US20050183718A1 - Nebulizer - Google Patents
Nebulizer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050183718A1 US20050183718A1 US11/064,614 US6461405A US2005183718A1 US 20050183718 A1 US20050183718 A1 US 20050183718A1 US 6461405 A US6461405 A US 6461405A US 2005183718 A1 US2005183718 A1 US 2005183718A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- neubulizer
- valve
- nebulizer
- air supply
- valve device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/0012—Apparatus for achieving spraying before discharge from the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/006—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by applying mechanical pressure to the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
- A61M11/007—Syringe-type or piston-type sprayers or atomisers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0013—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves
- A61M15/0015—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves located upstream of the dispenser, i.e. not traversed by the product
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0018—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with exhalation check valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
- A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
- A61M15/0081—Locking means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
- A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
- A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
- A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
- A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
- A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
- A61M2016/0039—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the inspiratory circuit
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/109—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle the dispensing stroke being affected by the stored energy of a spring
- B05B11/1091—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle the dispensing stroke being affected by the stored energy of a spring being first hold in a loaded state by locking means or the like, then released
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a nebulizer according to the preamble of claim 1 .
- the starting point for the present invention is a nebulizer, in the form of an inhaler as shown in principle in WO 91/14468 and specifically in WO 97/12687 (FIGS. 6a, 6b) and in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the enclosed drawings.
- the nebulizer comprises as a reservoir for a fluid which is to be nebulized an insertable container with the fluid and a pressure generator with a drive spring for conveying and atomising the fluid.
- WO 91/14468 and WO 97/12687 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- the disclosure therein preferably refers to a nebulizer having a spring pressure of 5 to 60 MPa, preferably 10 to 50 MPa on the fluid, with fluid volumes of 10 to 50 ⁇ l, preferably 10 to 20 ⁇ l, most preferably about 15 ⁇ l delivered per actuation.
- the fluid is converted into an aerosol the droplets of which have an aerodynamic diameter of up to 20 ⁇ m, preferably 3 to 10 ⁇ m.
- the disclosure therein preferably relates to a nebulizer with a cylinder-like shape which is about 9 cm to about 15 cm long and about 2 to about 5 cm wide and a nozzle spray spread of from 20° to 160°, preferably from 80° to 100°.
- the drive spring By rotating an actuating member in the form of a lower housing part of the nebulizer the drive spring can be put under tension and fluid can be drawn up into a pressure chamber of the pressure generator. After manual actuation of a locking element the fluid in the pressure chamber is put under pressure by the drive spring and expelled through a nozzle into a mouthpiece to form an aerosol, without the use of propellant gas or the like.
- the speed of the aerosol cloud is very low, with the result that the cloud of aerosol is virtually stationary in the mouthpiece. A user then has to inhale the resulting aerosol slowly for as long as possible, e.g. 10 seconds or more.
- the mouthpiece has at least one air supply opening through which the user, on inhaling, sucks in air from the atmosphere together with the aerosol produced. This ensures that the air stream of supplied air and aerosol necessary for inhalation is produced and that the volume of aerosol needed for the inhalation process is available.
- the problem of the present invention is to provide a nebulizer with improved safety of operation, so that it is ensured that the aerosol can be breathed in or inhaled safely even when a user has problems coordinating the operation of the nebulizer with their breathing in.
- the nebulizer comprises a valve device which is associated with the air supply opening or openings, so that backflow—i.e. blow-out—through the air supply opening or openings can be prevented.
- backflow i.e. blow-out
- an inexpensive and effective method is provided to ensure that breathing out by the user does not result in an unwanted expulsion of the nebulized fluid or aerosol from the mouthpiece through the air supply opening or openings into the environment.
- the valve device provided preferably ensures that in the event of the user (unintentionally) breathing out into the mouthpiece an overpressure is produced which indicates a malfunction to the user, to inform him that in future he should only breathe out when using the nebulizer.
- inhalation can be continued, as the nebulized fluid or aerosol still present in the mouthpiece can continue to be breathed in.
- the solution described is applicable not only to the nebulizer or inhaler described above, but also to any kind of inhaler in which an aerosol produced has to be supplied with air from the atmosphere through a mouthpiece having air supply openings to achieve the inhalation volume needed for the user.
- nebulizers in which propellant-free aqueous or alcoholic solutions containing active substances are nebulized.
- the invention may also be used in conventional propellant-driven nebulizers or inhalers, particularly so-called MDIs (metered dose inhalers) and other nebulizers.
- valve device has an associated sensor for detecting opening or closing or movement of a valve element of the valve device.
- the nebulizer preferably comprises a suitable monitoring device or the like.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic section through a known nebulizer in the untensioned state
- FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic section through the known nebulizer in the tensioned state, rotated through 90° compared with FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a first embodiment with a valve device in the closed state;
- FIG. 4 is a detail from FIG. 3 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the valve device according to FIG. 3 in the open state
- FIG. 6 is a detail from FIG. 5 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a second embodiment with a valve device in the closed state;
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the valve device according to FIG. 7 in the open state
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a third embodiment with a valve device in the closed state;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the valve device according to FIG. 9 in the open state
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 of a valve device according to a fourth embodiment in the closed state;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the valve device according to FIG. 11 in the open state
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 of a valve device according to a fifth embodiment in the closed state
- FIG. 14 is a detail from FIG. 13 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the valve device according to FIG. 13 in the open state
- FIG. 16 is a detail from FIG. 15 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale
- FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a sixth embodiment with a valve device in the closed state;
- FIG. 18 is a plan view of the nebulizer according to FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the valve device according to FIG. 17 in the open state
- FIG. 20 is a plan view of the nebulizer according to FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is a piece of material for forming valve elements of the valve device according to the sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a proposed nebulizer according to a seventh embodiment with a valve device in the open state and with an associated sensor;
- FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to an eighth embodiment with a valve device in the closed state;
- FIG. 24 is a sectional view according to FIG. 23 with the valve device open.
- FIG. 25 is a plan view of the valve element of the valve device according to FIG. 23 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show a known nebulizer 1 for nebulizing a fluid 2 , particularly a highly effective pharmaceutical composition or the like, viewed diagrammatically in the untensioned state ( FIG. 1 ) and in the tensioned state ( FIG. 2 ).
- the nebulizer is constructed in particular as a portable inhaler and preferably operates without propellant gas.
- the fluid 2 preferably a liquid, more particularly a pharmaceutical composition
- an aerosol is formed which can be breathed in or inhaled by a user.
- the inhaling is done at least once a day, more particularly several times a day, preferably at set intervals.
- the nebulizer 1 has an insertable and preferably exchangeable container 3 containing the fluid 2 , which forms a reservoir for the fluid 2 which is to be nebulized.
- the container 3 contains an amount of fluid 2 which contains sufficient amounts of active substance formulations to provide, for example, up to 100 dosage units.
- a typical container 3 as disclosed in WO 96/06011, holds a volume of about 2 to 10 ml.
- the container 3 is substantially cylindrical or cartridge-shaped and once the nebulizer 1 has been opened the container can be inserted therein from below and changed if desired. It is preferably of rigid construction, the fluid 2 in particular being held in a collapsible bag 4 in the container 3 .
- the nebulizer 1 has a pressure generator 5 for conveying and nebulizing the fluid 2 , particularly in a preset and optionally adjustable dosage amount.
- the pressure generator 5 has a holder 6 for the container 3 , an associated drive spring 7 , shown only in part, with a locking element 8 which can be manually operated to release it, a conveying tube 9 with a non-return valve 10 , a pressure chamber 11 and an expulsion nozzle 12 in the region of a mouthpiece 13 .
- the container 3 is fixed in the nebulizer 1 by means of the holder 6 such that the conveying tube 9 is immersed in the container 3 .
- the holder 6 may be constructed so that the container 3 can be changed.
- the drive spring 7 is axially tensioned the holder 6 with the container 3 and the conveying tube 9 is moved downwards in the drawings and fluid 2 is sucked out of the container 3 into the pressure chamber 11 of the pressure generator 5 through the non-return valve 10 .
- the expulsion nozzle 12 has a very small cross section of flow and is constructed in particular as a capillary, such a strong throttle action is produced that the intake of air by suction is reliably prevented at this point even without a non-return valve.
- a user can inhale the aerosol 14 , while an air supply can be sucked into the mouthpiece 13 through at least one air supply opening 15 .
- the nebulizer 1 comprises an upper housing part 16 and an inner part 17 which is rotatable relative thereto, having an upper part 17 a and a lower part 17 b , while a housing part 18 which is, in particular, manually operable, is releasably fixed, particularly fitted, onto the inner part 17 , preferably by means of a retaining element 19 .
- the housing part 18 can be detached from the nebulizer 1 .
- the housing part 18 can be rotated counter to the housing part 16 , taking with it the part 1 7 b of the inner part 17 which is the lower part in the drawings.
- the drive spring 7 is tensioned in the axial direction by means of a gear acting on the holder 6 .
- the container 3 is moved axially downwards until the container 3 assumes an end position as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the drive spring 7 is under tension.
- the container 3 is moved back into its original position by the drive spring 7 .
- the container 3 thus performs a stroke during the tensioning process and during nebulization.
- the housing part 18 preferably forms a cap-like lower housing part and fits around or over a lower free end portion of the container 3 .
- the drive spring 7 is tensioned the container 3 moves with its end portion (further) into the housing part 18 or towards the end face thereof, while an axially acting spring 20 arranged in the housing part 18 comes to bear on the base 21 of the container and pierces the container 3 or a seal on its base with a piercing element 22 when the container makes contact with it for the first time, to allow air in.
- the nebulizer 1 comprises a monitoring device 23 which counts the actuations of the nebulizer 1 , preferably by detecting any rotation of the inner part 17 relative to the upper housing part 16 .
- FIGS. 3 to 22 The construction and mode of operation of a proposed nebulizer 1 will now be described in more detail, referring to FIGS. 3 to 22 , but emphasising only the essential differences from the nebulizer 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the remarks relating to FIGS. 1 and 2 thus apply accordingly.
- FIGS. 3 to 6 show, in sectional diagrammatic representations of details, a proposed nebulizer 1 having a valve device 24 according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 shows the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIG. 4 shows a detail from FIG. 3 along the dotted line.
- FIG. 5 shows the valve device 24 in the open state.
- FIG. 6 shows a detail from FIG. 5 along the dotted line.
- valve device 24 allows an air supply current 25 , as indicated by corresponding arrow in FIGS. 5 and 6 , through the air supply openings 15 into the mouthpiece 13 during inhalation, i.e. breathing in, by a user of the nebulizer 1 .
- the user puts the mouthpiece 13 in his mouth and should breathe as evenly and slowly as possible, preferably for several seconds, particularly about 10 seconds or more, thereby inhaling the nebulized fluid 2 or aerosol 14 .
- the air supply is thus breathed in at the same time but is not used to nebulize the fluid 2 or produce the aerosol 14 . Rather, this is done separately or independently, preferably without the use of propellant gas, by the pressure generator 5 as explained hereinbefore.
- valve device 24 is arranged in the mouthpiece 13 and preferably alongside the expulsion nozzle 12 for the fluid 2 or aerosol 14 .
- the valve device 24 may be mounted on the outside of the mouthpiece 13 or be associated therewith in some other way.
- An external arrangement has the advantage that the valve device 24 is not exposed directly to the aerosol cloud in the mouthpiece 13 , thereby preventing soiling of the valve device 24 .
- valve device 24 is inserted into the mouthpiece 13 as a construction unit or assembly, in particular. It can preferably be incorporated afterwards, i.e. as an add-on.
- valve device 24 is fixedly mounted, particularly formed, injection moulded, glued or similar, to the nebulizer 1 , particularly the mouthpiece 13 .
- valve device 24 can be replaced together with the mouthpiece 13 .
- the mouthpiece 13 is preferably integrally constructed with the nebulizer 1 , especially the upper housing part 16 thereof, or is formed thereby.
- the valve device 24 is constructed and associated with the air supply openings 15 such that backflow through the air supply openings 15 —i.e. an airflow from the mouthpiece 13 through the air supply openings 15 into the atmosphere (counter to the air supply flow 15 ), which might be produced by the user breathing out, in particular, can be prevented, especially automatically. This ensures that the user breathing out cannot cause the nebulized fluid 2 or aerosol 14 to be undesirably expelled through the air supply openings 15 into the atmosphere.
- valve device 24 preferably ensures that when the mouthpiece 13 is fitted it is only possible to breathe in through the mouth of the user or through the mouthpiece 13 , so that there is a greater probability or certainty of the nebulized fluid 2 or aerosol 14 being inhaled by the user. This results in substantially better operational safety.
- the valve device 24 is preferably constructed so as to operate at least substantially independently of the spatial orientation of the nebulizer 1 .
- the valve device 24 may if necessary operate by electrical, magnetic, pneumatic or other means.
- the valve device 24 preferably operates exclusively mechanically, as explained hereinafter with reference to the preferred embodiments.
- valve device 24 has a preferably plate-shaped seat element 26 with through-openings 27 and a moveable valve element 28 which is preferably also plate-shaped.
- the seat element 26 is preferably of one-piece construction and is inserted or incorporated in the mouthpiece 13 such that it seals off the connection to the air supply openings 15 in such a way that air can only flow into the mouthpiece 13 through the through-openings 27 .
- the moveable valve element 28 is associated with the seat element 26 or through-openings 27 so as to seal off the through-openings 27 in the closed position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in order to prevent backflow as described above.
- valve 29 may also be constructed in some other suitable manner.
- a common seat element 26 and a common valve element 28 are provided for several and more particularly all of the air supply openings 15 .
- separate seat elements 26 , separate valve elements 28 or valves 29 operating independently may be associated with the air supply openings 15 , as will be explained with reference to other embodiments.
- valve element 28 is moveable in the longitudinal direction of the nebulizer 1 and/or at least substantially in the direction of the air supply current 25 .
- valve element 28 is biased into the closed position, particularly by spring force, and in the embodiment shown by springs 30 , preferably helical springs.
- springs 30 preferably helical springs.
- valve element 28 may also be biased into the closed position by its own elasticity and/or by gravity.
- valve element 28 may also be biased into the open position and/or may have two stable positions, on the one hand the closed position and on the other hand the open position, in particular.
- valve element 28 preferably has bar-like guide elements 31 , which are particularly integrally formed thereon, which serve both for moveable guidance and holding of the valve element 28 on the nebulizer 1 , particularly on the seat element 26 , and also serve to guide or hold the associated springs 30 .
- the valve device 24 is preferably constructed so that the valve device 24 opens as easily as possible to allow substantially unobstructed inhalation or inspiration.
- the air supply current 25 is thus as unobstructed as possible.
- the valve element 28 is preferably easy-acting and the spring force acting in the direction of closing in the first embodiment is as low as possible.
- the air supply current 25 can flow at least largely unobstructed through the air supply openings 15 and then through the through-openings 27 into the mouthpiece 13 as the user breathes in or inhales.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 and the proposed valve device 24 .
- the valve device 24 is closed.
- the valve device 24 is open.
- valve elements 28 or valves 29 are associated with the air supply openings 15 .
- the valve elements 28 are constructed as flaps or tongues and are preferably pivotable.
- the valve elements 28 preferably cooperate with separate seat elements 26 or directly with the suitably shaped inner wall of the mouthpiece 13 , to form the valves 29 .
- valve elements 28 may if desired be biased into the open position. This allows the user to breathe in or inhale without obstruction. If, however, the user breathes out into the mouthpiece 13 , the valve elements 28 are at least substantially instantly closed by the backflow produced, thereby blocking off the backflow.
- the spring force acting in the open position is selected to be correspondingly low.
- valve elements 28 may be biased into the closed position as in the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 or the proposed valve device 24 .
- FIG. 9 shows the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIG. 10 shows the valve device 24 in the open state.
- valve elements 28 or valves 29 are again provided, and in particular associated with the air supply openings 15 .
- valve elements 28 are also constructed as plates or tappets. Preferably, the valve elements 28 are guided in a common seat element 26 as in the first embodiment.
- valve elements 28 and valves 29 are preferably biased into the closed position by springs 30 , particularly helical springs.
- each valve element 28 preferably comprises a guide element 31 which in turn, as in the first embodiment, serves on the one hand to guide and hold the valve element 28 preferably on the seat element 26 and on the other hand to guide or hold the associated spring 30 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 or the proposed valve device 24 .
- FIG. 11 shows the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIG. 12 shows the valve device 24 in the open state.
- the fifth embodiment substantially corresponds to the fourth embodiment. Only the springs 30 have been omitted.
- the valve elements 28 are thus freely moveable or easily moveable, and in particular are not biased by spring force.
- the valve elements 28 may adopt a preferred position, namely the closed position, as a result of gravity.
- FIGS. 13 to 16 show a fifth embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 or of the proposed valve device 24 .
- FIG. 13 shows the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIG. 14 shows a detail from FIG. 13 along the dotted line.
- FIG. 15 shows the valve device 24 in the open state.
- FIG. 16 shows a detail from FIG. 15 along the dotted line.
- the fifth embodiment substantially corresponds to the third embodiment except that the spring arrangement has essentially been altered.
- the springs 30 are preferably formed as helical springs, particularly as compression springs. However, in the fifth embodiment, the springs 30 are arranged on the side of the seat element 26 remote from the air supply openings 15 , the plates 32 of the valve elements 28 having a suitable recess 33 , which is annular in the embodiment shown, for receiving the associated spring 30 .
- valve elements 28 and valves 29 are thus preferably biased into the open position.
- the same remarks apply as in respect of the second embodiment.
- FIGS. 17 to 21 show a sixth embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 or proposed valve device 24 .
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIGS. 19 and 20 show the valve device 24 in the open state.
- FIG. 21 shows a development or a piece of material 34 which forms the valve elements 28 of the valve device 24 according to the sixth embodiment.
- valve elements 28 are elastic and flexible in construction. Because of their inherent elasticity the preferably tongue- or flap-shaped valve elements 28 in the sixth embodiment assume the closed position as their preferred position, i.e. they close off the air supply openings 15 .
- valve elements 28 are moved or pivoted inwards, as shown in FIG. 19 in particular.
- the air supply openings 15 are opened up and air can flow into the mouthpiece 13 .
- valve elements 28 are preferably formed from the same piece of material 34 , particularly a foil or other suitable materials. However, the valve elements 28 may also be formed from separate pieces of material 34 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates the closed state.
- the valve elements 28 are lying flat, i.e. they are not visible in plan view.
- valve elements 28 are shown in the open state and are accordingly flipped or pivoted inwards.
- FIGS. 18 and 20 show that the valve device 24 or the piece of material 34 can be inserted in the inside of the mouthpiece in an encircling or at least substantially flat position. This allows easy and hence inexpensive assembly and in particular allows modification of the nebulizer 1 .
- valve device 24 or the valve 29 may be constructed so that the valve element 28 is moveable exclusively by gravity and/or the air supply current 25 or an opposite airflow and as a result the associated air supply openings 15 can be opened up or closed off.
- the valve element 28 may be constructed for this purpose as a loose sealing element or as a loose washer or gasket which is correspondingly moveably mounted in an air supply channel or the like adjacent to the air supply opening 15 or in the mouthpiece 13 .
- valve element 28 cannot be moved away from its associates air supply opening 15 at will when the air supply current 25 is breathed in, so that as the user breathes out into the mouthpiece 13 an initial backflow immediately causes the valve element 28 to close the associated air supply opening 15 and thereby block the undesirable backflow.
- valve means 24 may be used instead of valve devices 24 which operate purely mechanically.
- An essential aspect of the present invention is the fact that the nebulizing of the fluid 2 or the production of the aerosol 14 takes place independently of the air supply current 25 .
- the aerosol 14 may initially be expelled into some other receiving chamber in the nebulizer 1 and then be transported to the actual mouthpiece 13 during inhalation or breathing in by the air supply current 25 and be inhaled through it.
- mouthpiece is to be understood more broadly as preferably meaning that it comprises a receiving or collecting chamber for the aerosol 14 produced, to which an air supply can be fed through air supply openings 15 and to which a preferably tubular section is attached which is then actually placed in the user's mouth for inhaling or breathing in.
- the nebulizer 1 comprises a sensor 35 which is associated with the valve device 24 , particularly the moveable valve element 28 or at least one valve 29 .
- the sensor 35 serves to detect the open position, the closed position and/or a movement of the valve device 24 , particularly the valve element 28 .
- the sensor 35 thus also serves to detect movements or at least a position of the valve element 28 , and this is done by mechanical, optical, electrical, inductive, capacitive and/or other contactless means.
- the sensor 35 is in the form of a microswitch or reed contact.
- the senor 35 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of or adjacent to the valve element 28 and/or in the mouthpiece 13 .
- the air supply current 25 is preferably detected indirectly by the opening of the valve device 24 , at least the opening of at least one valve element 28 or valve 29 .
- the actual inhalation of the aerosol 14 produced by the nebulizer 1 can be detected.
- a so called flow sensor may be provided for directly detecting an airflow and may be arranged in particular adjacent to the air supply openings 15 .
- the monitoring device 23 is preferably arranged in the housing part 18 and/or constructed so as to be able to detect and evaluate signals from the sensor 35 .
- the monitoring device 23 is preferably operated electrically, the sensor 35 preferably being connected to the monitoring device 23 by electrical or wireless means.
- the detection by means of the sensor 35 of actual inhalation of the fluid 2 or aerosol 14 can be evaluated by the monitoring device 23 to see whether the inhalation has been sufficiently long, and the inhalation time can if necessary be stored and/or displayed. Moreover, this actual inhalation, particularly combined with actual nebulization or a stroke of the container 3 can be detected or counted, displayed and/or stored as the actuation or use of the nebulizer 1 .
- the monitoring device 23 may, however, also be provided independently of the sensor 35 and may, if necessary, operate mechanically or electrically or electronically, for example.
- the proposed nebulizer 1 is preferably constructed to use a liquid as the fluid 2 which is nebulized.
- the present invention relates generally speaking to nebulizers 1 for inhalation which generate a virtually stationary cloud of aerosol or a cloud of aerosol with such a low exit speed that the propagation of the cloud of aerosol virtually comes to a stand still after a few centimetres.
- the exit speed or at least the initial speed of propagation of the cloud of aerosol is preferably about 5 to 20 m/min, particularly 10 to 15 m/min and most preferably about 12.5 m/min.
- the air supply current 25 is needed for taking in the aerosol 14 by inhalation.
- a slight air supply current 25 is preferably sufficient for taking in the aerosol 14 by inhalation.
- the valve device 24 or the valve element 28 thereof or the valve 29 is relatively easy-acting and can be closed with particularly little force.
- the closing force is preferably only a few cN or less.
- the closing force is less than 1 cN, most preferably less than 0.5 cN.
- the closing force may be produced by gravity alone, inherent elasticity and/or spring bias, particularly from the spring 30 , especially in the flap-like construction.
- the spring force is preferably only a few cN, particularly not more than 1 cN and most preferably at most 0.5 cN or less.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 additionally shown an eighth embodiment of the proposed nebulizer 1 or the proposed valve device 24 .
- FIG. 23 shows the valve device 24 in the closed state.
- FIG. 24 shows the valve device 24 in the open state.
- FIG. 25 is a plan view of the valve element 28 which is plate shaped in this case.
- the valve element 28 here is particularly of rigid construction.
- it comprises a central recess or opening which is designed so that the central projection with the expulsion nozzle 12 can pass through it, at least when the valve device 24 is closed, as shown in FIG. 23 .
- the inner contour is designed with the necessary play to fit the projection comprising the expulsion nozzle 12 or other parts of the nebulizer 1 inside the mouthpiece 13 .
- the outer contour of the valve element 28 is matched to the inner contour of the mouthpiece 13 and in the embodiment shown is elliptical in shape.
- a inner O-ring 36 and an outer O-ring 37 which are arranged concentrically around or below the expulsion nozzle 12 in the embodiment shown form, in particular, a sealing valve seat for the valve element 28 when the valve device 24 is closed.
- the valve element 28 bears on the O-rings 36 , 37 or other suitable seals to prevent undesirable backflow through the air supply openings 15 (in the closed state).
- valve element 28 is raised by the under pressure, as shown in FIG. 24 , as a result of which the valve device 24 or the valve 29 formed by the valve element 28 is opened.
- the air supply current 25 can then flow into the mouthpiece 13 , particularly between the central projection in the embodiment shown, which contains the expulsion nozzle 12 , and the central recess of the valve element 28 .
- the O-rings 36 , 37 are held on suitable annular shoulders, steps or the like in the nebulizer 1 or mouthpiece 13 .
- suitable seals are also possible, particularly when other suitable seals are used.
- the nebulizer 1 in the eighth embodiment preferably comprises an insert 38 or the like inside the mouthpiece 13 , as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 .
- This insert 38 may if necessary be of a circumferential construction and is adapted in particular to the preferably elliptical inner contour of the mouthpiece 13 .
- the insert 38 is injection moulded, e.g. in the so called 2C process, i.e. in a 2-component injection process.
- 2C process i.e. in a 2-component injection process.
- other constructional solutions are also possible.
- valve element 28 inside the mouthpiece 13 and the mass of the valve element 28 are adapted so that the valve device 24 or valve 29 has the desired easy action.
- the remarks made above apply with regard to the closing or opening force.
Abstract
A nebulizer for a fluid is proposed, particularly for medicinal aerosol therapy. To allow easy operation, the nebulizer has a valve device, so that air supply openings in a mouthpiece can be blocked off.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a nebulizer according to the preamble of
claim 1. - 2. Description of the Prior Art
- The starting point for the present invention is a nebulizer, in the form of an inhaler as shown in principle in WO 91/14468 and specifically in WO 97/12687 (FIGS. 6a, 6b) and in
FIGS. 1 and 2 of the enclosed drawings. The nebulizer comprises as a reservoir for a fluid which is to be nebulized an insertable container with the fluid and a pressure generator with a drive spring for conveying and atomising the fluid. WO 91/14468 and WO 97/12687 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Generally, the disclosure therein preferably refers to a nebulizer having a spring pressure of 5 to 60 MPa, preferably 10 to 50 MPa on the fluid, with fluid volumes of 10 to 50 μl, preferably 10 to 20 μl, most preferably about 15 μl delivered per actuation. The fluid is converted into an aerosol the droplets of which have an aerodynamic diameter of up to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 10 μm. Moreover, the disclosure therein preferably relates to a nebulizer with a cylinder-like shape which is about 9 cm to about 15 cm long and about 2 to about 5 cm wide and a nozzle spray spread of from 20° to 160°, preferably from 80° to 100°. These magnitudes also apply to the nebulizer according to the teaching of the invention as particularly preferred values. - By rotating an actuating member in the form of a lower housing part of the nebulizer the drive spring can be put under tension and fluid can be drawn up into a pressure chamber of the pressure generator. After manual actuation of a locking element the fluid in the pressure chamber is put under pressure by the drive spring and expelled through a nozzle into a mouthpiece to form an aerosol, without the use of propellant gas or the like. The speed of the aerosol cloud is very low, with the result that the cloud of aerosol is virtually stationary in the mouthpiece. A user then has to inhale the resulting aerosol slowly for as long as possible, e.g. 10 seconds or more. The mouthpiece has at least one air supply opening through which the user, on inhaling, sucks in air from the atmosphere together with the aerosol produced. This ensures that the air stream of supplied air and aerosol necessary for inhalation is produced and that the volume of aerosol needed for the inhalation process is available.
- The problem of the present invention is to provide a nebulizer with improved safety of operation, so that it is ensured that the aerosol can be breathed in or inhaled safely even when a user has problems coordinating the operation of the nebulizer with their breathing in.
- This problem is solved by a nebulizer according to
claim 1. Advantageous features are recited in the subsidiary claims. - A basic idea of the present invention resides in the fact that the nebulizer comprises a valve device which is associated with the air supply opening or openings, so that backflow—i.e. blow-out—through the air supply opening or openings can be prevented. Thus an inexpensive and effective method is provided to ensure that breathing out by the user does not result in an unwanted expulsion of the nebulized fluid or aerosol from the mouthpiece through the air supply opening or openings into the environment.
- The valve device provided preferably ensures that in the event of the user (unintentionally) breathing out into the mouthpiece an overpressure is produced which indicates a malfunction to the user, to inform him that in future he should only breathe out when using the nebulizer.
- Moreover, after the user has accidentally breathed out prematurely, inhalation can be continued, as the nebulized fluid or aerosol still present in the mouthpiece can continue to be breathed in.
- The solution described is applicable not only to the nebulizer or inhaler described above, but also to any kind of inhaler in which an aerosol produced has to be supplied with air from the atmosphere through a mouthpiece having air supply openings to achieve the inhalation volume needed for the user. In addition, it is also possible in particular to use nebulizers in which propellant-free aqueous or alcoholic solutions containing active substances are nebulized. However, the invention may also be used in conventional propellant-driven nebulizers or inhalers, particularly so-called MDIs (metered dose inhalers) and other nebulizers.
- According to a particularly preferred feature the valve device has an associated sensor for detecting opening or closing or movement of a valve element of the valve device. Thus, correct use of the nebulizer, e.g. sufficiently long and/or powerful inhalation, can be detected. The nebulizer preferably comprises a suitable monitoring device or the like.
- Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments referring to the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic section through a known nebulizer in the untensioned state; -
FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic section through the known nebulizer in the tensioned state, rotated through 90° compared withFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a first embodiment with a valve device in the closed state; -
FIG. 4 is a detail fromFIG. 3 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale; -
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the valve device according toFIG. 3 in the open state; -
FIG. 6 is a detail fromFIG. 5 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale; -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a second embodiment with a valve device in the closed state; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the valve device according toFIG. 7 in the open state; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a third embodiment with a valve device in the closed state; -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the valve device according toFIG. 9 in the open state; -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 9 of a valve device according to a fourth embodiment in the closed state; -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the valve device according toFIG. 11 in the open state; -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 9 of a valve device according to a fifth embodiment in the closed state; -
FIG. 14 is a detail fromFIG. 13 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale; -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the valve device according toFIG. 13 in the open state; -
FIG. 16 is a detail fromFIG. 15 along the dotted line, shown on a larger scale; -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to a sixth embodiment with a valve device in the closed state; -
FIG. 18 is a plan view of the nebulizer according toFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the valve device according toFIG. 17 in the open state; -
FIG. 20 is a plan view of the nebulizer according toFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is a piece of material for forming valve elements of the valve device according to the sixth embodiment; -
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a proposed nebulizer according to a seventh embodiment with a valve device in the open state and with an associated sensor; -
FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detail of a mouthpiece of a proposed nebulizer according to an eighth embodiment with a valve device in the closed state; -
FIG. 24 is a sectional view according toFIG. 23 with the valve device open; and -
FIG. 25 is a plan view of the valve element of the valve device according toFIG. 23 . - In the Figures, identical reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if the description is not repeated.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a knownnebulizer 1 for nebulizing afluid 2, particularly a highly effective pharmaceutical composition or the like, viewed diagrammatically in the untensioned state (FIG. 1 ) and in the tensioned state (FIG. 2 ). The nebulizer is constructed in particular as a portable inhaler and preferably operates without propellant gas. - When the
fluid 2, preferably a liquid, more particularly a pharmaceutical composition, is nebulized, an aerosol is formed which can be breathed in or inhaled by a user. Usually the inhaling is done at least once a day, more particularly several times a day, preferably at set intervals. - The
nebulizer 1 has an insertable and preferablyexchangeable container 3 containing thefluid 2, which forms a reservoir for thefluid 2 which is to be nebulized. Preferably, thecontainer 3 contains an amount offluid 2 which contains sufficient amounts of active substance formulations to provide, for example, up to 100 dosage units. Atypical container 3, as disclosed in WO 96/06011, holds a volume of about 2 to 10 ml. - The
container 3 is substantially cylindrical or cartridge-shaped and once thenebulizer 1 has been opened the container can be inserted therein from below and changed if desired. It is preferably of rigid construction, thefluid 2 in particular being held in acollapsible bag 4 in thecontainer 3. - The
nebulizer 1 has apressure generator 5 for conveying and nebulizing thefluid 2, particularly in a preset and optionally adjustable dosage amount. Thepressure generator 5 has aholder 6 for thecontainer 3, an associateddrive spring 7, shown only in part, with alocking element 8 which can be manually operated to release it, a conveyingtube 9 with anon-return valve 10, apressure chamber 11 and anexpulsion nozzle 12 in the region of amouthpiece 13. Thecontainer 3 is fixed in thenebulizer 1 by means of theholder 6 such that the conveyingtube 9 is immersed in thecontainer 3. Theholder 6 may be constructed so that thecontainer 3 can be changed. - As the
drive spring 7 is axially tensioned theholder 6 with thecontainer 3 and the conveyingtube 9 is moved downwards in the drawings andfluid 2 is sucked out of thecontainer 3 into thepressure chamber 11 of thepressure generator 5 through thenon-return valve 10. As theexpulsion nozzle 12 has a very small cross section of flow and is constructed in particular as a capillary, such a strong throttle action is produced that the intake of air by suction is reliably prevented at this point even without a non-return valve. - During the subsequent relaxation after actuation of the
locking element 8 thefluid 2 in thepressure chamber 11 is put under pressure as the conveyingtube 9 with itsnon-return valve 10 now closed is moved back upwards by the relaxation of thedrive spring 7 and now acts as a pressure ram. This pressure forces thefluid 2 through theexpulsion nozzle 12, where it is nebulized into anaerosol 14. - A user can inhale the
aerosol 14, while an air supply can be sucked into themouthpiece 13 through at least oneair supply opening 15. - The
nebulizer 1 comprises anupper housing part 16 and aninner part 17 which is rotatable relative thereto, having anupper part 17 a and alower part 17 b, while ahousing part 18 which is, in particular, manually operable, is releasably fixed, particularly fitted, onto theinner part 17, preferably by means of a retainingelement 19. In order to insert and/or replace thecontainer 3 thehousing part 18 can be detached from thenebulizer 1. - The
housing part 18 can be rotated counter to thehousing part 16, taking with it thepart 1 7b of theinner part 17 which is the lower part in the drawings. In this way thedrive spring 7 is tensioned in the axial direction by means of a gear acting on theholder 6. During tensioning thecontainer 3 is moved axially downwards until thecontainer 3 assumes an end position as shown inFIG. 2 . In this position thedrive spring 7 is under tension. During the nebulizing process thecontainer 3 is moved back into its original position by thedrive spring 7. Thecontainer 3 thus performs a stroke during the tensioning process and during nebulization. - The
housing part 18 preferably forms a cap-like lower housing part and fits around or over a lower free end portion of thecontainer 3. As thedrive spring 7 is tensioned thecontainer 3 moves with its end portion (further) into thehousing part 18 or towards the end face thereof, while anaxially acting spring 20 arranged in thehousing part 18 comes to bear on thebase 21 of the container and pierces thecontainer 3 or a seal on its base with a piercingelement 22 when the container makes contact with it for the first time, to allow air in. - The
nebulizer 1 comprises amonitoring device 23 which counts the actuations of thenebulizer 1, preferably by detecting any rotation of theinner part 17 relative to theupper housing part 16. - The construction and mode of operation of a proposed
nebulizer 1 will now be described in more detail, referring to FIGS. 3 to 22, but emphasising only the essential differences from thenebulizer 1 according toFIGS. 1 and 2 . The remarks relating toFIGS. 1 and 2 thus apply accordingly. - FIGS. 3 to 6 show, in sectional diagrammatic representations of details, a proposed
nebulizer 1 having avalve device 24 according to a first embodiment.FIG. 3 shows thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIG. 4 shows a detail fromFIG. 3 along the dotted line.FIG. 5 shows thevalve device 24 in the open state.FIG. 6 shows a detail fromFIG. 5 along the dotted line. - In the open state the
valve device 24 allows an air supply current 25, as indicated by corresponding arrow inFIGS. 5 and 6 , through theair supply openings 15 into themouthpiece 13 during inhalation, i.e. breathing in, by a user of thenebulizer 1. The user puts themouthpiece 13 in his mouth and should breathe as evenly and slowly as possible, preferably for several seconds, particularly about 10 seconds or more, thereby inhaling thenebulized fluid 2 oraerosol 14. The air supply is thus breathed in at the same time but is not used to nebulize thefluid 2 or produce theaerosol 14. Rather, this is done separately or independently, preferably without the use of propellant gas, by thepressure generator 5 as explained hereinbefore. - In the embodiment shown the
valve device 24 is arranged in themouthpiece 13 and preferably alongside theexpulsion nozzle 12 for thefluid 2 oraerosol 14. Alternatively, thevalve device 24 may be mounted on the outside of themouthpiece 13 or be associated therewith in some other way. An external arrangement has the advantage that thevalve device 24 is not exposed directly to the aerosol cloud in themouthpiece 13, thereby preventing soiling of thevalve device 24. - Preferably, the
valve device 24 is inserted into themouthpiece 13 as a construction unit or assembly, in particular. It can preferably be incorporated afterwards, i.e. as an add-on. - Alternatively, at least one part of the
valve device 24 is fixedly mounted, particularly formed, injection moulded, glued or similar, to thenebulizer 1, particularly themouthpiece 13. - According to an alternative embodiment, the
valve device 24 can be replaced together with themouthpiece 13. In the embodiment shown, however, themouthpiece 13 is preferably integrally constructed with thenebulizer 1, especially theupper housing part 16 thereof, or is formed thereby. - The
valve device 24 is constructed and associated with theair supply openings 15 such that backflow through theair supply openings 15—i.e. an airflow from themouthpiece 13 through theair supply openings 15 into the atmosphere (counter to the air supply flow 15), which might be produced by the user breathing out, in particular, can be prevented, especially automatically. This ensures that the user breathing out cannot cause thenebulized fluid 2 oraerosol 14 to be undesirably expelled through theair supply openings 15 into the atmosphere. Rather, thevalve device 24 preferably ensures that when themouthpiece 13 is fitted it is only possible to breathe in through the mouth of the user or through themouthpiece 13, so that there is a greater probability or certainty of thenebulized fluid 2 oraerosol 14 being inhaled by the user. This results in substantially better operational safety. - The
valve device 24 is preferably constructed so as to operate at least substantially independently of the spatial orientation of thenebulizer 1. - The
valve device 24 may if necessary operate by electrical, magnetic, pneumatic or other means. Thevalve device 24 preferably operates exclusively mechanically, as explained hereinafter with reference to the preferred embodiments. - In the first embodiment the
valve device 24 has a preferably plate-shapedseat element 26 with through-openings 27 and amoveable valve element 28 which is preferably also plate-shaped. Theseat element 26 is preferably of one-piece construction and is inserted or incorporated in themouthpiece 13 such that it seals off the connection to theair supply openings 15 in such a way that air can only flow into themouthpiece 13 through the through-openings 27. - The
moveable valve element 28 is associated with theseat element 26 or through-openings 27 so as to seal off the through-openings 27 in the closed position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 in order to prevent backflow as described above. - The
seat element 26 and thevalve element 28 thus together form at least onevalve 29, particularly a non return valve or one way valve. However, thevalve 29 may also be constructed in some other suitable manner. - In the first embodiment, a
common seat element 26 and acommon valve element 28 are provided for several and more particularly all of theair supply openings 15. However,separate seat elements 26,separate valve elements 28 orvalves 29 operating independently may be associated with theair supply openings 15, as will be explained with reference to other embodiments. - In the first embodiment the
valve element 28 is moveable in the longitudinal direction of thenebulizer 1 and/or at least substantially in the direction of the air supply current 25. - In the first embodiment the
valve element 28 is biased into the closed position, particularly by spring force, and in the embodiment shown bysprings 30, preferably helical springs. However, it is also possible to use other suitable springs or biasing means instead of these. - Alternatively or in addition, the
valve element 28 may also be biased into the closed position by its own elasticity and/or by gravity. - Moreover, if necessary, the
valve element 28 may also be biased into the open position and/or may have two stable positions, on the one hand the closed position and on the other hand the open position, in particular. - In the first embodiment the
valve element 28 preferably has bar-like guide elements 31, which are particularly integrally formed thereon, which serve both for moveable guidance and holding of thevalve element 28 on thenebulizer 1, particularly on theseat element 26, and also serve to guide or hold the associated springs 30. - The
valve device 24 is preferably constructed so that thevalve device 24 opens as easily as possible to allow substantially unobstructed inhalation or inspiration. The air supply current 25 is thus as unobstructed as possible. Accordingly, thevalve element 28 is preferably easy-acting and the spring force acting in the direction of closing in the first embodiment is as low as possible. - Once the
valve device 24 is open—i.e. with thevalve element 28 raised as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 —the air supply current 25 can flow at least largely unobstructed through theair supply openings 15 and then through the through-openings 27 into themouthpiece 13 as the user breathes in or inhales. - Some additional embodiments of the proposed nebulizer or the proposed
valve device 24 will now be described with reference to the other drawings. In particular, only essential differences from the first embodiment will be described. Otherwise, the same characteristics and benefits apply as in the first embodiment and in the knownnebulizer 1. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the proposednebulizer 1 and the proposedvalve device 24. InFIG. 7 thevalve device 24 is closed. InFIG. 8 thevalve device 24 is open. - In the second embodiment
separate valve elements 28 orvalves 29 are associated with theair supply openings 15. Thevalve elements 28 are constructed as flaps or tongues and are preferably pivotable. Thevalve elements 28 preferably cooperate withseparate seat elements 26 or directly with the suitably shaped inner wall of themouthpiece 13, to form thevalves 29. - In the second embodiment the
valve elements 28 may if desired be biased into the open position. This allows the user to breathe in or inhale without obstruction. If, however, the user breathes out into themouthpiece 13, thevalve elements 28 are at least substantially instantly closed by the backflow produced, thereby blocking off the backflow. The spring force acting in the open position is selected to be correspondingly low. - Alternatively, however, in the second embodiment, the
valve elements 28 may be biased into the closed position as in the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the proposednebulizer 1 or the proposedvalve device 24.FIG. 9 shows thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIG. 10 shows thevalve device 24 in the open state. - In the third embodiment, preferably several separate or independently operating
valve elements 28 orvalves 29 are again provided, and in particular associated with theair supply openings 15. - As in the second embodiment the
valve elements 28 are also constructed as plates or tappets. Preferably, thevalve elements 28 are guided in acommon seat element 26 as in the first embodiment. - Again, the
valve elements 28 andvalves 29 are preferably biased into the closed position bysprings 30, particularly helical springs. - In the third embodiment each
valve element 28 preferably comprises aguide element 31 which in turn, as in the first embodiment, serves on the one hand to guide and hold thevalve element 28 preferably on theseat element 26 and on the other hand to guide or hold the associatedspring 30. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment of the proposednebulizer 1 or the proposedvalve device 24.FIG. 11 shows thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIG. 12 shows thevalve device 24 in the open state. - The fifth embodiment substantially corresponds to the fourth embodiment. Only the
springs 30 have been omitted. Thevalve elements 28 are thus freely moveable or easily moveable, and in particular are not biased by spring force. However, in the arrangement shown and on the basis that thenebulizer 1 is aligned at least substantially vertically during use, thevalve elements 28 may adopt a preferred position, namely the closed position, as a result of gravity. - FIGS. 13 to 16 show a fifth embodiment of the proposed
nebulizer 1 or of the proposedvalve device 24.FIG. 13 shows thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIG. 14 shows a detail fromFIG. 13 along the dotted line.FIG. 15 shows thevalve device 24 in the open state.FIG. 16 shows a detail fromFIG. 15 along the dotted line. - The fifth embodiment substantially corresponds to the third embodiment except that the spring arrangement has essentially been altered. The
springs 30 are preferably formed as helical springs, particularly as compression springs. However, in the fifth embodiment, thesprings 30 are arranged on the side of theseat element 26 remote from theair supply openings 15, theplates 32 of thevalve elements 28 having asuitable recess 33, which is annular in the embodiment shown, for receiving the associatedspring 30. - In the fifth embodiment the
valve elements 28 andvalves 29 are thus preferably biased into the open position. Regarding the arrangement and setting of the spring force the same remarks apply as in respect of the second embodiment. - FIGS. 17 to 21 show a sixth embodiment of the proposed
nebulizer 1 or proposedvalve device 24.FIGS. 17 and 18 show thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIGS. 19 and 20 show thevalve device 24 in the open state.FIG. 21 shows a development or a piece ofmaterial 34 which forms thevalve elements 28 of thevalve device 24 according to the sixth embodiment. - The
valve elements 28 are elastic and flexible in construction. Because of their inherent elasticity the preferably tongue- or flap-shapedvalve elements 28 in the sixth embodiment assume the closed position as their preferred position, i.e. they close off theair supply openings 15. - During inhaling or breathing in, the
valve elements 28 are moved or pivoted inwards, as shown inFIG. 19 in particular. Thus, theair supply openings 15 are opened up and air can flow into themouthpiece 13. - The
valve elements 28 are preferably formed from the same piece ofmaterial 34, particularly a foil or other suitable materials. However, thevalve elements 28 may also be formed from separate pieces ofmaterial 34. - The plan view in
FIG. 18 illustrates the closed state. Thevalve elements 28 are lying flat, i.e. they are not visible in plan view. - In the plan view shown in
FIG. 20 thevalve elements 28 are shown in the open state and are accordingly flipped or pivoted inwards. - The plan views in
FIGS. 18 and 20 show that thevalve device 24 or the piece ofmaterial 34 can be inserted in the inside of the mouthpiece in an encircling or at least substantially flat position. This allows easy and hence inexpensive assembly and in particular allows modification of thenebulizer 1. - According to another alternative embodiment, the
valve device 24 or thevalve 29 may be constructed so that thevalve element 28 is moveable exclusively by gravity and/or the air supply current 25 or an opposite airflow and as a result the associatedair supply openings 15 can be opened up or closed off. For example, thevalve element 28 may be constructed for this purpose as a loose sealing element or as a loose washer or gasket which is correspondingly moveably mounted in an air supply channel or the like adjacent to theair supply opening 15 or in themouthpiece 13. In this way it is possible for example to ensure by means of suitable grids, holders, guides, shoulders, constrictions or the like, that thevalve element 28 cannot be moved away from its associatesair supply opening 15 at will when the air supply current 25 is breathed in, so that as the user breathes out into themouthpiece 13 an initial backflow immediately causes thevalve element 28 to close the associatedair supply opening 15 and thereby block the undesirable backflow. - The embodiments described hereinbefore show various constructional solutions. However, other suitable constructional solutions are possible, and if necessary different valve means 24 may be used instead of
valve devices 24 which operate purely mechanically. - An essential aspect of the present invention is the fact that the nebulizing of the
fluid 2 or the production of theaerosol 14 takes place independently of the air supply current 25. Instead of the direct expulsion of theaerosol 14 through theexpulsion nozzle 12 into themouthpiece 13 theaerosol 14 may initially be expelled into some other receiving chamber in thenebulizer 1 and then be transported to theactual mouthpiece 13 during inhalation or breathing in by the air supply current 25 and be inhaled through it. Accordingly, the term “mouthpiece” is to be understood more broadly as preferably meaning that it comprises a receiving or collecting chamber for theaerosol 14 produced, to which an air supply can be fed throughair supply openings 15 and to which a preferably tubular section is attached which is then actually placed in the user's mouth for inhaling or breathing in. - A preferred feature will now be described in more detail with reference to a seventh embodiment of the proposed
nebulizer 1, referring to the diagrammatic sectional view inFIG. 22 . This additional feature may if necessary be combined, in particular, with the embodiments orvalve devices 24 described hereinbefore. - The
nebulizer 1 comprises asensor 35 which is associated with thevalve device 24, particularly themoveable valve element 28 or at least onevalve 29. Thesensor 35 serves to detect the open position, the closed position and/or a movement of thevalve device 24, particularly thevalve element 28. - The
sensor 35 thus also serves to detect movements or at least a position of thevalve element 28, and this is done by mechanical, optical, electrical, inductive, capacitive and/or other contactless means. In particular, thesensor 35 is in the form of a microswitch or reed contact. - In the embodiment shown the
sensor 35 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of or adjacent to thevalve element 28 and/or in themouthpiece 13. - By means of the
sensor 35 the air supply current 25 is preferably detected indirectly by the opening of thevalve device 24, at least the opening of at least onevalve element 28 orvalve 29. Thus, the actual inhalation of theaerosol 14 produced by thenebulizer 1 can be detected. - Additionally, or alternatively a so called flow sensor may be provided for directly detecting an airflow and may be arranged in particular adjacent to the
air supply openings 15. - In the seventh embodiment the
monitoring device 23 is preferably arranged in thehousing part 18 and/or constructed so as to be able to detect and evaluate signals from thesensor 35. For this purpose themonitoring device 23 is preferably operated electrically, thesensor 35 preferably being connected to themonitoring device 23 by electrical or wireless means. - The detection by means of the
sensor 35 of actual inhalation of thefluid 2 oraerosol 14 can be evaluated by themonitoring device 23 to see whether the inhalation has been sufficiently long, and the inhalation time can if necessary be stored and/or displayed. Moreover, this actual inhalation, particularly combined with actual nebulization or a stroke of thecontainer 3 can be detected or counted, displayed and/or stored as the actuation or use of thenebulizer 1. - The
monitoring device 23 may, however, also be provided independently of thesensor 35 and may, if necessary, operate mechanically or electrically or electronically, for example. - The proposed
nebulizer 1 is preferably constructed to use a liquid as thefluid 2 which is nebulized. - The embodiments described hereinbefore, particularly individual elements and aspects of the embodiments, may if necessary be combined with one another and/or kinematically reversed.
- The present invention relates generally speaking to
nebulizers 1 for inhalation which generate a virtually stationary cloud of aerosol or a cloud of aerosol with such a low exit speed that the propagation of the cloud of aerosol virtually comes to a stand still after a few centimetres. The exit speed or at least the initial speed of propagation of the cloud of aerosol is preferably about 5 to 20 m/min, particularly 10 to 15 m/min and most preferably about 12.5 m/min. - In particular because of the low exit speed or speed of propagation the air supply current 25 is needed for taking in the
aerosol 14 by inhalation. However, a slight air supply current 25 is preferably sufficient for taking in theaerosol 14 by inhalation. - In order to enable or ensure the desired operation of the
nebulizer 1 even at low flow speed and/or flow volumes, thevalve device 24 or thevalve element 28 thereof or thevalve 29 is relatively easy-acting and can be closed with particularly little force. The closing force is preferably only a few cN or less. In particular, the closing force is less than 1 cN, most preferably less than 0.5 cN. The closing force may be produced by gravity alone, inherent elasticity and/or spring bias, particularly from thespring 30, especially in the flap-like construction. In particular, the spring force is preferably only a few cN, particularly not more than 1 cN and most preferably at most 0.5 cN or less. -
FIGS. 23 and 24 additionally shown an eighth embodiment of the proposednebulizer 1 or the proposedvalve device 24.FIG. 23 shows thevalve device 24 in the closed state.FIG. 24 shows thevalve device 24 in the open state.FIG. 25 is a plan view of thevalve element 28 which is plate shaped in this case. - The
valve element 28 here is particularly of rigid construction. In the eighth embodiment it comprises a central recess or opening which is designed so that the central projection with theexpulsion nozzle 12 can pass through it, at least when thevalve device 24 is closed, as shown inFIG. 23 . Thus, the inner contour is designed with the necessary play to fit the projection comprising theexpulsion nozzle 12 or other parts of thenebulizer 1 inside themouthpiece 13. - The outer contour of the
valve element 28 is matched to the inner contour of themouthpiece 13 and in the embodiment shown is elliptical in shape. - Inside the
mouthpiece 13, a inner O-ring 36 and an outer O-ring 37, which are arranged concentrically around or below theexpulsion nozzle 12 in the embodiment shown form, in particular, a sealing valve seat for thevalve element 28 when thevalve device 24 is closed. In particular, as a result of its own weight, thevalve element 28 bears on the O-rings - During inhaling, the
valve element 28 is raised by the under pressure, as shown inFIG. 24 , as a result of which thevalve device 24 or thevalve 29 formed by thevalve element 28 is opened. The air supply current 25 can then flow into themouthpiece 13, particularly between the central projection in the embodiment shown, which contains theexpulsion nozzle 12, and the central recess of thevalve element 28. - In the embodiment shown the O-
rings nebulizer 1 ormouthpiece 13. However, other constructional solutions are also possible, particularly when other suitable seals are used. - In order to limit the play or the stroke of the
valve element 28, thenebulizer 1 in the eighth embodiment preferably comprises aninsert 38 or the like inside themouthpiece 13, as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24 . Thisinsert 38 may if necessary be of a circumferential construction and is adapted in particular to the preferably elliptical inner contour of themouthpiece 13. If necessary theinsert 38 is injection moulded, e.g. in the so called 2C process, i.e. in a 2-component injection process. However, other constructional solutions are also possible. - The radial play of the
valve element 28 inside themouthpiece 13 and the mass of thevalve element 28 are adapted so that thevalve device 24 orvalve 29 has the desired easy action. In particular, the remarks made above apply with regard to the closing or opening force.
Claims (20)
1. A nebulizer for a fluid comprising: a mouthpiece and at least one air supply opening associated with the mouthpiece, the fluid being sprayable into the mouthpiece, wherein the air supply opening is associated with at least one valve device by means of which a backflow through the air supply opening or openings can be blocked.
2. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the valve device is arranged in the mouthpiece or laterally alongside an expulsion nozzle for the fluid.
3. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the valve device can preferably be inserted as construction unit in the mouthpiece.
4. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that least one component of the valve device is fixedly mounted on the nebulizer.
5. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the valve device can preferably be changed together with the mouthpiece.
6. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the valve device operates at least substantially independently of the spatial orientation of the nebulizer.
7. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the valve device comprises at least one valve and/or a moveable valve element.
8. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that the valve element is moveable in the longitudinal direction of the nebulizer and/or in the direction of an air supply current through the air supply opening or openings.
9. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that several or all of the air supply openings are associated with a common valve and/or a common valve element.
10. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that a separate valve 29 and/or a separate valve element is or are associated with each air supply opening.
11. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that the valve element is in the form of a plate or flap.
12. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that the valve element is at least substantially rigid in construction.
13. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that the valve element is of flexible construction in the manner of a foil.
14. The neubulizer according to claim 7 , characterised in that the valve element is biased into the open or closed positiony by spring force, inherent elasticity, or gravity.
15. The neubulizer according clam 1, characterised in that the nebulizer comprises a sensor which is associated with the valve device for detecting opening or closing of the valve device.
16. The neubulizer according to claim 16 , characterised in that the sensor detects movements or at least one position of the valve element by mechanical, optical, electrical, inductive, capacitive, or other contactless means.
17. The neubulizer according to claim 16 , characterised in that the sensor is constructed as a microswitch or reed contact.
18. The neubulizer according to claim 16 , characterised in that the nebulizer has a monitoring device which counts and/or evaluates actuations of the nebulizer or detects whether the sensor has detected opening and/or closing of the valve device or valve element.
19. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the nebulizer comprises an opening which contains the fluid, particularly a liquid, and is moveable preferably in a stroke during the production of pressure or nebulization.
20. The neubulizer according to claim 1 , characterised in that the nebulizer is constructed so that the fluid can be nebulized independently of an air supply current through the air supply opening or air supply openings.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/466,954 US7571722B2 (en) | 2004-02-24 | 2006-08-24 | Nebulizer |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1720659A1 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
CA2557020A1 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
US20070062519A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 |
WO2005079997A1 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
JP2007522902A (en) | 2007-08-16 |
US7571722B2 (en) | 2009-08-11 |
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