Atomizer provided with a monitoring device for counting actuations of the atomizer

The present invention relates to the nebulizer described in the preamble of claim 1.

The starting point of the present invention is shown in Pamphlet 91/14468 of International Publication No. 91/14468, in particular in Pamphlet No. 97/12687 of International Publication No. 97/12687 (FIGS. 6A and 6B) and FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings of the present application. Boehringer Ingelheim in the form of an inhaler It is a nebulizer marketed by KG) under the name "Respimat". The nebulizer has a pressure generator with an insertable container containing the fluid as a reservoir for the fluid to be atomized and a drive spring for transporting and atomizing the fluid. By turning the actuating member in the form of the lower housing portion of the nebulizer, the drive spring can be strained and fluid can be drawn into the pressure chamber of the pressure generator. After manual operation of the locking element, the fluid in the pressure chamber is pressurized by a drive spring and atomized, i.e. released to produce an aerosol. On the one hand, during the tensioning process and on the other hand, during the next atomization, the vessel undergoes a lifting motion. The nebulizer has a mechanical monitoring device that detects the rotation of the actuating member in order to count the operation of the nebulizer. Known nebulizers operate exclusively mechanically, i.e., without propulsion gas and without electricity.

To complete the disclosure of this application, please refer to the entire disclosure of both International Publication No. 91/14468 and International Publication No. 97/12687, just in case. In general, the disclosures of these patent documents preferably include a spring pressure applied to the fluid of 5 to 60 MPa, preferably 10 to 50 MPa, a volume per operation of 10 to 50 μl, preferably 10 to 50 μl, most preferably 1. For nebulizers with a particle size of up to 20 μm, preferably 3-10 μm, about 15 μl per operation. Furthermore, the disclosures of these patent documents preferably have a cylindrical shape with a length of about 9 cm to about 15 cm and a width of about 2 cm to about 5 cm, with a nozzle spray spread of 20 ° to 160 °, preferably 80. For ° to 100 ° nebulizers. These amounts can also be applied to the nebulizer of the present invention as particularly preferable values.

In addition, a device for detecting the operation of the dispenser is known, in which the discharge conveyor is operated by a lifting motion between the operating member and the medium container, detects the operation, and outputs an electric count signal. The resulting switch is located within the actuating member (German Patent Application Publication No. 10065160). During the linear lifting motion, the switch is not actuated directly by the vessel, but by the fixing screw of the device, so that a count signal is generated at each actuation, even when the vessel is not inserted. ..

German Patent No. 10061723 discloses a product in the form of a liquid, paste or solid, in particular a mechanical counter that counts the measured release of a drug from a supply container, in particular an aerosol container. Preferably, the linear motion of the aerosol is counted.

In addition, a dispensing control device for a medium dispenser is known (German Patent Application Publication No. 19807921). This control device has a storage means (storage device) and an intermittent circuit that enables only possible operations at a particular time point and blocks such actions at other times. The storage means can be programmed using a computer, and thus the barrier is only open at a particular point in time, and for this purpose the program has a time switch component. The display tells the user when the dose should be administered and when it should not. The storage means can detect the dosing and then display the dosing on the screen at any time using a computer. To program and query the memory or to fully charge the energy storage means, the controller should have a suitable plug electrical connection accessible from the outside.

<p> An object of the present invention is to have an improved monitoring device that can improve safety, especially during use, and in some cases provide more information to the user and / or allow the user to monitor. The purpose is to provide a nebulizer in the form of.</p>

<p> The above object is achieved by the nebulizer according to claim 1. Advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.</p><p> According to the first feature of the present invention, the monitoring device is attached to a removable housing portion of the nebulizer, which is particularly fixedly connected and preferably cast therein. This allows the monitoring device to be easily removed from the nebulizer, along with the housing portion, thus very easily switching on, programming and starting the monitoring device separately or independently of the nebulizer. And / or readable and / or the entire monitoring device can be replaced with the housing portion, or the nebulizer can be equipped with a monitoring device if the housing portion is compatible.</p><p> Another feature of the invention, which can also be embodied independently, consists of detecting the actual dispensing of fluid and electronically counting it, especially as the operation of the nebulizer. As a result, the monitor of use is improved, the safety of use is good, and the guidance to the user is improved.</p><p> The actual dispensing is preferably direct movement, preferably operation, of the vessel by a receiving sensor that detects the air supply flow generated by inhalation and / or a spray sensor that detects the formation of atomized fluid or aerosol, especially in the vicinity of the mouthpiece. Detected by detecting. Therefore, it is possible to determine with a substantially high probability whether a fluid dispenser has actually occurred or whether inhalation has actually occurred. Preferably, the monitoring is performed not only qualitatively but also quantitatively.</p><p> According to the modified embodiment, the monitoring device detects and / or records in particular the nebulizer's (successful) inhalation of sufficiently strong and / or long lasting inhalation of the fluid atomized by the nebulizer. Count as a well done) actuation or fluid uptake. This contributes to safe operation and improved monitor.</p><p> Most preferably, the nebulizer monitoring device can detect and record the number and duration of nebulizer operations and / or prevent repeated operations within a given shortest period of time. (Or) it is preferably provided with a timer and memory so that a reminder signal for repetitive applications can be output or displayed, preferably after a given maximum period of time.</p><p> Detecting and recording the actual number and time of dispensing of fluid allows continuous monitoring, for example by a physician or in a clinical trial. Thus, by examining the monitoring device or memory, it is possible to determine when the liquid was administered and, in some cases, how much was dispensed by the nebulizer.</p><p> By preventing repeated operation of the nebulizer within a predetermined, preferably adjustable and recordable shortest period, overdose of a fluid, which is preferably a highly effective pharmaceutical composition, can be prevented.</p><p> Reminding the user that a new inhalation is needed, preferably by outputting a reminder signal to allow repeated operation of the nebulizer after a predetermined, preferably adjustable and recordable maximum period has passed. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to support the regular inhalation, that is, the administration of the fluid. Specifically, the reminder signal can indicate the time until the next inhalation or activation, or, in some cases, the expiration of the inhalation or activation. The reminder signal is most preferably a warning or warning signal as disclosed in International Publication No. 03/092576 Pamphlet, which is cited by reference in this patent document and its contents are supplemented and disclosed. The content is a part of this specification.</p><p> Other advantages, features, properties and viewpoints of the present invention will become apparent when reading the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.</p><p> In the figure, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the corresponding or equivalent properties and advantages are achieved without repeated description.</p>

1 and 2 schematically show a fluid 2, particularly a known nebulizer 1 that atomizes a highly effective pharmaceutical composition or drug, in a non-tensioned state (Fig. 1) and a tense state (Fig. 2). There is. The nebulizer is specifically configured as a portable inhaler and preferably operates without propulsion gas.

Atomization of fluid 2, preferably a liquid, especially a pharmaceutical composition, forms an aerosol that is inhaled or inhaled by the user (not shown). Inhalation is usually done at least once a day, especially several times a day, preferably at set intervals.

The nebulizer 1 has an insertable, preferably replaceable container 3 containing the fluid 2 which forms a reservoir of the fluid 2 to be atomized. Preferably, container 3 contains a large number of uses, specifically a given dosing period, such as over a month, or at least 50 doses, preferably at least 100 doses, ie, a sufficient amount of fluid 2 for spraying. ing.

The container 3 has a substantially cylindrical or cartridge shape, the nebulizer 1 can be opened and the container can be inserted into the nebulizer from below and replaced if desired. This container preferably has a rigid structure, and the fluid 2 is particularly held in the bag 4 in the container 3.

The nebulizer 1 has a pressure generator 5 that carries and atomizes a fluid 2 in a particularly preset, optionally adjustable dose. The pressure generator 5 includes a holder 6 of the container 3, a related drive spring 7 with a lock element 8 that can be manually operated, a transport tube 9 with a check valve 10, a pressure chamber 11 and so on. It has a discharge nozzle 12.

When the drive spring 7 is tensioned in the axial direction, the holder 6 moves downward in the drawing together with the container 3 and the transport pipe 9, and the fluid 2 is sucked out of the container 3 and passed through the check valve 10 to the pressure generator. It is sucked into the pressure chamber 11 of 5. Since the discharge nozzle 12 has a very narrow flow cross section and is particularly configured as a capillary, it reliably blocks the suction or uptake of air by suction at this point even if a check valve is not provided. A powerful throttle action like this is created.

During relaxation after activating the lock element 8, the fluid 2 on the pressure chamber 11 side is pressured by the drive spring 7 returning the carrier tube 9 upwards, i.e. by the spring force, through the discharge nozzle 12. Is expelled and atomized at this discharge nozzle in the form of particles directed to the lung in the μm or nm range, preferably about 5 μm in size. As a result, the transport and atomization of the fluid 2 is carried out purely mechanically, especially in the absence of propulsion gas and without the use of electricity.

The nebulizer 1 has an upper housing portion 13 and an inner portion 14 that is rotatable with respect to the upper housing portion, wherein the actuating member 15 is detachably fixed to this inner portion by a holding element 16, specifically. Is attached to this. The actuating member 15 can be removed from the nebulizer 1 to insert and / or replace the container 3.

By manually rotating the actuating member 15, the inner portion 16 can be rotated relative to the upper housing portion 13, and as a result, the drive spring 7 is axially rotated by a gear (not shown) acting on the holder 6. You can be nervous. While tensioned, move container 3 downward along the axis until container 3 is in tension and at the end position as shown in FIG. During the atomization process, the vessel 3 is returned to its original position by the drive spring 7. The axial movement of the container 3 during the operation of the nebulizer 1 is hereinafter referred to as a stroke of the container 3.

The housing portion 15 preferably forms a cap-shaped lower housing portion that fits around or over the lower free end of the container 3. When the drive spring 7 is strained, the container 3 moves into the actuating member 15 (further) with its end portion, i.e. towards its end face, while the spring 17 acting in the axial direction provided in the actuating member 15. However, when it comes into contact with the base 18 of the container and the container first contacts the puncture element 19, the spring 17 can puncture the container 3 by the puncture element 19 and take in air.

The nebulizer 1 has a monitoring device 20 that counts the operation of the nebulizer 1 by detecting the rotation of the inner portion 14 with respect to the upper portion 13 of the housing. The monitor 20 operates purely mechanically.

Next, the structure and operation mode of the nebulizer 1 according to the present invention including the modified monitoring device 20 will be described with reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 and the block circuit diagram of FIG. The explanations for 1 and 2 apply.

The monitoring device 20 is preferably incorporated within a removable, preferably replaceable housing portion of the nebulizer 1, specifically, an actuating member 15 of the nebulizer 1. The monitoring device 20 is preferably provided at the axial end of the nebulizer 1 or near the actuating member 15, and is specifically cast.

When the container 3 is inserted, the monitoring device 20 is preferably located adjacent to the container base 18 of the container 3 and / or on an extension of the movement or direction of movement of the container 3.

The monitoring device 20 preferably detects the movement or stroke of the container 3 as the actual dispensing of the fluid 2 by mechanical, optical, electrical, inductive, capacitive and / or other non-contact means. preferable. Specifically, the monitoring device 20 of the illustrated embodiment has a microswitch 21 or other switch, such as a proximity switch, an inductive switch, a capacitive switch or a lead contact, or a suitable sensor.

The microswitch 21 of this embodiment can be operated by the protrusion 22 of the spring 17. In particular, the container 3 pushes down the spring 17 so that the protrusion 22 activates the microswitch 21 at its lower end position, i.e. when the nebulizer 1 or pressure generator 5 is in tension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movement or stroke of the container 3 extends axially or linearly. However, the monitoring device 20 also, i.e., as a modification, in different structures of the nebulizer 1, the non-linear or non-axial movement of the container 3 and / or especially when the nebulizer 1 is activated, some other nebulizer 1. Partial motion may be detected. For example, in a modified embodiment not shown here, alternative or additionally, the monitoring device 20 may operate the nebulizer 1 or the fluid 2 by measuring the impedance of the spring 17 which changes as a function of the tension position. The actual dispensing may be detected.

The monitoring device 20 preferably detects when the container 3 reaches the end position in a tense state and / or when the container 3 leaves this position during the atomization process as the operation of the nebulizer 1 which is counted. In particular, the monitoring device 20 has a control unit 23, preferably a microcontroller, or the like that executes the above-mentioned counting operation (counting) and / or other functions of the monitoring device 20. Other components of the monitoring device 20 are connected to the control unit 23.

Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring device 20 can also detect the movement of the container 3 or some other part of the nebulizer 1, such as the spring 17 or the holder 6, and particularly evaluate such movement. .. Preferably, position, velocity, related parameters and especially distance / time curves are detected and evaluated.

Further, the monitoring device 20 further detects the operation time point during the counting operation, which will be described in detail below.

In this way, the stroke of the container 3 is a numerical value related to the number of times the nebulizer 1 is operated and therefore the amount of the fluid 2 dispensed. The numbers also indicate the filling level of fluid 2.

The nebulizer 1 activation value should be reset manually or automatically, especially when the container 3 is replaced, and the number of occurrences and / or the number of operations possible with the current vessel 3 is desired. It is preferable that it can be displayed and / or stored. The numerical value is automatically reset after the operating member 15 is mounted or pushed in, and the mounting or pushing of the working member 15 is preferably detected by the monitoring device 20 using a contact switch 24 or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact switch 24 can be activated or actuated by a spring-pushing contact pin, which, when the actuating member 15 is mounted, is pushed down or inside by the inner portion 14 against the spring force. It is pushed toward you. In addition to the automatic reset of the numerical value, this embodiment has another advantage that once the nebulizer 1 is assembled, the contact switch 24 is activated (reactivated), thereby making it impossible to reset the numerical value. .. As a result, a simple operation of the nebulizer 1 that is not affected by operational errors can be obtained.

Additional or alternative, the contact switch 24 can help turn on or activate the monitoring device 20, especially by first detecting the assembly of the nebulizer 1.

Alternatively or additionally to the contact switch 24, some other switch, such as an inductive switch, a capacitive switch, a lead contact, a proximity switch, or any other suitable sensor may be used.

According to a modification not shown here, the nebulizer 1 can activate or operate the nebulizer only when the monitor device 20 is attached or added and / or when the monitor device 20 is switched on. It is preferable that it is configured as such. This can be achieved by appropriate mechanical and / or electrical connection or coupling of the nebulizer 1 to the monitoring device 20 or optionally the housing portion or actuating member 15 containing the monitoring device 20.

In particular, the nebulizer 1 operates when the monitor device 20 is not switched on, when the monitor device 20 is not provided, when the operating member 15 is not provided, and / or when the container 3 is not provided. It is prevented from being done.

The monitoring device 20 particularly includes the state of the monitoring device 20, the elapsed time since the last operation of the nebulizer 1, the time remaining until the next operation of the nebulizer 1, the number of operations of the nebulizer 1 that has already occurred, and the still possible nebulizer 1 operation. Indicate the number of operations, the number of operations of the nebulizer 1 that should still be performed (eg, when a new container 3 is inserted), the fact that the container has been replaced or that the container needs to be replaced, the fluid filling level, the container In particular, it is preferable to have an optical instruction device 25 for instructing the identification and / or display of the fluid, a display or the like in the illustrated embodiment. As a result, the optimum information and possible guidance for the user can be obtained. As a result, the nebulizer 1 is easier to handle and provides higher operational safety.

The monitoring device 20 preferably emits a reminder signal reminding the user that the nebulizer 1 is about to be activated and / or an acoustic indicator 26 indicating an ongoing and / or completed atomization process. It has a piezoelectric signal transmitter and the like.

For example, by emitting an audible signal that continues throughout the atomization process, the monitoring device 20 can tell the user that atomization has occurred and that the user should inhale the resulting aerosol. The audible signal preferably does not end until a period of time has passed beyond the atomization process, in order to ensure that the user inhales all of the aerosol produced. Considering the relatively accurate duration of about 1 to 2 seconds for the atomization process, for the desired duration of the total duration of the audible signal to remain inhaled after inhalation, regardless of the actual atomization process. With permission, it may be shortened, for example, 3-4 seconds or about 10-15 seconds, preferably by a predetermined time. In this case, the monitoring device 20 emits an audible signal after starting the atomization process by activating the lock element 8, i.e., starting with the detection of the stroke of the container 3 in the direction of atomization by the microswitch 21. ..

The monitoring device 20 also terminates the atomization process as an alternative to or in addition to the above-mentioned audible signals emitted continuously or repeatedly during the actual atomization process or the atomization process to be displayed. The end signal indicating the above may be output, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Additional or alternatively, by the acoustic indicator 26, and in some cases at another signal, the actual inhalation duration and / or whether the inhalation is strong enough and / or the inhalation is not strong enough. You can tell the user if or if it didn't last long enough.

Preferably, the acoustic indicator 26 generates an acoustic signal that can exit through an opening provided in the actuating member 15 if desired.

Additional or alternatively, the acoustic instructor 26 may generate a vibration of the actuating member 15 or the nebulizer 1 as a signal, i.e., the acoustic instructor is recognizable by the vibration signal or in a different way. A signal may be emitted.

The monitoring device 20 has an energy storage means, specifically a battery 27 or optionally an accumulator (not shown).

The energy storage means is preferably connected only once the monitoring device 20 is turned on so that the shelf life can be extended with minimal energy loss. The energy storage means or battery 27 preferably has a capacity that remains operational for at least one year, preferably at least two years, especially at least five years, after the monitoring device is switched on.

The monitor device 20 operates only optically, and in particular has an interface 28 capable of switching the monitor device 20 on, programming, setting, resetting and / or querying it, further comprising a light emitting diode in this embodiment. Is preferable.

In order to communicate with the monitoring device 20 via the interface 28, it is preferable to provide the connecting device 29 shown in FIG. 5 as an example. In particular, the monitoring device 20 can optionally be connected to the connecting device 29 only after disconnecting the monitoring device 20 from the nebulizer 1 together with the housing or actuating member 15 via the interface 28. The connecting device 29 preferably has a light emitting diode 30 or the like capable of optical communication or data transmission with the monitoring device 20.

In order to complete the connection of the monitoring device 20 or the operating member 15, the monitoring device 20 or the operating member 15 is inserted into a suitable recess 31 provided in the connecting device 29 and / Alternatively, in particular, the connecting device 29 may be at least partially inserted into the actuating member 15.

It is preferable that the connecting device 29 can be connected to a computer or the like (not shown) via, for example, the connecting portion 32. Therefore, the monitoring device 20 is very easy to start, switch on, program, reset, inquire, and so on. Therefore, the data stored by the monitoring device 20 can be easily recalled, displayed, and arbitrarily evaluated. This is particularly advantageous for clinical trials and / or monitoring of patients by physicians. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device 29 may also be suitable for use independently of a computer or the like.

If necessary, the connecting device 29 further has a keyboard or other input device to turn on, program, set up, reset and / or query its own display and / or monitor device 20. Is good. Then, in particular, various parameters and the like can be displayed, and in this case, the optical display device 25 and / or the input device 35 of the monitor device 20 may be omitted if desired.

An accumulator may be used instead of the battery 27 if necessary. It can be charged, for example, by connecting the accumulator to the connecting device 29 and at the same time making an electrical connection or in some cases inductively and / or via a solar cell (not shown) of the monitoring device 20.

The monitoring device 20 is preferably mounted with the nebulizer 1 first, when the container 3 is first inserted, when the pressure generator 5 is first tensioned or actuated, and / or the pressure generator is interfaced. It is configured to be turned on only when activated via 28. This is advantageous in terms of long shelf life.

It is preferable that the monitoring device 20 cannot be switched off once it is switched on. This guarantees the desired continuous monitor.

The monitoring device 20 can specifically detect and store the number of times and the time of operation of the nebulizer 1 or the number of times of dispensing and the time of dispensing of the fluid 2 and / or repeat the operation of the nebulizer 1 within a given shortest period of time. It is preferable to have a timer 33 and a memory 34 so that the above-mentioned reminder signal can be emitted for repeating the operation of the nebulizer 1 once a predetermined maximum time has elapsed.

When the number and time points of operation or dispensing of fluid 2 are continuously recorded in the memory 34, the monitor device 20 is queried, that is, by reading the memory 34, when and how much the nebulizer 1 is used or when the fluid 2 is used. It is possible to check and monitor whether and how much the fluid has been dispensed. The monitoring option is particularly beneficial to the user for automated monitoring and / or monitoring and / or clinical trials by the treating physician in checking whether a prescribed dose of fluid 2 is being administered.

Overdose can be prevented if the repeated operation of the nebulizer 1 can be prevented within a predetermined shortest period of time.

The memory 34 has ERROM or EEPROM, and in the latter case, it is preferable that the memory 34 can be electrically reset.

It is preferred that the memory 34 or its contents cannot be erased or modified, at least by the user or patient.

The timer 33 is not an absolute time base (time reference or time axis), but rather it is preferably a counter (simple counter) that only measures or provides relative time.

As a result, a particularly simple and inexpensive structure can be obtained.

The absolute start of the relative time measurement by the timer 33 is determined when the monitor device 20 is started or first switched on, especially the memory 34 or some other device for starting the monitor device 20, For example, it is preferably stored in a computer (not shown).

Alternatively or additionally, the absolute end of the relative time measurement by the timer 33 can be easily determined by querying the monitoring device 20 and comparing it with the absolute time base. Thus, the absolute number of operations of the nebulizer 1 detected by the monitoring device 20 and stored in the memory 34 can be determined or determined.

According to a preferred modification, the nebulizer 1 and / or the monitoring device 20 can automatically identify the container 3 and / or its filling level and / or its fluid 2 used, preferably the monitoring device 20, in particular the container. It is configured to memorize and / or direct or display the identification of. In this way, it is possible to say what kind of container 3 is used and therefore what kind of fluid 2 is used.

For example, the monitoring device 20 or nebulizer 1 may have identification means provided on the container 3, such as a bar code reader (not shown) or other means that queries or encodes a bar code. Thus, it can be said whether the wrong container 3 or the container 3 containing the wrong fluid 2, the wrong amount of fluid and / or the wrong concentration of the active substance in the fluid 2 was used. In this case, it is possible to prevent the operation of the nebulizer 1 depending on the programming or setting of the monitoring device 20.

The monitor device 20 is inquirable and preferably has an identifier that identifies the monitor device 20, the nebulizer 1 and / or the user.

The monitoring device 20 has a manually operated input device 35, in particular a key, a keyboard, etc., as an alternative to or in addition to the interface 28. It is preferred to use the input device 35 to switch the monitor device 20 on, program, configure, reset and / or query. For example, the input device 35 can be used to enter the minimum, maximum, and / or number of doses, eg, the number of operations per use and the number of uses per day.

It is preferred that all or at least most of the components of the monitoring device 20 be mounted and / or attached to the printed circuit board 36. In particular, the monitoring device 20 forms an assembly that is inserted into the housing or actuating member 15 of the nebulizer 1 and is preferably cast.

According to another feature that can be embodied independently if necessary, the nebulizer 1 of the present invention is provided specifically near the mouthpiece 37 or discharge nozzle 12, as shown in FIG. 6, with air flow and / or It has a receiving sensor 38 that detects inhaled or atomized fluid 2.

Preferably, the air supply opening 39 is associated with the receiving sensor 38, and the supply air is referred to during inhalation, especially laterally or near the discharge nozzle 12, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. Can be sucked through this air supply opening by the user.

According to the first modification, the receiving sensor 38 is provided directly to detect the corresponding air supply flow and is therefore capable of detecting the inhalation of the aerosol 40 as schematically indicated in FIG. It is preferable to be able to do it.

The receiving sensor 38 is preferably capable of detecting the flow direction, flow velocity and / or flow rate of air passing through the air supply opening 39. For this purpose, the receiving sensor 38 may be configured, for example, as a so-called flow sensor that directly detects the air flow rate, or the receiving sensor may be rotatable by an air flow not shown here. It is preferable to have a free-rotating flap such as a flywheel.

A particularly preferred second variant, which can also be embodied independently if necessary, is schematically shown in FIG. 6, specifically a one-way valve or check valve having a movable valve element 42. It is preferred that the valve 41 configured as is associated with one or more air supply openings 39 to prevent (accidental) release of the aerosol 40 through the air supply opening 39. In this case, the receiving sensor 38 preferably directly detects only the opening and / or closing of the valve 41, i.e., the receiving sensor only indirectly detects the flow of air supply. This provides a particularly simple and inexpensive configuration, especially if the receiving sensor 38 has a microswitch (not shown) that can be actuated by, for example, the valve element 42.

The receiving sensor 38 is connected to a monitoring device 20, which preferably evaluates the signals of the receiving sensor 38 accordingly and particularly stores them. This can be done mechanically or without wires if desired. The receiving sensor 38 is preferably electrically connected to the monitoring device 20 by a suitable contact (not shown) provided at the lead wire and the transition to the actuating member 15.

The receiving sensor 38 can detect the flow of air supply and therefore the actual inhalation of aerosol 40 produced using the nebulizer 1. Therefore, as an alternative or additionally to the detection of the motion of the container 3, the monitoring device 20 may use the inhalation of the aerosol 40 detected by the receiving sensor 38 as the actual dispensing or uptake of the fluid 2 or the nebulizer 1 (successfully). It can be counted as an operation (performed in), and the device can be processed, displayed, stored, etc. in the manner described above.

Detection of the actual inhalation of fluid 2 possible using the receive sensor 38 can be evaluated by the monitor device 20 to determine if the inhalation was long enough, while storing and / or inhaling time if necessary. Can be displayed.

According to another embodiment, the nebulizer 1 has, in addition to, or as an alternative to, the receiving sensor 38, a spray sensor 43 that can be used to detect whether atomization has actually taken place. Specifically, the spray sensor detects whether droplets of atomized fluid 2 or aerosol 40 actually occur in the vicinity of the mouthpiece 37. For example, this sensor operates as a so-called scattered light sensor by utilizing the effect of light scattered by the atomized fluid 2 or aerosol 40.

The spray sensor 43 can also detect if atomization has actually taken place. Specifically, the monitoring device 20 checks whether atomization is actually detected by the sensors described above when the nebulizer 1 is activated, preferably within a predetermined time window, and the actual atomization is detected. Only if the nebulizer 1 operation is actually detected or counted as a dispense of fluid 2 and therefore as an atomization process.

As an alternative to or in addition to detecting the motion of the vessel 3 or any other component, the monitoring device 20 can detect the air supply flow by the receiving sensor 38 and / or by the spray sensor 43 of the aerosol 40. Generations can be detected, and these are evaluated as actual dispensings of fluid 2 (optionally, only if they occur cumulatively), counting these as nebulizer 1 operation, and optionally. These can be remembered specifically with the time they occurred.

<figref num="1">FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a known nebulizer in a non-tensioned state.</figref><figref num="2">It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a known nebulizer in a tense state rotated by 90 ° as compared with FIG.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower housing portion of the nebulizer proposed by the present invention provided with an integrated monitoring device.</figref><figref num="4">It is a block circuit diagram of a monitor device.</figref><figref num="5">It is a schematic diagram of the connecting device for a monitoring device.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another nebulizer proposed by the present invention provided with a receiving sensor and a spray sensor.</figref>

Code description

1 Nebulizer 2 fluid 3 container 4 bags 5 Pressure generator 6 holder 7 drive spring 8 Lock element 9 Transport pipe 10 Check valve 11 Pressure chamber 12 discharge nozzle 13 Upper housing part 14 Inner part 15 Activator 16 Retention element 17 spring 18 Container base 19 Puncture element 20 Monitor device 21 Micro switch 22 protrusions 23 Control unit 24 contact switch 25 Optical designator 26 Acoustic indicator 27 battery 28 interface 29 Connection or coupling device 30 light emitting diode 31 recess 32 Connection 33 timer 34 memory 35 Input device 36 Printed circuit board 37 mouthpiece 38 Receive sensor 39 Air supply opening 40 aerosol 41 valve 42 valve element 43 Spray sensor