Inhaler and container for inhaler

Abstract

The present invention first relates to an inhaler (1) for a fluid (3) contained in a container (2), comprising a housing (4), the housing (4) having a mouthpiece (7) and a receiving space (112) for the container (2), the container (2) being replaceably inserted into the housing (4), further comprising a lower housing portion (6) rotatable relative to an upper housing portion (5) having a mouthpiece (7) for preparation for the atomization process, a counter (16) provided in the lower housing portion (6) for counting atomization operations performed in the inserted container (2), the rotation of the housing portions (5, 6) relative to each other being used to count atomization operations, the counter (16) having a sleeve portion (51) provided on an outer surface (52) having letters (53) representing the counted atomization operations and teeth (57) for engagement, and further comprising a transmission portion (43) engaging within these teeth (57). To further improve the design of the target type of inhaler, it is proposed that the meshing be transverse to the sleeve axis (c), and that the transmission section (43) be positioned and formed to cooperate directly with both the upper housing section (5) and the lower housing section (6) and the sleeve section (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler for a fluid in a container having a housing, the housing having a mouthpiece and a receiving space for the container, the container being removably insertable into the housing, the housing having a lower housing part rotatable relative to an upper housing part having the mouthpiece for preparation of the atomization process, the lower housing part further provided with a counter for counting the atomization process carried out with the inserted container, the counter having a sleeve part provided on an outer surface having characters representing the count, and further, for preparation of the atomization process, the lower housing part is rotatable relative to the upper housing part having the mouthpiece, and further, the counter is provided for counting the atomization operations carried out with the inserted container, and further, the counter has a sleeve part insertable into the housing.

[0002]

[0002] The present invention further relates to an inhaler for a fluid in a container including a housing, the housing having a mouthpiece and a receiving space for the container, the container being removably insertable into the housing, and further, for preparation of the atomization process, the lower housing part is rotatable relative to the upper housing part having the mouthpiece, and further, a counter is provided for counting the atomization process carried out with the container, and further, the counter has a sleeve part insertable into the housing for preparation of the atomization operation, the lower housing part is rotatable relative to the upper housing part having the mouthpiece, and further, the counter is provided for counting the atomization operations carried out with the inserted container, and the counter further includes a sleeve part provided on an outer surface provided with characters representing the count.

[0003]

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to an inhaler for a fluid in a container, comprising a housing having a mouthpiece and a receiving space for a container removably insertable into the housing, the inhaler being such that a removed container in the housing can no longer be placed in the use position.

[0004]

[0004] The present invention also relates to a container for an inhaler. [Background technology]

[0005] prior art

[0005] Inhalers and containers for inhalers are also known, for example, from International Publication No. 1997 / 012687 (U.S. Patent No. 5964416), or from International Publication No. 1991 / 014468 (U.S. Patent No. 5497949), International Publication No. 2007 / 022898 (U.S. Patent No. 7823584), and further, for example, from International Publication No. 2017 / 080895 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0128681). Furthermore, weighing devices equipped with counters are also publicly known, for example, from International Publication No. 1997 / 024586 (U.S. Patent No. 6149054), or from International Publication No. 2007 / 022898 (U.S. Patent No. 7823584), and also, for example, from International Publication No. 2015 / 169428 (U.S. Patent No. 10099022).

[0006]

[0006] The container thus forms a reservoir for atomizing the fluid, and thus this description also relates to possible components and operating modes of the inhaler according to the present invention, thereby such a container is interchangeably inserted into the receiving space of the inhaler. In this regard, the container may have, for example, a rigid outer shell made of a metallic material such as aluminum, and an inner bag in which the fluid is stored. Preferably, the fluid is stored in the container without pressure, i.e., without propellant gas or the like.

[0007]

[0007] Specifically, as a result of rotational displacement, the container is lowered within the housing together with a hollow piston located inside. During the descent, tension is applied to a spring acting on the container. At the same time, fluid flows into a pressure chamber located outside the container and associated with one end of the hollow body. This inflow can be achieved by the negative pressure generated in the pressure chamber during this process. By a release operation, the container can be released for upward pressure transfer together with the hollow piston located inside the container. Here, the fluid in the pressure chamber is pressurized and then ejected as a spray mist. For this purpose, the hollow piston may preferably be provided with a check valve at the end of the hollow piston associated with the pressure chamber so that it can function as a piston.

[0008]

[0008] Thus, due to the favorable rotational displacement of the upper and lower housings relative to each other, a predetermined amount of fluid (dosage) is brought into the chamber, and from this chamber, divided amounts of fluid are spontaneously discharged by user intervention and atomized into an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The discharge of the fluid dose is carried out by pressurization, which is caused by the accumulation of pressure as the upper and lower housings rotate relative to each other due to the tension of the spring. Thus, a pressure of, for example, about 5 to 200 MPa, and moreover, for example, 10 to 100 MPa, can act on the discharged fluid, thereby allowing for the delivery of about 10 to 50 μl, moreover, for example, about 10 to 20 μl, and therefore, moreover, for example, about 15 μl of fluid in each stroke. When atomized into an aerosol, droplets having an aerodynamic diameter of, for example, up to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 10 μm, can be produced.

[0009]

[0009] Furthermore, it is known that a counter is provided to register and display the atomization operation that has been performed. In the case of an inhaler known from one or more of the aforementioned publications, the count is essentially performed at the moment when the atomization of the fluid volume occurs as a result of pressurization or during the process in which the housing parts twist relative to each other. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0010] Taking into consideration the prior art described above, the present invention presents the problem of further improving the target type of inhaler and the container for the inhaler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011]

[0011] According to the first idea of ​​the present invention, a possible solution to this problem is provided in an inhaler, in which the meshing is provided transversely to the sleeve axis, and the transmission is intended to be arranged and formed to cooperate directly with the upper housing, the lower housing, and the sleeve.

[0012]

[0012] As a result of the proposed design and arrangement of the transmission section, there is an advantageous and preferred overall design for the inhaler, particularly with respect to the counting mechanism housed in the inhaler. Such a transmission section makes it possible to achieve a reduction in the number of parts, particularly with respect to the assembly for detecting and counting the atomization process. Preferably, no further transmission (intermediate) section is provided between the housing section and the transmission section, which are rotatable relative to each other, or between the sleeve section and the transmission section. Thus, direct and immediate interaction occurs in these transmission regions.

[0013]

[0013] For example, the transmission unit can be rotatably mounted on the other housing such that one housing unit acts on the transmission unit during the relative rotation necessary to prepare for the atomization process, for example by pulling the transmission unit along it, and that counting (or partial counting) is performed by the rotation of the transmission unit about a predetermined circumferential angle.

[0014]

[0014] Further alignment of the engagement between the transmission unit and the sleeve unit in the transverse direction with respect to the sleeve axis preferably results in the geometric axis alignment of the transmission unit being the same as the axis of the sleeve unit. This makes it possible to achieve a compact design for the entire inhaler.

[0015]

[0015] In order to transport a partial amount of fluid to the ejection chamber or the pressure chamber, and to pressurize and eject this partial amount of fluid using a spring that is tensioned during the rotation process, relative rotation of the housing portions is necessarily performed before each fluid ejection or suction process. In an advantageous embodiment, counting is already performed during the preparation process for the fluid ejection process, thereby registering and adopting the relative rotation of the upper and lower housing portions as count values.

[0016]

[0016] Furthermore, the corresponding count, i.e., the corresponding operation on the counter, can be performed immediately at the start of the relative rotation, or alternatively, preferably at the end of the relative rotation with limited stopping. In this regard, counting is also possible when the housing parts reach an intermediate position between the start and end of their relative rotations.

[0017]

[0017] The counting, or direct action on the sleeve via the transmission unit, corresponding to a change in the display of the counted atomization steps, can be performed, for example, for every 180-degree relative rotation of the housings relative to each other, but alternatively, it can also be performed, for example, for every two atomization steps, and therefore further, for example, for every 360-degree relative rotation of the housings relative to each other. In addition, according to a further exemplary embodiment, the counting or display of atomization steps to be counted can be performed, for example, for every four atomization steps, and therefore further, for example, for every 720-degree relative rotation of the housings relative to each other.

[0018]

[0018] In most cases below, the upper housing portion will be described as a fixed housing portion, and the lower housing portion will be described as a housing portion that is rotatable relative to the fixed upper housing portion.

[0019]

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter can be connected to a lower housing, and therefore preferably to a rotatable housing. More preferably, the counter is held within the lower housing so that it cannot be removed by the user or removed nondestructively.

[0020]

[0020] The counter may have a sleeve portion on which characters representing the count are provided on its outer surface. Particularly and preferably, the currently active character may be readable from the outside through a viewing window. Even more preferably, in this respect, the character areas before and / or after the currently active character may be readable in the viewing window.

[0021]

[0021] With respect to the characters placed on the sleeve portion, these characters may be numbers and / or symbols, so that, for example, a symbol in the form of a dash may be placed in the area between two consecutive numbers in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the characters may indicate the number of atomization steps already performed, starting from 0 and in ascending order, or, preferably alternatively, may indicate the current number of atomization steps that can still be performed using this container, in descending order from the first displayed maximum number of possible atomization steps.

[0022]

[0022] In order to change the displayed count value, the sleeve portion can be rotated within and relative to the lower housing portion about the axis of the sleeve portion or the housing axis. However, in the axial direction, the sleeve portion is confined within the housing portion.

[0023]

[0023] Further, the sleeve portion may have serrations oriented in a transverse direction with respect to the sleeve member axis, and for example, and preferably, may have serrations oriented substantially in the radial direction. Also preferably, the serrations may be circumferentially uniform tooth portions that serve to drive the rotational displacement of the sleeve portion according to the performance of the atomization process, or, preferably, according to the preparation for a subsequent atomization process. The upper housing portion, which is fixed to the lower housing portion about the longitudinal axis of the housing, indirectly acts on the tooth portion of the sleeve portion via a transmission portion for the stepwise rotational displacement of the sleeve portion.

[0024]

[0024] Further, the tooth portion of the sleeve portion may be a tooth portion that extends radially inward from a substantially circumferential sleeve portion wall.

[0025]

[0025] The aforementioned sleeve axis is preferably an axis about which the sleeve portion can rotate, and the sleeve axis is more preferably aligned with the longitudinal housing axis and, even more preferably, with the rotational axis of the rotatable housing portion. In a further embodiment, the aforementioned longitudinal axis of the housing can simultaneously form the sleeve axis and the rotational axis of the rotatable housing portion.

[0026]

[0026] In addition, according to a further concept of the present invention, in an inhaler having a counter including a sleeve portion, a further solution to the problem can be provided in that the sleeve portion is guided into the upper housing portion so as to be fixed in the rotational direction and, at a selected position of the sleeve portion, cooperates with a locking projection that moves into a locking opening of the sleeve portion.

[0027] Preferably, during each active count, the sleeve part is further rotated circumferentially of the sleeve part, and this count can be carried out during each individual atomization step and, optionally, for example, every two or four atomization steps. This rotation can be prevented by the locking engagement of the locking protrusion in the locking opening of the sleeve part. Thereby, the sleeve part, and thus preferably the entire counter, can be blocked, and more preferably, the prevention of the relative rotational displacement of the housing parts with respect to each other can also be achieved by this blocking. Thus, in such a blocking position of the sleeve part, the inhaler can no longer be used to eject (initially) a fluid dose. The inhaler is blocked with respect to its function.

[0028]

[0028] By the arrangement of the locking protrusions along the housing axis in the fixed upper housing part and preferably linear guidance, and the formation of the locking openings in the rotatable lower housing part in the blocking position, a substantially direct rotational locking between the housing parts (via the sleeve part) is brought about. Also preferably, this locking part can be selected such that no further relative rotational displacement of the housing parts with respect to each other is allowed immediately after the locking protrusion has moved into the locking opening.

[0029]

[0029] The selected position where the locking protrusion interacts with the locking opening is also preferably a counter position representing at least substantially an empty container, and thus further, for example, the zero position of the counter.

[0030]

[0030] The prevention preferably brought about at the zero position of the counter, and preferably in conjunction with this, the prevention of the relative rotation of the housing parts with respect to each other prevent the use of the inhaler when the container is empty.

[0031]

[0031] The blocked state can preferably be removed by replacing the empty container with a new filled container while the counter remains in the housing.

[0032]

[0032] In the type of inhaler in question, the removed container cannot be (re)positioned in the use position within the housing, and a further possible solution to the problem can be provided by the container, which is provided with a fixedly connected extension arm, and by the extension arm in the process of inserting the container into the housing, which cooperates with a projection fixed to the housing to move the insertion locking part to the operating position.

[0033]

[0033] With regard to a container for an inhaler according to a further concept of the present invention, the problem can be solved by having a container equipped with a fixedly connected cantilever, and the cantilever including an insertion locking portion.

[0034]

[0034] The insertion locking portion, when moved to the operating position, advantageously prevents the reinsertion of a used container, which has already been appropriately inserted into the inhaler, into the housing and its reach to the use position within the housing. For this purpose, it is preferable that the extension portion provided on the container is already cooperating with a projection fixed to the housing side during the process of the initial insertion of the container, i.e., the insertion of the container before its first use. This preferably results in irreversible positive control of the insertion locking portion to the operating position. The locking portion to be operated is preferably a replaceable part of the container or a part of a boom located on the container, and therefore preferably replaceable with a boom. The boom is more preferably connected to the container in such a way that the user cannot separate the boom from the container without damaging the boom.

[0035]

[0035] A more preferred configuration of the insertion locking mechanism is one that is protected from manipulation. In particular, the operating position is preferably one that cannot be removed by the user.

[0036]

[0036] All the features described with respect to the insertion locking portion can be implemented individually or in combination in the insertion locking portion provided to the container on a fixed and connected cantilever, unless otherwise described separately.

[0037]

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the extension arm may be a separate plastic part, but may be connected to the container and preferably not be detachable from the container by the user in a non-destructive manner.

[0038]

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, there may be, preferably, just one (numeral) insertion locking portion that can be actuated or is made to actuate, or in particular, just one (numeral) section of an insertion locking portion that can be brought into an actuated position and cooperate with the housing in a locking manner.

[0039]

[0039] Each of the features of the independent claims described above is essential in itself, and thereafter, further features of an independent claim can be combined with features of further independent claims or several features of independent claims, and furthermore, with individual features of one or more further independent claims.

[0040]

[0040] The features of the present invention will be described below and in the description of the figures in most cases in preferred assignments to the subject matter of claim 1 and / or to the subject matter of further independent claims or to the features of further claims. However, the features of the present invention may be important in assignments to claim 1 and / or to further independent claims or to the individual features of each further claim, or in either case independently.

[0041]

[0041] In one possible embodiment, the transmission section may be formed as a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation oriented in the longitudinal direction of the shaft for preferred cooperation with the splines of the sleeve section.

[0042]

[0042] Preferably, the geometric axis of rotation of the transmission shaft can be aligned with the axis of rotation of the sleeve portion, and can also be aligned with an axis of rotation that allows the housing portions of the inhaler housing to rotate relative to each other.

[0043]

[0043] The transmission shaft may have regions spaced apart from each other in two directions along the axis of rotation of the transmission shaft, forming first and second gear tooth structures. Each gear tooth structure may be provided by a tooth-like structure alone, but alternatively, it may be provided by a gear-like structure by arranging multiple tooth-like structures.

[0044]

[0044] The first tooth structure can be designed to cooperate with the upper and lower housing sections, and the second tooth structure can be designed to cooperate with the sleeve section. Preferably, with respect to the first tooth structure, direct cooperation with the upper housing section and direct cooperation with the lower housing section are possible, and with respect to the second tooth structure, direct cooperation with the sleeve section, in particular direct cooperation with the teeth of the sleeve section is also possible. Interaction with the upper and / or lower housing sections may be indirect, for example, via the inner housing section that is rotatably fixed to each housing section.

[0045]

[0045] The lower housing portion may also have a first circumferential support flange for the locking projection, and the support flange may further provide a passage opening for the locking projection in a predetermined circumferential region. If necessary, the locking projection may be supported on the support flange over at least a partial circumferential region during the relative rotation of the housing portions relative to each other. The passage for the locking projection to lock the housing portions relative to each other is possible only in a predetermined circumferential orientation of the sleeve portion having the locking opening relative to the passage opening of the support flange. Preferably, this is a circumferential position where the locking opening of the sleeve portion and the passage opening of the support flange overlap with respect to the direction of travel of the locking projection.

[0046]

[0046] In addition, the sleeve portion may have a second support flange having a locking opening for a locking projection in a selected circumferential region. Like the first support flange of the lower housing portion described above, the second support flange plays a role in supporting the locking projection during the normal relative rotation of the housing portions relative to each other, when the container to be locked by the locking projection is not reached.

[0047]

[0047] In a further development, the insertion locking portion, which can be displaced to an operating position during the process of inserting a container into the housing, can move transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler during such insertion. This movement can be achieved as a result of a corresponding displacement caused by collision with a projection fixed to the housing. Due to the transverse movement of the inhaler with respect to its longitudinal direction, the insertion locking portion, in particular a section of the insertion locking portion, is brought to an operating position, and it is preferable that this operating position does not allow for a new insertion of such container after it has been previously removed from the housing.

[0048]

[0048] At least a portion of the insertion locking portion can be displaced from the operating position to a temporary non-operating position against a spring force. The spring force can further be generated from a separately provided spring, such as a metal spring, in the form of a leaf spring, leg spring, or cylindrical compression spring. However, the spring force can also be achieved by the corresponding design of the insertion locking portion itself or by the region of the cantilever interacting with the insertion locking portion.

[0049]

[0049] This spring-loaded displacement of the insertion lock can be used, for example, to achieve non-destructive removal of the container from the housing using an extension arm. During the process of displacement of the container or extension arm during removal from the housing, the insertion lock or section of the insertion lock is first temporarily displaced against the spring force as a result of the corresponding load through the housing section and returned to the non-operating position, and then returned to the operating position as a result of the spring force after the removal of this load through the housing section. Thus, an overflowable operating position of the insertion lock can be provided when the container is inserted into the housing.

[0050]

[0050] In a more preferred embodiment, the insertion lock is prevented from moving beyond the operating position. Therefore, movement of the insertion lock or section of the insertion lock from the operating position cannot be achieved in the direction opposite to the possible spring deflection direction of the insertion lock or section of the insertion lock.

[0051]

[0051] In one possible embodiment, the spring force can be achieved by designing the insertion locking portion or a subsection of the insertion locking portion as a spring arm. Thus, the insertion locking portion as a whole can be manufactured, for example, as a plastic injection molded portion, and the subsection, in particular the subsection supporting the latching portion which can be displaced to the operating position, is formed as a spring arm by a corresponding design.

[0052]

[0052] The spring force can also be formed by a spring arm that is formed separately from the insertion locking portion and can be hooked onto the insertion locking portion.

[0053]

[0053] Preferably, such a spring arm acts on the insertion locking portion only after the insertion locking portion has been displaced to the operating position, as a result of the spring arm engaging with the insertion locking portion in the operating position. Preferably, once the engagement position between the insertion locking portion and the spring arm is taken, it is not at the user's discretion and, moreover, it is not removable non-destructively without the need for tools. Rather, the engagement position is taken permanently after the insertion locking portion has been moved to the operating position during the process of inserting the container into the housing.

[0054]

[0054] The spring arm, which is provided separately from the insertion locking portion, can be formed as an extension arm according to a possible embodiment. In this extension arm, the insertion locking portion is more preferably held movably, and as a result, the insertion locking portion is pivotally movable about a geometric rotation axis, preferably transversely to the insertion movement of the container into the housing using the extension arm, and more preferably transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0055]

[0055] The locking projection is fixed in the rotational direction and moves into the locking opening of the sleeve at a selected position in the sleeve, serving to make it clear to the user that the container is being replaced. The locking projection may be displaced to a released position during the process of removing the container from the housing to make a new container available. This displacement can be performed indirectly, for example, via a lever provided in the housing, or directly using the container or a section of the container. Thus, when the container is removed, the counter can be returned to a position where it can count the atomization process again after the insertion of a new container. More preferably, the locking projection is held in a position that releases the locking opening of the sleeve until it reaches the locked position again, for example, until it reaches a position that represents at least a nearly empty container.

[0056]

[0056] Preferably, such displacement of the locking projection to the released position allows the entire inhaler to function again.

[0057]

[0057] In addition, the sleeve portion can be moved to the count start position during the process of removing the container from the housing, preferably independently of, as far as, the rotation release of the sleeve portion. The count start position can be set to zero to indicate atomization steps that have already been performed in ascending count mode, and to indicate atomization steps that can still be performed, for example, the maximum number of atomization steps possible for the container being used, in descending count mode. Depending on the container size and / or the discharge rate per fluid volume, the initial count position can represent, for example, 200, 150, 120, 100, 80, 60 or even 30 or yet another possible maximum value, preferably an integer, the number of atomization steps. The sleeve portion is more preferably reset to the initial count position by rotating the sleeve portion around its axis in the rotational direction that is also assumed during counting.

[0058]

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the displacement of the locking projection to the release position and the displacement of the sleeve to the count start position can be performed in combination. Thus, the rearward displacement of the locking projection and the release of the sleeve corresponding to the displacement of the sleeve to the initial count position can be performed simultaneously or alternatively in sequence, and both measures acting on the sleeve can be performed in the process of a preferred single intervention by the user in the same direction. This provides for the easy release and reset of the counter that remains inside the housing while the container is being removed.

[0059]

[0059] Therefore, the container may also be provided with a fixedly connected cantilever. This extension arm can be designed to act on the sleeve portion to rotate to the count start position and / or displace the locking projection to the release position during the process of removing the container from the housing. The extension arm is preferably firmly connected to the container. Through this extension arm, a portion of it may act on the sleeve portion, in particular on a section of the circumferential wall, to rotate the sleeve portion to the count start position. Another section of the cantilever, but possibly the same section, may act, for example, via a housing-side lever, to displace the locking projection to the release position. Alternatively, the cantilever may also act directly or indirectly on the locking projection via a sleeve-side support flange to displace the locking projection to a position that releases the sleeve portion. In this way, the locking projection may also be pushed out of the locking opening of the sleeve portion during the rotational displacement of the sleeve portion to the count start position.

[0060]

[0060] In a further embodiment, when a container is inserted, the insertion locking portion is pre-tensioned toward the locking position. The pre-tension can be provided by a separately provided spring element. Alternatively, the insertion locking portion is designed so that the required pre-tension arises from the insertion locking portion itself. For example, the insertion locking portion may be a plastic injection molded portion having a section that forms a spring arm supporting the locking section, and this insertion locking portion can be brought to the pre-tensioned position by a projection fixed to the housing at least during the displacement of the container when inserting it into and / or removing it from the housing. Without being acted upon by a projection, the locking section can be in a locking position with the spring released.

[0061]

[0061] The housing, particularly the fixed lower housing portion, can have guide receivers for the extension arms, which can be used to guide the container with the extension arms into or out of the housing, preferably linearly along the longitudinal axis of the housing. Furthermore, this provides a clear orientation of the container relative to the housing in a manner advantageous to the user. Obstruction protrusions fixed to the housing can be provided in the guide receivers, which the container must overcome, particularly when inserting it into the housing.

[0062]

[0062] The provided obstruction projections are intended to ensure that only containers that have not yet been inserted into the inhaler housing can be moved to the appropriate use position within the housing. Used containers, regardless of their fill level, should no longer be able to be moved to the appropriate position within the housing that enables the atomization process. This is achieved by obstruction projections fixed to the housing that work in cooperation with the insertion lock when a used container is inserted to prevent the container from moving to the use position. In this position, the activated insertion lock preferably engages in the travel path of the cantilever, which essentially contains the housing-side obstruction projections. Only when the insertion lock is not moved to the activated position can the container be properly inserted into the housing.

[0063]

[0063] Preferably, the insertion locking portion is in the operating position as soon as the insertion of the unused container into the housing is complete as a result of collision with a projection fixed to the housing. When the container is removed, preferably the insertion locking portion can pass over the obstruction projection fixed to the housing due to the elastic deflection of the insertion locking portion. For this purpose, the insertion locking portion may have a deflection slope. Such a design is advantageous in that it is possible to achieve that the insertion locking portion does not have tension in the spring-elastic section during the container's lifespan. However, in the opposite direction of displacement, when attempting to insert the used container into the housing, overrunning of the obstruction projection is prevented by design measures such as preventing deflection as that occurs during removal.

[0064]

[0064] The appropriate position for using the container is preferably a position in which the container is held by the clamp fastener on the housing side and the suction tube of the inhaler is immersed in the container.

[0065]

[0065] With respect to supplementary or alternative features relating to the container for the inhaler, the same applies to the assignment relating to those claims as described above with respect to the features relating to the inhaler.

[0066] Brief explanation of the drawing

[0066] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative examples of embodiments. Therefore, any part that is described merely with reference to one embodiment and which cannot be replaced by another part in a further embodiment due to the special features emphasized therein will also be described in this further embodiment as a possible part in any case. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] The inhaler is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 2] Another perspective view of the inhaler after opening the cover cap that exposes the mouthpiece is shown. [Figure 3]The inhaler is shown in an exploded perspective view. [Figure 4] This shows an exploded perspective view of the lower housing area of ​​the inhaler. [Figure 5] This shows an exploded perspective view of the upper housing area of ​​the inhaler. [Figure 6] The diagram shows an exploded perspective view of the container for insertion into the inhaler and the counter that can be assigned to the inside of the lower housing. [Figure 7] A perspective view of a container equipped with related container connection parts is shown. [Figure 8] This shows an exploded perspective view of the connection area between the container and the container connector. [Figure 9] A perspective view shows the connection area of ​​the container connector to the related insertion locking portion in relation to the first embodiment of the container connector. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows another perspective view of the connection area of ​​the container connection. [Figure 11] This shows the open insertion area of ​​an inhaler for inserting a container equipped with a container connection. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the inhaler's closing cap is shown. [Figure 13] The cross-section along line XIII-XIII in Figure 1 shows the intermediate position during the process of inserting the container into the housing. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows a cross-section relating to the insertion position of the container, prior to the final placement of the closing cap. [Figure 15] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the basic position of the inhaler. [Figure 16] Figure 13 shows another cross-sectional view regarding the preparation position of the inhaler. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows the cross-section XVII-XVII. [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of region XVIII with respect to the intermediate position where the cross-sectional plane is offset. [Figure 19] Figure 18 shows a cross-section along the line XIX-XIX. [Figure 20] A subsequent diagram relating to the atomization position in Figure 16 is shown. [Figure 21] The image shows an exploded perspective view of the release ring with a release button and the associated intake manifold section. [Figure 22] Figure 21 shows an additional exploded perspective view of the components. [Figure 23] The interior of the upper housing is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 24] The inner part of the housing is shown in a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional plane XXIV in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 24 shows the diagram indicated by arrow XXV. [Figure 26] A partial cross-sectional side view of the inhaler is shown, illustrating the gear and counter sleeve. [Figure 27] The following are separate perspective views of the counter sleeve and the associated lower housing interior. [Figure 28] Individual perspective views of the transmission units that can be assigned to the counter are shown. [Figure 29] Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view along line XXIX-XXIX. [Figure 30] Figure 26 shows a cross-section along line XXX-XXX. [Figure 31] A cross-sectional view of the alternative design is shown in Figure 29. [Figure 32] Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative design. [Figure 33] The inhaler in the position ready to receive the container is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 34] The base region of the container equipped with a container connection part is shown in an exploded view. [Figure 35] The blocking position of the sleeve portion and the position before inserting the new container with the container connection portion are shown in a simplified diagram without the lower housing portion. [Figure 36] Continuing from Figure 35, this shows the intermediate position during the process of inserting the container into the inhaler housing. [Figure 37] Figure 34 shows a perspective rear view of the figure. [Figure 38] The container connection section is shown in a further exploded perspective view. [Figure 39] The inhaler is shown in a side view. [Figure 40] Figure 39 shows an inhaler partially cut along the line XL-XL in relation to a first embodiment of the container connection. [Figure 41] Figure 40 shows a cross-section along the line XLI-XLI. [Figure 42] The XLII region in Figure 40 indicates an intermediate position during the process of inserting a new container into the housing. [Figure 43] An enlarged perspective view of the cover of the container connection section is shown. [Figure 44] Individual perspective views of the insertion and locking parts are shown. [Figure 45] This figure, corresponding to Figure 42, shows the container further displaced in the direction of the insertion position together with the container connection. [Figure 46] Figure 45 continues, showing the further displaced state. [Figure 47] This diagram essentially corresponds to Figure 42, but shows a different diagram of the process of container removal and displacement. [Figure 48] Figure 47 continues below. [Figure 49] Figure 48 continues below. [Figure 50] This diagram essentially corresponds to Figure 42, but shows another diagram of the process of attempting to insert a used container into the housing. [Figure 51] Figure 37 shows a diagram of the container connection portion in a second embodiment that substantially corresponds to Figure 37. [Figure 52] Figure 51 shows individual perspective views of the insertion and locking parts of the second embodiment. [Figure 53] Figure 52 shows a rear perspective view of the insertion and locking portion. [Figure 54] Figure 51 shows a diagram relating to an embodiment, which corresponds to Figure 42. [Figure 55] Figure 54 continues, showing the process of removing and displacing the container connection. [Figure 56] Figure 55 continues below. [Figure 57] A cross-sectional perspective view of the container connection section is shown. [Figure 58] A perspective view of the notch in the insertion and locking section is shown. [Figure 59] A subsequent diagram shows the operating position of the insertion locking mechanism. [Figure 60] Figure 59 continues, showing the temporary displacement of the insertion locking portion to the non-operating position. [Figure 61] The following diagram corresponds to Figure 50 and shows a diagram relating to the second embodiment. [Figure 62] Another diagram of the container connection portion in the third embodiment, substantially corresponding to Figure 37, is shown. [Figure 63] Figure 62 shows individual perspective views of the insertion and locking parts of the third embodiment. [Figure 64] The container connector in the fourth embodiment is shown substantially as in Figure 37. [Figure 65] The individual perspective views of the insertion and locking parts of the fourth embodiment are shown. [Figure 66] Another diagram of the container connector in the fifth embodiment, substantially corresponding to Figure 37, is shown. [Figure 67] The insertion and locking portion of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 66 is shown in a single perspective view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] Description of the Embodiment

[0067] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, we will show and explain the inhaler 1 for spraying and distributing the fluid 3 stored in the replaceable container 2.

[0069]

[0068] The inhaler 1 is preferably designed as a portable inhaler, having a length of about 80 to 200 mm, more preferably about 100 to 150 mm, considered in the direction of the longitudinal housing axis x, and a width of about 20 to 60 mm, more preferably about 25 to 50 mm, considered transversely to the longitudinal housing axis x, and having a more preferably elongated oval cross-section with a preferably flattened narrow side shape. Thus, the inhaler 1 can be handled with one hand, especially when performing the inhalation process.

[0070]

[0069] The fluid 3 is preferably a therapeutic or pharmaceutical product inhaled by the user during the inhalation process. Preferably, such inhalation is performed without a propellant gas. Rather, the fluid 3 is preferably drawn from the container 2 into the pressure chamber 23 and, as a result of pressurization, is discharged in a spray manner through the mouthpiece 7. The atomization process performed is preferably counted using a counter 16 located on the housing side.

[0071]

[0070] The inhaler 1 has a housing 4 which is substantially divided into an upper housing portion 5 and a lower housing portion 6 (see basically Figures 4 and 5), and the housing portions 5 and 6 can be rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal housing axis x within a limited range of stopping. For illustrative purposes of the drawings, the upper housing portion 5 in which the mouthpiece 7 is formed is defined as a fixed housing portion, and the lower housing portion 6 can be rotated relative to the fixed housing portion (see rotation direction a in Figure 1).

[0072]

[0071] In a circumferential view, the housing 4 of the inhaler 1 may be provided with two rounded sides facing each other and two flat sides positioned opposite each other and offset by 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. In this case, one of the flat sides 47 of the upper housing portion 5 covers the area that houses the locking device S for the container 2 and / or the counter 16. A viewing window 56 for the counter 16 may be provided in the rounded area of ​​the lower housing portion 6.

[0073]

[0072] The container 2 is removably received in the housing 4 of the inhaler 1, particularly in the receiving space 112 within the lower housing portion 6. In this case, the container 2 has a substantially cylindrical or cartridge shape, and the foldable collapsible bag 11 that holds the fluid 3 is preferably housed in an outer rigid casing which substantially includes a circumferential container wall 8 and a container base 9.

[0074]

[0073] In the normal use position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, the closing cap 10 is provided on the lower housing portion 6 in the region of the end facing away from the upper housing portion 5. The closing cap 10 can be snap-fitted onto the lower housing portion 6 by, for example, a latching projection 94 with a pop-out design. After removing the closing cap 10 by overcoming the locking position according to Figure 11 (removal is preferably performed by the user without tools), the container 2 can be inserted into the housing 4, particularly into the lower housing portion 6 or into the receiving space 112 from below, if necessary, together with the container connector 11, or the inserted container 2 can be removed from the housing 4 together with the container connector 11.

[0075]

[0074] In the end region facing the mouthpiece 7, the container 2 is snap-fitted to the suction tube portion 12, which is linearly guided along the longitudinal axis x of the housing and non-rotatably connected to the inner housing portion 25 within the lower housing portion 6, or to the inner housing portion 25 which is non-rotatably connected to the housing portion 6. The radially inward-facing locking projection 13 of the suction tube portion 12, which is subjected to a spring load, engages with the circumferential locking groove 14 of the container 2 in the region of the container neck (see Figures 14 to 16).

[0076]

[0075] In the non-use position, the mouthpiece 7 is preferably covered by a cover cap 15, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The cover cap 15 can be pivotably mounted on the housing 4, in this case particularly on the upper housing portion 5. The geometric pivot axis y that enables this pivot displacement may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. For example, in the closed position of the cover cap shown in Figure 1, the cover cap 15 is secured in the closed position by engaging with the back side of the opposing locking section 96 provided on the housing side using a locking section 95.

[0077]

[0076] The latching section 95 and the opposing latching section 96, which enable the latching of the pivot shaft y and the cover cap 15, can preferably be provided in association with the flat sides of the housing sections 5 and 6.

[0078]

[0077] The suction tube section 12 is preferably useful for distributing and atomizing a predetermined metered amount of fluid 3 in particular. For this purpose, the suction tube section 12 has, in addition to the holder 19 for the container 2, a latching projection 13 and a suction tube 20 that enters the inside of the container, in particular the inside of the bag 111 housed inside the container 2, while passing through the passage opening 21 of the container 2 when the container 2 is latched onto the holder 19.

[0079]

[0078] The end of the suction tube 20, which is oriented away from the container 2 and pointing upward in the figure, can be fitted with a backflow prevention valve 22 at its end, and this end region of the suction tube 20 is inserted into a pressure chamber 23 formed in the nozzle body 41 so that it can be displaced linearly along the longitudinal axis of the housing. Viewed in the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis x of the housing, a jet nozzle 24 can be formed at the end of the pressure chamber 23 associated with the mouthpiece 7.

[0080]

[0079] The suction tube portion 12 can be subjected to a spring load in the direction of the mouthpiece 7, preferably in a stopped-restricted state. For this purpose, and preferably, a compression spring 26 can be provided, for example, in the form of a cylindrical compression spring, which preferably extends concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. In the region of one end, the compression spring 26 is supported on the underside of the suction tube portion 12 surrounding the holder 19, and in the region of the opposite end, it is supported by the downward end of a base 27 which is hooked to the inner part 25 of the housing, as shown in the figure. The base 27 is provided with a central opening 17, through which the container 2 can protrude downward into the region of the closing cap 10, or the container 2 can be inserted through the opening 17 for hooking onto the holder 19.

[0081]

[0080] In preparation for the atomization or suction process, tension is applied to the compression spring 26, i.e., the axially extended portion of the compression spring 26 is compressed. For this purpose, the upper housing portion 5 is rotated around the longitudinal housing axis x with respect to the lower housing portion 6 by a rotational angle of preferably about 180 degrees. During the process, the helical inclined surface 28 formed on the underside of the upper housing portion 5, facing away from the mouthpiece 7, interacts with the opposing inclined surface 29 of the suction tube portion 12, which is similarly inclined or raised in the circumferential direction, and as a result, during the rotation of the upper housing portion 5 with respect to the fixed lower housing portion 6, a linear displacement of the suction tube portion 12 to which the container 2 is fixed is achieved downward in the direction of the base 27 with respect to the longitudinal housing axis x of the diagram in Figure 16, against the restoring force of the compression spring 26 (see Figure 16). During this linear displacement process, the fluid 3 is simultaneously sucked or transported from the container 2 into the pressure chamber 23 via the suction pipe 20, and the pressure chamber 23 continuously expands during the displacement of the suction pipe 12.

[0082]

[0081] In order to equalize the pressure inside the container 2, the container base 9 is punctured during the downward displacement described above for clamping the system, particularly during the initial use of the container 2, and for this purpose a puncture needle 30 is provided on the base side of the closing cap 10 and preferably spring-supported in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing (see Figures 12 and 16). The puncture needle 30 may be part of a spring plate member 18 held and formed within the closing cap 10 so that the puncture needle 30 is spring-biased toward the container base 9, as shown in the figures.

[0083]

[0082] The tension application position is first secured. This is done by a triggering ring 31 located in the upper housing 5, which can be operated externally by the user via a trigger button 32. The trigger button 32 is exposed in a window 33 of the upper housing 5 (see Figures 5, 21 and 22).

[0084]

[0083] When the inhaler 1 is not in use, the trigger button 32 is covered by the cover cap 15 and held in a protected, concealed position.

[0085]

[0084] The trigger ring 31 initially substantially surrounds the wall 34 of the suction tube section 12 that encloses the area of ​​the opposing inclined surface 29, with an increase in the ring thickness d measured radially when viewed from both sides in the circumferential direction from the area of ​​the trigger button 32 (see Figure 17). In the area essentially diametrically opposite to the trigger button 32, the trigger ring 31 has a receiving portion 35 for the housing side rib that opens upward in a U-shape relative to the orientation of the inhaler 1, as shown in Figure 15, thereby ensuring secure rotational retention of the entire trigger ring 31 within the upper housing section 5.

[0086]

[0085] Referring to the figure, the receiving portion 35 is formed on the upper side of the trigger ring 31. A control projection 36 is formed on the lower side of the trigger ring 31, substantially overlapping the longitudinal axis x of the housing. During the preparation of the inhaler 1 by the relative rotation of the housing portions 5 and 6 in the circumferential direction, this projection interacts with an opposing control projection 37 on the lower inner portion 25 of the housing, which rotates in the process of rotation relative to the fixed trigger ring 31, such that the loading of the trigger ring 31 in the region of the radially inward control projection 36 is achieved via the inclined surfaces of the projections that slide against each other.

[0087]

[0086] Due to the relative rotation of the housing portions 5 and 6 relative to each other, the relative rotation of the suction pipe 12 with respect to the fixed triggering ring 31 is also achieved at this position, and as a result the control projection 36 can enter radially inward into the recess 38 formed on the end face of the wall 34 of the suction pipe 12.

[0088]

[0087] If necessary, the overrun of the opposing control projection 37 allows the control projection 36 to partially engage within the recess 38 to lock the clamp position, thereby supporting the control projection 36 itself on the shoulder 60 of the suction pipe tube 12 that defines the circumferential boundary of the recess 38, and, if necessary, further or alternatively, the radial shoulder of a projection positioned circumferentially spaced away from the inclined surface of the control projection 36 on the release ring 31 to contact the corresponding radial shoulder of the opposing control projection 37 that can be reached after the overrun (see Figures 16 to 19).

[0089]

[0088] Firstly, this provides a protective means for preventing the lower housing portion 6 from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the upper housing portion 5 and / or from rotating further in the clamped position.

[0090]

[0089] In the clamping direction, the ring-side control projection 36 can be overrun by the opposing control projection 37.

[0091]

[0090] In addition, the tension of the release ring 31 when the suction pipe 12 is displaced downward, which may be supported by the radial displacement of the control projection 36 by the opposing control projection 37, may result from the design of the trigger ring 31 having different thicknesses d in the circumferential direction, particularly in this region facing the trigger button 32 with the control projection 36 in the diametrically opposed direction, preferably from the radially inward displacement of the trigger ring 31 together with the control projection 36, so that the relevant section of the trigger ring 31 is positioned forward of the opposing end edge surface of the wall 34 of the suction pipe 12 in an axial locking manner, or advances forward of the bottom of the recess 38 and engages in the recess 38 in a locking manner (see Figures 18 and 19).

[0092]

[0091] For inhalation, the user moves the cover cap 15 to a position that exposes the mouthpiece 7, as shown in Figure 2, and surrounds the mouthpiece 7 with their lips. The subsequent release of the compression spring 26 causes the divided fluid volume in the pressure chamber 23 to be discharged through the ejection nozzle 24 (see Figure 20). The user can inhale the expelled aerosol 39, thereby inhaling air through at least one ventilation opening 40 on the foot end of the mouthpiece 7.

[0093]

[0092] The lock is released by pressure action of the trigger button 32 by the user, thereby loading the triggering ring 31 so that the area essentially opposite to the trigger button 32, particularly the area having the control projection 36, is again shifted radially outward and returned, thereby releasing the suction pipe 12. This can then spring back to the starting position as a result of the release of the restoring force of the compression spring 26, thereby discharging the fluid from the pressure chamber 23 and through the ejection nozzle 24 via the check valve 22, which is currently closed and acts as a pseudo-piston during this process. This makes it possible to obtain a nozzle jet fan of aerosol 39 with an opening angle of about 30 to 150 degrees, and further about 75 to 115 degrees, as shown in Figure 20.

[0094]

[0093] The atomization operation can be registered and counted using a counter 16 housed in the housing 4. This counting is performed as the housings 5 ​​and 6 rotate relative to each other, that is, as the inhaler 1 is prepared to perform fluid discharge. Each rotation of the housings 5 ​​and 6 relative to each other does not need to act on the counter 16 in the sense of counting (see Figure 32). For example, it may only be per second (see Figure 31) or every four rotations (see Figures 29 and 30) that an action on the counter 16 in the sense of counting occurs.

[0095]

[0094] Part of the counter 16 is a transmission unit 43 that transmits the relative rotational displacement of the housing units 5 and 6 to the sleeve unit 51 of the counter 16. The sleeve unit 51 is provided with letters 53 on its outer surface 52 that represent the count.

[0096]

[0095] The transmission unit 43 is designed in the form of a transmission shaft 44 having a rotation axis z that extends in the same direction as the longitudinal housing axis x. The transmission unit 43 is further designed and positioned to cooperate directly with the upper housing unit 5, in particular the upper housing inner unit 42 surrounded by the upper housing unit 5, the lower housing unit 6, in particular the lower housing inner unit 25, and the sleeve unit 51 of the counter 16.

[0097]

[0096] For this purpose, the transmission portion 43 is rotatably held in a recess 45 formed on the outside of the wall of the inner portion 25 of the lower housing and opening radially outward, and both the recess 45 and the transmission portion 43 in the working position pass through a transverse plane extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the housing, in this transverse plane, a collar-shaped circumferential first support flange 46 is simultaneously formed on the outside of the wall of the inner portion 25 of the lower housing.

[0098]

[0097] In relation to the recess 45, the first support flange 46 is provided with an open edge passage opening 48 (see Figure 6).

[0099]

[0098] The transmission shaft 44 has two regions spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis z, the first toothed structure 49 and the second toothed structure 50. Thus, with respect to the orientation of the inhaler 1 as shown in Figure 26, the second toothed structure 50 can be formed to correspond to the lower region of the transmission shaft 44 below the support flange 46, and the first toothed structure 49 can be formed to correspond to the upper region above the support flange 46.

[0100]

[0099] For example, as shown in the representation of the transmission section 43 in Figure 28, the second toothed structure 50 can be formed by drive fingers 97 that essentially protrude radially outward with respect to the rotation axis z, in cooperation with circumferential teeth 57 formed on the inside of the wall of the sleeve section 51. Thus, this results in meshing that is oriented transversely with respect to the sleeve axis c (see Figure 30).

[0101]

[0100] The first toothed structure 49 can be formed by four counting fingers 98 evenly distributed circumferentially on the transmission shaft 44 (see Figure 28). These may preferably have equal radial lengths. With respect to axial heights h and h' considered in the axial direction, the arrangement can be further selected such that a pair of diametrically opposed counting fingers 98 has a height h that is, for example, 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than that of the other pair of opposing counting fingers 98.

[0102]

[0101] The upper housing inner portion 42, which is non-rotatably connected to the upper housing portion 5, surrounds the lower housing inner portion 25 by a free wall end section 99 facing toward the sleeve portion 51 in the region of the first toothed structure 49 of the transmission portion 43 held within the lower housing inner portion 25. On the inside of this wall end section 99, which is correspondingly facing toward the lower housing inner portion 25, a roughly U-shaped drive portion 100 is formed in a plane that transcends the longitudinal axis x of the housing for cooperation with the first toothed structure 49 (see enlarged detail view of Figure 5).

[0103]

[0102] Referring to the figure, the first teeth 57 of the sleeve portion 51 that cooperate with the second toothed structure 50 are formed on the upper edge region of the sleeve portion 51 on the inside of the sleeve. In the axial distance in the lower edge region, the second circumferential teeth 55 are preferably formed on the inside of the sleeve for cooperation with the retractable locking fingers 71 formed on the lower inner housing portion 25 (see Figure 27).

[0104]

[0103] Two teeth 102 adjacent to the first tooth portion 57 in the circumferential direction may form an acute angle of about 8 to 12 degrees with respect to each other, for example, with respect to the radially inward-facing tooth tip of each tooth 102, and more preferably, an acute angle of about 10.5 degrees. Thus, a preferred number of 30 to 35 teeth, more preferably 32 teeth, may further result in a toothed region extending circumferentially over a total angle of about 330 to 340 degrees, more preferably about 336 degrees.

[0105]

[0104] For example, over the remaining circumferential portion of 20 to 30 degrees, and for example, 24 degrees, there is a gap 101 that allows the drive finger 97 of the transmission unit 43 to move freely, particularly during the container exchange process which will be described in more detail below.

[0106]

[0105] Furthermore, the circumferential guide groove 54 may be provided in association with the outer surface 52 of the sleeve portion 51, in relation to a portion of the lower housing member 6 that engages with the guide groove 54, and as a whole, provides rotational retention of the sleeve portion 51 within the lower housing member 6.

[0107]

[0106] The letters 53 on the outer surface 52 can be seen by the user from the outside through the transparent viewing window 56 provided in the lower housing portion 6, and in particular the letters 53 indicate the current filling state of the inserted container 2.

[0108]

[0107] In preparation for the atomization process, the rotation of the lower housing portion 6 in rotational direction a relative to the fixed upper housing portion 5 can be performed as a result of the action of the transmission portion 43 on the first toothed structure 49 by the drive portion 100 provided in the inner portion 42 of the upper housing (see Figure 29).

[0109]

[0108] In particular, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 30 and Figures 33 to 50, only one drive unit 100 is provided (see Figure 29). Thus, the 180-degree rotation of the housing units 5 and 6 relative to each other for each operation brings about the action of the transmission unit 43 on the first toothed structure 49 for each of the two preparatory operations of the inhaler 1, and consequently the associated 360-degree rotation of the inner lower housing unit 25 that holds the sleeve unit 51 with the first teeth 57.

[0110]

[0109] In this first embodiment, with respect to the provided single drive finger 97, a 180-degree rotation of the second toothed structure 50 in the rotational direction b using the drive finger 97 occurs every other time it reaches the atomization preparation position, due to the action of the transmission unit 43 via the drive unit 100. Every three times it reaches the atomization preparation position, a rotational action is performed on the sleeve portion 51 in the rotational direction b' via the drive finger 97, causing the sleeve portion 51 to rotate 360° as a whole in the rotational direction b. The drive finger 97 moves the sleeve portion 51 by a further tooth 102, and correspondingly preferably by an angle of 10.5 degrees.

[0111]

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the character 53 is preferably counted with a count value 4 that starts from the maximum count value (e.g., 120) and goes toward the minimum count value (e.g., zero).

[0112]

[0111] For example, in order to achieve a count pulse in the sleeve portion 51 when every other atomization preparation position is reached, for example, in substantially identical overall designs of the inhaler components, the upper inner housing portion 42 may be provided with two diametrically opposed drive fingers 100, according to a further embodiment shown in Figure 31. Thus, in the arrangement of only one more drive finger 97, each relative rotation of each housing portion relative to each other results in a rotational action of 180 degrees on the transmission portion 43 in any case, so that a 360-degree rotation of the transmission portion 43 is achieved so that it acts on the sleeve portion 51 after two atomization preparation positions. For example, with the same number of teeth 102 and each angular step of about 10.5 degrees, in this case it is possible to start from a maximum count value of 60 and count down by 2 at a time.

[0113]

[0112] According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 32, the second toothed structure 50 may also be provided with two drive fingers 97 that are also diametrically opposed, such that each 180-degree rotation of the transmission section 43, i.e., each interaction between the first toothed structure 49 and the drive section 100, results in the rotational drive of the sleeve section 51 in the rotational direction b' by one tooth 102, and consequently registration / counting.

[0114]

[0113] Therefore, this can be achieved by an alternative design in which, in cooperation with the inner part 42 of the upper housing which has only one drive unit 100 according to the first embodiment, count pulses are sent to the sleeve part 51 at every other atomization preparation position.

[0115]

[0114] As will be described with reference to a further embodiment shown in Figure 31, when two drive units 100 are provided that are diametrically opposed, rotational movement of the sleeve unit 51 by a count amount is achieved in relation to the double arrangement of drive unit fingers 97, when each individual atomization preparation position is reached. With the same number of teeth 102 and an angular step of about 10.5, in this case it is possible to count by a count value of 1, starting from a maximum count value of 30.

[0116]

[0115] In an advantageous embodiment, the counter 16 and, through it, the inhaler 1 are prevented by the locking device S in terms of the rotational properties of the housing parts relative to each other, particularly when the minimum count value (e.g., zero) is reached. Therefore, the prevention prevents further rotation of the lower housing part 6 relative to the upper housing part 5. Thus, the user can tactilely recognize the empty container 2 without having to individually look at the counter display. The inhaler 1 cannot be used without further measures.

[0117]

[0116] For this purpose, the locking device S preferably has a locking claw 59 with a locking projection 58. Also as shown in the figures, the locking claw 59 is assigned to one of the flat side surfaces 47 described above and can be held in a guide 107 formed inside the wall of the upper housing portion 5, preferably in a stop-restricted state, so as to be displaceable in the extending direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing. In this case, the locking claw 59 is subjected to a spring load by a spring 61, for example, a cylindrical compression spring, as also shown in the figures, in the direction of the sleeve portion 51, in the direction of the stop position shown below in the figure (see Figures 5 and 16).

[0118]

[0117] During normal operation of the inhaler 1, the locking claw 59 is supported by a locking projection 58 on the tip side of the second support flange 62 surrounding the first teeth 57 of the sleeve portion 51, or, depending on the rotational position, on the first support flange 46 of the lower housing inner portion 25. The support surface of the second support flange 62 preferably extends transversely with respect to the housing longitudinal axis x, viewed along the housing longitudinal axis x substantially directly below the first support flange 46, which is offset in a plane in the direction of the base portion 27. In addition, the second support flange 62 extends radially outward with respect to the first teeth 57.

[0119]

[0118] Looking at the entire circumference, this second support flange 62 is also partially interrupted. Therefore, there is a circumferential locking opening 63 of the sleeve portion 51 in this region, and the locking projection 58 automatically enters into the locking opening 63 in the locking manner due to the spring load described above, especially when it reaches the minimum count value (e.g., zero).

[0120]

[0119] At this minimum count position of the sleeve portion 51, the passage opening 48 of the first support flange 46 formed on the inner portion 25 of the lower housing and the locking opening 63 of the second support flange 62 formed on the sleeve portion 51 are located in overlapping positions with respect to the extending direction of the housing longitudinal axis x. Both flange openings (passage opening 48 and locking opening 63) also extend in the direction of travel of the locking claw 59. With this circumferential alignment of the flange opening and the locking projection 58, the locking claw 59 is subjected to a spring load by the locking projection 58 and can enter the locking position shown in Figure 35, in which the locking claw 59 provides rotational locking in the normal rotational direction a between the housing portions by supporting the locking opening 63 against a locking shoulder 103 that crosses the transverse plane provided by the support flange and preferably extends perpendicular to the second support flange 62.

[0121]

[0120] In the blocked position, the locking projection 58 can be seated in a stop-limiting manner on the bottom section 104 of the locking opening 63.

[0122]

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the lock of the counter 16 can also be released only by removing the container 2 from the housing 4, as is also preferred. In particular, a container connector 11, which is connected to the container 2 and can be separated from the container 2 only by destruction, serves this purpose.

[0123]

[0122] Preferably, the container connector 11 may be a plastic injection molded part further having a pot-shaped base section 64 with a pot-shaped recess in particular, into which the container 2 is received at the foot end, i.e., in the area of ​​the end opposite to the locking groove 14. A cantilever 65, aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing and extending adjacent to the container 2 in the direction of the mouthpiece 7, is integrally formed on the base section 64. With regard to inserting the container 2 into the housing 4 with the lid 10 open, the cantilever 65 can be inserted into a guide receiving portion 66 of the housing 4, in particular of the lower housing portion 6, which is allocated to an area of ​​the upper housing portion 5 having a flat side surface 47 into which the locking claws 59 are guided inward. The guide receiving portion 66 extends adjacent to the receiving space 112 for the container 2.

[0124]

[0123] As shown in the figures, the cantilever 65 has two plate portions 67 and 68 that extend essentially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other perpendicular to the extension. The spacing between them is obtained by a bridge 69 that extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. One of the bridges 69 leaves a passage opening 70 in approximately the upper third of its longitudinal range (see Figures 37, 42 and 43).

[0125]

[0124] Between the bridge 69 covered by the plate portions 67 and 68, an insertion locking portion 74 is further provided, having an outward-facing plate-shaped latch section 75.

[0126]

[0125] The plate portions 67 and 68 are spaced apart via a bridge 69, but can be latched together to form a cantilever 65. For this purpose, for example, a latching projection 72 formed on the plate portion 68 can be used, and the latching projection 72 can cooperate with the corresponding opposing latching region 80 of the plate portion 67.

[0127]

[0126] In addition, the cantilever 65 facing the container 2 has a control projection 77 with a control surface 73 that extends obliquely with respect to the insertion direction r of the container connection portion 11 which contains the container 2.

[0128]

[0127] When the unused container 2 is inserted into the housing 4 (in insertion direction r) together with the container connector 11, the cantilever 65 is inserted into the guide receiving portion 66. As it passes through the circumferential discontinuity region 108 of the sleeve portion 51 that forms the guide groove 54, the control surface 73 reaches the opposing inclined surface 105 of the control section 106 provided on the outside of the wall of the sleeve portion 51, which is steeply inclined in the same direction. As a result of this collision and the subsequent sliding of the inclined surfaces toward each other during the further insertion process, the rotation of the sleeve portion 51 in the normal rotation direction b' is forced toward the base position (see Figures 35 and 36). The base position is preferably the count position where the maximum count value is displayed (e.g., 120, 60, or 30).

[0129]

[0128] The formation of the intertooth gap 101 in the region of the first teeth 57 of the sleeve portion 51 allows the drive finger 97 to move freely, and as a result, the sleeve portion 51 can be adjusted to its basic position without intentionally disengaging the meshing, for example by lifting or displacing the gear engagement portion.

[0130]

[0129] The rotation angle achieved in this process essentially corresponds to the angular dimension over which the intertooth gap 101 of the sleeve portion 51 extends.

[0131]

[0130] Preferably, during the rotation of the sleeve portion 51 thus achieved in the process of inserting a new unused container 2, the locking claw 59 with the locking projection 58 is lifted against the force of the spring 61 from the blocked position shown in Figure 35 as a result of control of the control slope 109 opposite to the locking shoulder portion 103 of the locking opening 63.

[0132]

[0131] Preferably, the locking projection 58 is adapted to the steps, and is lifted accordingly, and finally comes to rest on the opposing surface of the second support flange 62 under spring action in the basic or initial position reached as shown in Figure 36.

[0133]

[0132] In the final basic position, the latching projection 72 is supported by a region having a guide groove 54 that extends radially with respect to the display area of ​​the sleeve portion 51.

[0134]

[0133] From this basic position, during the normal rotation of the lower housing portion 6 relative to the upper housing portion 5, the locking projection 58 can be lifted onto the first support flange 46 and slide on the first support flange 46.

[0135]

[0134] Preferably, only the insertion of unused containers 2 is performed. On the other hand, used containers 2, including empty containers 2, are prevented from being (re)inserted into the housing 4. For this purpose, the insertion locking portion 74 of the container connection portion 11 described above is used.

[0136]

[0135] The drawings show various embodiments in this regard.

[0137]

[0136] For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 33 to 50, the insertion locking portion 74 is pivotably attached to the cantilever 65. The geometric pivot axis u extends transversely with respect to the insertion direction r, and therefore preferably transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the housing.

[0138]

[0137] For pivot locking, the insertion locking portion 74 may include a pin 76 that seats in a properly fitted bearing opening 81 of the cantilever 65, for example, in the region of the plate portion 67 which is directly connected to the base section 64.

[0139]

[0138] With respect to the extending direction of the pivot axis u, a separate spring arm 82 is formed on the cantilever 65, for example on the plate portion 67, in a relationship that overlaps with the pivot region of the insertion locking portion 74. More preferably, it extends essentially concentrically with the pivot axis u and supports a latching projection 84 directed toward the opposing lower surface of the insertion locking portion 74 in the region of the end portion of the plate portion 67 that is oriented away from the mounting region 83 of the spring arm 82.

[0140]

[0139] When the separate spring arm 82 extends virtually beyond the locking projection 84, a free-cut avoidance space 85 is created in the plate portion 67.

[0141]

[0140] Facing the plate portion 67 that supports the spring arm 82 equipped with the latching projection 84, the insertion locking portion 74 has a groove 86 that is substantially concentric with the pivot axis u, the latching projection 84 enters the groove before the initial insertion of the container 2 into the housing 1, and then holds the insertion locking portion 74 in a basic position where it is substantially held between the latching projection 84 and the bridge 69 on the opposite side of the passage opening 70 (see, for example, Figure 42).

[0142]

[0141] During the process of inserting the container 2 in the insertion direction r by the cantilever 65, the housing-side projection 79, in the form of a control tongue, appears in the area of ​​the guide receiving portion 66 through the window 87 of the cantilever 65, and then in the area between the plate portions 67 and 68 of the cantilever 65. The projection 79 acts in the rotational direction e, thereby loading the insertion locking portion 74 (see Figure 45), and the hooking projection 84 at the end of the groove 86 of the insertion locking portion 74 can bend under control via the control slope 88 in alignment with the pivot axis u, overrunning the locking shoulder portion 89, and finally, during further pivotal displacement of the insertion locking portion 74, it hooks into the locking receiving portion 90 of the insertion locking portion 74 via the projection 79, which is separated from the groove 86 by the locking shoulder portion 89 (see Figure 46). Therefore, the insertion locking portion 74 is brought to the operating position and held in this position by a latching mechanism, in which position the latch section 75 protrudes outward through the passage opening 70 of the cantilever 65, beyond the opening plane E of the passage opening 70, into the passage gap 119 created between the plate portions 67 and 68.

[0143]

[0142] In order to remove the container 2, first the sealing cap 10 is removed from the housing 4, and then, preferably by gripping the container 2 in the area of ​​the container connection portion 11, the container 2 can be pulled out from the housing 4 and the guide receiving portion 66 using the cantilever 65 in a linear manner in the removal direction r' along the longitudinal axis x of the housing.

[0144]

[0143] During this linear displacement of the cantilever 65 in the removal direction r', the obstruction projection 78 on the housing side enters the passage gap 119 and then moves against the insertion locking portion 74, in particular the latch section 75, which has been moved to the operating position (see Figure 47). As a result of the control of the latch section 75 via the control slope 91 of the obstruction projection 78, the insertion locking portion 74 is subjected to a load overall in the direction of the non-operating position (correspondingly in the deflection direction e' against the rotation direction e). A separate spring arm 82, which is hooked to the insertion locking portion 74 via a hook projection 84 that engages in the hook receiving portion 90, can elastically follow this deflection movement in the opposite direction to the rotation direction e. The free end of the spring arm 82 having the hook projection 84 temporarily deflects into the avoidance space 85 (see Figure 48).

[0145]

[0144] When the housing-side obstruction projection 78 is overrun, the insertion locking portion 74, in particular the latch section 75, is returned to the operating position as a result of the relaxation return movement of the spring arm 82, and the latch section 75 protrudes into the passage gap 119 beyond the opening plane E (see Figure 49).

[0146]

[0145] As shown in Figure 50, when attempting to insert a used container 2 with the insertion locking portion 74 moved to the operating position, the blocking surface 92 of the latch section 75, which extends essentially transversely with respect to the insertion direction r, contacts a housing blocking surface 93, which extends essentially to this position, i.e., preferably parallel to the blocking surface 92, and is correspondingly aligned transversely with respect to the housing longitudinal axis x. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing blocking surface 93 is formed below the obstruction projection 78. In this case, the insertion locking portion 74 receives a load via the obstruction projection 78 in a direction beyond the operating position, but the load is absorbed by supporting the insertion locking portion 74, and in particular the latch section 75, at the opposing opening edges 110 of the passage opening 70. Thus, the insertion locking portion 74 is blocked in a direction beyond the operating position. Consequently, insertion of the container 2 with the insertion locking portion 74 activated is prevented, and accordingly, re-insertion of the used container 2 is prevented.

[0147]

[0146] In the operating position, the insertion locking portion 74 or the latch section 75 on the edge of the opening 110 may also be supported by a substantially shape fit. For example, a latch section 75 facing away from the blocking surface 92 may have a recess 121 that conforms to its shape (see Figure 44).

[0148]

[0147] The user can also recognize a used container 2 by the insertion locking portion 74 that extends from the passage opening 70 across the opening plane E. For this purpose, the latch section 75 may also be given a signal color (e.g., red), or alternatively or in addition thereto, a text display (e.g., "empty").

[0149]

[0148] Figures 51 to 61 show another embodiment relating to the operation of the insertion locking portion 74 described above.

[0150]

[0149] In this embodiment, the section that applies spring force is provided as a spring arm 113 directly formed by a part of the insertion latch portion 74, and the latch section 75 described above is positioned at the free end of that portion.

[0151]

[0150] The spring portion 114 of the plate portion 67 has a plate portion-side hooking projection 84 formed thereon to cooperate with the hooking receiving portion 90 of the insertion locking portion 74, and this spring portion 114 does not allow elastic deflection movement of the insertion locking portion 74 in the rotational direction e or the deflection direction e'. Rather, the spring portion 114 is adapted only to allow the hooking projection 84 to elastically deflect and overrun the locking shoulder portion 89 of the insertion locking portion 74 while substantially aligned with the pivot axis u of the insertion locking portion 74.

[0152]

[0151] The operating mode is the same as in the embodiment described earlier. When a new, unused container 2 is inserted into the housing 4, the insertion locking portion 74 is displaced in the rotational direction e around the pivot axis u via the housing-side control projection 77 until it reaches a stop position between the latch projection 84 and the latch receiving portion 90. During this controlled displacement, the control projection 77 first acts on the section of the insertion locking portion 74 having the spring arm 113, and then acts only on the rigid section that follows the pivot direction and has the latch receiving portion 90 on its rear side. At this latched operating position of the insertion locking portion 74, the latch section 75 enters the passage gap 119 in a latching manner through the passage opening 70 and beyond the opening plane E. During the process of overrunning the housing-side obstruction projection 78, the latch section 75 can return in the avoidance direction e' into the passage opening 70 via the spring arm 113 so that it moves to the operating position automatically with the assistance of the spring when the overrun is complete. When attempting to insert a used container 2 into the housing 4, the blocking surface 92 of the latch section 75 also contacts the housing blocking surface 93, thereby allowing the latch section 75 to support itself on the opposing edge of the passage opening 70 using the recess 121 as needed, and as a result, displacement of the latch section 75 beyond its operating position is prevented.

[0153]

[0152] Figures 62 and 63 schematically show a further embodiment in which a pivotably displaceable insertion locking portion 74 is also provided, which includes a spring arm 113 directly formed on the insertion locking portion 74. In the region of the inelastic forming area, the insertion locking portion 74 has a projection 120 on its back side that engages with a recess 115 in the plate portion 67 in the non-operating position. The corresponding load from the control projection 77 during insertion of the container into the housing 4 causes a pivotal displacement of the insertion locking portion 74 in the rotational direction e, and the projection 120 falls into a locking receiver 117 which is positioned rotationally away from the recess 115 while overrunning the locking projection 116. At this position, it reaches the operating position. Locking occurs as illustrated with substantially reference to the embodiments described above.

[0154]

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 64 and 65, the housing-side control projection 77 can cooperate with the control slope 122 of the insertion locking portion 74, and in accordance with this cooperation, the entire insertion locking portion 74 is linearly displaced. This linear displacement can be brought at an acute angle with respect to the insertion direction r, and while overrunning the hook projection 116 formed in the inclined groove 118, the projection 120 provided on the back side of the insertion locking portion 74 is also brought into the hook receiving portion 117 in order to achieve the operating position of the insertion locking portion 74 so that the insertion locking portion 74 enters a blocking position against the housing-side obstruction projection 78.

[0155]

[0154] Figures 66 and 67 show a further embodiment in which the insertion locking portion 74 is provided with a projection 120 on its back side, and the insertion locking portion 74 is further movable around the pivot axis u during the insertion movement, and during such pivoting, the projection 120 enters the latching receiving portion 117 while overrunning the latching projection 116. Overrunning of the obstructing projection 78 during the process of removing the container 2 from the housing 4 may cause further rotational displacement of the insertion locking portion 74, ultimately bringing the latch section 75 into the operating locking position.

[0156]

[0155] In the embodiments shown in Figures 64 to 67, the operating position is not reached until the obstructing projection 78 has passed or after it has passed.

[0157]

[0156] It is even more preferable that the inhaler 1 is provided for continuous use of up to 3 to 8 containers 2, more preferably about 4 to 6, and even more preferably 5 as needed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] Reference sign 1 inhaler 2 containers 3 fluid 4 Housing 5. Upper housing section 6 Lower housing section 7 Mouthpiece 8 Container wall 9 Bottom of container 10 caps 11 Container connection part 12 Suction pipe section 13 Latching protrusion 14 Locking groove 15 Cover Cap 16 counters 17 Aperture 18 Spring plate member 19 holder 20 Suction tube 21 Passage opening 22 Check valve 23 Pressure chamber 24 spray nozzles 25 Lower housing inner part 26 Compression spring 27 Base 28 Spiral slope 29 Opposing Inclined Surfaces 30 puncture needle 31 Triggering 32 trigger buttons 33 windows 34 Wall 35 Receiving part 36 Control protrusions 37 Opposing control protrusions 38 recesses 39 Aerosol 40 Ventilation openings 41 Nozzle body 42 Upper housing inner part 43 Transmission Section 44 Transmission shaft 45. Indentation 46 First support flange 47 Flat side 48 Passage opening 49. First toothed structure 50 Second toothed structure 51 Sleeve section 52 Exterior 53 characters 54 Guide grooves 55 Second tooth region 56 Viewing window 57 First tooth 58 Locking protrusion 59 Locking claw 60 Shoulder 61 spring 62 Second support flange 63 Locking opening 64 Base section 65 Cantilever 66 Guide receiving section 67 Board part 68 Board part 69 Bridge 70 Passage opening 71 Return locking finger 72 Latching protrusion 73 Control surface 74 Insertion locking part 75 Latch Section 76 pins 77 Controll protrusions 78 Obstruction protrusion 79 Protrusion 80 Opposing locking area 81 Bearing opening 82 Spring Arm 83 Mounting area 84 Latching protrusion 85 Avoidance space 86 Groove 87 windows 88 Slope 89 Locking shoulder 90 Latching receiver 91 Controlled slope 92 Blocking surface 93 Housing blocking surface 94 Latching protrusion 95 Locking section 96 Opposing locking section 97 Drive Fingers 98 Count Finger 99 Wall end section 100 Drive unit 101 Interdental space 102 teeth 103 Locking shoulder 104 Bottom section 105 Opposing Inclined Surfaces 106 Control Section 107 Guide 108 Discontinued area 109 Controlled slope 110 Opening edge 111 Bags 112 Acceptance Space 113 Spring Arm 114 Spring part 115 recess 116 Latching protrusion 117 Latching receiver 118 Slant groove 119 Passage gap 120 protrusions 121 Recess 122 Controlled slope a. Direction of rotation b. Direction of rotation b' Direction of rotation c Sleeve shaft d thickness e Rotation direction e' Direction of deflection h height h' height r Insertion direction r' Removal direction u Pivot axis x Longitudinal axis of the housing y pivot axis z axis of rotation E Aperture plane S locking device

Claims

1. An inhaler (1) for the fluid (3) inside a container (2), Equipped with a housing (4), The housing (4) has a mouthpiece (7) and a receiving space (112) for the container (2), and the container (2) can be removably inserted into the housing (4). The housing (4) further comprises a lower housing portion (6) rotatable relative to the upper housing portion (5) having the mouthpiece (7) for preparation for the atomization process, the lower housing portion (6) further comprises a counter (16) for counting the atomization process performed in the inserted container (2), and the rotation of the housing portions (5, 6) can be used to count the atomization operation. The counter (16) has a sleeve portion (51) provided on its outer surface (52), and the outer surface (52) has characters (53) representing the counted atomization operations and teeth (57) for meshing. The counter (16) is further provided with a transmission portion (43) that engages within the teeth portion (57), and the meshing is performed transversely with respect to the sleeve axis (c). The transmission portion (43) is arranged and formed to cooperate directly with the upper housing portion (5) and the lower housing portion (6), and also to cooperate directly with the sleeve portion (51). Inhaler (1).

2. The transmission section (43) is formed as a transmission shaft (44). The inhaler according to claim 1.

3. The transmission shaft (44) has regions equipped with a first toothed structure (49) and a second toothed structure (50) which are spaced apart from each other in two directions along the rotation axis (z) of the transmission shaft (44). The inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first toothed structure (49) is designed to cooperate with the upper housing portion (5) and the lower housing portion (6), The second toothed structure (50) is designed to cooperate with the sleeve portion (51). The inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Inhaler (1) for a fluid (3) contained in a container (2), comprising a housing (4), wherein the housing (4) has a mouthpiece (7) and a receiving space (112) for the container (2), the container (2) is replaceably insertable into the housing (4), and the housing (4) further has a lower housing portion (6) rotatable relative to an upper housing portion (5) having the mouthpiece (7) for preparation for an atomization process, the lower housing portion (6) further comprises a counter (16) for counting atomization processes performed in the inserted container (2), the counter (16) having a sleeve portion (51) provided on its outer surface (52), and the outer surface (52) having letters (53) representing the counted atomization operations, inhaler (1), or inhaler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The sleeve portion (51) is fixed in the rotational direction and cooperates with a locking projection (58) guided within the upper housing portion (5). When the sleeve portion (51) is in a predetermined position, the locking projection (58) moves into the locking opening (63) of the sleeve portion (51). Inhaler (1).

6. The lower housing portion (6) includes a circumferential first support flange (46) for the locking projection (58), The first support flange (46) has a passage opening (48) for the locking projection (58) in a predetermined circumferential region. The inhaler according to claim 5.

7. The sleeve portion (51) includes a second support flange (62) having the locking opening (63) for the locking projection (58) in the predetermined peripheral region. The inhaler according to claim 5 or 6.

8. An inhaler (1) for a fluid (3) contained in a container (2), having a housing (4), wherein the housing (4) has a mouthpiece (7) and a receiving space (112) for the container (2), the container (2) is replaceably insertable into the housing (4), and the container (2) removed from the housing (4) cannot be moved to a place of use, or the inhaler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The container (2) is provided with a fixedly connected cantilever (65), The cantilever (65) cooperates with a projection (79) fixed to the housing in order to displace the insertion locking portion (74) to the operating position during the process of inserting the container (2) into the housing (4). Inhaler (1).

9. The insertion locking portion (74) moves in the transverse direction of the longitudinal axis (x) of the inhaler (1) during the process of inserting the container (2) into the housing (4). The inhaler according to claim 8.

10. The insertion locking portion (74) is rotatably attached to the cantilever (65). The inhaler according to claim 8 or 9.

11. At least a portion of the insertion locking portion (74) is displaceable from the operating position toward the non-operating position against the spring force. The inhaler according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The insertion locking portion (74) is locked beyond the operating position. The inhaler according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The aforementioned spring force is achieved by designing the insertion locking portion (74) as a spring arm (113). The inhaler according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The spring force is realized by a spring arm (82), the spring arm (82) is formed separately from the insertion locking portion (74) and is lockable with the insertion locking portion (74). The inhaler according to claim 11 or 12.

15. The spring arm (82), which is provided separately from the insertion locking portion (74), is formed on the cantilever (65). The inhaler according to claim 13.

16. A container (2) for an inhaler (1), The container (2) is provided with a fixedly connected cantilever (65), The cantilever (65) includes an insertion locking portion (74), Container (2).

17. The insertion locking portion (74) is displaceable to the locking position. The container according to claim 16.

18. The insertion locking portion (74) further comprises the features of any one of claims 9 to 15, The container according to claim 17.

Images