Atomization administration device

Abstract

The application discloses an atomization administration device, comprising: a container; a shell comprising an inner shell part and an upper shell part rotatable relative to the inner shell part, a fluid in the container is extracted for one atomization when the upper shell part completes one rotation relative to the inner shell part; an indicator comprising a screw rod rotatable supported on the inner shell part and an indicating element indicating the number of atomizations by the axial position of the screw rod, the screw rod comprising a transmission gear, the upper shell part is provided with a driving part, the driving part drives the screw rod to rotate to make the indicating element move in the axial direction when the driving part follows the upper shell part to rotate relative to the inner shell part through the transmission gear; wherein the transmission gear comprises P teeth, the P teeth are configured as at least three teeth, the driving part is configured as at most two single-tooth pieces oppositely arranged so that P times or 2P times of rotation movement makes the indicating element move one stroke in the axial direction of the screw rod, so as to allow the number of atomizations of the atomization administration device to reach P times or 2P times of the total amount of strokes provided by the screw rod in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol technology, specifically to an atomizing drug delivery device. Background Technology

[0002] Nebulizers deliver medication to the respiratory tract and lungs by dispersing fluids into fine particles / aerosols, which are then inhaled by the user, thus providing effective delivery of various fluids to achieve therapeutic purposes.

[0003] To indicate the remaining number of uses or the amount of fluid in the nebulizer, most manufacturers include indicators on the devices. These indicators guide users through the treatment course and direct them to a follow-up appointment for medication or a new prescription to continue treatment after the initial use. Typically, users take the medication twice daily, and each nebulizer has a lifespan of only 60 uses, meaning each device provides only about one month of use. After reaching its lifespan, the nebulizer is discarded, increasing user costs and contributing to environmental pollution and resource waste.

[0004] Therefore, how to increase the service life of nebulized drug delivery devices to reduce user costs is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a nebulized drug delivery device to overcome the technical problem that the short service life of the nebulized drug delivery device in the related technologies leads to high user operating costs.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a nebulized drug delivery device, comprising: a container containing a fluid; a housing receiving the container, including an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein when the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion, the fluid in the container is drawn for one nebulization; and an indicator including a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell portion and an indicator element indicating the number of nebulizations by the axial position of the threaded rod, the threaded rod including a transmission gear, and the upper shell portion... The device is equipped with a drive unit that, as the upper shell rotates relative to the inner shell, drives the threaded rod to rotate, thereby causing the indicating element to move axially. The drive gear comprises P teeth, which are configured to be at least three teeth. The drive unit is configured with at most two opposing single-tooth members, such that P or 2P rotational movements cause the indicating element to move one stroke axially on the threaded rod, allowing the nebulizing drug delivery device to perform nebulization operations that are P or 2P times the total axial stroke provided by the threaded rod.

[0007] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the amount of fluid extracted during one rotation is half a dose.

[0008] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the transmission gear is configured to include four teeth.

[0009] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the single tooth is configured as one, the total stroke is configured as 30 strokes, and the nebulizing drug delivery device performs 240 nebulizations.

[0010] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the single tooth is configured to be two, the total stroke is configured to be 30 strokes, and the nebulizing drug delivery device nebulizes 120 times.

[0011] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the thread length of the threaded rod is configured to a certain value, and the total stroke is associated with the thread density of the threaded rod to increase the number of nebulizations that the nebulizing drug delivery device can provide by increasing the thread density.

[0012] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the range of the thread density is configured such that the total stroke is configured to be any value between 30 and 60.

[0013] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the single tooth is configured as an inner protrusion formed on the inner wall of the upper housing.

[0014] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the upper shell is configured as a near-runway-shaped structure, and the single tooth is disposed near the junction of the straight section and the curve.

[0015] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the indicating element includes an indicating portion and a push rod disposed on the indicating portion, the push rod being used to trigger a locking between the upper shell portion and the inner shell portion when the indicating portion moves to an end point.

[0016] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the outer wall of the inner shell is provided with scale markings distributed in the axial direction of the threaded rod, and the indicating element cooperates with the scale markings to indicate the usage.

[0017] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the scale markings are further configured with warning markings to alert the user when the nebulizer has been used a preset number of times.

[0018] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the nebulizing drug delivery device further includes a transparent lower shell, coupled to the housing, such that the indication provided by the indicating element can be observed by the user through the transparent lower shell.

[0019] A second aspect of this application provides a nebulizer for drug delivery, comprising: a container containing fluid; a housing receiving the container, including an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein fluid in the container is drawn for nebulization once the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion; and an indicator including a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell portion and an indicator element indicating the number of nebulizations by the axial position of the threaded rod, the threaded rod including a transmission gear, and a drive portion disposed on the upper shell portion, the drive portion driving the threaded rod to rotate as the upper shell portion rotates relative to the inner shell portion past the transmission gear to cause the indicator element to move axially; wherein the transmission gear includes P teeth, the P teeth being configured to be at least three teeth, and the drive portion being configured to have three single teeth such that 2P rotational movements cause the indicator element to move three strokes axially on the threaded rod, allowing the number of nebulizations of the nebulizer for drug delivery to reach 2P / 3 times the total stroke provided by the threaded rod in the axial direction.

[0020] A third aspect of this application provides a nebulizer for drug delivery, comprising: a container containing fluid; a housing receiving the container, including an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein fluid in the container is drawn for nebulization once the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion; and an indicator including a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell portion and an indicator element indicating the number of nebulizations by the axial position of the threaded rod, the threaded rod including a transmission gear, and a drive portion disposed on the upper shell portion, the drive portion driving the threaded rod to rotate as the upper shell portion rotates relative to the inner shell portion past the transmission gear to cause the indicator element to move axially; wherein the transmission gear includes M teeth, the M teeth being configured to be at least five teeth, and the drive portion being configured as two sets of opposing double-toothed members such that M rotational movements cause the indicator element to move two strokes axially on the threaded rod, allowing the number of nebulizations of the nebulizer for drug delivery to reach M / 2 times the total axial stroke provided by the threaded rod.

[0021] In summary, the nebulizer drug delivery device disclosed in this application, by providing a relatively rotatable upper shell and inner shell, allows the inner shell to perform one nebulization operation when it completes one rotation relative to the upper shell. By providing a rotatable threaded rod supported on the inner shell and an indicating element that engages with the threaded rod on the indicator of the nebulizer drug delivery device, and by driving a transmission gear on the threaded rod through a drive unit on the upper shell, the indicating element moves axially on the threaded rod, thereby counting the number of nebulizations. By configuring the transmission gear with P teeth and the drive unit with at most two opposing single-tooth components, P or 2P rotational movements of the upper shell relative to the inner shell cause the indicating element to move one stroke axially along the threaded rod, thus allowing the number of nebulizations to reach P times or 2P times the total stroke. In this way, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased several times by reducing the number of teeth on the drive unit. Furthermore, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased even more by changing the number of teeth on the transmission gear or the total stroke of the threaded rod. The amount of fluid in the container can be increased to a preset dose without affecting other structures of the drug delivery device, thereby reducing the user's operating costs.

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of this application will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description below. Only exemplary embodiments of this application are shown and described in the following detailed description. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the content of this application enables them to make modifications to the disclosed specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention to which this application pertains. Accordingly, the descriptions in the accompanying drawings and specification of this application are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The specific features of the invention involved in this application are shown in the appended claims. The features and advantages of the invention can be better understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments and drawings described in detail below. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following are schematic diagrams of the nebulized drug delivery device in different embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the upper shell portion in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the upper shell portion of this application, omitting the blocking component in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a threaded rod in one embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of a threaded rod supported on an inner shell in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional schematic of an atomizing drug delivery device with a single tooth disposed inside the upper shell in one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional schematic of an atomizing drug delivery device with two opposing single-toothed components disposed within the upper shell in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagrams show the state of a single toothed component before and after passing through the transmission gear.

[0032] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of an indicator element in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0034] In the following description, reference is sometimes made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of this application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used, and changes in module or unit composition, electrical and operational aspects may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. The following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments of this application is defined only by the published claims. The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application.

[0035] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements or parameters in some instances, these elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or parameter from another. For example, a first single tooth may be referred to as a second single tooth, and similarly, a second single tooth may be referred to as a first single tooth, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. First single tooth and second single tooth are both descriptions of a single tooth, but they are not the same single tooth unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates otherwise. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are to be interpreted inclusively, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C. Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0036] It will be understood that when a component or element is referred to as being "on" another element or extending "on" another element, the element may be directly on or directly extended onto the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element or "directly extended onto" another element, there are no intermediate elements. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "attached" to another element, it may be directly connected or attached to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0037] Relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element, layer, or region and another element, layer, or region illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to cover different device orientations other than those depicted in the figures. In this application, “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “parallel” are defined as including cases within ±10% of their standard definitions. For example, vertical typically refers to an angle of 90° relative to a reference line, but in this application, vertical refers to cases including those within 80° to 100°.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. When used 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 also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “comprising” designate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It will also be understood that terms used herein shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0040] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, comparative quantitative terms (such as "above" and "below") are intended to cover the concept of equality. As an example, "above" can mean not only "greater than" in a mathematical sense, but also "equal to".

[0041] In view of the technical problems mentioned in the background art, this application discloses a nebulizer drug delivery device. By providing an upper shell and an inner shell that can rotate relative to each other, the inner shell can perform one nebulization operation when it completes one rotation relative to the upper shell. A rotatable threaded rod supported on the inner shell and an indicating element that engages with the threaded rod are provided on the indicator of the nebulizer drug delivery device. A drive unit on the upper shell drives a transmission gear on the threaded rod to rotate, achieving axial movement of the indicating element on the threaded rod, thereby counting the number of nebulizations. By configuring the transmission gear with P teeth and the drive unit with at most two opposing single-tooth components, P or 2P rotational movements of the upper shell relative to the inner shell cause the indicating element to move one stroke axially along the threaded rod, allowing the number of nebulizations to reach P times or 2P times the total stroke. In this way, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased several times by reducing the number of teeth on the drive unit. Furthermore, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased even more by changing the number of teeth on the transmission gear or the total stroke of the threaded rod. The amount of fluid in the container can be increased to a preset dose without affecting other structures of the drug delivery device, thereby reducing the user's operating costs.

[0042] The nebulizer delivery device provided in this application is used to atomize a fluid into an aerosol that can be breathed or inhaled by a user. The aerosol may also be referred to as a soft mist, aerosol, fine particles, or fine droplets. In some examples, the fluid may be a liquid containing one or more pharmaceutical ingredients, such as water-soluble or alcohol-soluble pharmaceutical preparations. Examples of pharmaceutical ingredients include at least one of the following: anticholinergic drugs, β-receptor agonists, steroids, phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitors, LTD4 antagonists, EGFR kinase inhibitors, antihistamines, ergot alkaloid derivatives, triptans, CGRP antagonists, phosphodiesterase-V inhibitors, etc. In some examples, the fluid may include solid or droplet-like substances such as particles, powders, or colloids; for example, the fluid may be configured as a suspension. In other examples, the fluid may be a non-pharmaceutical liquid, such as water, cosmetics, essential oils, fragrances, and disinfectants. Those skilled in the art can select the specific fluid according to the specific application of the nebulizer delivery device based on the teachings of this application.

[0043] The following combination Figures 1 to 2 The nebulized drug delivery device provided in this application will be described in detail.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures shown are schematic diagrams of the nebulizer drug delivery device in different embodiments of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the nebulized drug delivery device includes a container 1, a housing 2, and an indicator 3.

[0045] In one embodiment, the container 1 contains fluid. Further, the container 1 contains a preset dose of fluid. Here, a dose can refer to a single administration amount sufficient to produce a therapeutic effect on the user. This single administration amount can be the dosage over a specific time period, such as the dosage specified in the instructions for the drug or device within a certain time frame (e.g., before breakfast, within half an hour, within ten minutes, or within a day). In the embodiments of the nebulizer drug delivery device described in this application, a single dose can be achieved through one or more nebulizations. In some examples, the container 1 is configured to hold 30 doses of fluid; that is, the nebulizer drug delivery device can provide 30 doses of medication, which can also be understood as having a lifespan of 30 doses. In other examples, to improve the lifespan of the nebulizer drug delivery device, the amount of fluid that the container 1 can hold can be increased; that is, the preset dose can be configured to be more than 30 doses. To balance the anti-contamination capability of the nebulizer drug delivery device and the structure of the indicator provided in subsequent embodiments, the preset dose can preferably be configured to 60 or 120 doses. Of course, those skilled in the art can configure it to other dosage numbers according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0046] In one embodiment, the container 1 may be configured as a cylinder or roller, containing a collapsible bag. During fluid atomization, the collapsible bag can be gradually compressed as the fluid decreases under external environmental pressure, ensuring complete fluid utilization and reducing fluid residue and waste. Furthermore, the constant pressure inside the collapsible bag during atomization helps stabilize the atomization effect. In this example, the container 1 may be made of a robust and durable material such as stainless steel or high-strength plastic to provide external protection. The collapsible bag may be made of a flexible material such as polyethylene or polypropylene film, allowing it to be compressed during atomization.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing 2 is used to receive the container 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, container 1 can be inserted from below housing 2. In one example, housing 2 can be connected to container 1 via a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, when the user pushes container 1 in from below housing 2, the click sound of the snap-fit ​​indicating that container 1 has reached its initial installation position can be detected.

[0048] In one embodiment, the housing 2 includes an upper shell portion 21 and an inner shell portion 22, wherein the inner shell portion 22 is rotatable relative to the upper shell portion 21. In one implementation, an annular protrusion may be provided on the inner wall of the upper shell portion 21, and correspondingly, a structure that mates with the annular protrusion may be provided on the outer wall of the inner shell portion 22, so that the inner shell portion 22 can be connected to the upper shell portion 21 and can rotate relative to the upper shell portion 21. However, this is not a limitation; those skilled in the art only need to design the structure of both to allow relative rotation.

[0049] In one embodiment, when the inner shell 22 completes one rotation relative to the upper shell 21, the fluid in the container 1 is drawn for one nebulization. In other words, when the inner shell 22 and the upper shell 21 rotate relative to each other, the nebulizing drug delivery device draws one volume of liquid from the container 1 for nebulization, so that the drawn liquid volume can be nebulized when the nebulizing drug delivery device is activated. Therefore, this state or action is also referred to as the nebulizing drug delivery device being triggered or ready. Further, the rotation angle of one rotation corresponds to the rotation angle required to trigger the nebulizing drug delivery device, which can also be understood as the rotation angle required for the nebulizing drug delivery device to enter the ready state from the initial state (i.e., the state when it is not triggered, which can correspond to the state when the nebulizing drug delivery device is used for the first time or the state after each nebulization). For example, the one rotation is configured as a 180° rotation, that is, when the inner shell 22 rotates 180° relative to the upper shell 21, the nebulizing drug delivery device can draw fluid from the container 1 to enter the ready state. In this example, the nebulizer can emit an audible prompt to indicate to the user that the nebulizer has moved from the initial state to the ready state.

[0050] To prepare the nebulizer for drug delivery, in one embodiment, a pressure-generating structure is also provided within the housing. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,in, Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the upper shell portion in one embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the upper shell portion of one embodiment of this application, omitting the blocking component. (See attached diagram.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure generating structure may include a holder (not shown), a drive spring (not shown), a blocking assembly 211, and an actuating member 212. The actuating member 212, for example, is disposed on the upper shell 21 and can cooperate with the holder to convert the rotational motion into axially downward motion. The holder is used to connect the container 1, thereby fixing the container 1 inserted into the nebulizer within the nebulizer and driving the container 1 to move axially downward. The actuating member 212 is used to actuate the holder to convert the rotational motion triggered by the nebulizer into axial movement. The drive spring is linked to the holder. The blocking assembly 211 can block or release the holder, allowing the drive spring to remain in a tensioned position or release its elasticity to move the holder axially upward. For example, the drive spring can be supported by the inner shell 22, and its upper end abuts against the holder. When the inner shell 22 rotates relative to the upper shell 21 (also known as when the sprayer is triggered), the actuating member 212 pushes the holder to move axially downward. The axial downward movement of the holder compresses (also known as tensioning) the drive spring. At the end of this rotational movement, the holder is blocked by the blocking component 211, and the drive spring remains in the tensioned position. After the user operates the blocking component 211 to release the blockage of the holder, the drive spring releases its elastic force to drive the holder to move axially upward.

[0051] Wherein, the axial direction refers to the axial direction of the nebulizing drug delivery device, and the axis of the nebulizing drug delivery device is as follows: Figure 1 The dotted line L in the diagram indicates this. The upward movement along the axial direction refers to movement toward the upper shell 21 of the nebulizer, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 The arrow direction is shown. Correspondingly, the downward movement along the axial direction refers to movement away from the upper shell 21 of the nebulizer, i.e., the movement in the direction of... Figure 1 The arrows shown point in opposite directions. The axial direction mentioned above and below, as well as upward or downward movement along the axial direction, can be understood in the same way and will not be elaborated further.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, a blocking component 211 may be disposed on the upper shell portion 21. On one hand, during the rotational movement of the aforementioned inner shell portion 22 relative to the upper shell portion 21, the blocking component 211 can block the holder, allowing the drive spring to remain in a tensioned position. On the other hand, the blocking component 211 can release the obstruction of the holder, thereby allowing the drive spring to release its elastic force, which pushes the holder to move the container 1 upward in the axial direction. In one example, the blocking component 211 includes a button, which the user can manually press to release the obstruction of the holder by the blocking component 211.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the actuating member 212 has a first ramp surface 2121, which can contact the holder. When the inner shell 22 and the upper shell 21 undergo a relative rotational movement, the actuating member 212 can also rotate relative to the holder, and the first ramp surface 2121 rotates relative to the holder. This relative rotation of the first ramp surface 2121 causes the holder to move downward in the axial direction, thereby compressing the drive spring downward. At the end of a rotational movement, the first ramp surface 2121 leaves the holder, and the holder and drive spring remain in a tensioned position due to the obstruction of the blocking component 211, that is, the nebulizer is in a ready state. When the obstruction of the blocking component 211 on the holder is released, the drive spring can be allowed to release its elastic force, thereby pushing the holder to move the container 1 upward in the axial direction.

[0054] Furthermore, to achieve the extraction and atomization of fluid in container 1, the pressure generating structure may also include a delivery assembly, which may include, for example, a delivery pipe, a check valve, a pressure chamber, and a nozzle. The nozzle may include a microfluidic structure capable of dispersing the fluid into an aerosol. The components in the delivery assembly cooperate with each other to perform fluid extraction, delivery, and atomization. The delivery pipe is disposed on the holder. When container 1 is fixed to the atomizing drug delivery device by the holder, the delivery pipe is automatically inserted into container 1 to connect the fluid inside container 1. When the atomizing drug delivery device is triggered, causing the drive spring to be in a tensioned state, the holder, along with container 1 and delivery pipe, moves downward, and the fluid in container 1 is drawn out of container 1 through the check valve and enters the pressure chamber. After the user manually operates the blocking assembly 211, the drive spring releases its elastic force, causing the delivery pipe, along with its now-closed check valve, to move towards the pressure chamber. The fluid in the pressure chamber is under pressure, forcing the fluid in the pressure chamber to be atomized and output through the nozzle.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the upper shell 21 may include a suction nozzle 213, which has a supply channel. The suction nozzle 213 can communicate with the nozzle. When the nebulizer is in the triggered state, the user inhales through the suction nozzle 213, so that the fluid atomized by the nozzle and output through the supply channel enters the respiratory system to achieve the therapeutic purpose.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper shell 21 may also be equipped with an air supply opening 214. When the user inhales through the nozzle 213, air can enter the nozzle 213 through the air supply opening 214 and mix with the atomized fluid, making the atomized particles inhaled by the user more uniform and fine, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, the air entering the nozzle 213 from the air supply opening 214 can increase the flow rate of atomized particles inhaled by the user, thereby increasing the intensity and coverage area of ​​the output spray, and thus improving the atomization effect.

[0057] To facilitate the protection of the suction nozzle 213, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle 213 may also be provided with an openable or closable cover 215. When the cover 215 is closed, it can simultaneously cover the nozzle 213 and the blocking component 212, preventing the nozzle 213 from being contaminated by the external environment and preventing the user from accidentally touching the blocking component 212 and triggering the nebulizer, thereby preventing fluid waste. Specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cover 215 can be connected to the upper shell 21 via a shaft structure 2151 at one end of the upper shell 21, thus allowing the cover 215 to be rotatably opened or closed via the shaft structure 2151. In one example, a protruding structure can be provided at the other end of the cover 215, allowing the user to open or close the cover 215 by operating the protruding structure. For example, if the user holds the housing 2 of the nebulizer in their hand, their thumb can push the protruding structure upwards to open the cover 215, or press the protruding structure downwards to close the cover 215.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the nebulizer includes an indicator 3, which indicates the number of nebulizations. The number of nebulizations is related to the dosage; therefore, the indicator 3 can provide a dosage indication to the user based on the number of nebulizations, or it can be understood as indicating the number of nebulizations by providing a dosage indication. In one embodiment, when the inner shell 22 completes one rotational movement relative to the upper shell 21, the amount of fluid drawn from the container 1 is half a dose, where half a dose refers to half of the aforementioned dose. In other words, one nebulization of the nebulizer is the nebulization of half a dose; the nebulizer needs to perform two nebulizations to complete the delivery of one dose of drug. For ease of explanation and illustration, the following examples using half a dose of fluid per nebulization to illustrate the indicator's function and the nebulizer's lifespan should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the indicator 3 includes a threaded rod 31 and an indicator element 32. The threaded rod 31 is rotatably supported on the inner shell 22, and the indicator element 32 indicates the number of atomizations by its position in the axial direction of the threaded rod. In some examples, the relative rotational movement of the upper shell and the inner shell can drive the threaded rod 31 to rotate, causing the indicator element 32, which is threaded to it, to move in its axial direction. For example, the upper shell may be equipped with a drive unit, and the threaded rod may include a transmission gear. The drive unit can pass through the transmission gear while following the rotation of the upper shell relative to the inner shell, thereby driving the threaded rod to rotate and causing the indicator element to move in the axial direction of the threaded rod. It should be noted that, for ease of description and understanding, in the subsequent embodiments of this application, the travel distance of one thread of the threaded rod provided to the indicator element is referred to as one stroke. Since one thread corresponds to one pitch in the axial direction, with the axial direction of the threaded rod as a reference, one stroke corresponds to one pitch. The movement of the indicator element by one stroke corresponds to the movement of the indicator element on the threaded rod by one pitch. The total stroke is the total pitch provided by the portion of the threaded part of the threaded rod that is indicated by the indicator element. It can be expressed by dividing the effective total length of the threaded part of the threaded rod by the pitch. The effective total length is the length occupied by the portion of the threaded part that is indicated by the indicator element. This allows for redundancy in the threaded part of the threaded rod in some embodiments. Of course, redundancy in the threaded part can also be omitted. In this case, the portion of the threaded part that is indicated by the indicator element is the total thread length of the threaded part.

[0060] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 and combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in, Figure 5The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a threaded rod in one embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a partial schematic diagram showing a threaded rod supported on an inner shell in one embodiment of this application. As shown, the threaded rod 31 includes a transmission gear 312, and a drive unit configurable on the upper shell drives the transmission gear 312 to rotate the threaded rod 31. The threaded rod 31 also includes a rod portion 311, which includes a threaded portion 3111. An indicating element 32 is threadedly engaged on the threaded portion 3111, and the rotation of the threaded rod 31 causes the indicating element 32 to move axially. The rod portion 311 also includes a first engaging portion 3112 extending axially from the end of the threaded portion 3111. Furthermore, a support member 221 that engages with the first engaging portion 3112 is provided on the outer wall of the inner shell 22, so that the threaded rod 31 is rotatably supported on the inner shell 22. Specifically, the first engaging portion 3112 can be configured with a smooth surface, and the support member 221 is matched with a snap-fit ​​structure on the outer wall of the inner shell portion 22, so that when the first engaging portion 3112 is engaged in the snap-fit ​​structure, the first engaging portion 3112 is allowed to rotate in the snap-fit ​​structure, thereby allowing the threaded rod 31 to be held on the outer wall of the inner shell portion 22 and to be driven to rotate by the transmission gear 312. Furthermore, a second engaging portion (not identified) can also be configured at the end of the rod portion 311 opposite to the first engaging portion 3112, and a matching support portion is configured on the outer wall of the inner shell portion 22. The second engaging portion cooperates with the support portion to support the threaded rod 31 on the outer wall of the inner shell portion 22 without affecting the rotation of the threaded rod 31.

[0061] In one embodiment, the drive unit rotates the threaded rod 31 by engaging the teeth of the transmission gear 312 during rotation with the upper housing. The transmission gear 312 can be configured with at least three teeth; for example, it can be configured with three teeth or four teeth (e.g.,...). Figure 5 (Examples shown), five teeth, six teeth, or more teeth.

[0062] To extend the lifespan of the nebulizer without affecting the indicator structure, in one embodiment, the drive unit is configured with at most two opposing single-toothed members on the inner wall of the upper shell. It should be understood that the at most two opposing single-toothed members include a single toothed member on the upper shell and two single-toothed members located on opposite sides of the upper shell. Thus, when the upper shell completes one rotation relative to the inner shell (one rotation corresponds to a 180° rotation), at most one single-toothed member will be driven by the upper shell to actuate one tooth on the transmission gear. In other words, P or 2P rotations of the upper shell relative to the inner shell cause the indicator element to move one stroke axially along the threaded rod, thereby allowing the nebulizer to perform nebulizations at P times or 2P times the total stroke, where P represents the number of teeth on the transmission gear. In this embodiment, the transmission gear has at least three teeth. In this way, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased several times by reducing the number of single teeth in the drive section, and the amount of fluid in the container can be increased adaptably without changing other structures.

[0063] The following assumes that one rotational motion corresponds to a 180° rotational motion, and the transmission gears are configured as follows: Figure 5 Taking the four teeth shown as an example, and combining them... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The working principle of the indicator and its improvement in service life are explained for embodiments with one single toothed component and two opposing single toothed components respectively. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional schematic of a nebulizing drug delivery device with a single toothed component disposed within the upper shell in one embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional schematic of a nebulizing drug delivery device with two opposing single-toothed components disposed within the upper shell in one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cross section shown corresponds to the following: Figure 2 The cross section at the marked AA position.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, two opposing single-tooth members are arranged on the inner wall of the upper shell 21, that is, Figure 7 The first single-tooth member 216a and the second single-tooth member 216b are shown. During the first rotation, i.e., when the upper housing 21 rotates 180° in the direction of the arrow, the first single-tooth member 216a can mesh with a tooth on the transmission gear 312. In other words, as the first single-tooth member 216a rotates with the upper housing 21, it contacts and engages a tooth of the transmission gear 312, thereby causing the threaded rod to rotate 90° in the direction of rotation, thus engaging... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown ( Figure 9 and Figure 10(The diagrams show the state of a single toothed component before and after passing through the transmission gear.) Figure 7 When the first single tooth 216a passes through the transmission gear 312, from the perspective of the state of the transmission gear 312, it rotates 90° in the direction of rotation. This 90° rotation causes the indicating element to move 1 / 4 of a stroke on the threaded rod. When the second rotation occurs, that is, when the upper shell 21 continues to rotate 180° in the direction of the arrow, the second single tooth 216b passes through the transmission gear 312. During this process, the second single tooth 216b meshes with one tooth on the transmission gear 312, causing the threaded rod to rotate 90° again in the direction of rotation. This 90° rotation causes the indicating element to continue moving 1 / 4 of a stroke on the threaded rod 31. This cycle continues until the upper shell 21 performs 4 (P=4) rotational movements, which allows the indicating element to accumulate a stroke in the axial direction.

[0065] In other words, in Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator element moves once for each atomization or rotation, with each movement being 1 / 4 of a stroke. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, four nebulizations are required, and the indicator element can move one stroke. Taking a total stroke configuration of 30 strokes as an example, the threaded rod can allow the indicator element to move 120 times, thereby allowing the nebulizer to provide 120 nebulizations. With two nebulizations corresponding to one dose, the preset dose contained in container 1 can be increased to 60 doses.

[0066] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, a single toothed member 216c is disposed on the inner wall of the upper shell 21. During the first rotation, i.e., when the upper shell 21 rotates 180° in the direction of the arrow, the single toothed member 216c can only rotate 180° and cannot contact the transmission gear 312; at this time, the threaded rod does not rotate. During the second rotation, i.e., when the upper shell 21 continues to rotate 180° in the direction of the arrow, the single toothed member 216c can pass through the transmission gear 312 during this rotation. In this process, the single toothed member 216c meshes with one tooth of the transmission gear 312, causing the threaded rod to rotate 90° in the direction of rotation. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in Figure 8 When the single tooth 216c passes through the transmission gear 312, from the perspective of the tooth state of the transmission gear 312, the transmission gear 312 rotates 90° in the direction of rotation. This 90° rotation can cause the indicating element to move 1 / 4 of a stroke on the threaded rod. This cycle continues until the upper housing 21 performs 8 (2P=2×4) rotational movements, which can cause the indicating element to accumulate a stroke in the axial direction.

[0067] In other words, in Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator element moves once for every two atomizations or two rotations, with each movement being 1 / 4 of a stroke. That is, Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, eight atomization cycles are required, and the indicating element can move one stroke. Taking a total stroke configuration of 30 strokes as an example, that is, although the threaded rod is still... Figure 7 Similarly, the indicator element can be allowed to move 120 times, but since one movement corresponds to two nebulizations, the number of nebulizations provided by the nebulizer can reach 240, with two nebulizations corresponding to one dose, and the preset dose contained in container 1 can be increased to 120 doses.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the drive unit is configured as three single teeth on the inner wall of the upper shell 21, wherein two single teeth are grouped together and disposed on the same side of the upper shell, and are opposite to the third single tooth. For ease of explanation and to distinguish it from the first and second single teeth described in the above embodiments, the three single teeth in this embodiment are respectively described as a third single tooth, a fourth single tooth, and a fifth single tooth. The third and fourth single teeth can be configured as a group located on the same side of the upper shell; for example, the third single tooth is disposed on... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the first single tooth 216a is positioned such that the fourth single tooth is located on the same side as the third single tooth, and the fifth single tooth is located on the opposite side of the third and fourth single teeth, for example, on... Figure 7 The position of the second single tooth 216b is shown.

[0069] In an embodiment where the drive unit can be configured with three single teeth, the transmission gear can be configured with at least three teeth (denoted by P). The drive unit is configured with three single teeth such that 2P rotational movements cause the indicator element to move three strokes in the axial direction of the threaded rod, allowing the number of nebulizations of the nebulizing drug delivery device to reach 2P / 3 times the total stroke provided by the threaded rod in the axial direction. The following description uses a transmission gear configured with four teeth and the process of each rotational movement.

[0070] Specifically, during the first rotation, when the upper shell 21 rotates 180° relative to the inner shell 22, the third and fourth single-toothed members can respectively mesh with two teeth on the transmission gear 312. In other words, as the third single-toothed member rotates with the upper shell 21, it contacts and engages one tooth of the transmission gear 312, causing the threaded rod to rotate 90° in the direction of rotation. Immediately afterwards, as the fourth single-toothed member rotates with the upper shell 21, it contacts and engages the other tooth of the transmission gear 312, causing the threaded rod to rotate another 90° in the direction of rotation. That is, when the third and fourth single-toothed members pass through the transmission gear 312, the transmission gear 312 rotates 180° in the direction of rotation. This 180° rotation causes the indicating element to move half a stroke on the threaded rod. During the second rotation, when the upper shell 21 rotates 180° relative to the inner shell 22, the fifth single toothed member engages with a tooth on the transmission gear 312, causing the threaded rod to rotate another 90° in the direction of rotation. This 90° rotation causes the indicating element to move one-quarter of its stroke on the threaded rod 31. This cycle continues until the upper shell 21 has performed 8 rotations (P=4), allowing the indicating element to accumulate 3 strokes of axial movement.

[0071] In other words, in this embodiment, for every two nebulizations or every two rotations, the indicator element can move three times, with a total movement of 3 / 4 of one stroke. Specifically, the first nebulization moves 1 / 2 of one stroke, and the second nebulization moves 1 / 4 of one stroke. That is, in this embodiment, for every 8 nebulizations, the indicator element can move 3 strokes. Taking a total stroke configuration of 30 strokes as an example, the nebulizer can provide up to 80 nebulizations, with two nebulizations corresponding to one dose, increasing the preset dose contained in container 1 to 40 doses.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the single tooth (216a, 216b, 216c) is configured as an inner protrusion formed on the inner wall of the upper housing 21. In some examples, the inner protrusion may be configured as an elongated protrusion extending axially on the inner wall of the upper housing 21, thus allowing the single tooth to occupy a certain length in the axial direction, which can reduce the lateral alignment accuracy between the single tooth and the threaded rod. It should be noted that... Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is merely an illustrative representation of a single toothed component and should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The single toothed component 216 can be configured as any form of protrusion structure, as long as it can mesh with the teeth on the transmission gear 312 of the threaded rod 31 and drive the threaded rod 31 to rotate.

[0073] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the upper shell 21 is configured with a near-racetrack-shaped structure, and the single toothed members (216a, 216b, 216c) are positioned near the junction of the straight section and the curve. The "near the junction" refers to a region occupying a certain area on both the straight section and the curve, with the junction point as a reference. For example, the single toothed members (216a, 216b, 216c) positioned near the junction of the straight section and the curve can be specifically positioned at the junction point, on the straight section and close to the junction point, or on the curve and close to the junction point.

[0074] Of course, in some other embodiments, the upper shell 21 can be configured in any other shape, such as a circle, and the single tooth (216a, 216b, 216c) can also be configured at any position on the inner wall of the upper shell 21, as long as the single tooth 216 can drive the transmission gear 312 of the threaded rod 31 to rotate when the upper shell 21 is rotated. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0075] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of a transmission gear configuration with four teeth. When the total stroke is configured to 30 strokes, the nebulizer is allowed to provide 80, 120, and 240 nebulizations, thereby significantly improving the lifespan of the nebulizer through the design of the drive gears. In one embodiment, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be further improved by increasing the number of gears in the transmission gear. Following the concept of configuring the drive unit with at most two or three opposing single-tooth components, for example, the transmission gear can be configured with five gears, allowing the nebulizer to perform nebulizations up to 10 / 3 times, 5 times, or 10 times the total stroke. Of course, those skilled in the art can configure the transmission gear with six, seven, eight, or more gears according to actual requirements and circumstances; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple threads are evenly distributed on the threaded portion 3111. One thread pitch corresponds to one stroke as described in the aforementioned embodiment, and the total stroke is the total thread pitch provided by the portion of the threaded portion of the threaded rod indicated by the indicating element. Therefore, in some embodiments, based on the idea that the drive unit is configured with at most two or three opposing single-tooth members, the service life of the nebulizer can be further improved by increasing the total stroke. For example, the total stroke can be configured to 40, 50, 60, etc.

[0077] In one embodiment, the number of threads can be increased by increasing the thread length of the threaded rod (i.e., the length of the threaded portion), thus providing a greater total pitch.

[0078] In one embodiment, the thread length of the threaded rod is configured to a fixed value (e.g., a desired length to accommodate the overall length of the nebulizer and user experience). The total stroke is associated with the thread density of the threaded rod, thus increasing the number of nebulizations provided by the nebulizer can be achieved by increasing the thread density. For example, in the example where the thread length is the fixed value, the total stroke can be changed by altering the thread density. For instance, the thread density can be configured to allow the total stroke to be any value between 30 and 60, such as 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60.

[0079] In other embodiments, the drive unit can be configured with other structures to increase the service life of the nebulizer without affecting the indicator structure by adjusting the number of teeth on the transmission gear on the threaded rod. In one embodiment, the drive unit can be configured as two sets of opposing double-toothed components. It should be understood that two sets of opposing double-toothed components refer to two sets of double-toothed components located on opposite sides of the upper shell, and one set of double-toothed components refers to an assembly with two teeth located on the same side of the upper shell. In this embodiment, the transmission gear can be configured to include at least five teeth (the number of teeth corresponding to at least five teeth is represented as M teeth). Thus, M rotational movements of the upper shell relative to the inner shell cause the indicator element to move two strokes axially on the threaded rod, thereby allowing the number of nebulizations of the nebulizer to reach M / 2 times the total stroke. Therefore, by increasing the number of teeth on the transmission gear, the service life of the nebulizer can be increased exponentially, and the preset dose of fluid in the container can be adapted to be increased without changing other structures.

[0080] The following example, using a 180° rotational motion as one rotation and a five-tooth transmission gear, illustrates the working principle of the indicator and its extended service life in an embodiment where the drive unit is configured with two sets of opposing double-tooth components. For ease of description and explanation, the two sets of double-tooth components will be referred to as the first set of double-tooth components and the second set of double-tooth components, respectively, and will not be repeated when referring to them thereafter.

[0081] In this embodiment, during the first rotation, i.e., when the upper shell 21 rotates 180° relative to the inner shell 22, the two teeth of the first set of double-toothed members can respectively mesh with the two teeth on the transmission gear. In other words, one tooth of the first set of double-toothed members will contact and engage one tooth of the transmission gear as it rotates with the upper shell 21, thereby causing the threaded rod to rotate 72° in the direction of rotation. Immediately afterwards, the other tooth of the first set of double-toothed members will contact and engage the next tooth of the transmission gear as it rotates with the upper shell 21, thereby causing the threaded rod to continue rotating 72° in the direction of rotation. That is, when the first set of double-toothed members passes the transmission gear, the transmission gear rotates 144° in the direction of rotation, and this 144° rotation can cause the indicating element to move 2 / 5 of its stroke on the threaded rod. When the second rotation occurs, that is, when the upper shell 21 continues to rotate 180° relative to the inner shell 22, the second set of double teeth will mesh with two teeth on the transmission gear, causing the threaded rod to rotate 144° again in the direction of rotation. This 144° rotation can cause the indicator element to continue to move 2 / 5 of a stroke on the threaded rod. This cycle continues until the upper shell 21 performs 5 (M=5) rotational movements, which can cause the indicator element to accumulate two strokes of axial movement.

[0082] In other words, in this embodiment, the indicator element can move twice for each nebulization or rotation, with each movement being 2 / 5 of a stroke. That is, in this embodiment, if 5 nebulizations are required, the indicator element can move two strokes. Taking a total stroke configuration of 30 strokes as an example, the threaded rod can allow the indicator element to move 75 times, thereby allowing the nebulizer to provide 75 nebulizations. With two nebulizations corresponding to one dose, the preset dose contained in container 1 can be increased to 37.5 doses.

[0083] In one embodiment, based on the idea of ​​configuring the drive unit as two sets of opposing double-toothed members, the service life of the nebulizer can be further improved by increasing the total stroke, for example, the total stroke can be configured to 40, 50, 60, etc.

[0084] In one embodiment, the number of threads can be increased by increasing the thread length of the threaded rod (i.e., the length of the threaded portion), thus providing a greater total pitch.

[0085] In one embodiment, the thread length of the threaded rod is configured to a fixed value (e.g., a desired length to accommodate the overall length of the nebulizer and user experience). The total stroke is associated with the thread density of the threaded rod, thus increasing the number of nebulizations provided by the nebulizer can be achieved by increasing the thread density. For example, in the example where the thread length is the fixed value, the total stroke can be changed by altering the thread density. For instance, the thread density can be configured to allow the total stroke to be any value between 30 and 60, such as 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60.

[0086] In one embodiment, the indicator element 32 can be used to indicate the usage status of the nebulizer delivery device. See also... Figure 11 The diagram shows a schematic representation of the structure of an indicator element in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown, the indicating element 32 includes an indicating portion 321, which specifically indicates the usage status of the nebulizer delivery device. In one example, the indicating portion 321 has an internal thread, which allows the indicating element 32 to move axially on the threaded rod 31 by engaging with the thread on the threaded rod 31.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the outer wall of the inner shell 22 is provided with scale markings 323 distributed in the axial direction of the threaded rod 31. The indicating element 32 cooperates with the scale markings 323 to indicate the usage status. In some examples, the scale markings 323 can be configured as any one or any combination of numbers, lines, or colors. For example, the scale markings 323 can be configured as a combination of lines and numbers. As the number of times the nebulizer is used increases, the indicating element 32 can move upward along the axial direction. During the movement, it changes the position it points to. This position can correspond to a certain line range or a certain line. This line range or line can be used to indicate the number of times the nebulizer has been used, or to indicate the dosage or remaining dosage of the fluid in the container, or it can be used to indicate the remaining number of days of use of the nebulizer, but it is not limited to these. It should be understood that the scale markings 323 are not necessarily and need to be particularly precise. That is, the indicating part 321 on the indicating element only needs to point to a general line range or number area to remind the user of the usage status of the nebulizer.

[0088] In one embodiment, the scale marking 323 is also equipped with a warning indicator to alert the user when the nebulizer has been used a preset number of times. The preset number of times refers to a pre-defined limit on the number of uses. For example, when the number of nebulizer uses has reached or is close to the preset number, the warning indicator indicates to the user that the nebulizer is nearing the end of its lifespan, prompting the user to prepare for a follow-up appointment or to obtain a new prescription in advance so that the nebulizer can be replaced in a timely manner. For instance, when the lifespan of the nebulizer is configured for 240 nebulizations, the preset number of uses can be set to 226. That is, when the user has used the nebulizer 226 times (with 14 nebulizations remaining, allowing the user to continue using it for seven more days), the warning indicator indicates that the number of nebulizations is about to be exhausted. In one example, the warning indicator can be configured as a color indicator, such as red or yellow. In this example, a section of the scale marking 323 corresponding to the preset number of nebulizations up to the last nebulization can be configured as red. Thus, when the indicator element 32 reaches the red area, the user can immediately notice that the nebulizer is nearing the end of its lifespan. Of course, the warning sign can also be configured in any other form, as long as it can alert the user, and this application does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0089] In one embodiment, the indicating element 32 may further include a push rod 322, which is disposed on the indicating portion 321. The push rod 322 is used to trigger a locking between the upper shell portion 21 and the inner shell portion 22 when the indicating portion 321 moves to its endpoint. The position of the indicating portion 321 when it reaches its endpoint refers to the position of the indicating element 32 when the nebulizer performs its last nebulization or when relative rotation occurs again after the last nebulization. Specifically, when the nebulizer is unused, the indicating element 32 is located at the lower end of the threaded rod 31. As the number of uses increases, the indicating element 32 rises along the threaded rod 31. During the last nebulization, the indicating element 32 can move to the upper end of the threaded rod 31, allowing the push rod 322 to extend between the upper shell portion 21 and the inner shell portion 22 to trigger the locking between them. In some examples, the push rod 322 and the indicating portion 321 may be integrally formed or fixedly connected, including but not limited to welding, bonding, and tenon joints.

[0090] In one embodiment, a locking element is disposed between the upper shell 21 and the inner shell 22. The locking between the upper shell 21 and the inner shell 22 is triggered by the push rod 322. The locking element, when triggered, impedes relative rotational movement between the upper shell 21 and the inner shell 22, thereby preventing the user from continuing to use the nebulizer when the number of nebulization cycles has been exhausted. In one example, the locking element may be configured to include a first recess, a second recess, and a spring plate. The first recess may be disposed on or formed on the outer wall of the inner shell 22, and the second recess may be disposed on or formed on the inner wall of the upper shell 21. The spring plate is located within the first recess. When the number of nebulization cycles of the nebulizer is about to be exhausted, the first and second recesses are not yet facing each other. At this time, the push rod 322 moves toward the spring plate and is about to reach a position where it contacts the spring plate. As the number of nebulization cycles is exhausted, the push rod 322 contacts the spring plate, causing the locking element to be in a locked state.

[0091] Specifically, as the number of nebulization cycles is exhausted, once the inner shell 22 rotates again relative to the upper shell 21, the first and second recesses can face each other, the push rod 322 touches the lower end of the spring plate, and causes its other end to spring into the second recess, so that the spring plate is located in the first and second recesses. At this time, the locking element plays a locking role, and the two can only rotate relative to each other when a force sufficient to destroy the nebulization drug delivery device is applied to the inner shell 22 and the upper shell 21.

[0092] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The nebulized drug delivery device also includes a transparent lower shell 23, which is attached to the housing 2 so that the indication provided by the indicating element 32 can be observed by the user through the transparent lower shell 23. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, the transparent lower shell 23 can be detachably connected to the inner shell 22 via buckles 231 located on both sides of the inner shell 22. In some examples, the transparent lower shell 23 can be configured as a material with good optical properties and scratch resistance, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, so that the user can observe the scale markings or warning markings without opening the nebulizer. Furthermore, it can maintain high transparency even after long-term use, preventing reduced observability due to decreased transparency. It should be noted that while facilitating user observation, the transparent lower shell 23 also protects the internal components of the nebulizer from mechanical damage or contamination caused by external contaminants. Further, the inner wall at the bottom of the transparent lower shell 23 can be provided with a puncture element, which can puncture the bottom of the container 1 described in the previous embodiment to allow air to enter, thereby ensuring that the aforementioned collapse bag can be compressed during nebulization.

[0093] In summary, to overcome the technical problem of short service life of nebulizers leading to high user costs in the aforementioned related technologies, the nebulizer provided in this application, by setting an upper shell and an inner shell that can rotate relative to each other, allows the inner shell to perform one nebulization operation when it completes one rotation relative to the upper shell. By setting a rotatable threaded rod supported on the inner shell and an indicating element that engages with the threaded rod on the indicator of the nebulizer, and by driving a transmission gear on the threaded rod through a drive unit on the upper shell, the indicating element moves axially on the threaded rod, thereby counting the number of nebulizations. By configuring the transmission gear with P teeth and the drive unit with at most two opposing single-tooth components, the P or 2P rotational movements of the upper shell relative to the inner shell cause the indicating element to move one stroke axially along the threaded rod, thus allowing the number of nebulizations to reach P times or 2P times the total stroke. In this way, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased several times by reducing the number of teeth on the drive unit. Furthermore, the lifespan of the nebulizer can be increased even more by changing the number of teeth on the transmission gear or the total stroke of the threaded rod. The amount of fluid in the container can be increased to a preset dose without affecting other structures of the drug delivery device, thereby reducing the user's operating costs.

[0094] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A nebulized drug delivery device, characterized in that, include: A container that holds fluid; The shell, which receives the container, includes an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein fluid in the container is drawn for a single atomization when the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion. An indicator includes a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell and an indicator element that indicates the number of atomizations by its axial position on the threaded rod. The threaded rod includes a transmission gear, and a drive unit is disposed on the upper shell. The drive unit drives the threaded rod to rotate as the upper shell rotates relative to the inner shell, thereby causing the indicator element to move axially. One stroke corresponds to one pitch, and the movement of the indicator element by one stroke corresponds to the distance the indicator element moves along the threaded rod by one pitch. The transmission gear includes four teeth. The drive unit is configured as a single tooth or as two single teeth located on opposite sides of the upper shell. When the drive unit is configured as two single teeth located on opposite sides of the upper shell, the upper shell rotates four times relative to the inner shell, causing the indicating element to move one stroke in the axial direction. When the drive unit is configured as a single tooth, the upper shell rotates eight times relative to the inner shell, causing the indicating element to move one stroke in the axial direction, allowing the nebulizing drug delivery device to perform nebulizations four or eight times the total stroke provided by the threaded rod in the axial direction.

2. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amount of fluid extracted during each rotation is half the dose.

3. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single toothed component is configured as one, the total stroke is configured as 30 strokes, and the nebulizer delivers medication 240 times.

4. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single toothed component is configured in two parts, the total stroke is configured to be 30 strokes, and the nebulizer can perform 120 nebulizations.

5. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thread length of the threaded rod is configured to a certain value, and the total stroke is related to the thread density of the threaded rod so as to increase the number of nebulizations that the nebulizing drug delivery device can provide by increasing the thread density.

6. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The range of the thread density is configured such that the total stroke is configured to be any value between 30 and 60.

7. The nebulizing drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single tooth is configured as an inner protrusion formed on the inner wall of the upper shell.

8. The nebulizing drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper shell is configured as a near-runway-shaped structure, and the single tooth is located near the junction of the straight section and the curve.

9. The nebulizing drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicating element includes an indicating portion and a push rod disposed on the indicating portion, the push rod being used to trigger a locking between the upper shell portion and the inner shell portion when the indicating portion moves to an end point.

10. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the inner shell is provided with scale markings distributed in the axial direction of the threaded rod, and the indicating element cooperates with the scale markings to indicate the usage status.

11. The nebulizing drug delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The scale markings are also equipped with warning signs to alert the user when the nebulizer has been used a preset number of times.

12. The nebulized drug delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a transparent lower shell, which is attached to the housing so that the indication provided by the indicating element can be observed by the user through the transparent lower shell.

13. A nebulized drug delivery device, characterized in that, include: A container that holds fluid; The shell, which receives the container, includes an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein fluid in the container is drawn for a single atomization when the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion. An indicator includes a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell and an indicator element that indicates the number of atomizations by the axial position of the threaded rod. The threaded rod includes a transmission gear, and a drive unit is disposed on the upper shell. The drive unit drives the threaded rod to rotate as the upper shell rotates relative to the inner shell, thereby causing the indicator element to move axially. The transmission gear includes P teeth, which are configured to be at least three teeth. The drive unit is configured with three single teeth such that 2P rotational movements cause the indicator element to move three strokes in the axial direction of the threaded rod, allowing the nebulizing drug delivery device to perform 2P / 3 times the total stroke provided by the threaded rod in the axial direction.

14. A nebulized drug delivery device, characterized in that, include: A container that holds fluid; The shell, which receives the container, includes an inner shell portion and an upper shell portion rotatable relative to the inner shell portion, wherein fluid in the container is drawn for a single atomization when the upper shell portion completes one rotation relative to the inner shell portion. An indicator includes a threaded rod rotatably supported on the inner shell and an indicator element that indicates the number of atomizations by the axial position of the threaded rod. The threaded rod includes a transmission gear, and a drive unit is disposed on the upper shell. The drive unit drives the threaded rod to rotate as the upper shell rotates relative to the inner shell, thereby causing the indicator element to move axially. The transmission gear includes M teeth, which are configured to be at least five teeth. The drive unit is configured as two sets of double-toothed members facing each other, such that M rotational movements cause the indicating element to move two strokes in the axial direction of the threaded rod, allowing the nebulizing drug delivery device to perform nebulizations up to M / 2 times the total stroke provided by the threaded rod in the axial direction.

Images