Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for dosed administration of sprayable substances, in particular aerosols, with an electronic unit for recording the administrations, and a with a first housing part that forms a seat for a container, which contains the sprayable substance and has a valve. It is characterized by a second housing part, which is movable relative to the first housing part and has an actuating part for acting on the valve in order to actuate the valve for administration of the sprayable substance, the electronic unit for recording the administrations of the sprayable substance including a switch that is actuated by the relative movement of first and second housing part.

Description:
[0001]    This claims the benefit of DE 10 2006 032 293.2 filed on Jul. 11, 2006, through PCT/EP2007/006052 filed on Jul. 9, 2007, both are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for the dosed administration of sprayable substances, especially aerosols, including an electronic unit to record the administered doses, and including a first housing part that forms a receptacle for a canister having a valve and containing the sprayable substance. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Such devices for the dosed administration of sprayable substances can especially be configured as inhalers and can be employed in medicine for the treatment of diseases. Such inhalers are suitable, for instance, to treat asthma, allergies or other diseases and, in particular, they serve for the dosed administration of a drug that is delivered via the mouth or nose. In this context, one also speaks of so-called metered-dose aerosols. Especially when it comes to life-threatening diseases, it is important for the user to have information about how much of the substance is still left in the canister. As a rule, this is not visible since the pressurized canister that holds the sprayable substance is usually not made of a transparent material. This underscores the importance of an electronic unit to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance. This unit provides users with reliable information about the amount of sprayable substance that has been administered or that is still left in the canister, so that they can make sure that they always have an adequate supply of the sprayable substance they need. 
         [0004]    Devices for the dosed administration of drugs are known in various configurations. For instance, European patent application EP 0 448 204 B1 discloses such a device having a one-piece housing with a receptacle for a canister that holds the sprayable substance. The housing has a hollow mouthpiece that is arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the canister and through which the sprayable substance can be delivered and inhaled when a valve on the canister is actuated. The sprayable substance is administered in that the canister moves towards the housing and, in this process, the valve on the canister is actuated. In order to record the number of administered doses, the prior-art device is provided with an electronic unit that has a switch that is situated directly on the canister and that is actuated by it. 
         [0005]    Another inhaler is described in European patent application EP 0 775 499 B1. Here, a unit that is supposed to show the number of administered doses is arranged on the upper end of the housing. 
         [0006]    In the case of the inhaler described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,669, the number of administered doses is recorded by a sensor that measures the pressure pulse in the transfer channel of the mouthpiece. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Before this background, the invention sets itself an objective of putting forward a device that is easy to operate and that reliably records the number and/or the duration of the administered doses of the sprayable substance. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides a generic device for the dosed administration of sprayable substances in that it has a second housing part that can be moved relative to the first housing part and an actuating section that acts upon the valve to cause the valve to deliver the sprayable substance, whereby the electronic unit to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance has a switch that is actuated by the relative movement of the first and second housing parts. 
         [0009]    The device according to the invention is advantageous. Thus, the delivery of the sprayable substance is recorded independently of the canister, since the switch is actuated by the relative movement of the first and second housing parts. For this reason, the device can even function irrespective of the precise shape and/or size of the canister being used, so that one and the same device can be used in conjunction with different canisters. Here, the delivery of the sprayable medium can be reliably recorded every time. 
         [0010]    The sprayable substance is preferably present in the form of a liquid or a powder. The sprayable substance can also comprise a solution and/or a mixture of various substances. In particular, the sprayable substance can be a therapeutically effective composition such as a drug. 
         [0011]    An improvement is achieved in that the first and second housing parts are joined, especially by means of a bayonet lock, in such a way that the first and second housing parts can assume an operating position and a release position with respect to each other, whereby, in the operating position, the first and second housing parts can move in the axial direction with respect to each other and whereby, in the release position, the second housing part can be removed from the first housing part. Therefore, in the operating position, the two housing parts can be moved towards each other in order to actuate the valve of the canister. In the release position, the second housing part can be removed, for example, in order to be cleaned. 
         [0012]    Inadvertent actuations during assembly, for example, after cleaning the device, can be prevented since, when the first and second housing parts are in the release position, they cannot be moved axially with respect to each other in such a way that the valve could be actuated by the second housing part. 
         [0013]    According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the switch is a mechanical switch, a proximity switch, an electromagnetic switch and/or an optical switch. In this manner, an electric signal is generated that makes it possible to record the administration of the sprayable medium. A mechanical switch that opens and closes an electric contact can be produced particularly cost-effectively and is especially suitable for disposable products. 
         [0014]    Another improvement is achieved in that the switch is configured so that it is not situated on the canister. Then, the switch can be actuated completely independently of the canister, especially independently of its size or shape. 
         [0015]    According to the present invention, it can also be provided that the canister, which has a canister body and a canister head with the valve for the dosed administration of the sprayable substance, can be accommodated, at least partially, in the receptacle. In this context, the first housing part can have a hollow shaft in which the canister body can be partially or completely accommodated. 
         [0016]    The inhalation of a sprayed substance is facilitated in that the second housing part has a first section to accommodate the canister head and a hollow second section that runs especially at an angle relative to the first section. Here, it has proven advantageous for the hollow second section to be configured as a mouthpiece and/or nosepiece. 
         [0017]    In particular, it is easier to clean the device if the second housing part can be removed. Then, after this housing part has been removed, it can be cleaned separately, for example, under running water. 
         [0018]    Advantageously, the electronic unit to detect the administered doses records the number and/or the duration of the administered doses. If the canister is one with a metering valve that releases a uniform amount of the substance every time it is actuated, the number of actuations can already indicate the amount that is left in the canister. 
         [0019]    If the electronic unit to record the administered doses has an electronic computing unit and an electronic data storage unit, than the administered doses recorded by the switch can be counted in a particularly simple manner. As a result, the unit can easily determine the remaining amount, provided that information about the maximum number of administered doses had been previously stored. 
         [0020]    According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the electronic unit to record the administered doses has a visual display that can show information about the number of administered doses and/or the number of doses remaining. Examples of displays are inexpensive LCDs or some other type of display. 
         [0021]    A further improvement is achieved in that the electronic unit to record the administered doses has an acoustic signal transmitter. In this case, the user can be informed, for example, about erroneous operation. It is likewise conceivable to employ such a signal transmitter in order to remind the user that it is time for the next inhalation of the substance. 
         [0022]    Advantageously, the electronic unit having the switch to record the administered doses is arranged on or in the first or second housing part and the switch is actuated by an actuation element provided on the other housing part when the first and second housing parts move with respect to each other. Preferably, the electronic unit is arranged on or in the first housing part since then the second housing part is easy to clean without interfering with the electronic unit. 
         [0023]    According to the invention, it can also be provided that the device is configured as an inhaler, especially for a drug. 
         [0024]    In the finished product, it can be provided that a canister filled at least partially with the sprayable substance is accommodated in the receptacle. In this context, the sprayable substance preferably can be a drug or another therapeutically effective composition. 
         [0025]    The administration of the sprayable substance is particularly simple if the substance is kept under excess pressure in the canister. 
         [0026]    Dosing is simple and precise if the valve of the canister is configured as a metering valve that delivers a uniform amount—especially in the form of a pulse—of the sprayable substance every time it is actuated. 
         [0027]    Additional objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention ensue from the description below of an embodiment making reference to the drawings. In this context, all of the features described and/or depicted, either on their own or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, also independently of their being combined in the individual claims or of their reference back to other claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    The following is shown: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1 : a perspective view of a device according to the invention for the dosed administration of sprayable substances; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2 : a top view of the device from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3 : a section through the device from  FIG. 2 , along the line A-A; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4 : an exploded view of the device from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5 : a section through the device from  FIG. 1  along the switch in the non-actuated position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5   a : an enlarged depiction of the detail K from  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6 : a section through the device from  FIG. 1  along the switch in the actuated position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6   a : an enlarged depiction of the detail J from  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7 : a perspective view of the first housing part and of the electronic unit to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance, as shown in the device from  FIG. 1 , prior to being assembled; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8 : a perspective view of the first housing part and of the electronic unit to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance, as shown in the device from  FIG. 1 , after being assembled; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9 : a partial sectional view of the first housing part from  FIG. 8  with the electronic unit to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10 : the device from  FIG. 1 , whereby the first and second housing parts are rotated with respect to each other; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11 : the device from  FIG. 10 , whereby the second housing part has been removed; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12 : a section through the device from  FIG. 1  in the operating position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 12   a : a section along the line E-E from  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13 : a section through the device from  FIG. 10  in the release position; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13   a : a section along the line F-F from  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    The figures show a device for the dosed administration of sprayable substances, which is configured as an inhaler. This inhaler serves to administer liquid or solid substances, especially as aerosols, via the respiratory tract. Sprayable substances, especially drugs or other therapeutically effective substances, can be delivered by means of the device. 
         [0047]    The device shown in the figures has a first housing part  1  and a second housing part  2 . A canister  3  that holds the sprayable substance is accommodated in the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2 . 
         [0048]    It can be seen especially in  FIGS. 3 to 6   a  that the canister  3  has a canister head  6  fitted with a valve  5  (not shown here in greater detail) and a canister body  7 . Here, the canister  3  is configured as a pressurized canister made of metal that holds the sprayable substance under excess pressure. Due to this excess pressure, the sprayable substance can be automatically delivered when the valve  5  is actuated. 
         [0049]    The valve  5  is configured as a metering valve that delivers a constant amount, especially in the form of a pulse—of the sprayable substance—when it is actuated. In this manner, the user can dose the sprayable substance simply by actuating the valve  5  one or more times. The valve  5  has a protruding hollow valve pin  11  by means of which the valve  5  can be actuated. In this process, the valve  5  is held in the closed position by a spring (not shown here) and can be moved into the open position when pressure is exerted on the movable valve pin  11 . 
         [0050]    The first housing part  1  forms a receptacle  13  for the canister body  7  and, for this purpose, has an elongated hollow shaft  4 .  FIG. 3  shows that the entire canister body  7  is accommodated in the cylindrical receptacle  13 . Here, the canister body  7  lies against the first housing part  1 . One end of the first housing part  1  has a bottom section  24  whose outside forms a first gripping section  25 . The housing part  1  is open on the opposite end. 
         [0051]    The second housing part  2  has a first section  8  to accommodate the canister head  6  and it can be moved relative to the first housing part  1  in the lengthwise direction of the valve pin  11 . An actuating section  12  for the valve  5  is formed in the first section  8 . The actuating section  12  lies against the valve pin  11  and accommodates the free end of the valve pin  11 . A second section  9  of the second housing part  2  is configured so as to be hollow and oriented at an angle relative to the first section  8 . In the embodiment shown, the hollow second section  9  forms a mouthpiece. As an alternative, the second section  9  can also be configured, for example, as a nosepiece if the sprayable substance is meant to be administered into the nose. When not in use, the hollow second section  9  is protected by a removable cap  10 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The second housing part  2  also has a second curved gripping section  26  that is located opposite from the first gripping section  25  of the first housing part  1 . 
         [0052]    When pressure is exerted on both opposite gripping sections  25 ,  26 , the second housing part  2  is moved towards the first housing part  1  and in this process, the valve pin  11  is pushed by the actuating section  12 , as a result of which the valve  5  is opened. A dose of the sprayable substance exits via the hollow valve pin  11  and is deflected by a hole  28  formed in the actuating section  12  in such a way that the sprayable substance can exit from the hollow section  9 . Subsequently, the pressure on the gripping sections  25 ,  26  can be reduced or eliminated, after which the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  return to their initial position under the action of the spring of the valve  5 . In order to facilitate the return to the initial position, it is also possible to provide a spring element (not shown here) directly between the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2 . 
         [0053]    The second housing part  2  can be removed from the first housing part  1  so as to facilitate cleaning. Whereas  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  12  show the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  in their operating position, the release position is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 13 . The first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  can be rotated with respect to each other, thus moving from the operating position into the release position. For this purpose, the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  are joined by means of a bayonet lock that allows the second housing part  2  to be removed from the first housing part  1  in the release position. This can be seen particularly clearly in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , whereby  FIG. 12  shows the operating position while  FIGS. 10 and 13  show the release position. Only in the operating position can the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  be moved in the axial direction with respect to each other, thus actuating the valve  5 . This is not possible in the release position since the housing parts have stops  14 ,  14 ′ that only allow an axial movement towards each other in when in the operating position. This prevents unintentional actuations during the assembly. 
         [0054]      FIG. 12   a  shows an enlarged detail (section along the line E-E from  FIG. 12 ) of the bayonet lock. It can be clearly seen here that, in the operating position, projections  15 ,  15 ′ of the bayonet lock make it impossible for the second housing part  2  to be removed from the first housing part  1 . By the same token, the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  are configured in such a way that they can be moved towards each other in order to actuate the valve  5 .  FIG. 13   a  shows how, in the release position, when the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  have been rotated with respect to each other as depicted, the projections  15 ,  15 ′ of the bayonet lock are not engaged and thus allow the second housing part  2  to be removed. 
         [0055]    The device shown in the figures has an electronic unit  16  to record the administered doses of the sprayable substance. This unit comprises a switch  17  that is actuated when the first and second housing parts are moved towards each other in order to actuate the valve  5 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 to 9 , the electronic unit  16  is accommodated in a holder that is formed in the first housing part  1  and that, in the embodiment shown, consists of a chamber  18  having an essentially slit-like shape. The chamber  18  protects the electronic unit  16  against damage and manipulation. 
         [0057]    The electronic unit  16  has a board  19  that is configured as a printed circuit board to accommodate and electrically connect the requisite components with each other. The switch  17  is likewise arranged on the board  19  and has an electric contact that is opened and closed when the switch is actuated. In the embodiment shown, the board  19  is held securely in the chamber  18  by latching members  21  (see  FIG. 9 ). The assembly is simple because the board  19  can be prefabricated and thus merely needs to be inserted into the chamber  18 . As an alternative, the board  19  can also be cast into the chamber  18 . 
         [0058]    The switch  17  schematically shown in  FIGS. 5 to 6   a  is actuated by an actuating section  20  that is arranged on the second housing part  2 . Here, too, it can be seen that the switch  17  is arranged on the end section of the first housing part  1  facing the second housing part  2 . Here, the switch  17  is not situated on the canister  3 , but rather, the switch  17  is arranged in the chamber  18  of the first housing part in such a way that the switch  17  is protected and cannot be inadvertently actuated. Improper triggering of the switch  17  is also made more difficult since the switch  17  cannot be reached with a finger. The projecting actuating section  20  is arranged on the second housing part  2  in such a manner that it extends into the chamber  18  when the first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  move towards each other in order to actuate the valve  5 . This position is depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 6   a  while  FIGS. 5 ,  5   a  show the non-actuated position. 
         [0059]    The electronic unit  16  in the embodiment shown records the number of administered doses or the number of actuations of the valve  5 . Towards this end, the board  19  of the electronic unit  16  has a computing unit, a data storage unit and a source of energy in the form of a battery (not shown in detail) so that the administered doses recorded by the switch  17  during which an electric contact is closed can each be counted. If the maximum number of actuations of the valve  5  (corresponding to the specific holding capacity of the canister  3 ) in the electronic unit  16  has been stored in advance, the amount of substance left or the remaining number of possible doses of the sprayable substance can be directly ascertained. The specific maximum number of actuations can be entered by storing the applicable values within the scope of a programming operation or else by means of a coding switch or the like. 
         [0060]    The acquired information is shown on a small visual display  22  that is configured as an LCD and that can be seen from the outside. Accordingly, the cover  23  of the chamber  18  is made of a transparent material, especially plastic. As an alternative or in addition to the visual display, an acoustic signal transmitter (not shown here) can be provided. 
         [0061]    More complex functions are possible if the electronic unit  16  has a clock. In such a case, the user can, for example, be visually and/or acoustically reminded when it is time for the next inhalation of the medication. Furthermore, the expiration date can be displayed to the user or else a warning to this effect can be given. It is also practical to give a warning as soon the remaining quantity of the sprayable substance falls below a certain level. Moreover, the specific points in time for the inhalation or the applicable doses or the number of doses that have been administered can all be stored. 
         [0062]    It is likewise possible to configure the electronic unit  16  in such a way that the stored information can be read out via an interface. In this case, for example, it can be checked when and in what dose the drug in question has been taken. For this purpose, the unit  16  is provided with contacts  27 . Alternatively, wireless data transmission can be provided. 
         [0063]    If the valve  5  is configured as a metering valve, it is not necessary to record the duration of the actuation of the valve  5  since each actuation delivers the a uniform amount of the sprayable substance. However, if a simple valve is employed, the device can also be configured in such a way that it records the duration of the administration of the sprayable substance and in this case, the amount administered can also be ascertained. 
         [0064]    The first and second housing parts  1 ,  2  are injection-molded parts made of plastic. Here, the first housing part  1  is made of transparent plastic so that not only the display  22  but also the information printed on the canister  3  is visible. 
         [0065]    The presented device has only a small number of components and can be manufactured cost-effectively. Consequently, it also lends itself for disposable use. In this context, the term disposable use applies when the device is replaced together with the matching canister. Naturally, multiple use is likewise feasible. In this case, a reset switch, for instance, has to ensure that the electronic unit  16  is set to its original state when the canister is replaced. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  first housing part 
           2  second housing part 
           3  canister 
           4  shaft 
           5  valve 
           6  canister head 
           7  canister body 
           8  first section 
           9  second section 
           10  cap 
           11  valve pin 
           12  actuating section 
           13  receptacle 
           14 ,  14 ′ stops 
           15 ,  15 ′ projections 
           16  unit to record the administered doses 
           17  switch 
           18  chamber 
           19  board 
           20  actuation element 
           21  latching member 
           22  visual display 
           23  cover 
           24  bottom part 
           25  first gripping section 
           26  second gripping section 
           27  contacts 
           28  hole