Abstract
An inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter (12) that comprises a flow chamber (15), a resistor body (20) and a flow indicator (21), wherein said flow chamber (15) comprises an inlet opening (17) that can be connected to the surroundings, an outlet opening (18) that can be connected to an interior of the inhalation device, and a flow resistance device, said inhalation system being configured to guide supply air through the inlet opening (17) into the flow chamber (15), through the outlet opening (18) out of the flow chamber (15) and into the interior of the inhalation device, said resistor body (20) being configured to be able to assume different positions in the flow chamber (15), and said flow indicator (21) being configured to indicate a position of the resistor body (20) in the flow chamber (15).
Claims
1. An inhalation system comprising: an inhalation device and a flowmeter that comprises a flow chamber, a resistor body and a flow indicator, wherein said flow chamber comprises an inlet opening that can be connected to the surroundings, an outlet opening that can be connected to an interior of the inhalation device, and a flow resistance device, said inhalation system being configured to guide supply air through the inlet opening into the flow chamber, through the outlet opening out of the flow chamber and into the interior of the inhalation device, said resistor body being configured to be able to assume different positions in the flow chamber, and said flow indicator being configured to indicate a position of the resistor body in the flow chamber, wherein said flowmeter is optimised for a specific flow range.
2. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter and/or the incline of the flow chamber and/or the diameter and/or the mass of the resistor body is adjusted.
3. An inhalation system comprising: an inhalation device and a flowmeter that comprises a flow chamber, a resistor body and a flow indicator, wherein said flow chamber comprises an inlet opening that can be connected to the surroundings, an outlet opening that can be connected to an interior of the inhalation device, and a flow resistance device, said inhalation system being configured to guide supply air through the inlet opening into the flow chamber, through the outlet opening out of the flow chamber and into the interior of the inhalation device, said resistor body being configured to be able to assume different positions in the flow chamber, and said flow indicator being configured to indicate a position of the resistor body in the flow chamber, and wherein said flow chamber comprises a narrowing of the cross-section.
4. The inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the narrowing of the cross-section is located at the inlet and/or after the resistance meter in the flow direction.
5. The inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the narrowing of the cross-section comprises a slider, a flap, an elastically deformable member, a rotatable member and/or a bypass opening.
6. An inhalation system comprising: an inhalation device and a flowmeter that comprises a flow chamber, a resistor body and a flow indicator, wherein said flow chamber comprises an inlet opening that can be connected to the surroundings, an outlet opening that can be connected to an interior of the inhalation device, and a flow resistance device, said inhalation system being configured to guide supply air through the inlet opening into the flow chamber, through the outlet opening out of the flow chamber and into the interior of the inhalation device, said resistor body being configured to be able to assume different positions in the flow chamber, and said flow indicator being configured to indicate a position of the resistor body in the flow chamber, and wherein the position of the resistor body can be measured by a measuring device of the inhalation system.
7. The inhalation system according to claim 6, wherein the measurement is based on a change of a magnetic field and/or of a capacity and/or on a film recording.
8. The inhalation system according to claim 6, wherein the inhalation device transmits measured data to a mobile device, in particular a smartphone.
9. The inhalation system according to claim 6, wherein the inhalation device wirelessly transmits the measured data to a receiver.
10. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the inhalation system is configured to change the direction of flow of the supply air downstream of the flow chamber.
11. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the flow chamber is configured such that the resistor body is enclosed in the flow chamber in an operating state of the inhalation system.
12. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the resistor body is permanently enclosed in the flow chamber.
13. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the flowmeter is configured such that it is removably connected to the inhalation device.
14. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the flow chamber comprises a guide device for the resistor body.
15. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the resistor body and the flow chamber are configured to reduce a flow cross-section in the flow chamber when a threshold flow is exceeded.
16. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the resistor body and the flow chamber are configured to close the inlet opening of the flow chamber if a predetermined pressure difference between an interior of the flow chamber and the surroundings is not reached.
17. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the flow indicator comprises a transparent region.
18. The inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the flow indicator comprises a marking.
Description
[0056] In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by means of embodiment examples and with reference to the enclosed drawings.
[0057] FIG. 1 shows an inhalation device from the prior art,
[0058] FIG. 2 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter,
[0059] FIG. 3 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter, in which the resistor body and the flow chamber are configured to reduce a flow cross-section in the flow chamber when a threshold flow is exceeded,
[0060] FIG. 4 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter, in which the inhalation device can also be used without a flowmeter,
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a further inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter, in which the inhalation device can also be used without a flowmeter,
[0062] FIG. 6 shows an inhalation system, in which the flowmeter is integrated in the inhalation device,
[0063] FIG. 7 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter,
[0064] FIG. 8 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter, in which the flowmeter is disposed in bypass,
[0065] FIG. 9 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter, in which the inhaler is provided with a cap,
[0066] FIG. 10 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter, in which a flowmeter is positioned in a receiver that can also receive an inhaler,
[0067] FIG. 11 shows a flow chamber container comprising guide ribs,
[0068] FIG. 12 shows a flow chamber container comprising a guide contour,
[0069] FIGS. 13 to 15 show different resistor bodies,
[0070] FIG. 16 shows a flowmeter with a scale,
[0071] FIG. 17 shows a flowmeter with different scales,
[0072] FIG. 18 shows a flowmeter with a specific scale,
[0073] FIG. 19 shows a flowmeter with a further specific scale,
[0074] FIG. 20 shows an inhalation system comprising coded flowmeters,
[0075] FIGS. 21 to 23 show flowmeters comprising different resistor bodies and flow chamber containers,
[0076] FIG. 24 shows a flowmeter comprising a flow chamber container having a non-linear cross-section,
[0077] FIG. 25 shows a flowmeter comprising a flow chamber container having a stepped cross-section,
[0078] FIG. 26 shows a flowmeter comprising a bypass opening,
[0079] FIG. 27 shows a flowmeter comprising a restriction provided upstream of the resistor body,
[0080] FIG. 28 shows a flowmeter comprising a restriction provided downstream of the resistor body,
[0081] FIG. 29 shows a flowmeter comprising an elastically deformable member,
[0082] FIG. 30 shows a flowmeter comprising a bar in the flow chamber container downstream of the ball,
[0083] FIG. 31 shows a flowmeter comprising a device for positive expiratory pressure,
[0084] FIG. 32 shows a flowmeter comprising a separate exhalation valve, and
[0085] FIG. 33 shows an inhalation system, the resistor body of which can be detected with a smartphone.
[0086] FIG. 1 shows an inhalation device from the prior art. The inhalation device is a nozzle nebuliser 1 comprising a nebulising chamber 2. An aerosol generator 3, which is able to generate an aerosol 4, is provided in the nebulising chamber 2. An attachment 5 is provided on the nebulising chamber 2, to which, for example, a mouthpiece or mask that is not shown in the figure can be attached. The nebulising chamber 2 comprises a pipe 6, through which ambient air can be guided into the nebulising chamber 2.
[0087] The aerosol generator 3 comprises a nozzle element 7 with a nozzle opening 8, through which compressed air can be supplied in the present embodiment. The aerosol generator 3 furthermore comprises one or more channels 9, through which a medicament 10 can be guided out of a storage container 11 in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 8 out of which the compressed air guided through the nozzle element 7 escapes during operation. A mixture of compressed air and medicament is formed in this manner, which is released into the nebulising chamber 2. When a patient inhales through the attachment 5, for instance via a mouthpiece, ambient air is sucked into the nebulising chamber 2 through the pipe 6. This ambient air guides the generated aerosol 4 out of the nebulising chamber 2 to the attachment 5. The patient can inhale the aerosol 4 via a mouthpiece or mask connected to the attachment 5, which is not shown in the figure.
[0088] FIG. 2 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter 12. The inhalation device corresponds to the nozzle nebuliser 1 shown in FIG. 1. A mouthpiece 13 with an exhalation valve 14 is provided on the attachment 5 of the nozzle nebuliser 1. The double-headed arrow indicates the movement of the exhalation valve 14 during inhalation and exhalation.
[0089] The flowmeter 12 has a cone-shaped flow chamber 15, which is delimited by a flow chamber container 16 produced as an injected moulded part from polypropylene or polyamide. The flow chamber container 16 comprises an inlet opening 17 and an outlet opening 18. A bar 19 is provided in the outlet opening 18. A resistor body 20 is provided in the flow chamber 15, which also has a cone shape. A scale 21 is provided on the flow chamber container 16. The scale 21 is a printed label, on which lines and numbers (not shown in the figure) are provided, which indicate a flow through the nebulising chamber 2.
[0090] In FIG. 2, the resistor body 20 is shown in a position which it assumes during exhalation or a breathing pause of a patient. The resistor body 20 seals the flow chamber 15 at its perimeter such that no ambient air can reach the nebulising chamber 2 through the flowmeter 12. The air exhaled by the patient can be guided into the surroundings though the exhalation valve 14.
[0091] When the patient inhales through the mouthpiece 13, the exhalation valve 14 closes. Ambient air is guided as an inspiratory flow through the inlet opening 17 into the flow chamber 15.
[0092] Owing to the resulting pressure ratios, the resistor body 20 is moved with the airflow in the direction of the outlet opening 18 such that ambient air can flow between the resistor body 20 and the flow chamber container 16. The resistor body 20 assumes different positions in the flow chamber 15 depending on the strength of the generated inspiratory flow. The bar 19 thereby limits the area in which the resistor body 20 can move. Using the scale 21, it is possible to read how strong the generated inspiratory flow is by reading off the value at which the resistor body 20 is located. If the inspiratory flow is very high, the resistor body 20 will be prevented from leaving the flow chamber 15 by the bar 19.
[0093] The inspiratory flow flows through the outlet opening 18, out of the flow chamber 15 and into the pipe 6 of the nozzle nebuliser 1. The inspiratory flow is supplied here to the nozzle nebuliser 1 in the manner described in connection with FIG. 1.
[0094] The flowmeter 12 can, of course, also be used with other inhalation devices such as, for example, mesh nebulisers.
[0095] FIG. 3 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter 12, in which the resistor body 20 and the flow chamber 15 are configured to reduce a flow cross-section in the flow chamber 15 when a threshold flow is exceeded.
[0096] The inhalation system shown in FIG. 3 essentially corresponds to the inhalation system shown in FIG. 2. The differences will be explained below.
[0097] The resistor body 20 is configured as a ball in FIG. 3. The outlet opening 18 comprises a plurality of partial openings. One main opening 22 and two ancillary openings 23 are provided. A guide device 24 for the resistor body 20 is furthermore provided. The guide device 24 essentially has a funnel shape which extends up to the main opening 22 in such a manner that the resistor body 20 seals this opening when there are high inspiratory flows. In the embodiment shown here, the ancillary openings 23 are provided in a wall of the guide device 24. This wall can also be configured as a perforated plate or a sieve or can comprise only one ancillary opening.
[0098] When there are high inspiratory flows or negative inspiratory pressures, the resistor body 20 is pulled into the guide device 24 and pressed against the main opening 22 such that it is sealed. Inspiratory air can now only flow through the smaller ancillary openings 23. As a result hereof, the inhalation resistance greatly increases for the patient, but he is still able to inhale. The patient thus receives feedback that he is inhaling to quickly or that the generated inspiratory flow or the negative inspiratory pressure is too great for effective inhalation. The patient can generate a slower inspiratory flow such that the resistor body 20 moves away from the main opening 22 and the flow cross-section for the inspiratory air becomes larger again. The inhalation resistance reduces as a result thereof.
[0099] It is also possible to provide no ancillary openings 23 such that no ambient air can reach the nebulising chamber 2 from the flowmeter 12 if the inspiratory flow is too high.
[0100] A further difference to the inhalation system shown in FIG. 2 is that the flowmeter 12 is arranged in bypass here. An inhalation valve 25 is disposed adjacent to the pipe 6. Inspiratory air can be guided into the nebulising chamber 2 both through the inhalation valve 25 and through the flowmeter 12.
[0101] FIG. 4 shows an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter 12, in which the inhalation device can also be used without the flowmeter 12.
[0102] The inhalation system shown in FIG. 4 substantially corresponds to the inhalation system shown in FIG. 3. The differences will be explained below.
[0103] The inhalation device comprises an inhalation valve 25. The flowmeter 12 is detachably attached to the inhalation device such that a gas flowing through the outlet valve 18 is guided to the inhalation valve 25. The detachable connection is a plug-in connection that is not shown in FIG. 4.
[0104] By disconnecting the plug-in connection and removing the flowmeter 12, the inhalation device can also be operated without the flowmeter 12.
[0105] FIG. 5 shows a further inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter 12, in which the inhalation device can also be used without the flowmeter 12. The inhalation device also comprises an inhalation valve 25. The flowmeter 12 is also detachably attached to the inhalation device. The flowmeter 12 is, however, attached to the inhalation device in such a manner that the inhalation valve 25 is blocked. When the flowmeter 12 is detached from the inhalation device, the inhalation valve 25 is released such that it can open. The detachable connection of the flowmeter 25 and the inhalation device is solved in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 by a plug-in connection that is not shown in the figure.
[0106] The inhalation device shown in FIG. 5 can be used without the flowmeter 12. When the flowmeter 12 is connected to the inhalation device, a flow of gas can be guided through the outlet opening 18 into the pipe 6 without having to pass through an inhalation valve. A patient does not have to overcome the force of the inhalation valve 25 during inhalation.
[0107] FIG. 6 shows an inhalation system, in which the flowmeter 12 is integrated in the inhalation device.
[0108] The flow chamber container 16 is integrated in the main housing of the nozzle nebuliser 1 adjacent to the pipe 6. The inlet opening 17 is provided at the side of the flow chamber container 16. The pipe 6 and the flow chamber container 16 are covered by a lid 26 such that a flow of air can flow from the outlet opening 18 of the flow chamber container 16, through the lid 26 to the pipe 6.
[0109] A lid pin 27 can be provided on an inside of the lid 26 to prevent the resistor body 20 from leaving the flow chamber when there are high inspiratory flows. In an embodiment not shown in FIG. 6, the height of the lid 26 and the flow chamber container 16 are configured such that the resistor body 20 cannot escape from the flow chamber.
[0110] The main housing of the nozzle nebuliser comprising the pipe 6 and the flow chamber container 16 is configured in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as an injection moulded part made of polypropylene.
[0111] FIG. 7 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter 12. An inhaler 29 and a flowmeter 12 are provided on an aerosol chamber 28 at the inlet side. The inhaler 29 and the flowmeter 12 are thereby connected with a rear wall of the aerosol chamber 28 in this embodiment. An inhalation valve 25 is provided on the outlet side, which is effectively connected with a mouthpiece 13 comprising an exhalation valve 14.
[0112] The flowmeter 12 functions in the same manner as the flowmeters 12 that are described in connection with FIGS. 2 to 6. The inhaler 29 is triggered for inhalation such that it releases a medicament into the aerosol chamber 28. The patient inhales through the mouthpiece 13, the exhalation valve 14 closes, the inhalation valve 25 opens, and the patient sucks the gas located in the aerosol chamber 28 through the mouthpiece so that he can inhale it. At the same time, ambient air flows through the inlet opening 17 into the flowmeter 12 and through the outlet opening 18 out of the flowmeter 12 and into the aerosol chamber 28. As is described in connection with FIGS. 2 to 6, the quantity of gas flowing through the flowmeter 12 can be read off. In addition to the quantity of gas flowing through the flowmeter 12, the patient is additionally supplied with a quantity of gas flowing through the inhaler 29. Furthermore, the quantity of gas from the inhaler 29 itself is supplied to the patient.
[0113] FIG. 8 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter 12, in which the flowmeter 12 is arranged in bypass. One difference to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is that in this embodiment, ambient air can flow into the aerosol chamber 28 not only through the flowmeter 12 and the inhaler 29, but also through the inlet valve 30. A further difference is that the flowmeter 12 is not arranged on the rear wall but rather on a side wall of the aerosol chamber 28.
[0114] FIG. 9 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter 12, in which the inhaler 29 is provided with a cap 35. The cap 35 seals the inhaler 29 in an airtight manner at its inlet region. This prevents ambient air reaching the aerosol chamber 28 through the inhaler 29. More precise information regarding the supplied amount of ambient air can thereby be achieved in a simple manner. Inaccuracies or adjustments owing to different sized passages for ambient air in different inhalers 29 can be avoided in this manner.
[0115] FIG. 10 shows an inhalation aid comprising a flowmeter 12, in which a flowmeter 12 is positioned in a receiver that can also receive an inhaler 29. When using the inhalation aid, the inhaler 29 is first of all placed in the receiver and the medicament is introduced into the aerosol chamber 28. The inhaler 29 is then removed and the flowmeter 12 is placed in the receiver. Inaccuracies or adjustments owing to different sized passages for ambient air in different inhalers 29 can be avoided also in this manner.
[0116] FIG. 11 shows a flow chamber container 16 comprising guide ribs 31. The outer wall 32 of the flow chamber container 16 is configured in a circular manner, whereby the diameter of the circle increases continuously from the inlet opening 17 to the outlet opening 18. The flow chamber container 16 is provided with three guide ribs 31 that extend from the inlet opening 17 to the outlet opening 18.
[0117] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the guide ribs 31 are configured such that the triangle formed therebetween is the same size over the entire length. As a result thereof, a resistor body 20 can be guided between the ribs equally well over the entire length of the ribs. It is possible to prevent tilting.
[0118] Owing to the use of guide ribs 31, the outer wall 32 of the flow chamber container 16 can be designed independent of guide functions for the resistor body 20. It can have different cross-sections. It is, however, expedient for it to have a cross-sectional area that becomes continuously larger at least in the region in which a flow of gas is supposed to be measured with the aid of the resistor body 20.
[0119] FIG. 12 shows a flow chamber container 16 comprising a guide contour 33. The guide contour 33 also extends from the inlet opening 17 to the outlet opening 18. In this embodiment, the guide contour 33 has the contour of an unclosed circle in cross-section. The size of the guide contour 33 remains the same over the length of the flow chamber 15. The guide contour 33 is connected to a flow cross-section 34. The flow cross-section 34 also has the contour of an unclosed circle in cross-section. The cross-sectional area of the flow cross-section increases continuously from the inlet opening 17 to the outlet opening 18.
[0120] In other embodiments that are not shown here, the cross sections of the guide contour 33 and of the flow cross-section have different shapes such as, for example, triangular or square, or they have irregular shapes. The shapes of the cross-sections can also differ from one another.
[0121] FIGS. 13 to 15 show different resistor bodies 20.
[0122] FIG. 13 shows a spherical resistor body 20. This resistor body 20 is particularly suitable for preventing tilting.
[0123] FIG. 14 shows a rotationally symmetric resistor body 20. The resistor body 20 comprises a cylindrical guide section 36 and a conical stabilising section 37. The cylindrical section is configured to be able to abut an inner side of a flow chamber container 16. The conical section can, in some embodiments of the flowmeter 12, stabilise the resistor body 20 in its position by preventing tilting of the resistor body 20 owing to its weight.
[0124] FIG. 15 also shows a rotationally symmetric resistor body 20. This resistor body 20 also comprises a guide section 36 and a stabilising section 37. The guide section 36 is configured in the shape of a cone section. The stabilising section 37 has a cylindrical shape that is connected to a cone. In this embodiment as well, the guide section 36 is configured to be able to abut an inner side of a flow chamber container 16. In this embodiment as well, the stabilising section 37 can, in some embodiments of the flowmeter 12, stabilise the resistor body 20 in its position by preventing tilting of the resistor body 20 owing to its weight.
[0125] FIG. 16 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a scale 21. The flowmeter 12 is similar to the flowmeter 12 as described in connection with FIG. 2. The scale 21 comprises lines that indicate different flows. The lines are formed by applying colour to an outer side of the flow chamber container 16. In an embodiment that is not shown, the flow chamber container 16 has, in the region of the lines, a higher surface roughness, raised or recessed structures or comprises a different material than is the case in the regions adjacent to the lines. In an embodiment that is not shown, the scale has been injection-moulded in a different colour to the region adjacent to the scale using a multicomponent injection moulding process.
[0126] FIG. 17 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising different scales 21. The scales 21 are provided with scale numbering 39 and are configured as labels 38. The first label 38 is intended for adults and the second label 38 is intended for children. Depending on whether an adult or a child is using the flowmeter 12, the corresponding label 38 can be attached. The label 38 for children has a finer scale 21 with lower scale values than is the case for the label 38 for adults. The label 38 for adults has a larger measuring range than the label 38 for children.
[0127] In an embodiment that is not shown, the scales 21 are designed to be exchangeable. They comprise a clip by means of which they can be clipped onto the flowmeter 12.
[0128] FIG. 18 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a specific scale 21, which shows where in the respiratory tract deposition is likely to take place. An upper scale region 40 shows a symbol that indicates a high flow, which is more likely to deposit in the upper respiratory tract, the bronchi and the larger bronchioles. Here the symbol is a smiley. A lower scale region 41 shows a symbol that indicates low flows, with which the periphery of the lungs is more likely to be reached. Here the symbol is the lungs.
[0129] FIG. 19 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a further specific scale 21 having an upper scale region 40, a lower scale region 41, and a middle scale region 42. The upper and lower scale regions 40, 41 are configured as a structure or relief such that they comprise raised and recessed areas. The middle scale region 42 comprises a polished surface such that the resistor body 20 is particularly visible in this region.
[0130] FIG. 20 shows an inhalation system comprising a coded flowmeter 12 and a coded inhalation device 1. The flowmeter 12 comprises a groove 43. The inhalation device 1 comprises a rib 44. There are different types of flowmeters 12 and inhalation devices 1. However, not every flowmeter 12 fits every inhalation device 1. The grooves 43 and ribs 44 are respectively arranged such that a flowmeter 12 can only be expediently connected to a suitable inhalation device. In the embodiment shown here, all flowmeters 12 can be connected to all inhalation devices 1; however, a flowmeter 12 can only be connected to an unsuitable inhalation device 1 the wrong way round such that it cannot be read.
[0131] FIGS. 21 to 23 show flowmeters 12 comprising different resistor bodies 20 and flow chamber containers 16. FIG. 21 shows a flowmeter 12 for an adult, which comprises a heavy ball 20 as resistor body 20 and a conical flow chamber container 16. A scale 21 is provided on an outer wall of the flow chamber container 16. The lines of the scale 21 have been provided on the flow chamber container 16 by sanding the respective surface areas such that the lines have a higher surface roughness than their surroundings.
[0132] FIG. 22 shows a flowmeter 12 for a child, which comprises a heavy ball 20 as the resistor body 20 and a conical flow chamber container 16, whereby the cross-section of the flow chamber container 16 does not increase as greatly in the flow direction as is the case in the flowmeter 12 shown in FIG. 21. As a result hereof, as the flow rate increases, the ball 20 rises up more quickly in the flow chamber container 16 than is the case in the flowmeter 12 for an adult that is shown in FIG. 21. The flow rate can thus be read more precisely. However, this means that only a smaller range can be read. As the flow rate increases, the ball reaches the upper end of the flow chamber container 16 more quickly than is the case in the flowmeter 12 shown in FIG. 21. As compared to the scale 21 shown in FIG. 21, the scale 21 has a finer division and a smaller range of the measurable flow rate.
[0133] FIG. 23 shows a flowmeter 12 for a child, which comprises a light ball 20 and a conical flow chamber container 16. A scale 21 is provided on an outer wall of the flow chamber container 16, which has been adjusted to the light ball 20. By providing the light ball 20 as the resistor body 20, the ball 20 rises high in the flow chamber container 16 at lower flows than the ball 20 shown in FIG. 21.
[0134] In this embodiment, the colour of the scale 21 corresponds to the colour of a nebuliser insert or nozzle insert that is intended for use in connection with this scale 21. The scale 21 is yellow. This facilitates the correct combination of nebuliser insert or nozzle insert and flowmeter 12.
[0135] FIG. 24 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a flow chamber container 16 having a non-linear cross-section. The cross-section changes exponentially. The shape of the flow chamber container 16 resembles a trumpet funnel. The resolution of the scale 21 provided here is distorted as a result thereof such that the region in which lower flows are indicated is more spread out than the region in which higher flows are indicated. The flow in the region of lower flows can thus be indicated more clearly, in particular for children, such that it can be read more easily.
[0136] FIG. 25 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a flow chamber container 16 having a stepped cross-section. The flow chamber container 16 or riser pipe comprises a sequence of cylindrical pipes. As a consequence, the resistor body 20 provided here dwells at a transition until the flow is so large or so small that the next cylinder is rushed through until the resistor body 20 again dwells at the next transition. The movement of the resistor body 20 can be attenuated as a result of this measure.
[0137] FIG. 26 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a bypass opening 45. The bypass opening 45 is positioned in front of a resistor body 20 in the flow direction. It is formed similar to a flute hole such that a user can seal the bypass opening 45 with a finger. This increases the inhalation resistance. The deliberate control of the respiratory flow is not a trivial matter. During the first few attempts, the resistor body 20 can sometimes jump quite strongly. For many users, it is easier if the inhalation resistance is slightly higher and the diaphragm can work against this. This is achieved by closing the bypass opening 45. Following a training phase, closing of the bypass opening 45 can be dispensed with such that the inhalation resistance is no longer increased. Since the closed bypass opening 45 results in restriction prior to the resistor body 20 in the flow direction, the drop in pressure changes the flow conditions such that measurement is slightly less accurate.
[0138] In an embodiment that is not shown, an adhesive label is provided, which can be applied to the bypass opening 45 and removed following the training phase.
[0139] FIG. 27 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a restriction provided upstream of a resistor body 20. The restriction is made possible by providing a slider 46. By moving the slider 46 into the flow, the inhalation resistance can be increased such that the effects described in connection with FIG. 26 can be achieved. After a training phase, the slider 46 can be pulled out of the flow again.
[0140] FIG. 28 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a restriction provided downstream of the resistor body 20. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the restriction is made possible by a slider 46. Since the slider 46 is arranged downstream of the resistor body 20, the flow conditions in the region of the resistor body 20 are not changed.
[0141] FIG. 29 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising an elastically deformable member 47, which is configured as a cap. By pressing on the elastically deformable member 47, the flow rate downstream of a resistor body 20 can be restricted. The effects described in connection with FIG. 26 can also be achieved by means thereof. When the elastically deformable member 47 is not pressed inwards, the flow rate is not restricted.
[0142] FIG. 30 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a bar 19 in the flow chamber container 16 downstream of the resistor body 20. This prevents the resistor body 20 from being swallowed by user.
[0143] FIG. 31 shows a flowmeter 12 comprising a device for positive expiratory pressure. A spacer 48 is provided in the flow chamber container 16, which is arranged such that the resistor body 20 cannot completely close the inlet opening 17. It is consequently possible to exhale through the flowmeter 12. A positive expiratory pressure or PEP results owing to the fact that only a small opening is present and an increased exhalation resistance occurs as a result thereof.
[0144] FIG. 32 shows a flowmeter 12 having a separate exhalation valve 49. A further exhalation valve 49 in the inhalation system is therefore not necessary. The exhalation valves disposed in the mouthpieces in the prior art can be dispensed with.
[0145] FIG. 33 shows an inhalation system, the resistor body 20 of which can be detected with a smartphone 50. The resistor body 20 is visible from the outside such that it can be filmed during inhalation with a smartphone 50. The smartphone 50 is configured to calculate the position of the resistor body 20 from the image data and to store this data. The smartphone 50 is configured to draw conclusions with regard to the location of deposition and the amount of deposited medicament.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0146] 1 Nozzle nebuliser [0147] 2 Nebulising chamber [0148] 3 Aerosol generator [0149] 4 Aerosol [0150] 5 Attachment [0151] 6 Pipe [0152] 7 Nozzle element [0153] 8 Nozzle opening [0154] 9 Channel [0155] 10 Medicament [0156] 11 Storage container [0157] 12 Flowmeter [0158] 13 Mouthpiece [0159] 14 Exhalation valve [0160] 15 Flow chamber [0161] 16 Flow chamber container [0162] 17 Inlet opening [0163] 18 Outlet opening [0164] 19 Bar [0165] 20 Resistor body [0166] 21 Scale [0167] 22 Main opening [0168] 23 Ancillary opening [0169] 24 Guide device [0170] 25 Inhalation valve [0171] 26 Lid [0172] 27 Lid pin [0173] 28 Aerosol chamber [0174] 29 Inhaler [0175] 30 Inlet valve [0176] 31 Guide rib [0177] 32 Outer wall of the flow chamber container [0178] 33 Guide contour [0179] 34 Flow cross-section [0180] 35 Cap [0181] 36 Guide section [0182] 37 Stabilising section [0183] 38 Label [0184] 39 Scale numbering [0185] 40 Upper scale region [0186] 41 Lower scale region [0187] 42 Middle scale region [0188] 43 Groove [0189] 44 Rib [0190] 45 Bypass opening [0191] 46 Slider [0192] 47 Elastically deformable member [0193] 48 Spacer [0194] 49 Exhalation valve [0195] 50 Smartphone
