WO2018138788A1 - Inhalation determination device and inhaler unit - Google Patents

Inhalation determination device and inhaler unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018138788A1
WO2018138788A1 PCT/JP2017/002412 JP2017002412W WO2018138788A1 WO 2018138788 A1 WO2018138788 A1 WO 2018138788A1 JP 2017002412 W JP2017002412 W JP 2017002412W WO 2018138788 A1 WO2018138788 A1 WO 2018138788A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inhaler
flow rate
flow path
air
inhalation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2017/002412
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
博一 三橋
惇紀 宮川
茂 加川
晶充 八子
真一 辰巳
Original Assignee
大成化工株式会社
デンセイシリウス株式会社
ボッシュパッケージングテクノロジー株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Application filed by 大成化工株式会社, デンセイシリウス株式会社, ボッシュパッケージングテクノロジー株式会社 filed Critical 大成化工株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2017/002412 priority Critical patent/WO2018138788A1/en
Publication of WO2018138788A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018138788A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit, and more particularly to an inhalation determination device used for an inhaler for inhaling powder medicine and an inhaler unit including the same.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a counter used in an inhaler for inhaling powder medicine together with inhalation.
  • the counter has a flow path that communicates with the intake port of the inhaler, and detects flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path when the user inhales the powdered medicine together with the intake air. Based on this, it is determined whether the user has inhaled the powder normally.
  • a main object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit including the same that can be suitably used for an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles.
  • an inhalation determination device used in an inhaler for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation through an inhalation port that is taken in from a plurality of air ports having different roles and communicates with the plurality of air ports.
  • the inhalation determination device When the inhalation determination device is connected to the inhaler, a flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports and detection for detecting flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path
  • An inhalation determination device is provided that includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
  • the inhaler includes a plurality of air ports having different roles, and an inhalation port communicating with the plurality of air ports, and the inhaler for the user to inhale powder medicine together with inhalation that is taken from the plurality of air ports and passes through the inhalation port, and inhalation
  • An inhalation determination device connected to the inhaler, wherein the inhalation determination device detects flow rate information relating to a flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports, and a flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path.
  • An inhaler unit is provided that includes a detection unit and a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
  • the inhalation determination device is connected to the inhaler so that any one of the plurality of air ports of the inhaler communicates with the flow path of the inhalation determination device.
  • the flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air that is taken into the inhaler through the flow path of the inhalation determination device out of the inspiratory passage through the inhaler inlet during use Is determined. For example, if the flow rate information is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has inhaled the powder normally. On the other hand, if the flow rate information is less than the predetermined value, the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and is used. It is determined that the person is not inhaling the powder normally. In this way, even in an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles, it can be determined whether or not the user has inhaled the powder normally.
  • a plurality of air ports of the inhaler include a first air port for taking in air for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler, and a second air port for taking in air for stirring the sucked-up powder.
  • a first air port for taking in air for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler and a second air port for taking in air for stirring the sucked-up powder.
  • An inhalation determination device can be suitably used for such an inhaler.
  • the flow path communicates with the first air port, and the flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path is greater than the flow rate of the intake air taken in from the second air port.
  • the diameter of the flow path can be set smaller. Therefore, the inhalation determination device can be reduced in size.
  • the inhaler has a main body having a second air port, a mouthpiece attached to one end of the main body and having a suction port, and the main body so as to be rotatable relative to the main body in the circumferential direction. And a base having a first air port.
  • the first air port is provided in the base in the vicinity of the connection portion between the base and the main body, and the inhalation determination device is accommodated in the base. Is done.
  • the overall length of the inhaler unit obtained by connecting the inhalation determination device to the inhaler can be shortened.
  • the flow path includes a main flow path and a bypass flow path that is branched from the main flow path and has a lower intake air flow rate than the main flow path, and the detection unit detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path.
  • the detection unit can be made smaller and the inhalation determination device can be made smaller than in the case where only the main channel is provided without providing the bypass channel.
  • bypass channel is provided in the detection unit.
  • the bypass channel is provided in the detection unit.
  • flow rate information regarding the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path means not only the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path but also the inhaler through the flow path. It is a concept that includes information correlated with the flow rate of intake air, for example, the flow rate of intake air that passes through the suction port of the inhaler and the flow rate of intake air that passes through the bypass flow path included in the flow path.
  • an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit including the same can be suitably used for an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustrative sectional view showing a XX section of FIG. 1. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an inhaler. It is a perspective view which shows the inhalation determination apparatus. It is a top view which shows a base. It is a top view which shows a rotation measurement plate. It is sectional drawing which shows a stirring part. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an inhalation determination apparatus.
  • (A) is a perspective view which shows a sensor and a sensor support member
  • (b) is the top view. It is a cross-sectional solution figure which shows a sensor, a sensor support member, and a flow path. It is a sectional view solution figure showing an inhalation judging device. It is a graph which shows the correlation with the flow volume of the intake air which passes along an inlet, and the flow volume of the intake air taken in through an air port.
  • an inhaler unit 1 includes an inhaler 10a for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation, and an inhalation determination device 10b used for the inhaler 10a. Including.
  • the inhaler 10 a includes a main body 12, a base 14, an air filter 16, a rotary metering plate 18, a storage unit 20, a stirring unit 22, and a mouthpiece 24.
  • the inhaler 10a is a multi-dose dry powder inhaler for inhaling powder, and the powder is an asthma drug.
  • the main body 12 has a side wall 26, a flat plate portion 28, a shaft hole 30, a vent hole 32, an annular convex portion 34, and an air port 36.
  • the side wall 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape.
  • the flat plate portion 28 is formed in a disk shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 26 slightly below the center of the side wall 26 in the axial direction.
  • the shaft hole 30 is formed so as to penetrate the flat plate portion 28 in the center of the flat plate portion 28 and to be circular in plan view.
  • the ventilation hole 32 penetrates the flat plate portion 28 in the vicinity of the shaft hole 30 and is formed to be circular in plan view.
  • the annular protrusion 34 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the flat plate portion 28 from the flat plate portion 28 and is formed in an annular shape.
  • the air port 36 extends downward from the upper end portion of the side wall 26 and penetrates the side wall 26 in the radial direction of the side wall 26.
  • the air port 36 takes in the intake air B2 for stirring the powder medicine sucked up by the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 described later.
  • the air port 36 corresponds to a second air port.
  • the base 14 is attached to the lower end of the main body 12 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the side wall 26 of the main body 12.
  • the projection 40 and the shaft 42 are provided.
  • the base body 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a reduced diameter portion 44, an edge portion 46, and an air port 48.
  • the reduced diameter portion 44 is reduced in diameter in the upper part of the base body 38 as it goes upward in the axial direction of the base body 38.
  • the edge portion 46 protrudes inward in the radial direction of the base body 38 from the upper end portion of the reduced diameter portion 44 and is formed so as to be annular in plan view.
  • the air port 48 is formed inward in the radial direction of the edge 46 and is formed to be circular in plan view.
  • the air port 48 is provided in the base 14 in the vicinity of the connection portion between the base 14 and the main body 12.
  • the air port 48 takes in the intake air B1 for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler 10a.
  • the air port 48 corresponds to the first air port.
  • the convex portion 40 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the base body 38 from the upper end portion of the base body 38, and includes a side wall 50, a top plate portion 52, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) vent holes 54.
  • the side wall 50 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the edge 46 from the inner periphery of the edge 46 and is formed in an annular shape.
  • the outer peripheral surface 50 a of the side wall 50 is formed to be slidable along the inner peripheral surface 26 a of the side wall 26 of the main body 12.
  • the top plate portion 52 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 50, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 50.
  • the plurality of vent holes 54 are formed at substantially 90 degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the top plate portion 52. Each of the plurality of vent holes 54 penetrates the top plate portion 52 so as to be substantially rectangular in plan view.
  • the shaft portion 42 extends upward in the axial direction from the center of the top plate portion 52 and is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 30 of the main body 12.
  • the shaft portion 42 has a cylindrical portion 56 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of convex portions 58.
  • the column portion 56 is formed in a column shape extending in the axial direction of the top plate portion 52.
  • the plurality of convex portions 58 protrude outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 56 from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 56, and are formed at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 56.
  • each of the plurality of convex portions 58 extends from the upper end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 56 to the lower end portion.
  • the air filter 16 is formed in a disc shape and is attached to the flat plate portion 28 so as to close the lower portion of the vent hole 32 of the main body 12.
  • the air filter 16 allows air to pass but prevents the powder from falling.
  • the rotary metering plate 18 is formed in a disc shape, and can rotate relative to the side wall 26 of the main body 12 together with the base 14 in the circumferential direction.
  • the rotary metering plate 18 has a shaft hole 60 and a metering hole 62.
  • the shaft hole 60 penetrates the rotary weighing plate 18 at the center of the rotary weighing plate 18 and has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) concave portions 64.
  • the plurality of recesses 64 are recessed outward in the radial direction of the rotary metering plate 18 at the outer peripheral portion of the shaft hole 60, and are formed at approximately 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary metering plate 18.
  • the shaft portion 42 is inserted into the shaft hole 60 so that each of the plurality of convex portions 58 is fitted in each of the plurality of concave portions 64. When the shaft portion 42 rotates, the plurality of convex portions 58 and the plurality of concave portions 64 are caught, and the rotary weighing plate 18 rotates.
  • the measuring hole 62 is formed so as to pass through the rotary measuring plate 18 in the vicinity of the shaft hole 60 and to be circular in plan view. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the measuring hole 62 communicates with the vent hole 32 of the main body 12.
  • the accommodating portion 20 is attached to the inside of the main body 12, and includes a side wall 65, a top plate portion 66, a vent hole 68, a cylindrical portion 70, a cylindrical portion 72, and an annular convex portion 74.
  • the side wall 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted inside the annular convex portion 34 of the main body 12.
  • the top plate portion 66 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 65, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 65.
  • the vent hole 68 is formed so as to pass through the top plate portion 66 and the cylindrical portion 70 outside the center of the top plate portion 66 and to be circular in plan view.
  • the cylindrical portion 70 extends in a cylindrical shape from the top plate portion 66 downward in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66.
  • the vent hole 68 communicates with the measuring hole 62 of the rotary measuring plate 18.
  • the cylindrical portion 72 has a hollow portion 76 that stores powdered medicine, and extends in a cylindrical shape from the top plate portion 66 toward the lower side in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66.
  • illustration of a powder medicine is abbreviate
  • the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 72 (the diameter of the hollow portion 76) is formed larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 70 (the diameter of the vent hole 68).
  • the center of the hollow portion 76 is at a position moved 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the side wall 65 from the center of the vent hole 68.
  • the hollow portion 76 communicates with the measuring hole 62.
  • the annular convex portion 74 projects from the outer peripheral portion of the top plate portion 66 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66 and is formed in an annular shape.
  • the stirring unit 22 is attached to the upper end of the storage unit 20, and includes a side wall 78, a top plate unit 80, a vent hole 82, an annular projection 84, a cylindrical unit 86, It has a vent 88, a side wall 90 and a side wall 92.
  • the side wall 78 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted inside the annular convex portion 74 of the housing portion 20.
  • the top plate portion 80 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 78, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 78.
  • the ventilation hole 82 penetrates the top plate 80 at the center of the top plate 80 and is formed to be circular in plan view.
  • the annular convex portion 84 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the vent hole 82 on the outer side in the radial direction of the vent hole 82, and protrudes upward from the top plate portion 80 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 80.
  • the cylindrical portion 86 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a substantially C-shaped cross section, and extends downward from the top plate portion 80 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 80 so as to communicate with the vent hole 82.
  • the ventilation hole 88 extends from the upper end portion in the axial direction of the side wall 78 to the lower end portion, and penetrates the side wall 78 in the radial direction of the side wall 78.
  • the side wall 90 is formed in a substantially arc shape in cross section, and connects the circumferential end 86a of the tubular portion 86 and the circumferential end 78a of the side wall 78.
  • the side wall 90 extends in the axial direction of the side wall 78 along the end portion 86a and the end portion 78a.
  • the side wall 92 is formed in a substantially arc shape in cross section, and connects the vicinity of the center in the circumferential direction of the side wall 90 and the side wall 78.
  • the side wall 92 extends in the axial direction of the side wall 78 along the side wall 78 and the side wall 90.
  • the mouthpiece 24 is attached to the upper end portion of the main body 12, and has a mouthpiece main body 94, a suction port 96, a cylindrical portion 98 and a cylindrical portion 100.
  • the mouthpiece body 94 includes an annular portion 102 and a suction portion 104.
  • the annular portion 102 is formed in an annular shape and is attached to the upper end portion of the side wall 26 of the main body 12.
  • the suction portion 104 extends from the upper end portion of the annular portion 102 so as to gradually become narrower in the axial direction of the annular portion 102.
  • the suction port 96 is formed so as to pass through the top plate portion 106 at the center of the top plate portion 106 of the suction portion 104 and be circular in plan view.
  • the suction port 96 communicates with the air port 36 and the air port 48 through each member.
  • the cylindrical portion 98 has a hollow portion 108 that communicates with the suction port 96, and extends downward from the top plate portion 106 in the axial direction of the suction port 96.
  • a lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 98 is fitted inward of the annular convex portion 84 of the stirring portion 22, and the hollow portion 108 communicates with the vent hole 82.
  • the cylindrical part 100 extends in a cylindrical shape downward from the ceiling part 106 of the suction part 104.
  • inhalation determination device 10b includes a device main body 110 which is formed in a columnar shape and whose upper portion is reduced in diameter upward. Inside the apparatus main body 110, a main channel 112 through which intake air passes is provided. The main channel 112 passes through the center of the apparatus main body 110 in the axial direction.
  • illustration of the sensor 122 and the sensor support member 124 which are mentioned later is abbreviate
  • the apparatus main body 110 (so that the main flow path 112 (flow path A (described later)) communicates with the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a and the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is taken into the inhaler 10a from the air port 48.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b) is connected to the inhaler 10a.
  • the apparatus main body 110 is inserted into the base main body 38 and accommodated in the base main body 38. That is, the inhalation determination device 10 b is inserted into the base 14 and accommodated in the base 14. Further, the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is set to be smaller than the flow rate of the intake air B2 taken from the air port 36.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b includes a microcomputer 114, a memory 116, an RTC (real time clock) 118, a power source 120, a sensor 122, and a buzzer 123.
  • a memory 116, an RTC 118, a power source 120, a sensor 122, and a buzzer 123 are connected to the microcomputer 114.
  • the microcomputer 114 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown), and the operation of the inhalation determination device 10b is controlled by the microcomputer 114.
  • the memory included in the microcomputer 114 stores a program for performing a control operation by the microcomputer 114.
  • the memory 116 stores a predetermined value for determining whether the user has inhaled the powder normally.
  • the predetermined value is a correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 through the flow channel A (the main flow channel 112 and the bypass flow channel 144) and the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, It is set by paying attention to the flow rate of the intake air B necessary to reach a predetermined organ.
  • attention is paid to the bronchi as a predetermined organ, and in this embodiment, the flow rate of the inhalation B necessary for the powder to reach the bronchus is set to 60 L / min.
  • the predetermined value is set to 1.062 L / min.
  • the flow rate of the intake B is 60 L / min
  • the flow rate of the intake B2 is 58.938 L / min.
  • the ratio between the intake air B1 and the intake air B2 is 98.23: 1.77.
  • a battery is used as the power source 120.
  • the buzzer 123 informs whether or not inhalation is appropriate.
  • the apparatus main body 110 has a sensor support member 124 therein.
  • the sensor support member 124 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a casing shape, and has a through hole 126 extending in the longitudinal direction.
  • the through hole 126 forms a part of the main channel 112.
  • the through hole 126 has two columnar cavities 128 and 130 and a columnar cavity 132 connecting the cavities 128 and 130.
  • the cavity part 132 is formed smaller in diameter than the cavity parts 128 and 130, and the cavity parts 128, 130 and 132 are formed coaxially.
  • the diameter of the cavities 128 and 130 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a, and the amount of suction is adjusted by the cavity 132.
  • the sensor 122 is attached to the recess 134.
  • the sensor 122 includes a bypass flow path forming member 140 and a sensor main body 142, and can detect a flow rate.
  • the sensor 122 is a thermal flow sensor.
  • the bypass flow path forming member 140 is made of, for example, a resin and is formed in a casing shape.
  • the bypass channel forming member 140 is provided with a bypass channel 144 that connects the through holes 136 and 138.
  • the main channel 112 and the bypass channel 144 are connected via the through holes 136 and 138.
  • a rectangular parallelepiped recess 146 is formed on the side surface of the bypass flow path forming member 140, and the sensor main body 142 is disposed in the recess 146.
  • the sensor body 142 detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 located on the side thereof.
  • the flow path A includes a main flow path 112 formed in the apparatus main body 110 and a bypass flow path 144 branched from the main flow path 112 and formed in the sensor 122.
  • the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow channel 144 is set to be smaller than the flow rate of the intake air passing through the main flow channel 112. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is set to be approximately 3% of the flow rate of the intake air passing through the cavity 132. Note that the bypass ratio (ratio of the flow rate of the bypass flow path 144 to the flow rate of the cavity 132) is set so that the maximum measured amount of intake air that can be measured by the sensor 122 flows to the bypass flow path 144 at the time of maximum suction. Is preferred.
  • the detection unit includes a microcomputer 114 and a sensor 122.
  • the microcomputer 114 corresponds to the determination unit. Since the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the flow channel A are correlated (substantially proportional), the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 detected by the sensor 122 is The microcomputer 114 can convert the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the flow path A. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the intake air B1 corresponds to “flow rate information relating to the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”.
  • the rotary measuring plate 18 when the base 14 is rotated 180 degrees, the rotary measuring plate 18 is also rotated 180 degrees together with the base 14, and the measuring hole 62 communicates with the hollow portion 76.
  • the powder medicine accommodated in the hollow portion 76 flows into the measurement hole 62 by gravity.
  • the powder that has flowed into the measuring hole 62 is a powder that the user should inhale with one inhalation. That is, by adjusting the size of the measuring hole 62 in advance, it is possible to easily extract the amount of powder to be inhaled in one inhalation.
  • the base 14 is further rotated 180 degrees, and the measuring hole 62 is communicated with the vent hole 68 of the housing portion 20 and the vent hole 32 of the main body 12 as shown in FIG. At this time, the powder is held by the air filter 16 so as not to fall downward.
  • the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 is taken into the inhaler 10a through the flow path A.
  • the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 passes through the plurality of vent holes 54 and then passes through the air filter 16.
  • the powder held on the air filter 16 is sucked up by the intake air B1 and moves to the agitating unit 22 through the vent hole 68 together with the intake air B1.
  • the intake air B ⁇ b> 2 taken from the air port 36 flows into the stirring unit 22 through the vent hole 88.
  • the powder and the intake air B1 moved to the agitation unit 22 are agitated by the intake air B2, and further flow toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 86 together with the intake air B2.
  • the particles When the powdered medicine is agitated by the inhalation B2, the particles are finely pulverized and easily reach the bronchi in the body.
  • the intake air B1 and the intake air B2 merge in the stirring unit 22 and become the intake air B.
  • the powder Inside the cylindrical portion 86, the powder is sucked upward toward the suction port 96 while swirling with the suction B. Then, the powder medicine is inhaled by the user through the suction port 96 together with the intake air B.
  • the user inhales the powdered medicine together with the intake B (intake B1 and intake B2) taken from the air port 36 and the air port 48 and passing through the intake port 96.
  • the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 is detected by the sensor 122 within a predetermined time (for example, 5 msec).
  • the flow rate (L / min) of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A per minute is converted by the microcomputer 114.
  • the microcomputer 114 compares the flow rate of the intake air B1 with a predetermined value, and determines that the user has normally inhaled the powder if the flow rate of the intake air B1 is greater than the predetermined value. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the intake air B1 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the user is not normally inhaling the powder.
  • the microcomputer 114 and the sensor 122 detect the flow rate of the intake air B ⁇ b> 1 that is taken into the inhaler 10 a through the flow path A among the intake air B that passes through the intake port 96. Further, the microcomputer 114 determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate of the intake air B1.
  • the buzzer 123 notifies whether or not the inhalation has been normally performed. For example, when the inhalation is normally performed, the buzzer 123 sounds OK (beep). On the other hand, when the inhalation is not normally performed, the buzzer 123 sounds NG (beeply).
  • the inhalation determination device 10b communicates with the inhaler 10a so that the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a communicates with the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b. Connected. Then, the user normally inhales the powder medicine based on the flow rate of the intake air B1 that is taken into the inhaler 10a through the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b among the inhalation air B that passes through the intake port 96 of the inhaler 10a during use. It is determined whether or not. In this embodiment, based on the comparison between the flow rate of the intake air B1 and a predetermined value, it is determined whether the user has normally inhaled the powder.
  • the flow rate of the inhalation B1 is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has inhaled the powder normally.
  • the flow rate of the inhalation B1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the powder is in a predetermined organ (in this embodiment, bronchi It is determined that the user has not inhaled the powder normally. In this way, even if the inhaler 10a has a plurality of air ports 36 and 48 having different roles, it can be determined whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b (inhaler unit 1) detects the flow rate of the intake air B1 that passes through the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b (that is, before the powdery medicine is mixed), so the sensor 122 is not contaminated by the powdery medicine. There is no problem in measurement. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the inhalation determination device 10b and the inhaler unit 1 including the same, which can be suitably used for the inhaler 10a having the plurality of air ports 36 and 48 having different roles.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b can be suitably used for such an inhaler 10a.
  • the flow path A In order to take in the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A from the air port 48, the flow path A communicates with the air port 48, and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is higher than the flow rate of the intake air B2 taken in from the air port 36. Few. In this case, since the flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path A can be reduced as compared with the case where the flow path A is communicated with the intake port 36, the diameter of the flow path A can be set smaller. Therefore, the inhalation determination device 10b can be reduced in size.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b By housing the inhalation determination device 10b in the base 14, the entire length of the inhaler unit 1 obtained by connecting the inhalation determination device 10b to the inhaler 10a can be shortened. Further, the inhalation determination device 10b can be easily accommodated in the base 14 simply by being inserted into the base 14.
  • bypass channel 144 and the main channel 112 are included as the channel A, the pressure loss can be reduced as compared with the case of the bypass channel 144 alone. Further, the sensor 122 can be made smaller and the inhalation determination device 10b can be made smaller than the case where only the main flow path 112 is provided without providing the bypass flow path 144.
  • bypass flow path 144 is provided in the sensor 122, when it is desired to change the size (flow rate) of the bypass flow path 144, it can be easily handled by simply replacing the sensor 122.
  • the microcomputer 114 converts the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A detected by the microcomputer 114 and the sensor 122 into the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, and compares the obtained flow rate of the intake air B with a predetermined value. Based on the above, it may be determined whether the user has inhaled the powder normally.
  • the flow rate of the intake air B1 is converted into the flow rate of the intake air B based on the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A shown in FIG.
  • the flow rate of the intake air B obtained by conversion corresponds to “flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”.
  • the predetermined value corresponds to the flow rate of the inhalation B that passes through the inlet 96 necessary for the powder medicine to reach a predetermined organ in the body. For example, if the flow rate of the intake B obtained by conversion is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has normally inhaled the powder, while the flow rate of the intake B obtained by conversion is less than the predetermined value. If so, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user has not inhaled the powder normally.
  • the microcomputer 114 may determine whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on a comparison between the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 detected by the sensor 122 and a predetermined value. .
  • the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 has a correlation with the flow volume of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A, it corresponds to “flow rate information regarding the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”. To do.
  • the predetermined value is a correlation between the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow channel A, the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B1 and the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, and It is set by paying attention to the flow rate of the inhalation B necessary to reach a predetermined organ in the body. For example, if the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has normally inhaled the powder, while the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is less than the predetermined value. For example, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user has not inhaled the powder normally.
  • a predetermined value or the like may be changed by an input from the communication device (external terminal) to the inhalation determination device 10b.
  • the inhaler 10a is an inhaler for inhaling an asthma drug, and a predetermined value is set by paying attention to the inspiratory flow rate required for the asthma drug to reach the bronchi. It is not limited to this.
  • the predetermined value is set by paying attention to the flow rate of inhalation necessary for the powder to reach the lungs.
  • a predetermined value is set in accordance with the organ on which the powder medicine acts (the powder powder should reach), focusing on the flow rate of the intake air necessary for the powder medicine to reach the organ.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b is connected to the inhaler 10a so that the flow path A communicates with the air port 48
  • the inhalation determination device may be connected to the inhaler 10a so that the flow path of the inhalation determination device having the same structure as the inhalation determination device 10b communicates with the air port 36. In this case, whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder is determined based on the flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air B2.
  • each air port 36 (second air port) is formed has been described.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of second air ports may be formed.
  • an inhalation determination device having the same structure as the inhalation determination device 10b may be provided for each second air port.
  • the total amount of intake air introduced from the plurality of second air ports can be obtained by summing the flow rates of intake air passing through the flow paths obtained for each inhalation determination device.
  • each of the second air ports may be connected by a strip-shaped manifold, and an inhalation determination device having a structure similar to that of the inhalation determination device 10b may be provided at the inlet of the manifold.
  • the plurality of air ports having different roles has the air port 48 (first air port) and the air port 36 (second air port) is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the plurality of air ports having different roles may further include air ports having different roles from the air ports 48 and 36.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b is accommodated so as not to protrude from the base 14, but is not limited thereto.
  • the inhalation determination device 10b may be accommodated in the base 14 so that a part thereof protrudes from the base 14. In this case, the inhaler 10a can be easily attached to and detached from the inhaler 10a.
  • bypass flow path 144 is provided in the sensor 122 , but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the bypass channel may be provided in a member different from the sensor.
  • the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of providing the bypass flow path 144, the sensor may detect the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the main flow path 112 (flow path A).
  • each of the plurality of vent holes 54 formed in the base 14 is substantially rectangular in plan view
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the plurality of air holes formed in the base may be formed in a circular shape, a triangular shape, or the like in plan view, and may have a size that does not provide the minimum flow resistance.

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Abstract

An inhaler unit 1 is provided with an inhaler 10a and an inhalation determination device 10b. The inhaler 10a includes vents 36 and 48 having different roles and an inlet 96 that communicates with the vents 36 and 48, and is used by a user to inhale powder medicine together with inhaled air B that is taken in from the vents 36 and 48 and passes through the inlet 96. The inhalation determination device 10b is provided with a channel A, a microcomputer 114, and a sensor 122. The channel A communicates with the vent 48 when the inhalation determination device 10b is connected to the inhaler 10a, and the microcomputer 114 and the sensor 122 detect a flow volume of inhaled air B1 that is taken into the inhaler 10a by passing through the channel A. The microcomputer 114 determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder medicine on the basis of the detected flow volume of the inhaled air B1 passing through the channel A.

Description

吸入判定装置および吸入器ユニットInhalation determination device and inhaler unit
　この発明は吸入判定装置および吸入器ユニットに関し、より特定的には粉薬を吸入するための吸入器に用いられる吸入判定装置およびそれを含む吸入器ユニットに関する。 The present invention relates to an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit, and more particularly to an inhalation determination device used for an inhaler for inhaling powder medicine and an inhaler unit including the same.
　この種の従来技術の一例として特許文献１には、粉薬を吸気とともに吸入するための吸入器に用いられるカウンタが開示されている。カウンタは、吸入器の吸気口に連通する流路を有しており、使用者が粉薬を吸気とともに吸入したときに流路に流れる吸気の流量に関する流量情報を検出し、検出された流量情報に基づいて使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判断する。 As an example of this type of prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses a counter used in an inhaler for inhaling powder medicine together with inhalation. The counter has a flow path that communicates with the intake port of the inhaler, and detects flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path when the user inhales the powdered medicine together with the intake air. Based on this, it is determined whether the user has inhaled the powder normally.
特開２０１６－０８７１６９号公報JP 2016-087169 A
　特許文献１に示すカウンタでは、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判断できるとともに、正常に吸入できた回数および正常に吸入できなかった回数等を表示して、使用者に知らせることができる。しかしながら、特許文献１に示すカウンタは、役割の異なる複数の空気口を有する吸入器に用いることを想定されていない。 In the counter shown in Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has inhaled the powder normally, and to notify the user by displaying the number of times the user has successfully inhaled and the number of times the user has not successfully inhaled. Can do. However, the counter shown in Patent Document 1 is not assumed to be used for an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles.
　それゆえにこの発明の主たる目的は、役割の異なる複数の空気口を有する吸入器に好適に用いることができる、吸入判定装置およびそれを含む吸入器ユニットを提供することである。 Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit including the same that can be suitably used for an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles.
　上述の目的を達成するために、役割の異なる複数の空気口から取り入れられ複数の空気口に連通する吸入口を通る吸気とともに粉薬を使用者が吸入するための吸入器に用いられる吸入判定装置であって、当該吸入判定装置が吸入器に接続されているとき複数の空気口のいずれかに連通する流路と、流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報を検出する検出部と、検出部によって検出された流量情報に基づいて使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定する判定部とを備える、吸入判定装置が提供される。 In order to achieve the above-described object, an inhalation determination device used in an inhaler for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation through an inhalation port that is taken in from a plurality of air ports having different roles and communicates with the plurality of air ports. When the inhalation determination device is connected to the inhaler, a flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports and detection for detecting flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path An inhalation determination device is provided that includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
　また、役割の異なる複数の空気口、および複数の空気口に連通する吸入口を含み、複数の空気口から取り入れられ吸入口を通る吸気とともに粉薬を使用者が吸入するための吸入器と、吸入器に接続される吸入判定装置とを備え、吸入判定装置は、複数の空気口のいずれかに連通する流路と、流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報を検出する検出部と、検出部によって検出された流量情報に基づいて使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定する判定部とを備える、吸入器ユニットが提供される。 In addition, the inhaler includes a plurality of air ports having different roles, and an inhalation port communicating with the plurality of air ports, and the inhaler for the user to inhale powder medicine together with inhalation that is taken from the plurality of air ports and passes through the inhalation port, and inhalation An inhalation determination device connected to the inhaler, wherein the inhalation determination device detects flow rate information relating to a flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports, and a flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path. An inhaler unit is provided that includes a detection unit and a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
　上述の発明では、吸入器の複数の空気口のいずれかと吸入判定装置の流路とが連通するように、吸入判定装置が吸入器に接続される。そして、使用時に吸入器の吸入口を通る吸気のうち吸入判定装置の流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報に基づいて、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かが判定される。たとえば、流量情報が所定値より大きければ、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したと判定され、一方、流量情報が所定値以下であれば、粉薬が所定の器官にまで到達しておらず、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入していないと判定される。このようにして、役割の異なる複数の空気口を有する吸入器であっても、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定できる。 In the above-described invention, the inhalation determination device is connected to the inhaler so that any one of the plurality of air ports of the inhaler communicates with the flow path of the inhalation determination device. Whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air that is taken into the inhaler through the flow path of the inhalation determination device out of the inspiratory passage through the inhaler inlet during use Is determined. For example, if the flow rate information is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has inhaled the powder normally. On the other hand, if the flow rate information is less than the predetermined value, the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and is used. It is determined that the person is not inhaling the powder normally. In this way, even in an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles, it can be determined whether or not the user has inhaled the powder normally.
　好ましくは、吸入器の複数の空気口が、吸入器内に保持された粉薬を吸い上げるための吸気を取り入れる第１空気口と、吸い上げられた粉薬を撹拌させるための吸気を取り入れる第２空気口とを有する。この場合、吸入器は、第２吸気口から取り入れられる吸気によって粉薬を拡散させるので、粉薬が体内の所定の器官に到達しやすくなる。このような吸入器に、吸入判定装置を好適に用いることができる。 Preferably, a plurality of air ports of the inhaler include a first air port for taking in air for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler, and a second air port for taking in air for stirring the sucked-up powder. Have In this case, since the inhaler diffuses the powder medicine by the intake air taken in from the second air inlet, the powder medicine easily reaches a predetermined organ in the body. An inhalation determination device can be suitably used for such an inhaler.
　また好ましくは、流路を通る吸気を第１空気口から取り入れるために、流路は第１空気口に連通し、流路を通る吸気の流量は、第２空気口から取り入れられる吸気の流量よりも少ない。この場合、流路を第２吸気口に連通させる場合よりも、流路を通る吸気の流量を少なくできるので、流路の直径を小さく設定できる。したがって、吸入判定装置を小型にできる。 Preferably, in order to take in the intake air passing through the flow path from the first air port, the flow path communicates with the first air port, and the flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path is greater than the flow rate of the intake air taken in from the second air port. There are few. In this case, since the flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path can be reduced as compared with the case where the flow path is communicated with the second intake port, the diameter of the flow path can be set smaller. Therefore, the inhalation determination device can be reduced in size.
　さらに好ましくは、吸入器は、第２空気口を有する本体と、本体の一端部に取り付けられかつ吸入口を有するマウスピースと、本体に対して相対的に周方向に回転可能となるように本体の他端部に設けられかつ第１空気口を有するベースとを含み、第１空気口は、ベースと本体との接続部近傍においてベース内に設けられ、当該吸入判定装置は、ベース内に収容される。この場合、吸入判定装置をベース内に収容することによって、吸入器に吸入判定装置を接続して得られる吸入器ユニットの全長を短くできる。 More preferably, the inhaler has a main body having a second air port, a mouthpiece attached to one end of the main body and having a suction port, and the main body so as to be rotatable relative to the main body in the circumferential direction. And a base having a first air port. The first air port is provided in the base in the vicinity of the connection portion between the base and the main body, and the inhalation determination device is accommodated in the base. Is done. In this case, by accommodating the inhalation determination device in the base, the overall length of the inhaler unit obtained by connecting the inhalation determination device to the inhaler can be shortened.
　好ましくは、流路は、本流路と、本流路から分岐されかつ本流路よりも吸気の流量が少ないバイパス流路とを含み、検出部はバイパス流路を流れる吸気の流量を検出する。この場合、流路として、バイパス流路と本流路とを含むので、バイパス流路だけの場合よりも圧損を小さくできる。また、バイパス流路を設けずに本流路だけの場合よりも、検出部を小さくでき、吸入判定装置を小型にできる。 Preferably, the flow path includes a main flow path and a bypass flow path that is branched from the main flow path and has a lower intake air flow rate than the main flow path, and the detection unit detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path. In this case, since the bypass channel and the main channel are included as the channel, the pressure loss can be reduced as compared with the case of only the bypass channel. In addition, the detection unit can be made smaller and the inhalation determination device can be made smaller than in the case where only the main channel is provided without providing the bypass channel.
　また、好ましくは、バイパス流路は検出部に設けられる。この場合、バイパス流路のサイズ（流量）を変更したいとき、検出部のうちバイパス流路が形成された部分を取り替えるだけで容易に対応できる。 Also preferably, the bypass channel is provided in the detection unit. In this case, when it is desired to change the size (flow rate) of the bypass flow path, it can be easily handled by simply replacing the portion of the detection section where the bypass flow path is formed.
　この発明において、「流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報」とは、流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量だけではなく、流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量と相関関係がある情報、たとえば、吸入器の吸入口を通る吸気の流量や、流路に含まれるバイパス流路を通る吸気の流量を含む概念である。 In this invention, “flow rate information regarding the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path” means not only the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path but also the inhaler through the flow path. It is a concept that includes information correlated with the flow rate of intake air, for example, the flow rate of intake air that passes through the suction port of the inhaler and the flow rate of intake air that passes through the bypass flow path included in the flow path.
　この発明によれば、役割の異なる複数の空気口を有する吸入器に好適に用いることができる、吸入判定装置およびそれを含む吸入器ユニットが得られる。 According to the present invention, an inhalation determination device and an inhaler unit including the same can be suitably used for an inhaler having a plurality of air ports having different roles.
この発明の一実施形態に係る吸入器ユニットを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view showing an inhaler unit concerning one embodiment of this invention. 図１のＸ－Ｘ断面を示す断面図解図である。FIG. 2 is an illustrative sectional view showing a XX section of FIG. 1. 吸入器を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an inhaler. 吸入判定装置を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the inhalation determination apparatus. ベースを示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows a base. 回転計量プレートを示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows a rotation measurement plate. 撹拌部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows a stirring part. 吸入判定装置の電気的構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an inhalation determination apparatus. （ａ）はセンサおよびセンサ支持部材を示す斜視図、（ｂ）はその平面図である。(A) is a perspective view which shows a sensor and a sensor support member, (b) is the top view. センサ、センサ支持部材および流路を示す断面図解図である。It is a cross-sectional solution figure which shows a sensor, a sensor support member, and a flow path. 吸入判定装置を示す断面図解図である。It is a sectional view solution figure showing an inhalation judging device. 吸入口を通る吸気の流量と空気口を通って取り入れられる吸気の流量との相関関係を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the correlation with the flow volume of the intake air which passes along an inlet, and the flow volume of the intake air taken in through an air port.
　以下、図面を参照してこの発明の好ましい実施形態について説明する。この実施形態における上下は、吸入器ユニット１を図１に示すように配置した状態を基準とする。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The upper and lower sides in this embodiment are based on the state where the inhaler unit 1 is arranged as shown in FIG.
　図１および図２を参照して、この発明の一実施形態に係る吸入器ユニット１は、使用者が粉薬を吸気とともに吸入するための吸入器１０ａと、吸入器１０ａに用いられる吸入判定装置１０ｂとを含む。 Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inhaler unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inhaler 10a for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation, and an inhalation determination device 10b used for the inhaler 10a. Including.
　まず、吸入器１０ａについて説明する。 First, the inhaler 10a will be described.
　図１～図３を参照して、吸入器１０ａは、本体１２、ベース１４、エアフィルタ１６、回転計量プレート１８、収容部２０、撹拌部２２、およびマウスピース２４を含む。この実施形態では、吸入器１０ａは、粉薬を吸入するためのマルチドーズドライパウダ吸入器であり、粉薬は喘息薬である。 1 to 3, the inhaler 10 a includes a main body 12, a base 14, an air filter 16, a rotary metering plate 18, a storage unit 20, a stirring unit 22, and a mouthpiece 24. In this embodiment, the inhaler 10a is a multi-dose dry powder inhaler for inhaling powder, and the powder is an asthma drug.
　本体１２は、側壁２６、平板部２８、軸孔３０、通気孔３２、環状凸部３４および空気口３６を有する。側壁２６は、筒状に形成される。平板部２８は、側壁２６の軸方向の中央よりもやや下方において、側壁２６の軸方向に対して垂直な円板状に形成される。軸孔３０は、平板部２８の中央において平板部２８を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。通気孔３２は、軸孔３０の近傍において平板部２８を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。環状凸部３４は、平板部２８から平板部２８の軸方向の上方に突出し、環状に形成される。空気口３６は、側壁２６の上端部から下方に延び、側壁２６の径方向において側壁２６を貫通する。空気口３６は、後述する空気口４８から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ１によって吸い上げられた粉薬を、撹拌させるための吸気Ｂ２を取り入れる。この実施形態では、空気口３６が第２空気口に相当する。 The main body 12 has a side wall 26, a flat plate portion 28, a shaft hole 30, a vent hole 32, an annular convex portion 34, and an air port 36. The side wall 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The flat plate portion 28 is formed in a disk shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 26 slightly below the center of the side wall 26 in the axial direction. The shaft hole 30 is formed so as to penetrate the flat plate portion 28 in the center of the flat plate portion 28 and to be circular in plan view. The ventilation hole 32 penetrates the flat plate portion 28 in the vicinity of the shaft hole 30 and is formed to be circular in plan view. The annular protrusion 34 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the flat plate portion 28 from the flat plate portion 28 and is formed in an annular shape. The air port 36 extends downward from the upper end portion of the side wall 26 and penetrates the side wall 26 in the radial direction of the side wall 26. The air port 36 takes in the intake air B2 for stirring the powder medicine sucked up by the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 described later. In this embodiment, the air port 36 corresponds to a second air port.
　図１～図３および図５を参照して、ベース１４は、本体１２の側壁２６に対して相対的に周方向に回転可能となるように、本体１２の下端部に取り付けられ、ベース本体３８、凸部４０および軸部４２を有する。 1 to 3 and 5, the base 14 is attached to the lower end of the main body 12 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the side wall 26 of the main body 12. The projection 40 and the shaft 42 are provided.
　ベース本体３８は、筒状に形成され、縮径部４４、縁部４６および空気口４８を有する。縮径部４４は、ベース本体３８の上部において、ベース本体３８の軸方向の上方に向かうに連れて縮径する。縁部４６は、縮径部４４の上端部からベース本体３８の径方向の内方に突出し、平面視で環状となるように形成される。空気口４８は、縁部４６の径方向の内方に形成され、平面視で円形となるように形成される。空気口４８は、ベース１４と本体１２との接続部近傍においてベース１４内に設けられる。空気口４８は、吸入器１０ａ内に保持された粉薬を上方に吸い上げるための吸気Ｂ１を取り入れる。この実施形態では、空気口４８が第１空気口に相当する。 The base body 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a reduced diameter portion 44, an edge portion 46, and an air port 48. The reduced diameter portion 44 is reduced in diameter in the upper part of the base body 38 as it goes upward in the axial direction of the base body 38. The edge portion 46 protrudes inward in the radial direction of the base body 38 from the upper end portion of the reduced diameter portion 44 and is formed so as to be annular in plan view. The air port 48 is formed inward in the radial direction of the edge 46 and is formed to be circular in plan view. The air port 48 is provided in the base 14 in the vicinity of the connection portion between the base 14 and the main body 12. The air port 48 takes in the intake air B1 for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler 10a. In this embodiment, the air port 48 corresponds to the first air port.
　凸部４０は、ベース本体３８の上端部からベース本体３８の軸方向の上方に突出し、側壁５０、天板部５２および複数（この実施形態では４つ）の通気孔５４を有する。側壁５０は、縁部４６の内周部から縁部４６の軸方向の上方に突出し、環状に形成される。側壁５０の外周面５０ａは、本体１２の側壁２６の内周面２６ａに沿って摺動可能に形成される。天板部５２は、側壁５０の軸方向に対して垂直な円板状に形成され、その外周部が側壁５０の上端部に接続される。複数の通気孔５４は、天板部５２の周方向において略９０度間隔で形成される。複数の通気孔５４はそれぞれ、平面視で略四角形となるように天板部５２を貫通する。 The convex portion 40 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the base body 38 from the upper end portion of the base body 38, and includes a side wall 50, a top plate portion 52, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) vent holes 54. The side wall 50 protrudes upward in the axial direction of the edge 46 from the inner periphery of the edge 46 and is formed in an annular shape. The outer peripheral surface 50 a of the side wall 50 is formed to be slidable along the inner peripheral surface 26 a of the side wall 26 of the main body 12. The top plate portion 52 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 50, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 50. The plurality of vent holes 54 are formed at substantially 90 degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the top plate portion 52. Each of the plurality of vent holes 54 penetrates the top plate portion 52 so as to be substantially rectangular in plan view.
　軸部４２は、天板部５２の中央から軸方向の上方に延び、本体１２の軸孔３０に回転可能に挿通される。軸部４２は、円柱部５６および複数（この実施形態では４つ）の凸部５８を有する。円柱部５６は、天板部５２の軸方向に延びる円柱状に形成される。複数の凸部５８は、円柱部５６の外周面から円柱部５６の径方向の外方に突出し、円柱部５６の周方向において略９０度間隔で形成される。また、複数の凸部５８はそれぞれ、円柱部５６の軸方向の上端部から下端部まで延びる。 The shaft portion 42 extends upward in the axial direction from the center of the top plate portion 52 and is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 30 of the main body 12. The shaft portion 42 has a cylindrical portion 56 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of convex portions 58. The column portion 56 is formed in a column shape extending in the axial direction of the top plate portion 52. The plurality of convex portions 58 protrude outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 56 from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 56, and are formed at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 56. In addition, each of the plurality of convex portions 58 extends from the upper end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 56 to the lower end portion.
　図１～図３を参照して、エアフィルタ１６は、円板状に形成され、本体１２の通気孔３２の下方を塞ぐように、平板部２８に取り付けられる。エアフィルタ１６は、空気を通すが粉薬が落下しないように形成される。 1 to 3, the air filter 16 is formed in a disc shape and is attached to the flat plate portion 28 so as to close the lower portion of the vent hole 32 of the main body 12. The air filter 16 allows air to pass but prevents the powder from falling.
　図１～図３および図６を参照して、回転計量プレート１８は、円板状に形成され、ベース１４とともに本体１２の側壁２６に対して相対的に周方向に回転可能となるように、平板部２８上に設けられる。回転計量プレート１８は、軸孔６０および計量孔６２を有する。 With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 6, the rotary metering plate 18 is formed in a disc shape, and can rotate relative to the side wall 26 of the main body 12 together with the base 14 in the circumferential direction. Provided on the flat plate portion 28. The rotary metering plate 18 has a shaft hole 60 and a metering hole 62.
　軸孔６０は、回転計量プレート１８の中央において回転計量プレート１８を貫通し、複数（この実施形態では４つ）の凹部６４を有する。複数の凹部６４は、軸孔６０の外周部において回転計量プレート１８の径方向の外方に凹み、回転計量プレート１８の周方向において略９０度間隔で形成される。複数の凹部６４のそれぞれに複数の凸部５８のそれぞれが嵌合するように、軸孔６０に軸部４２が挿通される。軸部４２が回転すると、複数の凸部５８と複数の凹部６４とが引っ掛かり、回転計量プレート１８が回転する。 The shaft hole 60 penetrates the rotary weighing plate 18 at the center of the rotary weighing plate 18 and has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) concave portions 64. The plurality of recesses 64 are recessed outward in the radial direction of the rotary metering plate 18 at the outer peripheral portion of the shaft hole 60, and are formed at approximately 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary metering plate 18. The shaft portion 42 is inserted into the shaft hole 60 so that each of the plurality of convex portions 58 is fitted in each of the plurality of concave portions 64. When the shaft portion 42 rotates, the plurality of convex portions 58 and the plurality of concave portions 64 are caught, and the rotary weighing plate 18 rotates.
　計量孔６２は、軸孔６０の近傍において回転計量プレート１８を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。図２に示す状態では、計量孔６２は、本体１２の通気孔３２に連通する。 The measuring hole 62 is formed so as to pass through the rotary measuring plate 18 in the vicinity of the shaft hole 60 and to be circular in plan view. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the measuring hole 62 communicates with the vent hole 32 of the main body 12.
　図１～図３を参照して、収容部２０は、本体１２の内部に取り付けられ、側壁６５、天板部６６、通気孔６８、円筒部７０、円筒部７２および環状凸部７４を有する。側壁６５は、筒状に形成され、本体１２の環状凸部３４の内方に嵌め込まれる。天板部６６は、側壁６５の軸方向に対して垂直な円板状に形成され、その外周部が側壁６５の上端部に接続される。通気孔６８は、天板部６６の中央よりも外方において、天板部６６および円筒部７０を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。円筒部７０は、天板部６６から天板部６６の軸方向の下方に向かって筒状に延びる。図２に示す状態では、通気孔６８は回転計量プレート１８の計量孔６２に連通する。円筒部７２は、粉薬を収容する中空部７６を有し、天板部６６から天板部６６の軸方向の下方に向かって筒状に延びる。なお、図面が煩雑になることを避けるため、粉薬の図示を省略する。円筒部７２の内径（中空部７６の直径）は、円筒部７０の内径（通気孔６８の直径）よりも大きく形成される。平面視において、中空部７６の中心は、通気孔６８の中心から、側壁６５の周方向に１８０度移動した位置にある。回転計量プレート１８が、図２に示す状態から１８０度回転すると、中空部７６は計量孔６２に連通する。環状凸部７４は、天板部６６の外周部から天板部６６の軸方向の上方に突出し、環状に形成される。 1 to 3, the accommodating portion 20 is attached to the inside of the main body 12, and includes a side wall 65, a top plate portion 66, a vent hole 68, a cylindrical portion 70, a cylindrical portion 72, and an annular convex portion 74. The side wall 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted inside the annular convex portion 34 of the main body 12. The top plate portion 66 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 65, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 65. The vent hole 68 is formed so as to pass through the top plate portion 66 and the cylindrical portion 70 outside the center of the top plate portion 66 and to be circular in plan view. The cylindrical portion 70 extends in a cylindrical shape from the top plate portion 66 downward in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the vent hole 68 communicates with the measuring hole 62 of the rotary measuring plate 18. The cylindrical portion 72 has a hollow portion 76 that stores powdered medicine, and extends in a cylindrical shape from the top plate portion 66 toward the lower side in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66. In addition, in order to avoid drawing becoming complicated, illustration of a powder medicine is abbreviate | omitted. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 72 (the diameter of the hollow portion 76) is formed larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 70 (the diameter of the vent hole 68). In the plan view, the center of the hollow portion 76 is at a position moved 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the side wall 65 from the center of the vent hole 68. When the rotary measuring plate 18 rotates 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 2, the hollow portion 76 communicates with the measuring hole 62. The annular convex portion 74 projects from the outer peripheral portion of the top plate portion 66 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 66 and is formed in an annular shape.
　図１～図３および図７を参照して、撹拌部２２は、収容部２０の上端部に取り付けられ、側壁７８、天板部８０、通気孔８２、環状凸部８４、筒状部８６、通気孔８８、側壁９０および側壁９２を有する。側壁７８は、筒状に形成され、収容部２０の環状凸部７４の内方に嵌め込まれる。天板部８０は、側壁７８の軸方向に対して垂直な円板状に形成され、その外周部が側壁７８の上端部に接続される。通気孔８２は、天板部８０の中央において天板部８０を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。環状凸部８４は、通気孔８２の径方向の外方において、通気孔８２を囲むように環状に形成され、天板部８０から天板部８０の軸方向の上方に突出する。筒状部８６は、断面略Ｃ字の筒状に形成され、通気孔８２に連通するように天板部８０から天板部８０の軸方向の下方に延びる。通気孔８８は、側壁７８の軸方向の上端部から下端部まで延び、側壁７８の径方向において側壁７８を貫通する。側壁９０は、断面略円弧状に形成され、筒状部８６の周方向の端部８６ａと、側壁７８の周方向の端部７８ａとを繋ぐ。側壁９０は、端部８６ａおよび端部７８ａに沿って側壁７８の軸方向に延びる。側壁９２は、断面略円弧状に形成され、側壁９０の周方向の中央付近と、側壁７８とを繋ぐ。側壁９２は、側壁７８および側壁９０に沿って側壁７８の軸方向に延びる。 1 to 3 and 7, the stirring unit 22 is attached to the upper end of the storage unit 20, and includes a side wall 78, a top plate unit 80, a vent hole 82, an annular projection 84, a cylindrical unit 86, It has a vent 88, a side wall 90 and a side wall 92. The side wall 78 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted inside the annular convex portion 74 of the housing portion 20. The top plate portion 80 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the side wall 78, and the outer peripheral portion thereof is connected to the upper end portion of the side wall 78. The ventilation hole 82 penetrates the top plate 80 at the center of the top plate 80 and is formed to be circular in plan view. The annular convex portion 84 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the vent hole 82 on the outer side in the radial direction of the vent hole 82, and protrudes upward from the top plate portion 80 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 80. The cylindrical portion 86 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a substantially C-shaped cross section, and extends downward from the top plate portion 80 in the axial direction of the top plate portion 80 so as to communicate with the vent hole 82. The ventilation hole 88 extends from the upper end portion in the axial direction of the side wall 78 to the lower end portion, and penetrates the side wall 78 in the radial direction of the side wall 78. The side wall 90 is formed in a substantially arc shape in cross section, and connects the circumferential end 86a of the tubular portion 86 and the circumferential end 78a of the side wall 78. The side wall 90 extends in the axial direction of the side wall 78 along the end portion 86a and the end portion 78a. The side wall 92 is formed in a substantially arc shape in cross section, and connects the vicinity of the center in the circumferential direction of the side wall 90 and the side wall 78. The side wall 92 extends in the axial direction of the side wall 78 along the side wall 78 and the side wall 90.
　図１～図３を参照して、マウスピース２４は、本体１２の上端部に取り付けられ、マウスピース本体９４、吸入口９６、円筒部９８および円筒部１００を有する。マウスピース本体９４は、環状部１０２および吸入部１０４を有する。環状部１０２は、環状に形成され、本体１２の側壁２６の上端部に取り付けられる。吸入部１０４は、環状部１０２の上端部から環状部１０２の軸方向の上方に向かって漸次幅狭となるように延びる。吸入口９６は、吸入部１０４の天板部１０６の中央において天板部１０６を貫通し、平面視で円形となるように形成される。吸入口９６は、各部材を介して、空気口３６および空気口４８に連通している。円筒部９８は、吸入口９６に連通する中空部１０８を有し、天板部１０６から吸入口９６の軸方向の下方に延びる。円筒部９８の下端部は、撹拌部２２の環状凸部８４の内方に嵌め込まれ、中空部１０８は、通気孔８２にも連通する。円筒部１００は、吸入部１０４の天井部１０６から下方に向かって筒状に延びる。 1 to 3, the mouthpiece 24 is attached to the upper end portion of the main body 12, and has a mouthpiece main body 94, a suction port 96, a cylindrical portion 98 and a cylindrical portion 100. The mouthpiece body 94 includes an annular portion 102 and a suction portion 104. The annular portion 102 is formed in an annular shape and is attached to the upper end portion of the side wall 26 of the main body 12. The suction portion 104 extends from the upper end portion of the annular portion 102 so as to gradually become narrower in the axial direction of the annular portion 102. The suction port 96 is formed so as to pass through the top plate portion 106 at the center of the top plate portion 106 of the suction portion 104 and be circular in plan view. The suction port 96 communicates with the air port 36 and the air port 48 through each member. The cylindrical portion 98 has a hollow portion 108 that communicates with the suction port 96, and extends downward from the top plate portion 106 in the axial direction of the suction port 96. A lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 98 is fitted inward of the annular convex portion 84 of the stirring portion 22, and the hollow portion 108 communicates with the vent hole 82. The cylindrical part 100 extends in a cylindrical shape downward from the ceiling part 106 of the suction part 104.
　次に、吸入判定装置１０ｂについて説明する。 Next, the inhalation determination device 10b will be described.
　図１、図２、図４および図１１を参照して、吸入判定装置１０ｂは、円柱状に形成されかつその上部が上方に向かって縮径する装置本体１１０を含む。装置本体１１０の内部には、吸気が通る本流路１１２が設けられる。本流路１１２は、装置本体１１０の中央を軸方向に貫通する。なお、図面が煩雑になることを避けるため、図２においては後述するセンサ１２２およびセンサ支持部材１２４の図示を省略する。本流路１１２（流路Ａ（後述））が吸入器１０ａの空気口４８に連通し、かつ流路Ａを通過する吸気Ｂ１が空気口４８から吸入器１０ａに取り入れられるように、装置本体１１０（吸入判定装置１０ｂ）は吸入器１０ａに接続される。この実施形態では、装置本体１１０は、ベース本体３８内に差し込まれベース本体３８内部に収容される。すなわち、吸入判定装置１０ｂは、ベース１４内に差し込まれベース１４内に収容される。また、流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量は、空気口３６から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ２の流量よりも小さくなるように設定される。 Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 11, inhalation determination device 10b includes a device main body 110 which is formed in a columnar shape and whose upper portion is reduced in diameter upward. Inside the apparatus main body 110, a main channel 112 through which intake air passes is provided. The main channel 112 passes through the center of the apparatus main body 110 in the axial direction. In addition, in order to avoid that drawing becomes complicated, illustration of the sensor 122 and the sensor support member 124 which are mentioned later is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. The apparatus main body 110 (so that the main flow path 112 (flow path A (described later)) communicates with the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a and the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is taken into the inhaler 10a from the air port 48. The inhalation determination device 10b) is connected to the inhaler 10a. In this embodiment, the apparatus main body 110 is inserted into the base main body 38 and accommodated in the base main body 38. That is, the inhalation determination device 10 b is inserted into the base 14 and accommodated in the base 14. Further, the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is set to be smaller than the flow rate of the intake air B2 taken from the air port 36.
　図８を参照して、吸入判定装置１０ｂは、マイコン１１４、メモリ１１６、ＲＴＣ（リアルタイムクロック）１１８、電源１２０、センサ１２２およびブザー１２３を含む。マイコン１１４には、メモリ１１６、ＲＴＣ１１８、電源１２０、センサ１２２およびブザー１２３が接続される。マイコン１１４は、図示しないＣＰＵやメモリ等を含み、マイコン１１４によって吸入判定装置１０ｂの動作が制御される。マイコン１１４に含まれるメモリには、マイコン１１４による制御動作を行うためのプログラム等が格納される。メモリ１１６には、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定するための所定値が記憶される。所定値は、流路Ａ（本流路１１２およびバイパス流路１４４）を通って空気口４８から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ１の流量と吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量との相関性、および粉薬が体内の所定の器官に到達するために必要な吸気Ｂの流量に着目して設定される。喘息薬を吸入する場合には、所定の器官として気管支に着目し、この実施形態では、粉薬が気管支に到達するために必要な吸気Ｂの流量を６０Ｌ／ｍｉｎとする。すなわち、吸入口９６を通って使用者の口から吸入される吸気Ｂの流量が６０Ｌ／ｍｉｎより大きければ、粉薬が気管支に到達したものとする。吸気Ｂ１の流量と吸気Ｂの流量との相関性については、予め解析や実験等によってデータを取得しておく。この実施形態では、図１２に示すデータが得られた。図１２のグラフから、吸気Ｂの流量に対して、吸気Ｂ１，Ｂ２の流量は略比例的に増加していることがわかる。また、吸気Ｂの流量に対する吸気Ｂ１の流量の割合も、流量が増えるにつれて徐々に増加する。図１２のグラフから、吸気Ｂ１の流量が１．０６２Ｌ／ｍｉｎ以上であれば、吸気Ｂの流量が６０Ｌ／ｍｉｎ以上となる。したがって、この実施形態では、所定値は１．０６２Ｌ／ｍｉｎに設定される。なお、吸気Ｂの流量が６０Ｌ／ｍｉｎのとき、吸気Ｂ２の流量は５８．９３８Ｌ／ｍｉｎとなる。吸気Ｂの流量が６０Ｌ／ｍｉｎのとき、吸気Ｂ１と吸気Ｂ２との割合は、９８．２３：１．７７となる。電源１２０としてはたとえば電池が用いられる。ブザー１２３は吸入の適否を報知する。 Referring to FIG. 8, the inhalation determination device 10b includes a microcomputer 114, a memory 116, an RTC (real time clock) 118, a power source 120, a sensor 122, and a buzzer 123. A memory 116, an RTC 118, a power source 120, a sensor 122, and a buzzer 123 are connected to the microcomputer 114. The microcomputer 114 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown), and the operation of the inhalation determination device 10b is controlled by the microcomputer 114. The memory included in the microcomputer 114 stores a program for performing a control operation by the microcomputer 114. The memory 116 stores a predetermined value for determining whether the user has inhaled the powder normally. The predetermined value is a correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 through the flow channel A (the main flow channel 112 and the bypass flow channel 144) and the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, It is set by paying attention to the flow rate of the intake air B necessary to reach a predetermined organ. When inhaling an asthma drug, attention is paid to the bronchi as a predetermined organ, and in this embodiment, the flow rate of the inhalation B necessary for the powder to reach the bronchus is set to 60 L / min. That is, if the flow rate of inhalation B sucked from the user's mouth through the inhalation port 96 is larger than 60 L / min, it is assumed that the powder has reached the bronchus. Regarding the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B1 and the flow rate of the intake air B, data is acquired in advance by analysis, experiment, or the like. In this embodiment, the data shown in FIG. 12 was obtained. From the graph of FIG. 12, it can be seen that the flow rates of the intake air B1 and B2 increase substantially proportionally with respect to the flow rate of the intake air B. In addition, the ratio of the flow rate of the intake air B1 to the flow rate of the intake air B gradually increases as the flow rate increases. From the graph of FIG. 12, if the flow rate of intake B1 is 1.062 L / min or more, the flow rate of intake B is 60 L / min or more. Therefore, in this embodiment, the predetermined value is set to 1.062 L / min. Note that when the flow rate of the intake B is 60 L / min, the flow rate of the intake B2 is 58.938 L / min. When the flow rate of the intake air B is 60 L / min, the ratio between the intake air B1 and the intake air B2 is 98.23: 1.77. For example, a battery is used as the power source 120. The buzzer 123 informs whether or not inhalation is appropriate.
　図９～図１１を参照して、装置本体１１０は、その内部にセンサ支持部材１２４を有する。センサ支持部材１２４は、たとえば樹脂からなりかつ筐体状に形成され、長手方向に延びる貫通孔１２６を有する。貫通孔１２６は本流路１１２の一部を形成する。貫通孔１２６は、２つの円柱状の空洞部１２８，１３０と空洞部１２８，１３０を連結する円柱状の空洞部１３２とを有する。空洞部１３２は空洞部１２８，１３０より径小に形成され、空洞部１２８，１３０および１３２は同軸状に形成される。空洞部１２８，１３０の直径は、吸入器１０ａの空気口４８の直径よりも小さく設定され、空洞部１３２によって吸入量が調整される。流路入口側に空洞部１２８があり、流路出口側に空洞部１３０がある。また、センサ支持部材１２４の側面には凹部１３４が形成される。凹部１３４と空洞部１２８とは貫通孔１３６によって連結され、凹部１３４と空洞部１３０とは貫通孔１３８によって連結される。凹部１３４には、センサ１２２が取り付けられる。センサ１２２は、バイパス流路形成部材１４０とセンサ本体１４２とを含み、流量を検出できる。この実施形態では、センサ１２２は、熱式フローセンサからなる。バイパス流路形成部材１４０は、たとえば樹脂からなりかつ筐体状に形成される。バイパス流路形成部材１４０には、貫通孔１３６と１３８とを連結するバイパス流路１４４が設けられる。言い換えれば、本流路１１２とバイパス流路１４４とは、貫通孔１３６，１３８を介して連結される。バイパス流路形成部材１４０の側面には、直方体状の凹部１４６が形成され、凹部１４６にはセンサ本体１４２が配置される。センサ本体１４２は、その側方に位置するバイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量を検出する。流路Ａは、装置本体１１０に形成される本流路１１２と、本流路１１２から分岐されかつセンサ１２２に形成されるバイパス流路１４４とを含む。バイパス流路１４４を通る吸気の流量は、本流路１１２を通る吸気の流量よりも小さくなるように設定される。この実施形態では、バイパス流路１４４を通る吸気の流量は、空洞部１３２を通る吸気の流量の略３％になるように設定される。なお、最大吸入時においてセンサ１２２が測定可能な最大測定量の吸気がバイパス流路１４４に流れるように、バイパス比（空洞部１３２の流量に対するバイパス流路１４４の流量の比）が設定されることが好ましい。 9 to 11, the apparatus main body 110 has a sensor support member 124 therein. The sensor support member 124 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a casing shape, and has a through hole 126 extending in the longitudinal direction. The through hole 126 forms a part of the main channel 112. The through hole 126 has two columnar cavities 128 and 130 and a columnar cavity 132 connecting the cavities 128 and 130. The cavity part 132 is formed smaller in diameter than the cavity parts 128 and 130, and the cavity parts 128, 130 and 132 are formed coaxially. The diameter of the cavities 128 and 130 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a, and the amount of suction is adjusted by the cavity 132. There is a cavity 128 on the channel inlet side and a cavity 130 on the channel outlet side. In addition, a recess 134 is formed on the side surface of the sensor support member 124. The recess 134 and the cavity 128 are connected by a through hole 136, and the recess 134 and the cavity 130 are connected by a through hole 138. The sensor 122 is attached to the recess 134. The sensor 122 includes a bypass flow path forming member 140 and a sensor main body 142, and can detect a flow rate. In this embodiment, the sensor 122 is a thermal flow sensor. The bypass flow path forming member 140 is made of, for example, a resin and is formed in a casing shape. The bypass channel forming member 140 is provided with a bypass channel 144 that connects the through holes 136 and 138. In other words, the main channel 112 and the bypass channel 144 are connected via the through holes 136 and 138. A rectangular parallelepiped recess 146 is formed on the side surface of the bypass flow path forming member 140, and the sensor main body 142 is disposed in the recess 146. The sensor body 142 detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 located on the side thereof. The flow path A includes a main flow path 112 formed in the apparatus main body 110 and a bypass flow path 144 branched from the main flow path 112 and formed in the sensor 122. The flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow channel 144 is set to be smaller than the flow rate of the intake air passing through the main flow channel 112. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is set to be approximately 3% of the flow rate of the intake air passing through the cavity 132. Note that the bypass ratio (ratio of the flow rate of the bypass flow path 144 to the flow rate of the cavity 132) is set so that the maximum measured amount of intake air that can be measured by the sensor 122 flows to the bypass flow path 144 at the time of maximum suction. Is preferred.
　この実施形態では、検出部は、マイコン１１４およびセンサ１２２を含む。マイコン１１４が判定部に対応する。バイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量と流路Ａを流れる吸気Ｂ１の流量とは相関性を有する（略比例関係にある）ので、センサ１２２によって検出されたバイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量は、流路Ａを流れる吸気Ｂ１の流量にマイコン１１４によって換算できる。この実施形態では、吸気Ｂ１の流量が、「流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報」に相当する。 In this embodiment, the detection unit includes a microcomputer 114 and a sensor 122. The microcomputer 114 corresponds to the determination unit. Since the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the flow channel A are correlated (substantially proportional), the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 detected by the sensor 122 is The microcomputer 114 can convert the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the flow path A. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the intake air B1 corresponds to “flow rate information relating to the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”.
　以下、吸入器１０ａの使用方法について説明する。 Hereinafter, a method of using the inhaler 10a will be described.
　図２を参照して、ベース１４を１８０度回転させると、ベース１４とともに回転計量プレート１８も１８０度回転し、計量孔６２が中空部７６に連通する。計量孔６２が中空部７６に連通すると、中空部７６に収容された粉薬が重力によって計量孔６２に流れ込む。計量孔６２に流れ込んだ粉薬は、使用者が１回の吸入で吸入すべき粉薬である。すなわち、計量孔６２の大きさを予め調整しておくことによって、１回の吸入で吸入すべき量の粉薬を容易に抽出することができる。 Referring to FIG. 2, when the base 14 is rotated 180 degrees, the rotary measuring plate 18 is also rotated 180 degrees together with the base 14, and the measuring hole 62 communicates with the hollow portion 76. When the measurement hole 62 communicates with the hollow portion 76, the powder medicine accommodated in the hollow portion 76 flows into the measurement hole 62 by gravity. The powder that has flowed into the measuring hole 62 is a powder that the user should inhale with one inhalation. That is, by adjusting the size of the measuring hole 62 in advance, it is possible to easily extract the amount of powder to be inhaled in one inhalation.
　次に、ベース１４をさらに１８０度回転させ、図２に示すように、計量孔６２を収容部２０の通気孔６８および本体１２の通気孔３２に連通させる。このとき、粉薬は、エアフィルタ１６によって、下方に落下しないように保持される。 Next, the base 14 is further rotated 180 degrees, and the measuring hole 62 is communicated with the vent hole 68 of the housing portion 20 and the vent hole 32 of the main body 12 as shown in FIG. At this time, the powder is held by the air filter 16 so as not to fall downward.
　そして、使用者が、吸入口９６から空気を吸い込むことによって、空気口４８から吸気Ｂ１が取り入れられ、空気口３６から吸気Ｂ２が取り入れられる。 Then, when the user sucks air from the suction port 96, the intake air B1 is taken in from the air port 48, and the intake air B2 is taken in from the air port 36.
　図２および図１０を参照して、空気口４８から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ１は、流路Ａを通って吸入器１０ａ内に取り入れられる。空気口４８から取り入れられた吸気Ｂ１は、複数の通気孔５４を通り、その後エアフィルタ１６を通過する。エアフィルタ１６上に保持されている粉薬は、吸気Ｂ１によって吸い上げられ、吸気Ｂ１とともに通気孔６８を通って撹拌部２２に移動する。図７をも参照して、撹拌部２２内には、空気口３６から取り入れられた吸気Ｂ２が、通気孔８８を通って流れ込む。撹拌部２２に移動した粉薬および吸気Ｂ１は、吸気Ｂ２によって撹拌させられ、さらに吸気Ｂ２とともに筒状部８６の内方に向かって流れる。粉薬は、吸気Ｂ２によって撹拌させられることで、粒子が細かく粉砕され、体内の気管支に到達しやすくなる。ここで、吸気Ｂ１と吸気Ｂ２とは、撹拌部２２内で合流し、吸気Ｂとなる。筒状部８６の内方では、粉薬は、吸気Ｂとともに渦を巻きながら吸入口９６に向かって上方に吸い上げられていく。そして、粉薬は、吸気Ｂとともに吸入口９６を通って使用者に吸入される。 2 and 10, the intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 is taken into the inhaler 10a through the flow path A. The intake air B1 taken from the air port 48 passes through the plurality of vent holes 54 and then passes through the air filter 16. The powder held on the air filter 16 is sucked up by the intake air B1 and moves to the agitating unit 22 through the vent hole 68 together with the intake air B1. Referring also to FIG. 7, the intake air B <b> 2 taken from the air port 36 flows into the stirring unit 22 through the vent hole 88. The powder and the intake air B1 moved to the agitation unit 22 are agitated by the intake air B2, and further flow toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 86 together with the intake air B2. When the powdered medicine is agitated by the inhalation B2, the particles are finely pulverized and easily reach the bronchi in the body. Here, the intake air B1 and the intake air B2 merge in the stirring unit 22 and become the intake air B. Inside the cylindrical portion 86, the powder is sucked upward toward the suction port 96 while swirling with the suction B. Then, the powder medicine is inhaled by the user through the suction port 96 together with the intake air B.
　このようにして、使用者は、空気口３６および空気口４８から取り入れられ吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂ（吸気Ｂ１および吸気Ｂ２）とともに粉薬を吸入する。 In this way, the user inhales the powdered medicine together with the intake B (intake B1 and intake B2) taken from the air port 36 and the air port 48 and passing through the intake port 96.
　以下、吸入判定装置１０ｂの判定動作について説明する。 Hereinafter, the determination operation of the inhalation determination device 10b will be described.
　図１０を参照して、上述したように使用者が吸気Ｂとともに粉薬を吸入したとき、センサ１２２によって所定時間（たとえば５ｍｓｅｃ）内にバイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量が検出され、その流量がマイコン１１４によって１分間あたりに流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量（Ｌ／ｍｉｎ）に換算される。マイコン１１４は、吸気Ｂ１の流量と所定値とを比較し、吸気Ｂ１の流量が所定値よりも大きければ、使用者が正常に粉薬を吸入したと判定する。一方、吸気Ｂ１の流量が所定値以下であれば、使用者が正常に粉薬を吸入していないと判定する。このように、マイコン１１４およびセンサ１２２は、吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂのうち、流路Ａを通って吸入器１０ａに取り入れられる吸気Ｂ１の流量を検出する。また、マイコン１１４は、吸気Ｂ１の流量に基づいて使用者が正常に粉薬を吸入したか否かを判定する。 Referring to FIG. 10, when the user inhales the powder with the intake air B as described above, the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 is detected by the sensor 122 within a predetermined time (for example, 5 msec). The flow rate (L / min) of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A per minute is converted by the microcomputer 114. The microcomputer 114 compares the flow rate of the intake air B1 with a predetermined value, and determines that the user has normally inhaled the powder if the flow rate of the intake air B1 is greater than the predetermined value. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the intake air B1 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the user is not normally inhaling the powder. As described above, the microcomputer 114 and the sensor 122 detect the flow rate of the intake air B <b> 1 that is taken into the inhaler 10 a through the flow path A among the intake air B that passes through the intake port 96. Further, the microcomputer 114 determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate of the intake air B1.
　吸入が正常に行われたか否かは、ブザー１２３によって報知される。たとえば、吸入が正常に行われた場合、ブザー１２３がＯＫ鳴動する（ピッと鳴る）。一方、吸入が正常に行われなかった場合、ブザー１２３がＮＧ鳴動する（ピーピーピーと鳴る）。 The buzzer 123 notifies whether or not the inhalation has been normally performed. For example, when the inhalation is normally performed, the buzzer 123 sounds OK (beep). On the other hand, when the inhalation is not normally performed, the buzzer 123 sounds NG (beeply).
　このような吸入判定装置１０ｂ（吸入器ユニット１）によれば、吸入器１０ａの空気口４８と、吸入判定装置１０ｂの流路Ａとが連通するように、吸入判定装置１０ｂが吸入器１０ａに接続される。そして、使用時に吸入器１０ａの吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂのうち吸入判定装置１０ｂの流路Ａを通って吸入器１０ａに取り入れられる吸気Ｂ１の流量に基づいて、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かが判定される。この実施形態では、吸気Ｂ１の流量と所定値との比較に基づいて、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かが判定される。吸気Ｂ１の流量が所定値より大きければ、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したと判定され、一方、吸気Ｂ１の流量が所定値以下であれば、粉薬が所定の器官（この実施形態では、気管支）にまで到達しておらず、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入していないと判定される。このようにして、役割の異なる複数の空気口３６，４８を有する吸入器１０ａであっても、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定できる。また、吸入器１０ａの吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量を直接検出しようとすれば、その吸気には粉薬が混入されているので、センサが粉薬によって汚染され計測に支障をきたすおそれがあり、好ましくない。しかし、吸入判定装置１０ｂ（吸入器ユニット１）では、吸入判定装置１０ｂの流路Ａを通る（すなわち粉薬が混入する前の）吸気Ｂ１の流量を検出するので、センサ１２２が粉薬によって汚染されず、計測に支障はない。したがって、役割の異なる複数の空気口３６，４８を有する吸入器１０ａに好適に用いることができる、吸入判定装置１０ｂおよびそれを含む吸入器ユニット１を得ることができる。 According to such an inhalation determination device 10b (inhaler unit 1), the inhalation determination device 10b communicates with the inhaler 10a so that the air port 48 of the inhaler 10a communicates with the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b. Connected. Then, the user normally inhales the powder medicine based on the flow rate of the intake air B1 that is taken into the inhaler 10a through the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b among the inhalation air B that passes through the intake port 96 of the inhaler 10a during use. It is determined whether or not. In this embodiment, based on the comparison between the flow rate of the intake air B1 and a predetermined value, it is determined whether the user has normally inhaled the powder. If the flow rate of the inhalation B1 is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has inhaled the powder normally. On the other hand, if the flow rate of the inhalation B1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the powder is in a predetermined organ (in this embodiment, bronchi It is determined that the user has not inhaled the powder normally. In this way, even if the inhaler 10a has a plurality of air ports 36 and 48 having different roles, it can be determined whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder. Further, if it is attempted to directly detect the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96 of the inhaler 10a, since the powder is mixed in the intake air, there is a possibility that the sensor is contaminated with the powder and interferes with the measurement. It is not preferable. However, the inhalation determination device 10b (inhaler unit 1) detects the flow rate of the intake air B1 that passes through the flow path A of the inhalation determination device 10b (that is, before the powdery medicine is mixed), so the sensor 122 is not contaminated by the powdery medicine. There is no problem in measurement. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the inhalation determination device 10b and the inhaler unit 1 including the same, which can be suitably used for the inhaler 10a having the plurality of air ports 36 and 48 having different roles.
　吸入器１０ａは、吸気口３６から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ２によって粉薬を拡散させるので、粉薬が体内の所定の器官に到達しやすくなる。このような吸入器１０ａに、吸入判定装置１０ｂを好適に用いることができる。 Since the inhaler 10a diffuses the powder by the intake air B2 taken from the intake port 36, it becomes easy for the powder to reach a predetermined organ in the body. The inhalation determination device 10b can be suitably used for such an inhaler 10a.
　流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１を空気口４８から取り入れるために、流路Ａは空気口４８に連通し、流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量は、空気口３６から取り入れられる吸気Ｂ２の流量よりも少ない。この場合、流路Ａを吸気口３６に連通させる場合よりも、流路Ａを通る吸気の流量を少なくできるので、流路Ａの直径を小さく設定できる。したがって、吸入判定装置１０ｂを小型にできる。 In order to take in the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A from the air port 48, the flow path A communicates with the air port 48, and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A is higher than the flow rate of the intake air B2 taken in from the air port 36. Few. In this case, since the flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path A can be reduced as compared with the case where the flow path A is communicated with the intake port 36, the diameter of the flow path A can be set smaller. Therefore, the inhalation determination device 10b can be reduced in size.
　吸入判定装置１０ｂをベース１４内に収容することによって、吸入器１０ａに吸入判定装置１０ｂを接続して得られる吸入器ユニット１の全長を短くできる。また、吸入判定装置１０ｂは、ベース１４に差し込むだけでベース１４内に容易に収容できる。 By housing the inhalation determination device 10b in the base 14, the entire length of the inhaler unit 1 obtained by connecting the inhalation determination device 10b to the inhaler 10a can be shortened. Further, the inhalation determination device 10b can be easily accommodated in the base 14 simply by being inserted into the base 14.
　流路Ａとして、バイパス流路１４４と本流路１１２とを含むので、バイパス流路１４４だけの場合よりも圧損を小さくできる。また、バイパス流路１４４を設けずに本流路１１２だけの場合よりも、センサ１２２を小さくでき、吸入判定装置１０ｂを小型にできる。 Since the bypass channel 144 and the main channel 112 are included as the channel A, the pressure loss can be reduced as compared with the case of the bypass channel 144 alone. Further, the sensor 122 can be made smaller and the inhalation determination device 10b can be made smaller than the case where only the main flow path 112 is provided without providing the bypass flow path 144.
　バイパス流路１４４はセンサ１２２に設けられるので、バイパス流路１４４のサイズ（流量）を変更したいとき、センサ１２２を取り替えるだけで容易に対応できる。 Since the bypass flow path 144 is provided in the sensor 122, when it is desired to change the size (flow rate) of the bypass flow path 144, it can be easily handled by simply replacing the sensor 122.
　マイコン１１４の判定に基づく結果を報知するブザー１２３を備えるので、粉薬を正常に吸入できたか等を容易に認識できる。 Since the buzzer 123 for notifying the result based on the determination of the microcomputer 114 is provided, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the powder was successfully inhaled.
　マイコン１１４は、マイコン１１４およびセンサ１２２によって検出された流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量を、吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量に換算し、得られた吸気Ｂの流量と所定値との比較に基づいて、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定してもよい。ここでは、図１２に示す吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量と流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量との相関性に基づいて、吸気Ｂ１の流量が吸気Ｂの流量に換算される。換算して得られた吸気Ｂの流量が、「流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報」に相当する。所定値は、粉薬が体内の所定の器官に到達するために必要な吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量に相当する。たとえば、換算して得られた吸気Ｂの流量が、所定値より大きければ、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したと判定され、一方、換算して得られた吸気Ｂの流量が、所定値以下であれば、粉薬が所定の器官にまで到達しておらず、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入していないと判定される。 The microcomputer 114 converts the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A detected by the microcomputer 114 and the sensor 122 into the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, and compares the obtained flow rate of the intake air B with a predetermined value. Based on the above, it may be determined whether the user has inhaled the powder normally. Here, the flow rate of the intake air B1 is converted into the flow rate of the intake air B based on the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A shown in FIG. The flow rate of the intake air B obtained by conversion corresponds to “flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”. The predetermined value corresponds to the flow rate of the inhalation B that passes through the inlet 96 necessary for the powder medicine to reach a predetermined organ in the body. For example, if the flow rate of the intake B obtained by conversion is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has normally inhaled the powder, while the flow rate of the intake B obtained by conversion is less than the predetermined value. If so, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user has not inhaled the powder normally.
　また、マイコン１１４は、センサ１２２によって検出されたバイパス流路１４４を通る吸気の流量と、所定値との比較に基づいて、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定してもよい。ここでは、バイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量は、流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量と相関関係があるので、「流路を通って吸入器に取り入れられる吸気の流量に関する流量情報」に相当する。所定値は、バイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量と流路Ａを通る吸気Ｂ１の流量との相関性、吸気Ｂ１の流量と吸入口９６を通る吸気Ｂの流量との相関性、および粉薬が体内の所定の器官に到達するために必要な吸気Ｂの流量に着目して設定される。たとえば、バイパス流路１４４を通る吸気の流量が、所定値より大きければ、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入したと判定され、一方、バイパス流路１４４を通る吸気の流量が、所定値以下であれば、粉薬が所定の器官にまで到達しておらず、使用者が粉薬を正常に吸入していないと判定される。 Further, the microcomputer 114 may determine whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on a comparison between the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 detected by the sensor 122 and a predetermined value. . Here, since the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 has a correlation with the flow volume of the intake air B1 passing through the flow path A, it corresponds to “flow rate information regarding the flow rate of intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path”. To do. The predetermined value is a correlation between the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow channel 144 and the flow rate of the intake air B1 passing through the flow channel A, the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air B1 and the flow rate of the intake air B passing through the suction port 96, and It is set by paying attention to the flow rate of the inhalation B necessary to reach a predetermined organ in the body. For example, if the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the user has normally inhaled the powder, while the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow path 144 is less than the predetermined value. For example, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user has not inhaled the powder normally.
　上述のように、流量と所定値との比較（流量の大小）に基づいて、吸入成否を判定するだけではなく、流量と時間とによる吸入パターン（流量波形や積算量など）に基づいて、さらに綿密に吸入成否を判定するようにしてもよい。 As described above, based on the comparison between the flow rate and a predetermined value (the magnitude of the flow rate), not only the success or failure of the suction is determined, but also based on the suction pattern (flow rate waveform, integrated amount, etc.) based on the flow rate and time. You may make it judge inhalation success closely.
　通信機器（外部端末）から吸入判定装置１０ｂへの入力によって、所定値などを変更できるようにしてもよい。 A predetermined value or the like may be changed by an input from the communication device (external terminal) to the inhalation determination device 10b.
　上述の実施形態では、吸入器１０ａは、喘息薬を吸入するための吸入器であり、喘息薬が気管支に到達するために必要な吸気の流量に着目して、所定値が設定されたが、これに限定されない。たとえば、肺に作用させる粉薬を吸入する場合には、当該粉薬が肺に到達するために必要な吸気の流量に着目して、所定値が設定される。このように、粉薬を作用させる（粉薬が到達すべき）器官に応じて、粉薬が当該器官に到達するために必要な吸気の流量に着目して、所定値が設定される。 In the above-described embodiment, the inhaler 10a is an inhaler for inhaling an asthma drug, and a predetermined value is set by paying attention to the inspiratory flow rate required for the asthma drug to reach the bronchi. It is not limited to this. For example, when inhaling a powder that acts on the lungs, the predetermined value is set by paying attention to the flow rate of inhalation necessary for the powder to reach the lungs. As described above, a predetermined value is set in accordance with the organ on which the powder medicine acts (the powder powder should reach), focusing on the flow rate of the intake air necessary for the powder medicine to reach the organ.
　上述の実施形態では、流路Ａが空気口４８に連通するように、吸入判定装置１０ｂが吸入器１０ａに接続される場合について説明したが、これに限定されない。吸入判定装置１０ｂと同様の構造を有する吸入判定装置の流路が空気口３６に連通するように、当該吸入判定装置が吸入器１０ａに接続されてもよい。この場合、吸気Ｂ２の流量に関する流量情報に基づいて、使用者が正常に粉薬を吸入したか否かが判定される。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where the inhalation determination device 10b is connected to the inhaler 10a so that the flow path A communicates with the air port 48 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The inhalation determination device may be connected to the inhaler 10a so that the flow path of the inhalation determination device having the same structure as the inhalation determination device 10b communicates with the air port 36. In this case, whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder is determined based on the flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air B2.
　上述の実施形態では、１つの空気口３６（第２空気口）が形成される場合について説明したが、これに限定されず、複数の第２空気口が形成されてもよい。この構成において吸入判定装置を設ける場合には、第２空気口毎に、吸入判定装置１０ｂと同様の構造を有する吸入判定装置を設けてもよい。この場合、吸入判定装置毎に得られた流路を通る吸気の流量を合算することによって、複数の第２空気口から導入される吸気の総量を得ることができる。また、各第２空気口を帯状のマニホールドで連結し、当該マニホールドの入口に吸入判定装置１０ｂと同様の構造を有する吸入判定装置を設けてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where one air port 36 (second air port) is formed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of second air ports may be formed. When an inhalation determination device is provided in this configuration, an inhalation determination device having the same structure as the inhalation determination device 10b may be provided for each second air port. In this case, the total amount of intake air introduced from the plurality of second air ports can be obtained by summing the flow rates of intake air passing through the flow paths obtained for each inhalation determination device. In addition, each of the second air ports may be connected by a strip-shaped manifold, and an inhalation determination device having a structure similar to that of the inhalation determination device 10b may be provided at the inlet of the manifold.
　上述の実施形態では、役割の異なる複数の空気口が、空気口４８（第１空気口）および空気口３６（第２空気口）を有する場合について説明したが、これに限定されない。役割の異なる複数の空気口は、空気口４８および空気口３６とは役割の異なる空気口をさらに有していてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where the plurality of air ports having different roles has the air port 48 (first air port) and the air port 36 (second air port) is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The plurality of air ports having different roles may further include air ports having different roles from the air ports 48 and 36.
　上述の実施形態では、吸入判定装置１０ｂは、ベース１４内からはみ出さないように収容されたが、これに限定されない。吸入判定装置１０ｂは、その一部がベース１４内からはみ出すようにベース１４内に収容されてもよい。この場合、吸入器１０ａに対する吸入判定装置１０ｂの着脱が容易になる。 In the above-described embodiment, the inhalation determination device 10b is accommodated so as not to protrude from the base 14, but is not limited thereto. The inhalation determination device 10b may be accommodated in the base 14 so that a part thereof protrudes from the base 14. In this case, the inhaler 10a can be easily attached to and detached from the inhaler 10a.
　上述の実施形態では、バイパス流路１４４がセンサ１２２に設けられる場合について説明したが、これに限定されない。バイパス流路は、センサとは別の部材に設けられてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where the bypass flow path 144 is provided in the sensor 122 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The bypass channel may be provided in a member different from the sensor.
　上述の実施形態では、センサ１２２がバイパス流路１４４を流れる吸気の流量を検出する場合について説明したが、これに限定されない。バイパス流路１４４を設けずに、センサが本流路１１２（流路Ａ）を流れる吸気Ｂ１の流量を検出するようにしてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the case where the sensor 122 detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 144 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of providing the bypass flow path 144, the sensor may detect the flow rate of the intake air B1 flowing through the main flow path 112 (flow path A).
　上述の実施形態では、ベース１４に形成される複数の通気孔５４がそれぞれ、平面視で略四角形となる場合について説明したが、これに限定されない。たとえば、ベースに形成される複数の通気孔は、平面視で円形や三角形等となるように形成されてもよく、最小流動抵抗とならない大きさであればよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the case where each of the plurality of vent holes 54 formed in the base 14 is substantially rectangular in plan view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of air holes formed in the base may be formed in a circular shape, a triangular shape, or the like in plan view, and may have a size that does not provide the minimum flow resistance.
　１　　　吸入器ユニット
　１０ａ　　　吸入器
　１０ｂ　　　吸入判定装置
　１２　　　本体
　１４　　　ベース
　２４　　　マウスピース
　３６，４８　　　空気口
　９６　　　吸入口
　１１０　　　装置本体
　１１２　　　本流路
　１１４　　　マイコン
　１１６　　　メモリ
　１２２　　　センサ
　１４４　　　バイパス流路
　Ａ　　　流路
　Ｂ，Ｂ１，Ｂ２　　　吸気 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inhaler unit 10a Inhaler 10b Inhalation determination apparatus 12 Main body 14 Base 24 Mouthpiece 36,48 Air port 96 Inlet port 110 Apparatus main body 112 Main flow path 114 Microcomputer 116 Memory 122 Sensor 144 Bypass flow path A Flow paths B, B1, B2 Intake

Claims (7)

  1. 　役割の異なる複数の空気口から取り入れられ前記複数の空気口に連通する吸入口を通る吸気とともに粉薬を使用者が吸入するための吸入器に用いられる吸入判定装置であって、
    　当該吸入判定装置が前記吸入器に接続されているとき前記複数の空気口のいずれかに連通する流路と、
    　前記流路を通って前記吸入器に取り入れられる前記吸気の流量に関する流量情報を検出する検出部と、
    　前記検出部によって検出された前記流量情報に基づいて前記使用者が前記粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定する判定部とを備える、吸入判定装置。     An inhalation determination device used in an inhaler for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation through an intake port that is taken in from a plurality of air ports having different roles and communicates with the plurality of air ports,
    A flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports when the inhalation determination device is connected to the inhaler;
    A detection unit for detecting flow rate information related to a flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path;
    An inhalation determination device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
  2. 　前記吸入器の前記複数の空気口が、前記吸入器内に保持された前記粉薬を吸い上げるための前記吸気を取り入れる第１空気口と、吸い上げられた前記粉薬を撹拌させるための前記吸気を取り入れる第２空気口とを有する、請求項１に記載の吸入判定装置。 The plurality of air ports of the inhaler include a first air port for taking in the intake air for sucking up the powder held in the inhaler, and a first air port for taking in the intake air for stirring the sucked-up powder. The inhalation determination device according to claim 1, comprising two air ports.
  3. 　前記流路を通る前記吸気を前記第１空気口から取り入れるために、前記流路は前記第１空気口に連通し、
    　前記流路を通る前記吸気の流量は、前記第２空気口から取り入れられる前記吸気の流量よりも少ない、請求項２に記載の吸入判定装置。     In order to take in the intake air passing through the flow path from the first air port, the flow path communicates with the first air port;
    The inhalation determination device according to claim 2, wherein a flow rate of the intake air passing through the flow path is smaller than a flow rate of the intake air taken in from the second air port.
  4. 　前記吸入器は、前記第２空気口を有する本体と、前記本体の一端部に取り付けられかつ前記吸入口を有するマウスピースと、前記本体に対して相対的に周方向に回転可能となるように前記本体の他端部に設けられかつ前記第１空気口を有するベースとを含み、
    　前記第１空気口は、前記ベースと前記本体との接続部近傍において前記ベース内に設けられ、
    　当該吸入判定装置は、前記ベース内に収容される、請求項３に記載の吸入判定装置。     The inhaler is rotatable relative to the body relative to the main body having the second air port, a mouthpiece attached to one end of the main body and having the suction port. A base provided at the other end of the main body and having the first air port,
    The first air port is provided in the base in the vicinity of a connection portion between the base and the main body,
    The inhalation determination device according to claim 3, wherein the inhalation determination device is accommodated in the base.
  5. 　前記流路は、本流路と、前記本流路から分岐されかつ前記本流路よりも前記吸気の流量が少ないバイパス流路とを含み、
    　前記検出部は前記バイパス流路を流れる前記吸気の流量を検出する、請求項１から４のいずれかに記載の吸入判定装置。     The flow path includes a main flow path and a bypass flow path that is branched from the main flow path and has a smaller flow rate of the intake air than the main flow path,
    The inhalation determination device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path.
  6. 　前記バイパス流路は前記検出部に設けられる、請求項５に記載の吸入判定装置。 The inhalation determination device according to claim 5, wherein the bypass flow path is provided in the detection unit.
  7. 　役割の異なる複数の空気口、および前記複数の空気口に連通する吸入口を含み、前記複数の空気口から取り入れられ前記吸入口を通る吸気とともに粉薬を使用者が吸入するための吸入器と、
    　前記吸入器に接続される吸入判定装置とを備え、
    　前記吸入判定装置は、
    　前記複数の空気口のいずれかに連通する流路と、
    　前記流路を通って前記吸入器に取り入れられる前記吸気の流量に関する流量情報を検出する検出部と、
    　前記検出部によって検出された前記流量情報に基づいて前記使用者が前記粉薬を正常に吸入したか否かを判定する判定部とを備える、吸入器ユニット。     A plurality of air ports having different roles, and an inhaler that communicates with the plurality of air ports, and an inhaler for a user to inhale powder together with inhalation taken from the plurality of air ports and passing through the inhalation port;
    An inhalation determination device connected to the inhaler,
    The inhalation determination device includes:
    A flow path communicating with any of the plurality of air ports;
    A detection unit for detecting flow rate information related to a flow rate of the intake air taken into the inhaler through the flow path;
    An inhaler unit comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the flow rate information detected by the detection unit.
PCT/JP2017/002412 2017-01-24 2017-01-24 Inhalation determination device and inhaler unit WO2018138788A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009532189A (en) * 2006-04-05 2009-09-10 マイクロドース セラピューテクス，インコーポレイテッド Inhalation device that supplies a variable amount of medicine
JP2016087169A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-23 大成化工株式会社 counter

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009532189A (en) * 2006-04-05 2009-09-10 マイクロドース セラピューテクス，インコーポレイテッド Inhalation device that supplies a variable amount of medicine
JP2016087169A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-23 大成化工株式会社 counter

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