Nebuliser with coding means

Abstract

A nebulizer and a housing part removably connected thereto, each having one or more coding elements. At least one of the coding elements is configured to be mounted in different defined positions on the nebulizer or the housing part and is removably connected thereto so that in each position a different coding is obtained in which the one or more coding elements match one another.

Claims

1. A nebuliser (1) for a fluid (2), into which a container (3) holding the fluid (2) is inserted, the nebulizer comprising: a pressure generator (5) for conveying and/or nebulising the fluid (2); a first housing part (16, 17); a second housing part (18) which is removable from the first housing part (16) for the insertion of the container (3); and coding means formed by two or more separate parts, which are mountable on the nebulizer in different defined positions such that: (i) in each position a different coding is obtained as between the two or more separate parts; (ii) in only one of the different defined positions a match between the two or more separate parts is obtained in which the container (3) is configured to be inserted into the nebuliser (1) or used therewith; and (iii) the only one of the different defined positions to achieve the match is adjustable, through relative movement of, and without replacement of, the two or more separate parts.

2. The nebuliser according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is located on the first housing part (16, 17) and at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is located on the removable second housing part (18).

3. The nebuliser according to claim 2, wherein the at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the removable second housing part (18) is configured in the manner of part of the wall of an imaginary hollow cylinder (H), the wall having at least one freely passable groove (260) extending in a direction of an axis of symmetry (S) of the imaginary hollow cylinder (H).

4. The nebuliser according to claim 3, wherein the at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the removable second housing part (18) comprises a plurality of grooves (260,261), of which one groove (260) is freely passable and the other grooves (261) are rendered non-passable by transverse walls (262).

5. The nebuliser according to claim 2, wherein the container (3) is inseparable from the second housing part (18).

6. The nebuliser according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is freely rotatable about an axis of the nebuliser (1), at least over a limited angular range, and by being pushed longitudinally along the axis of the nebuliser (1) is movable into a position in which the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is no longer rotatable.

7. The nebuliser according to claim 6, wherein the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the nebuliser (1) is annular, or comprises a connecting or ring portion (302).

8. The nebuliser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the nebuliser (1) comprises at least one projection (301) projecting radially and/or outwardly.

9. The nebuliser according to claim 8, wherein the at least one projection (301) protrudes axially over the connecting or ring portion.

10. The nebuliser according to claim 7, wherein the connecting or ring portion (302) comprises engagement means, including inner teeth (303), for mounting or securing the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means on the nebuliser (1).

11. The nebuliser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the nebuliser (1) is mounted or secured on the nebuliser (1) by snap-fit and/or form-fit, in particular engages with at least one tooth (303) into an engagement recess (304) or vice versa.

12. The nebuliser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the nebuliser (1) is mountable in different rotational positions on the nebuliser (1).

13. The nebuliser according to claim 7, wherein the nebuliser (1) comprises markings (33) indicating different rotational positions for facilitating setting the coding when mounting the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means on the nebuliser (1).

14. The nebuliser according to claim 13, wherein a projection (301) or an indicator (304) of the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means points to one of the markings (33) depending on the selected rotational position of the at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means.

15. The nebuliser according to claim 1, wherein the second housing part (18) comprises a non-circular and/or receiving portion (35) for a retaining element (19) of the nebuliser (1) and/or an engagement portion (36) so that the second housing part (18) is connectable to the nebuliser (1) only in a defined rotational position.

16. The nebuliser according to claim 15, wherein at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means of the second housing part (18) is provided with at least one freely passable groove (270) located in different rotational positions depending on the coding of the nebuliser (1).

17. A nebuliser (1) for a fluid (2), into which a container (3) holding the fluid (2) is inserted, the nebulizer comprising: a pressure generator (5) for conveying and/or nebulising the fluid (2); a first housing part (16, 17); a second housing part (18) which is removable from the first housing part (16) for the insertion of the container (3); and coding means formed by two or more separate parts, which are mountable on the nebulizer in different defined positions such that: (i) in each position a different coding is obtained as between the two or more separate parts; (ii) in only one of the different defined positions a match between the two or more separate parts is obtained in which the container (3) is configured to be inserted into the nebuliser (1) or used therewith; and (iii) the only one of the different defined positions to achieve the match is adjustable among the different defined positions in which the coding of the nebulizer (1) is set, wherein: at least one of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is located on the first housing part (16, 17) and at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means is located on the removable second housing part (18), the at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the removable second housing part (18) is configured in the manner of part of the wall of an imaginary hollow cylinder (H), the wall having at least one freely passable groove (260) extending in a direction of an axis of symmetry (S) of the imaginary hollow cylinder (H), and the at least one other of the two or more separate parts of the coding means associated with the removable second housing part (18) comprises a plurality of grooves (260,261), of which one groove (260) is freely passable and the other grooves (261) are rendered non-passable by transverse walls (262).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawings schematically show:

(2) FIG. 1 a longitudinal section through a known nebuliser in the untensioned state,

(3) FIG. 2 a longitudinal section through the known nebuliser in the tensioned state, rotated through 90 degrees compared with FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 a perspective view of a proposed removable housing part with an active substance container which can be inserted in a proposed nebuliser,

(5) FIG. 4 a partial perspective view of a proposed nebuliser on which the housing-like component according to FIG. 3 can be mounted,

(6) FIG. 5 a longitudinal section through a proposed nebuliser with a releasable lower housing part already fitted,

(7) FIG. 6 a perspective detailed view of a coding means used in the proposed releasable lower housing part,

(8) FIG. 7 a representation of the coding means according to view VII in FIG. 6,

(9) FIG. 8 a perspective representation of two coding means mounted on the proposed nebuliser according to FIG. 4 (upper housing part),

(10) FIG. 9 the perspective view of a proposed releasable lower housing part according to a second embodiment,

(11) FIG. 10a to c the lower housing part according to FIG. 9 in a perspective view, showing different positions of the coding element,

(12) FIG. 11 a perspective sectional view of the lower housing part according to FIG. 9 but without a container,

(13) FIG. 12a to c a perspective partial view of a proposed nebuliser on which the lower housing part according to FIG. 9 can be mounted, having a sleeve-like coding means, in different positions,

(14) FIG. 13 a perspective view of a proposed nebuliser with the lower housing part fitted thereon, in a third embodiment,

(15) FIG. 14 a perspective detailed view of the coding means used in the upper housing part or in the lower housing part of the proposed nebuliser according to FIG. 13,

(16) FIG. 15 a partial section through the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, taken along sectional view XV,

(17) FIG. 16 a sectional view rotated through 90 degrees in relation to FIG. 15,

(18) FIG. 17 a perspective view of a proposed nebuliser with the lower housing part detached, according to a fourth embodiment,

(19) FIG. 18 another perspective view of the nebuliser according to FIG. 17, but without lower housing part,

(20) FIG. 19 a perspective view of the lower housing part of FIG. 17,

(21) FIG. 20 a perspective view of the nebuliser according to FIG. 17, the lower housing part being moved closer to the upper part or inner part of the nebuliser,

(22) FIG. 21 a partial enlargement of the encircled part on the left side of FIG. 20 for showing the cooperation of the coding means,

(23) FIG. 22 a partial enlargement of the encircled part on the right side of FIG. 20 for showing the cooperation of the coding means,

(24) FIG. 23 a sectional view of the nebuliser according to FIG. 17 with the lower housing part fitted thereon,

(25) FIG. 24 a partial enlargement of the encircled part of FIG. 23, and

(26) FIG. 25 a perspective view of the nebuliser according to FIG. 17 with detached coding means without lower housing part.

(27) In the figures the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts, where corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are obtained even though the description has not been repeated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(28) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a known nebuliser 1 for nebulising a fluid 2, particularly a highly effective medicament or the like, in a schematic view in the non-tensioned state (FIG. 1) and in the tensioned state (FIG. 2). The nebuliser 1 is embodied in particular as a portable inhaler and preferably operates without any propellant gas.

(29) When the fluid 2, preferably a liquid, more particularly a medicament, is nebulised, an aerosol is formed that can be breathed in or inhaled by a user (not shown). Usually the inhalation takes place at least once a day, particularly several times a day, preferably at predetermined time intervals.

(30) The nebuliser 1 has an insertable and preferably replaceable container 3 holding the fluid and forming a reservoir for the fluid 2 that is to be nebulised. Preferably, the container 3 contains sufficient fluid 2 for multiple applications, particularly for a predetermined administration period such as one month, or for at least 50, preferably at least 100 doses or sprays.

(31) The container 3 is substantially cylindrical or cartridge-shaped and can be inserted, and optionally replaced, in the nebuliser 1 after the latter has been opened. It is preferably of rigid construction, the fluid 2 preferably being held in a bag 4 within the container 3.

(32) The nebuliser 1 comprises a pressure generator 5 for conveying and nebulising the fluid 2, particularly in a predetermined, optionally adjustable dosage amount. The pressure generator 5 has a holder 6 for the container 3, an associated drive spring 7 (only partly shown) having a blocking element 8 that can be manually operated to release it, a conveying tube 9 with a non-return valve 10, a pressure chamber 11 and an expulsion nozzle 12 in the region of a mouthpiece 13.

(33) During the axial tensioning of the drive spring 7, the holder 6 with the container 3 and the conveying tube 9 is moved downwards, in the drawings, and fluid 2 is aspirated out of the container 3 into the pressure chamber 11 of the pressure generator 5 via the non-return valve 10. As the expulsion nozzle 12 has a very small cross-section of flow and is embodied in particular as a capillary, a throttle effect is produced that is strong enough to reliably prevent any air being sucked in at this point even without a non-return valve.

(34) During the subsequent relaxation after actuation of the locking element 8, the fluid 2 in the pressure chamber 11 is put under pressure by the drive spring 7 moving the conveying tube 9 back upwardsi.e. by spring forceand is expelled through the expulsion nozzle 12 where it is nebulised, particularly into particles in the m or nm range, preferably into particles destined for the lungs measuring about 5 m, which form a cloud or jet of aerosol 14, as indicated in FIG. 1. The conveying and nebulising of the fluid 2 are thus carried out purely mechanically, i.e. without propellant gas and without electrical means.

(35) A user (not shown) can inhale the aerosol 14, while an air supply can be sucked into the mouthpiece 13 through at least one air supply opening 15.

(36) The nebuliser 1 comprises an upper housing part 16 and an inner part 17 which is rotatable relative thereto, on which an in particular manually operable housing part 18 is releasably fixed, particularly fitted on, preferably by means of a retaining element 19. In order to insert and/or replace the container 3, the housing part 18 can be detached from the nebuliser 1.

(37) By manually rotating the housing part 18, the inner part 17 can be rotated relative to the upper housing part 16, by means of which the drive spring 7 can be tensioned in the axial direction by means of a gear (not shown) acting on the holder 6. During tensioning, the container 3 is moved axially downwards until the container 3 assumes an end position as shown in FIG. 2 in the tensioned state. During the nebulising process the container 3 is moved back into its original position by the drive spring 7.

(38) The housing part 18 preferably forms a cap-like lower housing part and fits around or over a lower free end position of the container 3, with which it can be pushed in a direction of insertion E onto or into the upper housing part 16 and attached thereto. As the drive spring 7 is tensioned, the container 3 moves with its end portion (further) into the housing part 18 or towards the end face thereof, while an axially acting spring 20 arranged in the housing part 18 comes to bear on the base 21 of the container and pierces the container 3 or a base seal thereon with a piercing element 22 when the container makes contact with it for the first time, to allow air in.

(39) The nebuliser 1 comprises a monitoring device 23 which counts the actuations of the nebuliser 1, preferably by detecting the rotation of the inner part 17 relative to the upper part 16 of the housing. The monitoring device 23 operates purely mechanically in the embodiment shown.

(40) The construction and mode of operation of a proposed nebuliser 1 and a proposed housing-like component 18 will now be described in more detail. Reference is made to FIGS. 3 to 16. However, only the essential differences from the known nebuliser 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be emphasised. The remarks relating to FIGS. 1 and 2 thus apply accordingly or in a supplementary capacity.

(41) Reference will be made first to FIGS. 3 to 5.

(42) These show a first embodiment of a proposed nebuliser 1.

(43) The nebuliser 1 comprises an upper housing part 16 and a lower housing part 18 that can be releasably connected to the upper housing part 16.

(44) A container 3 holding a specific active substance is already fixedly attached within the lower housing part 18 or is inseparable there from, so that the lower housing part 18 forms a retail unit with the container 3.

(45) The lower housing part 18 is provided with a monitoring device 23.

(46) The lower housing part 18 accommodates one or preferably two coding means 26, preferably each having a freely passable groove 260 and a plurality of grooves 261 that are not freely passable.

(47) The form and function of the coding means 26 will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

(48) The upper housing part 16, in return, has one or preferably two identically constructed coding means 25 that are connected to a closure member 24.

(49) Moreover, pin-like projections 250 and a radially projecting nose 251 of the coding means 25 are shown.

(50) The closure member 24 is held in latching openings 170 of the inner part 17 by latching elements 240.

(51) A locking and unlocking element 242 is integrally connected to the closure member 24.

(52) The locking and unlocking element 242 can be pressed in radially and serves to lock or unlock the releasable lower housing part 18.

(53) FIG. 5 shows that the coding means 26 abut with their outer walls on the inner wall of the lower housing part 18. As will be explained in more detail below, they cooperate with the coding means 25 attached to the upper housing part 16.

(54) The container 3 is fixedly attached to the lower housing part 18 by a base element 28. In particular, the base element 28 comprises several, preferably four, spring-like arms which extend with their ends over a widening base region of the container 3.

(55) The shape and cooperation of the coding means 25 and 26 will now be explained by reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

(56) Each of the coding elements 26 is configured in the manner of part of the wall of an imaginary hollow cylinder H (cf. dashed curved lines in FIG. 7). The wall of the coding means 26 comprises four grooves 261 and 260, respectively, extending in the direction of an axis of symmetry S of the imaginary hollow cylinder H.

(57) The groove 260 is embodied as a freely passable groove, while the grooves 261 have a transverse wall 262 at least at one end, which blocks free passage.

(58) FIG. 8 is a more detailed view of the coding means 25 that are connected to the upper housing part 16.

(59) The coding means 25 are of identical construction and are annular in shape.

(60) The annular coding means 25 are provided with openings 252 on one end face and with pin-like projections 250 on the opposite side. The openings 252 are configured so that they are able to accommodate the pin-like projections 250, such that the coding means 25 can lie with their end faces against one another (cf. also FIGS. 4 and 5).

(61) In addition, each coding means 25 comprises a nose 251 on its radially outer side.

(62) It is clear that the openings 252 and also the pin-like projections 250 are distributed equidistantly over the circumference of the annular coding means 25. Preferably, twelve openings 252 are provided on one end face and six pin-like projections 250 are provided on the opposite end face. Thus the coding means 25 and hence the noses 251 can be aligned in a plurality of angular positions relative to one another.

(63) The nose 251 is configured so that it can be accommodated in the freely passable groove 260 of the coding means 26 so as to be movable but safely guided.

(64) In the production process, depending on the desired coding, the two coding means 25 are fitted together by their end faces and then attached to the upper housing part 16, particularly on the closure member 24 attached to the inner part 17.

(65) Pin-like projections 241 of the closure member 24 which are provided on the end face engage in the openings 252 of the coding means 25 located above (cf. FIG. 5).

(66) The coding means 26 are latched to the inner wall of the lower housing part 18 in a manner not shown in detail.

(67) It should be mentioned that before the coding, the coding element 26 is configured so that all the grooves 260 and 261 are provided with the transverse walls 262 (located at the top in FIG. 6 and indicated by dashed lines below). The transverse walls 262 each preferably take the form of a kind of frangible point.

(68) For the final coding, each coding means 26 must be provided with a freely passable groove (the groove 260 in the embodiment shown). This is done by removing both transverse walls 262 of a groove. The transverse walls of the other grooves 261 have to retain at least one transverse wall 262 which has to be aligned with the upper housing part 16 (i.e. at the top, as in FIG. 6) in the assembly position of the coding means 26, to provide a clear coding.

(69) If both transverse walls 262 are left in place in the grooves 261 that are not freely passable (in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 6), this also has the advantage that by swivelling the coding means 26 through 180 without any further modification a different coding can be achieved, as the freely passable groove 260 will then be in a different place.

(70) It will be understood that by the combination of the two coding means 26 with their four respective coding options (grooves) and the two annular coding means 25, a total of 16 possible codes can be obtained. This therefore provides a high degree of flexibility.

(71) Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, a second embodiment of the proposed nebuliser 1 will now be described.

(72) A coding means 27 which comprises at least one or two walls each configured in the manner of part of the wall of an imaginary hollow cylinder (comparable with the coding means 26 in FIG. 6) is inserted in the releasable lower housing part 18.

(73) In this embodiment, the lower housing part 18 is also inseparably or already fixedly connected to a container 3 preferably as a retail unit, preferably the container 3 additionally being radially supported via an annular support element 29.

(74) The walls of the coding means 27 are preferably offset from one another by about 180 degrees, the walls each having at least one groove 270 extending in the direction of insertion of the container 3.

(75) The walls are integrally connected to one another, as is clear particularly from FIG. 11.

(76) This figure clearly also shows the base element 28 which serves to attach the container 3 at its base by means of radially inwardly bent arms 281.

(77) Radially outwardly bent arms 280 engage behind the base region of the coding means 27 and hold the latter securely in the lower housing part 18 so that they cannot get lost. In the embodiment shown, the grooves 270 are also offset from one another by about 180 degrees.

(78) As can be seen from FIG. 10 in particular, the two walls of the coding means 27 are provided in the lower region with elongate groove-like indentations 271. Preferably, seven such indentations 271 are provided.

(79) By contrast, the lower housing part 18 comprises, on its inner wall, in the region of the indentations 271, at least one elongate bulge (not shown in detail) which may correspond to at least one of the elongate indentations 271.

(80) Obviously, it is also possible to provide indentations on the lower housing part 18 and bulges on the walls of the coding means 27.

(81) It will readily be understood that the coding element 27 may thus assume seven possible clearly defined positions.

(82) FIGS. 10a to c show how easy it is to fix the final coding of the lower housing part 18 in the manufacturing process.

(83) Thus the lower housing part 18 is in an uncoded state in FIG. 10a. The coding means 27 project from the lower housing part 18 to such an extent that the elongate indentations 271 of the coding means 27 are not in engagement with the elongate bulges in the lower housing part 18.

(84) Therefore the coding means 27 is freely rotatable over a specific angular range about a longitudinal axis L of the container 3 or the lower housing part 18.

(85) In accordance with the seven elongate bulges 271 provided, one of these seven possible positions can thus be selected by free rotation.

(86) In FIG. 10b a possible position has been selected by rotation to the left, a final fixing or coding then being obtained by pushing or pressing the coding means 27 into the lower housing part 18 by the cooperation of the elongate indentations 271 with elongate bulges on the lower housing part 18 (FIG. 10c).

(87) FIGS. 12a to c show the upper housing part 16 corresponding to this embodiment by way of example.

(88) The upper housing part 16 is provided with a sleeve-like coding means 30.

(89) The sleeve-like coding means 30 is pushed over the inner part 17 of the upper housing part 16.

(90) In accordance with the coding on the lower housing part 18 as described above, a final coding can also be produced very late in the manufacturing process with the upper housing part 16 as well.

(91) Thus FIG. 12a shows the coding means 30 in a neutral position in which it has not yet been coded and in particular is still freely rotatable relative to the inner part 17 over a certain angular range about its longitudinal axis L.

(92) In particular, an interstice is thus formed between the locking and unlocking element 242 and the inner part 17 such that the rotation of the coding means 30 is unimpeded.

(93) The coding means 30 also comprises two rib-like projections 301 preferably offset by 180 degrees which are configured to engage in the grooves 270 of the coding means 27 of the upper housing part 18.

(94) The coding means 30, preferably uniformly distributed at four points around the circumference, are also provided with seven elongate recesses 300. The recesses 300 are embodied so as to cooperate with corresponding elongate projections 171 on the inner part 17 which are arranged on the inner part 17, preferably offset by 90 around the circumference.

(95) In FIG. 12b the coding means 30 has been rotated to the right from its neutral position into a possible final position and then in FIG. 12c pushed further onto the inner part, so that one of the elongate recesses 300 can cooperate with one of the elongate projections 171 and thus fix the coding of the upper housing part 16 as well.

(96) Thus, seven possible codes can be produced easily using identical components.

(97) A third embodiment of the proposed nebuliser 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

(98) The coding of the nebuliser 1 has only two annular coding elements 31 and 32 in this embodiment.

(99) The annular coding elements 31 and 32 are described in more detail in FIG. 14.

(100) It is apparent that the coding elements 31 and 32 each have a substantially L-shaped cross-section, the coding element 31 preferably having twelve through-openings 310 on the end face (i.e. located in the horizontal region of the arm of the L), which are distributed equidistantly over the circumference.

(101) Similarly, the coding element 32 preferably has twelve through-openings 320 on its end face, distributed equidistantly over the circumference.

(102) For matching the code, the coding means 32 is provided with a rectangular projection 321 which extends in a direction of insertion E (cf. FIG. 15) of the container 3 towards the upper housing part 16 or the inner part 17.

(103) In corresponding manner the coding means 31 is provided with a rectangular recess 311 which is configured so that it can cooperate in mating manner with the projection 321.

(104) FIGS. 15 and 16 in particular show that the coding means 31 is connected to the upper housing part 16 and the coding means 32 is connected to the lower housing part 18.

(105) Specifically, the coding means 31 with its through-openings 310 in a selection position is pushed onto the pin-like projections 241 of the closure member 24 (in comparable manner to the upper ring 25 in FIG. 5), the closure member 24 having been attached to the inner part 17 of the upper housing part 16.

(106) The coding means 31 are thus fixed in a defined position.

(107) The coding means 32 are pushed onto pin-like projections 181 of the lower housing part 18 by means of the through-openings 320 and thus held in a defined position as well.

(108) The rectangular projection 321 is additionally provided, at its upper end, with a radially outwardly directed nose 322 which, in the assembly position of the coding means 32, engages behind a radially encircling groove 180 of the lower housing part 18.

(109) Thus the projection 321 is securely held in the lower housing part 18 without being able to shift radially inwards and prevent the lower housing part 18 and upper housing part 16 from being joined together when their codes match.

(110) If the codes do not match, i.e. if the projection 321 on the one hand and the recess 311 on the other hand in the lower housing part 18 and upper housing part 16, respectively, are each in a different angular position, it is not possible to fit the housing parts 16 and 18 together completely.

(111) In particular, the projection 321 has a height h which is such that the conveying tube 9 contained in the upper housing part 16 cannot pass far enough into the container 3 to cause contamination of the conveying tube 9 with the active substance held in the container 3.

(112) Both the pin-like projections 241 of the closure member 24 which is annular in this region, and the pin-like projections 181 of the lower housing part 18 are distributed equidistantly around the circumference in the same way as the through-openings 310 and 320. Thus the coding means 31 and 32 can be mounted in defined manner in a number of different positions in the upper housing part 16 and in the lower housing part 18.

(113) In the following, a forth embodiment of the nebuliser 1 of the present invention will be described with respect to FIGS. 17 to 25. Primarily, essential differences will be described in the following so that the general remarks and the remarks relating to the other embodiments shall preferably apply in addition or in a similar manner. In particular, the forth embodiment is relatively similar to the second embodiment so that the respective remarks, features and aspects may apply in a similar manner or in addition.

(114) FIG. 17 shows the nebuliser 1 in a perspective view with detached housing part 18. The container 3 is preferably inseparable from the housing part 18.

(115) The housing part 18 forms preferably part of the outer housing of the nebuliser 1.

(116) A coding means 30 is associated with the nebuliser 1, in particular with the upper part 16 or inner part 17 of the nebuliser 1. This coding means 30 is also called first coding means in the following.

(117) An other coding means 27 is associated with the lower housing part 18 for providing a code or coding for the lower housing part 18 and, thus, for the container 3 and/or fluid 2 (not shown) contained in the container 3. This coding means 27 is also called second coding means in the following in order to facilitate differentiation between the different coding means.

(118) Generally, the coding means 27 and 30 are constructed to cooperate such that the container 3 can only be (completely) inserted into or fluidically connected with the nebuliser 1 or used therewith only when the coding means 27, 30 have a matching code or coding. With other words, a container 3 or lower housing part 18 with a non-matching coding cannot be used. Thus, the code or coding is used in particular to select between different containers 3 or preferably between different housing part 18 having different codings.

(119) In particular, the housing part 18 can be (completely) mounted or pushed on the nebuliser 1, in particular its upper part 16 or inner part 17, only when the codings of both coding means 27, 30 matches.

(120) FIG. 18 shows the nebuliser 1 of the forth embodiment without housing part 18 in a perspective view from below.

(121) The first coding means 30 is mountable in different positions, in particular different rotational positions, on the nebuliser 1, in particular on the inner part 17 of the nebuliser 1 or any other part (except lower housing part 18) of the nebuliser 1.

(122) The different positions and, thus, codings are preferably indicated by markings 33, in particular numbers in the present embodiment or any other symbols or the like.

(123) In the present embodiment, multiple or more than 2 or 3 positions, preferably 7 different positions are possible.

(124) FIG. 19 shows the lower housing part 18 with the second coding means 27 in a perspective view.

(125) The second coding means 27 may be formed or realized as described with respect to one of the above embodiments, in particular as described with respect to the first or second embodiment.

(126) Preferably, the second coding means 27, comprises at least one freely passable groove 270. Further, the second coding means 27 may comprise multiple non-freely passible grooves 271 wherein at least one of these grooves 271 can be made freely passable (in particular by removing a transverse wall or the like) for forming the freely passable groove 270 and, thus, coding the second coding means 27 as desired. For example, one or two or more groves 270 can be made freely passible to set the coding as desired, in particular so that the coding of the housing part 18 matches with the coding of the first coding means 30 or nebuliser 1.

(127) The second coding means 27 can be formed by one or more inserts, coding elements or the like. Alternatively, the second coding means 27 may be formed by respective recesses, grooves 270 or the like formed in or by the housing part 18 or any other component associated with the housing part 18 or container 3.

(128) Further, it is possible that the second coding means 27, i.e. the coding means associated with the container 3 and/or housing part 18, cannot be mounted in different defined positions or set regarding the coding. Instead, the coding may be predefined or fixed. Then, preferably different housing parts 18 comprising different second coding means 27 are used for different coding. In particular, the different housing parts 18 are different with respect to the circumferential location of the second coding means 27 and/or freely passable groove(s) 270.

(129) FIGS. 20 to 23 show such an alternative wherein each housing part 18 comprises only one predefined coding, in particular wherein the associated second coding means 27 is not mountable in different defined positions and/or wherein the coding cannot be modified, i.e. by removing transverse walls or the like.

(130) In the present embodiment, multiple or 7 different housing parts 18 may be used in order to realise multiple or 7 different codings corresponding to multiple or 7 different codings that are possible for the nebuliser 1, inner part 17 and/or first coding means 30.

(131) As shown inter alia in FIG. 20, the first coding means 30 comprises preferably at least one, here two projections 301 which preferably extend radially and/or outwardly. These projections 301 can interact with or move into corresponding and/or freely passable grooves 270 when the housing part 18 is mounted on the nebuliser 1 or inner part 17 when the coding of the first and second coding means 30, 27 matches.

(132) FIG. 21 shows in a partial enlargement of the left encircled part of FIG. 20 the situation just before a projection 301 is moved into the corresponding groove 270 formed at or in and/or by the housing part 18. FIG. 22 shows in a similar enlargement of the right encircled part of FIG. 20 the similar situation for the second projection.

(133) Preferably, the projections 301 protrude in different, opposite and/or circumferentially offset directions.

(134) FIG. 23 shows a schematic sectional view of the nebuliser 1 with (completely) closed or mounted housing part 18 (without container 3). It shows in particular the engagement of the first coding means 30 into the second coding means 27 or of the at least one protection 301 into the respective groove 270.

(135) It has to be noted that the term freely passable means in particular that the respective projection 301 can move axially into the groove 270 or can pass this groove 270 such that the nebuliser 1 can be closed completely, i.e. such that the housing part 18 can be mounted or pushed on the nebuliser 1 or its inner part 17 completely.

(136) FIG. 24 shows a partial enlargement of the encircled part of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 shows the nebuliser 1 without housing part 18 and with detached coding means 30.

(137) The coding means 30 is preferably formed by a separate part that is mounted or mountable on the nebulizer 1, in particular on the inner part 17 or any other component of the nebulizer 1 or upper part 16.

(138) The coding means 30 is preferably ring-like or comprises a preferably a ring-like portion 302.

(139) In particular, the coding means 30 comprises a preferably ring-like or sleeve-like connecting portion 302. This connecting or ring portion 302 holds preferably the at least one projection 301.

(140) Preferably, the projection 301 protrudes axially over the connecting or ring portion 302 and/or over the inner part 17 and/or an optional cover ring 34 arranged around or on the inner part 17. Preferably, the connecting or ring portion 302 is located axially adjacent to the cover ring 34 when the first coding means 30 is mounted on the nebuliser 1 or inner part 17.

(141) In the present embodiment, the markings 33 are arranged preferably at or on the cover ring 34.

(142) The coding means 30 is preferably mounted or secured on the nebuliser 1 or inner part 17 by snap-fit and/or form-fit.

(143) In the present embodiment, the coding means 30 or connecting/ring portion 302 comprises preferably engagement means, in particular one or more teeth 303, for engaging with the nebuliser 1, cover ring 34 or inner part 17, in particular with corresponding engagement means formed thereon, such as one or more engagement recesses 172 or the like, as shown in particular in FIG. 25.

(144) Preferably, the teeth 303 protrude inwardly and/or are arranged at the connecting or ring portion 302.

(145) Preferably, the inner part 17 comprises one or more axially extending tongues 173 with one or more engagement recesses 172 for holding the coding means 30 by engagement of one or more teeth 303.

(146) Preferably, the coding means 30 can be mounted on the nebuliser 1 as final part, i.e. after all other parts have been mounted.

(147) Preferably, the coding means 30 comprises is rotationally aligned with the nebuliser 1 or its inner part 17 depending on the desired coding, preferably in consideration of the markings 33, and then pushed axially on the inner part 17 and, thus, preferably unreleasablyfixed at or snapped on the nebuliser 1/inner part 17.

(148) In order to facilitate the rotational positioning of the coding means 30 or the indication of its rotational position, one projection 301 or an optional point or indicator 304 of the coding means 30 may point to the respective marking 33. In the present embodiment, one or more indicators 304 are formed at the side of the projections 301 as shown in FIG. 25.

(149) In general, the housing part 18 comprises preferably a non-circular and/or receiving portion 35 for receiving the retaining element 19 and/or comprises preferably an engagement portion 36, in particular so that the housing part 18 is connectable to or mountable on the nebuliser 1 or its inner part 17 generally only in one defined rotational position. The coding means 27 or at least one preferably freely passable groove 270 is an additional element or feature of the housing part 18 and located in different rotational positions depending on the coding. Thus, the coding allows selection between similar housing parts 18 with different codings.

(150) The embodiments described hereinbefore, especially individual elements and aspects of the embodiments, may be combined with one another and/or reversed in their kinematic operation, as necessary. In particular, the number and arrangement of the defined selectable positions of the coding means may be varied as necessary and adapted to the particular conditions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(151) 1 nebulizer 2 fluid 3 container 4 bag 5 pressure generator 6 holder 7 drive spring 8 blocking element 9 conveying tube 10 non return valve 11 pressure chamber 12 expulsion nozzle 13 mouthpiece 14 aerosol 15 air supply opening 16 upper housing part 17 inner part 170 latching openings 171 elongate projections 172 engagement recess 173 tongue 18 releasable housing part (lower part) 180 encircling groove 181 pin-like projections 19 retaining element 20 spring (in lower housing part) 21 container base 22 piercing element 23 monitoring device 24 closure member with latching elements for securing 240 latching element 241 pin-like projections 242 locking/unlocking element 25 annular coding means 250 pin-like projections 251 nose 252 openings 26 coding means in the removable housing part 260 freely passable groove 261 non-freely passable groove 262 transverse walls 27 coding means in the removable housing part 270 groove 271 elongate indentations 28 base element 280 outwardly bent arms 281 inwardly bent arms 29 annular support element 30 sleeve-like coding means 300 elongate recesses 301 rib-like projection 302 connecting or ring portion 303 tooth 304 indicator 31 annular coding means 310 through-opening 311 rectangular recess 32 annular coding means 320 through-opening 321 rectangular projection 322 nose 33 marking 34 cover ring 35 receiving portion 36 engagement portion E direction of insertion or introduction of the container into the upper or lower housing part h height of the projection H hollow cylinder L longitudinal axis S axis of symmetry of the hollow cylinder