DE29816455U1 - Device for dispensing a volatile active ingredient, for example a fragrance - Google Patents

Description

PATENT ATTORNEYS

European Patent Attorneys
European Trade Mark Attorneys

■PL.-««. F. A. WEICKMANN*

DIPLiHEM B. HUBER DR. -ING. H. LISKA

DIPL PHYS DR J. PRECHTEL DIPL.-CHEM. DR. B. BOHM

DIPL.-CHEM. DR. W. WEISS

DIPL.-PHYS. DR. J. TIESMEYER DlPU-PHYS DR M. HERZOG

₍ IOSTFACH86O82O 81635 MUNICH

KOPERNIKUSSTRASSE 81679 MUNICH

TELEPHONE (089) 4 55 63-0 TELEX 5 22 FAX (089) 4 70 50 eMail weickmann@compuserve.com

Our sign:

191 90G DE/HG

Applicant:

Hoffmann SONAX KG Municher Str. 75

86633 Neuburg (Donau)

Device for dispensing a volatile active substance, for example a fragrance

Device for releasing a volatile active substance, for example a fragrance

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a volatile active substance, for example a fragrance.

Such devices are known in the prior art and are used, for example, in motor vehicles to improve the air. These air fresheners usually comprise a cellulose plate, the outline of which is shaped, for example, according to the silhouette of a deciduous or coniferous tree, an apple or the like. An active ingredient is contained in this cellulose plate, which is gradually released into the external environment, for example the air in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, where it develops its fragrant effect and thus contributes to improving the air in the room. In order to ensure that the active ingredients or fragrances are only released at the end user, the known active ingredient release devices or air fresheners are sealed in plastic film. The active ingredient partial pressure that develops within the plastic film around the cellulose plate prevents excessive active ingredient leakage from the cellulose plate. However, during long-term storage, the active ingredient can also escape through the plastic film. In addition, the smallest damage and microporosities in the plastic, which facilitate the escape of the active ingredient, can never be completely prevented.

In contrast, the object of the invention is to provide an active substance delivery device the function of which is essentially not impaired even during long-term storage.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for dispensing a volatile active substance, for example a fragrance, which comprises a housing, wherein the housing encloses an enrichment chamber which is connected to the

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external environment of the housing via at least one opening in air outlet

- exchange contact, comprises a storage container in which a supply of active substance can be accommodated and which is provided with a dispensing device for dispensing active substance into the enrichment chamber, as well as an intermediate storage arranged in the enrichment chamber for receiving at least a portion of the active substance dispensed from the storage container and for gradually re-dispensing active substance to the air present in the enrichment chamber at a time staggered with respect to the dispensing from the storage container. The central idea of the invention is that the intermediate storage, which according to the invention can comprise at least one wall area provided with capillaries on its surface and/or a cellulose element, preferably a cellulose plate, is only filled with active substance when the active substance dispensing device is put into operation, for example when unpacking, namely by actuating the dispensing device assigned to the storage container. The intermediate storage then gradually releases the active substance to the air in the enrichment chamber, which can finally leave the enrichment chamber through the at least one air exchange opening to the outside environment.

To operate it, the dispensing device can be coupled, for example, to a package surrounding the active ingredient dispensing device according to the invention via a connecting element, which ensures automatic operation of the dispensing device when the packaging is removed. In addition or alternatively, the dispensing device can also be designed to be operated manually. This has the advantage that the consumer can always add active ingredient to the intermediate storage whenever he feels that the release of the active ingredient to the external environment has decreased too much. Another disadvantage of the known active ingredient dispensing devices or the known air fresheners is that they release a lot of active ingredient or give off a strong scent when they are first used, i.e. immediately after the plastic film is removed, but that the release of the active ingredient or scent then quickly decreases. In contrast, with the inventive

The original drug delivery intensity can be achieved again and again by activating the delivery device again using the appropriate drug delivery device. Furthermore, it is possible to vary the delivery intensity individually by activating the delivery device multiple times.

In order to ensure uniform distribution and thus evaporation of the active ingredient over a larger surface area when using at least one surface provided with capillaries as an intermediate storage device, the capillaries can be elongated and open on one long side. As a result of the capillary effect, the active ingredient can even spread against gravity over the intermediate storage surface. Depending on the shape of the capillaries, different capillary properties, such as storage capacity and active ingredient release capacity of the capillaries to the air present in the enrichment chamber, can be set.

The surface provided with capillaries can be provided on a wall section of the housing, which enables space-saving use of the interior and also reinforces the housing through the capillary ribs.

Furthermore, at least one of the surfaces provided with capillaries can be provided on an element that is integrally formed with the housing or can be connected to the housing. This makes it possible to use the interior of the enrichment chamber for intermediate storage and thus increase the overall active substance storage capacity. When using detachable elements provided with capillaries, it would also be conceivable to individually adapt the amount of active substance released by the intermediate storage per unit of time to the respective requirements by using elements with different capillary surface areas.

In order to ensure that the active substance released by the delivery device is reliably absorbed by the capillaries, it is proposed that a surface provided with capillaries surrounds the delivery device.

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By appropriate design of the capillary surface and, if desired, the

_ the adjacent wall areas of the housing can ensure an even distribution of the active ingredient over the entire capillary surface even if the active ingredient is dispensed in a directed manner by the dispensing device, as is the case, for example, when using a conventional atomizer nozzle. On the one hand, it is possible to form a type of vortex chamber around the dispensing device in which an even distribution of the active ingredient over the entire capillary surface is achieved by swirling. On the other hand, the open long side of the capillaries can run in the circumferential direction, so that active ingredient collected at one point is distributed in the circumferential direction as a result of the capillary effect.

In the position of use of the device, at least one additional intermediate storage device can be provided below the one surface provided with capillaries that surrounds the dispensing device. This can be formed, for example, by another surface provided with capillaries. Additionally or alternatively, a cellulose element, for example a cellulose plate, can also be provided as an additional intermediate storage device. Such an additional intermediate storage device can ensure that excess active substance dripping from the surfaces provided in the area of the dispensing device, in particular the surfaces provided with capillaries, is not only caught but also stored. The additional intermediate storage device therefore not only increases the release of active substance into the air present in the enrichment chamber, but also prevents excess active substance from leaking out of the housing.

The additional surface provided with capillaries, which serves as an additional intermediate storage facility, can be bowl-shaped, with a bowl base and, if desired, an inner and/or outer bowl side wall. The dimensions and shape of the bowl base can be selected so that, when the device is in the position of use, any active substance dripping off the bowl base

is collected, whereas the inner and outer shell side walls serve to _ increase the absorption and discharge capacity of the intermediate storage.

The capillaries of the additional capillary surface can extend from the outer shell edge to the inner shell edge, which allows an even distribution of the active ingredient across the shell cross-section and enables the transport of active ingredient as a result of the capillary effect from the shell base to the shell side walls. The active ingredient can thus be directed to surface areas that are directly exposed to an air flow passing through the housing. 10

In order to ensure a uniformly dense capillary distribution over the entire shell area, additional capillaries can be provided between adjacent capillaries in the area of the inner shell edge in the area of the outer shell edge, which extend from the outer edge of the shell over a section of the shell bottom and can be continued in the outer side wall if desired.

In order to ensure, when using a cellulose element as an intermediate storage device, that the active substance emerging from the dispensing device does not escape into the external environment too quickly, but is only gradually released to it using the storage capacity of the intermediate storage device, it is proposed in a further development of the invention that the intermediate storage device divides the enrichment chamber into a feed sub-chamber and a discharge sub-chamber, the dispensing device being arranged in the feed sub-chamber and the at least one air exchange opening being provided in a wall section of the housing associated with the discharge sub-chamber.

Nevertheless, it may be desirable that immediately after the release device is activated, the active ingredient is released into the environment in an increased amount, at least for a certain period of time, for example a stronger scent is emitted for a certain period of time, for example to signal to the consumer that the active ingredient release device is functioning properly. The increased initial intensity

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can be provided, for example, by the intermediate storage unit having at least one opening. An "opening" is also understood to mean a connection between the feed chamber and the discharge chamber that is not completely surrounded by intermediate storage material, for example a notch in the area of the peripheral edge of the intermediate storage unit facing the housing or a gap between this peripheral edge and the housing.

A can or a bottle can be used as a storage container, for example, in which the active ingredient is preferably held in liquid form. Such storage containers are characterized by good storage stability. It is also proposed that the storage container be refillable or replaceable, which results in an increased service life of the active ingredient delivery device according to the invention. This is important, for example, for reasons of waste prevention.

The dispensing device can, for example, comprise an atomizer device, which dispenses the active ingredient as an aerosol. The pressure required to supply the active ingredient contained in the storage container to the dispensing device can, for example, be provided by designing the atomizer device as a pump atomizer, by means of which the consumer himself ensures the required overpressure in the storage container. It is also possible to design the storage container so flexibly that the pressure can be generated by squeezing the container. Finally, it is also conceivable in principle to provide the supply pressure mentioned by means of a propellant gas. In any case, however, it is preferred that the dispensing device is designed for metered dispensing of the active ingredient in order to be able to reliably prevent excessive dispensing of the active ingredient.

Another possibility to influence the intensity of the active ingredient release to the external environment is to change the air passage cross-section of at least one air exchange opening.

To simplify the manufacture of the active substance delivery device according to the invention, it is proposed that the housing be made of at least two parts, namely at least one base part and one attachment part, which can be fastened to one another, preferably locked together. The two-part design of the housing also makes it easier to refill or replace the storage container and, if desired, the intermediate storage. The associated holders for the storage container and/or the intermediate storage can, for example, be formed on the base part of the housing, while the at least one air exchange opening can be provided in the attachment part.

Last but not least, for the use of the active ingredient delivery device according to the invention as an air freshener in motor vehicles, it is proposed that a fastening device, preferably a clamping device, be provided on the housing for attaching the active ingredient delivery device at a desired location. The housing can have at least one air inlet opening in the area of the fastening device and, preferably in a housing part facing away from the fastening device, additionally have at least one air outlet opening. This design variant is particularly advantageous when the active ingredient delivery device is attached to a ventilation outlet grille of a motor vehicle by means of the fastening device.

The active substance delivery device according to the invention can be given an attractive appearance, for example, by designing the attachment in the form of a full-face helmet. It goes without saying that this is preferably a scaled-down model of a full-face helmet. The helmet can have the above-mentioned at least one air inlet opening on its rear side, while the viewing window forms the air outlet opening and the head insertion opening is at least partially closed by the base part of the housing. The visor of the helmet can be used to change the air passage cross-section of the air outlet opening.

• * · m

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In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail using a drawing. -- Here:

Figure 1 is a sectional side view of an active ingredient according to the invention.

dispensing device which uses a cellulose plate as an intermediate storage device;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of another inventive

Drug delivery device which uses capillary surfaces as intermediate storage; and

Figure 3 is a simplified view according to Figure 2 of another active substance delivery device according to the invention, which uses surfaces provided with capillaries and additionally a cellulose plate as an intermediate storage device.

In Figure 1, the active substance delivery device according to the invention is generally designated 10. It comprises a housing 12, which is designed in the form of a miniaturized model of a full-face helmet and comprises a base part 14 and an attachment part 16. The attachment part 16 is provided with locking lugs 16b in the area of its lower peripheral edge 16a, which engage in corresponding locking notches 14b for connecting the base part 14 and the attachment part 16, which are introduced into a circumferential projection 14a of the base part 14. The base part 14 and the attachment part 16 together enclose an enrichment chamber 18 in the housing 12.

The base part 14 comprises a base plate 14c, from which the above-mentioned circumferential projection 14a protrudes upwards in the area of its outer peripheral edge - as seen in the orientation of the active substance dispensing device 10 according to Figure 1. Furthermore, the base plate 14c is penetrated by a tube part 14d, which serves to accommodate a spray can 20. To hold the spray can 20 in the tube part 14d, the tube part 14d has inner holding

The spray can 20 has retaining projections 14e, and the spray can 20 has corresponding retaining recesses 20b in the area of its upper end 20a. From its upper end, axial slots 14h are introduced into the tube part 14d, which increase the elasticity of the tube part 14d in the area of the retaining projections 14e. The retaining recesses 20b can be designed as a circumferential retaining groove.

At the upper end of the tube section 14d, mandrel projections 14f are provided, which serve to hold the intermediate storage device 22, for example a cellulose plate 22. To hold the cellulose plate 22, pressing elements 16c are also provided on the inside of the attachment part 16, which, when the attachment part 16 is locked onto the base part 14, press the cellulose plate 22 against shoulders 14g of the tube part 14d, so that the cellulose plate 22 is securely held between the base part 14 and the attachment part 16. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cellulose plate 22 is dimensioned such that its outer circumference 22a rests against the inside of the housing 12, more precisely the attachment part 16. In this way, the pulp plate divides the enrichment chamber 18 into an upper sub-chamber 18a and a lower sub-chamber 18b.

At the upper end 20a of the spray can 20, a pump atomizer dispensing device 24 is provided, by means of which the active ingredient 26, preferably in liquid form, held in the can 20 can be dispensed into the upper part chamber 18a of the enrichment chamber 18. For this purpose, the dispensing device 24 comprises a pump 24a, with the aid of which the active ingredient 26 is sucked in via a siphon hose 24b and fed to an atomizer nozzle 24c. The atomizer nozzle 24c comprises a tube attachment 24d, which passes through an opening 22c of the pulp plate 22 with play and cooperates with a counterpart 16d of the attachment part 16 of the housing 12 in order to apply the atomized active ingredient 26 in a reflection cone 30 to the surface of the pulp plate 22. Finally, the active ingredient 26 is sucked up by the pulp plate 22.

To enable the pump 24a to be actuated, the holder 14e/20b in the illustrated embodiment is designed with play such that the can 20 cannot fall downwards out of the tube part 14d, but can be pushed upwards into the tube part 14d by the consumer in the figure until the tube attachment 24d of the dispensing device 24 comes into contact with the counterpart 16d and the pump 24a is actuated when the can 20 is pushed further into the tube part 14d. The dispensing device 24 is preferably designed for the metered dispensing of active substance 26, so that when actuated, however long it may last, only a predetermined amount of active substance is dispensed into the upper part chamber 18a.

The active substance 26 striking the pulp plate 22 is distributed in the pulp plate. On the one hand, it can be released as an active substance gas into the air in the lower part of the chamber 18b at the outer peripheral edge 22a of the pulp plate 22. On the other hand, it can also exit as an active substance gas within the tube part 14d and enter the lower part of the chamber 18b through the axial slots 14h.

A plurality of openings 32a, 32b and 32c are provided in the attachment part 16 of the housing 12, the openings 32a and 32b being provided on the rear of the attachment part 16, which represents a full-face helmet, and the opening 32c being formed by the viewing opening of the full-face helmet. In the area of the rear openings 32a and 32b, a clamping device 34 is provided, which serves to attach the active substance delivery device 10 to a desired location, for example a ventilation outlet grille of a motor vehicle. The openings 32a and 32b therefore mainly serve to let air emerging from the ventilation outlets into the enrichment chamber 18, while the opening 32c mainly serves to release the air mixed with active substance 26 to the external environment U. The visor 36 of the full-face helmet, which is arranged in the area of the viewing window 32c of the helmet, can be used to change the air passage cross-section of the outlet opening 32c,

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in order to influence the intensity of the active ingredient release into the external environment U.

Since the active ingredient 26 is released into the upper chamber 18a by means of the release device 24, there is a higher active ingredient partial pressure in this chamber 18a than in the lower chamber 18b, at least immediately after the active ingredient is released by the release device 24. In order to ensure that the intensity of the active ingredient release to the external environment U reaches a particularly high value immediately after the release device 24 is activated, for example to show the consumer that the activation of the release device has resulted in the desired result, passages can be provided in the cellulose plate 22, which lead from the upper chamber 18a to the lower chamber 18b. Such a passage is formed, for example, by the opening 22c, through which the pipe extension 24d passes with clearance. Active ingredient gas can pass from the upper chamber 18a into the lower chamber 18b through this opening 22c and the axial slots 14h. However, separate passages 22b can also be provided, which penetrate the pulp plate 22 and lead directly from the upper part chamber 18a to the lower part chamber 18b.

If there is no active ingredient 26 left in the can 20, the consumer can recognize this as above by the fact that the active ingredient release intensity does not increase or does not increase to the desired extent after the dispensing device 24 is activated. The consumer can then release the locking mechanism between the base part 14 and the attachment part 16, remove the attachment part 16 from the base part 14, pull the pulp plate 22 off the holding pins 14f and finally remove the can 20 from the tube part 14d. After inserting a full can and reattaching the pulp plate, if necessary after replacing it with a new pulp plate, the attachment part 16 can be locked back onto the base part 14 so that the active ingredient release device is ready for use again.

In addition to fragrances, for example air freshener aromas, perfumes and the like, active ingredients for repelling insects and similar active ingredients and mixtures of such active ingredients can be considered as active ingredients. Furthermore, it is understood that the above-described design of the active ingredient dispensing device 10 as a scaled-down model of a full-face helmet only shows one possible design of the full-face helmet as an example, but that any other designs with a cavity which enable the arrangement of an intermediate storage device that can be filled with active ingredients from a storage container, the gradual release of active ingredients into the air in the cavity and the exchange of air between the cavity and the external environment are also conceivable. For example, the storage container can also be attached to the housing from the outside, in which case the active ingredient can be released to the intermediate storage device through an opening in the housing.

Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention, which essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 1. Therefore, in Figure 2, analogous parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, but increased by the number 100. Furthermore, the embodiment according to Figure 2 will only be described below insofar as it differs from the embodiment according to Figure 1, to the description of which reference is otherwise expressly made.

The embodiment according to Figure 2 differs from the embodiment of Figure 1 primarily by the use of surfaces provided with capillaries as intermediate storage and by an additional intermediate storage, explained in more detail below, by means of which the usable active ingredient delivery area can be increased.

Figure 2 shows an active substance delivery device 110 which comprises a housing 112 which essentially consists of a base part 114 and an attachment part 116 which are releasably connected to one another by a locking mechanism as described above. The base part 114 is in this embodiment

shell-shaped, with a shell base 138 and inner and outer shell side walls 140 and 142. The inner shell side wall 140 is integrally connected to the tube part 114d for receiving a spray can 120, whereby the spray can 120, in contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 1, is inserted into the tube part 114d from below and is clamped there by retaining projections 114e.

At its upper end, the tube part 114d has a cylindrical receptacle 144 for receiving an atomizer spray head 146, which can be designed with a directional jet or all-round atomization nozzle (not shown). The atomizer spray head 146 is clamped between the cylindrical receptacle 144 and the inner surface 164 of the attachment part 116 and is detachably connected to a pump atomizer dispensing device 124 of the spray can 120.

The atomizer spray head 146 is surrounded by a cylindrical ring body 148, which is connected in one piece to the attachment part 116 and is provided with capillaries 152 on its side surface 150 facing the atomizer spray head 146. For manufacturing reasons, these capillaries 152 run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring body 148 and are open on their side facing the atomizer spray head 146. In principle, however, it is also possible to use two half-ring bodies that are designed separately from one another and from the housing 112 to have the capillaries run in the circumferential direction, so that when the active ingredient is released in a directed manner by the atomizer spray head 146, it can be distributed essentially evenly over the entire circumference of the ring due to the capillary effect.

The cross-section of the capillaries 152 is essentially rectangular in this embodiment, whereby the capillaries can have, for example, a width of approximately 0.35 mm and a depth of approximately 0.7 mm. Depending on the requirements of the capillaries, however, they can also have other shapes and dimensions that correspond to the respective requirements.

The bowl-shaped base part 114 provided below the ring body 148 is also provided with capillaries 156 on its surface 154 facing the enrichment chamber 118, with the capillaries 156 extending from the outer bowl edge 158 in a radial direction to the inner bowl edge 160. In this case, between adjacent capillaries in the area of the inner bowl edge 160, additional capillaries are provided in the area of the outer bowl edge 158, which extend from the outer edge 158 of the bowl 114 over a section of the bowl bottom 138 and the outer side wall 142.

If the pump atomizer dispensing device 124 is activated by inserting the spray can 120 into the tube part 114d and a certain amount of active ingredient is dispensed via the atomizer spray head 146, an active ingredient jet 162 hits the surface 150 of the ring body 148 provided with the capillaries 152 and the adjacent surface areas 164 of the attachment part 116. The active ingredient jet 162 is finely atomized and spreads out evenly as an active ingredient cloud 166 in the annular space 168 formed between the ring body 148, surface 150, atomizer spray head 146 and the tube part 114d, whereby it is deposited on the capillaries 152, among other things, and also exits the annular space 168 via the annular gap 174. In particular, due to the latter leakage, the intensity of the active ingredient release to the external environment U reaches a particularly high value immediately after the release device 124 is actuated. As soon as the absorption capacity of the capillaries 152 on the ring body 148 is exhausted, the active ingredient drips downwards from the lower edge 170 of the ring body 148, where the active ingredient drops 172 are caught by the capillaries 156 of the bowl-shaped base part 114 and from there, as a result of the capillary effect, are directed to the inner and outer side walls 140 and 142 in order to evaporate from there.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, which essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 2. Therefore, in Figure 3, analogous parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, but

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multiplied by the number 100, i.e. compare with Figure 1 multiplied by the number 200. Furthermore, the embodiment according to Figure 3 will only be described below insofar as it differs from the embodiment according to Figure 2, with reference otherwise being made to the description of Figures 1 and 2.

The embodiment according to Figure 3 differs from that of Figure 2 only in that the additional intermediate storage is formed by a pulp plate 222 and not by a surface provided with capillaries. The pulp plate 222 is, similar to the embodiment according to Figure 1, fixed to a shoulder 214g of the base part 214 by means of holding domes 214f.

Claims (1)

- 16- Expectations 1. Device (10; 110) for dispensing a volatile active substance (26), for example a fragrance, comprising: a housing (12; 112) which encloses an enrichment chamber (18; 118) which is in air exchange contact with the external environment (U) of the housing (12; 112) via at least one opening (32a, 32b, 32c), - a storage container (20; 120) in which a supply of active substance and which is provided with a dispensing device (24; 124) for dispensing active substance (26) into the enrichment chamber (18; 118),
an intermediate storage device (22; 152, 156; 222) arranged in the enrichment chamber (18; 118) for receiving at least a portion of the active substance (26) released from the storage container (20; 120) and for the gradual re-release of active substance (26) to the air present in the enrichment chamber (18; 118) with a time delay relative to the release from the storage container (20; 120). 2. Drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate storage comprises at least one surface (150, 154) provided with capillaries (152, 156). 3. Drug delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the capillaries (152, 156) are elongated and open on one longitudinal side. - 17 - 4. Drug delivery device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the surfaces (154) provided with capillaries (156) is provided on a wall section (138) of the housing (112). 5. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 2 to 4,
characterized in that at least one of the surfaces (150) provided with capillaries (152) is provided on an element (148) which is integrally formed with the housing (112) or which can be connected to the housing (112). 6. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 2 to 5,
characterized in that a surface (150) provided with capillaries (152) surrounds the dispensing device (124). 7. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 2 to 6,
characterized in that in the position of use of the device, at least one additional intermediate storage means (156; 222) is provided below the one surface (150) provided with capillaries (152). 8. Drug delivery device according to claim 7, characterized in that the additional buffer (156) comprises a further surface (154) provided with capillaries (156). 9. Drug delivery device according to claim 8, characterized in that the further surface (154) provided with capillaries (156) is bowl-shaped, with a bowl bottom (138) and, if desired, an inner (140) and/or outer bowl side wall (142). -&iacgr;&dgr;&igr;&ogr;.
Drug delivery device according to claim 9, characterized in that the capillaries (156) of the further surface (154) provided with capillaries (156) extend from the outer shell edge (158) to the inner shell edge (160). 11. Drug delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that between capillaries (156) adjacent in the region of the inner shell edge (160) in the region of the outer shell edge (158) additional capillaries (156) are provided, which extend from the outer edge (158) of the shell (138, 140, 142) over a partial section of the shell bottom (138) and, if desired, are continued in the outer side wall (142). 12. Drug delivery device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the additional intermediate storage comprises at least one pulp element (222), preferably a pulp plate (222). 13. Drug delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate storage device comprises at least one pulp element (22), preferably a pulp plate. 14. Drug delivery device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pulp element (22) divides the enrichment chamber (18) into a feed sub-chamber (18a) and a discharge sub-chamber (18b), wherein the dispensing device (24; 124) is associated with the feed sub-chamber (18a) and the at least one air exchange opening (32a, 32b, 32c) is provided in a wall section (16) of the housing (12) associated with the discharge sub-chamber (18b). 15. Drug delivery device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the pulp element (22) has at least one passage (22b). 9 « - 19- 16. Active substance dispensing device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the storage container (20; 120) comprises a can or bottle in which the active substance (26) is preferably accommodated in liquid form. 17. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the storage container (20; 120) is refillable or exchangeable. 18. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the delivery device (24; 124) comprises an atomizer device (24c; 146) which delivers the active substance (26) as an aerosol. 19. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the delivery device (24; 124) is designed for the metered delivery of the active substance (26). 20. Drug delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the dispensing device (24; 124) can be operated manually. 21. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the air passage cross section of at least one air exchange opening (32c) is variable. 22. Active substance delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the housing (12; 112) is formed from at least two parts (14, 16; 114, 116), namely at least one base part (14; 114) and one attachment part (16; 116), which can be fastened to one another, preferably can be locked together (14b/16b). 23. Drug delivery device according to claim 22, characterized in that the base part (14; 114) has a holder (14d; 114d) for the storage container (20; 120). 24. Drug delivery device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the base part (14; 214) has a holder (14f; 214f) for the intermediate storage (22) and, if desired, the additional intermediate storage (222). 25. Drug delivery device according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the at least one air exchange opening (32a, 32b, 32c) is provided in the attachment part (16). 26. Drug delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 25,
characterized in that a fastening device (34), preferably a clamping device, is provided on the housing (12) for attaching the active substance delivery device (10) at a desired location. 27. Drug delivery device according to claim 26, characterized in that the housing (12) has at least one air inlet opening (32a, 32b) in the region of the fastening device (34), and preferably additionally has at least one air outlet opening (32c) in a region facing away from the fastening device (34). 28. Drug delivery device according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the attachment part (16; 116) is designed in the form of a full-face helmet. hf/14.09.98 15:47