Inhaler for fluids contained in a container

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inhaler (1) for a fluid (3) placed in a container (2), comprising a first housing (G1) having a mouthpiece (5) and a second housing (G2) forming a receiving space (10) for the container (2), wherein the first and second housings (G1 and G2) are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal housing axis (x) in preparation for a spraying process, the first housing (G1) further having a helical inclined surface (31) for acting on a retaining portion (16) for the container (2), the retaining portion (16) being axially movable relative to the first and second housings (G1 and G2) when rotatably connected to the second housing (G2). To further improve this type of inhaler, it is proposed to provide the inhaler with a third housing (G3) surrounding the outside of the first housing (G1) and rotatably connected to the first housing (G1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler for a fluid placed in a container, having a first housing part with a suction opening and a second housing part forming a receiving space for the container, wherein the first and second housing parts are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal housing axis in preparation for the spraying process, and the first housing part further has a helical ramp for acting on a holding part for the container, which holding part is axially movable relative to the first and second housing parts when rotatably connected to the second housing part.

Background Art

[0002] Latest Technology

[0002] Inhalers of the problem type are known, for example, from International Publication No. WO 2007 / 022898 A2 (U.S. Patent No. 7,823,584 B2), and further, for example, from International Publication No. WO 2012 / 160052 A1 (U.S. Patent No. 9,827,384 B2), International Publication No. WO 1997 / 012687 A1 (U.S. Patent No. 5,964,446 A), or International Publication No. WO 2017 / 080895 A1 (U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0128681 A1).

[0003]

[0003] Thereby, this description also relates to possible parts and modes of operation of the inhaler according to the invention. The container thereby forms a reservoir for the spraying fluid, and thus such a container can be inserted into the receiving space of the inhaler before starting the use of the inhaler if exchangeability is required. The container may have a rigid outer shell made of a metallic material such as aluminum, for example, and an inner bag in which the fluid is stored. Preferably, the fluid is stored in the container without pressure, i.e., without an injection gas or the like.

[0004]

[0004] Specifically, as a result of the rotational movement of the housing portions relative to each other, the container within the housing is lowered together with the hollow piston placed therein. During the descent, the spring acting on the container is stretched. At the same time, the fluid flows into a pressure chamber located outside the container. This can be achieved by the negative pressure generated within the pressure chamber. Through a release operation, the container, together with the hollow piston placed therein, can be released for an upward pressurized movement. The fluid in the pressure chamber is compressed and then discharged as a spray. For this purpose, the hollow piston may preferably be provided with a check valve at its end associated with the pressure chamber so that the pressure chamber acts as a piston.

[0005]

[0005] Accordingly, a predetermined amount (dosage) of fluid is introduced into the chamber through the preferred rotational movement of the first and second housing parts relative to each other, and the amount of fluid separated from the chamber is optionally discharged by user intervention and atomized into an aerosol for the user to inhale. Discharge of the fluid dose is performed as a result of pressurization, which is increased in the process of the first and second housing parts rotating relative to each other as a result of the tension of the spring. The discharged fluid can be subjected to a pressure of, for example, about 1 to 40 MPa, and more precisely, for example, 10 to 25 MPa, thereby enabling the delivery of about 5 to 50 μl, and more precisely, for example, about 10 to 20 μl, and more precisely, for example, about 15 μl of fluid in each stroke. During atomization into an aerosol, droplets with an aerodynamic diameter of, for example, up to 20 μm, preferably about 3 to 10 μm, can be produced.

[0006]

[0006] Furthermore, inhalers known from the above publications are designed to be unusable and discarded after a predetermined maximum number of spraying cycles have been performed, i.e., after the container is completely empty, at least as theoretically required. Once a predetermined maximum number of spraying cycles have been achieved, measures are taken to prevent further use of the inhaler. Inhalers known from the above publications are also designed so that once the maximum number of spraying cycles have been achieved, the container can be replaced with a new, unused, and therefore fully filled container. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0007] With respect to the prior art described above, the present invention has the objective of further improving this type of inhaler.

[0008]

[0008] According to a first idea of ​​the present invention, a first solution to the problem is provided to an inhaler in which a third housing portion is provided that surrounds the outside of a first housing portion and is rotatably connected to the first housing portion and is replaceable.

[0009]

[0009] The two-part design of the upper housing as a whole achieved by this method favorably provides the possibility of different designs for the external third housing, which is essentially visible to and accessible to the user, while the design of the internal first housing preferably remains the same.

[0010]

[0010] The first housing can be designed to function essentially independently, which is also preferable. Thus, the first housing preferably has a suction port and more preferably a pressure chamber and / or nozzle body. In addition, a trigger mechanism for initiating spray impact can also be located on or inside the first housing.

[0011]

[0011] Together with the second lower housing, an inhaler body is obtained, comprising an internal housing which essentially has all the components and assemblies relating to the function of the inhaler, and further has a receiving space or holding part for a container. Such an inhaler body can also be subjected to functional testing, for example, without the arrangement of an external third housing.

[0012]

[0012] The external third housing, which is rotatably connected to the first housing and cannot be further shifted relative to the first housing along the longitudinal axis of the housing during normal use of the inhaler, can be designed independently, for example with respect to the external design of the inhaler, and / or for example with respect to tactile sensation, and / or for example with respect to the operation of the inhaler as a whole.

[0013]

[0013] The two upper housing sections, namely the inner first housing section and the outer third housing section, form a pair of upper housing sections that are easy for the user to operate and that, preferably, cannot be separated again into the two housing sections without tools and / or damage during normal use of the inhaler. However, this design has the advantage of producing an inhaler in which the use of a third housing section with possible modifications to the third housing section can be changed without the need to change the other housing sections. Components that immediately combine or associate, such as the release button and / or housing cap, can be changed together with it.

[0014]

[0014] The combination of the third housing and the first housing can be carried out in different ways. Firstly, there can be lodging, further welding, and press joining. The combination is selected so that the user cannot separate the parts by hand. Further bonding is also possible.

[0015]

[0015] In the above and below, the first housing portion is often described as a fixed and / or internal upper housing portion, the second housing portion is often described as a lower housing portion related to the rotatable housing portion of the first housing portion and / or an internal lower housing portion, the third housing portion is often described as an upper housing portion to which the first housing portion is non-rotatably connected and / or an external upper housing portion, and the possible fourth housing portion is often described as a lower housing portion to which the second housing portion is non-rotatably connected and / or an external lower housing portion.

[0016]

[0016] Further features of the present invention are described below and in the description of the figures, much of which are preferred problems to the subject matter of claim 1 or the features of the further claims. However, these features may be important only to the problems of the individual features of claim 1 or each of the further claims, or independently in each case.

[0017]

[0017] Accordingly, according to possible embodiments, the third housing portion can be combined with the first housing portion in relation to the orientation of the inhaler in normal use, in which the longitudinal housing axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the lower end of the helical inclination, and can provide, for example, a latch. Without considering a cap which may be provided as a component of the third housing portion, a latch surface can be established perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, spaced axially from the end of the helical inclination by a dimension that can correspond to about 0.2 to 0.4 times the axial extension of the third housing portion.

[0018]

[0018] The first housing portion can form a surrounding shoulder for a stopper, such as a latch stopper, when the third housing portion is placed on the first housing portion. Preferably, the third housing portion is pressed axially on the first housing portion and more preferably begins at the end of the first housing portion having the suction port. In addition, an established latch surface on the shoulder can otherwise be essentially allocated to a transition area of ​​the suction port entering the first housing portion.

[0019]

[0019] In a favorable further development, the fourth housing section is provided to snap into the second housing section. With this fourth housing section, together with the second housing section, a substantially free external design of the entire inhaler can be achieved with an essentially constant inhaler body. The fourth housing section can also be designed variably, for example with respect to tactile and / or operability of the inhaler. The snap-in mounting of the fourth housing section onto the second housing section also preferably provides a rotatable connection between these housing sections, so that the overall result for the user is a pair of lower housing sections that are easy to operate.

[0020]

[0020] The latch between the fourth housing and the second housing may not be able to be released by the user without tools and / or without being damaged. Alternatively, the user may be given the option to release the latch by deliberate intervention, for example, to replace an empty container with a new one, especially in the case of inhalers for heavy use.

[0021]

[0021] The fourth housing portion can face the third housing portion on a dividing surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and on that dividing surface, the third and fourth housing portions can rotate relative to each other. The dividing surface of the external housing portion can be seen by the user from the outside. In addition, this dividing surface is likely to be axially misaligned from the dividing surface between the internal first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0022]

[0022] In further embodiments, the cover cap can be attached to a third upper housing portion. For example, a snap-in fastening portion can be provided in this regard, which may occur only in the closed position covering the suction port.

[0023]

[0023] In further embodiments, the cover cap can be connected to a third housing portion via a hinge joint, thereby allowing the cover cap to be conveniently secured and held on the third housing portion. The geometric pivot is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal housing axis. In the cap-removed position corresponding to the inhaler usage position, the cover cap can also serve as a joint when gripping the upper housing portion and rotating the lower housing portion relative to the upper housing portion.

[0024]

[0024] Similar to the third housing part, the fourth housing part can also be a single manufactured part, particularly a single injection-molded (plastic) part. As an alternative, particularly for the fourth housing part, it can be manufactured from two partial housing parts that can be arranged in a pot-shaped manner with respect to each other, thereby allowing for design and / or functionality expansion possibilities. Therefore, the two partial housing parts can be designed differently, for example, with respect to color and / or the material used, thereby potentially enabling the realization of different tactile sensations between the housing parts.

[0025]

[0025] The two partial housing parts can be connected to each other, for example, by a method of solid joint connection. For this purpose, the housing part can have grooves and protrusions that run in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing, whereby the partial housing parts can be carried together vertically along the longitudinal axis of the housing. In the cooperating position, the grooves and protrusions can form a rear grip that acts in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0026]

[0026] The outer partial housing part and the inner partial housing part resulting from the nesting can each partially form the region of the outer surface of the fourth housing part as a whole. The partial outer surfaces of the partial housing parts can be defined to merge with each other at least substantially without a step.

[0027]

[0027] The inner partial housing part may, for example, have a window for viewing a counter and / or the label of the received container. The window may also preferably be exposed in the opening region of the outer partial housing part.

[0028]

[0028] Furthermore, such a two-part design can also be provided for the third upper housing part.

[0029]

[0029] In the case of an inhaler for frequent use, but not limited to, a locking claw can be guided on the first housing portion in a fixed position in the rotational direction, the claw preventing the housing portion, particularly the first and second housing portions, from rotating relative to each other when the container is empty. Preferably in the empty position of the container, at a predetermined position of the sleeve portion surrounding the second housing portion, the locking claw can enter the locking opening of the sleeve portion by shifting in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing portion. Further rotation of the sleeve portion, and therefore relative rotation of the housing portions to each other, is prevented (at least temporarily). The locking claw can be preloaded in the direction of the locking position using a spring, thereby the spring is preferably supported on the third housing portion.

[0030]

[0030] The ranges or value ranges or multiple ranges set forth above and below include all intermediate values ​​relating to this disclosure, in particular in increments of 1 / 10 of each dimension, and therefore dimensionless where applicable. For example, 0.1 to 0.5 times in the specification also includes disclosures such as 0.2 to 0.5 times, 0.1 to 0.4 times, 0.2 to 0.4 times, etc. On the other hand, this disclosure may serve to define the limits of the ranges set forth below and / or above, but one or more single values ​​from each of the ranges set forth may also be disclosed separately or additionally.

[0031] Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] The present invention has been described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this is merely an example of embodiments. Parts described with reference to one embodiment that are not replaced by other parts of further embodiments for the particular features emphasized therein are therefore also described in these further embodiments as parts in all possible cases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Regarding the first embodiment with the cover cap closed, it is an inhaler designed for single use as shown in the perspective view. [Figure 2] This indicates that the cover cap is in the open position, corresponding to Figure 1. [Figure 3] These are functional elements of a single-use inhaler in an exploded perspective view, including the mouthpiece, nozzle body, holder, counter, and first internal housing part equipped with a second internal housing part. [Figure 4] In the exploded perspective view, the processing elements of the inhaler of the first embodiment are shown, including a third housing section with a cover cap, a trigger button, and a fourth external housing section. [Figure 5] This is a cross-section passing through the cap along the VV line in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a detailed exploded perspective view of the hinge area between the third housing section and the cover cap. [Figure 7] This is a cross-section along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a cross-section along plane VIII in Figure 1, relating to the non-use position of the inhaler. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of region IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-section along line XX in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7, showing the preparation position of the inhaler. [Figure 12] This is a sequence of Figure 11 showing the spray position. [Figure 13] This is the external housing section in the perspective view. [Figure 14] This is a further perspective view of the external housing. [Figure 15] The external housing portion in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 8 is indicated by a dashed line representing the internal casing. [Figure 16] This is triggering in an oblique view. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the triggering mechanism, cut along the line XVII-XVII. [Figure 18] This is a cross-section along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 15. [Figure 19] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fourth housing section, cut along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a cross-section along the line XX-XX in Figure 12. [Figure 21] This is a second embodiment of a single-use inhaler in a perspective view with the cover cap closed. [Figure 22] This indicates that the cover cap is in the open position, corresponding to Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is an exploded view of the processing element of the inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a cross-section along section XXIV in Figure 21. [Figure 25] This is a third embodiment of a single-use inhaler in a perspective view with the cover cap closed. [Figure 26] Figure 25 shows another perspective view of the inhaler. [Figure 27] This is an oblique cross-sectional view with the cover cap in the open position. [Figure 28] This is an exploded view of the processing element of the inhaler according to the third embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a cross-section along cross-section XXIX in Figure 23. [Figure 30] This is a fourth embodiment of an inhaler designed for multi-use, shown in an oblique view with the cover cap closed. [Figure 31] Another perspective view of the inhaler shown in Figure 30, with the cover cap in the open position. [Figure 32] This is an exploded view of the functional elements of an inhaler designed for frequent use. [Figure 33] This is an exploded view of the processing element of the inhaler according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 34] This is a cross-section along section XXXIV in Figure 29. [Figure 35] This is a fifth embodiment of the inhaler for frequent use, as shown in a perspective view with the cover cap closed. [Figure 36] This corresponds to Figure 31, but is a representation of the inhaler shown in Figure 35. [Figure 37] This is an inhaler of the fifth embodiment, shown in a perspective rear view. [Figure 38]This is an exploded view of the processing element of the inhaler according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a cross-section along section XXXIX in Figure 34. [Figure 40] This is a sixth embodiment of the inhaler for frequent use, as shown in a perspective view with the cover cap closed. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is another perspective view of the inhaler shown. [Figure 42] This is an oblique cross-sectional view with the cover cap in the open position. [Figure 43] This is an exploded view of the processing element of the inhaler according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 44] This is a cross-section along section XLIV in Figure 40. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Description of the Embodiment

[0032] Figures 1 to 29 show embodiments of an inhaler for preferred single use. Figures 1 to 20 relate to the first embodiment, Figures 21 to 24 relate to the second embodiment, and Figures 25 to 29 relate to the third embodiment.

[0034]

[0033] One embodiment of the inhaler 1 with a replaceable container 2 is shown in Figures 30 to 44, and an example of a fourth embodiment is shown in Figures 30 to 34. Figures 35 to 39 relate to a further fifth embodiment, and Figures 40 to 44 relate to a sixth embodiment.

[0035]

[0034] The inhaler 1 is preferably designed as a portable inhaler and more preferably has an elongated, round, or oval cross-sectional shape, with a length of 80 to 200 mm, more preferably about 100 to 150 mm, when considered in the direction of the longitudinal housing axis x, and a width or diameter of 20 to 60 mm, more preferably about 25 to 50 mm, when considered in the direction perpendicular thereto. Accordingly, the inhaler 1 can be used with one hand, especially when performing the inhalation process.

[0036]

[0035] The fluid 3 is preferably a therapeutic or pharmaceutical product that is 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 4 and, as a result of pressurization, is discharged in a spray manner through the suction port 5. The spraying process performed can also preferably be counted using a counter 6 located on the side of the housing.

[0037]

[0036] The inhaler 1 has a housing 7 which is substantially subdivided into a pair of upper housings OG, which includes a first (upper) housing G1 and a third (upper) housing G3 that substantially surrounds the first housing G1 in a pot shape, and a pair of lower housings UG, which consists of a second (lower) housing G2 and a fourth (lower) housing G4 that substantially surrounds the second housing G2 in a pot shape (see, for example, Figures 8, 24, 29, 34, 39 or 44), and the pairs of housings OG and UG are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal housing axis within a limited range. For illustrative purposes of the diagram, a first housing section G1 and a third housing section G3, preferably having a mouthpiece 5 formed in one piece thereon, are defined as fixed housing sections (corresponding to the pair OG of the upper housing section), and the second housing section G2 together with the fourth housing section G4 (and therefore the pair UG of the lower housing sections as a whole) can rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal housing axis x (see, for example, the rotation direction in Figure 2).

[0038]

[0037] This provides a dividing surface E that runs horizontally along the longitudinal axis x of the housing, and is connected to the external housing parts G3 and G4, which are visible from the outside, and therefore to the internal housing parts G1 and G2, and can face each other at this dividing surface E and rotate relative to each other.

[0039]

[0038] The container 2 is housed in or can be housed within the housing 7 of the inhaler 1, specifically within the receiving space 10 in the second housing portion G2. The container 2 has a substantially cylindrical or cartridge shape, and the foldable bag thereby holding the fluid 3 is preferably housed within an external rigid casing which substantially includes a surrounding container wall 11 and a container bottom 12.

[0040]

[0039] In a non-use position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, the suction port 5 is preferably covered by a cover cap 19. The cover cap 19 is preferably held on the housing 7, in this case on the third housing portion G3, in a manner that allows it to pivotally move via a hinge joint 8. The geometric axis y on which this pivotal movement is possible can essentially extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. In the closed position of the cover cap shown in Figure 1, for example, the cover cap 19 can engage behind a counter latch section 21 provided on the side of the housing using a latch portion 20 to fix the closed position.

[0041]

[0040] The cover cap 19 may be part of the third housing G3, which may be the trigger button 36 described in more detail below.

[0042]

[0041] To form the hinge joint 8, the hinge bracket 90 can be integrally formed on the outside of the wall of the third (upper) housing G3, which has the hinge eye 91. The wall that defines the extent of the hinge bracket 90 in the direction of the pivot y can each have recesses 92 in the region between the hinge eye 91 and the outer surface facing the third housing G3, for example, to manufacture the housing G3 more economically by reducing the wall thickness. A runaway latch bead 93 can be formed on the outside of the hinge bracket 90, away from the rest of the surrounding housing wall of the third housing G3.

[0043]

[0042] Two hinge arms 94, further spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot y, are integrally formed on the cover cap 19 to form a hinge joint 8. The spacing of the axes is adapted to the axial dimension of the hinge bracket 90. A hinge pin 95 is formed on each of the inner surfaces of the hinge arms 94 facing each other, and the hinge pin 95 preferably has a circular contour that substantially conforms to the hinge eye 91. The hinge pin 95 may be provided with an outflow slope 96 to simplify the assembly (see Figure 6).

[0044]

[0043] As can be seen from the magnified view in Figure 11, the open position of the cover cap can be snapped into place by the counter bead 97 of the cover cap 19 near the hinge overlapping and engaging behind the latch bead 93 on the side of the hinge bracket.

[0045]

[0044] Alternatively, a substantially single-piece hinge bracket with a hinge eye can also be provided on the side of the cap, while hinge arms with hinge pins spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot y can be welded onto the outer wall of the third housing portion G3.

[0046]

[0045] In addition, support ribs 98 that protrude inward may be formed on the inside of the wall of the cover cap 19. When the cap is closed, these ribs will have weight on the outside of the wall of the mouthpiece 5, and thus the cover cap 19 will be centered relative to the mouthpiece 5, which can help stabilize the cover cap 19 itself.

[0047]

[0046] In the end region facing the mouthpiece 5, the container 2 is snap-fitted into the retaining portion 16, which is guided linearly along the longitudinal axis x of the housing and non-rotatably within the second housing portion G2. The spring-loaded, radially inward-facing latch projection 17 of the retaining portion 16 engages with the circumferential latch groove 18 of the container 2 in the region of the container neck.

[0048]

[0047] In embodiments relating to the disposable inhaler 1 (Figures 1 to 29), the pot-shaped fourth housing portion G4 is non-rotatably connected to the second housing portion G2 in the normal position of use, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example. The fourth housing portion G4 is moved by releasing the latch between a latch projection 14 formed on the second housing portion G2 and a latch shoulder portion 15 facing the housing portion G4, for example, it is preferable that the release can be performed by the user without tools as needed. After this, the container 2 can be inserted from below into the housing 7, in particular into the second housing portion G2 or into the receiving space 10, before use.

[0049]

[0048] To release the latch between the second housing portion G2 and the fourth housing portion G4, the user activates a key projection 78 that is freely projecting outward, passing through a slot opening 79 formed on the second (internal) housing portion G2 and open outward on the fourth (external) housing portion G4, which, with elastic inward strain (see dotted line shown in Figures 7, 24, and 29), opens a path for the container connector 13 to be pulled out along axis x with reference to the normal downward orientation of the inhaler 1.

[0050]

[0049] Preferably, in addition to the latches of housing portions G2 and G4 between the latch projection 14 and the latch shoulder 15, at least one further latch may be provided, which can preferably be overcome by the action of an axial force. For this purpose, the latch projection 118 may be formed on the inside of the wall of the outer housing portion G4 in cooperation with the counter latch projection 119 on the inner housing portion G2 to latch.

[0051]

[0050] In the embodiment of the inhaler 1 for use with the replaceable container 2 shown in Figures 30 to 44, the fourth housing portion G4, which is sleeve-shaped in this case, basically stays on the second housing portion G2. For this reason, the latch projection 118 is also formed on the inside of the wall of the outer housing portion G4, but here it preferably cannot be crossed in order to latch in cooperation with the counter latch projection 119 of the inner housing portion G2.

[0052]

[0051] If necessary, together with the container connector 13, in order to load the container 2 or to remove the (empty) container 2, in the examples of the embodiments in Figures 30 to 44, the closing cap 9 on the foot side is essentially pulled downward along axis x to load the container 2 or to remove the (empty) container 2. The closing cap 9 can be snap-fitted into the fourth housing G4 in the simplest way, as shown in Figure 34. The closing cap 9 can be latched onto the fourth housing G4 in a very simple way, as shown by the example of the fourth embodiment in Figure 34, and the latch projection 14 on the cap side can cooperate with a latch shoulder formed on the fourth housing G4 for this purpose. The latching force can be overcome by pulling the closing cap 9 downward.

[0053]

[0052] Alternatively, according to the fifth and sixth embodiments, a release lever 80 may also be provided to release the latch between the fourth housing portion G4 and the closing cap 9, which is held on the fourth housing portion G4 so as to pivot about an axis u which is preferably aligned in the same direction as the pivot y of the closing cap 19. A key projection 78 of the release lever 80 passes through a slot opening 79 of the fourth housing portion G4 and projects outward freely to actuate. A latch shoulder 15 is formed on the release lever 80 at the end facing away from the key projection 78, and a spring arm 81 extends adjacent thereto. The spring arm 81 is supported inside the wall on the fourth housing portion G4 and loads the latch shoulder 15 in the direction of the latch position shown in Figures 39 and 44, in which the latch shoulder 15 catches behind the latch projection 14 of the closing cap 9. The latch of the closing cap 9 is released by pressing the release lever 80, and the release lever 80 pivots and shifts in relation to the latch shoulder 15.

[0054]

[0053] The holding section 16 is particularly used to dispense and spray fluid in preferably defined doses. For this purpose, in addition to the holding section 22 for the container 2 which has a latch projection 17, the holding section 16 has a suction tube 23 which is immersed inside the container, particularly inside the bag held inside the container 2, while passing through the passage opening 24 of the container 2, when the container 2 is latched into the holding section 22.

[0055]

[0054] The end of the suction tube 23, which faces upward in the figure with its back to the container 2, can be fitted with a check valve 25 at its end, so that this end region of the suction tube 23 can be shifted linearly along the longitudinal axis x of the housing, and is located within a pressure chamber 4 formed in the nozzle body 26. Looking in the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis x of the housing, the injection nozzle 27 can be formed at the end of the pressure chamber 4 associated with the suction port 5.

[0056]

[0055] The retaining portion 16 can be spring-loaded in the direction of the suction port 5, preferably with a limited stop portion. For this purpose, a compression spring 28, for example, in the form of a cylinder compression spring, can be provided, which preferably extends concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the housing. The compression spring 28 is supported in the region of one lower end of the retaining portion 16 surrounding the holder 22, and in the opposite region, on a downward-facing end on a base 29 that latches to the second housing portion G2 as shown in the figure. The base 29 has a central opening 30 through which the container 2 can project downward into the region of the container connection portion 13, or through the opening 30 the container 2 can be inserted to latch into the holder 22.

[0057]

[0056] In preparation for the spraying or suction process, the compression spring 28 is subjected to tension, i.e., its axial extension is compressed. For this purpose, the pair UG of the lower housing portion is rotated relative to the pair OG of the upper housing portion by a rotational angle of preferably about 180° around the longitudinal housing axis x. During processing, the helical inclined surface 31 formed on the back side of the first housing portion G1 with its back to the suction port 5 interacts with the opposing counter inclined surface 32 which inclins similarly downward or upward in the circumferential direction of the holding portion 16. Thus, while the pair UG of the lower housing portion rotates relative to the pair OG of the upper housing portion, the linear movement of the holding portion 16 to which the container 2 is fixed is achieved along the longitudinal axis x of the housing, downward in the direction of the base 29 with respect to the restoring force of the compression spring 28, referring to the display in Figure 11. During this linear movement, the fluid 3 is simultaneously drawn or transported from the container 2 into the pressure chamber 4 via the suction tube 23, which continues to expand as the holding portion 16 moves.

[0058]

[0057] The spiral inclined surface 31 preferably terminates at a distance above the dividing surface E with respect to the extension direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing.

[0059]

[0058] In order to equalize the pressure inside the container 2, the container bottom 12 is penetrated during the downward movement described above, particularly during the first use of the container 2, in order to tension the system, and for this purpose the through needle 33 is preferably spring-supported in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing and provided on the base side of the housing portion G4 or the closing cap 9 (see Figure 11). As shown, the through needle 33 can be part of a spring plate member 34 that is held within the fourth housing portion G4 or the closing cap 9 so that the through needle 33 is spring-biased toward the container bottom 12.

[0060]

[0059] The spring plate member 34 can be snap-fitted to the bottom side of the closing cap 9 or the fourth housing portion G4. For this purpose, the latch rib 88 can be formed on the closing cap 9 or the fourth housing portion G4, which, in the latched position, engages with the edge of the annular base cross section 89 of the spring plate member 34 (see Figures 18 and 19).

[0061]

[0060] The tension position of the retaining part 16 is initially fixed. The triggering ring 35 located in the first housing part G1 serves this purpose, and this can be done by the user from the outside via the trigger button 36. For this purpose, the trigger button 36 passes through an opening 82 in the first housing part G1 and is exposed to a window 37 in the third housing part G3 (see Figures 3 and 16).

[0062]

[0061] When the inhaler 1 is not in use, the trigger button 36 can be kept in a hidden position that is protected by being covered at least partially, but preferably completely, by the cover cap 19.

[0063]

[0062] The rib-like projections 100 can be formed on both sides, and preferably on essentially diametrically opposite sides of the cap cross section 99, in relation to the cap cross section 99 of the cover cap 19 that covers the trigger button 36 in the cap closed position, as shown in Figure 1, for example, and on the inside of the wall at approximately the ends of the cap cross section 99 when viewed circumferentially. These serve to center the cover cap 19 relative to the third housing G3, in particular, in the cap closed position. In addition, by providing support for the projections 100 on the wall facing the third housing G3 in the cap closed position, the trigger button 36 can be prevented from being activated by pressure on the cover cap 19, for example, in the area of ​​its cap cross section 99.

[0064]

[0063] The trigger ring 35 and the trigger button 36 can be formed in two parts, as shown, and thereafter the design of the third (upper) housing part G3 and / or the housing side window 37 can be adapted, for example with respect to the color design or the materials used and / or external dimensions, the design of the adapted trigger button 36 is probably preferably made from a basically constant trigger ring 35.

[0065]

[0064] For example, as can be seen from the individual figures of Figures 16 and 17, the retaining base 83 for the trigger button 36 can be welded onto the trigger ring 35 associated with the opening 82 of the first housing G1. The retaining base 83 provides an external contact surface 84 for the internal support surface 87 that the separately provided trigger button 36 faces.

[0066]

[0065] Facing this support surface 87 on the side of the button, the latch projection 85 is formed on the trigger button 36 to latch in cooperation with the retaining base 83, so that in the latched position, the latch projection 85 engages with the contact surface 84 both above and below in cross-section. The latch projection 85 engages with the exposed latch receptor 86 of the retaining base 83 (see Figure 17).

[0067]

[0066] When viewed in the circumferential direction, the trigger button 36 may extend beyond the retaining base 83 on both sides (see Figure 16). When viewed in the axial direction, the trigger button 36 may extend beyond the retaining base 83 in only one direction, preferably upward as shown.

[0068]

[0067] The trigger ring 35 initially surrounds the wall 38 of the retaining portion 16 which substantially encloses the area of ​​the counter inclined surface 32, and the thickness of the ring, measured radially, increases when viewed from both sides in a circumferential direction from the area of ​​the trigger button 36. In the area essentially diametrically opposite to the trigger button 36, the trigger ring 35 has a receptor 39 for the housing side rib that opens upward in a U-shape with respect to the direction of the inhaler 1, as shown in Figure 8 (see also Figure 3), and as a result the trigger ring 35 is held in the first housing portion G1 in an anti-rotation state.

[0069]

[0068] Referring to the figure, the receptor 39 is formed on the upper surface of the triggering ring 35. The control projection 40 is formed on the back side of the triggering ring 35, substantially overlapping the longitudinal axis x of the housing. While the inhaler 1 is prepared by the relative circumferential rotation of the housing portion OG and UG, this projection interacts with the counter control projection 41 of the second housing portion G2, which rotates relative to the fixed triggering ring 35 during rotation, and in this manner, radial inward loading of the triggering ring 35 into the area of ​​the control projection 40 is achieved via the inclined surfaces of the projections that slide against each other.

[0070]

[0069] Due to the relative rotation of the housing portion OG and UG relative to each other, the relative rotation of the retaining portion 16 with respect to the fixed triggering ring 35 is also achieved in this position so that the control projection 40 can enter radially inward into the recess 42 formed on the front surface of the wall 38 of the retaining portion 16.

[0071]

[0070] If necessary, beyond the counter control projection 41, the control projection 40 can partially engage with the recess 42 to lock into a tensioned position, thereby contacting the shoulder of the retaining portion 16 which defines the extent of the recess 42 in the circumferential direction, and if necessary, further or otherwise, the radial shoulder of the circumferentially spaced projection of the triggering 35 can contact the associated radial shoulder of the counter control projection 41 from the helical slope of the control projection 40, which can be achieved after overtaking.

[0072]

[0071] This first provides a safety device to prevent the lower housing portion from rotating in the opposite direction to the upper housing portion relative to the OG and / or from rotating further in the tensioned position.

[0073]

[0072] In the fastening direction, the annular control projection 40 is superimposed by the counter control projection 41.

[0074]

[0073] In addition, when the retaining portion 16 is displaced downward, the tension on the triggering 35, which may be due to the design of the triggering 35 having different thicknesses in the circumferential direction, can be caused by the radial movement of the control projection 40 by the counter control projection 41, which may be due to the design of the triggering 35 having different thicknesses in the circumferential direction, which may preferably be due together with the control projection 40, and in particular in this region opposite to the diameter of the trigger button 36, so that the relevant cross section of the triggering 35 is on the front of the end face facing the wall 38 of the retaining portion 16 in an axially locking manner, or engages in the recess 42 and locks to the front of the bottom of the recess 42.

[0075]

[0074] For inhalation, the user moves the cover cap 19 to a position that exposes the mouthpiece 5, as shown in Figure 2, for example, and surrounds the mouthpiece 5 with their lips. The compression spring 28 is then released, and the divided fluid dose in the pressure chamber 4 is discharged through the discharge nozzle 27 (see Figure 12). The user can inhale the coming aerosol 43, for which air is drawn in through at least one ventilation opening 44 on the foot side of the mouthpiece 5.

[0076]

[0075] Engagement and disengagement are performed by pressure action of the trigger button 36 by the user, thereby loading the triggering 35 in such a manner that the area of ​​the trigger button 36 that is essentially opposite to the trigger button 36, particularly the control projection 40, moves radially outward and then returns, which causes the retaining part 16 to be released. This then allows the spring 28 to return to its starting position as a result of releasing the restoring force of the compression spring 28, thereby causing the fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber 4 and through the discharge nozzle 27 via the check valve 25, which is now closed and acts like a piston during this process. This can result in a nozzle jet fan of aerosol 43 with an opening angle of about 30 to 150 degrees, and even more so, about 75 to 115 degrees, as shown in Figure 12.

[0077]

[0076] The spraying operation can be registered and counted using a counter 6 housed in the housing 7. Counting is performed with the rotation of the OG and UG pairs of the housing relative to each other, i.e., with the preparation of the inhaler 1 to discharge the fluid. The counter 6 does not necessarily have to act every time the OG and UG pairs of the housing rotate relative to each other in the sense of counting. For example, the counter 6 can act only every second or every four rotations in the sense of counting.

[0078]

[0077] As a result of the design and arrangement of the housing sections OG and UG, it is convenient to divide the components of the inhaler into an "internal" functional element FE and an "external" processing element HE, the processing element HE includes an upper third housing section G3 on which a cover cap 19 is pivotably mounted, a trigger button 36, and optionally a closing cap 9, and further optionally a spring plate member 34 having a through needle 33. The functional element FE includes, if provided, a first housing section G1 with an inlet 5, a second housing section G2, a holding section 16 with a suction tube 23, a nozzle body 26, a triggering ring 35, a compression spring 28, a base 29, and a counter 6, among other "internal" components. In the functional inhaler 1, the components of the functional element FE are also the container 2.

[0079]

[0078] As can be seen, the functional element FE forms all the components related to the function of the inhaler 1, and thus the functional element FE shown in Figure 3 is preferably a component of all embodiments of the single-use inhaler 1 shown in Figures 1 to 29, and the functional element FE in Figure 32 is preferably a component of all embodiments of the multi-use inhaler 1 shown in Figures 30 to 44.

[0080]

[0079] Therefore, although it is only theoretically possible in principle, inhalation can be performed without external processing elements HE, for example, for testing and / or inspection. This makes it possible to test functional elements FE without actual processing elements HE. It is convenient that the inhaler body, which consists only of functional elements FE, can be harmonized with processing elements HE that differ, for example, in size and / or shape and / or color design and / or material selection.

[0081]

[0080] Basically, the third (external) housing portion G3 is rotatably locked (e.g., latched) to the first (internal) housing portion G1 such that the fourth (external) housing portion G4 is rotatably locked to the second (internal) housing portion G2 as described above. The housing portion G3 may also be combined with the housing portion G4 in a different way as described above, for example by welding, bonding or pressing.

[0082]

[0081] The third housing portion G3 may form a housing cover 101 that extends substantially parallel to the dividing surface E, and its upward-facing surface may provide a support surface for the cover cap 19 in the cap closed position.

[0083]

[0082] The connecting dome 102, which has a central opening 103, can extend axially from and beyond the housing cover 101. A radially inward-facing latch projection 40 is formed in the region of this opening 103.

[0084]

[0083] The latch projection 104 is designed and positioned to latch in cooperation with the first housing portion G1 in the region of the surrounding shoulder portion 105 or 105', thereby allowing shoulder portions 105, 105' positioned differently in the axial direction to be used depending on the design and positioning of the latch projection 104. Thus, for example, in the lip-shaped configuration of the connecting dome 102 in a longitudinal cross-section according to Figure 29 or Figure 44, it can latch in cooperation with the shoulder portion 105', which, when viewed in the axial direction, can be formed on the cooperation of axially offset shoulder portions 105 and the latch projection 104 according to further embodiments, for example, Figures 8 and 24, or Figures 34 and 39. The first housing portion G1 may have differently positioned shoulder portions 105 corresponding to any selected arrangement of different third housing portions G3.

[0085]

[0084] The interlocking of housing portions G1 and G3 is provided on a latch surface R that is offset upward with respect to the dividing surface E in the direction of the suction port 5, with reference to the longitudinal cross-sectional view. Furthermore, this latch surface R is also formed on the lower end 122 of the helical inclined surface 31, regardless of whether the shoulder portion 105 or the shoulder portion 105' is used for latching, and has a distance b (when the shoulder portion 105 is used) or b' (when the shoulder portion 105' is used) between the end 122 and the latch surface R, and this distance can correspond to, for example, about 0.2 to 0.4 times the height c of the third housing portion G3 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0086]

[0085] In a further embodiment, the outer upper housing portion G3 may have a plurality of support ribs 106 distributed on the periphery inside the wall, extending axially, and leaning against the opposing surface facing the inner housing portion G1 in order to center the third housing portion G3 relative to the first housing portion G1 in the latch position.

[0087]

[0086] In addition, such support ribs 106 cooperating with the counter ribs 107 of the internal housing G2 can provide the necessary rotatable connection between the housings G1 and G3 (see, for example, Figure 7). Alternatively or in combination, this rotatable connection can also be achieved by the engagement of latch projections 104 described above within engagement pockets 108 of the internal housing G1, which are individually provided above the periphery (see, for example, Figure 10).

[0088]

[0087] To increase dimensional stability, for example, two diametrically opposed stabilizing ribs 109 can be provided on the upper outer housing portion G3, each crossing the dividing surface E and contacting the inside of the wall of the lower outer housing portion G4 at least non-rotating base positions of the housing portion OG and UG relative to each other. For this purpose, this contact area 110 can form a bead-shaped wall recess on the inside of the wall of the fourth housing portion G4, into which the associated stabilizing ribs 109 fall to their base positions (see, for example, Figures 15 and 18).

[0089]

[0088] The lower fourth housing portion G4 consists of a single piece in a pot-like or sleeve-like design, as shown in the examples of embodiments in Figures 30 to 44. However, as an alternative, a two-part design of the fourth housing portion G4 is also possible, as shown in the examples of embodiments in Figures 1 to 29.

[0090]

[0089] For example, two partial housing portions 111 and 112 are provided, one of which can be positioned inside the other like a cup, and these may be formed from different materials and / or in different colors and / or with different surface structures.

[0091]

[0090] The partial housing portions 111 and 112 form an outer and inner partial housing portion, designed to be inserted into each other in alignment with the longitudinal axis x of the housing, so that one partial housing portion 111 may have a projection 113 that engages into a groove 114 of the other partial housing portion 112 for retention. In the retaining position, outward wedge is generated due to the corresponding cross-sectional design of the projection 113 and the groove 114 (see, for example, Figure 20).

[0092]

[0091] In the external partial housing portion 111, the wall can be interrupted to form an opening region 115. This is limited in the circumferential direction toward the housing base. However, the opening region 115 can open toward the dividing surface E.

[0093]

[0092] The filling section 116 of the internal partial housing portion 112, which is thickened on the wall side or offset outward, can be engaged in the opening region 115 so that both the entirety of the partial housing portions 111 and 112 together partially form a region of the outer surface of the fourth housing portion G4 which is substantially stepless around the periphery.

[0094]

[0093] With respect to the third embodiment, as can be seen from Figures 25 to 29, such an opening region 115 and an assignable filling section 116 can also be provided, which can be assigned to the base of the housing as an additional, if necessary. Such filling sections 116 can also be formed as window sections 117 so that information behind them can be read through these window sections 117 exposed in the opening region 115. Such information may be the counter value of the counter 6 or the contents of a label placed on the container 2.

[0095]

[0094] In embodiments comprising a replaceable container 2 and a fourth housing portion G4 of one piece, the window portion 117 may have a recess directly in the wall of the housing portion G4, particularly for reading information from the counter 6.

[0096]

[0095] The lower housing section G4 may also have a support rib 123 that is formed on the inside of the wall for stabilization and / or is placed in the center when attached to the second housing section G2.

[0097]

[0096] As shown in Figures 1 to 20, preferably in the inhaler 1 for single use, the external housing sections G3 and G4 can be substantially oval and relatively uniformly rounded with respect to a plan view in which the longitudinal housing axis x is represented as a point. The external peripheral walls of the two housing sections G3 and G4 preferably do not protrude radially by any housing elements in such a plan view, except for the hinge joint 8.

[0098]

[0097] The inhaler 1 for single use according to the second embodiment (Figures 21-24) may also have an essentially elongated rectangular shape in plan view, with rounded corner regions 120 and convex broad sides 121 (see Figure 21 in particular). As also shown, in addition to the hinge joint 8, the cross section of the cover cap 19 carrying the latch projection 14 may project substantially beyond the remaining portion of the housing outline in plan view of the overall nose-shaped design.

[0099]

[0098] According to Figure 25, the inhaler 1 for single use may also have a plane that essentially starts from an octagon, with four broad sides of a spherical shape and four corner regions 120 that are connected to these broad sides 121 and may be flat. A window 117 may be provided in one of the corner regions through which information from, for example, a counter 6 can be read. In this embodiment, the trigger button 36 cannot be directly connected to the trigger ring 35 or the retaining base 83. Instead, the trigger button 36 can be fastened to the upper external housing G3 via a latch projection 85. The retaining base 83 preferably rests directly on the inside of the trigger button 36, which has a much larger surface area than the retaining base 83, so that pressure applied to the surface of the trigger button 36 from the outside results in the desired engagement and disengagement of the trigger ring 35.

[0100]

[0099] As can be seen, different external housing parts can also be provided on the inhaler 1 with a replaceable container 2. For example, the housing parts G3 and G4 of the fourth and fifth embodiments (Figures 30 to 34 and 35 to 39) are substantially based on the second embodiment, at least in terms of external shape, for the disposable inhaler shown in Figures 21 to 24.

[0101]

[0100] According to Figures 30 to 34, the fourth embodiment is provided with a closing cap 9 that simply plugs into the plug, and the window portion 117 is located on the wide side surface 121 of the lower external housing portion G4, through which the counter 6 can be seen.

[0102]

[0101] In the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 35 to 39, the closing cap 9 can only be pulled out downward by operating the key projection 78 after the latch has been released. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the window 117 for reading counter information is provided in the area of ​​the narrow side of the housing G4, and the key projection 78 may also protrude freely for operation, and the hinge joint 8 is also assigned to its narrow side.

[0103]

[0102] Figures 40 to 44 show an embodiment of the inhaler 1 for multi-use, based on a third embodiment with respect to its external contour, corresponding to a rounded octagonal plan view. Here again, for example, both the window portion 117 and the key projection 78, as well as the hinge point 8, are located on a common narrow side of the housing 7 as a whole.

[0104]

[0103] The portion of the counter 6 of the inhaler 1 for single use according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 29 is, firstly, a spindle-shaped transmission unit 45 having a geometric spindle axis z, the transmission unit 45 having a screw thread 46 that rises outward and around along the spindle axis z when aligned parallel to the longitudinal housing axis x. The spindle axis z is the geometric axis of the transmission unit 45.

[0105]

[0104] The transmission unit 45 is freely rotatable about its spindle axis z within the bead-shaped recess 47 of the housing wall of the second housing unit G2, thereby the transmission unit 45 is substantially rotatable and is captured and held at each end on the second housing unit G2.

[0106]

[0105] The counter pointer 48, which engages with the screw threads 46 of the transmission unit 45, can be moved along the shaft axis z. Starting from a position assigned to the end of the second housing unit G2 facing away from the suction port 5, the pointer moves continuously in the direction of the end region of the transmission unit 45 facing the suction port 5. Thus, referring to the diagram in Figure 8, for example, the counter pointer 48 moves continuously from the bottom to the top.

[0107]

[0106] The counter pointer 48 can point its pointer tip, which is oriented perpendicular to the spindle axis z, to a scale 49 located on the outside of the wall of the second housing G2. The value that the pointer tip of the counter pointer 48 can point to may preferably indicate the number of still available atomization steps, or alternatively, the number of atomization steps that have already been performed.

[0108]

[0107] This count value of scale 49 can preferably be seen by the user through a transparent cross section, for example, through the window portion 117 of the housing 7.

[0109]

[0108] The transmission unit 45 is rotationally driven by the relative rotational movement of the OG and UG of the housing unit relative to each other, which is performed during inhalation preparation, and for this purpose the transmission unit 45 has a tooth structure 50 in the end region facing the mouthpiece 5, for example, four radially aligned teeth uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0110]

[0109] Inside the wall of the first (upper) housing G1, in the region of the free end facing away from the suction port 5, and more essentially on the surface of the tooth structure 50, two diametrically opposed drivers 51 are formed to cooperate with the tooth structure 50 as the pairs of housing OG and UG rotate relative to each other. Due to the diametrical arrangement of the two drivers 51, a rotational effect of the transmission unit 45, and therefore linear movement on the counter pointer 48 along the spindle axis x, is achieved in each suction preparation.

[0111]

[0110] Once the maximum number of atomization steps is achieved, i.e., preferably once a predetermined maximum use of the inhaler 1 designed for single use is achieved, the inhaler 1 should no longer be used, as in this situation it cannot be ensured that the container 2 still contains a sufficient amount of fluid to perform proper aspiration. Whether or not fluid discharge is reduced, the expected aspiration should be prevented.

[0112]

[0111] For this purpose, the inhaler 1 has a locking portion 52 that prevents axial movement of the retaining portion 16 in order to build tension of the compression spring 28 in the locked position and to fill the pressure chamber 4.

[0113]

[0112] The locking portion 52 is preferably made from a spring plate that has been pressed and bent.

[0114]

[0113] More preferably, the locking portion 52 is held outside the wall of the second housing portion G2. For this purpose, a radially outward opening pocket 54 can be provided within the housing wall as an extension of a substantially bead-shaped recess 47 for receiving the spindle-shaped transmission portion 45, within the pocket 54, the locking portion 52 is axially movable and trapped within a limited range.

[0115]

[0114] In the release position, the aforementioned maximum number of atomization steps has not yet been achieved, and the locking part 52 is locked in the pocket 54.

[0116]

[0115] Assuming a locking position, the counter pointer 48 of the counter 6, which moves in the direction of the locking portion 52 during the atomization process, is firmly connected to the finger-shaped release portion 55. This release portion 55 essentially moves in the direction of the spindle axis z and has a control finger at its end facing the suction port 5.

[0117]

[0116] Once the maximum number of atomization steps have been achieved, the release unit 55, which moves together with the counter pointer 48, reaches the contact surface of the locking unit 52 with its control fingers and lifts it in such a manner that the preferred locking is canceled. During further movement of the release unit 55, the locking unit 52 is able to shift axially so that the bend 53 of the locking unit 52 eventually loses its support at the bottom of the pocket and falls through the opening 56 formed at the bottom of the pocket 54 together with the spring support, in order to engage through it in the axial groove 57 of the retaining unit 16, which opens radially outward in the direction of the inner surface of the second housing unit G2 that overlaps the retaining unit 16.

[0118]

[0117] According to this, the retaining part 16 as a whole, together with the container 2, is prevented from moving axially in a base position where stopping is preferably permanently restricted. The inhaler 1 according to the first, second and third embodiments is preferably unusable beyond this locked position, which cannot be moved by the user without being damaged.

[0119]

[0118] For example, in the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, as shown in Figures 30 to 44, the counter 6 portion of the frequently used inhaler 1 is a transmission unit 58 that transmits the relative rotational movement of the housing portion UG and OG relative to each other to the sleeve portion 59 of the counter 6. This sleeve portion 59 has a feature 60 added to its outer surface that represents the count.

[0120]

[0119] The transmission unit 58 is designed in the form of a transmission shaft and has a rotation axis z that runs in the same direction as the longitudinal axis x of the housing. The transmission shaft 58 is further designed and arranged in such a way that it directly interacts with both the upper internal housing unit G1 enclosed by the upper housing unit OG, in particular housing unit G3, and the lower housing unit UG, in particular the lower internal housing unit G2, and further interacts even more directly with the sleeve portion 59 of the counter 6.

[0121]

[0120] For this purpose, the transmission unit 58 can be rotatably held in a recess 61 formed on the outside of the wall of the second housing unit G2 and opening radially outward, and both the recess 61 and the transmission unit 58 in the working position pass through a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing, and the collar-shaped periphery first support flange 62 in the cross section is simultaneously formed on the outside of the wall of the second housing unit G2.

[0122]

[0121] In relation to the recess 61, the first support flange 62 is provided with an open edge passage opening 63.

[0123]

[0122] The transmission unit 58 has two areas spaced apart from each other in the direction of their rotation axis z, and is equipped with a first toothed structure 64 and a second toothed structure 65.

[0124]

[0123] The first tooth-like structure 64 is formed by four counting fingers that are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction on the transmission shaft.

[0125]

[0124] The first housing portion G1, which is rotatably connected to the third housing portion G3, encloses the second housing portion G2 within the region of the first toothed structure 64, which has a free wall end pointing in the direction of the sleeve portion 59. The driver 66, which is substantially U-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing, is integrally formed on the inner wall surface of this wall end, which faces the second housing portion G2 to cooperate with the first toothed structure 64.

[0126]

[0125] Referring to the figure, the first teeth of the sleeve portion 59 that cooperate with the second tooth-like structure 65 are formed on the inside of the sleeve portion in the upper edge region of the sleeve portion 59. Spaced axially from therein in the lower edge region, the second circumferential teeth 67 are also formed on the inside of the sleeve portion to cooperate with a non-rotating finger formed on the second housing portion G2 under spring load.

[0127]

[0126] The first tooth portion has a preferred number of teeth, 30 to 35, more preferably 32, to obtain a toothed area that extends circumferentially over an angle of about 330 to 340 degrees, more preferably about 336 degrees. For example, over the remaining circumferential portion of 20 to 30 degrees, and more preferably 24 degrees, there are gaps in the teeth that provide a freewheel for the drive finger of the transmission unit 58, particularly during the exchange of the container as described in more detail below.

[0128]

[0127] Features 60 added to the exterior, in particular features 60 indicating the current filling status of the inserted container 2, are visible to the user from the outside through a transparent viewing window provided in the fourth housing part G4, for example, the window part 117.

[0129]

[0128] In preparation for the atomization process, the lower part of the housing portion, the UG, rotates in the rotational direction relative to the fixed upper housing portion, the transmission portion 58 as a whole preferably rotates by 180 degrees around its axis of rotation z, due to the action of the driver 66 provided on the upper internal housing portion G1 on the first toothed structure 64 of the transmission portion 58.

[0130]

[0129] In conjunction with the driving finger, the second tooth-like structure 65, together with the driving finger, rotates 180 degrees every two times each time it reaches the atomization preparation position due to its action on the transmission unit 58 via the driver 66. Every four times it reaches the preparation atomization position, a rotational effect occurs on the sleeve portion 59 via the driving finger, resulting in a total rotation of 360 degrees. The driving finger moves the sleeve portion 59 further by the width of one tooth, and in response, preferably the sleeve portion 59 rotates by an angle of 10.5 degrees.

[0131]

[0130] Conveniently, the counter 6, and the inhaler 1 designed for frequent use through it, are shut off by a shut-off device in such a way that the pairs OG and UG of the housing section are rotatable relative to each other, especially when a minimum count value (e.g., zero) is achieved. Thus, the shut-off prevents further rotation of the pairs UG of the lower housing section relative to the pairs OG of the upper housing section. The user can then identify the empty container 2 by touch without needing to look separately at the counter display. The inhaler 1 can no longer be used without further action.

[0132]

[0131] For this purpose, the locking device preferably has a locking claw 77 with a locking projection 68. The locking claw 77 can be held in a guide 69 formed on the inside of the wall of the first housing portion G1, preferably by a limited number of stops, so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing. In this case, it is even more preferable that the locking claw 77 is spring-loaded via a cylindrical compression spring, for example, a spring 70 also shown, in the direction of the sleeve portion 59, in the direction of the stop position according to the lower part of the figure.

[0133]

[0132] The spring 70 is supported on the inside of the wall of the external third housing portion G3 on the correspondingly formed base 73.

[0134]

[0133] In normal operation of the inhaler 1, the locking claw 77 is supported on the second support flange 71 surrounding the first teeth of the sleeve portion 59, or, depending on the rotational position, on its locking projection 68 on the tip side surface of the first support flange 62 of the lower internal housing portion G2. The support surface of the second support flange 71 is offset in plane toward the base portion 29, essentially directly below the first support flange 62, preferably along the longitudinal axis x of the housing, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing.

[0135]

[0134] Looking around, this second support flange 71 is also partially interrupted. Thus, the periphery locking opening 72 of the sleeve portion 59 is present in this region, and especially when the minimum count value (e.g., zero) is reached, the locking projection 68 locks into the locking opening 72 and automatically retracts due to the spring load described above.

[0136]

[0135] At such a minimum count position of the sleeve portion 59, the passage opening 63 of the first support flange 62 formed on the lower internal housing portion G2 and the locking opening 72 of the second support flange 71 formed on the sleeve portion 59 are aligned with respect to the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis x of the housing. Furthermore, both flange openings (passage opening 63 and locking opening 72) extend together in the direction of travel of the locking claw 77. With this circumferential alignment of the flange opening and the locking projection 68, the locking claw 77, which is subsequently spring-loaded, can enter a locking position that performs rotational locking between the housing portion OG and UG in the normal rotational direction a by loading the locking claw 77 onto a locking shoulder that crosses the cross section given by the support flange and preferably extends perpendicularly to the second support flange 71 within the locking opening 72.

[0137]

[0136] In the embodiment shown in Figures 30 to 44, this locking of the counter 6 can also preferably be released by replacing the container 2. The container connector 13, which is connected to the container 2 and can preferably be separated from the container 2 by destruction, is useful for this purpose.

[0138]

[0137] The container connection portion 13 may also preferably be a plastic injection welded portion, and more particularly has a pot-shaped bottom section 74 with a pot-shaped recess that receives the container 2 at the foot end, i.e., the end region opposite the latch groove 18. The cantilever 75 is formed on this bottom section 74 and is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing in the associated state and extends adjacent to the container 2 in the direction of the suction port 5. When the container 2 is inserted into the housing 7 with the closing cap 9 removed, the cantilever 75 can be inserted into the guide receptor 76 of the housing 7, in particular the lower outer housing portion G4. The guide receptor 76 runs adjacent to the demand space 10 for the container 2.

[0139]

[0138] The insertion locking portion is preferably located inside the cantilever 75. In addition, the cantilever 75 facing the container 2 may have a control projection.

[0140]

[0139] An unused container 2 equipped with the container connector 13 is inserted into the housing 7, and the cantilever 75 is inserted into the guide receptor 76. The sleeve portion 59 is pressed into place as a result of sliding over the cantilever 75 during the further insertion process, for example on a helical slope. The place is preferably the count position where the maximum count value is displayed (e.g., 120, 60, or 30).

[0141]

[0140] As a result of the structure of the gaps between the teeth shown in the area of ​​the first teeth of the sleeve portion 59, there is room for the driving finger to move freely, so that the sleeve portion 59 can be adjusted to a fixed position without any possibility of disengaging the teeth by, for example, lifting or shifting the tooth engagement portion which is performed specifically for this purpose.

[0142]

[0141] The angle of rotation achieved in this process essentially corresponds to the angular dimension across the gap between the teeth of the extending sleeve portion 59.

[0143]

[0142] Preferably, during the insertion process of a new, unused container 2, while the sleeve portion 59 is thus rotated, the locking claw 77 with its locking projection 68 is lifted from the closed position against the force of the spring 70. The locking projection 68 is then supported by the spring on the opposing surface of the second support flange 71 in the base or initial position it has next reached.

[0144]

[0143] From this base position, during normal rotation of the lower housing portion against UG against the upper housing portion against OG, the locking projection 68 can be lifted onto the first support flange 62 and slide on it.

[0145]

[0144] Preferably, only unused containers 2 are inserted. On the other hand, used containers 2, including empty containers 2, are prevented from being (re)inserted into the housing 7. This is done by the insertion locking portion described on the container connection portion 13, which, after the container 2 is first inserted into the housing 7 or after the container 2 is removed from the housing 7, drops into a blocked position where replenishment insertion of this container 2 is not possible.

[0146]

[0145] The insertion locking portion may be pivotably mounted on the cantilever 75 together with an associated geometric pivot which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing, for example.

[0147]

[0146] The foregoing serves to describe the present invention as a whole, as covered by its application, and in each case, the prior art can be independently advanced using at least the following combinations of features, that is, two, more, or all of these combinations of features can be combined.

[0148]

[0147] The inhaler 1 is characterized by providing a third housing portion G3 that surrounds the outside of the first housing portion G1 and is rotatably connected to the first housing portion G1.

[0149]

[0148] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the third housing portion G3 engages with the first housing portion G1 on the lower end 122 of the spiral inclined surface 31.

[0150]

[0149] When the third housing portion G3 is placed on the first housing portion G1, the first housing portion G1 is characterized in that it forms surrounding shoulder portions 105, 105' to latch into place.

[0151]

[0150] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the fourth housing part G4 is snap-fitted into the second housing part G2.

[0152]

[0151] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the fourth housing portion G4 is located opposite to the third housing portion G3 in a dividing plane E perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the housing, and the third and fourth housing portions G3 and G4 are rotatable relative to each other in the dividing plane E.

[0153]

[0152] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the cover cap 19 is attached to the third housing part G3.

[0154]

[0153] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the cover cap 19 is connected to the third housing part G3 via a hinge joint 8.

[0155]

[0154] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the fourth housing part G4 is composed of two partial housing parts 111 and 112, one of which is arranged inside the other like a cup.

[0156]

[0155] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the partial housing portions 111 and 112 of the fourth housing portion G4 have grooves 114 formed in the direction of the longitudinal housing axis x, and projections 113 for integrating the partial housing portions 111 and 112 in the vertical direction.

[0157]

[0156] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the external partial housing portion 111 and the internal partial housing portion 112 each partially form a part of the outer surface of the fourth housing portion G4.

[0158]

[0157] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the internal partial housing portion 112 has a window portion 117 that is exposed in the opening region 115 of the external partial housing portion 111.

[0159]

[0158] The inhaler 1 is characterized in that the locking claw 177 is guided on the first housing portion G1 in a manner that is fixed in the rotational direction, and enters the locking opening 59 of the sleeve portion 59 by being shifted in the direction of the longitudinal axis x of the housing at a predetermined position on the sleeve portion 59 that surrounds the second housing portion G2, and the locking claw 72 is supported on the third housing portion G3 in a manner that is biased.

[0160]

[0159] All disclosed features (individually or in combination with each other) are essential to the present invention. The present disclosure of this application as herein also includes all the contents of the present disclosure of the related / attached priority document (a copy of the prior application) in order to include the features of these documents in the claims of this application. Even without the features of the referenced claims, the dependent claims feature a further development of the independent invention of those features of the prior art, in particular to propose a divisional application based on these claims. The invention as set forth in each claim may have in addition one or more features set forth above, in particular features comprising reference numbers and / or lists of reference numbers. The invention also relates to forms of design that are not realized in particular to the extent that the individual features set forth above can be recognized as not necessary for their respective intended use or can be replaced by other means having the same technical effect. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] Reference list 1 inhaler 2 containers 3 fluid 4. Pressure Chamber 5 mouthpiece 6 containers 7 Housing 8. Hinge joints 9 Closing cap 10 Receiving space 11 Container wall 12 Bottom of container 13 Container connection part 14 Latch projection 15 Latch shoulder 16 Holding part 17 Latch projection 18 Latch groove 19 Cover Cap 20 Latch cross section 21 Counter latch cross section 22 holder 23 Suction tube 24 Pathway openings 25 Check valve 26 Nozzle body 27 Discharge nozzle 28 Compression spring 29 Base 30 aperture 31 Spiral slope 32 Counter slope 33 Penetrating needle 34 Spring plate member 35 Triggering 36 trigger buttons 37 windows 38 Wall 39 Receptors 40 Control protrusion 41 Counter control protrusion 42 recess 43 Aerosol 44 Ventilation openings 45 Transmission section 46 Screw threads 47 Recess 48 Counter Pointer 49 divisions 50 Tooth structure 51 Drivers 52 Locking part 53 Flexion 54 pockets 55 Release section 56 Aperture 57 Axial groove 58 Transmission section 59 Sleeves 60 Features 61. Indentation 62 First support flange 63 Pathway opening 64 First tooth-like structure 65 Second tooth-like structure 66 drivers 67 2nd tooth 68 Locking protrusion 69 Guide 70 springs 71 Second support flange 72 Locking opening 73 Base 74 Bottom section 75 Cantilever 76 Guide receptors 77 Locking claws 78 Key protrusions 79 slot openings 80 Release lever 81 Spring Arm 82 Aperture 83 Retention base 84 Contact surface 85 Latch projection 86 Latch receptors 87 Support surface 88 Latch Rib 89 Base section 90 Hinge Bracket 91 Hinge Eye 92 recess 93 Latch Bead 94 Hinge Arm 95 Hinge pins 96 Outflow slope 97 counter beads 98 Support Ribs 99 Cap Cross Section 100 Protrusion 101 Housing Cover 102 Connecting Dome 103 Aperture 104 Latch projection 105 Shoulder 105' Shoulder 106 Support Ribs 107 Counter Rib 108 pockets 109 Stabilizing Rib 110 Contact area 111 Partial housing section 112 Partial housing section 113 Protrusion 114 Groove 115 Open area 116 Filled cross section 117 Window section 118 Latch projection 119 Counter latch projection 120 corner area 121 Wide side 122 End 123 Support Ribs a. Direction of rotation b distance b' distance c height U-axis x Longitudinal housing axis y Axis z spindle axis E split plane FE Functional Elements G1 Housing Division 1 G2 Housing Division 2 G3 3rd Housing Department G4 4th Housing Department HE processing element OG Upper housing section R latch surface UG Lower Housing Section

Claims

1. An inhaler (1) for a fluid (3) placed inside a container (2), A first housing portion (G1) having a suction port (5), A second housing portion (G2) that forms a receiving space (10) for the container (2), Equipped with, The first and second housing portions (G1 and G2) are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (x) of the housing in preparation for the spraying process. The first housing portion (G1) further has a helical inclined surface (31) that acts on the holding portion (16) for the container (2), When the holding portion (16) is rotatably connected to the second housing portion (G2), it is movable in the axial direction relative to the first and second housing portions (G1 and G2). The inhaler (1) is provided with a third housing portion (G3), the third housing portion (G3) surrounds the outside of the first housing portion (G1) and is rotatably connected to the first housing portion (G1), The third housing portion (G3) is latched to the first housing portion (G1) on the lower end (122) of the helical slope (31). Inhaler.

2. The first housing portion (G1) forms a surrounding shoulder portion (105, 105') for latching when the third housing portion (G3) is placed on the first housing portion (G1). The inhaler according to claim 1.

3. The fourth housing portion (G4) is fastened to the second housing portion (G2) using a snap-in method. The inhaler according to claim 1.

4. The fourth housing portion (G4) faces the third housing portion (G3) at a dividing surface (E) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x) of the housing, The third and fourth housing portions (G3 and G4) are rotatable relative to each other at the dividing surface (E). The inhaler according to claim 1.

5. The cover cap (19) is attached to the third housing portion (G3). The inhaler according to claim 1.

6. The cover cap (19) is connected to the third housing portion (G3) via a hinge joint (8). The inhaler according to claim 1.

7. The fourth housing portion (G4) has two partial housing portions (111, 112), and the partial housing portions (111, 112) are pot-shaped, with one being located inside the other. The inhaler according to claim 1.

8. The partial housing portions (111, 112) of the fourth housing portion (G4) are, A groove (114) formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (x) of the housing, A projection (113) for integrating the aforementioned partial housing portions (111, 112) in the vertical direction, Having, The inhaler according to claim 1.

9. Each of the external partial housing portion (111) and the internal partial housing portion (112) partially forms a part of the outer surface of the fourth housing portion (G4). The inhaler according to claim 1.

10. The internal partial housing portion (112) has a window portion (117) that is exposed in the opening region (115) of the external partial housing portion (111). The inhaler according to claim 1.

11. The locking claw (77) is guided on the first housing portion (G1) in a state fixed in the rotational direction. The claw enters the locking opening (72) of the sleeve portion (59) at a predetermined position on the sleeve portion (59) surrounding the second housing portion (G2) due to displacement of the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis (x). The locking claw (77) is supported on the third housing portion (G3) in a biased state. The inhaler according to claim 1.

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