Counting device and aerosol administration inhaler

Abstract

The counting device comprises a shell, an actuating mechanism, an indicating ring and a transmission rod, and a display area is arranged on the side wall of the shell; the actuating mechanism is arranged in the shell, and the actuating mechanism is configured to be capable of converting reciprocating motion along the first axis into rotary motion around the first axis; the indicating ring is arranged between the shell and the actuating mechanism and can rotate around a first axis; the transmission rod is in transmission connection with the actuating mechanism and the indicating ring and can rotate around a second axis, and the second axis is parallel to the first axis. According to the counting device, the indicating ring, the shell and the actuating mechanism are coaxially arranged, the occupied space is small, the transmission structure is compact, the specific inclination angle requirement does not exist in the installation process, the structure of the shell and the matched portion of the shell is effectively simplified, and the part forming and assembling difficulty is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a counting device and an aerosol delivery inhaler. Background Technology

[0002] With increasingly severe air pollution, the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases both domestically and internationally is rising, and respiratory medications are gradually coming into focus for pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and patients. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the two most serious respiratory diseases affecting patients. In 2013, statistics from the World Health Organization showed that respiratory diseases had become the third leading cause of death, with a mortality rate as high as 14.09%. However, with significant advancements in inhaled drug delivery technologies, patients increasingly prefer inhaled medications to treat lung and bronchial diseases. Recently, metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivery has become the primary route of choice for medications used to treat respiratory diseases.

[0003] MDI-type inhalers typically consist of an aerosol reservoir, a metered-dose dispensing valve, and an inhalation actuator. The inhalation actuator usually includes a nozzle block, a metered-dose dispensing valve interface, and a user port. The metered-dose dispensing valve is inserted into the actuator, at which point the valve stem engages with the nozzle block of the actuator. In use, the patient places their lips around the user port and presses the bottom of the aerosol reservoir, causing the reservoir to move relative to the valve stem, thus inhaling a dose of medication through the orifice of the nozzle block.

[0004] In the prior art, some dose indicators or counters are designed to require electronics, which increase costs, prevent users from washing the device, may have battery life issues, and, in the case of dose counters, may be difficult to obtain regulatory approval for. Furthermore, many of these dose indicators are complex, requiring numerous small mechanical parts, leading to high costs, assembly difficulties, and the need for complex dimensional tolerances. In some cases, dose indicators for the standard shape and size of metered-dose aerosol inhalers need to be redesigned into larger, more complex, and bulkier forms. Others have indicators designed at the bottom, but their digital wheel needs to be at a specific angle, and the number of parts is relatively large, making the design process complex. Some are designed as separate counting components, not integrated into the driver, resulting in correspondingly higher production and matching costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a counting device and an aerosol delivery inhaler to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A counting device, comprising:

[0008] The housing has a display area on its side wall;

[0009] An actuation mechanism is disposed inside the housing, the actuation mechanism being configured to convert reciprocating motion along a first axis into rotational motion about the first axis;

[0010] An indicator ring is disposed between the housing and the actuation mechanism and is rotatable about a first axis;

[0011] A transmission rod is connected to the actuation mechanism and the indicator ring and is rotatable about a second axis, wherein the second axis is arranged parallel to the first axis.

[0012] In some embodiments, the display area is a transparent area, or the display area is a cutout area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes:

[0014] A transmission cylinder is disposed inside the indicator ring and is capable of rotating unidirectionally around a first axis; the transmission cylinder is connected to the transmission rod in a transmission connection.

[0015] A steering ring is disposed on the inner side of the transmission cylinder and slidably engaged therewith;

[0016] An elastic element is disposed between the lower part of the steering ring and the inner bottom of the transmission cylinder;

[0017] An index sleeve is disposed above and in contact with the steering ring, and the index sleeve is capable of reciprocating along the first axis.

[0018] Each time the inhaler dispenses a dose, the corresponding index sleeve can drive the transmission cylinder to rotate at a predetermined angle via the steering ring.

[0019] In some embodiments, a drive wheel is provided at the bottom of the transmission cylinder, and the drive wheel is used to engage with the transmission rod for transmission.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inner circumference of the transmission cylinder is provided with at least one groove; the outer circumference of the steering ring is provided with at least one rib, the rib and the groove being slidably engaged.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner circumference of the steering ring is provided with inner vertical teeth; the bottom of the index sleeve is provided with driving teeth, and the driving teeth and the inner vertical teeth are in contact with each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, a cap is also included, the cap being disposed at the opening of the housing, and the bottom of the cap being provided with ratchet teeth;

[0023] The outer periphery of the steering ring is provided with external vertical teeth, which are in contact with and engage with the ratchet teeth.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inner side of the indicator ring is provided with at least one layer of toothed rings, and the transmission rod is provided with at least one layer of transmission teeth, the transmission teeth meshing with the toothed rings.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission rod is provided with a driven tooth that drives it to rotate about a second axis, the driven tooth being located below the indicator ring.

[0026] In some embodiments, the counting device has a central hole that passes through the cover, the actuation mechanism, and the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the housing is provided with at least two clamping portions for positioning and engaging with the target component.

[0028] In addition, this utility model also discloses an aerosol delivery inhaler, including the counting device described above.

[0029] 1. The indicator ring is arranged coaxially with the housing and actuation mechanism, which occupies less space, has a compact transmission structure, and does not require a specific tilt angle during installation. This effectively simplifies the construction of the housing and the parts that mate with it, and reduces the difficulty of parts forming and assembly.

[0030] 2. The transmission structure is optimized by adopting a layered tooth arrangement, which reduces the difficulty of forming the transmission rod while improving its forming accuracy.

[0031] 3. The layered toothed design also solves the problem of limited radial space making it difficult to increase the number of transmission teeth, which increases the counting frequency of the indicator ring, thereby refining the dose counting display and realizing the function of accurate counting.

[0032] 4. Moving the aerosol can up and down triggers the indicator ring to count, which has the advantages of convenient operation and accurate counting. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the counting device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the counting device of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the counting device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hidden actuation mechanism and a partial structure of the counting device of the present invention after sealing.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission structure between the indicator ring and the transmission rod.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the actuation mechanism.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the actuation mechanism and the transmission rod.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the counting device of the present invention before it is installed in the inhaler.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the aerosol delivery inhaler of the present invention.

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Central groove; 12. Eccentric groove; 13. Display area; 14. Spherical head; 15. Stopper; 16. Clamping part;

[0043] 2. Actuation mechanism; 21. Transmission cylinder; 211. Drive wheel; 212. Groove; 22. Steering ring; 221. Internal vertical tooth; 222. Raised rib; 223. External vertical tooth; 23. Elastic element; 231. Blade; 24. Index sleeve; 241. Drive tooth; 242. Groove; 243. Claw; 25. Central hole;

[0044] 3. Drive rod; 31. Driven gear; 32. Drive gear;

[0045] 4. Indicator ring; 41. Toothed ring;

[0046] 5. Cap; 51. Ratchet; 52. Convex inner portion; 53. Receiving groove;

[0047] 6. Inhaler; 61. Window; 62. Nozzle; 63. Vertical rib; 631. Clip;

[0048] 7. Aerosol can; 71. Valve head; 72. Can body. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0050] The terms used to describe position and direction in this utility model are illustrated with the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0051] See Figure 9 As shown, the present invention discloses a counting device installed in an inhaler 6 for counting the dispensed or remaining dose and providing a user-readable counting marker.

[0052] from Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the counting device mainly includes a housing 1, an actuation mechanism 2, a transmission rod 3, and an indicator ring 4. The actuation mechanism 2, transmission rod 3, and indicator ring 4, as the main working components, are housed within the housing 1 and are held in place by a cover 5. In this counting device, essentially only the indicator ring 4 is visible to the user.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 is generally a cylindrical structure with an open top. Its inner bottom has a central groove 11 and an eccentric groove 12 for respectively housing the actuating mechanism 2 and the transmission rod 3, and the central groove 11 and the eccentric groove 12 remain in communication. An indicator ring 4 is arranged against the inner wall of the housing 1, and a matching display area 13 is provided on the side wall of the housing 1. In some examples, at least the display area 13 of the housing 1 is made of a transparent material. Alternatively, in other options, the display area 13 of the housing 1 can also be a cutout area (not shown) to directly expose the counting mark portion of the indicator ring 4.

[0054] Figure 3 and Figure 6 The specific configuration of the actuation mechanism 2 is shown, which includes a transmission cylinder 21, a steering ring 22, an elastic element 23, and an index sleeve 24. All these components are oriented about a first axis (A). For example, the transmission cylinder 21 can rotate about the first axis (A), and the index sleeve 24 can reciprocate along the first axis (A). In general, the actuation mechanism 2 is configured to convert reciprocating motion along the first axis into rotational motion about the first axis, thereby driving the transmission rod 3 to rotate about a second axis (B). More specifically, each time the inhaler 6 dispenses a dose, the steering ring 22 causes the transmission cylinder 21 to rotate, and the transmission cylinder 21 causes the transmission rod 3 to rotate, which in turn causes the indicator ring 4 to rotate, achieving a counting purpose.

[0055] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in the actuation mechanism 2, the transmission cylinder 21 is rotatably disposed in the central groove 11, and it can rotate unidirectionally about the first axis (A), and can transmit power with the transmission rod 3 (see...). Figure 7Specifically, the bottom surface of the transmission cylinder 21 is provided with a coaxially arranged drive wheel 211. The drive wheel 211 rotates synchronously with the transmission cylinder 21 and can mesh with the driven tooth 31 located in the middle of the transmission rod 3, thereby actuating the rotation of the transmission rod 3. In some examples, the drive wheel 211 can be an integrated part of the transmission cylinder 21, and its outer diameter should not exceed the outer diameter of the transmission cylinder 21. Alternatively, the drive wheel 211 can also be a separate component indirectly connected to the bottom surface of the transmission cylinder 21. In addition, the transmission cylinder 21 should have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering ring 22 to allow the steering ring 22 to be arranged inside it and to move (reciprocate and rotate) about the first axis (A).

[0056] The steering ring 22 has at least two interaction areas. The first interaction area is an inner vertical tooth 221 located on the inner circumference of the steering ring 22. This inner vertical tooth 221 is continuous in the circumferential direction and is used to contact and engage with the index sleeve 24 located above it. Specifically, the inner vertical tooth 221 can contact and interact with the drive teeth 241 evenly spaced at the bottom of the index sleeve 24. As the index sleeve 24 is pressed down, the steering ring 22 will also move down and rotate. The second interaction area is a convex rib 222 located on the outer circumference of the rotating ring. This convex rib 222 is evenly spaced in the circumferential direction (specifically, four ribs) and is used to contact and engage with the transmission cylinder 21 outside it. That is, the convex rib 222 can contact and interact with the groove 212 on the inner side of the transmission cylinder 21. Ideally, the convex rib 222 fits well in the groove 212 with only a small gap between them to ensure smooth transmission. In a preferred example, the ribs 222 and grooves 212 are typically vertical and parallel to the first axis (A), through which the rotating ring typically transmits power to the drive cylinder 21 and induces its rotation. Furthermore, the steering ring 22 may also include a third interaction region, such as an outer vertical tooth 223, also located on the outer periphery of the steering ring 22. This outer vertical tooth 223 is circumferentially continuous and higher than the inner vertical tooth 221, for contacting and engaging with the cap 5 above it. Specifically, the outer vertical tooth 223 can contact and interact with the evenly spaced ratchet teeth 51 at the bottom of the cap 5. In the undosed state, the biasing force provided by the elastic element 23 engages the outer vertical tooth 223 and the ratchet teeth 51 together, thereby preventing any rotational movement of the steering ring 22 and / or drive cylinder 21 during storage and transport that could trigger dose counting.

[0057] The biasing elastic element 23 is generally annular in structure, located between the lower part of the steering ring 22 and the inner bottom of the transmission cylinder 21, and has multiple spirally extending blades 231 at its edge. These blades 231 are biased upward and contact the bottom surface of the steering ring 22, causing the steering ring 22 to always tend to move towards the index sleeve 24 and the cap 5. This results in the inner vertical teeth 221 engaging with the drive teeth 241 and the outer vertical teeth 223 engaging with the ratchet teeth 51, and this engagement is maintained at all stages of operation for the relative rotational position of the index sleeve 24 and the steering ring 22. Ideally, the number of blades 231 is controlled at 4-6. More blades 231 mean that the elastic element 23 can provide stronger force to meet the reset design requirements (due to the change in the arrangement of the indicator ring 4 occupying internal space, the elastic element 23 is correspondingly reduced in size, but the biasing force can be enhanced by increasing the number of blades 231). On the other hand, this also means that the user needs to apply a greater force to the index sleeve 24 to drive the steering ring 22 to rotate, thereby avoiding dose counting caused by misoperation.

[0058] The index sleeve 24 is designed to engage with the steering ring 22 after passing through the cap 5. Even though the drive teeth 241 (e.g., five) at the bottom of the index sleeve 24 engage and interact with the inner vertical teeth 221 on the inner circumference of the steering ring 22, it is desirable for the index sleeve 24 to move stably along the first axis (A). In some examples, the index sleeve 24 has multiple evenly spaced grooves 242 (e.g., five) that are used to slide and guide the index sleeve 24 to the inner convex portion 52 at the engagement opening of the cap 5, allowing for stable vertical movement of the index sleeve 24 relative to the cap 5 while simultaneously confining the index sleeve 24 to the cap 5. Additionally, the index sleeve 24 has multiple latches 243 (e.g., five) extending radially outward from the top of the index sleeve 24 for engaging target bottles / cans, such as aerosol cans 7 capable of providing a specific dosage.

[0059] See Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in a stationary state, the aforementioned actuation mechanism 2, biased by the elastic element 23, allows the vertical surface of the ratchet 51 at the bottom of the cap 5 to abut against the vertical surface of the outer vertical tooth 223 of the steering ring 22. Furthermore, the rib 222 of the steering ring 22 is always slidably engaged with the groove 212 of the transmission cylinder 21. As the user triggers the inhaler 6 to dispense a dose, the index sleeve 24 is pressed downwards. The drive teeth 241 of the index sleeve 24 move toward and engage with the inner vertical tooth 221 of the steering ring 22. The interaction area between the drive teeth 241 and the inner vertical tooth 221 is constructed with opposing angled surfaces, and when force is applied, the drive teeth 241 and the inner vertical tooth 221 force the steering ring 22 to rotate clockwise. However, since the ratchet 51 and the outer vertical tooth 223 are initially engaged, this restricts any rotational movement of the steering ring 22. Therefore, the applied force can only initially cause the index sleeve 24 to continue moving downwards. During this process, if the user removes the force applied to the index sleeve 24 before the steering ring 22 disengages from the cover 5, the steering ring 22 will return to its initial position and no dose count will be recorded. However, once the steering ring 22 disengages from the cover 5 and continues to move downwards, a dose count will be recorded and is therefore irreversible. Furthermore, if the steering ring 22 disengages from the cover 5, since the index sleeve 24 cannot rotate, the interaction between the drive tooth 241 and the inner vertical tooth 221 will cause the steering ring 22 to begin rotating clockwise and advancing one unit. Simultaneously, the rib 222 on the outside of the steering ring 22, in conjunction with the groove 212, drives the transmission to rotate synchronously, causing the drive wheel 211 at its bottom to rotate clockwise and advance one unit, thereby causing the transmission rod 3 to move counterclockwise.

[0060] See you later Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the transmission rod 3 is positioned between the inner side of the indicator ring 4 and the outer side of the actuation mechanism 2, and is capable of rotating about the second axis (B). Ideally, the second axis (B) is arranged parallel to the first axis (A), which facilitates the contact and interaction (meshing) between the actuation mechanism 2 and the transmission rod 3, and between the transmission rod 3 and the indicator ring 4, maintaining a good transmission effect. Specifically, when the inhaler 6 dispenses one or more doses, the transmission rod 3 can drive the indicator ring 4 to rotate clockwise.

[0061] As you can see, Figures 3 to 5The diagram clearly shows that the transmission rod 3 comprises two interaction regions. The first interaction region is the driven tooth 31 disposed on the rod body, which meshes with the driving wheel 211 in the actuation mechanism 2 to realize the transmission from the actuation mechanism 2 to the transmission rod 3. This will not be repeated here. The second interaction region is also disposed on the rod body but located above the driven tooth 31, the transmission tooth 32, which contacts and interacts with the indicator ring 4 to realize the transmission from the transmission rod 3 to the indicator ring 4. Specifically, the transmission rod 3 has at least one layer of transmission teeth 32, and correspondingly, the inner side of the indicator ring 4 has at least one layer of toothed rings 41, with the transmission teeth 32 meshing with each other. Compared to existing worm gear drives, the above transmission structure is simpler, more reliable, and has lower requirements for the arrangement of the indicator ring 4. In some examples, the transmission tooth 32 can be an integrated part of the transmission rod 3, or alternatively, the transmission tooth 32 can be a separate component indirectly connected to the transmission rod 3.

[0062] Preferably, the transmission rod 3 is provided with at least two layers of transmission teeth 32, and correspondingly, the inner side of the indicator ring 4 is also provided with at least two layers of toothed rings 41. The toothed rings 41 of adjacent layers are staggered, and the transmission teeth 32 of adjacent layers are also staggered. When the transmission teeth 32 of one layer are engaged with the corresponding toothed ring 41, the transmission teeth 32 of the remaining layers are in a non-engaged state with the corresponding toothed ring 41. It is understood that the space inside the indicator ring 4 and outside the actuation mechanism 2 is limited, especially due to the size of the counting device itself. Therefore, the diameter of the transmission rod 3 is also limited, which restricts the number of transmission teeth 32 that can be arranged on the transmission rod 3 at the same layer or at the same horizontal height. Furthermore, due to process and / or size factors, the number of transmission teeth 32 around the transmission rod 3 is usually designed to be no more than six at the same height. As mentioned above, the transmission rod 3 and the indicator ring 4 specifically divide the transmission teeth 32 and the corresponding toothed rings 41 into layers, such as two layers each, and each layer of the transmission rod 3 has three transmission teeth 32 (not shown) evenly distributed circumferentially, in order to address the challenges of process and precision brought about by the same-layer arrangement. More advantageously, the layered arrangement solves the problem of limited radial space making it difficult to increase the number of transmission teeth 32. This method makes full use of vertical space, which can increase the number of transmission teeth 32. If each layer is divided into three layers, and each layer of the transmission rod 3 has 3 to 5 transmission teeth 32 evenly distributed around its circumference, this further increases the number of teeth that can contact the toothed ring 41 around the transmission rod 3. By increasing the ratio of the number of transmission teeth 32 to the number of teeth on the toothed ring 41, the transmission rod 3 is allowed to have more opportunities to contact the toothed ring 41 of the indicator ring 4 with each rotation, which ultimately leads to an increase in the rotation frequency of the indicator ring 4. This further refines the distribution / remaining dosage or amount of drug (for example, from the original 10 doses causing the indicator ring 4 to advance one unit to now every 5 doses causing the indicator ring 4 to advance one unit), making it easier for the user to understand the status.

[0063] See Figure 5 As shown, in a specific example, the transmission rod 3 is provided with two layers of transmission teeth 32. For ease of distinction, the upper transmission teeth 32 will be referred to as the first transmission teeth, and the lower transmission teeth 32 as the second transmission teeth. Similarly, the inner side of the indicator ring 4 is also provided with two layers of toothed rings 41. The upper toothed ring 41 will be referred to as the first toothed ring, and the lower toothed ring 41 as the second toothed ring. During the transmission process between the transmission rod 3 and the indicator ring 4, the first transmission teeth and the first toothed ring may engage first. At this time, the second transmission teeth and the second toothed ring are in a separated state. As the transmission rod 3 continues to rotate, after the first transmission teeth and the first toothed ring separate, the second transmission teeth and the second toothed ring quickly take over and engage. This cycle alternates to drive the indicator ring 4 to rotate and count.

[0064] In addition, in some other examples, if necessary, the transmission teeth 32 or the toothed rings 41 of each layer can also be arranged neatly (not shown). Poor contact between the transmission teeth 32 and the toothed rings 41 of any layer will not affect the transmission of the remaining layers, thereby ensuring the transmission reliability and fault tolerance between the transmission rod 3 and the indicator ring 4.

[0065] Or as Figure 2 As shown, the indicator ring 4 is located in the peripheral area of ​​the entire actuation mechanism 2 and is arranged close to the inner wall of the housing 1. It can also rotate around the first axis (A). As can be seen from the above figure, the indicator ring 4 is basically arranged coaxially with the housing 1 or the actuation mechanism 2, which results in a small space occupation, a very compact structure, no specific tilt angle requirement during installation, and simplifies the construction of the housing 1 and its mating parts, effectively reducing cost and assembly difficulty.

[0066] Continue as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the indicator ring 4 has an interaction area and a marking area. Specifically, the interaction area is at least one toothed ring 41 located on its inner side, which engages with the transmission teeth 32 on the transmission rod 3 to realize the transmission from the transmission rod 3 to the indicator ring 4, which will not be repeated here. In some examples, the toothed ring 41 may be an integrated part of the indicator ring 4, while in an alternative, the toothed ring 41 may be a separate component indirectly connected to the inner side of the indicator ring 4. The marking area is located on the outer peripheral surface of the indicator ring 4. It can generate a predetermined count mark in the display area 13 of the counting device when the inhaler 6 dispenses one or more doses, so that the user can know the amount of dose or drug dispensed / remaining. In some examples, the outer peripheral surface of the indicator ring 4 may be marked or serve as a mark carrier surface to indicate how much dose or drug has been dispensed in the container, and / or how much dose or drug remains in the container. It is conceivable that the marks on the outer peripheral surface of the indicator ring 4 are arranged in a series of progressively increasing or decreasing numbers, so as to facilitate the user to quickly understand the amount of dose or drug. As an alternative, the markings can also be colored if desired, for example, by using color changes (from green to red) to indicate the remaining dose or relative level of medication in the container.

[0067] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown above, the actuation mechanism 2 in the counting device can convert the reciprocating motion along the first axis (A) into a unidirectional motion of clockwise rotation around the first axis (A), thereby causing the transmission rod 3 to rotate counterclockwise around the second axis (B), which in turn causes the indicator ring 4 to also rotate clockwise around the first axis (A), generating a predetermined count mark with the display area 13 of the device. Ideally, the indicator ring 4 is configured to generate the predetermined count mark movement every time the inhaler 6 dispenses a dose; for example, for every dose dispensed, the transmission rod 3 rotates 15°, and the indicator ring 4 rotates 1.6°. In other options, the indicator ring 4 can also be configured to generate the predetermined count mark movement after multiple doses have been dispensed; for example, the predetermined count mark movement can occur whenever no more than five doses have been dispensed.

[0068] In summary, the counting device of this invention creatively incorporates a layered design of the transmission teeth 32 in the transmission link between the transmission rod 3 and the indicator ring 4. This facilitates the integral molding or connection of the transmission teeth 32 and the transmission rod 3, and solves the problem of limited radial space making it difficult to increase the number of transmission teeth 32. By utilizing axial space to increase the number of transmission teeth 32, the transmission rod 3 has more opportunities to contact the indicator ring 4 per rotation, thereby increasing the rotation frequency of the indicator ring 4, further refining the dose counting, and allowing users to accurately understand the status. Furthermore, the indicator ring 4 is coaxially arranged with the housing 1 and the actuation mechanism 2, occupying less space and resulting in a very compact transmission structure. Moreover, the indicator ring 4 does not require a specific tilt angle during installation, simplifying the construction of the housing 1 and its mating parts, effectively reducing cost and assembly difficulty.

[0069] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in the counting device, the lower end of the transmission rod 3 is installed in the eccentric groove 12 of the housing 1, and the upper end is connected to the receiving groove 53 at the bottom of the cover 5 to ensure the stability of the rotation of the transmission rod 3. At the same time, the driven wheel of the transmission rod 3 is located below the indicator ring 4 to prevent interference with the rotation of the toothed ring 41. This arrangement means that the transmission rod 3 must be assembled before the indicator ring 4. Therefore, to facilitate assembly, in some embodiments, among all the toothed rings 41 on the inner circumference of the indicator ring 4, the protrusion height of the upper toothed ring 41 is greater than that of the lower toothed ring 41. Correspondingly, among all the transmission teeth 32 on the transmission rod 3, the tooth diameter of the upper transmission tooth 32 is smaller than that of the lower transmission tooth 32. In this example, the toothed ring 41 is generally smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, and the transmission teeth 32 are also generally smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, which facilitates the assembly of the two. Furthermore, the toothed ring 41 can effectively lock the transmission teeth 32 and the transmission rod 3 in the eccentric groove 12, preventing axial movement.

[0070] Or as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner bottom of the housing 1 is provided with a spherical surface 14, which is only slightly higher than the inner bottom of the housing 1. The indicator ring 4 and part of the actuation mechanism 2 (transmission cylinder 21) are mounted and rotated on it, thereby reducing surface friction and improving the smoothness of rotation of the indicator ring 4 and the transmission cylinder 21. In the example described, the spherical surface 14 can be directly injection molded into the inner bottom of the housing 1, or placed as a separate component on the inner bottom of the housing 1.

[0071] In some embodiments, a stopper 15 is provided on the inner bottom edge of the housing 1. This stopper is used to correct the indicator ring 4 at the starting position to ensure that it starts at zero, and to stop it at the end position to prevent the indicator ring 4 from exceeding a preset limit, which would cause counting errors due to it advancing beyond zero in subsequent use. Specifically, in the lowest toothed ring 41 of the indicator ring 4, there is one and only one protrusion extending downward and contacting the stopper 15. At the starting position, the single downward protrusion abuts against one side of the stopper 15 to correct the indicator ring 4 to zero. After the indicator ring 4 has rotated one revolution and the dose counting is completed, the single downward protrusion abuts against the other side of the stopper 15, thereby limiting the indicator ring 4 from continuing to advance beyond zero.

[0072] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the present invention also provides an aerosol delivery inhaler 6, including the aforementioned counting device. The counting device is disposed within the inhaler 6, with its display area 13 facing the window 61 of the inhaler 6. In use, the aerosol can 7 is inserted into the inhaler 6, with its valve head 71 connected to the nozzle 62 of the inhaler 6 and the can body 72 connected to the actuation mechanism 2 of the counting device. Driving the aerosol can 7 to move up and down triggers the indicator ring 4 to count, making operation convenient and providing more accurate counting.

[0073] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism 2 has a central hole 25 at its center, which penetrates the cap 5, the actuation mechanism 2 and the housing 1, so that the valve head 71 of the aerosol can 7 can be connected to the nozzle 62 of the inhaler 6, thereby realizing the function of aerosol delivery.

[0074] See Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer periphery of the housing 1 is provided with at least two clamping portions 16, which are used for positioning and engaging with a target component (e.g., the inhaler 6). Specifically, the inner wall of the housing 1 is formed with at least two vertical ribs 63, which are used to strengthen the structural strength of the inhaler 6 and to guide and prevent mistaken installation of the clamping portions 16. In addition, the bottom of the vertical ribs 63 is formed with a buckle 631 corresponding to the clamping portion 16, so that the housing 1 can be locked inside the inhaler 6 after installation, improving the stability and convenience of installation.

[0075] In addition, the present invention also discloses a counting drive method for an aerosol delivery inhaler 6, including steps S1 to S3.

[0076] S1. Provide an inhaler 6, wherein a counting device is provided at the nozzle 62 of the inhaler 6, the counting device including an indicator ring 4, a transmission rod 3 and an actuation mechanism 2;

[0077] S11. At least two layers of toothed rings 41 are provided on the inner circumference of the indicator ring 4, and at least two layers of transmission teeth 32 are provided on the transmission rod 3.

[0078] S12. Make the toothed rings 41 of adjacent layers staggered and make the transmission teeth 32 of adjacent layers staggered.

[0079] S2. Insert the aerosol can 7 into the inhaler 6, so that its valve head 71 is connected to the nozzle 62 of the inhaler 6 and the can body 72 is connected to the actuation mechanism 2 of the counting device.

[0080] S3. Press the aerosol can 7 to dispense one or more doses, causing the actuator 2 to drive the transmission rod 3 to rotate, which in turn causes the indicator ring 4 to rotate and generate a predetermined count mark in the display area 13 of the counting device;

[0081] S31, The axial reciprocating motion of pressing the aerosol can 7 is converted into circumferential rotational motion by the actuation mechanism 2;

[0082] S32, causing the actuator 2 to rotate the transmission rod 3;

[0083] S33. When the transmission teeth 32 of one layer of the transmission rod 3 meshes with the corresponding toothed ring 41, the transmission teeth 32 of the other layers are in a non-meshing state with the corresponding toothed ring 41.

[0084] S34. The transmission rod 3 causes the indicator ring 4 to rotate, and a predetermined count mark is generated in the display area 13 of the counting device according to the dose distribution.

[0085] In the above-described counting drive method, moving the aerosol can 7 up and down triggers the indicator ring 4 to start counting, which is convenient to operate and provides accurate counting. Furthermore, by arranging the toothed ring 41 and transmission teeth 32 in layers, the transmission rod 3 has more opportunities to contact the indicator ring 4 with each rotation, thereby increasing the rotation frequency of the indicator ring 4 and further refining the dosage count, allowing users to accurately understand the status.

[0086] In some embodiments, the indicator ring 4 is rotatable about a first axis (A) located at the center of the counting device. The transmission rod 3 is rotatable about a second axis (B) located at an off-center position of the counting device, and the second axis is arranged parallel to the first axis (A).

[0087] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and all such changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A counting device, characterized in that, The application relates to a counting device comprising: a housing provided with a display area on a side wall thereof; an actuating mechanism arranged inside the housing, the actuating mechanism being configured to convert a reciprocating motion along a first axis into a rotating motion around the first axis; an indicating ring arranged between the housing and the actuating mechanism and rotatable around the first axis; a transmission rod in transmission connection with the actuating mechanism and the indicating ring and rotatable around a second axis, wherein the second axis is arranged in parallel with the first axis.

2. The counting device of claim 1, wherein, The display area is a transparent area, or the display area is a hollow area.

3. The counting device of claim 1, wherein, The actuating mechanism comprises: a transmission cylinder arranged inside the indicating ring and rotatable around the first axis in one direction, the transmission cylinder being in transmission connection with the transmission rod; a steering ring arranged inside the transmission cylinder and in sliding engagement with the transmission cylinder; a resilient member arranged between the lower side of the steering ring and the inner bottom of the transmission cylinder; an index sleeve arranged above the steering ring and in contact with the steering ring, the index sleeve being reciprocally movable along the first axis; wherein the transmission cylinder is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle by the steering ring corresponding to the index sleeve for each dose dispensed by the inhaler.

4. The counting device of claim 3, wherein, The bottom of the transmission cylinder is provided with a driving wheel for meshing with the transmission rod.

5. The counting device of claim 3, wherein, The inner periphery of the transmission cylinder is provided with at least one groove; the outer periphery of the steering ring is provided with at least one convex rib in sliding engagement with the groove.

6. The counting device of claim 3, wherein, The inner periphery of the steering ring is provided with inner vertical teeth; the bottom of the index sleeve is provided with driving teeth in contact with the inner vertical teeth.

7. The counting device of claim 3, wherein, The application further comprises a cover arranged at the opening of the housing, the bottom of the cover being provided with ratchet teeth; The outer periphery of the steering ring is provided with outer vertical teeth in contact with the ratchet teeth.

8. The counting device of claim 1, wherein, The inner side of the indicating ring is provided with at least one layer of tooth ring; the transmission rod is provided with at least one layer of transmission teeth in meshing with the tooth ring.

9. The counting device of claim 1, wherein, The transmission rod is provided with driven teeth for driving the transmission rod to rotate around the second axis, the driven teeth being arranged below the indicating ring.

10. The counting device of claim 7, wherein, The center of the counting device is provided with a central hole penetrating through the cover, the actuating mechanism and the housing.

11. The counting device of claim 1, wherein, The outer periphery of the housing is provided with at least two clamping portions for positioning and engaging with a target component.

12. An aerosol dose inhaler, characterised in that, The application further comprises the counting device according to any one of claims 1-11.

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