U.S. patent application number 12/864527 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-28 for inhaler.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vectura Delivery Devices Limited. Invention is credited to Quentin John Harmer, Ivan Milivojevic, Matthew Neil Sarkar, Herbert Wachtel.
Application Number | 20110094507 12/864527 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39493593 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110094507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wachtel; Herbert ; et
al. |
April 28, 2011 |
INHALER
Abstract
A passive inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation
formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister
pockets (3) is proposed. The inhaler comprises an impaction element
(31) onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained
inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively,
the inhaler comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device (35)
for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation.
Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler comprises one or two
mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite
rotation directions.
Inventors: |
Wachtel; Herbert; (Ingelheim
am Rhein, DE) ; Harmer; Quentin John; (Cambridge,
GB) ; Sarkar; Matthew Neil; (Cambridge, GB) ;
Milivojevic; Ivan; (Cambridge, GB) |
Assignee: |
Vectura Delivery Devices
Limited
Chippenham
GB
Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, CD Patents
Ingelheim am Rhein
DE
|
Family ID: |
39493593 |
Appl. No.: |
12/864527 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 29, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP08/11126 |
371 Date: |
December 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/200.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/0026 20140204;
A61M 15/0051 20140204; A61M 15/009 20130101; A61M 15/0058 20140204;
A61M 15/0008 20140204; A61M 15/0085 20130101; A61M 2202/064
20130101; A61M 11/002 20140204; A61M 15/0055 20140204; A61M 15/0045
20130101; A61M 2206/16 20130101; A61M 15/0005 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/200.21 |
International
Class: |
A61M 11/00 20060101
A61M011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2008 |
EP |
08001298.2 |
Claims
1. Inhaler (1) for delivery of an inhalation formulation from a
preferably band-shaped blister strip (2) with a plurality of
blister pockets (3) containing the inhalation formulation in doses,
comprising: preferably a conveyor (5) for stepwise onward movement
of the blister strip (2), and/or preferably a piercing member (7)
to puncture a lid (27) of an aligned blister pocket (3), the
inhaler (1) being designed such that--preferably by breathing in
during inhalation--an air stream (9) of ambient air can be sucked
or delivered in order to discharge the respective dose from an
opened blister pocket (3) and to deliver it with the ambient air as
an aerosol cloud (11), characterized in that the inhaler (1)
comprises an impaction element (31) for impaction and/or deflection
of the air stream (9) with entrained inhalation formulation.
2. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the inhaler
(1) comprises a mouthpiece (8) and that the impaction element (31)
is located within the mouthpiece (8).
3. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the inhaler
(1) comprises a feeding path (20), preferably an at least
essentially straight channel (28), fluidically connectable to an
opened blister pocket (3) or connected to or formed by the piecing
member (7) or an insert (17).
4. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) is located within or at the end or
downstream the feeding path (20).
5. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) is located centrally and in alignment with
the feeding path (20).
6. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) covers the feeding path (20) radially or
transversally to the main or outlet direction of the feeding path
(20) or mouthpiece (8).
7. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) comprises an impaction surface (32) inclined
to the main or outlet direction of the feeding path (20) or
mouthpiece (8).
8. Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the inhaler
(1) comprises a bypass path (21) for ambient air, the inhaler (1)
being designed such that by breathing in during inhalation a
feeding air stream (23) of ambient air can be sucked in through an
opened blister pocket (3) and through the feeding path (20)
preferably into a mouthpiece (8) to discharge the respective dose
where it is mixed in a mixing zone (22) preferably within the
mouthpiece (8) with a bypass air stream (24) of ambient air (9)
sucked through the bypass path (21).
9. Inhaler according to claim 8, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) is located within or adjacent to the mixing
zone (22).
10. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) is stationary.
11. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) comprises an at least essentially conical
impaction surface (32).
12. Inhaler (1) for delivery of an inhalation formulation from a
preferably band-shaped blister strip (2) with a plurality of
blister pockets (3) containing the inhalation formulation in doses,
preferably according to claim 1, comprising: preferably a conveyor
(5) for stepwise onward movement of the blister strip (2),
preferably a piercing member (7) to puncture a lid (27) of an
aligned blister pocket (3), a mouthpiece (8), a feeding path (20)
fluidically connectable to an opened blister pocket (3) or
connected to or formed by the piecing member (7), and/or a bypass
path (21) for ambient air (9), the inhaler (1) being designed such
that--preferably by breathing in during inhalation--a feeding air
stream (23) of ambient air can be sucked in or delivered through an
opened blister pocket (3) and through the feeding path (20)
preferably into the mouthpiece (8) to discharge the respective dose
where it is mixed in a mixing zone (22) preferably within the
mouthpiece (8) with a bypass air stream (24) of ambient air (9)
sucked or delivered through the bypass path (21), characterized in
that the inhaler (1) comprises a first mixing means for generating
a swirl or cyclone (34) in the feeding path (20), the bypass path
(21), and/or the mixing zone (22).
13. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the
impaction element (31) is located downstream the mixing means.
14. Inhaler according to claim 13, characterized in that the mixing
means comprises at least one or two bypass channels (29) feeding
tangentially bypass air into the mouthpiece (8), an outlet channel
(30) of the bypass path (21), the mixing zone (22) and/or the
feeding path (20).
15. Inhaler according to claim 12, characterized in that the first
mixing means is adapted to generate a swirl or cyclone (34) with a
first direction of rotation, and that the inhaler (1) comprises a
second mixing means for mixing the feeding air stream (22) with a
second bypass air stream (41) and generating a swirl or cyclone
(40) with a second direction of rotation opposite the first
one.
16. Inhaler according to claim 15, characterized in that the second
mixing means comprises two second bypass channels (42) feeding
tangentially bypass air into the feeding path (20) or a mixing zone
or chamber (22).
17. Inhaler according to claim 15, characterized in that the first
and second mixing means are located one after the other or one
above the other.
18. Inhaler according to claim 12, characterized in the feeding
path (20) comprises or consists of or forms an preferably at least
essentially straight channel (30) and/or a mixing chamber (22),
preferably wherein the first and/or second mixing means are
connected thereto.
19. Inhaler (1) for delivery of an inhalation formulation from a
preferably band-shaped blister strip (2) with a plurality of
blister pockets (3) containing the inhalation formulation in doses,
preferably according to claim 1, comprising: preferably a conveyor
(5) for stepwise onward movement of the blister strip (2), and/or
preferably a piercing member (7) to puncture a lid (27) of an
aligned blister pocket (3), the inhaler (1) being designed such
that--preferably by breathing in during inhalation--an air stream
(9) of ambient air can be sucked or delivered in order to discharge
the respective dose from an opened blister pocket (3) and to
deliver it with the ambient air as an aerosol cloud (11) preferably
via a mouthpiece (8), characterized in that the inhaler (1)
comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) separate from
the blister strip (2) for supporting de-agglomeration of the
inhalation formulation and/or for vibrating at least part of the
blister strip (2) and/or a piercing member (7) or any other
component of the inhaler (1).
20. Inhaler according to claim 12, characterized in that the first
mixing means is located upstream the oscillating and/or vibrating
device (29).
21. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) is operated by the air
stream (9).
22. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) is located within the
mouthpiece (8), within a feeding path (20) or downstream
thereof.
23. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) comprises or is formed by
an oscillating element (36), in particular a ball.
24. Inhaler according to claim 23, characterized in that the
oscillating element (36) forms an impactor or deflector for the air
stream (9) and/or entrained inhalation formulation.
25. Inhaler according to claim 23, characterized in that the
oscillating element (36) oscillates by moving back and forth in the
main flow direction of the feeding path (20) or mouthpiece (8).
26. Inhaler according to claim 23, characterized in that the
oscillating element (36) is moveable freely in a chamber (37)
preferably connected to or formed by the feeding path (20).
27. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) uses the Bernoulli
effect.
28. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
inhaler (1) is designed such that the oscillating and/or vibrating
device (35) or its oscillating element (36) oscillates or vibrates
with a frequency of 20 Hz to 5000 Hz, preferably 50 Hz to 500
Hz.
29. Inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the
oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) is located downstream of
the mixing of a feeding air stream (23) with a bypass air stream
(24).
30. Inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the inhaler
(1) comprises a preferably molded and/or unitary insert (17)
preferably holding or forming the piercing member (7), preferably
wherein the insert (17) contains, comprises or forms the impaction
element (31), the vibrating device (35) and/or the first and/or
second mixing means.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler according to the
preamble of one of the independent claims.
[0002] The present invention relates to an inhaler for delivery of
a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a
plurality of blister pockets (also called blisters) containing the
inhalation formulation in doses.
[0003] GB 2 407 042 A discloses an inhaler with a rolled-up blister
strip. The inhaler comprises a manually operated, pivotable
actuator, which operates a conveyor for stepwise moving the blister
strip. The actuator supports a piercer and an associated
mouthpiece. By pivoting the actuator, the blister strip and be
moved forward and blister pockets of the blister strip can be
pierced one after the other. When a patient breathes in an air
stream passes through the previously pierced blister pocket, with
the result that the inhalation formulation in the blister pocket
mixes with the air and is discharged to the patient.
[0004] The present invention relates to passive inhalers, i.e.
inhalers where the patient or user breathes in to generate an air
stream, which entrains the inhalation formulation and forms the
desired aerosol. Problematic is the deagglomeration of the
inhalation formulation and to ensure that the aerosol mainly
contains only fire particles, preferably in the range of 2 to 10
.mu.m, in particular 2 to 7 .mu.m, of the inhalation
formulation.
[0005] Object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler
with optimized discharge characteristics.
[0006] The above object is achieved by an inhaler according to one
of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are subject of
the subclaims.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
inhaler comprises an impaction element for impaction and/or
deflection of the air stream with entrained inhalation formulation.
This allows optimization of the discharge characteristics. In
particular, larger particles of the inhalation formulation can
impact onto the impaction element and, thus, in particular split up
into finer particles.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, which
can be realized independently, the inhaler comprises a mixing means
for generating a swirl or cyclone of air within the inhaler. This
supports better mixing and in particular deagglomeration of larger
particles of the inhalation formulation entrained by the air.
[0009] Most preferably, the impaction element and the mixing means
are combined in order to achieve optimized discharge
characteristics. Then, the mixing means is preferably located
upstream of the impaction element.
[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
which can be realized in combination with or independent on the
above aspects, two mixing means for generating swirls or cyclones
with opposite direction of rotation are provided. In particular,
the two mixing means are arranged one after the other or axially
one above the other. Thus, optimized de-agglomeration of the
inhalation formulation can be achieved.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
inhaler comprises alternatively or additionally an oscillating
and/or vibrating device for supporting de-agglomeration of the
inhalation formulation and/or for vibrating the blister, a feeding
path, a piercing member or any other component of the inhaler. This
enables or ensures better de-agglomeration of the inhalation
formulation and, thus, optimized discharge characteristics.
[0012] Preferably, the oscillating and/or vibrating device
comprises an oscillating element, such as a ball, located within or
upstream the feeding path and being operated by the air stream
flowing through the inhaler, in particular its feeding path, when
the inhaler is operated or used.
[0013] In particular, the oscillating and/or vibrating device
and/or its oscillating element forms an impaction and/or deflector
means, which supports de-agglomeration of in particular large
particles of the inhalation formulation entrained by the gas stream
flowing through the feeding path and, in particular, impacting onto
the oscillating element.
[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the oscillating and/or
vibrating device sets in vibration preferably at least part of the
inhaler and/or blister strip, in particular the feeding path, a
piercing member and/or the respective blister pocket itself. This
allows or ensures optimized loosening and/or de-agglomeration of
the inhalation formulation from the reservoir, in particular
blister pocket.
[0015] Preferably, the inhaler comprises in addition to or in
combination with the oscillating and/or vibrating device also a
mixing means for generating a swirl or cyclone, preferably in the
feeding path. In particular, this mixing means is located upstream
the oscillating and/or vibrating device. This combination allows
achievement of very good discharge characteristics, in particular
much better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation than the
prior art.
[0016] Further aspects, features, properties and advantages of the
present invention are described in the claims and the subsequent
description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the
drawing. There are shown in:
[0017] FIG. 1 a schematic sectional view of an inhaler without
mouthpiece cover;
[0018] FIG. 2 a schematic sectional representation of the inhaler
with closed mouthpiece cover;
[0019] FIG. 3 an enlarged sectional view of the inhaler in the
region of a mouthpiece and a piercing member;
[0020] FIG. 4 a sectional view of an insert within the
mouthpiece;
[0021] FIG. 5 an enlarged sectional view of another inhaler in the
region of a mouthpiece and a piercing member; and
[0022] FIG. 6 an enlarged sectional view of a further inhaler in
the region of a mouthpiece and a piercing member.
[0023] In the Figures, the same reference numbers are used for
identical or similar parts, even if a repeated description is
omitted. In particular identical or corresponding advantages and
properties then also result or may be achieved.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic sectional representation an
inhaler 1. Preferably, the inhaler 1 is portable, works only
mechanically and/or is hand-held.
[0025] The inhaler 1 serves to deliver a powdered inhalation
formulation from a to band-shaped blister strip 2. The blister
strip 2 is finite, not forming an endless or closed loop. It has a
large number of blister pockets 3 respectively containing directly
a dose of the loose inhalation formulation. Thus, the formulation
is pre-metered.
[0026] The inhaler 1 has a reservoir 4 for the still unused blister
strip 2 with closed (sealed) blister pockets 3. The blister strip 3
is rolled up or wound up in the reservoir 4. In the representation
example the reservoir 4 is formed such that the blister strip 2 can
be moved outwards or pulled out of the reservoir 4 as easily as
possible.
[0027] In the representation example the blister strip 2 is
directly received in the reservoir 4. However, instead of this a
cassette, a container, a drum or suchlike can also be fitted or
inserted with the blister strip 2 into the inhaler 1 or the
reservoir 4.
[0028] The inhaler 1 has a conveyor 5 for stepwise onward movement
of the blister strip 2 in direction of arrow 5a by one blister
pocket 3, in order to feed the blister pockets 3 successively to an
opening and/or removal position 6 where the respective blister
pocket 3 is opened and can be emptied.
[0029] The blister pockets 3 can be opened respectively preferably
by means of a piercing member 7 which punctures or cuts open a lid
of the respectively aligned blister pocket 3 in position 6. The
piercing member 7 is hollow and/or in fluid connection with an
adjacent mouthpiece 8 of the inhaler 1.
[0030] During or for inhalation a patient or user, not represented,
places the mouthpiece 8 in his mouth and breathes in. The
respectively opened blister pocket 3, into which the piercing
member 7 extends, is thereby emptied by sucking in. An air stream 9
of ambient air is sucked in and passed through the opened blister
pocket 3 such that loose powder 10 (forming the inhalation
formulation and being schematically shown in FIG. 1 only in the
actually opened blister pocket 3 below mouthpiece 8) is dispensed
with the sucked-in ambient air as an aerosol cloud 11 via the
mouthpiece 8. This situation is schematically represented in FIG.
1.
[0031] The inhaler 1 has a preferably manually actuatable,
lever-like actuator 12 being pivotally mounted to a housing 12a of
the inhaler 1. The piercing member 7 and the mouthpiece 8 are
attached to and supported by the actuator 12.
[0032] The actuator 12 is operable (pivotable) to cause the
piercing member 7 to puncture the lid of the respectively aligned
blister pocket 3 in position 6 below the mouthpiece 8.
[0033] When the actuator 12 swivels from the position shown in FIG.
1 (here anti-clockwise) to the partially opened position shown in
FIG. 3, the piercing member 7 is withdrawn from the last-pierced
blister pocket 3.
[0034] Then, the blister strip 2 is moved forward by one blister
pocket 3, so that the next blister pocket 3 is moved in position 6.
This will be explained in more detail later.
[0035] When the actuator 12 swivels back into the position shown in
FIG. 1, i.e. is manually moved back, the next aligned blister
pocket 3 of the blister strip 2 is punctured by the piercing member
7 and thereby opened. Then, the next inhalation can take place,
i.e. the inhaler 1 is activated.
[0036] The inhaler 1 has a receiving space or apparatus 13 to
receive or store the used part of the blister strip 2. The
receiving space or apparatus 13 is formed such that the used part
can be wound up. FIG. 1 shows a situation with essentially filled
reservoir 4 and still essentially empty receiving space 13.
[0037] The conveyor 5 comprises a conveying wheel 14, which can
engage between the blister pockets 3 and thus convey the blister
strip 2 in form-locking or form-fit manner. This allows very secure
or precise moving or indexing of the blister strip 2 as desired
and/or necessary.
[0038] The conveyor 5 or its conveying wheel 14 is arranged between
the reservoir 4 and the receiving apparatus 13, in particular
between the removal position 6 and the receiving apparatus 13, thus
after the emptying of the blister pockets 3.
[0039] The pivot axis of the actuator or lever 12 is coaxial with
the rotation axis of the conveying wheel 14. In particular, the
actuator or lever 12 may be supported by an axle of the conveying
wheel 14.
[0040] The inhaler 1 comprises a mouthpiece cover 15. The
mouthpiece cover 15 is not shown in FIG. 1, which explains only the
basic principle of the inhaler 1, but in FIG. 2, which shows a more
realistic, but still schematic sectional view of the inhaler 1.
FIG. 2 shows the inhaler 1 with closed mouthpiece cover 15, wherein
the blister strip 2 has been partly omitted for illustration
purposes. FIG. 3 shows the inhaler 1 with completely opened
mouthpiece cover 15.
[0041] The mouthpiece cover 15 is pivotable around a cover axis 16,
which is indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and extends perpendicular to
the drawing plane in the present representation.
[0042] The pivot axis of the actuator 12 extends coaxial to or with
the cover axis 16. The rotation axis of the conveying wheel 14
extends coaxial to the cover axis 16 and to pivot axis of the
actuator 12.
[0043] The conveyor 5 or its conveying wheel 14 is driven by the
mouthpiece cover 15, namely by the pivotal movement of the
mouthpiece cover 15. In particular, the blister strip 2 is moved
forward, when the mouthpiece cover 15 is opened. Preferably, only
part of the opening movement of the mouthpiece cover 15 actuates or
operates the conveyor 5 or its conveying wheel 14 to move the
blister strip 2 forward.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows in an enlarged sectional view the piercing
member 7 with the mouthpiece 8 and an opened blister pocket 3 in
the removal position 6. It can be seen that the piercing member 7
or inhaler 1 preferably comprises an insert 17, which is connected
to the mouthpiece 8 and, in particular, extends into an outlet
space or tube 18 of the mouthpiece 8.
[0045] The insert 17 is located adjacent to the piercing member 7.
In particular, the piercing member 7 forms or holds the insert 17
or vice versa.
[0046] Preferably, the insert 17 is held form-fit within the
mouthpiece 8 or its outlet tube 18. However, other construction
solutions are also possible.
[0047] The inhaler 1 or mouthpiece 8 comprises preferably at least
one, here multiple air openings 19 through which the air stream 9
of ambient air can flow in.
[0048] The piercing member 7 and the mouthpiece 8 and/or the insert
17 form a feeding path 20 for the air which has been flown through
the opened blister pocket 3 and, in addition, a bypass path 21 for
air bypassing the blister pocket 3. Both paths 20 and 21 end
preferably within the mouthpiece 8 or its outlet tube 18 and/or at
a mixing zone 22 where the respective streams through the paths 20
and 21 mix.
[0049] In particular, the air stream 9 entering through the air
openings 19 is split up into a feeding air stream 23 flowing
through the opened blister pocket 3 and then through the feeding
path 20, and into a bypass air stream 24 flowing through the bypass
path 21.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows schematically the aerosol generation when the
air flows. The feeding air stream 23 flowing through the opened
blister pocket 3 entrains the inhalation formulation (powder 10)
and flows into the mouthpiece 8 or its outlet tube 18, in
particular to the mixing zone 22 where it mixes with the bypass air
stream 24. Thus, the aerosol cloud 19 is generated as schematically
shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] In the present embodiment, the piercing member 7 preferably
comprises at least one, here two piercer elements 25 and 26 as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0052] The first piercing element 25 serves to form a first blister
opening (inlet opening) in a lid 27 of the blister pocket 3 as
shown in FIG. 3. The second piercing element 26 forms a separate,
second blister opening (outlet opening) in the lid 27 as
schematically shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the feeding air stream 23 can
flow in through the first opening and out through the second
opening. The second opening is fluidically connected or connectable
to the feeding path 20. The feeding path 20 is formed by or
comprises here preferably a channel 28 within the piercing member 7
and/or insert 17 for guiding the air with entrained inhalation
formulation. The channel 28 is preferably at least essentially
straight and/or opens to the mixing zone 22 in the present
embodiment.
[0053] The channel 28 may taper towards its outlet end. However,
the channel 28 may also have essentially a constant inner diameter
or cross sectional area or taper in the opposite direction.
[0054] The channel 28 is preferably cylindrical or circular in
cross section. However, the channel 28 may also be oval. The same
applies for the outlet tube 18 and/or mouthpiece 8.
[0055] In the present embodiment, the bypass path 21 leads through
or is formed by at least one or two preferably tangential or radial
bypass channels 29, preferably formed by the insert 17, connected
to the mixing zone 22 and/or a preferably common mixing chamber or
outlet channel 30. Here, the outlet channel 30 has a larger
diameter than channel 28. However, other constructional solutions
are possible.
[0056] Preferably, the outlets of the feeding path 20 (channel 28)
and of the bypass path 21 (bypass channels 29) are located as close
as possible.
[0057] In the present embodiment, the bypass path 21 opens radially
and/or tangentially with its outlet(s) into the preferably
centrally arranged feeding path 20, channel 28, outlet channel 30
and/or mixing zone 22. However, other constructional solutions are
possible.
[0058] The inhaler 1 comprises preferably an impaction element 31
for impaction and/or deflection of the air stream 9 with entrained
inhalation formulation. In particular, the feeding air stream 23
with entrained inhalation formulation can impact onto the impaction
element 31 and/or is deflected by the impaction element 31.
[0059] In particular, the impaction element 31 is located centrally
in alignment of the feeding path 20 or channel 28 or 30 and/or
covers the feeding path 20/channel 28 radially or transversally to
the main or outlet direction. Thus, at least the feeding air stream
23 is deflected and/or has to surround the impaction element
31.
[0060] In the present embodiment, the impaction element 31
comprises an impaction surface 32 inclined to the main or outlet
direction of the feeding path 20, channel 28 and/or mouthpiece 8.
In particular, the impaction element 31 or its impaction surface 32
is at least essentially conical.
[0061] Preferably, the impaction element 31 is stationary. However,
it is also possible that the impaction element 31 is moveable.
[0062] Preferably, the impaction element 31 is located within the
mouthpiece 8, preferably within or adjacent to the insert 17 and/or
the feeding path 20, mixing zone or chamber 22 and/or outlet
channel 30. In the present embodiment the impaction element 31 is
located at the end or downstream the feeding path 20. The impaction
element 31 is preferably attached to a tube or wall 33, preferably
of the feeding path 20 or insert 17 or mixing chamber 22 or outlet
channel 30, in particular by means of ribs (not shown) or the
like.
[0063] It has to be noted that FIG. 3 shows only very
schematically, in particular not in scale, a potential
construction. Other constructional solutions are possible as
well.
[0064] Preferably, the inhaler 1 comprises a (first) mixing means
for generating a swirl or cyclone 34, in particular in the
mouthpiece 8, feeding path 20, bypass path 21, outlet channel 30
and/or mixing zone 22 as schematically shown in the horizontal
sectional view of the inhaler 1 in the area of the mouthpiece 8
according to FIG. 4.
[0065] Preferably, the mixing means is formed by or comprises the
at least one or two bypass channels 29 feeding tangentially and/or
transversely bypass air into the feeding air stream 23 or the
mouthpiece 8, most preferably into the outlet channel 30, the
mixing zone 22 and/or the feeding path 20. However, other
constructional solutions are possible.
[0066] The mixing means allows or ensures better mixing of the
feeding air with the inhalation formulation and/or of the bypass
air with the feeding air. This supports better deagglomeration of
the inhalation formulation. In particular, the swirl or cyclone 34
generated by the mixing means supports deagglomeration of in
particular larger particles of the inhalation formulation.
[0067] Most preferably, the mixing means forms or defines the
mixing zone 22.
[0068] In the present embodiment, the impaction element 31 and the
mixing means are preferably combined. Then, any intermediate wall
between channel 28 and channel 30, i.e. between the feeding path 20
and the bypass path 21, may be omitted. Alternatively or
additionally, the impaction element 31 is preferably located
downstream the mixing means and/or the mixing zone 22.
[0069] However, it is also possible to provide only one of the
impaction element 31 and mixing means.
[0070] FIG. 5 shows in a schematically sectional view similar to
FIG. 3 another preferred embodiment of the inhaler 1 according to
the present invention. The following description focuses on
relevant differences so that the previous descriptions, advantages,
aspects and/or features preferably apply in addition or in a
similar manner.
[0071] Alternatively or additionally to the impaction element 31,
the inhaler 1 comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device 35
which is also preferably used in combination with the mixing means,
but could also be used separately.
[0072] The oscillating and/or vibrating device 35 is located or
realized separately from the reservoir formed by the blister strip
2. It supports de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation
and/or generates vibrations, in particular vibrates the blister
strip 2, the blister pocket 3, the feeding path 20, the piercing
member 7 and/or any other element or component of the inhaler 1.
Due to the vibrations, better or quicker loosening and/or
de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation can be achieved.
[0073] The oscillating and/or vibrating device 35 preferably
comprises an oscillating element 36, which is preferably moveable
by the air stream 9. In particular, the element 36 is set in
vibration or oscillation by means of the feeding air stream 23
and/or bypass air stream 24.
[0074] The element 36 is preferably essentially ball-like, in
particular a ball. However, it can have any other suitable form,
for example a longitudinal, egg-like or any similar form. In
particular, it is possible to tune the oscillating/vibration
frequency by variation or adaptation of the mass, density and/or
form of element 36.
[0075] Preferably, the element 36 is located in an oscillation
chamber 37, preferably formed by or in the feeding 20, mixing zone
22, channel 30 or insert 17 or any other suitable component of the
inhaler 1. The air stream 9, 23 and/or 24 can be supplied via a
supply opening or channel 38 to the chamber 37. In particular, the
supply channel 38 is connected to or formed by the feeding path 20
or channel 30 or insert 17 or any other suitable component of the
inhaler 1.
[0076] The supply channel 38 opens preferably to the oscillation
chamber 37 with a cross section that is preferably smaller than a
cross section of the chamber 37 and element 36. The oscillation
chamber 37 is preferably blocked by a cover or blocking means 39,
e.g. a grid, rib or the like, so that the element 36 cannot escape
from the chamber 37. However, other arrangements and/or fluidic
connections are also possible.
[0077] The element 36 can preferably freely move in chamber 37
and/or is moved back and forth by the air stream 9, 23, 24 flowing
through the chamber 31 and, in particular set in oscillation,
namely preferably along the main flow direction. Most preferably,
the geometrical dimensions are similar or correspond to the
respective measures given in EP 0 147 755 A2 which is herewith
introduced for additional disclosure and as reference.
[0078] The oscillation of the element 36 is preferably caused by
the so-called Bernoulli effect. When oscillating, preferably the
element 36 periodically or repeatedly hits the opening of the
supply channel 38 and/or the blocking means 39. Thus, different
effects may result which support de-agglomeration and dispensing of
the inhalation formulation.
[0079] One effect is that the oscillation of element 36 causes
turbulences or eddies or the like in the chamber 37 which may
enhance mixing and/or de-agglomeration.
[0080] Another effect of the element 36 is that it forms a
hindrance or obstacle that has to be surrounded by the air stream 9
with the entrained inhalation formulation. The element 36 may form
a deflector and/or impactor. In particular, larger particles of the
inhalation formulation may impact onto the element 36 or may be
deflected by the element 36 so that de-agglomeration is
enhanced.
[0081] A further effect is that the oscillating element 36
generates a vibration such that the inhaler 1, the mouthpiece 8,
the outlet tube 18, the feeding path 20, the piercing member 7, the
blister pocket 3 and/or at least part of one of these or other
components vibrate. This enhances loosening and de-agglomeration of
the inhalation formulation. In particular, the blister pocket 3,
e.g. its lid 27 and/or its base, can be set in vibration.
[0082] According to an additional effect, the oscillating and/or
vibrating device 35 or its oscillating element 36 may generate air
pressure variations or waves or oscillations resulting in better
loosening or de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation in
particular, in the opened blister pocket 3.
[0083] The above effects can be achieved or realized independently
from each other and/or in any combinations thereof or
altogether.
[0084] The oscillating and/or vibrating device 35 is preferably
located within the mouthpiece 8, outlet tube 18, insert 17, feeding
path 20, mixing zone 22, outlet channel 30 or downstream
thereof.
[0085] The oscillating and/or vibrating device 35 or element 36
preferably oscillates or vibrates with a vibration frequency of
about 20 Hz to 5000 Hz, preferably 50 Hz to 500 Hz.
[0086] Most preferably, the mixing means and the
oscillating/vibrating device 35 are combined. This results in very
effective de-agglomeration and, in particular, in a generation of
an aerosol cloud 11 with at least essentially only fine particles
of the inhalation formulation.
[0087] Preferably, the oscillating and/or vibrating device 35 is
located downstream of the mixing means. However, any other
arrangement is also possible.
[0088] FIG. 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of the inhaler 1
according to the present invention in a schematic sectional view
similar to FIGS. 3 and 5. The following description focuses also
only on main differences between this embodiment and the previous
embodiments. The previous descriptions, advantages, aspects and/or
features preferably apply in addition or in a similar manner.
[0089] The inhaler 1 comprises a second mixing means for generating
a second swirl or cyclone 40 as schematically shown in FIG. 6.
Preferably, the second mixing means is constructed in a similar
manner as the first mixing means.
[0090] The second mixing means mixes in particular a second bypass
air stream 41 with the feeding air stream 23 and/or generates the
second cyclone 40 in the feeding path 20, insert 17, channel 30
and/or mixing zone or chamber 22 where the feeding air stream 23
and second bypass air stream 41 are or have been mixed.
[0091] In the present embodiment, the second mixing means comprises
preferably at least one or two second bypass channels 42 feeding
tangentially and/or transversally bypass air into the feeding path
20 or mixing chamber or the feeding air stream 23 already mixed
with the first bypass air stream 24, in particularly downstream of
the first mixing means/bypass channels 29.
[0092] Preferably, the second bypass channels 42 open to the
feeding path 20, mixing chamber or outlet tube 18, in particular
tangentially and/or transversally to the main flow or dispensing
direction of the feeding path 20 or mouthpiece 8 or outlet tube
18.
[0093] The turbulences generated by the mixing means may result in
lowering the mean velocity of the generated aerosol cloud 11. A
lower mean velocity is usually preferred, and, thus, improved
discharged characteristics can be achieved.
[0094] Preferably, the first mixing means generates the first
cyclone 34 with a first direction of rotation and the second mixing
means generates the second cyclone 40 with a second direction of
rotation opposite the first one. This counter rotation results in
optimized de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation, in
particular of larger particles of the inhalation formulation. This
may be explained due to high shear forces and/or turbulences or the
like.
[0095] The two mixing means or its generated cyclones 34, 40 are
preferably located one after the other or one above the other, in
particular axially spaced or axially one above the other with
respect to the main feeding direction or dispensing direction or
main extension of the feeding path 20 or outlet tube 18 or mouth
piece 8. However, other arrangements are also possible.
[0096] It has to be noted that the two mixing means as described
above are preferred. However, two mixing means are not necessarily
required, but preferred in combination.
[0097] It has to be noted that FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 are only schematic
sections and show the bypass channels 29, 42 in the same plane
although the channels 29, 42 are preferably transversally offset
relation to each other to generate the cyclones 34, 40 with the
desired direction of rotation.
[0098] Individual features and aspects of the described embodiments
and alternatives may be combined as desired.
[0099] Preferably, the terms "blister strip" and "blister pockets"
have to be understood in a very broad sense to cover also other
kinds of storage means with receptacles or even bulk storages for
the formulation.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0100] 1 inhaler [0101] 2 blister strip [0102] 3 blister pocket
[0103] 4 reservoir [0104] 5 conveyor [0105] 5a onward movement
[0106] 6 opening and/or removal position [0107] 7 piercing member
[0108] 8 mouthpiece [0109] 9 air stream [0110] 10 powder [0111] 11
aerosol cloud [0112] 12 actuator [0113] 12a housing [0114] 13
receiving apparatus [0115] 14 conveying wheel [0116] 15 mouthpiece
cover [0117] 16 cover axis [0118] 17 insert [0119] 18 outlet tube
[0120] 19 air opening [0121] 20 feeding path [0122] 21 bypass path
[0123] 22 mixing zone [0124] 23 feeding air stream [0125] 24 bypass
air stream [0126] 25 first piercing element [0127] 30 26 second
piercing element [0128] 27 lid [0129] 28 channel [0130] 29 bypass
channel [0131] 30 outlet channel [0132] 31 impaction element [0133]
32 impaction surface [0134] 33 wall [0135] 34 first cyclone [0136]
35 oscillating/vibrating device [0137] 36 oscillating element
[0138] 37 oscillation chamber [0139] 38 supply channel [0140] 39
blocking means [0141] 40 second cyclone [0142] 41 second bypass air
stream [0143] 42 second bypass channel
* * * * *