INHALER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler for inhaling an aerosol, which has a container for storing a liquid intended for evaporation and an evaporator device for evaporating the liquid and thus generating the aerosol.

[0002] An inhaler produces an aerosol for inhalation. For this purpose, a liquid is typically vaporized in a vaporizer, thus generating and delivering an aerosol. The vaporizer usually comprises a receiving structure for the liquid to be vaporized and an electric vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid.

[0003] From DE 10 2016 120 803 A1, an inhaler with a vaporizer is known. The vaporizer comprises a vaporizer made of a doped and electrically conductive ceramic. The ceramic is provided with controlled microchannels of a predetermined orientation, through which liquid flows for vaporization. When electrically powered, the ceramic generates heat to vaporize the liquid it contains. The vaporizer also includes a flow control device that regulates the flow of liquid through the microchannels.

[0004] From WO 2004 022 242 A1, an inhaler is known which has a vaporization device with a heated single capillary. The inhaler also has a container for storing a liquid that can flow to the single capillary. The flow of the liquid to the single capillary is regulated by a valve.

[0005] US Patent 20 2000 022 416 A1 discloses an inhaler that has a container for storing a liquid. A piston is guided within the container, which, when moved, transfers liquid from the container to an evaporator. During operation, the evaporator generates heat to vaporize the liquid applied to it.

[0006] Other inhalers are known from US 2020 / 154781 A1 and US 2020 / 383383 A1.

[0007] The present invention addresses the objective of providing improved or at least other embodiments for an inhaler of the type mentioned above and for a unit for such an inhaler, which are characterized in particular by improved control of the vaporized liquid.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention is based on the general concept of providing an inhaler with a vaporizer device, which has a receiving structure with a predetermined total volume for receiving a liquid to be vaporized. The receiving structure is filled with liquid via a fluidic connection to a container for storing the liquid and is subsequently fluidically separated from the container. The liquid received in the receiving structure is vaporized to generate the aerosol while the receiving structure is fluidically separated from the container. The predetermined and therefore known total volume of the receiving structure means that the amount, or at least the maximum possible amount, of the vaporized liquid is known and thus precisely controllable.This leads to improved control of the amount of liquid vaporized during each evaporation process, as the exact amount is known and therefore precisely controllable. This results in improved control of the aerosol delivered for inhalation. In summary, this achieves improved control over the evaporation process and the amount vaporized. This makes it particularly suitable for use in inhalers for medical applications.

[0010] According to the invention, the inhaler comprises a container for storing a liquid and a vaporizer. The vaporizer includes a receiving structure and an electric vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid and thus generating the aerosol. The receiving structure has a predetermined and therefore known total volume for holding the liquid. The inhaler is adjustable between a filled state and a vaporization state. In the filled state, the receiving structure and the container are fluidically connected, allowing liquid stored in the container to flow into the receiving structure. In contrast, in the vaporization state, the receiving structure and the container are fluidically separated, preventing liquid from flowing from the container into the receiving structure.In this process, liquid absorbed into the receiving structure is vaporized by an electric vaporizer to generate the aerosol. For this purpose, the inhaler has a specially designed control unit. This control unit is configured to supply the vaporizer with electricity in the vaporizing state, thus vaporizing the liquid absorbed into the receiving structure.

[0011] The evaporator is suitably designed such that, when electrically supplied, it generates heat to evaporate the liquid contained in the receiving structure during the evaporation state. In particular, the evaporator can be designed as a heating element or incorporate a heating element.

[0012] Preferably, the inhaler is a portable, handheld device that can be carried around. The inhaler can preferably be gripped and carried by a single user. Its dimensions are designed accordingly.

[0013] Preferably, the inhaler has a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, for electrical supply. The control unit is expediently designed such that it supplies the vaporizer with electrical power via the battery when it is in the vaporization state, enabling the vaporization of the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure.

[0014] The inhaler can, in principle, be used to vaporize any liquid. In particular, it is possible to use the inhaler to vaporize liquids containing medicinal substances. Specifically, the defined and / or controllable amount of vaporized liquid allows for a defined and / or controllable dosage of the medication delivered to a patient.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the receiving structure is completely filled with the liquid stored in the container when the inhaler is filled. This results in improved control of the amount of liquid evaporated. Complete filling of the receiving structure can, in principle, be achieved by leaving the inhaler in the filled state for a sufficiently long time. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to use the control device to achieve complete filling of the receiving structure. The control device is designed accordingly for this purpose.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are those in which the evaporation of the liquid in the receiving structure occurs only outside the filling state and during the evaporation state. This allows for improved control of the amount of liquid evaporated. The inhaler is therefore operated discontinuously because the evaporation device cannot generate any more vapor after the liquid in the receiving structure has evaporated. Only when the receiving structure is filled does liquid again enter it and can be evaporated by the evaporator. For this purpose, it is preferred that the electrical supply to the evaporator is interrupted during the filling state. The control device is advantageously designed to interrupt the electrical supply to the evaporator during the filling state.

[0017] It is also conceivable that the inhaler could be operated continuously, in which the vaporizer, when filled, evaporates the liquid absorbed into the receiving structure, with liquid continuously entering the receiving structure.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, liquid is only added to the receiving structure once the liquid previously contained within it has completely evaporated. This allows for simple and reliable monitoring of the evaporated quantity of liquid. The control device can be designed accordingly for this purpose. Specifically, the control device can be configured to prevent a change from the evaporation state to the filled state until the liquid contained within the receiving structure has completely evaporated. The evaporation of the liquid contained within the receiving structure can be achieved through a single evaporation process or through multiple evaporation processes.

[0019] Alternatively, it is conceivable to monitor the amount of liquid evaporated during each evaporation process using appropriate sensors.

[0020] The liquid absorbed by the receiving structure evaporates when the receiving structure reaches sufficiently high temperatures. The evaporation device, and in particular the evaporator itself, is designed accordingly. This means that when electrically powered, the evaporator generates heat at sufficiently high temperatures to cause the liquid absorbed by the receiving structure to evaporate.

[0021] Complete evaporation of the liquid contained in the receiving structure occurs when the receiving structure is heated for a predetermined and therefore known duration. In other words, complete evaporation of the liquid contained in the receiving structure is achieved when the evaporator is operated for a predetermined duration and / or generates temperatures within a predetermined range, hereinafter also referred to as the operating range, for a predetermined duration. The complete evaporation of the liquid contained in the receiving structure can be controlled and / or monitored by the control unit. The control unit is therefore designed accordingly. In particular, it is sufficient if the control unit controls and / or monitors the duration of the evaporator's operation.

[0022] In principle, the receiving structure and the evaporator of the evaporator device can be separate components of the evaporator device.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments are those in which the receiving structure is at least partially, and preferably entirely, a component of the evaporator. This means that the evaporator incorporates the receiving structure at least partially, and preferably entirely. As a result, both the liquid intake and evaporation occur within the evaporator. In other words, the heat generation for evaporation and the liquid intake both take place within the evaporator. Therefore, the receiving structure maintains a homogeneous temperature during operation, ensuring that the liquid absorbed by the receiving structure is heated and evaporated homogeneously and uniformly.

[0024] Furthermore, this ensures that the temperature of the vaporizer matches the temperature of the receiving structure. This leads to simplified control of the amount of liquid vaporized and improved efficiency of the inhaler.

[0025] Preferred embodiments include those in which the evaporator is designed as an electrically conductive ceramic having the receiving structure, hereinafter also referred to as evaporator ceramic.

[0026] The evaporator ceramic thus advantageously serves both to absorb and store the liquid to be evaporated and to generate heat for its evaporation. The liquid is stored by means of the absorbing structure of the evaporator ceramic. The evaporator ceramic therefore possesses this absorbing structure, in which the liquid to be evaporated is held during operation.

[0027] The evaporator unit has two electrical connections for supplying power to the evaporator, particularly the ceramic evaporator. An electric current path, hereinafter also referred to as the current path, runs between these two electrical connections and through the evaporator, especially through the ceramic evaporator.

[0028] Preferably, the evaporator, and in particular the evaporator ceramic, is designed such that, by means of its electrically conductive properties, it generates heat homogeneously during operation when electrically supplied, in order to evaporate the liquid contained in the receiving structure. The homogeneous heat generation of the evaporator ceramic results in a homogeneous temperature and / or a homogeneous heat distribution throughout the volume of the evaporator ceramic and consequently in the receiving structure. This leads to uniform evaporation of the liquid throughout the entire receiving structure.

[0029] The evaporator, and in particular the evaporator ceramic, is designed for operation within a thermal operating range limited by a lower initial operating temperature and an upper final operating temperature. In other words, to evaporate the liquid, the evaporator, and in particular the evaporator ceramic, generates heat within the operating range when electrically supplied, and thus between the initial operating temperature and the final operating temperature.

[0030] The temperature of the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, can in principle be controlled by means of appropriate sensors, which are suitably connected to the control unit for communication purposes.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments include those in which the inhaler, particularly the vaporizer, has an electrical conductor, hereinafter also referred to as a blocking conductor. The blocking conductor is arranged in the current path so that the electric current flows through it during operation. The blocking conductor is connected to the vaporizer, particularly the vaporizer ceramic, in a heat-transferring manner. Furthermore, the blocking conductor is designed such that it exhibits a rapidly increasing electrical resistance at the operating temperature. Due to the heat-transferring connection between the blocking conductor and the vaporizer ceramic, a rapid increase in electrical resistance occurs in the current path upon reaching the operating temperature, thus interrupting or at least significantly reducing the electrical supply to the vaporizer, particularly the vaporizer ceramic.Accordingly, the operating temperature is at least substantially influenced, preferably determined, by means of the barrier conductor.

[0032] Thus, the final operating temperature is predetermined and determined without additional sensors. When the evaporator, and in particular the ceramic evaporator, is electrically powered, the evaporator maintains a temperature between the initial operating temperature and the final operating temperature. Therefore, the amount of liquid evaporated can be easily and reliably monitored over the duration of the electrical supply. In particular, this method ensures that all liquid contained within the receiving structure evaporates completely within a predetermined electrical supply period.

[0033] The heat-transferring connection of the barrier conductor with the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, is advantageously such that the temperature of the barrier conductor corresponds at least substantially to the temperature of the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic.

[0034] The inhaler, in particular the vaporizer device, can in principle have a single barrier conductor.

[0035] It is also conceivable to equip the inhaler, in particular the vaporizer unit, with two or more such barrier conductors. It is preferred if the barrier conductors are identical.

[0036] In this context, a sudden increase in electrical resistance upon exceeding the operating end temperature is understood to mean an increase that exceeds a linear increase.

[0037] It is preferred if at least one of the at least one blocking conductors exhibits a potential increase in electrical resistance when the operating temperature is exceeded. Particularly preferred are embodiments in which at least one of the at least one blocking conductors is configured such that its electrical resistance begins to increase exponentially when the operating temperature is exceeded. Embodiments are advantageous in which the electrical resistance of at least one of the at least one blocking conductors, preferably of the respective blocking conductor, increases by at least an order of magnitude in the 50°C following the operating temperature. This allows the evaporation parameters to be controlled particularly easily and effectively.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments are those in which at least one of the at least one barrier conductor, preferably the respective barrier conductor, is designed as a PTC thermistor, wherein the final operating temperature lies between an initial temperature and a final temperature of the at least one PTC thermistor. PTC thermistors exhibit a characteristic current characteristic, whereby the electrical resistance increases abruptly by several orders of magnitude from the initial temperature. In this way, it is ensured that the barrier conductor does not affect the electrical resistance of the entire evaporator assembly, hereinafter also referred to as the total resistance, or affects it only minimally, until the initial temperature is reached, and that the barrier conductor only has an effect increasing the total resistance once the initial temperature is reached.In other words, the total resistance is thus dominated by the evaporator, particularly the evaporator ceramic, until the operating temperature is reached, and then by at least one barrier conductor once the operating temperature is reached. Consequently, operation in the thermal operating range can occur with reduced energy consumption and thus increased efficiency. Simultaneously, upon reaching the operating temperature, a precisely defined and reliable interruption or at least reduction of the electrical supply takes place.

[0039] In principle, the final operating temperature can be any temperature between the initial temperature and the final temperature, advantageously between the initial temperature and the nominal temperature of the PTC thermistor.

[0040] It is advantageous if the final operating temperature corresponds to the initial temperature of the PTC thermistor. This ensures, in particular, that no increased energy expenditure, especially no increased power consumption, is required to reach the final operating temperature. This leads to increased efficiency of the evaporator. Furthermore, the evaporator can be easily operated with batteries, especially rechargeable batteries, and with extended operating time. This also means that the barrier conductor generates little to no heat in the operating range. This results in improved control over the evaporation parameters. Finally, this allows the evaporator, and especially the ceramic evaporator, to be operated at a power level that would lead to overheating without the barrier conductor.This makes it possible to quickly and efficiently bring the evaporator, especially the evaporator ceramic, to operating temperatures and maintain them within the operating range without complex control systems.

[0041] The respective at least one barrier conductor can in principle be arranged arbitrarily in the current path, provided that it is connected to the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, in a heat-transferring manner.

[0042] It is particularly conceivable to arrange at least one of the barrier conductors between the evaporator and one of the connections. This allows for a simple and compact design of the evaporator unit.

[0043] In principle, the heat-transferring connection between the respective barrier conductor and the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, can be designed in any way.

[0044] Preferred embodiments include those in which at least one of the at least one barrier conductor, advantageously the respective barrier conductor, rests flat on the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic. In particular, one of the at least one barrier conductor can rest directly flat on the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic. This results in a simple and compact design of the evaporator device, while simultaneously ensuring simple and reliable heat transfer from the evaporator, in particular from the evaporator ceramic, to the barrier conductor. At the same time, this makes it possible to easily arrange the barrier conductor in the current path.

[0045] The vaporizer, in particular the vaporizer ceramic, is advantageously designed as a single, continuous piece. It is preferred that a barrier conductor is arranged on at least one outer surface of the vaporizer, especially the vaporizer ceramic. This allows for a compact and simple manufacturing and construction of the inhaler.

[0046] It is also conceivable to design the evaporator, and in particular the evaporator ceramic, as a two-part or multi-part device. The evaporator, and in particular the evaporator ceramic, can therefore have two separate evaporator bodies. A barrier conductor can be arranged between at least two of the at least two evaporator bodies.

[0047] Preferred embodiments include those in which the evaporator consists entirely of the evaporator ceramic, i.e., comprises only the evaporator ceramic. This leads to a simplified manufacturing process for the evaporator device and, at the same time, to more precise and / or simpler control of the evaporation parameters, in particular the total volume for holding the liquid to be evaporated and the heat generated.

[0048] The respective at least one barrier conductor can in principle be made of any material, provided that it exhibits a rapidly increasing electrical resistance when the operating end temperature is exceeded.

[0049] It is particularly conceivable that at least one of the barrier conductors is made of ceramic.

[0050] It is advantageous for at least one barrier conductor to be dimensioned such that, compared to the evaporator, and especially the evaporator ceramic, it constitutes a smaller volume fraction. This allows, in particular, a more compact design of the evaporator unit.

[0051] Preferred embodiments include those in which at least one of the at least one barrier conductor is designed as a single layer. In particular, the at least one barrier conductor thus has a significantly reduced volume compared to the evaporator, especially the evaporator ceramic.

[0052] In principle, each layer can be designed in any way. In particular, at least one of the layers can be designed as a film, a coating, or the like.

[0053] As described above, it is preferred if the total electrical resistance of the evaporator device in the thermal operating range is dominated by the evaporator, in particular by the evaporator ceramic, and above the operating range, i.e. when the final operating temperature is exceeded, by the barrier conductor.

[0054] Preferably, this is implemented such that the electrical resistance of the barrier conductor in the operating range corresponds to a maximum of half the electrical resistance of the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic.

[0055] The electrical resistance of at least one barrier conductor is composed in particular of its specific resistance as well as its volume or distance along the current path. Accordingly, a reduction in the electrical resistance of the barrier conductor in the operating range can be achieved by reducing the relative volume of the barrier conductor in the inhaler, especially in the vaporizer unit.

[0056] The evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, preferably has an electrical resistance that increases only slightly up to the operating temperature, especially compared to the increase in resistance of the barrier conductor from the operating temperature onwards. Preferably, the electrical resistance of the evaporator, in particular the evaporator ceramic, exhibits a temperature-dependent curve within the operating range such that the resistance increases with temperature by a maximum of one order of magnitude.

[0057] As mentioned, the evaporator ceramic generates homogeneous heat through its electrical conductivity when electrically supplied. In particular, the evaporator ceramic acts as a heating element.

[0058] The evaporator ceramic can be an electrically conductive ceramic of any type, provided it has the receiving structure and generates homogeneous heat in the operating range when electrically supplied, in particular when an electrical voltage is applied in a specified range.

[0059] It is conceivable that the evaporator ceramic is inherently electrically conductive. Examples include ceramics made from metal oxides, such as titanium oxides, or metal carbides, as well as silicon carbides. Composite ceramics can also be used, which contain electrically conductive and non-conductive networks of different materials, with the conductive networks being advantageously distributed homogeneously within the ceramic. Examples of such composite ceramics are those with metal oxides of varying oxidation states. Mixed oxide ceramics can also be used, which are produced by blending different starting materials. During the manufacturing process, typically sintering, a new material is formed through chemical reactions. Examples of starting materials include various metal oxides. Furthermore, doped ceramics can be used, which become electrically conductive through doping.Of course, any combination of the aforementioned ceramics can also be used, provided that the evaporator ceramic is an electrically conductive ceramic with the receiving structure that generates heat homogeneously during operation.

[0060] In principle, a valve device with at least one valve can be provided to adjust the inhaler between the filling state and the vaporization state, which establishes and disconnects the fluidic connection between the container and the receiving structure accordingly.

[0061] According to the invention, the inhaler is adjusted between the filled state and the vaporization state by a relative movement between the container and the vaporization device, in particular the receiving structure. The respective state thus corresponds to a relative position between the container and the receiving structure. In other words, the filled state corresponds to a filling position and the vaporization state to a vaporization position. In this way, it is particularly possible to dispense with a corresponding valve device. The inhaler can therefore be manufactured in a simplified, cost-effective, and weight-reduced manner.

[0062] Preferred embodiments include a container outlet for dispensing the liquid into the receiving structure, thus filling it with liquid. Furthermore, the receiving structure has an outer surface that, when filled, is fluidically connected to the container outlet, allowing liquid to enter the receiving structure via the container outlet. This outer surface is hereinafter also referred to as the receiving surface. The vaporizer has a seal adjacent to the receiving surface. When filled, the receiving surface borders the container outlet, so that the receiving structure is fluidically connected to the container. In the vaporization state, however, the seal seals the container outlet. This allows for easy adjustment of the inhaler between the filled and vaporization states.Furthermore, this prevents liquid from escaping the container outlet in a simple and reliable way during evaporation.

[0063] Advantageous embodiments are those in which the filling of the receiving structure with the liquid and the release of the generated vapor from the receiving structure occur via sections of the receiving structure's outer surface that are offset from each other. This means that the receiving structure has an outer surface, hereinafter also referred to as the release surface, that is offset from the receiving surface, and from which vapor escapes during operation when the vaporizer is electrically powered. This allows for a simple implementation of the inhaler while simultaneously improving control over the amount of liquid vaporized.

[0064] In principle, the recording surface and the output surface of the recording structure can be positioned arbitrarily relative to each other, provided they are aligned.

[0065] It is particularly conceivable that the receiving surface and the output surface of the receiving structure are facing away from each other.

[0066] Advantageous embodiments include those in which the container has an inner contour that incorporates the container outlet. The vaporization device for adjusting between the filled state and the vaporization state is guided along this inner contour. This results in a simple and compact inhaler design. Furthermore, this design facilitates the easy adjustment of the inhaler between the filled state and the vaporization state.

[0067] Preferably, the container is designed in the form of a cylinder and the vaporization device, in particular the vaporizer, is designed as a piston guided within the cylinder. The cylinder advantageously has an inner surface which, together with an outer surface of the cylinder, defines the volume of the container for storing the liquid, hereinafter also referred to as the container volume. The vaporization device, in particular the vaporizer, is arranged and guided outside the container volume and along the inner surface. Advantageously, the inner contour forms at least part of the inner surface. This results in a particularly simple design of the inhaler and a particularly simple adjustment between the filled state and the vaporization state.

[0068] It is advantageous if the inner surface of the container, particularly its inner contour, forms a chimney for the liquid vaporized by the vaporizer. This means that the cross-section bounded by the inner surface decreases towards an outlet of the inhaler for the delivery of the aerosol. Specifically, the cross-section is constant and decreases in a section following the vaporizer in the vaporization state. In particular, the cylinder is designed as such a chimney.

[0069] The receiving structure can, in principle, be designed in any way. Preferably, the receiving structure is integrally formed and / or shaped within the evaporator, particularly within the evaporator ceramic.

[0070] The absorption structure is preferably homogeneous, in particular homogeneously distributed in the evaporator ceramic.

[0071] It is conceivable to integrate the receiving structure into the evaporator device, particularly into the evaporator ceramic, through subsequent processing. In doing so, it is possible to form channels, for example microchannels, into the evaporator device, particularly into the evaporator ceramic, which are either part of the receiving structure or constitute the receiving structure itself.

[0072] Preferably, the receiving structure has pores, advantageously in the evaporator ceramic. Particularly preferably, the receiving structure consists of pores, i.e., it is a porous structure.

[0073] The pores of the vaporizer ceramic are advantageously formed during the manufacturing process, which can be carried out, for example, by sintering. In other words, the pores for absorbing the liquid are advantageously not introduced separately, and especially not subsequently, into the vaporizer ceramic. Thus, an intrinsic property of the vaporizer ceramic, inherent in its manufacturing process, is used to store the liquid to be vaporized. This leads to a simple and cost-effective production of the vaporizer ceramic and, consequently, of the vaporizer device and the inhaler.

[0074] Furthermore, the total volume of the evaporator ceramic can be defined by its pores during manufacturing. This leads to a further, simpler method of controlling the evaporation parameters.

[0075] The evaporator device, in particular the evaporator ceramic, can in principle have pores of any kind.

[0076] It is advantageous if the evaporator ceramic has pores with an average size between 0.05 µm and 50 µm. With a liquid as the substance, these average pore sizes result in a surface area to volume ratio of the respective pore such that these pores exhibit capillary forces that counteract, or preferably predominate, the forces acting on a droplet-shaped particle of the liquid within the volume due to gravity and / or pressure. As a result, the droplet-shaped particles, hereinafter also referred to as droplets, remain in the pores. Consequently, the outflow of the droplets, and therefore of the liquid, from the evaporator ceramic is prevented or at least significantly reduced. Thus, even low-viscosity liquids can be absorbed and stored in the evaporator ceramic.Thus, the ceramic vaporizer makes it possible to absorb and store a greater variety of liquids with different viscosities without the liquids leaking out. Consequently, the liquids can be supplied more cost-effectively and across a wider range of formulations. In particular, active ingredients contained in the liquids can be delivered more easily and / or in a more precise dose. Therefore, the ceramic vaporizer and the associated vaporizer system can be used more simply for controlled inhalation of these active ingredients, thus enabling controlled and / or predetermined dosages.The capillary forces described above also cause the evaporator ceramic to become saturated with the liquid to be evaporated when hydraulically connected, without any further intervention such as actively pumping the liquid into the ceramic. This eliminates or at least reduces the need for separate seals on the evaporator ceramic and / or eliminates the need for devices that actively introduce the liquid into the ceramic. As a result, both the evaporator ceramic and the associated evaporation unit can be implemented simply and cost-effectively. Thus, in addition to increasing the range of applications for the evaporator ceramic and the associated evaporation unit, their implementation is also simplified.

[0077] Another advantage of these medium pore sizes is that they increase the surface area of ​​the droplets in contact with the evaporator ceramic. In other words, a larger surface area of ​​the evaporator ceramic transfers heat to the droplets for evaporation. This results in more uniform evaporation of the liquid and thus improved control over the evaporation process. Furthermore, this leads to faster evaporation of the liquid.

[0078] In this context, the term mean pore size refers in particular to the ratio between four times the volume and the area of ​​the pores, i.e. 4V / A, as specified in particular in the standard ISO 15901.

[0079] As described above, the evaporator ceramic can be used in particular for the absorption of low-viscosity liquids. Low-viscosity liquids are understood to be, in particular, liquids with a viscosity of 45 mPas and less.

[0080] The liquid can be any type of liquid. In particular, it is possible to use liquids containing medicinal substances.

[0081] It is preferred that the pore sizes of the pores in the pore structure lie at least largely within the mean pore size. This means, in particular, that a maximum of 10% of the pores have pore sizes larger than four times the mean pore size. This results in a reduced, or preferably non-existent, presence of pores with sizes above the mean pore size. Consequently, the effects of pores with sizes above the mean pore size on the overall behavior of the evaporator ceramic, and therefore the effects of droplets with larger volumes in these pores on the overall behavior of the liquid absorbed in the evaporator ceramic, are negligible or at least reduced. This, in particular, prevents the liquid from flowing out of the evaporator ceramic. Furthermore, this ensures that the droplets absorbed in the pores have essentially the same volume, corresponding to the size distribution of the pores.This results in a homogeneous distribution of the liquid absorbed by the evaporator ceramic throughout its volume. Furthermore, this method allows for more homogeneous and / or controlled evaporation of the liquid.

[0082] Advantageous embodiments are those in which the mean pore size is between 0.1 µm and 25 µm, preferably between 0.15 µm and 10 µm, and particularly preferably between 0.2 µm and 5 µm. This results in an advantageous interaction between the droplets absorbed in the pores, the capillary forces, and the distribution of the liquid within the volume of the evaporator ceramic, leading to improved liquid absorption and evaporation within the ceramic.

[0083] The vaporization device and / or the container can each be a fixed component of the inhaler or arranged in a replaceable manner within the inhaler.

[0084] It is conceivable that the vaporization device and the container are integral parts of the inhaler, with the container being refillable with liquid.

[0085] It is conceivable that the vaporizer device is an integral part of the inhaler, whereas the container is interchangeable within the inhaler.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the container and the vaporization unit form a single, interchangeable unit within the inhaler, particularly in the form of a capsule. This simplifies the handling of the inhaler. Furthermore, by clearly assigning each container to its corresponding vaporization unit, cross-contamination of different liquids is avoided.

[0087] It is preferred that the container be sealed, i.e., not refillable with liquid without damage. This particularly prevents cross-contamination between different liquids and / or prevents, or at least makes more difficult, the use of non-specified and / or unauthorized liquids.

[0088] Advantageously, the control unit is connected to the vaporizer and / or the container in such a way that it receives and / or recognizes the liquid stored in the container or absorbed by the receiving structure. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide a separate electrical supply for the vaporizer for different liquids. Furthermore, it makes it possible to prevent the vaporization of unauthorized and / or unapproved liquids. Likewise, it makes it possible to allow operation of the inhaler, and especially the electrical supply to the vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid, only when specified and / or approved containers and / or vaporizers are installed in the inhaler. The control unit is designed accordingly. This, in particular, makes it possible to prevent misuse of the inhaler.

[0089] Communication between the control unit and the container and / or the evaporator unit is advantageously implemented via appropriate communication interfaces. The control unit therefore has a control unit communication interface that is connected to a container communication interface of the container and / or to an evaporator communication interface of the evaporator unit.

[0090] Communication can take any form. Wired communication is conceivable, but wireless communication is preferred.

[0091] Preferred embodiments include those in which the unit with the container and the evaporator device has a common communication interface for communication with the control unit communication interface.

[0092] It is understood that, in addition to the inhaler, the unit comprising the container and the vaporizer device as such is also part of the scope of this invention.

[0093] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0094] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components. Fig. 1 a highly simplified, circuit diagram-like representation of an inhaler, Fig. 2 an isometric view of a vaporizer device of the inhaler, Fig. 3 an isometric view of the vaporizer device in another embodiment, Fig. 4 a simplified section through the inhaler in a filled state, Fig. 5 a simplified section through the inhaler in a vaporized state.

[0095] An inhaler 1, such as those found in the Figures 1 to 5 The device shown is used for inhaling an aerosol. For this purpose, the inhaler 1 has a vaporizer 2 and a container 3. The container 3 serves to hold a liquid to be vaporized. The vaporizer 2 vaporizes the liquid to produce the aerosol to be inhaled.

[0096] The inhaler 1 of the illustrated embodiments is a mobile and manually portable inhaler 1, which is gripped and carried by a user (not shown) during use. The inhaler 1 is designed accordingly with regard to its dimensions and weight.

[0097] The vaporizer 2 serves to vaporize a liquid, in particular a predetermined dose of the liquid. The liquid is, for example, one that may contain a medicinal active ingredient, so that during vaporization a vapor containing the active ingredient 19 (see figure). Figure 1 and Figure 5 ) is emitted, which is inhaled by a user.

[0098] How the Figures 2 and 3The evaporator device 2, which can be extracted, has an electric evaporator 4 for evaporating the liquid. In the illustrated embodiments, two electrical connections 5 are provided for supplying power to the evaporator 4. The evaporator device 2 also has a receiving structure 7 for receiving liquid. The receiving structure 7 has a predetermined and therefore known total volume for receiving liquid.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiments, the evaporator 4 serves both to receive and store the liquid to be evaporated and to generate heat for the purpose of evaporating the liquid. For this purpose, the evaporator 4 in the illustrated embodiments comprises an electrically conductive ceramic 6, which is hereinafter also referred to as the evaporator ceramic 6. In the illustrated embodiments, the evaporator 4 consists of the evaporator ceramic 6.

[0100] The receiving structure 7 of the illustrated embodiments has pores (not shown) in the evaporator ceramic 6, so that the liquid to be evaporated is absorbed into the pores. Advantageously, the receiving structure 7 consists entirely of the pores, i.e., it is a porous structure. The receiving structure 7 thus advantageously consists of pores in the evaporator ceramic 6. The evaporator ceramic 6 can contain at least one metal oxide. For evaporation of the liquid, the evaporator ceramic 6 is operated within a thermal range, which is hereinafter also referred to as the operating range. The operating range is limited by a low temperature, hereinafter also referred to as the initial operating temperature, and by a high temperature, hereinafter also referred to as the final operating temperature. This means that the evaporation of the liquid to be evaporated and absorbed into the pores takes place within the operating range and thus between the initial operating temperature and the final operating temperature.

[0101] To generate heat, the evaporator 4 is electrically supplied via the connections 5, so that a temperature is supplied to the Figures 2 and 3 The indicated path 8 of the electric current leads between the terminals 5 and through the evaporator 4, where path 8 is subsequently also referred to as current path 8. When electrically powered, the evaporator ceramic 6 generates heat by means of its electrical resistance to evaporate the liquid.

[0102] Inhaler 1 has a feature that is only in Figure 1The housing 17 shown contains the vaporizer 2 and has an outlet opening 18 for releasing the vapor 19 or aerosol generated by the vaporizer 4. Furthermore, the inhaler 1, in particular the housing 17, has an inlet opening 38 for introducing air into the inhaler 1. The container 3 is also housed in the housing 17. The inhaler 1 also has a, preferably rechargeable, battery that is only partially charged. Figure 1 The battery 20 shown provides electrical power to the evaporator device 2, which is housed in the casing 17.

[0103] Container 17 has a volume 22 for storing liquid, which is hereinafter also referred to as container volume 22.

[0104] The inhaler 1 is located between one in Figure 4 shown fill level 23 and one in Figure 5The evaporation state 24 shown is adjustable. In the filling state 23, the receiving structure 7 is fluidically connected to the container volume 22, so that liquid stored in the container volume 22 enters the receiving structure 7 and fills it. Preferably, in the filling state 23, the receiving structure 7 is completely filled with liquid. In contrast, in the evaporation state 24, the receiving structure 7 is fluidically separated from the container volume 22, so that no liquid from the container 3 enters the receiving structure 7.

[0105] The liquid preferably evaporates only in the evaporation state 24. This means that the evaporator 4, in the illustrated embodiments the evaporator ceramic 6, generates heat for evaporating the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 only in the evaporation state 24. For this purpose, the inhaler 1 has a ceramic element that is only partially evaporated in the evaporation state 24. Figure 1The control device 21 shown is configured accordingly. The control device 21 supplies the evaporator 4 with electricity in the evaporation state 24, so that the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 evaporates. Preferably, the electrical supply to the evaporator 4, in particular to the evaporator ceramic 6, is also interrupted in the filling state 23. The control device 21 is connected to the battery 20 in such a way that it can establish and interrupt the electrical connection between the battery 20 and the evaporator 2 for the purpose of supplying the evaporator 2 with electricity.

[0106] The vaporizer 4 can be supplied in such a way that the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 completely evaporates. Alternatively, the vaporizer 4 can be supplied in such a way that a portion of the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 evaporates. In this case, the liquid is evaporated in several steps. In either case, it is preferred that the receiving structure 7 be filled with liquid after the previously absorbed liquid has completely evaporated, i.e., in a dry state. This means that the inhaler 1 is then, or can be, switched to the filling state 23 when the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 has completely evaporated. This can be achieved by means of the control device 21, which prevents a switch from the evaporation state 24 to the filling state 23 until the liquid absorbed in the receiving structure 7 has completely evaporated.

[0107] In the illustrated examples, it is shown how the Figures 2 and 3 In the current path 8, at least one blocking conductor 9 is arranged such that the current path 8 necessarily leads through the blocking conductor 9. The blocking conductor 9 is only in the Figures 2 and 3As shown and illustrated, this is achieved in the illustrated embodiments by arranging the at least one barrier conductor 9 between the terminals 5. The at least one barrier conductor 9 is connected to the evaporator ceramic 6 in a heat-transferring manner. In the illustrated embodiments, the heat-transferring connection of the at least one barrier conductor 9 with the evaporator ceramic 6 is realized by a planar arrangement of the barrier conductor 9 on the evaporator ceramic 6. In particular, the barrier conductor 9 is in direct contact with the evaporator ceramic 6. Thus, the temperature of the at least one barrier conductor 9 corresponds to the temperature of the evaporator ceramic 6. The at least one barrier conductor 9 is designed such that it exhibits a rapidly increasing electrical resistance when the operating end temperature is exceeded.Below the operating temperature, at least one barrier conductor 9 is electrically conductive, so that the evaporator ceramic 6 operates within its operating range when electrically supplied, meaning it reaches temperatures up to the operating temperature. The abrupt increase in the electrical resistance of at least one barrier conductor 9 causes the electric current flowing through the evaporator ceramic 6 to be interrupted or significantly reduced when the operating temperature is exceeded, so that the abrupt increase in the electrical resistance of at least one barrier conductor 9 defines or at least dominates the operating temperature. Thus, it is possible to operate the evaporator 2 with controlled evaporation parameters. This allows, in particular, a predetermined quantity of the liquid to be evaporated, and therefore a predetermined dose of the liquid, to be evaporated.Separate electronics (not shown) and / or separate sensors (not shown), for example for determining the temperature of the vaporizer ceramic 6, are not necessary for this purpose. Accordingly, the inhaler 1 of the illustrated embodiments advantageously does not have such sensors and electronics.

[0108] How especially the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiments the electrical connections 5 are each designed as a printed circuit board 10, for example made of a metal or a metal alloy.

[0109] In the in the Figures 2 and 3 In the illustrated embodiments, the evaporator 4 is arranged between the connections 5. In the Figures 4 and 5 In the illustrated embodiment, both connections 5 are arranged on the same end face of the evaporator 4.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiments, the evaporator 4, in particular the evaporator ceramic 6, and the at least one barrier conductor 9 form a continuous module 11, which is arranged between the terminals 5. In the embodiments shown Figures 2 and 3 In the illustrated embodiments, module 11 has a cuboid shape.

[0111] At the in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator ceramic 6 is continuous and cuboid in shape, with a barrier conductor 9 arranged between the respective outer surface of the evaporator ceramic 6 facing one of the terminals 4 and the associated terminal 5.

[0112] The in Figure 3 The embodiment shown differs from the one in Figure 1The illustrated embodiment is characterized by the fact that the evaporator ceramic 6 is designed in two parts and thus has two evaporator bodies 12, which in the illustrated embodiment are identical and cuboid in shape. In this illustrated embodiment, a single barrier conductor 9 is provided, which is arranged between the evaporator bodies 12.

[0113] During the Figures 4 and 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator 4, in particular the evaporator ceramic 6, is designed in an annular shape. Here, the evaporator 4 is formed in one piece.

[0114] How especially the Figure 1 and 3As can be seen from the illustrated embodiments, in these embodiments, the volume fraction of the evaporator ceramic 6 in the total volume of the module 11 is considerably larger than the volume fraction of the at least one barrier conductor 9. In particular, the volume fraction of the at least one barrier conductor 9, hereinafter also referred to as the barrier volume, is at most 1 / 10 of the volume fraction of the evaporator ceramic 6, hereinafter also referred to as the evaporator volume. This means, in particular, that the total volume for holding the liquid is determined or at least dominated by the evaporator ceramic 6. Furthermore, this means that the at least one barrier conductor 9 plays a negligible role in the overall electrical resistance of the module 11 and thus of the evaporator 4 during operation.In other words, the total electrical resistance of the evaporator 4 is dominated by the evaporator ceramic 6 in the operating range, whereas above the operating range it is dominated by the at least one barrier conductor 9.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiments, the respective barrier conductor 9 is designed as a thin layer 13 compared to the evaporator ceramic 6 or the evaporator bodies 12 and can therefore also be referred to as a barrier layer 14.

[0116] The respective barrier conductor 9 is preferably a PTC thermistor 15, which exhibits a sudden and several orders of magnitude increase in electrical resistance from an initial temperature. The final operating temperature advantageously corresponds to a temperature between the initial temperature and a final temperature of the PTC thermistor 15, in particular the initial temperature of the PTC thermistor 15.

[0117] In particular, the PTC thermistor 15 is a ceramic 16 that differs from the evaporator ceramic 6 and is hereinafter also referred to as the barrier ceramic 16. Due to the smaller barrier volume of the barrier ceramic 16 compared to the evaporator volume of the evaporator ceramic 6, the overall absorption capacity of the evaporator 4 is determined or at least dominated by the evaporator ceramic 6.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiments, and preferably, the vaporizer device 2 and the container 3 form a unit 25, which is interchangeably mounted in the inhaler 1, in particular in the housing 17. The container 3 of the illustrated embodiments is sealed. This means that the container 3 cannot be refilled with liquid without damaging it, for example by drilling, breaking, or the like.

[0119] Alternatively, the container 3 may be permanently integrated into the inhaler 1 and refillable. In this case, the vaporizer unit 2 may also be permanently integrated into the inhaler 1.

[0120] Alternatively, container 3 may be replaceable. In this case, the vaporizer unit 2 may also be permanently integrated into the inhaler 1.

[0121] The inhaler 1 of the illustrated embodiments is designed such that the control unit 21 communicates with the container 3 and / or the vaporizer unit 2, in order to detect and / or receive information about the liquid to be vaporized and / or the inhaled unit 25. For this purpose, the control unit 21 has a Figure 1The unit 25 features a communication interface 36, which is hereinafter also referred to as the control unit communication interface 36. In the illustrated embodiments, the unit 25 also has a communication interface 37, which is hereinafter also referred to as the unit communication interface 37. When the unit 25 is in the inhaler 1, the control unit communication interface 36 and the unit communication interface 37 are connected to each other, preferably wirelessly. The unit communication interface 37 and the control unit 21, in particular the control unit communication interface 36, are configured such that the control unit 21 recognizes and / or receives information about the unit 25 and / or the liquid. For this purpose, the unit communication interface 37 can contain corresponding information.If no approved unit 25 and / or no unit 25 of a specified type is included in the inhaler 1, the control device 21 is appropriately designed to prevent operation of the inhaler 1. Likewise, the control device 21 may be designed to prevent operation of the inhaler 1 in the event of a lack of communication with the unit 25.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiments, the adjustment of the inhaler 1 between the filling state 23 and the vaporization state 24 is achieved by a relative movement between the vaporization device 2, in particular the vaporizer ceramic 6, and the container 3. In the illustrated embodiments, this relative movement is translational or linear. Rotational relative movements between the vaporization device 2 and the container 3 are also conceivable. In the illustrated embodiments, the relative movement between the vaporization device 2, in particular the vaporizer ceramic 6, and the container 3 is achieved by a relative movement of the vaporization device 2 to the container 3.

[0123] In the Figures 4 and 5In the illustrated embodiment, the container 3 has a cylindrical shape with an inner surface 27 defining a cavity 26 and an outer surface 28 facing away from the inner surface 27. The inner surface 27 and the outer surface 28 define the container volume 22. The evaporator device 2 is arranged in the cavity 26 and guided along the inner surface 27 in a piston-like manner, thus allowing it to be adjusted. For this purpose, the inner surface 27 has a corresponding inner contour 29. The container 3 has an open outlet 30 on the inner surface 27, in particular on the inner contour 29, hereinafter also referred to as the container outlet 30. The container outlet 30 serves to discharge the liquid stored in the container volume 22 into the receiving structure 7. The receiving structure 7 has a surface 31 facing the inner surface 27, through which, in the filled state 23, liquid enters the receiving structure 7 via the container outlet 30.In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving structure 7, which is hereinafter also referred to as the receiving surface 31, has a surface 32 for the discharge of the liquid evaporated in the evaporation state 24. This surface 32 is hereinafter also referred to as the discharge surface 32. In the . Figures 4 and 5In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving surface 31 and the dispensing surface 32 face away from each other. The dispensing surface 32 is thus located on the side of the receiving surface 31 facing away from the inner surface 27 of the container 3. The dispensing surface 32 is open towards the cavity 26. The receiving surface 31, preferably the receiving structure 7, is adjacent to the container outlet 30 in the evaporation state 24. The evaporator device 1 also has a seal 33, which is arranged on an end face of the receiving structure 7 or the evaporator ceramic 6. This seal 33, which is hereinafter also referred to as the first seal 33a, closes the container outlet 30 in the evaporation state 24 and seals the container outlet 30 fluidically. In contrast, in the filling state 23, the receiving surface 31 borders the container outlet 30.

[0124] In the Figures 4 and 5In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator device 2 has a further seal 33 arranged on the end face of the receiving structure 7 or the evaporator ceramic 6, opposite the first seal 33a. This second seal 33b is hereinafter also referred to as the second seal 33b. The second seal 33b, in particular, prevents vapor from escaping from the end face of the receiving structure 7, which it covers. Both seals 33 also prevent liquid from entering the cavity 26 directly via the container outlet 30.

[0125] In the Figures 4 and 5In the illustrated embodiment, the container 3, in particular its inner surface 27, forms a chimney 34 for the vaporized liquid. For this purpose, the container 3 has a flowable cross-section that decreases towards the outlet opening 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 3 has a constant cross-section up to a stop 35, which decreases from the stop 35 towards the outlet opening 18. As shown in particular Figure 5 The stop 35 in the illustrated embodiment forms a limit for the evaporator device 2 in the evaporation state 24. In this case, the second seal 33b abuts the stop 35 in the evaporation state 24.

Claims

1. Inhaler (1) for inhaling an aerosol, - having a container (3) for storing a liquid, - having an evaporator apparatus (2) which has an electric evaporator (4) for evaporating the liquid and thus producing the aerosol, - wherein the evaporator apparatus (2) has a receiving structure (7) for receiving the liquid, - wherein the inhaler (1) is adjustable between a filling state (23) and an evaporation state (24), - wherein the receiving structure (7) and the container (3), in the filling state (23), are fluidically connected to one another, so that liquid stored in the container (3) enters the receiving structure (7), - wherein the receiving structure (7) and the container (3), in the evaporation state (24), are fluidically separated from one another, so that a flowing of liquid from the container (3) into the receiving structure (7) is prevented, wherein the receiving structure (7) has a predetermined total volume for receiving the liquid, - wherein the inhaler (1) has a control apparatus (21) which is configured in such a manner that it electrically supplies the evaporator (4) in the evaporation state (24), so that the liquid received in the receiving structure (7) evaporates, characterized in that the evaporator apparatus (2) and the container (3), for adjusting between the filling state (23) and the evaporation state (24), are movable relative to one another.

2. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the control apparatus (21) is configured in such a manner that it interrupts the electrical supply to the evaporator (4) in the filling state (23).

3. Inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control apparatus (21) is configured in such a manner that it prevents an adjusting from the evaporation state (24) into the filling state (23) until the liquid received in the receiving structure (7) is completely evaporated.

4. Inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inhaler (1) is configured in such a manner that in the filling state (23) a complete filling of the receiving structure (7) with the liquid stored in the container (3) takes place.

5. Inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the evaporator (4) has the receiving structure (7).

6. Inhaler according to claim 5, characterized in that the evaporator (4) is designed as an electrically conductive evaporator ceramic (6).

7. Inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that - the evaporator ceramic (6) is configured in such a manner that during operation and upon electrical supply it homogeneously generates heat in a thermal operating range between an operation starting temperature and an operation end temperature in order to evaporate the liquid received in the receiving structure (7), - the inhaler (1), in particular the evaporator apparatus (2), has two electrical connections (5) for the electrical supply to the evaporator ceramic (6), wherein an electrical current path (8) for the electrical supply to the evaporator ceramic (6) runs through the connections (5) and through the evaporator ceramic (6), - the inhaler (1) has at least one blocking conductor (9) which is arranged in the current path (8) and which is heat-transmittingly connected to the evaporator ceramic (6), - the at least one blocking conductor (9) is configured in such a manner that it has an abruptly increasing electrical resistance when the operation end temperature is exceeded.

8. Inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - the container (3) has a container outlet (30), - the evaporator apparatus (2) has a seal (33) adjoining a receiving surface (31) of the receiving structure (7), - the receiving surface (31), in the filling state (23), adjoins the container outlet (30) and the receiving structure (7) is thus fluidically connected to the container (3), - the seal (33) seals the container outlet (30) in the evaporation state (24).

9. Inhaler according to claim 8, characterized in that - the receiving structure (7) has a dispensing surface (32) spaced apart from the receiving surface (31), - in the evaporation state (24) and when the evaporator (4) is electrically supplied, the liquid evaporated in the receiving structure (7) exits from the dispensing surface (32).

10. Inhaler according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that - the container (3) has an inner contour (29) which has the container outlet (30), - the evaporation apparatus (2), for adjusting between the filling state (23) and the evaporation state (24), is guided along the inner contour (29).

11. Inhaler according to claim 10, characterized in that the container (3) is formed in the manner of a cylinder in which the evaporator apparatus (3) is guided in the manner of a piston.

12. Inhaler according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the container (3) forms a chimney (34) for the liquid evaporated with the evaporator (4).

13. Inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving structure (7) has pores, in particular is formed as a pore structure.