Dose indication device for inhaler

Abstract

A dose indication device for an inhaler, comprising: a housing (110) and a base which are connected to each other, an actuation assembly (130), a transmission assembly (140), and a dose indication ring (120). A dose indication window (112) and an opening (111) are formed in the side wall of the housing; the actuation assembly (130) comprises an actuation part (131) and a push-pull part (132) which are connected to each other; the actuation part (131) can pass through the opening (111) and move laterally between a first position and a second position to drive a transmission gear (142) to rotate, thereby realizing dose indication.

Description

Dose indicator device for inhaler

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202410107636.X filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to a dose indicator device for an inhaler, in particular to a dose indicator device for a soft mist inhaler, and belongs to the technical field of inhaler manufacturing. Background Art

[0004] Inhalers usually include a spray assembly. After a replaceable fluid container is installed in the inhaler, the spray assembly pumps out the fluid and atomizes it for inhalation by the user.

[0005] After installing a fluid container, the user may be unclear about the usage of the fluid in the container. When a fluid container stores a medicinal solution for treating chronic or acute conditions, continued use of the solution after the container has reached or exceeded a predetermined number of uses may result in unstable dispensing dosages, creating medication risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a dose indicator device that can display the number of uses or remaining uses of a fluid container.

[0006] Boehringer Ingelheim developed and launched the Respimat, a propellant-free soft mist inhaler. The first Respimat to be marketed was a disposable device, but later, the RESPIMAT re-usable was introduced, a reusable version of the product. A replaceable container containing fluid can be inserted into the upper housing of the nebulizer and enclosed by the lower housing. By rotating the lower housing, the container moves downward within the nebulizer, and the drive spring is placed under tension while the fluid is pumped into the pressure chamber of the pressure generator. After manually pressing a button, the container moves upward, the drive spring is released, and the pressure chamber is compressed, causing the fluid in the pressure chamber to be under high pressure and ultimately atomized through the nozzle. A dose indicator device is connected to the bottom of the container. The drive unit located at the bottom of the lower housing is designed to actuate the indicator device when the container moves relative to the drive unit, so that the indicator device can be used to count and / or indicate the number of uses that the container has performed or is still usable. Among them, because the actuation is performed by the longitudinal movement of the dose indicator relative to the drive unit, in order to ensure the actuation effect, the longitudinal dimensions of the entire device, especially the distance of the relative movement, need to be strictly controlled. Therefore, each component needs to be precisely manufactured and assembled. Containers with different sample amounts often have different heights. If they are adapted to the same inhaler, the longitudinal dimensions vary greatly, resulting in a large difference in the actuation effect and poor versatility. In addition, the dose indicator needs to be tested for counting and display after assembly. Since the actuating assembly in the dose indicator is completely built-in, an additional power source is required to simulate the drive unit during the test, and the relative position of the drive unit and the actuating assembly needs to be strictly controlled. Therefore, the difficulty and cost of the test are also relatively high.

[0007] Other types of dose indicator devices exist in the prior art, which utilize electronic components to indicate doses. However, the use of electronic components increases costs and may pose battery life issues. Furthermore, these devices are complex, requiring numerous small mechanical components, resulting in high costs and difficult assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In response to the shortcomings of the prior art, the present application provides a dose indicator device for an inhaler. On the one hand, by providing an opening in the side wall of the housing, the assembly space for some components of the dose indicator device is increased, thereby facilitating assembly. At the same time, an actuator is provided that extends through the opening and at least partially protrudes outward from the opening. This allows the actuator to be positioned externally, facilitating the testing process and eliminating the need for an additional driver. A tester can simply manually press the actuator and then observe whether normal counting and indication are achieved, thereby reducing testing difficulty and cost. On the other hand, by forming the actuator by converging the inner wall of the lower end of the housing inwardly along the central axis of the housing, the inner wall of the lower end of the housing is formed, simplifying the component structure. Furthermore, since the horizontal cross-section of the inner wall of the lower end of the housing is generally circular, when the dose indicator device is mounted on a fluid container, the actuator can be actuated by the actuator regardless of the specific direction, as long as the actuator faces the inner wall, thereby facilitating assembly of the dose indicator device. On the other hand, the dose indicator device provided by the present application is actuated by relative lateral movement of the actuator and the drive unit, which makes the entire device more tolerant to longitudinal dimensions, reduces the production precision of the components, facilitates the assembly of the components, and is more conducive to adapting to fluid containers of different specifications. Fluid containers of different specifications often have different heights, and the same product from different batches may also have slight differences in longitudinal dimensions. As long as the housing can accommodate the fluid container connected to the dose indicator device and the actuator can move laterally between a first position and a second position, it can be effectively actuated and accurately counted. The accuracy requirements for the longitudinal dimensions of the entire inhaler (e.g., the height of the fluid container, the height of the housing, the distance between the bottom of the housing and the bottom of the dose indicator device, etc.) are relatively low. This improves the tolerance of the inhaler for fluid containers of different batches, improves its adaptability to fluid containers of different specifications, and enhances the versatility of the entire device.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides a dose indicator device for an inhaler, the inhaler comprising: a housing for receiving a fluid container and a spray assembly for atomizing the fluid, the fluid container being movable relative to the housing, the housing comprising a drive portion for actuating the dose indicator device; the dose indicator device comprising:

[0010] a housing, wherein the dose indicator device is connected to the fluid container through the housing, and a side wall of the housing is provided with a dose indicator window and an opening;

[0011] a base connected to the housing and forming a cavity between the housing and the base;

[0012] an actuating assembly slidably connected to the base, and under actuation of the driving portion, the actuating assembly can move laterally relative to the base between a first position and a second position, the actuating assembly comprising an actuating portion and a push-pull portion connected to each other, the actuating portion passing through the opening, and when the actuating assembly is in the first position, the actuating portion at least partially protrudes outward from the opening, and when the actuating assembly is in the second position, the actuating portion at least partially retracts into the cavity; the push-pull portion comprises a push-pull rod and is located in the cavity;

[0013] a transmission assembly located in the cavity, comprising a transmission shaft and a transmission gear located on the transmission shaft, the transmission gear being disposed opposite to the push-pull rod and being capable of rotating about the transmission shaft under the action of the push-pull rod;

[0014] a dose indicator ring, the dose indicator ring being coaxially disposed with the base and rotatable about the central axis of the base, the outer circumference of the dose indicator ring being provided with a scale for displaying a count value, and the dose indicator ring also being provided with a protrusion capable of interacting with the transmission gear;

[0015] When the actuating assembly moves between the first position and the second position, the push-pull rod drives the transmission gear to rotate, thereby causing the dose indicating ring to rotate through the protrusion, thereby achieving dose indication.

[0016] Furthermore, the fluid container moves up and down relative to the housing, so that the dose indicator device moves up and down relative to the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, a fluid container connecting portion is provided at one end of the housing away from the base for connecting to a fluid container.

[0018] Furthermore, the dose indicating window and the opening are arranged opposite to each other.

[0019] Furthermore, to improve the actuation stability of the dose indicator device, the dose indicator device includes at least two actuating assemblies, and the at least two actuating assemblies are symmetrically arranged relative to the central axis of the housing. It can be understood that the number and position of the openings match the number and position of the actuating assemblies, and the openings do not affect the dose indication window.

[0020] Preferably, the dose indicating device comprises two actuating assemblies, and the side wall of the housing is provided with two openings, which are respectively located on either side of the dose indicating window.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to fully utilize the structures of various components of the dose indicator device and improve the aesthetics of the device, it is provided that when the actuating assembly is in the second position, the actuating portion is completely retracted into the cavity.

[0022] Furthermore, the push-pull portion further includes a connecting rod, which is located at one end of the connecting rod and is fixedly connected to the actuating portion through the other end of the connecting rod.

[0023] Preferably, in order to improve the stability of the action between the push-pull rod and the transmission gear, the push-pull portion includes two connecting rods arranged in parallel, and the push-pull rod is arranged between the two connecting rods.

[0024] Furthermore, a stop portion is provided on a side of the base facing the housing, an elastic component is provided between the actuating component and the stop portion, one end of the elastic component abuts against the stop portion, and the other end abuts against the actuating component.

[0025] Preferably, the elastic component is a spring; further preferably, one end of the spring abuts against the blocking portion, and the other end abuts against a side of the actuating portion away from the housing.

[0026] Furthermore, the driving portion is an inwardly protruding structure provided on the inner wall of the shell.

[0027] Preferably, the drive portion is a separate component that is detachably or fixedly connected to the housing, and when the dose indicator device moves relative to the housing, the drive portion causes the actuating assembly to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0028] Preferably, for a streamlined structure, the driving portion is a part of the housing; when the fluid container carrying the dose indicator device moves relative to the housing, the actuating portion of the actuating assembly contacts the driving portion, and the driving portion actuates the actuating portion, causing the actuating assembly to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0029] Further preferably, the inner wall of the lower end of the shell gradually shrinks inward along the central axis of the shell to form a driving portion, when the actuating assembly is in a first position, the actuating portion does not abut against the driving portion, when the actuating assembly moves from the first position to the second position, the actuating portion abuts against the driving portion, and the force between the driving portion and the actuating portion causes the actuating portion to at least partially retract into the outer shell.

[0030] More preferably, the inner wall of the lower end of the shell has a substantially circular horizontal cross-section, and the inner wall of the lower end of the shell gradually shrinks inwardly along the central axis of the shell to form a driving portion.

[0031] Further preferably, the abutting portions of the driving portion and the actuating portion are matching smooth curved surfaces.

[0032] Preferably, at least two rib structures are provided on the inner wall of the shell, and a guide groove for the actuator to move is formed between the rib structures, and the guide groove is offset from top to bottom toward the central axis of the shell.

[0033] Further preferably, 2-40 rib structures are evenly provided on the inner wall of the shell; preferably, 2-30 rib structures; more preferably, 10-30 rib structures; further preferably, 20-30 rib structures.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to reduce movement resistance, the bottom of the guide groove is a smooth curved surface, and the surface where the actuating portion contacts the guide groove is a matching smooth curved surface.

[0035] Furthermore, the dose indicating device further comprises a transmission assembly bracket fixed on the base, and the transmission assembly is rotatably disposed in the transmission assembly bracket.

[0036] Furthermore, the protrusion is located at the top of the dose indicator ring and extends axially toward the transmission gear. The transmission gear comprises a spiral groove and radially protruding teeth. During the rotation of the transmission gear, at least one protrusion is always engaged in the spiral groove.

[0037] Furthermore, the push-pull rod acts on the teeth, thereby driving the transmission gear to rotate.

[0038] Furthermore, the dose indicator device further comprises a stopping pawl for preventing the transmission gear from rotating reversely, wherein the stopping pawl is disposed in the cavity and extends toward the transmission gear.

[0039] Preferably, the locking claw is arranged on the base.

[0040] Further preferably, the blocking portion and the stopping claw are the same component.

[0041] Furthermore, the dose indicator device further comprises a locking mechanism, which is configured to prevent the actuator from moving laterally between the first position and the second position and / or prevent the dose indicator ring from rotating further after the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times.

[0042] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a first locking portion located on the actuator assembly, and a second locking portion located on the dose indicator ring, wherein when the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion engages with the first locking portion to prevent the actuator assembly from moving laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0043] Further preferably, the first locking portion is located in the cavity and extends toward the top of the dose indicator ring, and the second locking portion is located at the top of the dose indicator ring and extends from the base, and when the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion engages with the first locking portion to prevent the actuating assembly from moving laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0044] Further preferably, the locking mechanism prevents lateral movement of the actuating assembly after the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times.

[0045] Further preferably, the second locking portion is located on a path of lateral movement of the first locking portion, thereby preventing the actuating assembly from lateral movement from the first position to the second position.

[0046] Further preferably, the locking mechanism prevents the actuating assembly from moving laterally from the second position to the first position after the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times.

[0047] Furthermore, the dose indicator device further comprises an anti-accidental touch mechanism, which is used to prevent accidental activation of the dose indicator device before the fluid container is used.

[0048] Furthermore, the anti-accidental touch mechanism is detachably connected to the actuating portion, and when the anti-accidental touch mechanism is detached from the actuating portion, the actuating portion is in an actuable state.

[0049] Preferably, the anti-accidental-touch mechanism includes a protrusion, and the portion of the actuating portion located outside the cavity is provided with a groove adapted to the protrusion. Before the fluid container is used, the anti-accidental-touch mechanism is connected to the groove via the protrusion, so that the actuating portion is in an unactuable state.

[0050] Further preferably, the anti-accidental-touch mechanism includes two protrusions, and the actuating portion is correspondingly provided with two grooves.

[0051] In a second aspect, the present application provides a fluid container for an inhaler, wherein the bottom of the fluid container is connected to the above-mentioned dose indicating device.

[0052] Preferably, the fluid container is fixedly connected to the dose indicating device, and when the fluid container needs to be replaced, the fluid container and the dose indicating device are replaced together.

[0053] In a third aspect, the present application provides an inhaler, wherein a fluid container connected to the above-mentioned dose indicating device is accommodated in a housing of the inhaler.

[0054] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a method for counting and / or indicating the number of uses that have been performed or are still usable of a fluid container in an inhaler by means of the dose indicator device.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a dose indicator device having the structure as described in the first aspect of the present application. It is understood that the dose indicator device can be used in devices or equipment other than inhalers that require counting and / or display, as long as the device or equipment is provided with a drive unit that can actuate the dose indicator device. Similarly, the dose indicator device can be connected to a fluid container via the housing, or can also be connected to other components in the device or equipment via the housing, or even the dose indicator device can exist independently in the device or equipment, as long as the drive unit can actuate the dose indicator device during the movement that requires counting and / or display.

[0056] In summary, the present application provides a dose indicator device, as well as a fluid container and inhaler employing the same. When the fluid container moves up and down within the housing, the dose indicator device is actuated by the relative lateral movement of the actuator and the drive unit, resulting in a high tolerance for longitudinal dimensions of the entire device. For different products, or different batches of the same product, where the fluid container has different heights, different initial positions of the fluid container relative to the bottom of the housing after assembly, and / or different relative movement distances, the present application can convert the vertical movement of the fluid container into lateral movement of the actuator in the horizontal direction, and then into rotational movement of a transmission gear at a certain angle, ultimately achieving effective counting. Compared to conventional products that require precise control of the dimensions of each component, the dose indicator device has a higher tolerance and lowers production costs. The entire dose indicator device has a simple structure and high stability, making it particularly suitable for fluid containers of different specifications and improving versatility. Furthermore, the convex design of the actuator not only facilitates assembly but also facilitates testing, reducing testing difficulty and cost.

[0057] Furthermore, the present application also provides a locking mechanism that can effectively and securely lock the fluid container after it has been used a predetermined number of times, thereby preventing the user from continuing to use the fluid container when the fluid is close to being exhausted or has been exhausted, thereby improving safety and reminding the user to replace the fluid container with a new one.

[0058] Furthermore, the present application also provides an anti-accidental touch mechanism to avoid accidental activation of the dose indicator device before the fluid container is used, which is conducive to ensuring the accuracy of counting and indication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In order to better understand the present application, the present application is described in detail below with the help of the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0060] FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of an inhaler of the present application in an initial state;

[0061] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of an inhaler in an actuated state according to the present application;

[0062] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing of the present application;

[0063] FIG4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a dosage indicator device of the present application;

[0064] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a dose indicator device of the present application after assembly;

[0065] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dose indicator device in the first position;

[0066] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dose indicator device in the second position;

[0067] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the dose indicator device after the fluid container has been used a predetermined number of times;

[0068] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dose indicator device in a locked state;

[0069] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a dose indicator ring;

[0070] FIG11 is a bottom view of the dose indicator ring;

[0071] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a transmission assembly;

[0072] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a dose indicator device having an anti-accidental touch mechanism;

[0073] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of an anti-accidental touch mechanism of the present application;

[0074] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of an actuation component according to the present application.

[0075] LIST OF NUMERALS 100 Dose indicator device; 110 Housing; 111 Opening; 112 Dose indicator window; 113 Fluid container connecting portion; 120 Dose indicator ring; 121 Protrusion; 122 Second locking portion; 130 Actuating assembly; 131 Actuating portion; 1311 Recess; 132 Push-pull portion; 1321 Connecting rod; 1322 Push-pull rod; 133 First locking portion; 140 Transmission assembly; 141 Transmission shaft; 142 Transmission gear; 1421 Spiral groove; 1422 Tooth; 150 Elastic assembly; 160 Base; 161 Transmission assembly bracket; 162 Stopper; 163 Stop pawl; 164 Dose indicator ring bracket; 170 Accidental touch prevention mechanism; 171 Protrusion; 200 Housing; 201 Drive unit; 300 Fluid container; 400 Spray assembly; 500 Inhaler DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In order to make the technical solution and technical effects achieved by this application clearer, a detailed description is given below in conjunction with specific implementation methods, but the implementation methods of this application are not limited to this.

[0077] In this application, the terms "up and down," "vertical," or "longitudinal" refer to the direction extending from the base 160 toward the fluid container connection portion 113 (the direction of the central axis of the inhaler 500 or the direction of the central axis of the dose indicator device 100). Furthermore, the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is defined as upward.

[0078] In the present application, the terms "horizontal", "lateral" or "left-right" refer to directions orthogonal to the "up-down", "vertical" or "longitudinal" directions.

[0079] In the present application, the term "outward" refers to a direction outside the cavity formed by the connection of the housing 110 and the base 160; or, relative to the central axis of the inhaler 500 (or the dose indicator device 100), a direction away from the central axis; for example, when the dose indicator device 100 is located in the housing 200, the direction is from the cavity to the inner wall of the housing 200.

[0080] In this application, the term "inward" refers to a direction opposite to the outward direction mentioned above.

[0081] In this application, the term "first position" refers to the position of the actuating assembly 130 relative to the base 160 when the portion of the actuating portion 131 protruding outward from the opening 111 reaches its maximum. At this time, the driving portion 201 is disengaged from the actuating assembly 130, or the driving portion 201 and the actuating assembly 130 only touch but do not interact with each other.

[0082] In this application, the term "second position" refers to the position of the actuating assembly 130 relative to the base 160 when the portion of the actuating portion 131 protruding outward from the opening 111 reaches its minimum. At this time, the interaction force between the driving portion 201 and the actuating assembly 130 also reaches its maximum.

[0083] In the present application, the term “maximum width of the dose indicator device” refers to the width of the dose indicator device 100 when the portion of the actuating portion 131 protruding outwards from the opening 111 reaches its maximum, such as the width indicated by D1 in FIG. 6 .

[0084] In the present application, the term “minimum width of the dose indicator device” refers to the width of the dose indicator device 100 when the portion of the actuating portion 131 protruding outward from the opening 111 reaches the minimum, such as the width shown by D2 in FIG. 7 .

[0085] In this application, the term “clockwise” or “counterclockwise” refers to the rotation direction of the transmission gear 142 when viewed from the angle shown in FIG. 5 .

[0086] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0087] As shown in Figures 1 to 15, the present application provides a dose indicator device 100, which can be applied to a reusable inhaler 500, including but not limited to Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) re-usable, or the inhalation device mentioned in the patent document with application number 201880027066.6.

[0088] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inhaler 500 includes a housing 200 for receiving a fluid container 300 (such as a medicine bottle) and a spray assembly 400 for atomizing the fluid. The fluid container 300 is movable relative to the housing 200. The housing 200 includes a drive unit 201. During an atomized inhalation using the spray assembly 400, the fluid container 300 performs a longitudinal reciprocating motion within the inhaler 500. The drive unit 201 is used to drive or actuate the dose indicator 100 when the fluid container 300 reciprocates. The structures of the inhaler 500, the spray assembly 400, and the fluid container 300 are prior art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0089] The present application provides a dose indicator device 100 for an inhaler 500, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. The dose indicator device 100 includes a housing 110, through which the dose indicator device 100 is connected to the fluid container 300. The sidewall of the housing 110 is provided with a dose indication window 112 and an opening 111. The housing 110 also includes a base 160, which is connected to the housing 110 and forms a cavity between the housing 110 and the base 160. To accommodate most inhalers 500 and fluid containers 300 on the market, the housing 110 is preferably cylindrical.

[0090] In this embodiment, the dose indicator device 100 is connected to the bottom of the fluid container 300 via the housing 110 . When the fluid container 300 moves up and down in the housing 200 , the dose indicator device 100 also moves up and down in the housing 200 .

[0091] In other embodiments of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 is connected to other locations of the fluid container 300 through the housing 110, for example, the top, one side, or even around the periphery of the fluid container 300. As long as the dose indicator device 100 can follow the relative movement between the fluid container 300 and the housing 200, the purpose of the present application can be achieved.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present application, the connection between the housing 110 and the fluid container 300 is a snap connection. It is understandable that other connection methods, such as direct connection or indirect connection, fixed connection or detachable connection, etc., can achieve the purpose of the present application.

[0093] The dose indicator device 100 provided in the present application further includes an actuating assembly 130, which is slidably connected to the base 160. Under the actuation of the drive unit 201, the actuating assembly 130 can move laterally relative to the base 160 between a first position and a second position. The actuating assembly 130 includes an actuating portion 131 and a push-pull portion 132 that are interconnected. The actuating portion 131 passes through the opening 111. When the actuating assembly 130 is in the first position, the actuating portion 131 at least partially protrudes outward from the opening 111. When the actuating assembly 130 is in the second position, the actuating portion 131 at least partially retracts into the cavity. The push-pull portion 132 includes a push-pull rod 1322 and is located in the cavity.

[0094] In this embodiment, the actuating assembly 130 is connected to the base 160 via a sliding buckle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actuating assembly 130 and the base 160 may also be slidably connected in other ways, as long as the actuating assembly 130 can move laterally on the base 160 while preventing the actuating assembly 130 from completely separating from the base 160.

[0095] In this embodiment, the actuating assembly 130 includes an actuating portion 131 and a push-pull portion 132 that are connected to each other. When the actuating portion 131 is actuated by the driving portion 201 , the push-pull portion 132 can follow the actuating portion 131 to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0096] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the push-pull portion 132 further includes a connecting rod 1321. The push-pull rod 1322 is located at one end of the connecting rod 1321 and is fixedly connected to the actuating portion 131 via the other end of the connecting rod 1321. In other embodiments of the present application, the push-pull rod 1322 may be connected to the actuating portion 131 in other ways. It is understood that direct or indirect connection, fixed connection or detachable connection, etc., can all achieve the purposes of the present application.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 4 , the push-pull portion 132 includes two parallel connecting rods 1321 , and the push-pull rod 1322 is disposed between the two connecting rods 1321 to improve the stability of the action between the push-pull rod 1322 and the transmission gear 142 .

[0098] The dose indicator device 100 provided in the present application further includes a transmission assembly 140. The transmission assembly 140 is located in the cavity and includes a transmission shaft 141 and a transmission gear 142 located on the transmission shaft 141. The transmission gear 142 is arranged opposite to the push-pull rod 1322, and under the action of the push-pull rod 1322, the transmission gear 142 can rotate about the transmission shaft 141.

[0099] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the transmission assembly 140 includes a transmission gear 142 located in the middle of the transmission shaft 141. A push-pull rod 1322 is disposed opposite the transmission gear 142, such that when the push-pull portion 132 moves laterally, the push-pull rod 1322 acts on the teeth 1422 on the transmission gear 142, thereby rotating the transmission gear 142 by a certain angle. Specifically, when the push-pull portion 132 moves from the second position to the first position, the push-pull rod 1322 pulls the teeth 1422, causing the transmission gear 142 to rotate counterclockwise (from the perspective shown in Figure 5). In other embodiments of the present application, when the push-pull portion 132 moves from the first position to the second position, the push-pull rod 1322 pushes the teeth 1422, causing the transmission gear 142 to rotate clockwise (from the perspective shown in Figure 5). It will be understood that as long as the lateral movement of the push-pull portion 132 can be converted into unidirectional rotational motion of the transmission gear 142, the objectives of the present application are achieved.

[0100] In other embodiments of the present application, the transmission assembly 140 includes at least two transmission gears 142, and the push-pull portion 132 includes at least one push-pull rod 1322, which can act on one or more transmission gears 142. In some other embodiments of the present application, the push-pull portion 132 includes at least two push-pull rods 1322, and the at least two push-pull rods 1322 can act on the same transmission gear 142 or on different transmission gears 142 respectively.

[0101] The dose indicator device 100 provided in this application further includes a dose indicator ring 120. As shown in FIG4 , the dose indicator ring 120 is coaxially disposed with the base 160 and rotatable about the central axis of the base 160. A scale (not shown) for displaying a count value is disposed on the outer circumference of the dose indicator ring 120. The dose indicator ring 120 is also provided with a protrusion 121 that can interact with the transmission gear 142. It will be appreciated that the position of the dose indicator window 112 corresponds to the position of the scale.

[0102] In order to define the position of the dose indicator ring 120, a plurality of dose indicator ring brackets 164 are provided on the base 160. The plurality of dose indicator ring brackets 164 are arranged around the outer periphery or inner wall of the dose indicator ring 120 to prevent the dose indicator ring 120 from being misplaced.

[0103] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the longitudinal rotational movement of the transmission gear 142 can be converted into the horizontal rotational movement of the dose indicator ring 120 around the central axis of the base 160 through the protrusion 121 , thereby displaying the scale located on the outer circumference of the dose indicator ring 120 through the dose indication window 112 to achieve dose indication.

[0104] When the fluid container 300 with the dose indicator device 100 moves up and down within the inhaler 500, the actuating portion 131 on the dose indicator device 100 interacts with the driving portion 201 on the housing 200, causing the actuating assembly 130 to move laterally between the first position and the second position. Simultaneously, the push-pull rod 1322 drives the transmission gear 142 to rotate, which in turn drives the dose indicator ring 120 to rotate via the protrusion 121, thereby achieving dose indication.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present application, the fluid container 300 moves up and down relative to the housing 200, carrying the dose indicator device 100 with it. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fluid container 300 and the housing 200 may be arranged such that the housing 200 remains stationary while the fluid container 300 moves up and down; the housing 200 may be arranged such that the fluid container 300 remains stationary; or both the fluid container 300 and the housing 200 may be arranged such that the fluid container 300 and the housing 200 move up and down.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present application, a fluid container connection portion 113 is provided at one end of the housing 110 away from the base 160 for connecting to a fluid container 300. In one embodiment of the present application, the connection method is a snap connection. It is understood that other connection methods, such as direct or indirect connection, fixed connection or detachable connection, etc., can also achieve the purpose of the present application.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present application, to improve the aesthetics of the device, the dose indication window 112 and the opening 111 on the housing 110 are disposed opposite each other. It is understood that in other embodiments of the present application, as long as the dose indication window 112 and the opening 111 do not interfere with each other, the purpose of the present application can be achieved.

[0108] In some embodiments of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 includes at least two actuating assemblies 130, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the dose indicator device 100. This facilitates the drive unit 201 providing mutually balanced forces on the dose indicator device 100 when in an actuated state, thereby improving the driving stability of the dose indicator device 100. It will be appreciated that the number and position of the openings 111 match the number and position of the actuating assemblies 130, and the openings 111 do not interfere with the dose indication window 112.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 includes two actuating assemblies 130. The sidewall of the corresponding housing 110 is provided with two openings 111, and the two openings 111 are located on either side of the dose indicating window 112. The two actuating assemblies 130 can act on the same transmission assembly 140, or on different transmission assemblies 140.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present application, in order to fully utilize the structures of various components of the dose indicator device 100 and improve the aesthetics of the device, it is configured that when the actuating assembly 130 is in the second position, the actuating portion 131 is completely retracted from the opening 111 into the cavity.

[0111] In other embodiments of the present application, when the actuating assembly 130 is in the second position, the actuating portion 131 still partially protrudes outward from the opening 111, but the portion of the actuating portion 131 that protrudes outward from the opening 111 is reduced in the second position compared to the first position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as long as the lateral movement of the actuating assembly 130 can be converted into a rotation of the transmission assembly 140 at a certain angle via the push-pull rod 1322, the objectives of the present application can be achieved.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base 160 has a stop portion 162 protruding upward toward one side of the housing 110, and an elastic component 150 is provided between the actuating component 130 and the stop portion 162. One end of the elastic component 150 abuts against the stop portion 162, and the other end abuts against the actuating component 130.

[0113] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG7 , when the actuating assembly 130 is actuated by the driving portion 201, the driving portion 201 applies a force to the actuating assembly 130, causing the actuating assembly 130 to overcome the action of the elastic component 150 and move from the first position to the second position. As the driving portion 201 moves away from the actuating assembly 130, the force between the driving portion 201 and the actuating assembly 130 decreases. Under the action of the elastic component 150, the actuating assembly 130 returns from the second position to the first position. As shown in FIG6 , when the actuating assembly 130 is in the first position, there is no interaction force between the driving portion 201 and the actuating assembly 130.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the elastic component 150 is a spring, one end of the spring abuts against the blocking portion 162 , and the other end abuts against a side of the actuating portion away from the housing 200 .

[0115] In one embodiment of the present application, the driving portion 201 is an inwardly protruding structure provided on the inner wall of the housing 200 .

[0116] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 1-2 and 6-7, in the initial state, the driving portion 201 is disengaged from the actuating assembly 130, and the actuating assembly 130 is in the first position. When the dose indicator device 100 follows the fluid container 300 and moves downward relative to the housing 200, the protruding structure abuts against the actuating portion 131 and provides a force to move the actuating portion 131 from the first position to the second position, and the dose indicator device 100 is in the actuated state. When the dose indicator device 100 moves upward relative to the housing 200, the protruding structure is disengaged from the actuating portion 131. Under the action of the elastic component 150, the actuating portion 131 returns from the second position to the first position, completing a cycle.

[0117] Similarly, in another embodiment of the present application, in the initial state, the driving portion 201 abuts against the actuating assembly 130 and provides a force to place the actuating assembly 130 in the second position. When the dose indicator device 100 follows the fluid container 300 and moves downward relative to the housing 200, the protruding structure disengages from the actuating portion 131. Under the action of the elastic component 150, the actuating portion 131 moves from the second position to the first position. When the dose indicator device 100 moves upward relative to the housing 200, the protruding structure re-abuts against the actuating portion 131, causing the actuating portion 131 to return from the first position to the second position, completing a cycle.

[0118] It can be understood that no matter whether the actuating assembly 130 is in the first position or the second position in the initial state, as long as it can move back and forth laterally between the first position and the second position, the purpose of the present application can be achieved.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present application, the driving portion 201 is a separate component that is detachably or fixedly connected to the housing 200. When the dose indicator device 100 moves relative to the housing 200, the driving portion 201 can cause the actuating assembly 130 to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0120] In this embodiment, designing the drive unit 201 as a separate component further increases the versatility of the dose indicator device 100, particularly facilitating adaptation to fluid containers 300 of varying widths or housings 200 of varying inner diameters. During production, simply adjusting the dimensions of the drive unit 201 allows fluid containers 300 and dose indicator devices 100 of the same specification to be adapted to housings 200 of varying inner diameters, or vice versa. This improves component matching flexibility and reduces production costs.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present application, to simplify the structure, the driving portion 201 is a part of the housing 200. When the fluid container 300 moves relative to the housing 200 with the dose indicator device 100, the actuating portion 131 of the actuating assembly 130 contacts the driving portion 201. The driving portion 201 actuates the actuating portion 131, causing the actuating assembly 130 to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present application, the inner wall of the lower end of the shell 200 gradually shrinks inward along the central axis of the shell 200 to form a driving portion 201. When the actuating assembly 130 is in the first position, the actuating portion 131 does not contact the driving portion 201. When the actuating assembly 130 moves from the first position to the second position, the actuating portion 131 abuts against the driving portion 201, and the force between the inner wall and the actuating portion 131 causes the actuating portion 131 to at least partially retract into the outer shell 110.

[0123] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of the lower end of the housing 200 is gradually contracted to form a driving portion 201 . When the dose indicator device 100 is installed, the actuating portion 131 needs to be aligned with the driving portion 201 .

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the inner wall of the lower end of the housing 200 gradually contracts inwardly along the central axis of the housing 200 to form a driving portion 201. This not only simplifies the component structure, but also, because the horizontal cross-section of the inner wall of the lower end of the housing 200 is generally circular, the dose indicator device 100 can be actuated by the driving portion 201 when mounted on the fluid container 300, as long as the actuator 131 faces the inner wall of the housing 200, regardless of the specific direction, thereby simplifying the assembly of the dose indicator device 100.

[0125] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , in an initial state, the fluid container 300 and the dose indicator device 100 are in the uppermost position. Here, the inner diameter of the housing 200 is greater than the maximum width D1 of the dose indicator device, and the actuating portion 131 is in the first position. As the dose indicator device 100 moves downward following the fluid container 300, the inner diameter of the housing 200 gradually decreases. When the inner diameter of the housing 200 is equal to the maximum width D1 of the dose indicator device, the driving portion 201 abuts against the actuating portion 131, and the actuating portion 131 begins to be actuated. As the dose indicator device 100 continues to move downward, the force between the driving portion 201 and the actuating portion 131 gradually pushes the actuating portion 131 away from the housing 200 until the portion of the actuating portion 131 protruding outward from the opening 111 reaches its minimum. At this point, the inner diameter of the housing 200 is equal to the minimum width D2 of the dose indicator device. As shown in FIG2 , the actuating portion 131 is in the second position. When the fluid container 300 and the dose indicator device 100 move upward relative to the housing 200, the inner diameter of the housing 200 gradually increases, and the force between the driving portion 201 and the actuating portion 131 gradually decreases until the driving portion 201 and the actuating portion 131 are completely separated. Under the action of the elastic component 150, the actuating portion 131 returns from the second position to the first position, completing a cycle.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to reduce the movement resistance, the contact surface between the actuating portion 131 and the driving portion 201 is set to a matching smooth curved surface.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present application, at least two rib structures are provided on the inner wall of the shell 200, and a guide groove for the actuator 131 to move is formed between the rib structures. The guide groove is offset from top to bottom toward the central axis of the shell 200.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the dose indicator device 100 moves downward along with the fluid container 300, the actuator 131 moves in the guide groove. Since the guide groove deviates from top to bottom toward the central axis of the housing 200, the bottom of the guide groove serves as the driving portion 201, causing the actuator 131 to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present application, 2-40 rib structures are uniformly provided on the inner wall of the housing 200; in some embodiments of the present application, 2-30 rib structures are uniformly provided on the inner wall of the housing 200; in some embodiments of the present application, 10-30 rib structures are uniformly provided on the inner wall of the housing 200; and in some preferred embodiments of the present application, 20-30 rib structures are uniformly provided on the inner wall of the housing 200. In some embodiments of the present application, the guide grooves formed between the rib structures are offset from top to bottom at the same angle toward the central axis of the housing 200, which facilitates assembly of the dose indicator device 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the guide grooves formed between the rib structures are offset from top to bottom at different angles toward the central axis of the housing 200, which facilitates the versatility of the device and can accommodate fluid containers 300 and dose indicator devices 100 of different widths.

[0130] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to reduce movement resistance, the bottom of the guide groove is a smooth curved surface, and the contact surface between the actuating portion 131 and the guide groove is also set to a matching smooth curved surface.

[0131] In some embodiments of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 further includes a transmission assembly bracket 161 fixed to the base 160, and the transmission assembly 140 is rotatably disposed in the transmission assembly bracket 161. This design allows the transmission shaft 141 to rotate only on the transmission assembly bracket 161 and cannot move in other directions, and the transmission shaft 141 is parallel to the push-pull rod 1322.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 5 and 10 to 12, the protrusion 121 is located at the top of the dose indicator ring 120 and extends axially within the cavity. The transmission gear 142 includes a spiral groove 1421 and radially protruding teeth 1422. During the rotation of the transmission gear 142, at least one protrusion 121 is always engaged in the spiral groove 1421.

[0133] In this embodiment, a worm drive is formed between the transmission gear 142 and the dose indicator ring 120 through the spiral groove 1421 and the protrusion 121, converting the vertical rotational motion of the transmission gear 142 into horizontal rotational motion of the dose indicator ring 120. As the transmission gear 142 rotates vertically, the protrusion 121 moves along the spiral groove 1421, thereby causing the dose indicator ring 120 to rotate horizontally. Furthermore, as the previous protrusion 121 exits the spiral groove 1421, the next protrusion 121 enters the spiral groove 1421, ensuring that at least one protrusion 121 is always engaged in the spiral groove 1421, ensuring the continuity of the horizontal rotational motion of the dose indicator ring 120.

[0134] It is understandable that in other embodiments of the present application, other driving methods can achieve the purpose of the present application as long as they can convert the vertical rotational movement of the transmission gear 142 into the horizontal rotational movement of the dose indicator ring 120.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the push-pull rod 1322 acts on the teeth 1422 , thereby driving the transmission gear 142 to rotate.

[0136] In this embodiment, the push-pull rod 1322 and the teeth 1422 are disposed relative to each other, such that when the push-pull portion 132 moves laterally, the push-pull rod 1322 acts on the teeth 1422 on the transmission gear 142, thereby causing the transmission gear 142 to rotate a certain angle. Specifically, when the push-pull portion 132 moves from a first position to a second position, the push-pull rod 1322 does not act on the teeth 1422, or the contact portion between the push-pull rod 1322 and / or the teeth 1422 undergoes elastic deformation, but the transmission gear 142 does not rotate. When the push-pull portion 132 moves from the second position to the first position, the push-pull rod 1322 pulls the teeth 1422, causing the transmission gear 142 to rotate counterclockwise (from the angle shown in FIG. 5 ). In other embodiments of the present application, when the push-pull portion 132 moves from the first position to the second position, the push-pull rod 1322 pushes the teeth 1422, causing the transmission gear 142 to rotate clockwise (from the angle shown in FIG5 ); whereas, when the push-pull portion 132 moves from the second position to the first position, the transmission gear 142 does not rotate. It is understood that as long as the lateral movement of the push-pull portion 132 can be converted into unidirectional rotational motion of the transmission gear 142, the objectives of the present application are achieved.

[0137] In order to ensure accurate counting of the dose indicator device 100 and prevent the transmission gear 142 from rotating in the opposite direction, in one embodiment of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 further includes a stop pawl 163 for preventing the transmission gear 142 from rotating in the opposite direction. The stop pawl 163 is disposed in the cavity and extends toward the transmission gear 142.

[0138] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 , the stopping claw 163 is provided on the base 160 , and the stopping claw 163 acts on the teeth 1422 on the transmission gear 142 to ensure that the transmission gear 142 always rotates in one direction.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the blocking portion 162 and the stopping claw 163 are the same component, which has the functions of both the blocking portion 162 and the stopping claw 163 , thereby further streamlining the structure of the dose indicator device 100 and reducing production costs.

[0140] Although the dose indicator device 100 can inform the user of the usage status of the fluid container 300, users sometimes forget to check. When the fluid in the fluid container 300 reaches or exceeds the predetermined number of uses, especially when the fluid is nearly depleted or has been depleted, if the user continues to use the fluid container 300 without promptly replacing it with a new one, the dispensed dose may differ from the predetermined dose, potentially causing medication hazards.

[0141] To avoid the above-mentioned problem, in some embodiments of the present application, the dose indicator device 100 further includes a locking mechanism, which is configured to prevent the actuator 131 from moving laterally between the first position and the second position and / or prevent the dose indicator ring 120 from further rotating after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times.

[0142] In one embodiment of the present application, the locking mechanism includes a first locking portion 133 located on the actuating assembly 130 and a second locking portion 122 located on the dose indicator ring 120. When the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion 122 engages with the first locking portion 133 to prevent the actuating assembly 130 from moving laterally between the first position and the second position.

[0143] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion 122 on the dose indicator ring 120 rotates to a position corresponding to the first locking portion 133 on the actuating assembly 130, thereby preventing the actuating assembly 130 from moving laterally. At this time, even if the driving portion 201 acts on the actuating portion 131, the actuating assembly 130 cannot move laterally from the first position to the second position.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, as long as the second locking portion 122 can rotate to the corresponding position of the first locking portion 133 after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, thereby preventing the actuator assembly 130 from lateral movement between the first position and the second position, the purpose of the present application can be achieved. In other embodiments of the present application, when the second locking portion 122 can rotate to the corresponding position of the first locking portion 133, the purpose of the present application can also be achieved by preventing the actuator assembly 130 from lateral movement from the second position to the first position.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the first locking portion 133 is located within the cavity and extends toward the top of the dose indicator ring 120. The second locking portion 122 is located at the top of the dose indicator ring 120 and extends from the base 160. After the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion 122 engages with the first locking portion 133, preventing the actuator assembly 130 from moving laterally between the first and second positions. In other embodiments of the present application, the first locking portion 133 and the second locking portion 122 may be located in other locations, such as on the push-pull portion 132 or on the sidewall of the dose indicator ring 120. As long as the second locking portion 122 engages with the first locking portion 133 after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, preventing the actuator assembly 130 from moving laterally between the first and second positions, the objectives of the present application can be achieved.

[0146] In one embodiment of the present application, after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the locking mechanism prevents the actuating assembly 130 from moving laterally.

[0147] In this embodiment, after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion 122 rotates to a position abutting against the first locking portion 133 , thereby preventing the actuating assembly 130 from any lateral movement.

[0148] In another preferred embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG8 and FIG9 , the second locking portion 122 is located on a path of lateral movement of the first locking portion 133 , thereby preventing the actuating assembly 130 from lateral movement from the first position to the second position.

[0149] In this embodiment, the actuating assembly 130 can partially move laterally, but cannot completely move laterally from the first position to the second position. Under the action of the driving portion 201, the actuating portion 131 retracts into the housing 110, but cannot retract to the second position. The push-pull rod 1322 cannot rotate the transmission gear 142 to a certain angle, and thus the dose indicator ring 120 cannot rotate in the horizontal direction, thereby locking the dose indicator device 100.

[0150] In this embodiment, when the second locking portion 122 abuts against the first locking portion 133, the actuating portion 131 also provides a reverse force to the driving portion 201, preventing the fluid container 300 and the dose indicator device 100 from further moving downward relative to the housing 200, thereby locking the inhaler 500.

[0151] In another embodiment of the present application, after the fluid container 300 has been used a predetermined number of times, the locking mechanism prevents the actuator assembly 130 from moving laterally from the second position to the first position. The drive unit 201 is unable to effectively actuate the actuator 131 again, thereby locking the dose indicator device 100.

[0152] In order to prevent the dose indicator device 100 from being erroneously actuated during the production, assembly or transportation process, or before the fluid container 300 is installed in the inhaler 500 for aerosolized drug administration, thereby causing inaccurate counting and display, the dose indicator device 100 further includes an anti-accidental touch mechanism 170. Before the fluid container 300 is used, the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 prevents the dose indicator device 100 from being accidentally actuated.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present application, the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 is detachably connected to the actuating portion 131 . When the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 is detached from the actuating portion 131 , the actuating portion 131 is in an actuable state.

[0154] In this embodiment, when the accidental touch prevention mechanism 170 is connected to the actuating portion 131, the actuating portion 131 is in an inoperable state. Even if the driving unit 201 acts on the actuating portion 131, the actuating portion 131 cannot move laterally. Only when the accidental touch prevention mechanism 170 is removed from the actuating portion 131 can the actuating portion 131 be actuated normally.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 includes a protrusion 171, and the portion of the actuating portion 131 located outside the cavity is provided with a groove 1311 adapted to the protrusion 171. Before the fluid container 300 is used, the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 is connected to the groove 1311 via the protrusion 171, so that the actuating portion 131 is in an inactivatable state.

[0156] In this embodiment, a latch structure is formed between the anti-accidental-touch mechanism 170 and the actuating portion 131. It is understandable that in other embodiments of the present application, as long as the lateral movement of the actuating portion 131 is prevented, other detachable connection methods can also achieve the purpose of the present application.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 includes two protrusions 171, and the actuating portion 131 is correspondingly provided with two grooves 1311. This design prevents the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 from accidentally detaching from the actuating portion 131, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the anti-accidental touch mechanism 170 and the actuating portion 131.

[0158] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Any equivalent changes, modifications and combinations made by any person skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principle of the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A dose indicating device for an inhaler, the inhaler comprising: A housing for receiving a fluid container and a spray assembly for atomizing a fluid, the fluid container being movable relative to the housing, the housing including a driving portion for actuating the dose indicating device; The dose indicating device includes: A housing, the dose indicating device being connected to the fluid container through the housing, and a dose indicating window and an opening being provided on a side wall of the housing; A base, the base being connected to the housing and forming a cavity between the housing and the base; An actuating assembly, the actuating assembly being slidably connected to the base, and under the actuation of the driving portion, the actuating assembly being laterally movable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, the actuating assembly including an actuating portion and a push-pull portion connected to each other, the actuating portion passing through the opening, when the actuating assembly is in the first position, the actuating portion at least partially protrudes outward from the opening, and when the actuating assembly is in the second position, the actuating portion at least partially retracts into the cavity; the push-pull portion includes a push rod and is located in the cavity; A transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being located in the cavity, including a transmission shaft and a transmission gear located on the transmission shaft, the transmission gear being disposed opposite to the push rod, and under the action of the push rod, the transmission gear being rotatable about the transmission shaft; A dose indicating ring, the dose indicating ring being coaxially disposed with the base and rotatable about the central axis of the base, a scale for displaying a count value being provided on an outer periphery of the dose indicating ring, and a protruding portion capable of interacting with the transmission gear being further provided on the dose indicating ring; When the actuating assembly moves between the first position and the second position, the push rod drives the transmission gear to rotate, and then the dose indicating ring is rotated through the protruding portion to achieve dose indication.

2. The dosage indicating device according to claim 1, wherein, The dose indicating device includes at least two actuating assemblies, the at least two actuating assemblies being symmetrically disposed with respect to the central axis of the housing, and the number and positions of the openings being matched with the number and positions of the actuating assemblies.

3. The dosage indication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-pull portion further includes a connecting rod, the push rod being located at an end of the connecting rod and fixedly connected to the actuating portion through the other end of the connecting rod.

4. The dosage indicating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A blocking portion is provided on a side of the base facing the housing, and an elastic component is provided between the actuating assembly and the blocking portion, one end of the elastic component abutting against the blocking portion and the other end abutting against the actuating assembly.

5. The dosage indication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The driving portion is an inward protruding structure provided on an inner wall of the housing.

6. The dosage indication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving portion is a separate component, detachably or fixedly connected to the housing, and when the dose indicating device moves relative to the housing, the driving portion can cause the actuating assembly to move laterally between the first position and the second position; or, The driving portion is a part of the housing, and when the fluid container moves relative to the housing with the dose indicating device, the actuating portion of the actuating assembly contacts the driving portion, and the driving portion actuates the actuating portion to cause the actuating assembly to move laterally between the first position and the second position.

7. The dosage indication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the lower end of the housing gradually contracts inward along the central axis of the housing to form a driving portion. When the actuating assembly is in the first position, the actuating portion does not abut against the driving portion. When the actuating assembly moves from the first position to the second position, the actuating portion abuts against the driving portion, and the acting force between the driving portion and the actuating portion causes the actuating portion to retract at least partially into the outer housing.

8. The dosage indicating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least two rib structures are provided on the inner wall of the housing. A guide groove for the movement of the actuating portion is formed between the rib structures. The guide groove is offset downward and toward the central axis of the housing. 2 - 40 rib structures are evenly provided on the inner wall of the housing.

9. The dosage indication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dose indicating device further includes a transmission assembly bracket fixed to the base, and the transmission assembly is rotatably arranged in the transmission assembly bracket.

10. The dosage indicating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is located at the top of the dose indicating ring and axially extends toward the transmission gear. The transmission gear includes a helical groove and radially protruding teeth. During the rotation of the transmission gear, at least one protrusion is always engaged in the helical groove.

11. The dosage indication device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The push rod acts on the teeth, thereby driving the transmission gear to rotate.

12. The dosage indication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dose indicating device further includes a detent for preventing the reverse rotation of the transmission gear. The detent is arranged in the cavity and extends toward the transmission gear.

13. The dosage indicating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dose indicating device further includes a locking mechanism, which is configured to prevent the lateral movement of the actuating portion between the first position and the second position and / or prevent the further rotation of the dose indicating ring after the fluid container is used a predetermined number of times.

14. The dosage indication device according to claim 13, wherein The locking mechanism includes a first locking portion located on the actuating assembly and a second locking portion located on the dose indicating ring. After the fluid container is used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion engages with the first locking portion to prevent the lateral movement of the actuating assembly between the first position and the second position; or, The locking mechanism includes a first locking portion located in the cavity and extending toward the top of the dose indicating ring and a second locking portion located at the top of the dose indicating ring and extending toward the base. After the fluid container is used a predetermined number of times, the second locking portion engages with the first locking portion to prevent the lateral movement of the actuating assembly between the first position and the second position.

15. The dosage indicating device according to claim 13, characterized in that, After the fluid container is used a predetermined number of times, the locking mechanism prevents the lateral movement of the actuating assembly, or, The locking mechanism prevents the lateral movement of the actuating assembly from the second position to the first position.

16. The dosage indicating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dose indicating device further includes an anti - accidental - actuation mechanism, which is used to prevent the accidental actuation of the dose indicating device before the fluid container is used.

17. A fluid container for an inhaler, the bottom of the fluid container being connected with the dose indicating device according to any one of claims 1 - 16.

18. The fluid container according to claim 17, wherein the fluid container is fixedly connected to the dose indicating device. When the fluid container needs to be replaced, the fluid container and the dose indicating device are replaced together.

19. An inhaler, in which a fluid container according to claim 17 or 18 is received and connected within the housing of the inhaler.

20. A method for counting and / or indicating, by means of a dose indicating device according to any one of claims 1 - 19, the number of uses that have been performed or that are still available from a fluid container in an inhaler.

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