized number by using the first counting unit and the second counting unit in cooperation. Furthermore, the signal element can be arranged to prompt a user, which can attract the attention of a patient / user to the number of doses remaining in the inhaler.

[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the disclosure are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The specific features of the application involved are shown in the appended claims. The characteristics and advantages of the application involved can be better understood by referring to the detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings. The drawings are briefly described as follows:

[0014] Figure 1 An external schematic view of a breath-actuated inhaler according to the present application in one embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 An internal schematic view of a breath-actuated inhaler according to the present application in one embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A schematic view of a main housing according to the present application in one embodiment is shown from one perspective.

[0017] Figure 4 A schematic view of a main housing according to the present application in one embodiment is shown from one perspective.

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic view of a force holding unit according to the present application in one embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A schematic view of a diaphragm according to the present application in one embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 A schematic view of a support according to the present application in one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 A schematic view of an inhaler according to the present application in one embodiment in a dormant state is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 A schematic view of an inhaler according to the present application in one embodiment in a dormant state is shown. Figure 8 A schematic view of a force holding unit in a dormant state is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 A schematic view of an inhaler according to the present application in one embodiment in a ready state is shown.

[0024] Figure 11This diagram shows the force-holding unit of the inhaler in the activated state.

[0025] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The following are schematic diagrams of the dose counters in different embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 14 This application is displayed as being in Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the actuator moving to the distal end.

[0027] Figure 15 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the propulsion unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the first counting unit and the second counting unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagrams shown are schematic representations of the structure of the first counting unit in different embodiments.

[0030] Figure 19 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the propulsion unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 20 This application is displayed as being in Figure 19 The diagram shows the operational state of the stopping structure in the propulsion unit.

[0032] Figure 21 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the digits displayed by the counting component in one embodiment of this application being offset from the display window.

[0033] Figure 22 This application is displayed as being in Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the actuator moving towards the proximal end.

[0034] Figure 23 The diagram shows, in one embodiment of this application, a digit displayed by the counting component correctly displayed in a display window.

[0035] Figure 24 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the counting component from one perspective in one embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The diagrams shown are schematic representations of the signal elements in different embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 27 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the engagement of a signal element and a second counting wheel in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 28 shows an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 25 shows a schematic view of the structure of the counting member in the embodiment of the signal member shown.

[0039] Figure 29 shows an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 25 shows a schematic view of the relative position relationship between the signal member and the actuating mechanism in the embodiment shown.

[0040] Figures 30 to 33 shows a schematic view of the upper housing of an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figures 34 to 37 shows a schematic view of the upper housing of an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present application. Figures 30 to 33 shows a schematic view of the embodiment shown in another perspective.

[0042] Figure 38 shows a schematic view of the proximal end of the upper housing according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 39 shows a schematic view of the end face of the proximal end of the upper housing according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 40 shows a schematic view of the testing of the test example according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 41 shows a schematic view of one air inlet structure selected for use in the comparative example according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 42 shows a schematic view of the testing of the comparative example according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 43 shows a line graph of the testing of the gas flow resistance according to the test example and the comparative example respectively.

[0048] Figure 44 shows a line graph of the testing of the gas flow resistance according to the test example and the comparative example respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail by the following specific embodiments, and the advantages and technical effects of the present application can be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in the present specification.

[0050] In the following description, some embodiments can be presented with reference to drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to be restrictive. Various embodiments can be practiced within the scope of the claims and outside the scope of the claims. The terminology used in the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting - - -.

[0051] While in some instances the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements or parameters, these elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or parameter from another element or parameter. For example, a first counting unit can be called a second counting unit, and similarly, a second counting unit can be called a first counting unit without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. Both the first counting unit and the second counting unit are describing one counting unit, but they are not the same counting unit unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] Also, as used in the description herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, and / or groups but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, and / or groups thereof. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or units need not necessarily be limited to the steps or units clearly recited, but can include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products or apparatuses. In addition, the term "and / or" as used herein describes association between associated objects, means that there are three relationships, for example, A and / or B, can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist together, B exists alone. In addition, the character " / ", such as no special indication, generally represents the relationship of "and / or" between the front and rear associated objects. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more than two. Furthermore, the terms "or" and "and / or" used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination. Only when the combination of elements, functions, steps or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way, will there be an exception to this definition.

[0053] It will be further understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or extending "over" another element, it can be directly on or extend directly over the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or extending "directly over" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that terminology used herein such as "connected," "coupled," or "pathway" can refer to electrical or physical coupling or path that can be direct or indirect, and that the terms "connected," "coupled," or "pathway" can refer to an electrical or physical coupling or path that is direct or indirect, unless otherwise specifically noted herein.

[0054] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" can be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. In the present application, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "parallel", are defined as including ±10% of the standard definition. For example, vertical typically means a 90° angle relative to a reference line, but in the present application, vertical means ±80° to 100°. Unless specifically stated otherwise, comparative quantitative terms such as "greater than" and "less than" are intended to encompass equal comparisons. For example, "greater than" can also mean "equal to".

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0056] In some embodiments provided in the present application, a dose counter and an inhaler applying the same are disclosed, the dose counter counts a first group of numbers by a first counting unit, and when counting a preset number of times, the second counting unit is driven to count a second group of numbers, so that the two groups of numbers of the two counting units can be matched together to indicate the number of uses of the inhaler in a visual manner.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present application, the number of uses of the inhaler can refer to the number of uses remaining for the inhaler, or the number of uses that have been made for the inhaler. In order to distinguish between the two examples represented by the number of uses of the inhaler in subsequent embodiments, in the example in which the number of uses is specifically indicated to refer to the number of uses remaining for the inhaler, the number of uses is referred to as the number of uses remaining or the number of uses not used, and in the example in which the number of uses is specifically indicated to refer to the number of uses that have been made, the number of uses is referred to as the number of uses made. Wherein the amount of solution dispensed by one use of the inhaler corresponds to one dose, in other words, the counting of the number of uses of the inhaler is equivalent to counting the number of doses of the inhaler.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present application, the indicated number of uses of the inhaler can include at least one of the number of uses for production stage testing and the number of uses after leaving the factory. For example, the indicated number of uses of the inhaler includes the number of uses for production stage testing, that is, the two counting units cooperate to indicate the number of uses of the inhaler for production stage testing with visualized numbers, thus facilitating the user to monitor the testing process. For another example, the indicated number of uses of the inhaler can include the number of uses after leaving the factory, that is, the two counting units cooperate to indicate the number of uses of the inhaler after leaving the factory with visualized numbers, and the number of uses after leaving the factory generally corresponds to the actual use, thus facilitating the user to instantly understand the use of the inhaler, on the one hand, enabling the user to timely reserve the inhaler, and on the other hand, avoiding the inhaler being mistakenly used after being used up, thus delaying the user's illness. For another example, the indicated number of uses of the inhaler can include the number of uses for production stage testing and the number of uses after leaving the factory, thus facilitating the user to monitor the testing process and instantly understand the use of the inhaler.

[0059] In the present application, in order to facilitate the description of the positional relationship, the end facing the mouthpiece of the inhaler is defined as the distal end (as indicated by the Z2 direction in Figure 1 the figure), and the end away from the mouthpiece of the inhaler is defined as the proximal end (as indicated by the Z1 direction in Figure 1 the figure).

[0060] In the present application, the user refers to the user of the inhaler, which can be, for example, a test personnel, a patient, or a subject, etc. According to the specific identity of the user, in some embodiments, the user can also be referred to as a test personnel, a patient, or a subject, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present application, the initial state refers to the state of the inhaler when it leaves the factory; and the dormant state refers to the state of the inhaler when it is left or stored, for example Figure 2The state shown in FIG. 1 is the state of the inhaler when the dust cover 6 is closed, the force holding unit 4 in the inhaler is maintained at the limit position of the proximal end that can be reached, so in some embodiments, the state of the structure or unit of the inhaler in the dormant state is also referred to as the proximal end state. The state of preparation described in some embodiments refers to the state of the inhaler triggered from the dormant state to wait to be started to dispense the drug, for example Figure 1 The state shown in FIG. 1 is the state of the inhaler when the dust cover 6 is closed, the force holding unit 4 in the inhaler is maintained at the limit position of the proximal end that can be reached, so in some embodiments, the state of the structure or unit of the inhaler in the dormant state is also referred to as the proximal end state. The state of preparation described in some embodiments refers to the state of the inhaler triggered from the dormant state to wait to be started to dispense the drug, for example Figure 1 The state shown in FIG. 1 is the state of the inhaler when the dust cover 6 is closed, the force holding unit 4 in the inhaler is maintained at the limit position of the proximal end that can be reached, so in some embodiments, the state of the structure or unit of the inhaler in the dormant state is also referred to as the proximal end state. The state of preparation described in some embodiments refers to the state of the inhaler triggered from the dormant state to wait to be started to dispense the drug, for example Figure 2 The state shown in FIG. 1 is the state of the inhaler when the dust cover 6 is closed, the force holding unit 4 in the inhaler is maintained at the limit position of the proximal end that can be reached, so in some embodiments, the state of the structure or unit of the inhaler in the dormant state is also referred to as the proximal end state. The state of preparation described in some embodiments refers to the state of the inhaler triggered from the dormant state to wait to be started to dispense the drug, for example

[0062] In some embodiments of the present application, a breath-actuated inhaler is proposed, which is configured to start a drug dispensing in response to the user's inhalation, and the drug dispensed enters the user's respiratory tract and lungs with the user's inhalation airflow in the form of soft mist or particles, etc., so as to achieve the purpose of treatment.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 shows the external structure of the breath-actuated inhaler in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the breath-actuated inhaler in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in the figure, the breath-actuated inhaler comprises a main housing 1, a canister 2, a force holding unit 4, a bracket 3, and a dose counter 5.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 3 and in combination with Figure 1 shown, Figure 3 shows the structure of the main housing in an embodiment of the present application from a perspective, the distal end of the main housing 1 has a mouthpiece 10. The mouthpiece 10 provides an interface for the user to breathe in, which has a chamber 100, the dispensing port on the canister 2 or the dispensing port communicating with the canister 2 extends into the chamber 100, so that the drug dispensed through the dispensing port enters the user's mouth through the chamber 100.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 4 , shows the structure of the main housing in an embodiment of the present application from a perspective, and in combination with Figure 2As shown, the main housing 1 is provided with a counting space 11 for configuring the dose counter 5. The counting space 11 can be formed by inwardly recessing the main housing 1. In an example, the counting space 11 is provided at a distal end of the main housing 1 and located at an opposite side of the mouthpiece 10 (it can also be understood that the counting space 11 is provided opposite to the mouthpiece 10). Further, the counting space 11 is provided with a hole structure 110, which can be formed on a side wall of the counting space 11 towards the proximal end. The hole structure 110 at least allows a part of the support 3 to pass through to drive the dose counter 5, so that the dose counter 5 can be driven to count by the support 3. The structure of the support 3 and the dose counter 5 will be described in detail later, and will not be described here. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in the example, the support 3 is provided with a driving rod 30, which can extend through the hole structure 110 to drive the dose counter 5 to count. The structure of the support 3 and the dose counter 5 will be described in detail later, and will not be described here.

[0066] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The main housing 1 is further provided with a mounting space 12 for configuring the tank 2. The mounting space 12 is a groove, recess or similar structure formed in advance on the main housing 1 to accommodate the tank 2.

[0067] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main housing 1 is further connected with a dust cover 6, which is rotatably connected with the main housing 1. In an example, as shown in Figure 3 The distal end of the main housing 1 is provided with a connecting pin 12, and the dust cover 6 is provided with a groove (not shown) matched with the connecting pin 12. The connecting pin 12 is combined with the groove, so that the dust cover 6 is rotatably provided at the distal end of the main housing 1.

[0068] In an embodiment, the dust cover 6 is provided with a protruding part, which cooperates with the support 3 to push the support 3 to move towards the proximal end when the dust cover 6 is moved from the open state to the closed state, and locks the dust cover 6 in the closed state. The specific process will be described in detail later, and will not be described here.

[0069] The canister 2 is used to store multiple doses of drug solution and can also be used for quantitative dispensing of drug solution. The canister 2 is axially disposed within the main housing 1. Specifically, the bottom of the canister 2 is positioned proximally within the mounting space 12 of the main housing 1, or alternatively, the canister 2 can be described as being inverted and inserted into the mounting space 12 of the main housing 1. The drug solution includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic purposes. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is related to the disease for which the respiratory-actuated inhaler is used to treat. The active pharmaceutical ingredient includes, but is not limited to, anti-inflammatory drugs, β2-adrenergic receptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, serotonin agonists, and combinations thereof. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one of a propellant (also referred to as a jet), a solubilizer, and a surfactant. The propellant is used to atomize the drug within the canister. Examples of propellants include tetrafluoroethane (HFA134a) and heptafluoropropane (HFA227). Examples of solubilizers include ethanol and glycerin. Examples of surfactants include oleic acid.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the container 2 includes a container body 20, a valve 21, and a valve stem 22. The container body 20 has an internal space for holding multiple doses of drug solution. The valve 21 (also referred to as a metering valve) communicates with the interior of the container body 20 to control the dosage. The valve 21 includes a metering chamber with a communication port that communicates with the interior of the container body 20. The metering chamber can be filled with or emptied with a dose of drug solution. In one embodiment, the dosage can be controlled by controlling the volume of the metering chamber.

[0071] The valve stem 22 is a hollow rod, the distal end of the valve stem 22 has a dispensing port for allowing the drug solution to be discharged, the proximal end of the outer diameter surface of the valve stem 22 has an inlet for allowing the drug solution to enter. Specifically, the valve stem 22 is arranged on the valve 21 by a spring, due to the external force, the valve stem 22 moves relative to the tank body 20 and compresses the spring, when the valve stem 22 moves a preset distance, the inlet of the valve stem 22 enters the dosing chamber of the valve 21, at this time, a dose of drug solution begins to enter the valve stem through the inlet of the valve stem 22 and is discharged from the dispensing port of the valve stem 22. Further, when the valve stem 22 continues to move to the stop portion inside the valve 21, the valve stem 22 stops moving. In an example, a stop portion (which can be configured as a sealing ring at the inlet of the dosing chamber, for example) is arranged inside the valve 21, the stop portion also has a communication port in communication with the inside of the tank body 20, when the valve stem 22 continues to move to the stop portion inside the valve 21, the communication passage between the dosing chamber and the tank body 20 is also closed, that is, the communication port is closed. For example, the proximal end of the valve stem 22 also has a sealing surface, which can close the communication port when the valve stem 22 moves a preset distance. When the external force disappears, the valve stem 22 moves under the action of the spring to open the communication port, at this time, the drug solution enters the dosing chamber from the communication port and the inlet of the valve stem 22 exits the dosing chamber of the valve 21.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2 , the force maintaining unit 4 is attached to the main housing 1 and engages with the tank 2 to activate the tank 2 in response to the user inhaling through the mouthpiece 10. Among them, the force maintaining unit 4 can be detachably connected with the main housing 1, for example, the force maintaining unit 4 is connected with the main housing 1 through a clamping structure. The force maintaining unit 4 is used to apply a force towards the distal end to the tank body 20 when the user inhales to activate the tank 2. Specifically, the tank body 20 and the valve 21 move towards the distal end after being stressed, and then the valve stem 22 moves relative to the tank body 20 and the valve 21 and enters the dosing chamber of the valve 21 to make the drug solution in the dosing chamber be sprayed from the valve stem 22 in the form of mist, until the valve stem 22 continues to move to the stop portion inside the valve 21, the valve stem 22 stops moving.

[0073] In an embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , Figure 5The structure of the force maintaining unit in the embodiment of the present application is shown in the schematic view. The force maintaining unit 4 includes an upper housing 40, and the proximal end of the upper housing 40 is provided with an air inlet structure 48. The air inlet structure 48 and the suction port 10 can form a gas flow path to enable the force maintaining unit 4 to activate the canister in response to the user's inhalation. Specifically, the force maintaining unit 4 is attached to the main housing 1 through the upper housing 40 and located at the proximal end of the main housing 1. For example, the upper housing 40 receives the portion of the canister 2 protruding from the main housing 1 and is connected to the main housing 1 through a threaded connection or a snap fit. The connection of the upper housing 40 and the main housing 1 forms the outer shell of the inhaler. In order to facilitate user operation, in some examples, as shown in the figure, when the upper housing 40 is attached to the main housing 1, the central axis of the suction port 10 on the main housing 1 and the central axis of the upper housing 40 form a preset included angle a, which is configured to be an included angle greater than 90 degrees. In this way, when the user inhales through the suction port 10, the portion of the upper housing 40 corresponding to the user's face will not cause extrusion to other parts of the user's face, which can improve the user experience. Figure 1

[0074] In actual operation, the user will hold the inhaler to inhale. Incorrect operation (also referred to as misoperation) of the user can cause the user's hand to be at least partially placed at the proximal end of the upper housing. In this way, the user's hand is likely to cover the air inlet structure, which can cause the inhaler to not work properly. In some related technologies, the air inlet structure is provided as an array of elongated holes formed on the housing, and the long edges of adjacent holes face each other. Although the structure design of the air inlet hole can form a gap space between the cover and the hole to enable air to enter through the gap space, this air inlet method relying only on the gap can cause insufficient air flow, which can affect the use of the inhaler and even cause the inhaler to not be able to dispense a sufficient amount of drug solution each time, which can affect the treatment effect without the user's knowledge. Figure 40

[0075] In view of this, the inhaler disclosed in some embodiments of the present application is provided. The air inlet structure is arranged to include at least two holes at the proximal end of the upper housing of the inhaler, and the at least two holes are arranged in a ring shape in a head-to-tail manner. When the user places the cover on the end surface at the proximal end during inhalation, the cover cannot completely cover the openings thereon, which can facilitate the vertical air flow to enter, thereby being able to provide sufficient air flow, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the inhaler. It should be noted that the cover mentioned above and hereinafter refers to the portion of the surface of the air inlet structure of the inhaler that the user contacts.

[0076] ​​For example, the cover can be a user's finger, more specifically, the user's index finger or thumb, such as the user's index finger or the thumb's ball part is mistakenly placed on the end surface of the proximal end of the inhaler upper housing to cover part of the end surface, in this case, to avoid the user's index finger or the thumb's ball part from blocking the air inlet holes, the present application designs the arrangement of the holes on the proximal end of the inhaler upper housing to be annular, so that even if the user places the thumb or index finger on the end surface of the proximal end due to his incorrect operation habit during inhalation, he cannot completely cover the main openings of all the holes, that is, the main openings of the holes are free to enter air, which can ensure that there is enough space for airflow to enter and ensure the required air flow to trigger the inhaler, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the inhaler.

[0077] Please refer to Figures 30 to 33 , respectively showing the schematic structure of the upper housing of the inhaler in different embodiments of the present application, the air inlet structure 48 is arranged on the proximal end of the upper housing 40, for example Figures 30 to 2 , the specific arrangement of the air inlet structure 48 on the end surface of the proximal end of the upper housing 40 is shown (as shown in Figure 30 , the air inlet structure 48 is arranged on the top end surface of the upper housing 40), and for example Figure 33 , the specific arrangement of the air inlet structure 48 on the side wall of the upper housing 40 near the end surface of the proximal end is shown. The air inlet structure 48 includes at least two holes 480 with main openings, and the at least two holes 480 are arranged in an annular manner on the proximal end of the upper housing 40 in a head-to-tail manner, which makes it impossible for the user to completely cover the main openings of all the holes when placing a cover on the end surface of the proximal end during inhalation. In this way, it can be ensured that when the user covers the proximal end of the inhaler during inhalation, the main openings of the holes are free to enter air, that is, it can be ensured that there is enough space for airflow to enter and ensure the required air flow to trigger the inhaler. It should be understood that the annular arrangement refers to the connection of all the holes to form a ring, without limiting the specific shape of the ring.

[0078] Among them, the main opening of the hole is the opening of the main shape of the hole, for example Figures 30 to 32 , the main opening of the hole 480 is the opening towards the upper area, which allows the airflow in the vertical direction (that is, the direction of the axis of the inhaler, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 30 ) to enter. For example Figure 33 , the main opening of the hole 480 is the opening towards the circumferential area, which allows the airflow in the horizontal direction (that is, substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis of the inhaler, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 33 ) to enter.

[0079] In the case of Figures 30 to 33In the shown embodiment, the cross section of the proximal end of the upper housing 40 is smaller than the cross section of the distal end of the upper housing 40, and further, the cross section of the upper housing 40 gradually decreases from the distal end to the proximal end, so that the side wall of the upper housing 40 is in the shape of a circular truncated cone as shown in the drawings, but it should be understood that Figures 30 to 33 the shape of the upper housing 40 shown in the drawings is only an example, and the cross section of the proximal end of the upper housing 40 and the cross section of the distal end of the upper housing 40 are not necessarily the same or different, and a person skilled in the art can set the upper housing of any shape according to actual needs. Figures 30 to 33

[0080] In the shown embodiment, the cross section of the proximal end of the upper housing 40 is smaller than the cross section of the distal end of the upper housing 40, and further, the cross section of the upper housing 40 gradually decreases from the distal end to the proximal end, so that the side wall of the upper housing 40 is in the shape of a circular truncated cone as shown in the drawings, but it should be understood that

[0081] In some embodiments, a ring-shaped area can be pre-set at the proximal end of the upper housing 40, and at least two holes are arranged in the ring-shaped area, so that the holes are arranged in a ring shape. Among them, the pre-set ring-shaped area refers to a ring-shaped shape that is expected to be formed at the proximal end during manufacturing, and it is not necessarily necessary to mark the ring-shaped area on the end face of the proximal end of the upper housing 40 in advance. In other embodiments, a plurality of arc-shaped areas can also be pre-set at the proximal end of the upper housing 40, and the plurality of arc-shaped areas as a whole present a ring shape, and holes are arranged in each arc-shaped area or one hole is arranged, so that all the holes are arranged in a ring shape. Among them, the pre-set plurality of arc-shaped areas can correspond to a plurality of components of the ring shape that is expected to be formed during manufacturing, for example Figure 33 As shown in the drawings, two arc-shaped areas 482 are pre-set at the proximal end of the upper housing 40, and the holes 480 are arranged in accordance with the arc-shaped areas 482.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 34 to 37 , respectively shown as Figures 30 to 33 The schematic view of the shown embodiment from another perspective is shown in the drawings as Figures 34 to 37 ​As shown, two adjacent holes are connected end to end (adjacent) by the connecting portion 481. It should be understood that in the present embodiment, the annular arrangement of the aforementioned at least two holes can be understood as the holes and the connecting portion for connecting the adjacent holes end to end collectively presenting an annular arrangement. In some examples, the connecting portion 481 can be flush with the main opening of the hole 480, that is, the two adjacent holes 480 and the connecting portion 481 therebetween are in one plane. In some examples, the connecting portion 481 can also be protruding or recessed relative to the hole 480, such that the hole 481 has a lateral opening extending from the main opening to the connecting portion 481 on both sides, as shown in Figure 38 As shown, a partial view of the proximal end of the upper shell in an embodiment of the present application is shown, Figure 38 For example, the connecting portion 481 is recessed relative to the proximal end surface of the upper shell 40 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, such that the hole 480 also has a lateral opening toward the vertical plane, thereby allowing air flow in the horizontal direction (i.e., the end surface or transverse direction, as indicated by the arrow h in FIG. 4) to enter. Figure 38

[0083] In an embodiment, the depth of the recess or the height of the protrusion of the connecting portion 481 is configured to be any value in the range of about 0.2 mm to 2 mm, for example, about 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, etc.

[0084] In an embodiment, the area of the connecting portion 481 is smaller than the area of the main opening of the hole 480, so that the proportion of the area occupied by the hole in the structure for air to enter can be increased, and the area available for air to enter can be increased, which is conducive to air flow entering. For example, the area of the connecting portion 481 can be configured to be any value in the range of about 2 mm 2 to 10 mm 2 , for example, about 2 mm 2 , 3 mm 2 , 4 mm 2 , 5 mm 2 , 6 mm 2 , 7 mm 2 , 8 mm 2 , 8.5 mm 2 , 9 mm 2 , 9.5 mm 2 , 10 mm 2 , and preferably about 8.5 mm 2 .

[0085] ​In an embodiment, the hole is configured as an elongated structure, i.e., the hole has a long side and a short side, which are used to indicate the relative length of the line in the elongated structure that the hole presents, and it is not required that the long side and the short side must be straight lines or curves, and those skilled in the art can change the shape of the hole according to the inspiration of the present application and the ring-shaped arrangement presented. Figures 34 to 37 For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 48, the hole 480 is configured as a long strip-shaped hole, and the long side of the hole 480 is approximately a straight line. In other examples, please refer to FIG. 49, Figure 39 which shows a schematic view of the end face of the proximal end of the upper shell in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 39 , the hole 480 can be configured as an arc-shaped hole. For example, the arc-shaped hole can be further a circular arc-shaped hole, i.e., the overall profile of the hole 480 presents a smooth circular arc. The arc-shaped hole can also be further a non-circular arc-shaped hole, i.e., the overall profile of the hole 480 presents a turning or bending (or can also be understood as a change in the radius of curvature), as shown in Figure 39 , the hole 480 is configured as a non-circular arc-shaped hole, and the turning of the profile of the arc-shaped hole forms a corner 4800, and further, the corner 4800 is towards the middle region of the proximal end.

[0086] In some embodiments, the width of the hole is configured as any value in the range of 1mm to 2mm, i.e., the distance between the two opposite long sides of the hole 480 can be configured as any value in the range of 1mm to 2mm, for example, it can be configured as about 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, etc., and preferably, it can be configured as 1.49mm. In some examples, the length of the hole is configured as any value in the range of 2mm-32mm, for example, it can be configured as about 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm, 26mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm, etc.

[0087] In an embodiment, the hole can be configured as two or more, for example, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more, etc. For example Figure 34 , the hole 480 is configured as six, Figure 36 , the hole 480 is configured as 24, Figure 37 , the hole 480 is configured as 8, Figure 39 , the hole 480 is configured as four, Figure 35 , the number of holes 480 is configured to be more, which does not mean a limitation on the number of holes. In some examples, the holes are configured as an even number and are symmetrically distributed, as shown in Figure 34As shown in the example, six holes 480 are configured, and the distribution of the six holes 480 is axially symmetrical. Figure 39 As shown in the example, the configuration consists of four holes 480, which are distributed symmetrically. In some examples, the holes are configured with an odd number and are evenly distributed, that is, the holes are arranged at uniform intervals.

[0088] In the use of inhalers, user misoperation may involve unconsciously or unknowingly placing the thumb or index finger on the proximal end face of the inhaler's upper housing. In this case, the user's finger is usually placed on the proximal end face of the inhaler's upper housing from the side away from the user's face, or from the right or left side of the inhaler. In this case, the rear, right, or left holes on the proximal end face of the inhaler's upper housing will inevitably be blocked or partially blocked. Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the width of the front hole on the proximal end face of the inhaler is greater than the width of the holes on other sides. In this way, when the user misoperates and the finger covers the proximal end face from the rear to the front, it can be ensured that the covered holes (i.e., the holes on the rear or other sides) have smaller air intake areas, and the uncovered holes (at least including the holes on the front) have larger air intake areas, thereby maximizing the airflow intensity. The front side refers to the side closest to the inhaler's inlet, while the rear side refers to the side opposite to the front side and furthest from the inhaler's inlet. When the user is using the device, the front side is usually closer to the user's face.

[0089] In some embodiments, the annular arrangement can be configured as a symmetrical distribution. For example, it can be axially symmetric, rotationally symmetric, or centrally symmetric. In some embodiments, the annular arrangement can be configured as a circular annularity, a near-polygonal annularity, or an irregular annularity. Taking a circular annularity as an example, each hole and each connecting portion can correspond to a partial arc of the circle. Taking a near-polygonal annularity as an example, each hole can correspond to one side of the polygon, and each connecting portion can correspond to a transition segment between sides, such as... Figure 34 As shown, the annular arrangement corresponds to a near-hexagonal ring, wherein the six holes 480 are respectively corresponding to the six sides of the near-hexagon, and the six connecting parts 481 are respectively corresponding to the transition sections between the sides.

[0090] like Figures 30 to 32 In the illustrated embodiment, the annular arrangement of at least two holes 480 can divide the proximal end face into an end face region A surrounded by at least two holes and an end face region B at the outer edge of the at least two holes. It should be noted that in some other embodiments, end face region B may not be included; for example, the inner side of the end face region may be the end face region A surrounded by holes, and the outer side may be the surrounding holes.

[0091] Further, in order to ensure that the cover cannot completely cover the main openings of each hole 480 on the proximal end face, in an embodiment, the inner diameter of the end face area A is configured to be no less than the width of the cover. For example, when the cover is a user's finger, the inner diameter of the end face area A is no less than the width of the finger. It should be understood that, in the example where the end face area A is a non-circular area, the inner diameter of the end face area A being no less than the width of the cover means that the minimum inner diameter of the end face area A is no less than the width of the cover. In this way, it can be ensured that no matter how the user covers the proximal end face, all the openings towards the proximal end face cannot be completely covered, so that all or part of the area of the openings towards the proximal end face is allowed to be freely entered by air, thereby ensuring that the inhaler can be normally and correctly used.

[0092] In order to facilitate user operation, in some embodiments, the end face area A is configured to be a flat surface, and the end face area B is configured to be a slope or an arc surface. Figure 34 and the corresponding Figure 30 , Figure 35 and the corresponding Figure 31 , Figure 36 and the corresponding Figure 32 , the end face area B is configured to be a slope or an arc surface. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in the embodiments of Figure 33 and Figure 37 , the proximal end face of the upper shell 40 can also be divided into the central end face area A and the end face area B extending outward from the central end face area, and the end face area B is configured to be a slope or an arc surface (A and B are not labeled in Figure 33 and Figure 37 ). In this way, when the user holds the inhaler with the hand covering the proximal end face of the upper shell 40 from the distal end of the inhaler, the slope or arc surface can form a transition area for the hand to hold, which helps to improve the user's experience.

[0093] In an embodiment, the width of the end face area B is configured to be any value in about 3 mm to 4.5 mm, for example, it can be configured to be 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, etc., and preferably, it can be configured to be 3.92 mm.

[0094] In an embodiment, the end face area A and the end face area B are configured to be on different planes, so that the proximal end face of the upper shell 40 can form a high-low uneven shape, so that when the user covers the proximal end face, an air gap will inevitably be generated, which is further conducive to air entering. In some examples, the plane where the end face area B is located can be configured to be higher than the plane where the end face area A is located, as shown in Figure 35 and the corresponding Figure 31 , in the figure, the plane where the end face area B is located is higher than the plane where the end face area A is located, and each hole 480 is connected between the end face area A and the end face area B to transition the areas, as shown in Figure 31As shown, the annular arrangement of each hole 480 can be arc-shaped as a whole so that the end surface area B can gradually transition to the end surface area A. In other examples, the plane where the end surface area A is located can be higher than the plane where the end surface area B is located. When the user misoperates, such a structure can make the cover not completely fit on the end surface of the proximal end, and an air gap will inevitably be formed at the bottom of the cover.

[0095] In some embodiments, a guide portion (which can also be referred to as an identification portion) can be arranged on the sidewall of the main housing. The guide portion is used to prompt the user to place the fingers in this area, and can also be used to provide feedback information to the user, indicating that the user has correctly operated and can perform inhalation. In some examples, the guide portion is configured as a convex point or a concave point, so as to give the user a visual prompt to tell the user that the fingers should be placed in this area, and also give the user a tactile prompt. When the user uses it, the user can be fed back by contacting this area with the fingers, telling the user that it has been placed in the correct position. Of course, in other examples, the guide portion can also be configured as a pattern mark in order to guide the user's operation habit from the perspective of the user's vision, which is not limited in the present application.

[0096] In any of the above embodiments related to the air inlet structure of the present application, by arranging the air structure as an annular arrangement of at least two holes, when the user holds and places the fingers on the proximal end during inhalation, the main opening of all the holes cannot be completely covered, so that there is always airflow entering from the main opening, ensuring sufficient airflow supply, which further enables the inhaler to work normally. In order to illustrate the effect of the above air inlet structure design, experimental data of test examples and comparative examples are provided herein.

[0097] Test example structure:

[0098] In the test example, the air inlet structure is configured as Figure 39 including four holes 480, and adjacent holes 480 are connected in a head-to-tail manner by a connecting portion 481. The cover used in the test example is a finger that simulates the user's grip posture when covering the end surface of the inhaler.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 40 , which shows a schematic diagram of the test of the test example of the present application. As shown in the figure, in the test example, the proximal end surface of the upper housing of the inhaler is placed under no cover, and the cover area is 1cm 2 , 2cm 2 , 4cm 2 , 6cm 2The gas flow rate of the inhalation of the inhaler mouthpiece was set to 20 L / min, 40 L / min, 60 L / min, 80 L / min, and 100 L / min, respectively, under the condition that the cover was shaped by clay, and the airflow resistance test results of the air inlet structure in the test example are shown in Table 1.

[0100] Table 1:

[0101]

[0102] Comparative Example:

[0103] Referring to Figure 41 , a schematic diagram of an air inlet structure selected by the present application in the comparative example is shown, as shown in the figure, in the comparative example, the air inlet structure is arranged as an array of elongated holes formed on the shell, the long edges of adjacent holes 70 face each other, and each hole is provided with a respective different opening on the outer surface of the shell, which extends in the direction indicated by the arrows V (towards the end surface direction) and the arrows H (horizontal direction) in Figure 41 , the structure shown in the comparative example, although it adopts a similar grid or stripe opening design, can also have some gaps (for example, gaps in the direction of arrow H) to allow air to enter through the gap space when the user's fingers or thumbs cover the openings of the holes 70. However, since the user's fingers or thumbs are soft tissue, when they cover the holes 70, the tissue will also sink into the grid, so that the actual gap space available is very small, the airflow resistance is large, and the power is insufficient, which will cause the inhaler to be insufficient to dispense a sufficient amount of drug solution, affecting the treatment effect without the user's knowledge.

[0104] Referring to Figure 42 , a schematic diagram of the test of the comparative example by the present application is shown, as shown in the figure, the same test conditions and cover as in the test example are used in the comparative example to simulate the user's fingers covering the end surface when using the inhaler, and the proximal end surface of the upper shell of the inhaler is placed under the condition of no cover, cover area of 1 cm 2 , 2 cm 2 , 4 cm 2 , 6 cm 2 , and the gas flow rate of the inhalation of the inhaler mouthpiece was set to 20 L / min, 40 L / min, 60 L / min, 80 L / min, and 100 L / min, respectively, under the condition that the cover was shaped by clay, and the airflow resistance test results of the air inlet structure in the test example are shown in Table 1.

[0105] Table 2:

[0106]

[0107] For the convenience of comparing Table 1 and Table 2, line graphs are formed based on the experimental data of Table 1 and Table 2, please refer to Figure 43 , which shows the line graphs of the gas flow resistance test in the test example and the comparative example of the present application, wherein, Figure 43 the (a) line graph in is the experimental data of the test example, Figure 43 the (b) line graph in is the experimental data of the comparative example, Figure 43 in the (a) line graph and the (b) line graph, the horizontal coordinate represents the gas flow rate (unit: L / min), the vertical coordinate represents the gas flow resistance (unit: min / L), and the five lines from bottom to top correspond to no cover, cover area of 1 cm 2 , 2 cm 2 , 4 cm 2 , 6 cm 2 of the cover condition respectively. From Figure 43 , it can be concluded that in the 20 L / min to 40 L / min region (which can be understood as a low flow region), the gas inlet resistance in the comparative example also increases rapidly with the increase of the cover area, while the resistance of the test example does not increase obviously. That is to say, when the user has low suction due to various factors such as disease or age, for the inhaler corresponding to the comparative example, if the user operates improperly and covers a large area on the proximal end face, the user will be subjected to a large resistance, and it will be difficult to start the inhaler or use it insufficiently. For the inhaler corresponding to the test example, even if the user covers a large area when operating improperly, the air inlet resistance of the air inlet structure is not affected, because the hole design of the air inlet structure of the test example is arranged in a ring shape, and when the cover simulating the user's finger covers the proximal end face, even if the cover area is large, it cannot completely cover all the main openings, and the main openings can provide sufficient air inlet space, so even if the user has low suction, it does not affect the use of the inhaler.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 44 , which shows the line graphs of the gas flow resistance test in the test example and the comparative example of the present application, wherein, Figure 44 the (a) to (e) line graphs in are the comparative experimental data of the test example (dashed line) and the comparative example (solid line) under the conditions of no cover, cover area of 1 cm 2 , 2 cm 2 , 4 cm 2 , 6 cm 2 of the cover respectively, the horizontal coordinate represents the gas flow rate (unit: L / min), and the vertical coordinate represents the gas flow resistance (unit: min / L). From Figure 44 , it can be seen that under the condition of continuously increasing gas flow rate, the performance of the test example is also better than that of the comparative example. From Figure 44It can also be seen that when the cover area is small, the airflow resistance of the test example and the comparative example has no obvious difference, and with the increase of the cover area (for example, the user's finger is larger or incorrect operation), the airflow resistance of the test example is obviously lower than that of the comparative example, that is, the test example shows good airflow passing performance, especially for large area cover. This is also due to the structure of the comparative example, once the cover area is large, it will cover a large part or completely cover the opening towards the V direction, and can only rely on some narrow gaps for air to enter, while the test example adopts the hole design of the air entering structure in the form of ring arrangement, and even if the cover area increases, since the cover is simulated as a finger, the finger is long and thin, and when it is covered on the end face of the proximal end, it will inevitably leave the main opening of the hole in the ring, which can provide sufficient space for air to flow in.

[0109] As described in the foregoing embodiments, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece, air can enter the inhaler through the air entering structure described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The force maintaining unit further comprises a mechanism for breath actuation accommodated in the upper housing, and the airflow entering the inhaler can enter the mechanism for breath actuation, thereby prompting the mechanism for breath actuation to start the canister.

[0110] In an embodiment, the mechanism for breath actuation can comprise a compression spring 41, a flap valve assembly (not identified), a fixing ring 45, a diaphragm 46, and a lower cover 47. Among them, the compression spring 41, the flap valve assembly, the fixing ring 45, the diaphragm 46 and the lower cover 47 are installed in the upper housing 40.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5 , the flap valve assembly comprises a flap valve housing 42, a flap valve 43, and a flap valve spring 44. Further, the flap valve 43 comprises a flap valve leaf 430 and a flap valve sealing part 431. Among them, the flap valve 43 is rotatably arranged on the flap valve housing 42, for example, the flap valve 43 is rotatably arranged on the flap valve housing 42 through a connecting pin (not shown) arranged on the flap valve housing 42. The flap valve spring 44 is arranged between the flap valve housing 42 and the diaphragm 46. The flap valve 43 is biased on the diaphragm 46 by the flap valve spring 44, so that the flap valve sealing part 431 seals the diaphragm 46 in the biased position. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 10, air will flow towards the mouthpiece 10 through the air entering structure, and the airflow will exert a torsional force on the flap valve leaf 430. When the torsional force generated by the airflow is large enough, the flap valve 43 will rotate.

[0112] In an embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6The structure of the diaphragm 46 is shown in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the diaphragm 46 comprises a rigid disc 460 and a flexible skirt 461. The rigid disc 460 is connected to the flap valve housing 42, and the flexible skirt 461 is connected to the rigid disc 460 and is clamped between the fixed ring 45 and the lower cover 47. In an embodiment, the rigid disc 460 is made of a rigid material, i.e. the rigid disc 460 is made of a material with certain strength. The rigid material is exemplified by acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The flexible skirt 461 can be made of a flexible material, and the flexible skirt 461 made of the flexible material can be elongated and deformed under force. The flexible material is exemplified by thermoplastic polyurethane. The rigid disc 460 and the flexible skirt 461 can be configured as an integrated structure. For example, the diaphragm 46 can be made by multiple injection molding (e.g. double injection molding), first injection molding with a rigid material to make the rigid disc 460, and then injection molding with a flexible material to make the flexible skirt 461 on the rigid disc 460, so that the rigid disc 460 and the flexible skirt 461 form an integrated structure.

[0113] In an embodiment, the rigid disc 460 comprises a valve hole. In order to distinguish the valve hole on the rigid disc 460 from the valve hole opened on the flexible skirt 461, the valve hole on the rigid disc 460 is referred to as the first valve hole 4600 in subsequent embodiments. The first valve hole 4600 is opened in the middle region of the rigid disc 460, and when the first valve hole 4600 is sealed by the flap valve 43, there is a sealed cavity 7 between the diaphragm 46 and the lower cover 47. Further, the rigid disc 460 further comprises a baffle 4601. The baffle 4601 is used to prevent air from flowing between the diaphragm 46 and the flap valve sealing portion 431.

[0114] In an embodiment, the rigid disc 460 further comprises a boss 4603 arranged at the center of the rigid disc 460 and an outer wall 4604 arranged outside the rigid disc 460, and the boss 4603 and the outer wall 4604 increase the rigidity of the rigid disc 460. The outer surface of the outer wall 4604 can be further configured to have a concave-convex region, and the flap valve housing 42 is combined with the outer wall 4604 and engages with the concave-convex region of the outer surface of the outer wall 4604. In order to facilitate positioning of the diaphragm 46, the rigid disc 460 can further comprise a positioning member 4602. The positioning member 4602 can engage with the flap valve housing 42, so that the diaphragm 46 is positioned at the engagement position of the flap valve housing 42.

[0115] As Figure 5As shown, the flexible skirt 461 is arranged between the fixed ring 45 and the lower cover 47 and connected with the rigid disc 460. When the fixed ring 45 moves towards the distal end, the flexible skirt 461 is deformed (e.g. from a crimped state to an unfolded state) by the fixed ring 45, thereby increasing the volume of the sealed cavity 7, so that the sealed cavity 7 is under negative pressure, and the sealing between the septum 46 and the flap valve sealing portion 431 is improved.

[0116] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the flexible skirt 461 includes a flexible annular curved portion 4610, a flexible connecting ring 4611, and a second valve hole 4612. The flexible skirt 461 is arranged between the fixed ring 45 and the lower cover 47 through the flexible connecting portion 4611. The flexible annular curved portion 4610 is located in the recessed area of the lower cover 47. The second valve hole 4612 is provided on the flexible skirt 461 and communicates with the first valve hole 4600.

[0117] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 and in combination with Figure 2 , Figure 7 The structure of the support in an embodiment of the application is shown in the schematic view. As shown, the support 3 in the inhaler is used to connect to the force holding unit 4 to position the force holding unit 4, and can also be used to transmit the force between other components connected thereto and the force holding unit 4. Specifically, the support 3 can be sleeved on the upper part of the canister 2 and connected with the lower cover 47.

[0118] In an embodiment, the support 3 includes a support body 32, a driving rod 30, and a support rod 31. The support body 32 is annular in shape and can be sleeved on the canister 2. The support rod 31 is arranged on the opposite sides of the distal end of the support body 32. When the dust cover 6 is in the closed state, the support rod 31 is supported by the dust cover 6 to maintain the proximal end state, and the force holding unit 4 is positioned under the action of the support body 32, so that the force holding unit is maintained in the proximal end state. Further, the support rod 31 in contact with the dust cover 6 is provided with a reinforcing portion to enhance the rigidity of the support rod 31. It should be noted that the force holding unit 4 maintained in the proximal end state means that the lower cover 47 and the fixed ring 45 in the force holding unit 4 are in the proximal end state, the compression spring 41 is in the compressed state, and the flap valve 43 seals the septum 46. Although Figure 7 the number of support rods 31 in the embodiment shown is 2, in other embodiments, the number of support rods 31 can also be more than two. The driving rod 30 is located at the distal end of the support body 32, in combination with Figure 4As shown, the drive rod 30 can extend through a hole structure provided on the counting space 11 for driving the dose counter to count.

[0119] The following description is made in connection with Figures 8 to 11 The different states of the inhaler and the interaction between the force holding unit, the holder and the canister in different states are described. Among them, Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the inhaler in a sleep state in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the force holding unit in the sleep state, Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the inhaler in a preparation state in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the force holding unit in the start state of the inhaler.

[0120] In the sleep state of the inhaler, that is, the state of the inhaler when the dust cover 6 is in the closed state, the protruding part 60 on the dust cover 6 cooperates with the support rod 31 of the holder to lock the holder 3 in the proximal state, and the holder 3 in the proximal state abuts against the force holding unit, so that the force holding unit is in the proximal state. Specifically, the holder 3 abuts against the lower cover 47 of the force holding unit, and further fixes the compression spring 41 through the fixing ring 45, at this time, the lower cover 47 has an axial gap 8 with the canister 2, the compression spring 41 is in a fully compressed state (the fully compressed state refers to the maximum compression degree of the compression spring during the entire working process of the inhaler) to store energy, and the flap valve 43 seals the first valve hole 4600 of the diaphragm 46 to form a sealed cavity 7 between the diaphragm 46 and the lower cover 47.

[0121] When the inhaler is switched from the dormant state to the ready state, corresponding to the operation of opening the dust cover 6, the holder 3 moves towards the distal end (this movement gives the compression spring 41 room to release energy), the compression spring 41 releases energy to push the lower cover 47 and the fixing ring 45 to move towards the distal end, so that the flexible skirt 461 of the diaphragm 46 is unfolded from the crimped state under the clamping of the lower cover 47 and the fixing ring 45, and further, the annular bending part 4610 of the flexible skirt 461 is unfolded. In this way, the volume of the sealed cavity 7 between the lower cover 47 and the diaphragm 46 is increased, and in the sealed state of the sealed cavity 7, the sealed cavity 7 is under negative pressure, which can further increase the sealing between the diaphragm 46 and the flap valve sealing part 431. The negative pressure in the sealed cavity 7 also generates a force towards the proximal end to resist the force towards the distal end generated by the compression spring 41. The movement of the compression spring 41 towards the distal end stops when the force towards the distal end and the force towards the proximal end (the force towards the proximal end is mainly the force towards the proximal end generated by the sealed cavity 7) are balanced. It should be noted that the movement of the holder 3 towards the distal end when the dust cover 6 is opened means that the holder 3 has a movement towards the distal end when the dust cover 6 is opened, and does not mean that the holder 3 must only have a movement towards the distal end. Considering the cooperation between the structure designs and the like, the holder 3 can also have a movement towards the proximal end during the opening of the dust cover 6, as long as the amount of movement of the holder 3 towards the distal end is greater than the amount of movement of the holder 3 towards the proximal end when the dust cover 3 is opened.

[0122] It should be noted that in the force balance of the compression spring 41 described in the above embodiment, only the main force is considered, and some small forces generated by the mutual influence between the structures in the inhaler on the compression spring 41 are not considered. For example, in some examples, when the lower cover 47 moves towards the distal end, the lower cover 47 occupies the axial gap 8 between the lower cover 47 and the tank 2 when the dust cover 6 is closed and begins to slightly press the tank 2, so that the tank 2 slightly compresses the valve rod 22 (this slight compression is not enough to release the drug solution from the valve rod 22 and does not affect the use of the user), at this time the valve rod 22 generates a small force towards the proximal end. The small force exemplified is only an example, or the lower cover 47 can just contact the tank 2 without generating a force towards the proximal end, or other small forces generated by the mutual influence between other structures in the inhaler. Since the contribution of these small forces to the force balance is very weak, in the embodiments of the present application, the force balance of the compression spring 41 is described by ignoring these small forces.

[0123] The inhaler is in the starting state from the preparation state, corresponding to the user inhaling through the mouthpiece 10, at this time, air can enter from the air inlet structure and form an air flow in the inhaler towards the mouthpiece 10, when the torsional force of the air flow acting on the flap valve blade 430 is greater than the torsional force of the flap valve spring 44 and the sealing cavity 7 acting on the flap valve blade 430, the flap valve 43 rotates, so that the flap valve sealing part 431 opens the diaphragm 46, and air enters the sealing cavity 7, at this time, the air pressure in the sealing cavity 7 changes from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure. In this way, the proximal force generated by the negative pressure in the sealing cavity 7 disappears, that is, the force balance in the preparation state is broken. Further, the compression spring 41 is further extended (i.e. further releases energy). With the further extension of the compression spring 41, the lower cover 47, the fixed ring 45, and the bracket 3 further move towards the distal end, causing the can body 20 to move distally relative to the valve rod 22. Further, the valve rod 22 can enter the metering chamber so that the drug solution in the metering chamber is sprayed from the valve rod 22 in the form of mist, until the valve rod 22 continues to move to the stop portion inside the valve 21, the valve rod 22 stops moving.

[0124] Further, the user can reset the inhaler by closing the dust cover 6, at this time, the bracket 3 is pushed by the dust cover 6 to move towards the proximal end, further moving the force maintaining unit towards the proximal end, so that the flexible skirt 461 of the diaphragm 46 in the force maintaining unit gradually restores to its original state and discharges gas from the sealing cavity 7, further under the action of the flap valve spring 44, the flap valve 43 rotates to continue sealing the diaphragm 46, so that the sealing cavity 7 is in a vacuum state.

[0125] It should be noted that the force maintaining unit and the bracket are not limited to the structure of the embodiment of the present application Figures 1 to 7 shown in the embodiment, but can also be made of other mechanical structures, for example, as long as it can ensure that the user can start the can 2 when inhaling, so that the valve rod 22 can enter the metering chamber (i.e. the drug solution in the metering chamber can be sprayed from the valve rod 22 in the form of mist).

[0126] As Figure 2 shown, the dose counter 5 is arranged in the main housing 1 and further arranged in the counting space 11 of the main housing 1, for counting the number of uses of the inhaler. It should be understood that the dose counter 5 is arranged as Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustrated breath-actuated inhaler is only an exemplary illustration, in other embodiments, the dose counter 5 can also be configured in any inhaler of non-breath-actuated type, for example, manually actuated, actuated by means of an additional action mechanism, or electronically controlled, etc. The working principle of the dose counter 5 configured in the breath-driven inhaler is described in the subsequent embodiments, which is not a limitation of the inhaler to which the dose counter 5 is applicable.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , respectively showing the structural schematic diagrams of the dose counter in different embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the dose counter 5 comprises an actuating mechanism 50 and a counting component 51. The actuating mechanism 50 moves towards the distal end when driven, and the counting component 51 can count the number of uses of the inhaler based on the movement of the actuating mechanism 50 towards the distal end, and indicate the number of uses of the inhaler with visualized numbers. Among them, the actuating mechanism 50 can be driven in response to different driving operations according to the actuating mechanism of the inhaler to which it is applied, for example, the actuating mechanism 50 can be driven to move towards the distal end in response to user inhalation, manual trigger operation, action mechanism trigger operation, or electric control device electric trigger, etc.

[0128] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism 50 is configured to be driven to move towards the distal end in response to user inhalation. In the example of the structure shown in Figures 1 to 11 any embodiment, the actuating mechanism 50 is further driven to move towards the distal end by the bracket or the actuating mechanism 50 moves towards the distal end as a part of the bracket when the bracket is driven, in other examples, the actuating mechanism 50 can also be driven to move towards the distal end by the structure arranged to have a linkage relationship with the above structure or unit, which is not limited by the present application.

[0129] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 12 , the actuating mechanism 50 comprises a driving piece 500 and a return spring 501. For example Figure 7 , when the bracket 3 (specifically the driving rod 30 of the bracket 3) moves towards the distal end, the driving piece 500 is driven to move towards the distal end and compresses the return spring 501. When the bracket 3 moves towards the proximal end, the return spring 501 can extend and make the driving piece 500 move towards the proximal end. Further, please refer to Figure 14 , showing the working principle of the dose counter 5 configured in the breath-driven inhaler in Figure 12In the embodiment shown, the actuating mechanism is in a state of moving distally, as shown, the driving member 500 comprises a driving claw 5000 for driving the counting member 51, which can be in contact with the counting member 51 to drive the counting member 51 when the actuating mechanism 50 moves distally.

[0130] In an embodiment, as shown, the actuating mechanism 50 comprises a driving member 500, which is configured to form a claw on the support 3, and further, the claw is formed on the driving rod 32 of the support 3. The driving member 500 moves distally when it is driven (i.e. corresponding to the driving of the support 3), so that the driving member 500 can be in contact with the counting member 51 to drive the counting member. Figure 13

[0131] In an embodiment, as shown, the actuating mechanism 50 comprises a driving member 500, which is configured to form a claw on the support 3, and further, the claw is formed on the driving rod 32 of the support 3. The driving member 500 moves distally when it is driven (i.e. corresponding to the driving of the support 3), so that the driving member 500 can be in contact with the counting member 51 to drive the counting member. Figure 12 Figure 13 In an embodiment, as shown, the counting member 51 comprises a first counting unit 510 and a second counting unit 511. The first counting unit 510 is driven by the actuating mechanism 50 to count a first set of numbers when the actuating mechanism 50 moves distally, and the second counting unit 511 is driven to count a second set of numbers when the first counting unit 510 counts a preset number of times, and the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511 cooperate to visually indicate the number of uses of the inhaler.

[0132] In an embodiment, as shown, the counting member 51 comprises a first counting unit 510 and a second counting unit 511. The first counting unit 510 is driven by the actuating mechanism 50 to count a first set of numbers when the actuating mechanism 50 moves distally, and the second counting unit 511 is driven to count a second set of numbers when the first counting unit 510 counts a preset number of times, and the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511 cooperate to visually indicate the number of uses of the inhaler.

[0133] ​​The preset number of times is related to the carry time between the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers. In an embodiment, the preset number of times includes a number of times determined based on the carry relationship between the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers in the visualized numbers, which can reflect the time when the first group of numbers carries to the second group of numbers for the nth time (n is an integer greater than 1). Taking the case that the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers are in a decimal relationship as an example (in this example, the first counting unit can also be referred to as a unit place counting unit, and the second counting unit can also be referred to as a ten place counting unit), the preset number of times is set to a positive integer multiple of 10 (i.e., 10, 20, 30, …) plus the number of times of counting the first carry. Taking the case that the first carry is counted for the first time as an example, the subsequent first counting unit can drive the second counting unit to count when the first counting unit counts for a positive integer multiple of 10 plus 1 time. In an embodiment, the preset number of times also includes a number of times of counting the first carry corresponding to the initial value of the visualized numbers. Specifically, according to the initial value and the carry relationship between the two groups of numbers, the time when the first group of numbers carries to the second group of numbers for the first time can be determined. Taking the case that the initial value of the visualized numbers is 120 as an example, the preset number of times also includes the first time, that is, the second counting unit is driven to count when the first counting unit counts for the first time. Taking the case that the initial value of the visualized numbers is 111 as an example, the preset number of times also includes the second time, that is, the second counting unit is driven to count when the first counting unit counts for the second time. Taking the case that the initial value of the visualized numbers is 112 as an example, the preset number of times also includes the third time, that is, the second counting unit is driven to count when the first counting unit counts for the third time.

[0134] In an embodiment, the counting component 51 can be used to indicate the number of times remaining for use in the inhaler, or can be used to indicate the number of times used. For example, the current counting component 51 displays the number 99, and after the user uses it once, if the counting component 51 indicates the number of times remaining for use, the counting component 51 displays 98; if the counting component 51 indicates the number of times used, the counting component 51 displays 100.

[0135] In the embodiment in which the counting component 51 is used to indicate the number of times used, the visualized numbers displayed by the counting component are counted and displayed in a positive manner. In this embodiment, in the initial state of the inhaler, the first counting unit and the second counting unit cooperate to indicate that the inhaler has not been used since it was manufactured, for example, indicating the number 0, and after being used once, the counting component 51 counts once, increasing a number, for example, indicating the number 1.

[0136] In an embodiment where the counting component 51 indicates the remaining number of uses, the visual number presented by the counting component is displayed in a countdown manner. In this embodiment, in the initial state of the inhaler, the number indicated by the first counting unit and the second counting unit in conjunction represents the total number of uses of the inhaler in the initial state (i.e., the total number of uses at the time of manufacture), such as... Figure 13 As shown, the inhaler's initial total usage count is displayed as 120. After each use, the counter component 51 counts once, decreasing the number by one, displaying 119. This way, the user sees the remaining amount of the inhaler each time, helping them to understand the inhaler's remaining lifespan and prepare accordingly. Of course, Figure 19 The display only shows the number of uses after the inhaler leaves the factory. It can also indicate the number of uses tested during the inhaler's production phase, still based on the initial state. Figure 13 Taking the displayed number as an example, after testing during the production phase, the counting component displays the number 120. Therefore, the counting component needs to display a number larger than 120 so that the use of the production phase test prompts the counting component to count down to 120. For example, during the production phase, the counting component displays the number 130, which can be used 10 times for testing. In the 10 tests, the first counting unit and the second counting unit cooperate to display integers from 129 to 120 in sequence (i.e., displaying 129, 128, 127, 126, 125, 124, 123, 122, 121, 120 in sequence). These integers and the starting value 130 are used to indicate the number of times the production phase test is performed.

[0137] In subsequent embodiments, the example shown is that the visualized numbers are displayed in a reciprocal manner, which should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0138] The first group of numbers and the second group of numbers are related to the total number of uses of the inhaler. For example, if the total number of uses of the inhaler is two digits (e.g. 99), the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers should be at least two digits in total. In this example, the first group of numbers can be one digit, and the second group of numbers can be one digit. For example, if the total number of uses of the inhaler is three digits (e.g. 120), the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers should be at least three digits in total. In this example, the first group of numbers can be one digit, and the second group of numbers can be two digits. For example, if the total number of uses of the inhaler is 120, the first group of numbers includes ten one-digit numbers from 0 to 9. The second group of numbers includes at least thirteen numbers from 0 to 12. Thus, the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers can display one-digit numbers, two-digit numbers, or three-digit numbers, i.e. the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers can display at least all the whole numbers from 0 to 120, i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, …, 119, 120.

[0139] The total number of uses of the inhaler can be configured to include only the total number of uses in the initial state, or can be configured to include the total number of uses in the production stage test and the total number of uses in the initial state. For example, if the total number of uses of the inhaler is configured to be 120 in the initial state, the second group of numbers can include exactly 0 to 12, so that the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers can display exactly 120, 119, …, 3, 2, 1, 0 to indicate the number of uses of the inhaler after leaving the factory. For another example, if the total number of uses of the inhaler includes 10 in the production stage test, the second group of numbers needs to include more numbers than 12 to also display the production stage of the inhaler, i.e. the second group of numbers includes 0 to 13, and the first group of numbers and the second group of numbers can display 130, 129, …, 120, 119, …, 3, 2, 1, 0. Among them, 130, 129, …, 121, 120 can be displayed in the production stage of the inhaler, and after leaving the factory, the inhaler displays 120, 119, …, 3, 2, 1, 0. Of course, in other examples, the production test stage can also not be configured to display numbers, i.e. not to set 13, but only to reserve a blank position. When the total number of uses of the inhaler is two digits, it can also be understood in a similar manner, which will not be described here.

[0140] In an embodiment, a pushing unit can be configured to drive the second counting unit to count the second group of numbers when the first counting unit counts a preset number of times. For example, the pushing unit can be configured to drive the second counting unit to count the second group of numbers when the first counting unit counts 120 times. Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the counting component 51 further comprises a driving unit 512 engaged with the second counting unit 511. The first counting unit 510 is engaged with the driving unit 512 when the first counting unit 510 counts to a preset number, so as to drive the second counting unit 511 to count by the driving unit 512. In other words, the first counting unit 510 is engaged with the driving unit 512, and after the driving unit 512 is engaged with the second counting unit 511, the movement of the first counting unit 510 can drive the movement of the second counting unit 511. Here, engagement means a combination mode of mutual contact and cooperation to produce linkage, such as clamping, meshing, etc.

[0141] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 15 , a structural schematic diagram of the driving unit in an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown, the driving unit 512 comprises a first gear 5120 and a second gear 5121 in linkage. In combination with Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the first gear 5120 is driven by the first counting unit 510 to drive the second gear 5121 to rotate when the first counting unit 510 counts to a preset number, and the second gear 5121 is engaged with the second counting unit 511 to promote the second counting unit 511 to count when rotating. In an example, the first gear 5120 and the second gear 5121 can be fixedly connected by a connecting rod 5122, so that when the first gear 5120 is driven to rotate by the first counting unit 510, the second gear 5121 is further driven to rotate by the connecting rod 5122, thereby driving the second counting unit 511 to count.

[0142] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 16, as shown in the figure, the first counting unit 510 includes a first counting wheel 5101 with a first set of numbers marked on the circumference, and the second counting unit 511 includes a second counting wheel 5110 with a second set of numbers marked on the circumference. The first counting wheel 5101 and the second counting wheel 5110 are arranged side by side, and the first counting wheel and the second counting wheel respectively present the respective numbers in the display window by rotating when driven, so as to indicate the number of uses of the inhaler by the combination of the two sets of numbers. For example, when used once, the first counting wheel 5101 changes the number by one rotation and rotates the changed number to the display window, and when the first counting wheel 5101 rotates a preset number of times, the second counting wheel 5110 changes the number by one rotation and displays the changed number to the display window, and the number formed by the combination of the two sets of numbers indicates the number of uses. The display window is a window on the inhaler that allows a light beam to enter, so that the user can observe the numbers displayed on the counting wheel through the display window.

[0143] It should be noted that although the numbers are marked on the counting wheel in the present application, this is not limiting, and in other embodiments, the first set of numbers and the second set of numbers can also be provided on a belt that can be unwound with the reel.

[0144] In an embodiment, as shown in the figure, Figure 16 the second counting unit 511 further includes a second actuating gear 5111 for combination with the advancing unit on the basis of the second counting wheel 5110, the second actuating gear 5111 has a plurality of teeth distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the advancing unit moves by driving one of the teeth of the second actuating gear 5111 to make the second counting wheel 5110 rotate one count. Specifically, the second counting wheel 5110 and the second actuating gear 5111 have a linkage relationship, and can be directly or indirectly connected, or can also be formed by an integral structure.

[0145] The number of teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 is related to the number of numbers in the second set of numbers, and should be no less than the number of numbers in the second set of numbers. For example, the second set of numbers includes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and the number of teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 should be no less than 13. For example, the number of teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 is 14. For another example, the second set of numbers includes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the number of teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 should be no less than 14.

[0146] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 16 , the first counting unit 510 further comprises a shaft element 5100 distributed along the central axis of the first counting wheel 5101 and fixedly connected with the first counting wheel 5101, and the second counting wheel 5110 is sleeved on the shaft element 5100 to be rotatably supported by the shaft element 5100. Further, when the second counting unit 511 comprises a second actuating gear 5111, the second actuating gear 5111 can also be sleeved on the shaft element 5100.

[0147] Please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , respectively showing the structural schematic diagram of the first counting unit in different embodiments, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the first counting unit 510 further comprises a first actuating gear 5102 fixed on the shaft element 5100, which has a plurality of teeth distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the actuating mechanism moves one of the teeth towards the distal end to make the first counting wheel 5101 rotate one count. Specifically, please refer to Figure 17 and in combination with Figure 14 , the driving claw 5000 of the actuating mechanism 50 abuts against one of the teeth of the first actuating gear 5102, which can make the first counting wheel 5101 rotate one count when the driving claw 5000 moves towards the distal end. Please refer to Figure 18 and in combination with Figure 13 , the driving member 500 of the actuating mechanism 50 abuts against one of the teeth of the first actuating gear 5102, which can make the first counting wheel 5101 rotate one count when the driving member 500 moves towards the distal end. In an embodiment, when the first group of numbers in the first counting unit 510 is set to one digit, the first group of numbers marked on the first counting wheel comprises ten whole numbers of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, and the gear has 10 teeth corresponding to the ten whole numbers, each tooth corresponding to one number in the first group of numbers, that is, when one tooth is driven, the number corresponding to the tooth will be rotated to a position that can be observed by the user, for example, to the display window described below.

[0148] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the first counting unit 510 further comprises a single-tooth element 5103 fixed on the shaft element 5100 or the first actuating gear 5102 to rotate with the shaft element 5100 or the first actuating gear 5102, and when the first counting unit 510 performs a preset number of counts, the single-tooth element 5103 rotates in contact with the propulsion unit to push the second counting wheel 5110 to rotate. In Figure 12 andFigure 13 In the example shown where the propulsion unit 512 is located on the upper side, the single-tooth element 5103 is located below the first gear 5120 of the propulsion unit 512. It should be noted that, depending on the structure and installation position of the propulsion unit, the single-tooth element 5103 can also be positioned in different locations. For example, if the propulsion unit 512 is located below the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511, then the single-tooth element 5103 can be located above the propulsion unit 512.

[0149] Furthermore, combined Figure 14 and Figure 15 Taking the pusher unit configured as including a first gear 5120 and a second gear 5121 as an example, for Figure 17 and Figure 18 The following example illustrates how the single-tooth element 5103 drives the second counting wheel 5110 to count. Specifically, when the actuation mechanism 50 is driven, it interacts with one tooth of the first actuation gear 5102, causing the first counting wheel 5101 and the single-tooth element 5103 to rotate. This can be understood as the first counting assembly 51 rotating as a whole, with each rotation corresponding to one count by the first counting wheel. Before each preset number of counts, the single-tooth element 5103 moves to a pre-engagement position, as shown... Figure 14 The single-tooth element 5103, in its current state, will rotate with the first actuating gear 5102 through the tooth in the first gear 5120 of the pushing unit 512 that is in the pre-engaged position during the preset count. This will push the tooth away from the preset engagement position, causing the first gear 5120 of the pushing unit 512 to drive the second gear 5121 to rotate once. The second gear 5121 will then drive the second counting wheel 5110 to rotate once. When the single-tooth element 5103 pushes the tooth in the first gear 5120 that is in the pre-engaged position away from the preset engagement position, the next tooth of the first gear 5120 moves to the pre-engaged position to contact the single-tooth element 5130 when it returns to this position for the next count of the second counting wheel.

[0150] For example, in the initial state, the counting component displays the number 120. The preset number of times includes the first time and the 10th time and the positive integer times of 1, for example, the first time, the 11th time, the 21st time, the 31st time, the 41st time, the 51st time, the 61st time, the 71st time, the 81st time, the 91st time, the 101st time, the 111th time, and the 121st time. Before the first counting, the first tooth of the single-tooth element 5103 and the first tooth of the first gear 5120 are located at the preset engagement position, so that when the first counting is performed, the single-tooth element 5103 pushes the first tooth to make the pushing unit rotate once, thereby driving the second counting wheel to rotate once, and the counting component displays the number 119. Thereafter, the second tooth of the first gear 5120 is located at the preset engagement position, and the single-tooth element 5103 is away from the preset engagement position. In the second counting to the tenth counting, the single-tooth element 5103 moves once each time, and reaches the preset engagement position again after the tenth counting is completed. Thus, when the eleventh counting is performed, the single-tooth element 5103 pushes the second tooth to make the pushing unit rotate twice, thereby driving the second counting wheel to rotate twice, and the counting component displays the number 109. The cycle is repeated, and when the 111th counting is performed, the single-tooth element 5103 pushes the twelfth tooth to make the pushing unit rotate twelve times, thereby driving the second counting wheel to rotate twelve times, and the counting component displays the number 9. When the 121st counting is performed, the counting component displays the number 0, and at this time, the counting is beyond the maximum number of counts. In some embodiments, for example, in each embodiment in which the signal element is subsequently included, the single-tooth element 5103 pushes the thirteenth tooth to make the pushing unit rotate thirteen times, thereby driving the second counting wheel to rotate thirteen times, and enabling the signal element to shield the display of the counting component.

[0151] It should be understood that the preset engagement position refers to a position corresponding to the transmission movement of the single-tooth element and the pushing unit, and does not represent a fixed position point, but represents that, in the preset engagement position, the continuous movement of the single-tooth element can contact and push the movement of the pushing unit. In addition, Figure 14 The actuating mechanism 50 is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example, to drive the second counting wheel 5110 to count by the single-tooth element 5103. Figure 12 The principle of driving the second counting wheel 5110 to count by the single-tooth element 5103 when the actuating mechanism 50 adopts the structure shown in FIG. 7 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and is not described herein again. Figure 13 Figure 14

[0152] ​​To prevent further counting of the dose counter after the inhaler has reached the maximum number of uses, in one embodiment, a stop structure is provided on the first gear of the advancing unit, which is pushed by the single tooth element to rotate the stop structure to the pre-engagement position to stop the driving action of the single tooth element on the advancing unit when counting beyond the maximum number of uses, or, as can also be described, to make the advancing unit lose contact with the single tooth element.

[0153] Referring to Figure 19 , a schematic diagram of the structure of the advancing unit in one embodiment of the present application is shown, Figure 20 a schematic diagram of the structure of the advancing unit in another embodiment of the present application is shown, Figure 19 a diagram showing the action state of the stop structure in the advancing unit shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the first gear 5120 of the advancing unit 512 is provided with a stop structure 5123, which rotates to the pre-engagement position (as shown in the state in Figure 20 (b) and (c)) to make the first gear 5120 unable to contact the single tooth element 5103 when counting beyond the maximum number of uses (i.e. corresponding to the counting of the maximum number of uses), so as to stop the driving action of the single tooth element 5103 on the advancing unit 512 and unable to count the second counting wheel again. In a specific example, the stop structure 5123 is configured as a missing tooth part (or recessed part) on the first gear 5120, which is located after the last tooth 51200 of the first gear 5120, and the last tooth 51200 corresponds to the tooth that is rotated by the single tooth element 5103 when counting beyond the maximum number of uses. Before counting beyond the maximum number of uses, the single tooth element 5103 and the first gear 5120 are in the state as shown in Figure 20 (a), the last tooth 51200 and the single tooth element 5103 are in the pre-engagement position, so that when counting the last time, the single tooth element 5103 pushes the last tooth 51200 to rotate to make the second counting wheel rotate once, which makes the last tooth 51200 leave the pre-engagement position, and the stop structure 5123 reaches the pre-engagement position (as shown in the state in Figure 20 (b)), the arrival of the stop structure 5123 at the pre-engagement position makes the first gear 5120 unable to contact the single tooth element 5103, even if the single tooth element 5123 moves to the pre-engagement position again (as shown in the state in Figure 20 (c)) to count the next time, the single tooth element 5123 can only pass through the stop structure 5123 without contact.

[0154] Continuing with the example of the counting component displaying the number 120 in the initial state, the preset number of times includes the 1st, 11th, 21st, 31st, 41st, 51st, 61st, 71st, 81st, 91st, 101st, 111th, and 121st times. Figure 19 The push unit 512 shown is described below. The count that exceeds the maximum number of uses corresponds to the aforementioned 121st count. At this time, the single tooth element 5103 pushes the first gear 5120 to make the stop structure 5123 be in the pre-engagement position. Therefore, when the count continues after the 121st count, the single tooth element 5123 will no longer be able to contact the push unit 512 and will no longer have a driving effect on the push unit 512.

[0155] It should be noted beforehand that in embodiments where the counter also includes the signal elements described later, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 The push unit shown enables the second counting unit to rotate once when counting exceeds the maximum number of uses, so that the signal element obscures the display of the counting component (see the following embodiments including the signal element for details, which will not be repeated here). Therefore, even if the first counting unit is rotating or moving, it will not be visible to the user.

[0156] In one implementation, the actuation mechanism 50 moves toward the distal end such that when the counting component 51 counts, the corresponding number on the first counting wheel 5101 is offset from the correct display position in the display window. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 , Figure 13 and 21 , Figure 21 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the counting component displaying a number offset from the display window in one embodiment of this application. As shown, when the drive member 500 of the actuation mechanism 50 moves toward the distal end, it drives the first counting wheel 5101 to rotate clockwise. After the movement stops, the number on the first counting wheel 5101 (e.g., ...) is displayed. Figures 21 to 23 The number 9 in the display window 56 is offset from the center position C.

[0157] When the actuation mechanism 50 moves towards the proximal end to reset, it causes the first counting wheel 5101 to rotate in the opposite direction of counting, so that the corresponding number on the first counting wheel 5101 is displayed in the correct position in the display window. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 and combined Figure 12 and Figure 22 , Figure 12 This application is displayed as being in Figure 23 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the actuator moving towards the proximal end. Figure 21The schematic diagram shows the correct display of the numbers in the display window after the dust cover 6 is closed after one inhalation of the drug. As the dust cover 6 rotates to the closed position, the protruding portion 60 of the dust cover 6 supports the bracket 3, and the driving mechanism 500 of the actuating mechanism 50 moves proximally under the action of the return spring 501. When the actuating mechanism 50 moves proximally, the first counting wheel 5101 can be caused to rotate in a direction opposite to the counting direction (e.g., counterclockwise) so that the numbers on the first counting wheel 5101 are displayed in the correct position (i.e., the center position of the display window) in the display window. When the actuating mechanism 50 moves proximally, the driving pawl 5000 deforms toward the actuating mechanism 50 to pass over the next tooth (adjacent to the currently engaged tooth and close to the proximal end) on the first actuating gear 5102 and engage with the next tooth. When the actuating mechanism 50 moves distally next time, the driving pawl 5000 engaged with the tooth can continue to drive the first counting wheel 5101 to rotate. As shown in Figure 23 and Figure 22 When the actuating mechanism 50 moves proximally, the driving pawl 5000 engages with the tooth on the first actuating gear 5102 and drives the first counting wheel 5101 to rotate clockwise. After the actuating mechanism 50 stops moving, the number 9 on the first counting wheel 5101 deviates from the center position of the display window. When the actuating mechanism 50 moves proximally, the driving pawl 5000 disengages from the currently engaged tooth and engages with the next tooth, and the number 9 on the first counting wheel 5101 is displayed in the correct position in the display window.

[0158] It should be understood that, Figure 12 the actuating mechanism 50 is configured as shown in Figure 13 . The process of making the numbers correctly displayed in the display window 56 by the actuating mechanism 50 configured as shown in Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figure 13 . The difference is only that, Figure 13 in the actuating mechanism 50 in Figure 22 , the driving member 500 included in the actuating mechanism 50 is formed on the bracket 3 and can move proximally with the bracket 3. During this process, the driving member 500 makes the numbers correctly displayed in the display window 56 in a process similar to that shown in Figure 12 and described.

[0159] It should be noted that if the first counting unit achieves the preset number of counts after the actuating mechanism moves towards the distal end, the second counting wheel 5110 is driven, and the number on the second counting wheel 5110 is also offset from the center position of the display window. When reset, the number on the second counting wheel 5110 can also be displayed in the correct position in the display window.

[0160] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 24 , the counting assembly 51 further comprises a bottom frame 513 for configuring the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511. Please refer to Figure 17 , which shows a structural schematic diagram of the counting assembly in an embodiment of the present application from a perspective. The bottom frame 513 can be provided with a first positioning claw 5130 corresponding to the first counting unit and a second positioning claw 5131 corresponding to the second counting unit. In an example, the first positioning claw 5130 and the second positioning claw 5131 are used to position the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511, respectively, to ensure that the numbers on the first counting unit 510 and the second counting unit 511 are displayed at the center position of the display window.

[0161] Among them, the first positioning claw 5130 or the second positioning claw 5131 can hinder the reverse or reverse rotation of the counting unit by clamping, so as to enable correct display of the numbers. In some embodiments, the first positioning claw 5130 can be clamped with the teeth on the first actuating gear 5102 of the first counting unit 510 as shown in Figure 18 or Figure 16 , to resist the teeth on the first actuating gear 5102 when the first actuating gear 5102 rotates counterclockwise to hinder the first actuating gear 5102 from continuing to rotate counterclockwise. Similarly, the second positioning claw 5131 can be clamped with the teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 of the second counting unit 511 as shown in Figure 18 , to resist the teeth on the second actuating gear 5111 when the second actuating gear 5111 rotates counterclockwise to hinder the second actuating gear 5111 from continuing to rotate counterclockwise.

[0162] In order to meet the requirements of space saving, layout rationalization, and structure compactness, in an embodiment, as shown in Figure 18 , the first counting unit 510 can further comprise a first stop gear 5104, and the first positioning claw 5130 is clamped with the teeth on the first stop gear 5104 as shown in Figure 16The first stop gear 5104 is configured to prevent the first counting unit 510 from rotating in the reverse direction, wherein the first stop gear 5104 of the first counting unit 510 corresponds to the first actuating gear 5102, i.e. the teeth of the first stop gear 5104 correspond to the numbers on the first counting wheel 5101. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 16 The second counting unit 511 also includes a second stop gear 5112, and the second pawl 5131 is configured to prevent the second counting unit 511 from rotating in the reverse direction by cooperating with the second stop gear 5112, wherein the second stop gear 5112 of the second counting unit 511 corresponds to the second actuating gear 5111, i.e. the teeth of the second stop gear 5112 correspond to the numbers on the second counting wheel 5110. Figure 18 The second counting unit 511 also includes a second stop gear 5112, and the second pawl 5131 is configured to prevent the second counting unit 511 from rotating in the reverse direction by cooperating with the second stop gear 5112, wherein the second stop gear 5112 of the second counting unit 511 corresponds to the second actuating gear 5111, i.e. the teeth of the second stop gear 5112 correspond to the numbers on the second counting wheel 5110.

[0163] Specifically, the first counting unit is configured to include a first stop gear 5104 as shown in Figure 22 When the first counting wheel 5101 rotates clockwise, one tooth of the first stop gear 5104 of the first counting unit can pass the first pawl 5130. When the actuating mechanism 50 stops moving, the corresponding number of the first stop gear 5104 is offset to the correct display position in the display window, and the next tooth is in contact with the distal surface of the first pawl 5130. For example, when the actuating mechanism 50 stops moving, the tooth corresponding to the number 8 of the first stop gear 5104 passes the first pawl 5130, and the tooth corresponding to the next number 7 is in contact with the distal surface of the first pawl 5130 but does not pass the first pawl 5130. When reset, the first stop gear 5104 rotates counterclockwise so that the tooth corresponding to the number 8 is engaged with the first pawl 5130, and the tooth corresponding to the number 8 cannot pass the first pawl 5130 in the reverse direction.

[0164] By providing the first pawl 5130 and the second pawl 5131, the counting wheel can be prevented from rotating in the reverse direction beyond the counting position, thereby ensuring the correct display of the dose. Furthermore, the correct display of the dose can be ensured even when the inhaler falls or shakes.

[0165] In an embodiment, the bottom frame 513 also includes a mounting portion for fixing the shaft element 5100 and / or the connecting rod 5122. The mounting portion can be a groove, a recess or the like. For example, please refer to Figure 12 in combination with Figure 13 and Figure 12The bottom frame 513 includes two first mounting portions 5132 symmetrically arranged for fixing the shaft element 5100, and two second mounting portions 5133 symmetrically arranged for fixing the connecting rod 5122.

[0166] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 25 , the dose counter further comprises a signal element 514 for moving into the display window to alert the user when the number of uses of the inhaler reaches a preset number of uses. Specifically, the signal element 514 is connected to the counting assembly 51 and is driven by the counting assembly to present in the display window to alert the user when the number of uses of the inhaler reaches a preset number of uses. The preset number of uses includes but is not limited to 0 or less, and any number of single-digit numbers and ten-digit numbers. In the following embodiments, the visualized number displayed by the counting assembly is used as an example to indicate the number of uses remaining in the inhaler.

[0167] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 , respectively, the structure of the signal element in different embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown in the figures, the signal element 514 includes a body portion 5140 that moves into the display window to alert the user when the number of uses of the inhaler reaches a preset number of uses.

[0168] In an embodiment, the body portion 5140 is engaged with the second counting unit to move into the display window with the counting of the second counting unit. Specifically, before the body portion 5140 moves into the display window, it is located on the inner side of the dose counter (i.e. the position that cannot be observed by the user), and can move from the inner side to the display window with the rotation of the second counting unit. In an example, as shown in Figure 25 , the engagement of the signal element and the second counting wheel in an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in the figure, the body portion 5140 is engaged with the second counting wheel 5110 of the second counting unit and can rotate with the second counting wheel 5110. For example, the body portion 5140 is provided with a clamping portion 5142 to be engaged on the second counting wheel 5110 by clamping the clamping portion 5142 on the second counting wheel 5110, such as by spline engagement. It should be noted that the second counting unit and the body portion 5140 can also be engaged in other ways or with other components in the second counting unit (such as the second actuating gear 5111), as long as the body portion 5140 can be in contact with the second counting unit and driven by the second counting unit to move into a display window when the number of uses reaches a preset number of uses.

[0169] In one embodiment, such as Figure 26 and Figure 25 As shown, the body portion 5140 has a stepped outer contour, which can block different digits in the display window in stages. The specific shape of the body portion 5140 is related to the number of stages it needs to block different digits in the display window and the difference between the two digits blocked in adjacent stages. Specifically, the number of steps in the body portion 5140 is the same as the number of stages it needs to block different digits in the display window. For example, when the body portion 5140 needs to block the hundreds, tens, and units digits in three stages, the body portion 5140 has... Figure 26 and Figure 28 The three steps shown are (first step 51400, second step 51401, and third step 51402). When the inhaler is used a first preset number of times, the first step 51400 moves to cover the hundreds digit in the display window as the second counting unit counts. When the inhaler is used a second preset number of times, the second step 51401 moves to cover the display window as the second counting unit counts, together with the first step 51400, to cover the hundreds and tens digits. When the inhaler is used more than the maximum number of times, the third step 51402 moves to the display window as the second counting unit counts, together with the first step 51400 and the second step 51401, to cover all digits.

[0170] Furthermore, the size of each step portion of the main body 5140 is related to the difference between the two digits obscured in the adjacent stages. For example, if the main body 5140 obscures the hundreds digit when the first preset number of uses is 19 and the tens digit when the second preset number of uses is 9, and the difference between the two digits is 10, then the first step portion 51400 of the main body 5140 needs to rotate once with the second counting unit. Correspondingly, the size of the first step portion 51400 must ensure that the hundreds digit is obscured in this one rotation.

[0171] In one example, the first preset usage count is configured to 19 uses remaining, and the second preset usage count is configured to 9 uses remaining. Exceeding the maximum usage count corresponds to counting after 0 uses remaining. That is, when the visual number displayed by the counting component is 19, the main body obscures the hundreds digit; when the visual number displayed by the counting component is 9, the main body obscures the hundreds and tens digits, and the counting component displays 0. If counting continues, the main body will obscure all digits, i.e., the hundreds, tens, and units digits. Specifically, as the counting component counts down from 20 to 19, the first step portion 51400 of the main body 5140 moves to the display window and is positioned corresponding to the hundreds digit. As the counting component counts down from 10 to 9, the second step portion 51401 of the main body 5140 also moves to the display window, occupying the tens digit position to jointly indicate to the user that less than 10 uses remain. As the counting component continues to count down from the number 0, the third step 51402 of the main body 5140 moves to the display window and occupies the unit position to jointly indicate to the user that it can no longer be used, together with the first step 51400 and the second step 51401.

[0172] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 25 and combined Figure 28 , Figure 25 This application is shown to include Figure 25 The schematic diagram of the counting component in the embodiment of the signal element shown is as follows: Figure 28 and Figure 25 As shown, the signal element 514 further includes a connecting portion 5141 extending from the body portion 5140. The connecting portion 5141 is radially rotatably engaged with the first counting unit 510, allowing the signal element 514 to rotate relative to the first counting unit 510. For example, the connecting portion 5141 is radially engaged with the shaft element 5100 of the first counting unit 510, and the connecting portion 5141 can rotate with the second counting unit relative to the shaft element 5100.

[0173] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 28 , Figure 29 ,and Figure 29 ,in Figure 25 This application is displayed as being in Figure 12The relative position relationship between the signal element and the actuating mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is shown in the schematic diagram. As shown, a stop portion 51410 is formed on the engaging portion 5141, and the actuating mechanism 50 includes a stop pawl 5001. When the maximum number of uses of the inhaler is exceeded, the movement of the actuating mechanism 50 towards the distal end causes the second counting unit 511 to rotate the stop portion 51410 above the stop pawl 5001, so as to prevent the resetting of the actuating mechanism 50. The stop pawl 5001 of the actuating mechanism 50 is arranged out of phase with the driving pawl 5000. Specifically, when the counting assembly displays the number 0, there are still doses remaining in the tank of the inhaler for the user to inhale. When the user continues to inhale, the driving of the first counting unit by the actuating mechanism 50 causes the second counting unit 511 to rotate. For example, the driving pawl 5000 of the actuating mechanism 50 drives the first counting unit to rotate (for example, the number 9 on the first counting unit is located in the display window), and the single-tooth element on the first counting unit engages with the advancing unit to cause the advancing unit to rotate, and the advancing unit causes the second counting wheel 5110 to rotate. In this way, the signal element 514 rotates with the second counting wheel 5110 to above the stop pawl 5001. During the process of the user closing the dustproof cover 6, the actuating mechanism 50 of the inhaler moves towards the proximal end, but the actuating mechanism 50 can only move to the position where the stop pawl 5001 abuts against the stop portion 51410, in other words, the stop portion 51410 above the stop pawl 5001 prevents the actuating mechanism 50 from moving further towards the proximal end, preventing the actuating mechanism 50 from returning to the proximal end state before the drug is dispensed. At this time, the signal element (for example, the third step portion 51402 of the signal element) will block the units (for example, block the number 9 in the display window), so that the entire display window is blocked by the signal element, and since the position of the actuating mechanism 50 is limited to the position before the next tooth is driven, i.e., the tooth where the number 8 is located in the display window, when the user continues to inhale, the counting assembly will not continue to rotate. In other words, the stop portion on the signal element prevents the further counting of the dose counter when the maximum number of uses of the inhaler is exceeded.

[0174] In an embodiment, the color of the signal element can also be a color that is obvious to the user. For example, the signal element is red, yellow, etc. For another example, the color of the signal element is obviously different from the color of other visible parts of the dose counter. For example, the other visible parts of the dose counter are light in color as a whole, and the signal element can be dark in color, such as black.

[0175] In an embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and in combination with Figure 12As shown in the figure, the dose counter 5 further includes a counter housing 52, which accommodates the actuation mechanism 50 and the counting component 51 to mount the dose counter 5 onto the inhaler. The counter housing 52 has grooves, recesses, or similar structures to accommodate the actuation mechanism 50 and the counting component 51. The actuation mechanism 50 and the counting component 51 can be fixed to the counter housing 52 using a snap-fit ​​structure or screw fastening. The counter housing 52 can engage with the main housing 1 to mount the actuation mechanism 50 and the counting component 51 into the counting space 11. In any of the foregoing embodiments, a display window can be provided on the counter housing 52 to display visual numbers to the user.

[0176] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, a display element 520 is disposed on the display window, and the display element 520 is used to magnify the numbers located in the display window. In one example, the display element 520 includes a magnifying portion 5200 and a blocking portion 5201 extending to both sides from the magnifying portion 5200. The magnifying portion 5200 is located in the middle area of ​​the display window to magnify the numbers in the display window, and the blocking portions 5201 on both sides are located in the upper and lower areas of the display window respectively to block the upper and lower areas. Further, the blocking portions 5201 on the upper and lower sides can also be used to connect with the counter housing 52 to fix the display element 520 to the display window. In one example, as shown... Figure 19 As shown, the display element 520 is configured as a concave structure with a convex surface. The concave structure is recessed in the direction of the convex surface to form a planar area and side areas located on both sides of the planar area. The planar area and the convex surface form the magnifying portion 5200, and the side areas and the convex surface form the blocking portion 5201. Further, the display element 520 can be configured as a transparent material, with the planar area configured as a smooth surface and the side areas configured as rough surfaces. This allows the numbers on the counting component to be presented to the user through the magnifying portion 5200, while the side portions cannot be presented to the user due to the rough surfaces. Of course, it is also possible to configure only the magnifying portion 5200 of the display element 520 as a transparent material, and the blocking portion 5201 as an opaque or semi-transparent material; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0177] The counting manner of the dose counter in a specific embodiment is as follows: in the initial state of the inhaler, the first counting unit and the second counting unit cooperate to display the number 120, indicating that the total number of uses in the initial state of the inhaler is 120 doses. When the user opens the dustproof cover 6 of the dose counter, the protruding part 60 of the dustproof cover 6 releases the support 3, so that the support 3 can move distally and balance with the force maintaining unit. Then, when the user inhales the drug solution once by inhaling at the mouthpiece 10, the support 3 (for example, the driving rod 30 of the support 3) moves distally and drives the driving member 500 to move distally. When the driving member 500 moves distally, the driving member 500 drives the first counting wheel 5101 of the first counting unit 510 to rotate, and at this time, the rotation of the first counting wheel 5101 rotates the number 9 to the correct display position offset in the display window. And in this process, the single-tooth element 5103 of the first counting unit 510 rotates to engage with the advancing unit 512 to drive the second counting wheel 5110 to rotate, so that the second counting wheel 5110 rotates the number 11 to the correct display position offset in the display window. Then, after the user closes the dustproof cover 6, the support 3 moves proximally and makes the driving member 500 move proximally. When the driving member 500 moves proximally, the driving member 500 drives the first actuating gear 5102 to cause the first counting wheel 5101 to rotate in the reverse direction of counting, and under the transmission of the advancing unit, the second counting wheel 5110 also rotates in the reverse direction of counting. In this way, the numbers on the first counting wheel 5101 and the second counting wheel 5110 can be displayed in the correct position in the display window, that is, 119 is displayed in the correct position in the display window. Wherein, after the first actuating gear 5102 of the first counting unit and the second actuating gear 5111 of the second counting unit rotate in the reverse direction of counting, they can correspondingly engage with the first positioning claw 5130 and the second positioning claw 5131 to prevent counting errors. Further, through the above counting manner, when the number displayed by the counting assembly is 19, the body part 5140 of the signal element moves into a display window to block the hundreds place. When the number displayed by the counting assembly is 9, the body part 5140 can further move to the position of the tens place in the display window. After the number displayed by the counting assembly is 0, when the user continues to inhale the drug, the first counting unit rotates again to drive the second counting unit to continue to rotate, and the body part 5140 can further move to the position of the units place in the display window to completely block the hundreds place, the tens place, and the units place in the display window. By setting the signal element, the user can be attracted to pay attention to how many doses are left in the inhaler.

[0178] Wherein, the advancing unit is configured as Figure 20 and Figure 25In the embodiment of the structure shown, after the counting component displays the number 0 (i.e. the maximum number of counts has been reached), when the inhaler is continuously driven, the signal element 514 completely blocks the hundreds, tens and units in the display window as the second counting wheel 5110 moves to the display window. At this time, the stop structure 5130 provided on the pushing unit 512 is located at the preliminary engagement position, so that the first counting component 510 no longer has a driving effect on the second counting component 511, and the signal element remains blocked on the units, tens and hundreds in the display window, preventing the counting component from counting beyond the maximum number of uses and misleading the user.

[0179] In the embodiment of the structure shown, after the counting component displays the number 0 (i.e. the maximum number of counts has been reached), when the inhaler is continuously driven, the signal element 514 completely blocks the hundreds, tens and units in the display window as the second counting wheel 5110 moves to the display window. At this time, the stop structure 5130 provided on the pushing unit 512 is located at the preliminary engagement position, so that the first counting component 510 no longer has a driving effect on the second counting component 511, and the signal element remains blocked on the units, tens and hundreds in the display window, preventing the counting component from counting beyond the maximum number of uses and misleading the user. ​ In the embodiment of the structure shown, after the counting component displays the number 0 (i.e. the maximum number of counts has been reached), when the inhaler is continuously driven, the signal element 514 completely blocks the hundreds, tens and units in the display window as the second counting wheel 5110 moves to the display window. At this time, the stop structure 5130 provided on the pushing unit 512 is located at the preliminary engagement position, so that the first counting component 510 no longer has a driving effect on the second counting component 511, and the signal element remains blocked on the units, tens and hundreds in the display window, preventing the counting component from counting beyond the maximum number of uses and misleading the user.

[0180] In the embodiment of the structure shown, after the counting component displays the number 0 (i.e. the maximum number of counts has been reached), when the inhaler is continuously driven, the signal element 514 completely blocks the hundreds, tens and units in the display window as the second counting wheel 5110 moves to the display window. At this time, the stop structure 5130 provided on the pushing unit 512 is located at the preliminary engagement position, so that the first counting component 510 no longer has a driving effect on the second counting component 511, and the signal element remains blocked on the units, tens and hundreds in the display window, preventing the counting component from counting beyond the maximum number of uses and misleading the user.

[0181] The above embodiments are only illustrative of the essence of the application and the beneficial effects achieved, and are not intended to limit the application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical thought disclosed in the application shall be covered by the claims of the application.

Claims

1. A respiratory-actuated inhaler, characterized in that, include: The main housing has a suction port at its distal end; A container, which stores a drug solution, is arranged axially within the main housing; A force-holding unit, attached to the main housing and engaged with the canister, includes an upper housing with an air inlet structure disposed at the proximal end of the upper housing, the air inlet structure forming a gas flow path with the inlet so that the force-holding unit activates the canister in response to the user's inhalation. The air inlet structure includes at least two holes with main openings, which are arranged in a ring at the proximal end of the upper housing in a manner that connects end to end, so that the main openings of all the holes cannot be completely covered when the user places their fingers on the end face of the proximal end during inhalation.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjacent holes are connected end to end through a connecting part.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting portion is recessed or protruding from the proximal end face of the upper housing, so that the hole also has lateral openings formed by extending from the main opening to both sides to the connecting portion.

4. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The depth of the recess or the height of the protrusion of the connecting part is configured to be any value between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

5. The inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The area of ​​the connecting portion is smaller than the area of ​​the opening of the hole on the proximal end face.

6. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole is configured as an elongated structure.

7. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holes are configured in an even number and are symmetrically distributed.

8. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holes are configured in an odd number and are evenly distributed.

9. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the hole is configured to be any value between 1 mm and 2 mm.

10. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the hole is configured to be 1.49 mm.

11. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the hole is configured to be any value between 2 mm and 32 mm.

12. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the hole on the front side of the proximal end face is greater than the width of the holes on the other sides.

13. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular arrangement is symmetrical.

14. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the end face region of at least two outer edges of the holes is configured to be 3mm to 4.5mm.

15. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the end face region surrounded by at least two of the holes is not less than the width of the cover.

16. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular arrangement corresponds to a circular annular or near-polygonal annular configuration.

17. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plane containing the end face region surrounded by the at least two holes is higher or lower than the plane containing the end face region at the outer edge of the at least two holes.

18. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face regions of the outer edges of the at least two holes are inclined or curved surfaces.

19. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the near end of the upper shell is smaller than the cross-section of its far end.

20. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central axis of the suction port forms a preset angle with the central axis of the upper housing.

21. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole is configured as an arc-shaped hole.

22. The inhaler according to claim 21, characterized in that, The contour of the arc-shaped hole forms a corner.

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