KR20230105620A - Chemical liquid aerosol inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid medicine aerosol inhaler, and more particularly, to a medicine liquid aerosol inhaler capable of spraying or discharging the medicine according to the type of medicine and/or a treatment area.
The chemical aerosol inhaler of the present invention is detachable from a liquid medicine cartridge accommodating liquid medicine, a vibrating body unit generating aerosol particles by applying energy to the liquid medicine in the liquid medicine cartridge and spraying the liquid, an aerosol discharge path for discharging aerosol particles, and an aerosol discharge path. a nozzle unit, a display unit for displaying nozzle unit guidance, detachable from the drug cartridge, generating aerosol particles by controlling the vibrating body unit and discharging them through an aerosol discharge path, and nozzle units according to the type of drug solution or treatment area It is preferable to have a processor that performs guidance on the display through the display unit.

Description

Chemical liquid aerosol inhaler {CHEMICAL LIQUID AEROSOL INHALER}

The present invention relates to a liquid medicine aerosol inhaler, and more particularly, to a medicine liquid aerosol inhaler capable of spraying or discharging the medicine according to the type of medicine and/or a treatment site.

The respiratory system is divided into a conducting zone, which is a passage for air, and a respiratory zone, where direct gas exchange takes place. It refers to the bronchi and terminal bronchiole, and the respiratory area refers to the respiratory bronchiole, alveolar duct, alveolar sac, and alveoli. The inhaler, which is mainly used by patients with asthma or chronic lung disease, has the advantage of increasing the treatment effect and reducing side effects by directly delivering the drug to the airway. The inhaler is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) depending on the drug properties , dry powder inhaler (DPI), and nebulizer.

A nebulizer turns liquid medication into an aerosol that is sprayed and the medication is inhaled through a face mask or tube that covers the nose and mouth.

Conventional nebulizers do not provide an injection control function according to the type of liquid or treatment site.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid medicine aerosol inhaler capable of spraying or discharging the medicine according to the type and/or treatment area of the medicine.

The chemical aerosol inhaler of the present invention is detachable from a liquid medicine cartridge accommodating liquid medicine, a vibrating body unit generating aerosol particles by applying energy to the liquid medicine in the liquid medicine cartridge and spraying the liquid, an aerosol discharge path for discharging aerosol particles, and an aerosol discharge path. a nozzle unit, a display unit for displaying nozzle unit guidance, detachable from the drug cartridge, generating aerosol particles by controlling the vibrating body unit and discharging them through an aerosol discharge path, and nozzle units according to the type of drug solution or treatment area It is preferable to have a processor that performs guidance on the display through the display unit.

In addition, the nozzle unit communicates with the main body portion having a discharge path formed therein, the inlet portion that is connected to the discharge path of the body unit and is inserted or coupled to the aerosol discharge path, and the body unit communicates with the discharge path and is inserted into the nasal cavity or oral cavity or inserted into the nasal cavity or oral cavity. It is preferable to have an exit portion surrounding the .

In addition, when the nozzle is for nasal insertion, it is preferable that a pair of outlets is provided, and a split portion is provided so that the discharge path in the main body is divided into each of the pair of outlets.

In addition, when the nozzle unit is non-inserted around the nasal cavity, the output unit is composed of an upper end and a lower end of a symmetrical shape, and the height from the inlet to the upper end is greater than the height from the inlet to the lower end.

In addition, the nozzle unit preferably has a partition wall portion that extends from the inlet portion along the discharge path of the body portion and extends only to the inside of the body portion prior to the outlet portion.

In addition, when the nozzle part is for oral insertion or non-insertion surrounding the oral cavity, the length of the long axis of the outlet is preferably greater than the length of the short axis of the outlet.

In addition, the processor preferably guides the oral cavity nozzle unit when the oral cavity, larynx, or lung is the treatment position, and guides the nasal nozzle unit when the nasal cavity or larynx is the treatment position.

The present invention is provided with a nozzle unit for realizing spray characteristics of a liquid medicine according to the type of liquid and/or treatment area (nasal cavity, oral cavity, larynx, lung, etc.), so that the user can easily inhale, and the size (diameter) of aerosol particles ), injection speed, etc., so that the aerosol of the chemical solution reaches the treatment site, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of the chemical solution.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler of Figure 1;
3 to 5 are examples of nozzle units according to treatment areas.
6 is a control configuration diagram of the liquid medicine aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through examples and drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

In this document, expressions such as "has", "may have", "includes", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" as used herein may modify various elements, in any order and/or importance, and may refer to one element as another. It is used to distinguish from components, but does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, a first element may be called a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through another component (eg, a third component). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the element and the above It may be understood that other components (eg, third components) do not exist between the other components.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for", "having the capacity to", depending on the situation. ", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of" can be used interchangeably. The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor) to perform those operations, or one or more software programs stored in a memory device that executes By doing so, it may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, the terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning to the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. not interpreted In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

The drug liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention adjusts the aerosol particle size and/or movement speed (nebulization speed, discharge speed) by reflecting the type of liquid medicine and/or the treatment area (or location) to which the liquid medicine should reach.

When the treatment site is the nasal cavity, the particle size is in the range of 2 to 10 μm, and when the treatment site is the brain, the particle size inhaled into the brain through the blood vessels in the nasal cavity is in the range of 2 to 5 μm, and the movement speed is 3 m /s is preferable, and when the treatment site is the oral cavity, the particle size is preferably 10 μm or more, and when the treatment site is the larynx, the particle size is 5 to 10 μm, and the moving speed is preferably 5 m/s or more , When the treatment site is the lung (alveoli), the size of the inhaled particles is preferably 2-4 μm and the moving speed is 2 m/s or less. Considering this point, the drug solution aerosol inhaler according to the present invention sprays and discharges an aerosol having a diameter in the range of 2 to 15 μm, but reflects the type of drug or treatment site and the drug solution according to the particle size and movement speed described above. of the aerosol is generated and discharged.

In addition, the medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler includes at least one nozzle unit corresponding to the treatment area so that the user can easily inhale the generated aerosol using the nozzle unit.

In addition, the medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler is provided with a forced air flow generating unit (eg, a fan or an air pump), which is a speed control means for actively controlling a moving speed (ie, a discharge speed).

1 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid aerosol inhaler of FIG. The vertical sectional view of FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the mouthpiece in the direction of the long axis.

The drug aerosol inhaler is composed of a liquid (or drug) liquid cartridge 100 and an inhaler body 200 in which the drug cartridge 100 is detachable and mountable. In addition, the liquid medicine cartridge 100 is provided separately from the mouthpiece 300 so that the mouthpiece 300 is detachably provided to the liquid medicine cartridge 100 or the liquid medicine cartridge 100 is integrally formed including the mouthpiece 300. It could be.

The chemical cartridge 100 includes an outer case 112 forming a bottom and an outside of an accommodation space 130 for accommodating liquid such as a chemical solution in an internal space, and a hollow first discharge path 150 therein, , The inner case 114 forming the inside of the accommodating space 130, and the sealing member mounted on the upper side of the accommodating space 130 between the outer case 112 and the inner case 114 to prevent leakage of the chemical liquid ( 116), a transport passage 140 formed between the outer case 112 and the inner case 114 to transfer the chemical solution in the accommodation space 130 to the spray space 145, and the chemical solution from the transfer passage 140 A spraying space 145 where it is supplied and sprayed to be aerosolized, a blocking member 146 that moves up and down on the outer surface of the inner case 114 to open and close the transfer passage 140, and a spraying space 145 The first discharge path 150 communicating between the discharge path 301 of the masku piece 300 and the spray space 145 and the first discharge path 150 or mounted in the first discharge path 150 It is configured to include a mesh structure 155 and the like.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 300 and the liquid medicine cartridge 200 are integrally configured, and the mouthpiece 300 has an outer case 310 forming a discharge path 301, and the outer case 310 The inner surface of the first discharge path 150 is connected to the upper end of the inner case 114 and the discharge path 301 is in communication. The inner surface of the lower end of the outer case 310 faces the outer surface of the outer case 112 and is spaced apart at a predetermined interval, thereby forming a second discharge path 165 between the outer case 310 and the outer case 112. do. The outer outer portion of the upper side of the inner case 114 is coupled to the inner surface of the outer case 310, so that the inner case 114 and the outer case 310 are integrally formed. A through hole 315 is formed between the outer case 310 and the inner case 114, and the forced air flow passes through the through hole 315 to the upper side of the first discharge path 150 or the discharge path of the mouthpiece 300 ( 301) is reached.

A fastening structure (eg, a screw thread, etc.) for coupling with the upper inner surface of the bracket 205 of the respirator body 200 is formed on the lower outer surface of the outer case 310.

The accommodation space 130 has a cylindrical shape in which a hollow is formed in the vertical direction due to the first discharge path 150 and is formed between the outer case 112 and the inner case 114 . The sealing member 116 is formed on the upper side between the outer case 112 and the inner case 114, that is, on the upper side of the accommodation space 130. A transfer passage 140 is formed on the lower side between the outer case 112 and the inner case 114, that is, on the lower side of the accommodation space 130, and the transfer passage 140 is opened and closed by the shield member 146. The shielding member 146 closes the transfer passage 140 before the liquid medicine cartridge 100 and the inhaler body 200 are coupled, and the liquid medicine cartridge 100 and the inhaler body 200 are coupled to the inhaler body 200. By being moved upward along the outer surface of the inner case 114 by the protrusion (not shown) on the upper surface of the ), the transfer passage 140 is opened, resulting in a state as shown in FIG. 2 .

As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the liquid medicine cartridge 100 and the inhaler body 200 are coupled, the vibrating body units 270 and 271 are inserted into the spray space 145, and the liquid medicine is sprayed through the transfer passage 140. While being supplied to the space 145, it comes into contact with the vibrating body units 270 and 271.

A first discharge path 150 communicating with each other and a discharge path 301 of the mouthpiece 300 are formed on the upper side of the spray space 145, and the aerosol discharge path in the present invention is formed between the spray space 145 and the first It is configured to include the discharge path 150 and the discharge path 301 of the mouthpiece 300.

The mesh structure 155 has a hole diameter corresponding to the type of liquid medicine. The hole diameter of the mesh structure 155 is selected from the range of 3 to 12 μm. For aerosol injection with a diameter corresponding to the type of drug and/or the treatment area, the hole diameter of the mesh structure 155 is also set to a corresponding size.

The second discharge path 165 is formed between the inner surface of the outer case 310 and the outer surface of the outer case 112 and includes a through hole 315 .

The inlet (lower part) of the second discharge path 165 and the aerosol discharge path are independent of each other, and the outlet (upper part) of each of the second discharge path 165 and the aerosol discharge path is the first discharge path ( 150) or at the outlet path 301 of the mouthpiece 300.

In the present invention, the liquid medicine cartridge 200 and the mouthpiece 300 are referred to as a liquid medicine cartridge unit.

The inhaler body 200 includes a main body case 201 having an open upper side accommodating a control device therein, and an upper case 202 formed on the upper side of the main body case 201 to support the vibrating body cases 274 and 276. ), a bracket 205 that covers and protects the vibrating body cases 274 and 276 on the upper side of the upper case 202 and is separated and combined with the chemical cartridge unit, and an input unit 210 mounted on the outside of the main body case 201 ), the power supply unit 230 mounted inside the body case 201, the electrical contact terminal 242 electrically connecting the power supply unit 230 and the vibrator 270, and the power supply unit 230 mounted inside the body case 201 to force Accommodation of the forced air flow generator 256 generating air flow and discharging it to the forced air discharge path, the vibrating body units 270 and 271 electrically connected to the electrical contact terminal 242 and vibrating, and the upper case 202 It is configured to include vibrating body cases 274 and 276 for fixing the vibrating body units 270 and 271 to the grooves, and a discharge path 280 for discharging forced air current to the liquid medicine cartridge 100.

The upper case 202 has a through hole 202a through which the forced air flow from the forced air flow generator 256 of the body case 201 is discharged to the discharge path 280 .

The lower surface of the bracket 205 is coupled to the upper surface of the upper case 202, and the vibrating body units 270 and 271 are accommodated and mounted therebetween. An upper side of the bracket 205 is provided with a mounting space in which a liquid cartridge unit is inserted and mounted, and a coupling structure for coupling with the outer case 310 is formed on an inner surface of the top of the bracket 205 . The bracket 205 has an insertion hole 205a through which at least a portion of the vibrating body units 270 and 271 can be exposed and inserted into the spray space 145 formed on the upper side of the bracket 205 and the discharge path 280. A through hole 205b is formed. The space above the insertion hole 205a and surrounded by the upper side of the bracket 205 and the transfer passage 140 is the spray space 145.

The forced air flow generating unit 256 may be implemented as a fan or the like capable of generating forced air flow. In the present invention, the inlet of the forced air discharge path starts from the forced air flow generator 256, and the forced air discharge path includes the through hole 202a of the upper case 202 and the through hole 205b of the bracket 205. It is configured to include a discharge path 280 and a second discharge path 165 . When the liquid medicine cartridge unit is coupled to the bracket 2050, the inner surface of the bracket 205 and the outer surface of the outer case 112 are separated by a predetermined interval, and this space is included in the discharge path 280.

The vibrator units 270 and 271 include a vibrator 270 that vibrates when power is applied, and a vibration transmitter 271 that transmits vibration of the vibrator 270 . The vibrator 270 is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator, and the vibration transmitter 271 may contact the upper side of the vibrator 270 and have a horn shape, and may be made of a material such as titanium.

The vibrating body cases 274 and 276 are composed of a lower case 274 fixing the lower sides of the vibrating unit 270 and 271 and an upper case 276 fixing the upper sides of the vibrating unit 270 and 271, , the lower case 274 and the upper case 276 are coupled. The vibrating units 270 and 271 are mounted in the space between the upper case 276 and the lower case 274 .

An electrical contact terminal 242 is mounted inside the lower case 274, and the vibrating body units 270 and 271 are placed above the electrical contact terminal 242. A through hole 276a is formed in the center of the upper case 276 to expose at least a portion of the vibrating units 270 and 271 to the outside. Since the upper case 276 is coupled to the lower case 274 by screwing or the like, the vibrating body units 270 and 271 and the electrical contact terminal 242 are physically and electrically connected. As the vibrating units 270 and 271 are physically connected while pressing the electrical contact terminal 242 downward, in order to secure a space in which the electric contact terminal 242 can move downward, the lower case 274 A through hole 274a is formed in the center.

In another embodiment, the chemical liquid aerosol inhaler includes a liquid medicine cartridge including a spray space, a vibrating body unit, and a mist discharge path, separated from and mounted to the liquid medicine cartridge, and applying and shutting off power to the vibrating body unit, and a forced air flow generating unit. It may be configured to include a respirator body that controls and supplies forced air flow through a forced air flow discharge path formed in the liquid medicine cartridge. The body of the inhaler may have a mounting space for mounting and coupling the liquid medicine cartridge, and electrical connection terminals for electrical connection or contact with the liquid medicine cartridge may be provided on an inner surface of the mounting space.

In addition, the liquid medicine cartridge 100 includes an identification unit 170 that allows the inhaler body 200 to determine identification information including the type of liquid and/or a treatment area when mounted on the inhaler body 200 described below. include

The contents of the identification information include at least the type of liquid medicine cartridge 100, the type of liquid medicine, and/or liquid medicine information including the treatment site, and the amount of suction (spray quantity) based on one time (recommended), the amount of suction (recommended) per day (recommended) Spray amount), standard inhalation (spraying) time, standard spray speed, standard inhalation interval, standard inhalation frequency, etc. (corresponding to inhalation information on the drug prescription), etc. may be additionally included. In this embodiment, the recommended amount for each type of drug solution includes at least one of a one-time standard suction amount and a daily standard intake amount, and this recommended amount is determined by a prescriber (eg, a doctor or pharmacist, etc.) according to the user's disease or condition. ) can be set or set by the user. In addition, different recommended amounts may be set according to the type of liquid (or drug). In addition, the recommended amount is a value for the amount (volume, mass) of the chemical solution to be sprayed (sprayed), and the standard inhalation time is a value for the time required to spray the recommended amount. The standard atomization speed is selected as a speed within the range of the moving speed (discharge speed) as described above according to the treatment site, which is the position where the liquid medicine should reach.

The first embodiment of the identification unit 170 may include a color unit having colors corresponding to or indicating identification information (or its content). The color part, for example, may use the color of the outer surface or lower end of the case of the liquid cartridge 100, and the color of the lower end of the liquid cartridge 100 may be made of an injection resin color, a separate sticker, or painting.

The second embodiment of the identification unit 170 is formed on the lower end of the liquid cartridge 100, and may include an embossed or intaglio formed corresponding to or representing the identification information to identify the contents of the identification information. The imprinting contents of the imprinting unit may include numbers, languages, symbols, and the like.

The third embodiment of the identification unit 170 includes a code unit including a QR code or bar code that is mounted on the outer surface or lower end of the liquid cartridge 100 to identify the contents of the identification information and corresponds to or indicates the identification information. can do.

The fourth embodiment of the identification unit 170 is a metal that is mounted on the outer surface or lower end of the liquid cartridge 100 to identify the contents of the identification information and can check the inductance (L value) corresponding to or indicating the contents of the identification information. May include wealth. The metal portion includes metal such as SUS, Al, kanthal, Cu, and magnetic material.

The fifth embodiment of the identification unit 170 may include a Surface Mount Device (SMD) resistance chip mounted on the outer surface or lower end of the liquid cartridge 100 to correspond to or indicate the identification information in order to identify the contents of the identification information. there is.

The sixth embodiment of the identification unit 170 may include an RFID tag mounted on the outer surface or lower end of the liquid cartridge 100 to correspond to or indicate the identification information in order to identify the contents of the identification information. The RFID tag stores the aforementioned identification information.

The liquid medicine cartridge 100 includes electrical connection terminals 101a and 101b for electrical connection with the inhaler body 200.

A plurality of electrical connection terminals 203a to 203b are formed in the mounting space of the body case 201 or the upper case 202 of the inhaler body 200 . Each of the plurality of electrical connection terminals 203a to 203b is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical connection terminals 101a and 101b provided in the chemical liquid cartridge 100, respectively.

3 to 5 are examples of nozzle units according to treatment areas. At least a portion of each of the first to third nozzle units 400, 440, and 460 is inserted into or separated from the discharge path (discharge path 150 and discharge path 301) of the liquid chemical cartridge unit, and the user can be replaced or exchanged by

The first to third nozzle units 400, 440, and 460 are made of at least one of natural rubber, eco-friendly resin, medical-healthcare grade silicon, Class VI Silicon, TPE, and PPSU, or include two or more materials.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first nozzle unit 400 inserted into the nasal cavity, and FIG. 3B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first nozzle unit 400 . The first nozzle unit 400 is a nozzle inserted into the nasal cavity and capable of inducing the aerosol discharged from the respirator body 200 to the nasal cavity, and includes a body portion 402 having a discharge path P1 formed therein, and a discharge path ( An inlet portion 404 having a hollow passage communicating with P1), a pair of outlet portions 406a and 406b having hollow passages respectively inserted into the nostrils and connected to the discharge passage P1, and a body portion ( 402) and a fork 408 dividing the discharge path P1 into the pair of outlets 406a and 406b between the pair of outlets 406a and 406b.

The inlet portion 404 is inserted into the discharge path 150 of the liquid medicine cartridge unit so that the aerosol generated from the vibrating body units 270 and 271 flows into the discharge path P1.

At least a portion of the body portion 402 is inserted into the discharge path 301 so that the first nozzle portion 400 is stably coupled.

One end of each of the pair of outlet portions 406a and 406b is mounted within the body portion 402, and the other end extends outward, and the outer diameter of the other end is in the range of 10 to 15 mm. The distance between the centers of each of the pair of outlet portions 406a and 406b is in the range of 15 to 25 mm.

Next, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the second nozzle unit 440 that is not inserted into the nasal cavity and surrounds the nose and induces aerosol into the nasal cavity, and FIG. 4B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second nozzle unit 440 .

The second nozzle unit 440 surrounds the body portion 442 having the discharge path P2 formed therein, the inlet portion 444 having the hollow passage communicating with the discharge path P2, and the nostril together. An outlet portion 446 having a hollow passage connected to the discharge path P2, and one end formed at the inlet portion 444 while being inside the body portion 442, extending in the direction of travel of the discharge path P2, but the outlet portion ( 446 is provided with a partition wall portion 448 extending only to the front.

The outside of the mouthpiece 300 is inserted into the hollow of the inlet portion 444, or the inlet portion 444 is inserted into the discharge path 301 of the mouthpiece 300 so that the second nozzle portion 440 is stably coupled. do.

The outlet portion 446 includes an m-shaped upper end 446a and an inverse m-shaped lower end 446b. The upper part 446a and the lower part 446b are symmetrical to each other with respect to the horizontal axis, and the height from the inlet part 444 to the upper part 446a is greater than the height from the inlet part 444 to the lower part 446b, When the lower part 446b is located under the nose or close to the philtrum, and the upper part 446a is located above the nose, the user's hand posture is convenient when inhaling. An inclined structure is formed between the upper part 446a and the lower part 446b. Each of the major axis and minor axis lengths of the outlet portion 446 are greater than the major axis and minor axis lengths of the inlet portion 442, and the length of the outlet portion 446 in the direction of the major axis is in the range of 30 to 45 mm. Short axis length is in the range of 15 to 35 mm.

The septum portion 448 is formed on the central axis of the discharge path P2 from the inlet portion 444 to the outlet portion 446, and the aerosol supplied to the inlet portion 444 is inserted into the outlet portion 446 Nostril to be distributed to each. However, since the nose may be inserted into the outlet portion 446 , the partition wall portion 448 extends from the inlet portion 444 to only extend into the main body portion 440 prior to the outlet portion 446 .

The second nozzle unit 440 surrounds the entire nostril and allows the aerosol to be delivered to the nasal cavity while minimizing the outflow of the aerosol.

Next, FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a third nozzle unit 460 that is inserted into the oral cavity and induces aerosol into the oral cavity, and FIG. 5B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the third nozzle unit 460 .

The third nozzle unit 460 includes a body portion 462 having a discharge path P3 formed therein, an inlet portion 464 having a hollow passage communicating with the discharge path P3, and a discharge path ( It has an outlet portion 466 formed with a hollow passage connected to P3).

The inlet portion 464 is inserted into the discharge path 150 of the liquid medicine cartridge unit so that the aerosol generated from the vibrating body units 270 and 271 flows into the discharge path P3.

At least a portion of the body portion 462 is inserted into the discharge path 301 so that the third nozzle portion 460 is stably coupled.

Similar to the shape of the user's mouth, the outlet portion 466 has a major axis length greater than a minor axis length, so that when the outlet portion 466 is inserted into the user's mouth, the mouth opens to open the airway or throat. The length of the long axis of the outlet can be variably selected according to the use for adults and children. The long axis length of the adult outlet is in the range of 45 to 50 mm, the long axis length of the child outlet is in the range of 30 to 40 mm, and the short axis length of the outlet is in the range of 15 to 25 mm.

At least the outlet part 466 of the third nozzle unit 460 is inserted into the mouth to minimize the outflow of the aerosol and to deliver the aerosol to the nasal cavity.

The above-described first nozzle unit 400 is an insertion structure for the nasal cavity, the second nozzle unit 440 is a non-insertion structure for the nasal cavity, and the third nozzle unit 460 is an insertion structure for the oral cavity. In another embodiment, a nozzle unit having a longer axis and a shorter axis than the length of the major axis and the minor axis of the outlet unit 466 is provided so that the user's mouth is inserted into the outlet unit (non-insertion structure nozzle unit for oral cavity) is also possible. .

The oral nozzle part is preferably used when the oral cavity or the larynx or the lungs are the treatment position, and the nasal nozzle part is preferably used when the nasal cavity or the larynx is the treatment position.

6 is a control configuration diagram of the liquid medicine aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.

The chemical liquid cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the electrical connection terminal 101a electrically connected to the electrical connection terminal 203a connected to the suction sensor 250 and the electrical connection terminal 203b connected to the remaining amount sensor 252. It is configured to include an electrical connection terminal 101b and the above-described identification unit 170 .

The respirator body 200 includes an input unit 210 for obtaining input from a user (eg, power on/off, operation/stop, discharge rate control input, etc.) and applying the input to the processor 290, and the processor 290 A display unit 220 that visually and/or audibly displays display information (eg, identification information, remaining amount of battery, remaining amount of liquid, discharge speed, etc.) applied from the power supply unit 230 and The power supply unit 240 supplies or cuts off power from the power supply unit 230 to the vibrator 270 under the control of the processor 290, and the user's suction is sensed through the electrical connection terminal 203a to detect suction. A suction sensor 250 for applying a value to the processor 290 and a remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the chemical solution stored in the chemical liquid cartridge 100 through the electrical connection terminal 203b and applying the remaining amount detection value to the processor 290 252, and when the liquid cartridge 100 is mounted on the inhaler body 200, the identification unit 170 of the liquid cartridge 100 is faced in a contact or non-contact manner to read identification information and convert the read identification information to a processor A reading unit 254 that applies to the processor 290 or enables the processor 290 to read or detect identification information, and a forced air current generated under the control of the processor 290 and discharged to the forced air discharge path. The generator 260, the vibrator 270 that receives power from the power supply unit 240 under the control of the processor 290, and the processor 290 that performs an aerosol generating function for the liquid medicine by controlling the above-described components. ) and the like. However, since the input unit 210 and the power supply unit 230 are naturally recognized by those skilled in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The display unit 220 includes a display unit that visually displays information such as an LED or LCD, a speaker that emits sound to audibly display information, and a vibration unit such as a vibration motor to tactilely display information. It consists of including.

The power supply unit 240 includes a booster converter that adjusts the voltage (voltage level) applied from the power supply unit 230 by the voltage control signal of the processor 290 and applies the sine wave generator, and receives the voltage from the booster converter to the processor. It is configured to include a sine wave generator that generates a sine wave signal having a frequency corresponding to the output control signal (eg, PWM signal) of 290 and applies it to the vibrator 270 . The voltage control signal from the processor 290 corresponds to a signal for applying the voltage (or peak-to-peak voltage) applied to the sine wave generator in the boost converter and adjusting the magnitude of the voltage. The output control signal corresponds to a signal for determining the frequency of the sine wave signal generated by the sine wave generator, and the vibrator 270 operates while the output control signal is applied, and the vibrator 270 operates during the time when the output control signal is not applied. 270) is stopped. The processor 290 may change the diameter and/or the discharge speed of aerosol particles of the chemical solution by controlling the frequency of power applied to the vibrator 270, the size of the power, and application/shutdown of power.

The inhalation sensor 250 is a sensor that detects the user's inhalation, and the processor 290 controls the power supply 240 to generate an aerosol to generate a frequency or The operation of the vibrator 270 may be controlled by adjusting the level of voltage, otherwise the power supply 240 may be controlled so that aerosol is not generated.

The remaining amount sensor 252 detects the remaining amount of the chemical solution stored in the liquid medicine cartridge 100 and applies the remaining amount detection value to the processor 290, and the processor 290 continues the aerosol generating operation or aerosol generating operation according to the remaining amount detection value. may be stopped, the user may be notified of the remaining amount through the display unit 220, or an alarm may be displayed. Depending on the embodiment, the remaining amount sensor 252 is a pressure sensor and may sense the remaining amount by detecting a change in pressure in the accommodation space of the chemical liquid cartridge 100 according to the change in the remaining amount of the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine cartridge 100 .

The reading unit 254 corresponds to the characteristics of the identification unit 170 formed on the liquid cartridge 100, reads the identification information from the identification unit 170, and is mounted on the inhaler body 200.

Corresponding to the first embodiment of the identification unit 170, the first embodiment of the reading unit 254 includes a color sensor for recognizing a color, and the color sensor contacts identification information, which is information related to the recognized color. It is read and applied to the processor 290 by way or non-contact way.

Corresponding to the second embodiment of the identification unit 170, the second embodiment of the reading unit 254 may include a positive or negative character recognition sensor to recognize the inscription. The character recognition sensor reads identification information, which is information related to embossed or engraved characters, in a contact or non-contact manner and applies it to the processor 290 through an optical method or an infrared method.

Corresponding to the third embodiment of the identification unit 170, the third embodiment of the reader 254 may include a code reader such as an optical camera to recognize a QR code or bar code. The code reader reads the identification information associated with the QR code or bar code in a contact or non-contact manner and applies it to the processor 290.

Corresponding to the fourth embodiment of the identification unit 170, the fourth embodiment of the reading unit 254 electrically contacts the identification unit 170 in a contact manner to recognize the inductance (L value) of the metal. Including the TV sensor. The inductive sensor electrically contacts the metal to read or detect identification information related to the inductance of the metal, and applies the detected information to the processor 290 .

Corresponding to the fifth embodiment of the identification unit 170, the fifth embodiment of the reading unit 254 connects a plurality of electrode terminals electrically connected to the SMD resistance chip in order to detect the resistance value of the SMD resistance chip. include The processor 290 reads the resistance value of the SMD resistance chip through the electrode terminals.

Corresponding to the sixth embodiment of the identification unit 170, the sixth embodiment of the reading unit 254 is an RFID reader that reads the identification information stored in the identification unit 170 in a contact or non-contact manner to recognize the RFID. wealth may be included. The RFID reader reads identification information stored in the identification unit 170 and applies the read identification information to the processor 290 .

The processor 290 performs each of the aerosol generating operation and stopping, and stores determination information for identifying or confirming the contents of the identification information. As described above, the determination information includes contents of identification information corresponding to each such as color, character, code, inductance, resistance value, and RFID tag information read by the reader 254 . The processor 290 compares the read value (identification information) from the reader 254 with the determination information to confirm or determine the contents of the identification information in the combined cartridge.

The processor 290 determines the content of the identification information, not only the type of the chemical cartridge 100 or the type of drug, but also the spray amount (inhalation amount) based on one time (recommended), the amount sprayed (inhalation amount) per day (recommended), and the standard The spray (inhalation) time, standard number of sprays (inhalation), standard inhalation interval, standard spray speed, etc. are checked and stored, and can be displayed through the display unit 220 . In addition, the processor 290 controls the power supply 240 according to the content of the identification information (eg, standard spray time, standard spray number, standard inhalation interval, standard spray speed, etc.) to perform an aerosol generating operation and stop. can do.

The processor 290 receives a suction detection value from the suction sensor 250 in a state where power is supplied, and controls the power supply 240 to supply power to the vibrator 270 when the user's suction operation is being performed. is supplied to perform an aerosol generating operation of the chemical solution.

The processor 290 controls the vibrator 270 according to the standard inhalation amount (spray amount) per time according to the type of drug, the amount of inhalation per day (spray amount), the standard inhalation (spray) time, the number of inhalations (spray), the standard inhalation interval, etc. It controls the power supply and shutdown of the furnace. The reference intake time includes a one-time standard intake time corresponding to a one-time standard intake amount (recommended intake intake amount per one time) and a daily standard intake time corresponding to the daily standard intake amount (recommended intake intake amount per day). In addition, the processor 290 stores the correlation data for the operation time (suction time) of the vibrator 270 and the spray amount (suction amount), checks the one-time reference intake amount, and determines the one-time reference intake amount using the correlation data. A reference suction time, which is a time during which the corresponding vibrator 270 should be operated, may be calculated.

For quantitative injection of the recommended amount (one-time standard intake amount) for one-time inhalation, the processor 290 checks the one-time standard intake amount or one-time standard intake time corresponding to the type of the identified liquid medicine, and accordingly, During the reference suction time, the power supply unit 240 is operated to control the vibrator 270 to perform a spraying operation.

Next, in order to spray a quantity for a recommended amount (inhalation amount per day) for daily inhalation, the processor 290 accumulates and stores the operating time (inhalation time) of the atomizing unit 120. The processor 290 compares the current intake amount corresponding to the accumulated operating time with the confirmed daily intake amount, and cuts off the power supply to the vibrator 270 when the current intake exceeds the daily intake amount, thereby preventing drug administration. Avoid over-inhalation. In addition, the processor 290 may display through the display unit 220 that the additional spraying operation is stopped because the spraying operation for the daily standard intake is completed. The processor 290 may prevent excessive drug intake by using the standard operating time of the vibrator 270 corresponding to the daily standard intake amount instead of the daily standard intake amount. The processor 290 may store the above-described accumulated operating time on a daily basis, store the accumulated operating time as a current suction amount for one day, and display the accumulated operating time on the display unit 220 .

Alternatively, the processor 290, when the current intake amount exceeds the daily reference intake amount or when the intake time, which is the operation time of the vibrator 270, exceeds the reference intake time, displays an alarm or vibration for the excess use on the display unit ( 220).

In another embodiment, the processor 290 may acquire and store a standard intake amount or a standard intake time corresponding to the type of the identified liquid medicine from the input unit 210 per time or per day. That is, the processor 290 allows the user to set or change the standard intake amount or standard intake time for each type of liquid medicine. Also, the processor 290 may store the same or different standard intake amount or standard intake time for each type of liquid medicine.

Also, the processor 290 may obtain remaining battery capacity information from the power supply unit 230 and display it on the display unit 220 .

In addition, the processor 290 reads the moving speed (discharge speed), which is the stored standard spraying speed, to turn on and shut off power to the forced air flow generating unit 260, as well as the moving speed by the forced air flow generating unit 260. variably adjusts As described above, the processor 290 may increase the treatment effect by varying the injection speed of the drug solution according to the treatment site so that the drug solution reaches the treatment site.

The processor 290 may display, through the display unit 220 , nozzle unit information that is preferable to be used according to the type of liquid or treatment area. The nozzle unit information includes characters or figures indicating the type of the above-mentioned oral nozzle or nasal nozzle for insertion or non-insertion. The user can inhale the aerosol by recognizing nozzle information on the display unit 220 and combining a nozzle suitable for the liquid medicine cartridge unit.

The drug aerosol inhaler has at least one nozzle unit, and guides the nozzle unit according to the type of liquid or treatment area, so that the user's treatment effect is maximized.

In another embodiment, the processor 290 may receive the discharge speed through the input unit 210 and control the forced air flow generation unit 260 in response to the input discharge speed.

At least a part of a device (eg, a processor or functions thereof) or a method (eg, operations) according to various embodiments may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a program module. Can be implemented as stored instructions. When the command is executed by a processor, the one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the command. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a memory.

Computer-readable recording media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (eg magnetic tape), optical media (eg CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magnetic- It may include optical media (e.g., a floptical disk), hardware devices (e.g., ROM, RAM, or flash memory, etc.), etc. In addition, the program instructions may include the same as generated by a compiler. It may include not only machine code but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above-described hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform operations of various embodiments, The reverse is the same.

Processors or functions by processors according to various embodiments may include at least one or more of the aforementioned elements, some may be omitted, or additional elements may be further included. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. Also, some actions may be performed in a different order, omitted, or other actions may be added.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can do various things without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. Of course, variations are possible, and such variations are within the scope of the claims.

100: chemical cartridge 200: respiratory body

Claims (7)

a liquid medicine cartridge accommodating a liquid medicine;
a vibrating body unit generating aerosol particles by applying energy to and spraying the chemical liquid of the liquid medicine cartridge;
An aerosol discharge pathway that expels aerosol particles and:
a nozzle unit detached from the aerosol discharge path;
a display unit for displaying nozzle guidance;
Having a processor that is detachable from the liquid medicine cartridge, generates aerosol particles by controlling the vibrating unit, and discharges them through the aerosol discharge path, and guides the nozzle part according to the type of medicine or treatment site through the display unit. Characterized by a medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler. According to claim 1,
The nozzle part communicates with the body part having a discharge path formed therein, the inlet part communicated with the discharge path of the body part and inserted into or coupled to the aerosol discharge path, and the body part communicated with the discharge path and inserted into the nasal cavity or oral cavity or around the nasal cavity or oral cavity. A medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler characterized in that it has an outlet portion that wraps around it. According to claim 2,
When the nozzle part is for nasal passage, the outlet part is composed of a pair, and the medicinal liquid aerosol inhaler is characterized in that a split part is provided to divide the discharge path in the main body part into the pair of outlet parts. According to claim 2,
When the nozzle part is non-inserted to surround the nasal cavity, the output part is composed of an upper end and a lower end of a symmetrical shape, and the height from the inlet to the upper end is greater than the height from the inlet to the lower end. Liquid aerosol inhaler. According to claim 4,
A liquid aerosol inhaler for liquid medicine, characterized in that the nozzle part has a partition wall extending from the inlet part along the discharge path of the main body part and extending only to the inside of the main body part before the outlet part. According to claim 2,
When the nozzle is for oral insertion or for non-insertion surrounding the oral cavity, the length of the long axis of the outlet is greater than the length of the short axis of the outlet. According to any one of claims 2 to 6,
Wherein the processor guides the nozzle part for the oral cavity when the oral cavity or the larynx or the lungs is the treatment position, and guides the nozzle part for the nasal cavity when the nasal cavity or the larynx is the treatment position.

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