Locking mechanism for a spring-actuated device

US6453795B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Joachim Eicher · Karlsruhe, DE
• Michael Schyra · Wuppertal, DE
• Richard Forster · Pfreimd, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 10, 1998
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M15/0065
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A spring-actuated output drive device is used for example in medical aerosol therapy for a miniaturised high-pressure producing device for atomising a small dose of a liquid medicament. A locking-stressing-mechanism for such an output d rive device is to be stressed with the application of a relatively small amount of force and is to be released with one hand and is to operate reliably over a prolonged period of time. The locking-stressing-mechanism comprises a force step-up transmission, for example a screw thrust transmission for stressing the spring, an annularly arranged locking member with engaging locking surfaces, two abutments for limiting the travel of the spring and a release button. It is compact, economical to produce, easy to assemble and comprises components with a low rate of wear. It can be reliably and easily handled by unskilled persons, even when high spring forces are involved. A medicament to be atomised can thus be metered with a very high degree of accuracy.