Nebulizer with non-detachably attached indicator device
A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid is proposed. The nebulizer includes an indicator device with a rotatable indicator element for counting or indicating a number of actuations performed or still possible with the nebulizer and a rotatable shaft which rotatably drives the indicator element. The indicator device is non-detachably attached to the shaft and/or to an inner part of the nebulizer. The nebulizer may further include a positioning device that keeps the shaft in a defined rotational position and/or blocks the shaft from rotating backwards.
1 . A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid, comprising:
a container with a container housing containing the fluid,
an inner part in which the container is received,
a holder moveably positioned within the inner part for holding the container,
a detachable housing part which is detachable from the inner part,
an indicator device with a rotatable indicator element for counting or indicating a number of actuations performed or still possible with the nebulizer, and a rotatable shaft which is configured to rotatably drive the indicator element,
wherein the indicator device comprises an indicator housing,
wherein the indicator device is separate from the container and wherein the indicator housing is non-detachably attached to an end of the inner part, and
wherein the detachable housing part is configured to receive the end of the inner part and the indicator device such that the detachable housing part, the holder, and the inner part cooperate to enclose the container during use and the detachable housing part encircles the indicator device.
2 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the nebulizer comprises an energy store disposed in the inner part for providing energy to nebulize the fluid, wherein the inner part comprises a retaining part which retains, bears or biases the energy store, wherein at least one of:
the indicator device is attached to the retaining part;
the indicator element encompasses the retaining part or a support portion thereof; and
the retaining part forms a rotation bearing for the indicator element.
3 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein:
the container is configured to execute a stroke movement when the nebulizer is actuated, and
a height of the indicator device or the indicator housing corresponds at least essentially to a length of the stroke movement.
4 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of:
the indicator element comprises or forms a toothing,
the indicator element is ring-like, and
the indicator element is embodied as or forms a spur gear and/or toothed wheel.
5 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein
the indicator housing comprises a window such that the indicator element is partly visible.
6 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft is provided with a drive gear which rotatably couples the shaft with the indicator element, wherein the nebulizer or inner part comprises or forms a bearing lug for the shaft, the shaft reaching through the bearing lug with a portion which is provided with the drive gear.
7 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the nebulizer comprises a rider and wherein the shaft comprises a threaded portion for linearly driving the rider, wherein the rider forms a second indicator device and/or is configured to actuate a locking device locking the nebulizer against further actuation when a predetermined number of actuations has been reached or exceeded.
8 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the nebulizer comprises one or more drive portions configured to cooperate with the shaft or a shaft gear thereof when the nebulizer is actuated such that the shaft is rotated by a defined angle, wherein the nebulizer comprises an upper housing part, wherein the nebulizer is configured to be actuated by rotating the inner part relative to the upper housing part, and wherein the one or more drive portions are formed by one or more teeth of the upper housing part.
9 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft is attached to the inner part and extends along the inner part.
10 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the nebulizer comprises a positioning device configured to keep the shaft in a defined rotational position between two actuations and/or to act as a ratchet.
11 . The nebulizer according to claim 1 , wherein the container is configured to execute a stroke movement relative to the indicator device when the nebulizer is actuated.
12 . A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid, comprising:
a container with a container housing containing the fluid,
an inner part in which the container is received,
a holder moveably positioned within the inner part for holding the container,
a detachable housing part which is detachable from the inner part,
an indicator device with a rotatable indicator element for counting or indicating a number of actuations performed or still possible with the nebulizer,
a rotatable shaft which is configured to rotatably drive the indicator element, and
a positioning device on the inner part configured to keep the shaft in a defined rotational position between two actuations and/or to act as a ratchet,
wherein the indicator device comprises an indicator housing,
wherein the indicator device is separate from the container and wherein the indicator housing is non-detachably attached to an end of the inner part, and
wherein the detachable housing part is configured to receive the end of the inner part and the indicator device such that detachable housing part, the holder, and the inner part cooperate to enclose the container during use and the detachable housing part encircles the indicator device.
13 . The nebulizer according to claim 12 , wherein the positioning device is embodied as or comprises a flexible arm, a projection or ratchet which engages between two teeth of a shaft gear of the shaft.
14 . The nebulizer according to claim 12 , wherein the positioning device is embodied as a ratchet to flex away when the shaft is rotated, allowing rotary motion of the shaft in only one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction.
15 . The nebulizer according to claim 12 , wherein the positioning device is integrally formed with or formed by the inner part.
16 . The nebulizer according to claim 12 , wherein the container is configured to execute a stroke movement relative to the indicator device when the nebulizer is actuated.
17 . A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid, comprising:
a container with a container housing containing the fluid,
the container being configured to execute a stroke movement relative to an indicator device when the nebulizer is actuated,
an inner part in which the container is received,
a holder moveably positioned within the inner part for holding the container,
a detachable housing part which is detachable from the inner part,
the indicator device having a rotatable indicator element for counting or indicating a number of actuations performed or still possible with the nebulizer, and
a rotatable shaft which is configured to rotatably drive the indicator element,
wherein the indicator device comprises an indicator housing,
wherein the indicator device is separate from the container and wherein the indicator housing is non-detachably attached to an end of the inner part,
wherein the detachable housing part is configured to receive the free end of the inner part and the indicator device such that detachable housing part, the holder, and the inner part cooperate to enclose the container during use and the detachable housing part encircles the indicator device, and
wherein a height of the indicator device or the indicator housing of the indicator device corresponds at least essentially to the length of the stroke movement.
18 . The nebulizer according to claim 17 , further comprising a positioning device configured to keep the shaft in a defined rotational position between two actuations and/or to act as a ratchet.