CN118304522B - Ratchet assembly and medicine dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a ratchet assembly and a medicine dispensing device, comprising a first wheel, a second wheel and a slide block unit, wherein the first wheel is configured for driving a target device; a second wheel is rotatably arranged on the first wheel, can idle from a first position to a second position, and can rotate to a third position after being driven by engagement of the first wheel at the second position; the slide block unit is arranged between the first wheel and the second wheel so as to form a mechanical rigid connection with the first wheel before the second wheel rotates from the third position to the first position, thereby resetting the first wheel to the reference position. According to the ratchet assembly and the medicine distribution device, the slide gear unit is arranged, so that the ratchet assembly is always positioned at the reference position after each actuation, the bag on the medicine carrier can be ensured to be in place accurately, and the medicine feeding reliability is improved; the idle design of the ratchet wheel component has the function of preventing misoperation and avoids ineffective release of the medicine.

Description

Ratchet assembly and medicine dispensing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a ratchet assembly and a medicine dispensing device.

Background Art

The use of inhalation devices in the administration of medicaments, for example in bronchodilatory therapy, is well known. Such devices generally comprise a body or housing in which a medicament carrier is disposed. Known inhalation devices include those in which the medicament carrier is a blister strip containing a number of discrete doses of a powdered medicament. Such devices generally comprise a mechanism for accessing these doses, generally including a puncturing device or a device for peeling a cover sheet from a base sheet so that the powdered medicament can be accessed and inhaled. Such mechanisms may also be used to dispense tablet-type medicaments, wherein peeling a cover sheet from a base sheet exposes the tablet for removal and subsequent consumption.

The applicant has learned that such devices usually use a ratchet structure to actuate the peeling device. However, the applicant has also learned about these potential problems: users hope that the ratchet structure can still provide precise actuation after multiple uses to ensure stable and accurate drug delivery of the device. On the other hand, the erroneous operation of the ratchet structure may immediately actuate the device to be peeled off, resulting in ineffective drug delivery.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a ratchet assembly and a drug dispensing device, which are at least used to solve the problem of accurate resetting of the ratchet assembly after each actuation, so that the device can stably and accurately administer the drug.

A ratchet assembly, comprising:

The first round is configured to transmit to the target device;

A second wheel is rotatably arranged on the first wheel, the second wheel being able to idle from a first position to a second position, and to rotate to a third position after engaging and driving the first wheel at the second position;

The sliding block unit is arranged between the first wheel and the second wheel so that the second wheel forms a mechanical rigid connection with the first wheel before rotating from the third position to the first position, thereby resetting the first wheel to a reference position.

In some embodiments, the first wheel and the second wheel are each provided with at least one ratchet member and at least one pawl arm along the circumferential direction, and the ratchet member corresponds to and matches the pawl arm one by one.

In some embodiments, during the rotation of the second wheel from the second position to the third position, the pawl arm engages with the ratchet member, thereby driving the first wheel to transmit toward the target device.

In some embodiments, during a portion of the time when the second wheel rotates from the third position to the first position, the pawl arm abuts against the ratchet member, thereby generating a static friction damping force.

In some embodiments, the ratchet member has an inner surface with a stepped profile, the inner surface comprising a first guide segment and a friction engagement segment;

An inner tooth structure is formed at a connection point between the first guide section and the friction-fitting section, and the friction-fitting section is closer to the pawl arm than the first guide section.

In some embodiments, the ratchet member has an outer surface extending toward the outer circumference, the outer surface includes a second guide segment, and an outer tooth structure is formed at a connection between an outermost end of the second guide segment and an edge of the first wheel.

In some embodiments, the outer tooth structure is configured to interfere with a retaining plate to retain the first wheel in a reference position.

In some embodiments, a positioning protrusion is disposed on the outer circumference of the second wheel, and the positioning protrusion is configured to engage with a retaining plate to retain the second wheel in a reference position.

In some embodiments, a main gear is disposed on a side of the first wheel away from the second wheel.

In some embodiments, a convex key is provided on a side of the second wheel away from the first wheel.

In some embodiments, the sliding unit includes a sliding groove provided on the first wheel and a stopper provided on the second wheel; or, the sliding unit includes a stopper provided on the first wheel and a sliding groove provided on the second wheel;

Before the second wheel rotates from the third position to the first position, the stopper may abut against the end of the slide slot, thereby resetting the first wheel to the reference position.

A drug dispensing device is provided with at least one drug carrier having a plurality of pouches, wherein the pouches are defined between a base sheet and a cover sheet which are attached to each other and can be separated from each other under the action of a pulling force, the drug dispensing device comprising:

a receiving station for receiving drug powder from the sachets of the drug carrier;

a dispensing mechanism configured to open the pouches of the drug carrier one by one and deliver them to the receiving station, while respectively rolling up the peeled base sheet and the cover sheet, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes the ratchet assembly mentioned above;

An outlet is connected to the receiving station for a user to absorb at least one drug powder each time for treatment.

In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism further comprises a plate driver that is mechanically coupled to the ratchet assembly and is actuated by the ratchet assembly only during the transition of the device from the second position to the third position.

In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism further comprises an indexing wheel having a recess for receiving the bladder;

The first wheel of the ratchet assembly is drivingly connected to the sheet driver through the indexing wheel.

Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least:

1. The sliding unit ensures that the ratchet assembly is always in the reference position after each actuation, thereby ensuring that the capsule on the drug carrier can be accurately positioned and improving the reliability of drug administration.

2. The idling design of the ratchet assembly has the function of preventing misoperation and avoiding ineffective release of drugs.

3. The flip cover has the function of locking in place and can automatically reset when pressed, which is convenient to use and can avoid changes in drug dosage caused by accidental movement of the flip cover.

4. The twisting piece makes it difficult for the flip cover to be opened by accident, and can also promote the full reset of the flip cover, thereby reducing the possibility of accidentally touching the outlet and causing contamination.

5. Through the compensation design of the sheet driver, the drug carrier can be subjected to stable tension and evenly divided, thus ensuring that the drug can be accurately placed.

6. The chip driver has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, which reduces costs and increases efficiency during device assembly.

7. The flip-cover linkage distribution mechanism simplifies the device structure and facilitates user actuation and control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drug carrier used in a drug dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention when it is in the first position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention when it is in the second position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention in the third position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a dispenser housing of a medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention after the second shell is hidden.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the receiving station, the dispensing mechanism and the outlet of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the automatic rebound structure of the cover of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the inner side of the first housing of the drug dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the flip cover of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front structural schematic diagram of the dispensing mechanism of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the dispensing mechanism of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the ratchet assembly of the drug dispensing device of the present invention when in the first position.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the ratchet assembly of the drug dispensing device of the present invention when in the second position.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the ratchet assembly of the drug dispensing device of the present invention when the ratchet assembly is in the third position.

FIG. 16 a is a schematic diagram of the ratchet assembly in a reference position.

FIG. 16 b is a schematic diagram of the ratchet assembly when it deviates from the reference position.

FIG. 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a ratchet assembly of a drug dispensing device of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 17 along the line A-A.

FIG. 19 is a schematic structural diagram of the first wheel of the ratchet assembly of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of the second wheel of the ratchet assembly of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sheet driver of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic structural diagram of the sheet driver of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention from another perspective.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the shaft portion, the driving portion, and the elastic arm of the sheet driver of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic structural diagram of a hub of a tablet driver of a drug dispensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the transmission connection between the substrate winding reel and the counter of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention.

In the figure: 1, distributor housing; 11, first housing; 12, second housing; 13, air grille; 14, convex portion; 141, opening; 142, first retaining groove; 143, assembly cavity;

2. Export;

3. Flip cover; 31. Rotating part; 311. Interface; 312. Guide groove; 313. Second retaining groove; 32. Anti-slip pattern;

4. distribution mechanism; 41. mounting frame; 411. main shaft; 42. ratchet assembly; 421. first wheel; 4211. ratchet piece; 42111. first guide section; 42112. friction fitting section; 42113. inner tooth structure; 42114. second guide section; 42115. outer tooth structure; 4212. main gear; 4213. mounting hole; 4214. recessed area; 422. second wheel; 4221. ratchet arm; 4222. positioning protrusion; 4223. convex key; 423. sliding unit; 4231. slide groove; 4232. stopper; 43. transmission assembly; 431, indexing wheel; 4311, groove; 44, stripping assembly; 441, film driver; 4411, drive unit; 44111, observation port; 44112, boss; 4412, shaft; 44121, center hole; 44122, flange; 4413, hub; 44131, assembly hole; 44132, groove; 44133, hook; 44134, vertical rib; 44135, fixing member; 4414, elastic arm; 44141, hand member; 442, substrate winding reel; 45, retaining plate; 451, elastic hook; 452, arc groove;

5. Receiving station; 51. Receiving hole;

6. Locking mechanism; 61. Torsion member; 62. Lock tongue; 63. Button;

7. Counter;

8. Drug carrier; 81. Capsule; 82. Base sheet; 83. Cover sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the concepts of example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted.

The words expressing positions and directions described in the present invention are all explained with reference to the accompanying drawings as examples, but they can be changed as needed, and all such changes are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

The present application discloses a drug dispensing device, which is built with at least one drug carrier 8 having a plurality of pouches 81. As shown in FIG1 , the drug carrier 8 is in the form of a strip and is presented in a coiled form, and the pouches 81 are extended in length and in the transverse direction relative to the drug carrier 8, so that a large number of pouches 81 can be spaced evenly along a given length to supply drugs.

The medicine carrier 8 comprises a base sheet 82 and a cover sheet 83. A blister is formed on the base sheet 82, and the pouch 81 is formed after being attached to the cover sheet 83, that is, the pouch 81 is defined between the base sheet 82 and the cover sheet 83 attached to each other. The base sheet 82 and the cover sheet 83 can be appropriately adhered to each other by heat sealing, but except for the front end portion of the base sheet 82 and the front end portion of the cover sheet 83, this makes the front end portion of the medicine carrier 8 separate from each other, which is conducive to the separation of the two from each other under the action of tension, thereby opening the pouch 81 on the medicine carrier 8.

The pouches 81 on each dose carrier 8 have the same type and/or contain the same dosage value (e.g., mass or volume) of drug powder, or in other embodiments, the pouches 81 on each dose carrier 8 also have different types and/or contain different dosage values of drug powder.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 , the drug dispensing device includes a dispenser housing 1 , an outlet 2 , a flip cover 3 and a dispensing mechanism 4 .

The dispenser housing 1 may be in any suitable shape or form so as to accommodate other parts or mechanisms of the device, such as the receiving station 5, the dispensing mechanism 4, and the like.

As shown in Figure 5, in a specific embodiment, the dispenser housing 1 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12, which can be symmetrically distributed on the left and right and cannot be disassembled after being connected. For example, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 can be connected to form the dispenser housing 1 by hot melting, snap fastening or other connection methods, so that the device becomes a disposable consumable, thereby improving safety of use.

The outlet 2 is arranged on the dispenser housing 1. For example, the outlet 2 can be fixed on the top of the dispenser housing 1 by snapping. The outlet 2 has a raised fitting portion which is configured in a relatively flat elliptical form to fit the lips of the human body.

In addition, the outlet 2 is connected to the receiving station 5. As shown in FIG7 , the receiving station 5 is disposed in the dispenser housing 1, and can be detachably connected to the dispensing mechanism 4 as a whole, and the receiving station 5 is provided with at least one receiving hole 51 at one end away from the outlet 2, and the receiving hole 51 can be docked with the indexing wheel 431 in the dispensing mechanism 4, and the dispensing mechanism 4 is manipulated to administer the drug, so that the user can absorb at least one drug powder each time for treatment.

Further, Figures 3 to 5 show that the dispenser housing 1 is provided with an air grille 13 in communication with the receiving station 5, the air grille 13 allows air to enter the receiving station 5, thereby providing auxiliary airflow to break up the drug powder when the device is used so that it can be fully absorbed by the user.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the flip cover 3 is arranged on the dispenser housing 1, and the two are rotatably connected. The flip cover 3 can be continuously moved from the first position of the device to the second position to the third position. The user can flexibly control the opening and closing of the outlet 2 by controlling the movement of the flip cover 3, and selectively link the dispensing mechanism 4 to perform the drug administration action, thereby improving the convenience of operation. The linkage relationship between the flip cover 3 and the dispensing mechanism 4 is described in detail below.

It should be noted that, during the above movement process, the first position corresponds to the initial position, at which the flip cover 3 can cover and protect the outlet 2. The second position is a transition position. Before reaching the second position, the outlet 2 is at least partially exposed, and the dispensing mechanism 4 in the device is not activated. On the one hand, this design hopes that the user will not activate the dispensing mechanism 4 to cause drug waste when cleaning the outlet 2. On the other hand, it provides an invalid movement path to avoid the dispensing mechanism 4 directly administering drugs due to misoperation. The third position corresponds to the terminal position, at which the outlet 2 is completely exposed, and the dispensing mechanism 4 opens the pouch 81 and delivers it to the receiving hole 51 of the receiving station 5, indicating that the device is ready for use.

As shown in Fig. 8 to Fig. 10, in a preferred embodiment, a locking mechanism 6 is provided between the flip cover 3 and the dispenser housing 1, thereby forming a cover automatic rebound structure. In the cover automatic rebound structure, when the flip cover 3 moves from the first position of the device to the third position, the locking mechanism 6 can limit it in the third position, and automatically reset it to the first position after being triggered.

The locking mechanism 6 includes a torsion piece 61, a lock tongue 62 and a button 63. The torsion piece 61 is connected to the dispenser housing 1 and the flip cover 3 respectively, and can be twisted around the rotation axis of the flip cover 3. For example, the torsion piece 61 can be a torsion spring, which provides the required torque for the flip cover 3 to reset. The lock tongue 62 is arranged on the rotating part 31 of the flip cover 3. For example, the lock tongue 62 can be integrally formed on the rotating part 31. The lock tongue 62 is roughly hook-shaped, which is more conducive to elastic deformation in the direction perpendicular to the flip cover 3. The button 63 is arranged on the convex part 14 of the dispenser housing 1. The convex part 14 is formed to protrude outward from the middle of the surface of the dispenser housing 1, and the convex part 14 is provided with an opening 141 opposite to the button 63.

In the above-mentioned automatic rebound structure of the cover, when the flip cover 3 moves to the third position of the device, the locking tongue 62 engages with the opening 141 to limit the flip cover 3. Compared with the existing cover structure, the flip cover 3 of the present application will not move when the user uses the device, thereby avoiding accidental movement that causes changes in drug dosage and affects treatment, while reducing the impact on the patency of the outlet 2 and the engagement with the lip. In addition, after the user triggers the button 63, that is, after the pressing operation, the locking tongue 62 can be separated from the opening 141, and the flip cover 3 is reset to the first position under the drive of the twisting member 61, thereby replacing the existing cover structure to manually push the flip cover 3 to reset, which is simpler and more efficient in operation.

It can be understood that when the flip cover 3 is moved from the first position of the device to the second position or the third position, the user needs to overcome the torque of the twisting member 61 to achieve this. This means that when the flip cover 3 is in the first position, it is actually restricted by the twisting member 61. However, it is precisely this restriction that makes the twisting member 61 have a better anti-misoperation function, thereby avoiding problems caused by the device being opened against the user's subjective will, such as the outlet 2 being contaminated, the dispensing mechanism 4 administering the drug, etc.

In the automatic rebound structure of the cover, FIGS. 2 to 4 all show that the flip cover 3 is provided with anti-slip grooves 32 at least at the operating end (the end of the flip cover 3 close to the user's thumb) to increase friction and facilitate the user's cover opening operation.

As shown in FIG6 and FIG10, the rotating part 31 of the flip cover 3 is provided with an interface 311, and the interface 311 is used to mechanically connect the target component, for example, it can be connected with the ratchet assembly 42 of the dispensing mechanism 4, thereby actuating the dispensing mechanism 4 to perform the drug dispensing function through the flip cover 3. Compared with the use mode in which the flip cover 3 in other devices can only control the opening and closing of the outlet 2, and the dispensing mechanism 4 is actuated by additional parts such as a driving rod, a motor, etc., the present application links the flip cover 3 with the ratchet assembly 42 of the dispensing mechanism 4, and while simplifying the device structure, the flip cover 3 can also selectively actuate the dispensing mechanism 4, thereby improving the convenience of use.

Furthermore, the interface 311 has a guide groove 312 extending toward the edge of the rotating portion 31 to better guide the interface 311 to cooperate with the docking portion on the ratchet assembly 42 , for example, to guide the convex key 4223 on the second wheel 422 of the ratchet assembly 42 to slide toward the interface 311 .

2 and 4 , when the flip cover 3 is in the first position of the device, the flip cover 3 can cover the air grille 13 to prevent the receiving station 5 from being contaminated, and when the device is in the third position, the air grille 13 is completely exposed to provide sufficient auxiliary airflow inside the receiving station 5.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the convex portion 14 of the dispenser housing 1 is provided with a first retaining groove 142, the rotating portion 31 of the flip cover 3 is provided with a second retaining groove 313, one end of the torsion piece 61 is connected to the first retaining groove 142, and the other end is connected to the second retaining groove 313.

FIG5 shows that the convex portion 14 has an assembly cavity 143 that limits the rotation angle of the rotating portion 31 to 0°-110°. The preferred rotation angle is limited to 0°-108°. Within this angle range, the ratchet assembly 42 connected to the flip cover 3 can successfully complete an actuation without an overtravel problem.

6, 11 and 12, the dispensing mechanism 4 is disposed in the dispenser housing 1, and the dispensing mechanism 4 includes a mounting frame 41 and a ratchet assembly 42, a transmission assembly 43 and a stripping assembly 44 disposed on the mounting frame 41. The mounting frame 41 is fixedly disposed in the dispenser housing 1, and the ratchet assembly 42 can selectively link with the transmission assembly 43 according to the position of the flip cover 3, thereby prompting the stripping assembly 44 to perform relevant actions to open the pouch 81 on the drug carrier 8 and reel in the stripped base sheet 82 and cover sheet 83 respectively.

FIG. 17 shows that the ratchet assembly 42 includes a first wheel 421 and a second wheel 422. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and 19, the first wheel 421 is rotatably mounted on the main shaft 411 of the mounting frame 41, and the second wheel 422 is rotatably mounted on the first wheel 421. The second wheel 422 can idle from the first position of the device to the second position. During this process, the second wheel 422 idles 20°, and the first wheel 421 remains stationary. The second wheel 422 engages with the first wheel 421 at the second position of the device and then rotates to the third position. During this process, the second wheel 422 drives the first wheel 421 to rotate synchronously by 88°, and at the same time, the first wheel 421 is driven toward the target device, that is, the sheet driver 441 of the stripping assembly 44, thereby prompting the sheet driver 441 to perform the stripping and winding functions. Compared with other devices in which the sheet driver 441 is directly actuated to perform corresponding actions, the present application links the ratchet assembly 42 with the sheet driver 441 (through the transmission assembly 43). While facilitating operation, the idling design of the ratchet assembly 42 is used to provide a safety measure for the action of the sheet driver 441 of the peeling assembly 44, thereby effectively avoiding unexpected peeling actions caused by the small-distance movement of the flip cover 3, so that the device has the function of preventing misoperation and improving the reliability of use.

Specifically, at least one ratchet piece 4211 is circumferentially provided on the first wheel 421, and at least one ratchet arm 4221 is circumferentially provided on the second wheel 422. As an example, five ratchet pieces 4211 are circumferentially provided on the first wheel 421, and five ratchet arms 4221 are also circumferentially provided on the second wheel 422. The ratchet arms 4221 correspond to and cooperate with the ratchet pieces 4211 one by one, thereby ensuring stable transmission and uniform force. In addition, the ratchet arms 4221 are engaged with the ratchet pieces 4211 only during the period from the second position of the device to the third position, thereby driving the first wheel 421 to rotate unidirectionally, providing power for the stripping assembly 44.

FIG. 16a shows the state of the first wheel 421/the second wheel 422 in the reference position. Under normal circumstances, as the flip cover 3 is reset, the first wheel 421 and the second wheel 422 of the ratchet assembly 42 are also limited by the holding plate 45. That is, in the reference position, the first wheel 421 is in conflict with the elastic hook 451 on the holding plate 45 through the outer tooth structure 42115 of the ratchet member 4211, and the second wheel 422 is engaged with the arc groove 452 on the holding plate 45 through the positioning protrusion 4222.

In the ratchet assembly 42, the second wheel 422 can reset the first wheel 421 to the reference position by generating a static friction damping force with the first wheel 421. That is, when the second wheel 422 rotates from the third position of the device to the first position, the pawl arm 4221 can abut against the ratchet member 4211 and generate a static friction damping force to rotate the first wheel 421 clockwise, and the outer tooth structure 42115 of the ratchet member 4211 contacts the elastic hook 451 on the retaining plate 45, thereby keeping the first wheel 421 in the reference position. However, as the device is used more and more times, if the static friction damping force gradually becomes smaller than the torque required for calibration of the first wheel 421, after the second wheel 422 rotates to the first position, the first wheel 421 still deviates from the reference position, that is, as shown in FIG16b, there is a gap between the outer tooth structure 42115 of the ratchet member 4211 and the elastic hook 451 on the retaining plate, which causes an error in the position accuracy of the first wheel 421, resulting in the inability to accurately distribute the pouch 81 of the drug carrier 8 to the receiving station 5 during the next actuation, affecting the user's inhalation or making it impossible for the user to inhale the correct dose, which is not what the design intended.

To this end, referring to Figures 18 to 20, in a preferred embodiment, a sliding unit 423 is provided between the first wheel 421 and the second wheel 422, and the sliding unit 423 is configured to form a mechanical rigid connection with the first wheel 421 before the second wheel 422 rotates from the third position of the device to the first position, thereby forcing the first wheel 421 to be reset to the reference position, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the actuation of the ratchet assembly 42.

The sliding unit 423 includes a sliding groove 4231 arranged on the first wheel 421 and a stopper 4232 arranged on the second wheel 422. As an example, the upper wheel surface of the first wheel 421 is evenly spaced with five sliding grooves 4231, and the lower wheel surface of the second wheel 422 is evenly spaced with five stoppers 4232, and each stopper 4232 is slidably arranged in the corresponding sliding groove 4231. Before the second wheel 422 is rotated from the third position of the device to the first position, the stopper 4232 will firstly conflict with the end of the sliding groove 4231 currently located, forming a rigid connection structure as shown in FIG18. It should be noted that the stopper 4232 and the sliding groove 4231 in the present application are both very small components, and the interference force generated by the cooperation between the two is smaller than the limiting force of the retaining plate 45 on the first wheel 421, but still stronger than the static friction damping force mentioned above. As the second wheel 422 continues to rotate, the first wheel 421 is pushed to reset to the reference position and is restricted by the retaining plate 45, while the block 4232 is forced to cross the current slide groove 4231 and enter the adjacent slide groove 4231, waiting for the next actuation of the ratchet assembly 42. The addition of the slide unit 423 enables the position of the first wheel 421 to be precisely controlled after each actuation of the ratchet assembly 42, thereby ensuring that the pouch 81 on the drug carrier 8 can be effectively in place, thereby improving the reliability of the drug delivery of the dispensing mechanism 4. Of course, in some alternative methods, the positions of the slide groove 4231 and the block 4232 can also be interchanged, for example, the slide unit 423 can also include a block 4232 set on the first wheel 421 and a slide groove 4231 set on the second wheel 422, which will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 19 , in the ratchet assembly 42, the main shaft 411 for mounting the first wheel 421 is preferably a toothed shaft to reduce the rotational friction between the first wheel 421 and the main shaft 411. Accordingly, the first wheel 421 is provided with a mounting hole 4213 that matches the main shaft 411, and a plurality of recessed areas 4214 are arranged at intervals on the outer periphery of the mounting hole 4213, and the recessed areas 4214 are arranged close to the inner side of the slide groove 4231. In the present application, the recessed areas 4214 make the thickness of the mounting hole 4213 tend to be balanced, avoiding the shrinkage deformation of the first wheel 421 due to uneven thickness during molding, ensuring that the structural quality and precision of the mounting hole 4213 meet the requirements, and on the other hand, the recessed areas also reduce the weight and raw materials of the first wheel 421, thereby reducing its molding cost.

In the ratchet assembly 42 shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 , the ratchet member 4211 of the first wheel 421 has an inner surface with a stepped profile, and the inner surface includes a first guide segment 42111 and a friction-fitting segment 42112. The first guide segment 42111 is used to guide the pawl arm 4221 to enter the engaged position during the idle rotation of the second wheel 422 from the first position to the second position, and an inner tooth structure 42113 is formed at the connection between the first guide segment 42111 and the friction-fitting segment 42112, and the inner tooth structure 42113 can be engaged with the pawl arm 4221 when the second wheel 422 rotates to the second position, thereby forcing the first wheel 421 to rotate unidirectionally by a certain angle, for example, the first wheel 421 rotates counterclockwise by 88°.

The friction fitting section 42112 is closer to the pawl arm 4221 than the first guiding section 42111, so that during the period when the second wheel 422 moves from the third position to the first position, the pawl arm 4221 can fit with the friction fitting section 42112 to generate static friction damping force, thereby causing the first wheel 421 to be reset to the reference position and remain restricted. As the second wheel 422 continues to rotate toward the first position, the torque applied to the second wheel 422 when the flip cover 3 is reset and closed is greater than the static friction damping force, and the pawl arm 4221 separates from the friction fitting section 42112, finally causing the first wheel to rotate to the first position of the device.

In addition, the ratchet member 4211 also has an outer surface extending toward the outer circumference, and the outer surface includes a second guide segment 42114. The second guide segment 42114 is used to guide the outer surface of the ratchet member 4211 to move and force the elastic hook 451 on the retaining plate 45 to expand and deform outward when the second wheel 422 rotates from the second position of the device to the third position. An outer tooth structure 42115 is formed at the connection between the outermost end of the second guide segment 42114 and the edge of the first wheel 421. When the second wheel 422 rotates to the third position of the device, the outer tooth structure 42115 can pass over the elastic hook 451, and under the action of the rigid connection of the sliding unit 423 and/or the action of the static friction damping force generated by the fit of the pawl arm 4221 and the ratchet member 4211, it conflicts with the elastic hook 451, thereby keeping the first wheel 421 in the reference position, as shown in FIG. 16a.

Correspondingly, a positioning protrusion 4222 is also provided on the outer periphery of the second wheel 422. When the second wheel 422 returns to the first position of the device, the positioning protrusion 4222 can engage with the arc groove 452 on the retaining plate 45, so that the second wheel 422 is maintained in the reference position, see FIG. 16a.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 18 , in the ratchet assembly 42, the first wheel 421 is used as a power output part, and a main gear 4212 is provided on a side away from the second wheel 422. Preferably, the main gear 4212 is coaxial with the first wheel 421 and is integrally formed, so that the concentricity and bonding strength of the main gear 4212 and the first wheel 421 are effectively guaranteed, and the lateral arrangement of the main gear 4212 is more convenient for meshing and mounting with the transmission assembly 43.

A convex key 4223 is provided on the side of the second wheel 422 away from the first wheel 421, as shown in Figures 6 and 17, and the convex key 4223 matches the interface 311 at the rotating part 31 of the flip cover 3, and can slide quickly and embed into the interface 311 under the guidance of the guide groove 312, so that the flip cover 3 and the second wheel 422 are mechanically connected together.

12 to 15 , the transmission assembly 43 is disposed between the ratchet assembly 42 and the stripping assembly 44, and plays the role of transmitting power and delivering the drug carrier 8. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 43 is a gear assembly composed of a plurality of gear components, and is respectively connected to the ratchet assembly 42 and the stripping assembly 44 in the form of inter-tooth meshing.

7, 11 and 12 show a partial structure of the transmission assembly 43, which is the indexing wheel 431 in the transmission assembly 43. The indexing wheel 431 is circumferentially provided with grooves 4311 for receiving the pouches 81. For example, the number of the grooves 4311 can be 2-6. As the ratchet assembly 42 is actuated, the second wheel 422 moves from the second position of the device to the third position, and the previous groove 4311 on the indexing wheel 431 delivers the previous pouch 81 on the drug carrier 8 to the receiving station 5, and the next groove 4311 on the indexing wheel 431 docks with the next pouch 81 on the drug carrier 8, so that the drugs are delivered one by one in an orderly manner, and the pouches 81 are opened in cooperation with the stripping assembly 44, so that the drug powder enters the receiving station 5.

11 to 12 show that the stripping assembly 44 includes a sheet driver 441. The sheet driver 441 is located at the top of the dispenser body and is arranged close to the receiving station 5. The sheet driver 441 is used to connect the front end of the cover sheet 83, provide the main power for stripping the drug carrier 8 and opening the pouch 81, and reel in the stripped waste cover sheet 83.

As shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 , in a preferred embodiment, the sheet driver 441 includes a driving portion 4411, a shaft portion 4412, a hub 4413 and an elastic arm 4414. The shaft portion 4412 extends perpendicularly to the driving portion 4411; the hub 4413 is arranged on one side of the driving portion 4411 and can rotate around the shaft portion 4412; the elastic arm 4414 extends from the outer periphery of the shaft portion 4412 toward the inner wall of the hub 4413, and the elastic arm 4414 is connected to the hub 4413 through a quick-connect structure. When the hub 4413 rotates relative to the shaft portion 4412, the corresponding flip cover 3/second wheel 422 moves from the second position of the device to the third position, during which the elastic arm 4414 can deflect clockwise/counterclockwise to provide tension compensation, and even if the effective winding surface diameter of the hub 4413 is arbitrarily increased, it will not affect the uniform division of the drug carrier 8.

It should be noted that the existing sheet drive (distinguishing between left and right) usually realizes tension compensation with a built-in torsion spring, and each sheet drive can only rotate in a single direction to provide tension compensation. However, the sheet drive 441 of the present application uses an elastic arm 4414 to deflect clockwise/counterclockwise to realize tension compensation, and only one elastic arm 4414 is needed to simultaneously meet the left and right (i.e. clockwise/counterclockwise) deflection requirements. It integrates the left and right sheet drive components into one device, which has better versatility. In particular, during the installation process, the sheet drive 441 no longer needs to distinguish between left and right, which effectively improves production efficiency and assembly convenience.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 23 , in the above-mentioned sheet driver 441, the shaft 4412 extends perpendicularly to the driving portion 4411, the shaft 4412 and the driving portion 4411 may be integrally formed, and the elastic arm 4414 extends from the outer periphery of the shaft 4412 toward the inner wall of the shaft hub 4413, and the shaft 4412 and the elastic arm 4414 may also be integrally formed, which makes the driving portion 4411, the shaft 4412 and the elastic arm 4414 become one part, and the shaft hub 4413 is another part. During assembly, the shaft hub 4413 is directly sleeved on the shaft 4412, and the elastic arm 4414 is connected to the shaft hub 4413 through a quick-connect structure. Compared with the existing sheet driver, the sheet driver 441 of the present application has fewer parts and is quick to assemble. Especially in mass production, the sheet driver 441 can effectively reduce production costs and improve assembly efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 , the quick-connect structure includes a fixing member 44135 disposed in the shaft hub 4413 and a pair of members 44141 disposed on the elastic arm 441414. By matching and connecting the pair of members 44141 and the fixing member 44135, the assembly of the sheet driver 441 can be completed quickly. The shape and structure of the fixing member 44135 and the pair of members 44141 are not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the fixing member 44135 is a cross rib integrally formed at the inner top of the shaft hub 4413, and the pair of members 44141 is a jacket formed by extending and bending the elastic arm 4414, wherein the jacket is detachably mounted on the cross rib, thereby realizing the quick connection between the shaft hub 4413 and the elastic arm 4414, and facilitating the replacement of faulty parts. For another example, the fixing member 44135 may be a slot integrally formed at the inner top of the hub 4413, and the hand member 44141 may be a buckle extending from the elastic arm 4414, wherein the buckle is detachably inserted in the slot (not shown).

Furthermore, the driving part 4411 shown in Fig. 22 is provided with an observation port 44111, and the position of the observation port 44111 is directly opposite to the position of the quick-connect structure. During assembly, the positions of the fixing member 44135 and the pair member 44141 can be determined through the observation port 44111, and the alignment can be completed by adjusting the angle appropriately, thereby facilitating the assembly of the pair driver 441.

In the above-mentioned sheet driver 441, the driving part 4411 is preferably a driving gear, and the first wheel 421 of the ratchet assembly 42 can be linked with the driving part 4411 through the indexing wheel 431 of the transmission assembly 43, and the sheet driver 441 is controlled by the flip cover 3. Compared with the use mode in which the sheet driver 441 is actuated by additional parts in other devices, the present application links the sheet driver 441 with the flip cover 3, which simplifies the operation and facilitates the user to control the moving sheet driver 441 to perform related actions through the flip cover 3. Of course, in some alternative modes, the driving part 4411 can also be a driving wheel, and the first wheel 421 of the ratchet assembly 42 can be linked with the indexing wheel 431 of the transmission assembly 43 and/or the driving part 4411 of the sheet driver 441 through belt drive, friction drive, etc. (not shown).

As shown in Fig. 22, a center hole 44121 extending to the drive part 4411 is provided in the shaft part 4412. On one hand, the center hole 44121 can reduce the overall weight of the sheet driver 441, so that the power transmitted to the drive part 4411 can drive the hub 4413 to peel off and wind the cover sheet 83 more smoothly; on the other hand, the center hole 44121 can play a positioning role during molding, which is conducive to the integral molding of the shaft part 4412 and the drive part 4411.

As shown in Fig. 21, the end of the shaft hub 4413 away from the driving part 4411 is provided with an assembly hole 44131, and the shaft hub 4413 is sleeved on the shaft part 4412 through the assembly hole 44131. Further, as shown in Fig. 23, the outer periphery of the shaft part 4412 is provided with an annular flange 44122, the outer diameter of the flange 44122 is larger than the hole diameter of the assembly hole 44131, and the distance from the flange 44122 to the driving part 4411 is greater than or equal to the distance from the assembly hole 44131 to the driving part 4411, so that the shaft hub 4413 is stably restricted on the shaft part 4412 to prevent it from falling off, and ensure the stability of the rotation of the shaft hub 4413.

The surface of the hub 4413 is configured to receive the target piece, for example, in the present application, the surface of the hub 4413 is used to receive the front end portion of the cover piece 83. Further, the hub 4413 shown in FIG21 is provided with a groove 44132 at the automatic edge and a hook 44133 is formed thereon, so as to better receive the front end portion of the cover piece 83. Preferably, the front end portion of the cover piece 83 is a block structure or an annular structure, so as to better connect and cooperate with the groove 44132 or the hook 44133.

Furthermore, at least one cut surface is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft hub 4413; and/or, the surface of the shaft hub 4413 is provided with a texture or coating (to increase the surface roughness). The cut surface and/or the texture or coating can enhance the connection between the surface of the shaft hub 4413 and the cover sheet 83 during winding, thereby ensuring that the cover sheet 83 can be tightly wound on the shaft hub 4413, avoiding the effect of peeling off the drug carrier 8.

As shown in Figures 23 and 24, a plurality of vertical ribs 44134 are arranged at intervals on the inner wall of the shaft hub 4413, a boss 44112 is arranged on the side of the driving portion 4411 close to the shaft hub 4413, and the vertical ribs 44134 are provided with corners riding on the boss 44112. On one hand, the vertical ribs 44134 can enhance the structural strength of the shaft hub 4413, and on the other hand, the corners of the vertical ribs 44134 can limit the rotation of the shaft hub 4413 after cooperating with the boss 44112, ensuring that the shaft hub 4413 does not deflect when rotating around the shaft portion 4412, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the sheet driver 441.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, it is shown that the stripping assembly 44 further includes a substrate winding reel 442. The substrate winding reel 442 is located at the bottom of the dispenser housing 1 and is arranged away from the receiving station 5. The substrate winding reel 442 is used to connect the front end of the substrate 82 and reel in the stripped waste substrate 82. The substrate winding reel 442 is also driven and controlled by the first wheel 421 of the ratchet assembly 42 through the transmission assembly 43, and the action of winding the substrate 82 is always synchronized with the action of the sheet driver 441 winding the cover sheet 83. In some other embodiments, the sheet driver 441 may be used to replace the substrate winding reel 442 to wind the substrate 82 (not shown).

Furthermore, the substrate winding reel 442 is also connected to a counter 7, as shown in FIG25 , and the counter 7 is preferably a mechanical counter, which is installed in the dispenser housing 1 and can expose the counting part. When the flip cover 3 moves from the second position of the device to the third position, the ratchet assembly 42 generates an actuation, thereby driving the substrate winding reel 442 to rotate and the counter 7 performs a counting action to display the remaining number of times the device can be used, which is convenient for users.

The above-mentioned drug dispensing device can be designed to receive a single drug carrier 8 to form a "single-active" drug therapy, or it can be designed to receive multiple drug carriers 8, different drug carriers 8 can provide different drug powders, which when mixed together form a "multi-active" drug therapy.

Taking FIG. 7 as an example, in the present application, the drug dispensing device is preferably equipped with two drug carriers 8, which are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the device, and the distribution mechanism 4 has two indexing wheels 431 and stripping components 44, which are also symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the device. When in use, the flip cover 3 is first moved from the first position of the device to the second position, and correspondingly, the second wheel 422 of the ratchet assembly 42 rotates counterclockwise for 20° and then just engages with the first wheel 421, but this process does not actuate the stripping component 44. As the flip cover 3 moves from the second position of the device to the third position and is limited there, the second wheel 422 of the ratchet assembly 42 drives the first wheel 421 to rotate 88° counterclockwise, and the first wheel 421 delivers the pouch 81 on the drug carrier 8 to the receiving station 5 through the indexing wheel 431 of the transmission assembly 43, and during this period, the transmission assembly 43 actuates the sheet driver 441 and the substrate to rotate synchronously around the reel 442 to respectively wind the cover sheet 83 and the substrate 82, thereby opening the pouch 81 to expose the two drug powders to the receiving hole 51 of the receiving station 5, which means that the device is ready for use. The user can place the outlet 2 at the mouth and absorb the mixed drug powder for treatment. After use, the user can press the button 63 to automatically reset the flip cover 3 from the third position of the device to the first position, and the corresponding second wheel 422 of the ratchet assembly 42 rotates 108° clockwise to reset, while keeping the first wheel 421 at the reference position. This process does not actuate the stripping assembly 44 until the flip cover 3 covers the outlet 2 and waits for the next use of the device.

The drug dispensing device is suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical products, particularly for treating respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and chest infections. In addition, it can also be used to treat diseases that need to be treated by systemic circulation of drugs, such as migraine, diabetes, etc.

Suitable drugs may thus be selected from, for example, analgesics such as codeine, dihydromorphine, ergotamine, fentanyl or morphine; angina preparations such as diltiazem; antiallergics such as cromoglycate (e.g. as sodium salt), mepentylene or nedocromil (e.g. as sodium salt); anti-infectives such as cephalosporins, penicillins, streptomycin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and pentamidine; antihistamines such as methamphetamine; anti-inflammatory drugs such as beclomethasone (e.g. as dipropionate), fluticasone (e.g. as propionate), fluticasone, budesonide, lobonide, mometasone (e.g. as furoate), ciclesonide , triamcinolone acetate (e.g. as acetonide) or 6α, 9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxo-17α-propionyl-androsta-1,4-diene-17β-thiocarboxylic acid S-(2-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl) ester; cough suppressants, such as narcotine; bronchodilators, such as albuterol (e.g. as free base or sulfate), salmeterol (e.g. as sinafide), ephedrine, adrenaline, phenterol (e.g. as hydrobromide), formoterol (e.g. as fumarate), phentermine, dihydroxyphenylisopropylaminoethanol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pirbuterol (e.g. as acetate ), theaproterenol (e.g. as the hydrochloride), hydroxypiperidinol, terbutaline (e.g. as the sulfate), neoproterenol, tolbutrol or 4-hydroxy-7-[[2-[[3-(2-phenylethoxy)propyl]sulfonyl]ethyl]amino]ethyl-2(3H)-benzothiazolone; adenosine 2a agonists, such as 2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-[6-amino-2-(1S-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-caffein-9-yl]-5-(2-ethyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-3,4-diol (e.g. as the maleate salt); α4 integrin inhibitors, such as (2S)-3-[4-({[4-(aminocarbonyl)-1-linear urea]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino]propionic acid (e.g., as the free acid or potassium salt), diuretics such as amiloride; anticholinergics such as dapoxetine (e.g., as the bromide), tiotropium, atropine, or oxitropium bromide; hormones such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, or prednisolone; xanthines such as aminophylline, theophylline choline, lysine theophylline, or theophylline; therapeutic proteins and peptides such as insulin or glucagon; vaccines, diagnostics, and gene therapy. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the drug may be used in the form of a salt (e.g. as an alkali metal or amine salt or as an acid addition salt) or as an ester (e.g. a lower alkyl ester) or as a solvent (hydrate) where appropriate to optimize effectiveness and/or drug stability.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, substitute and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the invention without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention. All such changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A ratchet assembly, comprising:

a first wheel (421) configured for transmission to a target device;

a second wheel (422) rotatably disposed on the first wheel (421), the second wheel (422) capable of idling from a first position to a second position and being rotated to a third position after being engaged in the second position to drive the first wheel (421);

A slide block unit (423) disposed between the first wheel (421) and the second wheel (422), the slide block unit (423) including a chute (4231) disposed on the first wheel (421) and a stopper (4232) disposed on the second wheel (422);

wherein before the second wheel (422) is turned from the third position to the first position, the stop (4232) can interfere with the end of the chute (4231) so that it forms a mechanically rigid connection with the first wheel (421), thereby resetting the first wheel (421) to the reference position.

2. The ratchet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first wheel (421) and the second wheel (422) are each provided with at least one ratchet member (4211) and at least one pawl arm (4221) in a circumferential direction, respectively, the ratchet members (4211) being in one-to-one correspondence and mating with the pawl arms (4221).

3. The ratchet assembly according to claim 2, wherein the pawl arm (4221) engages the ratchet member (4211) during rotation of the second wheel (422) from the second position to the third position, thereby urging the first wheel (421) toward the target device.

4. A ratchet assembly according to claim 3, wherein during the part of the second wheel (422) that is turned from the third position to the first position, the pawl arm (4221) abuts the ratchet member (4211) thereby generating a static friction damping force.

5. The ratchet assembly according to claim 4, wherein the ratchet member (4211) has an inner surface of stepped profile comprising a first guiding segment (42111) and a friction fit segment (42112);

Wherein a first guide section (42111) and the friction fit section (42112) are formed with an internal tooth structure (42113) at a junction, and the friction fit section (42112) is closer to the pawl arm (4221) than the first guide section (42111).

6. The ratchet assembly according to claim 4, wherein the ratchet member (4211) has an outer surface extending circumferentially towards the outer surface comprising a second guide section (42114), an outermost end of the second guide section (42114) being formed with an external tooth arrangement (42115) at a connection with an edge of the first wheel (421).

7. The ratchet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the external tooth structure (42115) is configured for interference fit with a retaining plate (45) to retain the first wheel (421) in a reference position.

8. The ratchet assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer periphery of the second wheel (422) is provided with a positioning protrusion (4222), the positioning protrusion (4222) being configured for snap-fit engagement with a retaining plate (45) to retain the second wheel (422) in a reference position.

9. The ratchet assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the side of the first wheel (421) remote from the second wheel (422) is provided with a main gear (4212).

10. The ratchet assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the side of the second wheel (422) remote from the first wheel (421) is provided with a male key (4223).

11. A medication dispensing apparatus having at least one medicament carrier (8) having a plurality of pockets (81) disposed therein, said pockets (81) being defined between a base sheet (82) and a cover sheet (83) which are attached to each other and are separable from each other under tension, said medication dispensing apparatus comprising:

-a receiving station (5) for receiving a medicament powder from a sachet (81) of the medicament carrier (8);

-a dispensing mechanism (4) configured to open and deliver pockets (81) of the medicament carriers (8) one by one to the receiving station (5) while rolling the peeled substrate (82) and cover sheet (83) respectively, wherein the dispensing mechanism (4) comprises a ratchet assembly (42) according to any one of claims 1-10;

An outlet (2) connected to said receiving station (5) for each inhalation of at least one drug powder by a user for use as a treatment.

12. The medication dispensing apparatus of claim 11 wherein said dispensing mechanism (4) further comprises a sheet driver (441), said sheet driver (441) being mechanically coupled to said ratchet assembly (42) and being actuated by said ratchet assembly (42) only during rotation of the apparatus from the second position to the third position.

13. The medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 wherein said dispensing mechanism (4) further comprises an index wheel (431), said index wheel (431) having a recess (4311) for receiving said pocket (81);

the first wheel (421) of the ratchet assembly (42) is in driving connection with the sheet driver (441) via the index wheel (431).