dry powder inhaler

Abstract

A dry powder inhaler comprising: a body (110) including a chamber (111) and a mouthpiece (120) provided with an outlet (121) for a user to inhale; a container (10) containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled, the container having a lateral outlet opening (11) and movable between an unloaded position in which the container is at least partially outside the chamber and a loaded position in which the container is entirely within the chamber; and an actuation member (130) for moving the container from the unloaded position to the loaded position, the diameter of the container being smaller than the diameter of the chamber, and in the loaded position the container (10) is inserted into the chamber ( The body (110) is movable within the chamber (111), the body (110) comprising tangential channels (115a, 115b, 115c) configured to direct the flow of inhaled air tangentially into the chamber (111), causing orbital movement of the container (10) within the chamber (111) in the loading position during inhalation, the container comprising a closure element (12) displaceable and / or deformable relative to the container between a closed position that closes the lateral outlet opening and an open position that opens it, the closure element being in the closed position when the container is in the unloaded position and in the open position when the container is in the loading position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to dry powder inhalers. [Background technology]

[0002] Dry powder inhalers are well known in the art and there are many different types.

[0003] A first type of multi-dose inhaler comprises a container containing multiple doses of powder and is provided with dispensing means which, on each actuation, enable one dose of powder to be separated from the container and fed into an exhaust duct for administration to the user.

[0004] Such devices require complex and expensive dosing means, do not guarantee accurate or reproducible dosage, and there is a risk of contamination of the powder in the container during use of the inhaler.

[0005] Another type of multi-dose inhaler contains multiple individual containers, each containing a single dose of powder, and one of the containers is opened for each actuation of the inhaler, providing a tight seal on the powder, with the dose only exposed to the atmosphere upon expulsion.

[0006] Various variations have already been proposed for producing such sets of individual containers, such as blister strips or discs.

[0007] For opening the individual containers, it is suggested to peel or pull apart the blister closure layer.

[0008] However, that arrangement has the disadvantage that it is difficult to control the force that must be applied to ensure complete opening without risking opening the next container, particularly when the opening means must be actuated by inhalation.

[0009] Another solution is to pierce the closure membrane of the blister with each actuation, but this requires complex and expensive piercing means.

[0010] Furthermore, the multi-dose inhalers described above have the disadvantage that they do not ensure optimal dosing, so that a large proportion of the dose enters and effectively penetrates the user's lungs to provide beneficial therapeutic effects.

[0011] To make the device less complex and less expensive, single dose inhalers have been proposed which include a single individual container such as a blister or capsule which is loaded into the inhaler immediately prior to use.

[0012] The advantage of such single dose devices is that they can be smaller in size since multiple doses do not need to be accommodated within the device, but they can be cumbersome for the user as they must load a blister or capsule into the inhaler before each use.

[0013] Additionally, there are other drawbacks inherent to these single dose inhalers.

[0014] For example, blisters or capsules usually do not allow for large doses exceeding 100 mg. Furthermore, particularly for perforated capsules or blisters, opening requires the use of complex perforation means and also carries the risk of the perforated membrane entering the administered powder. Furthermore, the ejection performance of the powder from the container is not always optimal, as some of the powder may remain in the container during inhalation.

[0015] To overcome these drawbacks, Patent Document 1 proposes a single-dose inhaler in which a cylindrical container with a side opening is placed within a cylindrical chamber of a larger diameter, and during inhalation the container moves in an orbital motion within the chamber to expel the powder.

[0016] This configuration allows the container to be substantially completely emptied, allowing a larger dose to effectively penetrate the lungs and improving the efficacy of the dose.

[0017] However, a drawback of this device is that the side opening of the container needs to be opened before placing it in the device, which runs the risk of losing or contaminating the powder between uses, especially if the device is not used immediately after placing the container.

[0018] Other devices in the art are described in patent documents 2 to 5. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 1998 / 026828 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2008 / 001132 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2003 / 075988 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 182587 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2013 / 008037 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide a powder inhaler that does not have the above drawbacks.

[0021] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inhaler that expels substantially all of the powder contained in the container, thereby improving the efficiency of administration by increasing the proportion of the dose that reaches the user's lungs.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler which limits or avoids the risk of contamination and / or tampering with the powder.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler that reduces the complexity of use for the user and ensures greater safety during use.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a dry powder inhaler comprising: a body including a chamber and a mouthpiece provided with an outlet for a user to inhale; a container containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled, the container having a lateral exit opening and movable between an unloaded position in which at least a portion of the container is outside the chamber and a loaded position in which the container is entirely within the chamber; and an actuation member for moving the container from the unloaded position to the loaded position, the diameter of the container being smaller than the diameter of the chamber and allowing the container to move within the chamber in the loaded position; the body having a tangential channel configured to direct a flow of inhaled air tangentially into the chamber, causing orbital movement of the container within the chamber in the loaded position during inhalation; and the container including a closure element displaceable and / or deformable relative to the container between a closed position that closes the lateral exit opening and an open position that opens the lateral exit opening, the closure element being in the closed position when the container is in the unloaded position and in the open position when the container is in the loaded position.

[0026] Advantageously, said closure element comprises an asymmetric radial projection.

[0027] Advantageously, said closure element comprises at least one second radial projection extending axially over part of the axial height of said closure element.

[0028] Advantageously, the container is formed by an upper container part and a lower container part, which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder.

[0029] Advantageously, said lower container part comprises said lateral outlet opening.

[0030] The present invention also provides a dry powder inhaler comprising: a body including a chamber and a mouthpiece provided with an outlet port for a user to inhale; a container containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled, the container having a lateral exit opening and movable between an unloaded position in which at least a portion of the container is outside the chamber and a loaded position in which the container is entirely within the chamber; and an actuation member for moving the container from the unloaded position to the loaded position, the diameter of the container being smaller than the diameter of the chamber, the container comprising an upper container part provided with an upper lateral opening and a lower container part provided with a lower lateral opening, the upper container part being axially movable relative to the lower container part, the upper lateral opening and the lower lateral opening being axially offset when the container is in the unloaded position and being aligned to form an open lateral opening when the container is in the loaded position.

[0031] Advantageously, the body comprises two body parts: an upper body part including the mouthpiece and a lower body part including a cylindrical sleeve, and the chamber is defined by these two body parts fixed to each other.

[0032] Advantageously, the mouthpiece comprises a grid upstream of the outlet.

[0033] Advantageously, the chamber is located between the intake air inlet and the mouthpiece.

[0034] Advantageously, the container contains a dose of powder of more than 50 mg, in particular more than 100 mg.

[0035] Advantageously, in the loaded position, the volume occupied by said container within said chamber is greater than 50% of the volume of said chamber.

[0036] Advantageously, the radial diameter of the vessel is greater than the axial height of the vessel.

[0037] Advantageously, the actuating member is axially movable relative to the body to move the container from an unloaded position to a loaded position.

[0038] Advantageously, the actuating member comprises at least one oblique groove which engages with at least one respective protrusion formed on the body or on an element fixed to the body, and which rotates within the body during axial movement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] The features, advantages and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below, given by way of non-limiting example, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first advantageous embodiment of an inhaler shown in an unloaded position; [Figure 2] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but shown in the loaded position; [Figure 3] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along another section plane, shown in an unloaded position. [Figure 4] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but shown in the loaded position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the container in the chamber in the loading position. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of the mouthpiece. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container in an unloaded position. [Figure 8] 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container in the loading position. [Figure 9] 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing the container in the unloaded position from a different viewing angle; [Figure 10] 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the container in the loading position. [Figure 11]1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container according to an advantageous variation, shown in an unloaded position; [Figure 12] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container according to another advantageous variation, shown in an unloaded position; [Figure 13] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container according to yet another advantageous variation, shown in an unloaded position; [Figure 14] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container according to another embodiment, showing the container before assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the container according to the embodiment in an unloaded position. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the container according to the embodiment in a loading position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container in a loading position. [Figure 18] 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 17 in an unloaded position. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 17 in a loaded position. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure element according to another advantageous variant. [Figure 21] 10 shows the closure element in the correct orientation so that it can be assembled. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 shows how the closure element cannot be assembled in the wrong orientation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," and "lateral" refer to the positions of the device shown in Figures 1 to 4 when it is in an upright position, and the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to directions relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0041] 1 to 10 are diagrams showing a first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the inhaler comprises a body 110 containing a chamber 111 and a mouthpiece 120 provided with an outlet 121 for the user to inhale.

[0043] Advantageously, the body 110 is formed from two body parts, an upper body part including the mouthpiece 120 and a lower body part including a cylindrical sleeve 112, and the chamber 111 is defined by these two body parts fixed to each other.

[0044] Advantageously, the mouthpiece 120 includes a grid 125 upstream of the outlet 121, as shown in FIG.

[0045] Preferably, the chamber 111 is located between the inhalation air inlet and the mouthpiece 120 so that when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 120 , air flows through the chamber 111 .

[0046] The inhaler comprises a container 10 containing the dose of dry powder to be inhaled, the container 10 being provided with a lateral outlet opening 11 .

[0047] The container 10 is movable between an unloaded position in which it is at least partially outside the chamber 111 and a loaded position in which it is entirely within the chamber 111 .

[0048] The diameter of the container 10 is smaller than the diameter of the chamber 111 so that in the loading position the container 10 can move within the chamber 111 .

[0049] The tangential channels 115a, 115b, 115c direct the flow of intake air tangentially into the chamber 111, thereby causing orbital motion of the container 10 within the chamber 111, with the container 10 rotating around the chamber 111 along the inner wall of the chamber 111 while also rotating itself.

[0050] This movement of the container 10 expels the powder contained therein, which is carried by the inhaled airflow towards the mouthpiece and outlet.

[0051] Advantageously, the container 10 can accommodate powder doses of more than 50 mg, in particular doses of more than 100 mg. Optionally, very large doses, in particular more than 500 mg, may also be envisaged.

[0052] Advantageously, the volume occupied by the container 10 in the chamber 111 in the loading position is greater than 50% of the volume of the chamber 111 .

[0053] Advantageously, the radial diameter of the container 10 is greater than the axial height of the container 10 .

[0054] Advantageously, the container 10 is formed by an upper container part 10a and a lower container part 10b, which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder.

[0055] The inhaler also includes an actuation member 130 for moving the container 10 from the unloaded position to the loaded position.

[0056] The actuating member 130 is axially movable relative to the body 110 to urge the container 10 from the unloaded position toward the loaded position.

[0057] Advantageously, the axial displacement of the actuating member 130 is achieved by rotating the actuating member 130 within the body 110, for example by using a configuration in which one or more protrusions on the body 110 engage with one or more oblique grooves 150 provided in the actuating member 130.

[0058] According to a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 10, the container 10 comprises a lateral outlet opening 11 which is closed by a closure element 12 when the container 10 is not in the loading position. Advantageously, the lateral outlet opening 11 is provided in the lower container part 10b.

[0059] This closure element 12 protects the powder in the container until it is expelled by actuation of the inhaler.

[0060] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the closure element 12 is displaceable and / or deformable relative to the container 10 between a closed position in which it closes the lateral outlet opening 11 and an open position in which it opens it, the closure element 12 being in the closed position when the container 10 is in the non-loading position and being in the open position when the container 10 is in the loading position.

[0061] Advantageously, in the non-loading position, the closure element 12 abuts against a portion of the body 110 or is fixed to the body 110, so that even when the container 10 moves towards the loading position, the closure element 12 remains locked within the body, thereby opening the lateral outlet opening 11.

[0062] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the closure element 12 comprises a radial projection 13 which cooperates with a shoulder 113 of a cylindrical sleeve 112 .

[0063] Advantageously, the radial projections 13 are arranged on one side of the closure element 12, so that the closure element 12 is not symmetrical. Thus, when the closure element 12 is in the closed position on the container 10, the container 10 is also not symmetrical, which forms a key to prevent incorrect insertion of the container 10 into the body 110 of the inhaler, as insertion into the body 110 is only possible in a single orientation of the container 10. This is particularly advantageous when the outer shape of the container 10 is substantially symmetrical, but the lateral outlet opening 11 is not arranged axially in the center of the container 10, as in the example shown in the figures.

[0064] Indeed, in this case, for optimal operation, it is desirable to orient the container 10 correctly in the inhaler, and the asymmetric shape of the closure element makes it possible to fulfil this function.

[0065] Figures 20 to 22 show another variant of the closure element 12, which has at least one second radial protrusion 13' extending axially over part of the total height of the closure element, advantageously over the part between the axial edge and the radial protrusion 13.

[0066] This makes it possible to avoid the risk of assembling the container 10 upside down, as shown in Figures 21 and 22.

[0067] In Figure 21, the orientation is correct and the assembly of container 10 and closure element 12 can be assembled into body 110, whereas in the orientation shown in Figure 22, the presence of second radial projection 13' makes assembly impossible.

[0068] In the illustrated example, there are two diametrically opposed second radial projections 13', but the number can be any number.

[0069] Of course, if the container 10 is symmetrical and the lateral outlet opening 11 is axially central, the closure element 12 does not have to be asymmetrical. A closure element 12 forming a symmetrically shaped unit with the container 10 allows the user to insert this unit into the inhaler in either orientation without risk of malfunction or a reduction in the effectiveness of the powder administration.

[0070] 11 to 13 show variants of the closure element 12. FIG.

[0071] A second embodiment is shown in Figures 14 to 16. Here, the closure element is formed directly on the upper container part 10a, so that no separate closure element is required.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the upper container part 10a is provided with an upper lateral opening 11a, and the lower container part 10b is provided with a lower lateral opening 11b.

[0073] The upper container portion 10a is axially movable relative to the lower container portion 10b, and the upper lateral opening 11a and the lower lateral opening 11b are axially offset when the container 10 is in the unloaded position and are aligned to form an open lateral opening when the container 10 is in the loaded position.

[0074] A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG.

[0075] Here, the closure element 12 is formed by a flexible strip fixed or glued around the periphery of the container 10 to close the lateral outlet opening 11 .

[0076] In this case, the inhaler comprises means for fixing the free end of the flexible strip, so that the closure element 12 is removed from the container 10 when the container 10 is moved from the unloaded position towards the loaded position.

[0077] For example, to remove the flexible strip, the container 10 can be rotated together with the actuation member 130. Alternatively, a preload spring can be provided connected to the flexible strip that is released to tension the flexible strip as the container is moved axially towards the loading position.

[0078] The device of the present invention is simple and effective. Its small number of parts makes it inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and it is reliable in use. The orbital movement of the container during operation allows for optimal dosing of the powder and ensures the integrity of the powder until it is used.

[0079] It should be noted that the inhaler is refillable by opening the body 110, removing the empty container, and replacing it with a full container.

[0080] Various modifications can be envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A dry powder inhaler comprising: a main body (110) including a chamber (111) and a mouthpiece (120) provided with an outlet (121) for a user to inhale; a container (10) containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled, having a lateral outlet opening (11), and movable between an unloaded position in which it is at least partially outside said chamber (111) and a loaded position in which it is entirely within said chamber (111); an actuation member (130) for moving the container (10) from an unloaded position to a loaded position; the diameter of the container (10) is smaller than the diameter of the chamber (111) so that in the loading position the container (10) can move within the chamber (111); the body (110) comprises tangential channels (115a, 115b, 115c) configured to direct a flow of intake air tangentially into the chamber (111), causing orbital movement of the container (10) within the chamber (111) in a loading position during intake; the container (10) comprises a closure element (12) displaceable and / or deformable relative to the container (10) between a closed position in which the lateral outlet opening (11) is closed and an open position in which the lateral outlet opening (11) is opened, The closure element (12) is in a closed position when the container (10) is in an unloaded position and in an open position when the container (10) is in a loaded position. A dry powder inhaler characterized by:

2. The closure element (12) comprises an asymmetric radial projection (13) 2. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1.

3. The closure element (12) comprises at least one second radial projection (13') extending axially over a portion of the axial height of the closure element (12).

3. The dry powder inhaler of claim 2.

4. The container (10) is formed by an upper container part (10a) and a lower container part (10b), which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder. The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The lower container part (10b) comprises the lateral outlet opening (11).

5. The dry powder inhaler of claim 4.

6. 1. A dry powder inhaler comprising: a main body (110) including a chamber (111) and a mouthpiece (120) provided with an outlet (121) for a user to inhale; a container (10) containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled, having lateral outlet openings (11a, 11b), movable between an unloaded position in which it is at least partially outside said chamber (111) and a loaded position in which it is entirely within said chamber (111); an actuation member (130) for moving the container (10) from an unloaded position to a loaded position; The diameter of the vessel (10) is smaller than the diameter of the chamber (111); The container (10) comprises an upper container part (10a) provided with an upper lateral opening (11a) and a lower container part (10b) provided with a lower lateral opening (11b), The upper container portion (10a) is axially movable relative to the lower container portion (10b); The upper lateral opening (11a) and the lower lateral opening (11b) are axially offset when the container (10) is in the unloaded position and are aligned to form an open lateral opening when the container (10) is in the loaded position. A dry powder inhaler characterized by:

7. The body (110) comprises two body parts: an upper body part containing the mouthpiece (120) and a lower body part containing a cylindrical sleeve (112); The chamber (111) is defined by these two body parts fixed together. The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The mouthpiece (120) is provided with a grid (125) upstream of the outlet (121). The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The chamber (111) is located between the intake air inlet and the mouthpiece (120). The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The container (10) contains a powder having a dose of more than 50 mg, in particular more than 100 mg. The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In the loaded position, the volume occupied by the container (10) in the chamber (111) is greater than 50% of the volume of the chamber (111). The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The radial diameter of the container (10) is greater than the axial height of the container (10). The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The actuating member (130) is axially movable relative to the body (110) to move the container (10) from an unloaded position to a loaded position. The dry powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The actuating member (130) has at least one oblique groove that engages with at least one protrusion formed on the body (110) or on an element fixed to the body (110), respectively, and rotates within the body (110) during axial movement.

14. The dry powder inhaler of claim 13.

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