WO2022138083A1 - Therapeutic inhaler - Google Patents

Therapeutic inhaler Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022138083A1
WO2022138083A1 PCT/JP2021/044547 JP2021044547W WO2022138083A1 WO 2022138083 A1 WO2022138083 A1 WO 2022138083A1 JP 2021044547 W JP2021044547 W JP 2021044547W WO 2022138083 A1 WO2022138083 A1 WO 2022138083A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
treatment
history information
cleaning
nebulizer
operation history
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/044547
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
麻 平澤
賢吾 西山
友香 田邊
真郎 前田
美由紀 足達
Original Assignee
オムロンヘルスケア株式会社
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 filed Critical オムロンヘルスケア株式会社
Publication of WO2022138083A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022138083A1/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
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a therapeutic inhaler.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a tubular container having a liquid pool capable of accommodating the chemical liquid and an outlet for opening the liquid pool to the outside, and a chemical liquid provided in the tubular container to atomize and atomize the chemical liquid.
  • a nebulizer equipped with an ultrasonic pump that sprays through a spout is described. This nebulizer is configured to be able to clean the spray mechanism by discarding the chemical liquid in the liquid pool, injecting distilled water for cleaning or the like into the liquid pool, and spraying the distilled water.
  • Patent Document 2 describes a mist generator that sends out a liquid such as water or lotion as a fine mist.
  • the cleaning switch is operated to reverse the operation of the chemical spraying mechanism to clean the spraying mechanism with cleaning water.
  • Treatment using a therapeutic inhaler such as a nebulizer configured to be able to inhale the atomized drug solution is required to be performed at the frequency specified by the doctor.
  • a therapeutic inhaler such as a nebulizer configured to be able to inhale the atomized drug solution
  • one treatment using a therapeutic inhaler means that an operation of inhaling the same type of drug for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes or the like) is performed.
  • a predetermined time for example, 5 minutes or the like
  • the liquid atomized by the atomizing portion is changed from a chemical solution to a cleaning solution, and the cleaning solution is atomized in that state to atomize.
  • a configuration for cleaning the part is assumed.
  • the cleaning operation of the atomized portion and the atomization operation of the chemical solution by the atomized portion cannot be distinguished, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the treatment is performed at an appropriate frequency.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic inhaler capable of appropriately managing the history of treatment.
  • the processor is a therapeutic inhaler that changes the content of the management depending on whether the first process is performed or the second process is performed.
  • the information to be added to the operation history information is changed depending on whether the cleaning start operation is received or the treatment start operation is received, and then the information is transmitted to the external device or the treatment start operation is performed. It is possible to send the operation history information to an external device only when it is received. This makes it possible to manage the state in which the atomized portion is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized portion is operated for treatment. As a result, the frequency of treatment using the therapeutic inhaler can be accurately grasped, which can be useful for determining the treatment policy.
  • the processor transmits the operation history information of the atomizing unit operated by the first process to an external device, and when the second process is performed, the first process is performed.
  • a therapeutic inhaler that omits transmission of the operation history information of the atomized portion operated by the treatment to the external device.
  • the operation history information of the atomizing part for cleaning is not transmitted to the external device. Therefore, in the external device, only the operation history information of the atomized portion operated for the treatment is collected. By using this collected information, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the frequency of treatment using the therapeutic inhaler.
  • the therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
  • the processor can distinguish between the first operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the first process and the second operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the second process in an identifiable format.
  • a therapeutic inhaler that sends to an external device.
  • the therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
  • the processor is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the second operation history information is an operation for cleaning and transmits the information to the external device.
  • the therapeutic inhaler is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the first operation history information is an operation for treatment and transmits the information to the external device.
  • the therapeutic inhaler according to any one of (1) to (5).
  • the processor is a therapeutic inhaler that stops the atomizing portion after a predetermined time elapses when the atomizing portion is operated in response to the cleaning start operation.
  • the atomized portion when the atomized portion is washed, the atomized portion will not be operated beyond the predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the atomized portion from being operated more than necessary during cleaning, and to improve the durability of the device.
  • the therapeutic inhaler according to any one of (1) to (6).
  • the operation member is a therapeutic inhaler including a first operation member capable of performing the treatment start operation and a second operation member capable of performing the cleaning start operation.
  • FIG. 6 It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the treatment management system. It is an exploded perspective view of the nebulizer shown in FIG. It is a vertical sectional view of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the right side (direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2). It is a schematic diagram explaining the use state of the nebulizer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the block structure of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG. 5 during treatment control. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation at the time of cleaning control of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit during treatment control shown in FIG. 5. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the modification of the operation at the time of cleaning control of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG.
  • the nebulizer according to the embodiment of the present invention has a treatment mode in which a drug solution is atomized by an atomizing portion and a respiratory disease such as asthma is treated by inhaling the atomized drug solution, and a cleaning solution is atomized instead of the drug solution. It is equipped with a cleaning mode that cleans the atomized part by atomizing it by the part. These modes are changed by operating the operating member provided on the nebulizer.
  • the nebulizer is further configured to be communicable with an external device, has a function of managing the transmission of the operation history information of the atomizing unit to the external device, and changes the content of this management according to the mode.
  • the nebulizer transmits the operation history information of the atomized portion operated in the treatment mode to the external device, and does not transmit the operation history information of the atomized portion operated in the cleaning mode to the external device.
  • the operation history information of the atomized portion operated for the treatment is collected in the external device. Therefore, by using this collected operation history information, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the frequency and the like of the treatment performed using the nebulizer, which can be useful for the doctor to decide the treatment policy.
  • the details of the embodiment of the treatment management system including the nebulizer will be described.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the treatment management system 100.
  • the treatment management system 100 includes a nebulizer 1 as a therapeutic inhaler for treating a respiratory disease by inhaling a sprayed drug solution, and an electron possessed by a user of the nebulizer 1 or a related person (for example, a parent of the user). It includes a device 3 and a management server 6.
  • the electronic device 3 is an electronic device having a communication function such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.
  • the electronic device 3 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 6 via a network 4 such as the Internet.
  • the electronic device 3 is configured to be communicable with the nebulizer 1 based on a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi.
  • the treatment management application provided by the operator of the treatment management system 100 is installed in the electronic device 3.
  • This treatment management application information transmission / reception between the nebulizer 1 and the electronic device 3, information transmission from the electronic device 3 to the management server 6, and an electronic device for display data generated by the management server 6 are performed. It is possible to browse by 3.
  • the management server 6 includes a communication interface (IF) 61 for communicating with a device connected to the network 4, a server control unit 62, and a database 63.
  • the database 63 may be a storage externally attached to the management server 6 or a network storage connected to the network 4.
  • the server control unit 62 controls the entire management server 6 in an integrated manner, and stores a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program and performs processing, and a ROM (Read) that stores the program or the like executed by this processor. Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory are included.
  • a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program and performs processing
  • ROM Read
  • Only Memory and RAM Random Access Memory
  • the structure of the processor described in the present specification is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.
  • the server control unit 62 acquires the information transmitted from the nebulizer 1 to the electronic device 3 and transferred from the electronic device 3 via the communication interface 61, and records the acquired information in the database 63. By processing the information recorded in the database 63, the server control unit 62 processes the treatment results such as the timing (treatment timing) of the treatment performed using the nebulizer 1 and the time (treatment time) of the treatment. Generate display data to display.
  • the server control unit 62 requests viewing of this display data from the electronic device 3 or another electronic device connected to the network 4 (for example, a device operated by a doctor in charge of examining the user of the nebulizer 1). Upon receiving the image, the image based on the display data is controlled to be displayed on the requesting electronic device.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nebulizer 1 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the nebulizer 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the right side (direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 2).
  • the nebulizer 1 includes a main body lower portion 11 having a substantially elliptical columnar outer shape, and a main body upper portion 12 mounted detachably fitted to the main body lower portion 11 from above. It includes a main body 10, a mounting member 20 mounted on the main body upper portion 12, and a cap member 30 configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body upper portion 12.
  • the front half portion 12F of the main body upper portion 12 has a substantially columnar outer shape
  • the latter half portion 12R of the main body upper portion 12 has a substantially trapezoidal columnar outer shape.
  • the lower portion 11 of the main body is provided with an operation member 50 including a start / end button 51 constituting the first operation member and a cleaning button 54 constituting the second operation member.
  • a recess 16 having a substantially circular planar shape opened upward so as to receive the mounting member 20 is provided on the upper surface of the front half portion 12F of the upper part 12 of the main body.
  • the recess 16 has a bottom surface 16b that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the main body 10, and a side surface 16c that is continuous with the bottom surface 16b and gradually opens upward.
  • the ridges 19f and 19r are provided in a specific direction (front side, rear side in this example) at the edge portion 15 around the recess 16.
  • the ridge 19f on the front side has a planar shape protruding in an arc shape toward the center of the recess 16.
  • the ridge 19r on the rear side has a planar shape recessed in an arc shape when viewed from the center of the recess 16.
  • the ridges 19f and 19r are planned to be fitted to the flange portion 24 of the mounting member 20.
  • a packing 29 made of an annular elastic body is provided on the side surface 16c of the recess 16 so as to surround and contact the side wall portion 23 of the mounting member 20 in the circumferential direction.
  • a vibrating portion 40 is provided at a position corresponding to the recess 16 inside the front half portion 12F of the main body upper portion 12.
  • the vibrating portion 40 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 41 arranged at a position downwardly separated from the recess 16, a vibrating surface 43 horizontally arranged at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 16b of the recess 16, and an ultrasonic vibrator 41. It includes a horn 42 that is arranged between the vibration surface 43 and amplifies the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 41 and transmits the vibration to the vibration surface 43.
  • the drive voltage for the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is supplied from the lower part 11 of the main body via the contact electrode provided between the upper part 12 of the main body and the lower part 11 of the main body.
  • a liquid storage portion 17 having a substantially semicircular planar shape is provided in the latter half portion 12R of the upper portion 12 of the main body.
  • the liquid storage unit 17 has a bottom surface 17b that gradually becomes shallower toward the front side.
  • a liquid supply passage 18 for supplying a liquid (chemical solution) from the liquid storage unit 17 toward the vibrating surface 43 of the vibrating unit 40 is provided so as to be connected to the front surface side portion of the liquid storage unit 17.
  • the liquid storage unit 17 is open upward. Therefore, the user can put a liquid such as a chemical solution into the liquid storage unit 17 from above.
  • a cap member 30 forming a lid is connected to the upper edge of the latter half portion 12R of the main body upper portion 12 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body upper portion 12 via a hinge 38.
  • the cap member 30 includes a latter half portion 30R arranged on the side close to the hinge 38 and having a substantially trapezoidal planar shape, and a front half portion 30F which is connected to the latter half portion 30R and has a substantially circular planar shape.
  • the portion 33 is provided so as to project.
  • a mesa portion 34 having a substantially trapezoidal planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the liquid storage portion 17 is provided on the side of the latter half portion 30R of the cap member 30 facing the upper surface of the upper portion 12 of the main body.
  • the protrusion 33 works to position the mounting member 20.
  • the mesa section 34 closes the upper portion of the liquid storage section 17 to prevent the chemical solution from overflowing from the liquid storage section 17.
  • the center of the front half portion 30F of the cap member 30 is an opening 30o to which a mouthpiece or the like should be attached.
  • the leading edge 30Fe (opposite to the hinge 38) of the front half portion 30F of the cap member 30 is provided with an engaging protrusion 31 protruding inward.
  • the front half portion 12F of the upper portion 12 of the main body is provided with an engaging protrusion 14 projecting outward (forward) from the front end.
  • the mounting member 20 is mounted in the recess 16 of the upper part 12 of the main body when the nebulizer 1 is used.
  • the mounting member 20 should be connected to the flat film-like sheet 21 that should face the vibration surface 43, the bottom plate portion 22 that supports the sheet 21, and the outer edge of the bottom plate portion 22, and should face the side surface 16c of the recess 16.
  • the sheet 21 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 22 by adhesion or welding.
  • the substantially central region of the sheet 21 constitutes the mesh portion 21a.
  • a user who intends to use the nebulizer 1 has a recess 16 having a shape that opens upward of the main body 10 with the cap member 30 open to the main body 10, as shown by an arrow D in FIG.
  • the mounting member 20 having the mesh portion 21a is mounted. With the mounting member 20 mounted, the user rotates and closes the cap member 30 with respect to the main body 10 (main body upper portion 12) via the hinge 38. Then, the engaging projection 31 of the cap member 30 engages with the engaging projection 14 of the upper portion 12 of the main body in the vertical direction. As a result, the cap member 30 is fixed to the upper portion 12 of the main body in a closed state. In this way, the nebulizer 1 is easily assembled. This state is called the assembled state.
  • nebulizer When using the nebulizer 1, the user previously puts a chemical solution in the liquid storage unit 17 of the upper part 12 of the main body. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the user attaches, for example, the mouthpiece 80 to the opening 30o of the cap member 30 in the assembled state. Instead of the mouthpiece 80, an inhalation mask that covers the face of the user 99 may be worn.
  • the chemical solution is supplied from the liquid storage section 17 through the liquid supply path 18 toward the vibrating surface 43 of the vibrating section 40. That is, the chemical solution is supplied between the vibrating surface 43 and the mesh portion 21a.
  • the chemical solution is passed through the mesh portion 21a (more accurately, a plurality of through holes penetrating the sheet 21). 90 is atomized and spouts.
  • the vibrating portion 40 and the mesh portion 21a of the mounting member 20 constitute an atomizing unit (the atomizing unit 73 described later) for atomizing a liquid such as a chemical solution stored in the liquid storage unit 17.
  • the nebulizer 1 operates the atomizing unit 73 with a cleaning liquid such as tap water in the liquid storage unit 17 to atomize the cleaning liquid, thereby atomizing the atomizing unit 73 (more specifically, the vibration surface 43). And the mesh portion 21a) can be cleaned.
  • a cleaning liquid such as tap water in the liquid storage unit 17 to atomize the cleaning liquid, thereby atomizing the atomizing unit 73 (more specifically, the vibration surface 43).
  • the mesh portion 21a) can be cleaned.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the nebulizer 1.
  • the nebulizer 1 includes an operation member 50, a nebulizer control unit 71, an oscillation frequency generation unit 72, an atomization unit 73, a communication interface 74, and a notification unit 75.
  • the start / end button 51 included in the operation member 50 is a treatment start operation for instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 to start treatment (in other words, start of operation of the atomization unit 73) and an end of treatment (in other words, fog). It is a member capable of performing a treatment end operation instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 (stopping the operation of the chemical unit 73). For example, a short press operation of the start / end button 51 in a state where the atomizing unit 73 is not operating is a treatment start operation, and a short press operation of the start / end button 51 after the treatment start operation is a treatment end operation. ..
  • the start / end button 51 may be divided into two, a button for performing the treatment start operation and a button for performing the treatment end operation.
  • the cleaning button 54 included in the operation member 50 is a member capable of performing a cleaning start operation instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 to start cleaning the atomizing unit 73.
  • a short-pressing operation of the washing button 54 in a state where the atomizing unit 73 is not operating is called a washing start operation.
  • the oscillation frequency generation unit 72 applies an AC drive voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 of the vibration unit 40 based on the control signal from the nebulizer control unit 71.
  • the state in which the driving voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is referred to as the state in which the atomizing unit 73 is operating, and the state in which the driving voltage is not applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is referred to as a state in which the atomizing unit 73 is operating. It is said that the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU, and performs various processes on this processor.
  • a processor such as a CPU
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 activates the atomization unit 73, and when the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation when the atomization unit 73 is operating.
  • Treatment control is performed to stop the atomizing unit 73.
  • the mode for controlling the treatment is the treatment mode described in the above outline.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the first timing (specifically, the date and time) when the treatment start operation is detected as the operation start timing of the atomization unit 73. Further, the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the second timing (specifically, the date and time) when the treatment end operation is detected as the operation end timing of the atomization unit 73. Further, the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the time from the first timing to the second timing as the operation time of the atomization unit 73. These first timing, second timing, and operation time each constitute operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 at the time of this treatment control.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 When the nebulizer control unit 71 detects a cleaning start operation while the atomizing unit 73 is not operating, the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomizing unit 73, and a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute, etc.) has elapsed since the detection of the cleaning start operation. Then, the cleaning control for stopping the atomizing unit 73 is performed.
  • the mode for performing cleaning control is the cleaning mode described in the above outline.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 may stop the atomization unit 73 if the treatment end operation is not detected for a predetermined time after the treatment start operation is detected.
  • the predetermined time in this case is set to a time longer than the above-mentioned predetermined time.
  • the user of the nebulizer 1 When the user of the nebulizer 1 performs his / her own treatment, he / she performs the treatment start operation with the drug solution charged into the liquid storage unit 17 and inhales the atomized drug solution. After that, the user performs a treatment end operation and ends the inhalation of the drug solution.
  • the user When cleaning the atomizing unit 73, the user performs a cleaning start operation with a cleaning liquid such as tap water charged into the liquid storage unit 17, and atomizes the cleaning liquid to clean the atomizing unit 73. I do.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 When the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73, the nebulizer control unit 71 manages the transmission of the operation history information of the atomization unit 73 regarding the operation to the electronic device 3.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 manages the transmission of the operation history information of the atomization unit 73 regarding the operation to the electronic device 3.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during treatment control.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 activates the atomization unit 73 when the treatment start operation is detected at the timing t1.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation at the timing t2
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 and generates the operation history information J1 regarding the operation of the atomization unit 73 started at the timing t1.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J1 to the electronic device 3 at the timing t3 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
  • the operation history information J1 is composed of, for example, a timing t1 (operation start timing) and a time between the timing t1 and the timing t2 (the operation time of the atomizing unit 73).
  • the operation history information J1 is composed of two timings t1 (operation start timing) and timing t2 (operation end timing), or a time (operation time) and timing t2 (operation end timing) between timing t1 and timing t2. It may be composed of two.
  • the operation history information J1 may further include information on the type of the chemical solution atomized by the atomizing unit 73.
  • the operating time of the atomizing unit 73 has a strong correlation with the amount of the drug solution inhaled by the user. Therefore, by referring to this operating time, it is possible to determine to some extent how much drug solution the user has inhaled.
  • the electronic device 3 that has received the operation history information J1 from the nebulizer 1 transfers the operation history information J1 to the management server 6.
  • this operation history information J1 is recorded in the database 63.
  • FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during cleaning control.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 when the cleaning start operation is detected at the timing t4, and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 when the timing t5 after the above-mentioned predetermined time elapses from the timing t4.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 does not transmit the operation history information regarding the operation of the atomization unit 73 started at the timing t4 to the electronic device 3. That is, the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for cleaning is not transmitted to the management server 6. Therefore, in the management server 6, only the operation history information (the above-mentioned operation history information J1) of the atomizing unit 73 operated for the treatment is collected.
  • the nebulizer 1 of the treatment management system 100 transmits the operation history information J1 at the timing after the operation of the atomizing unit 73 is stopped. In this way, the operation history information J1 is transmitted in a state where the ultrasonic transducer 41 of the atomizing unit 73 is not operating, so that the transmission is performed without being affected by the operating noise of the atomizing unit 73. It can be done stably. Therefore, the operation history information J1 can be transmitted to the management server 6 without omission, and the treatment can be managed accurately.
  • the operation history information J1 may include at least information that can specify the treatment timing (for example, the operation start timing of the atomization unit 73 or the operation end timing of the atomization unit 73). As described above, when the operation history information J1 includes the operation time, the doctor can confirm whether or not an appropriate amount of the drug solution is aspirated at each treatment. As a result, it can be useful for deciding the treatment policy.
  • the treatment timing for example, the operation start timing of the atomization unit 73 or the operation end timing of the atomization unit 73.
  • the nebulizer 1 may transmit the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 to the electronic device 3 (management server 6) in each of the case where the treatment control is performed and the case where the cleaning control is performed.
  • FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during treatment control.
  • FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during cleaning control.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 at the timing t1 and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 at the timing t2. Further, when the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation at the timing t2, the nebulizer control unit 71 generates the same operation history information J1 (first operation history information) as described above, and adds a default treatment ID to the operation history information J1. do.
  • the treatment ID is identification information indicating that the operation is for treatment. Then, the nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J1 to which the treatment ID is added to the electronic device 3 at the timing t3 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 when the cleaning start operation is detected at the timing t4, and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 at the timing t5. Further, when the nebulizer control unit 71 stops the operation of the atomizing unit 73 at the timing t5, the operation history information J2 (second operation history information) is generated, and the cleaning ID is added to the operation history information J2.
  • the cleaning ID is identification information indicating that the operation is for cleaning.
  • the operation history information J2 includes, for example, a timing t4 (operation start timing) and a time from the timing t4 until the atomization unit 73 stops (operation time).
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J2 to which the cleaning ID is added to the electronic device 3 at the timing t6 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
  • the electronic device 3 that has received the operation history information J1 and J2 from the nebulizer 1 transfers the operation history information J1 and J2 to the management server 6.
  • the operation history information J1 and J2 are recorded in the database 63.
  • identification information is added to the first operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for treatment and the second operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for cleaning. In this state, it is transmitted to the management server 6. Therefore, by referring to this identification information, only the operation history information for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63. Then, by referring to the data based on the extracted operation history information, it becomes possible to accurately confirm the treatment timing, treatment time, etc. of the treatment using the nebulizer 1.
  • the doctor can also determine that the symptom has not improved due to the fact that the cleaning is not performed regularly.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 adds a treatment ID to the operation history information J1 and transmits the operation history information J2 to the management server 6 without adding identification information such as a cleaning ID to the operation history information J2. You may do so. Even in this way, only the operation history information J1 for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63.
  • the nebulizer control unit 71 adds a cleaning ID to the operation history information J2 and transmits the operation history information J1 to the management server 6 without adding identification information such as a treatment ID to the operation history information J1. You may do so. Even in this way, only the operation history information J1 for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63.
  • the electronic device 3 may be omitted, and the nebulizer 1 and the management server 6 may communicate with each other via the network 4. Further, the management server 6 may be omitted, and the function of the management server 6 may be realized by the treatment management application installed in the electronic device 3. That is, the electronic device 3 may be configured to record and manage the operation history information.
  • Treatment management system 100 Treatment management system 1 Nebulizer 50 Operation member 51 Start / end button 54 Wash button 71 Nebulizer control unit 73 Atomization unit 3 Electronic device 4 Network 6 Management server

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

Provided is a therapeutic inhaler capable of appropriately managing treatment history.　The nebulizer (1) is equipped with a treatment start operation to indicate the start of treatment, an operating member (50) capable of performing a cleaning start operation to indicate the cleaning start of an atomizing unit (73), and a nebulizer control unit (71) for performing a first process to activate the atomizing unit (73) in response to the treatment start operation, a second process to activate the atomizing unit (73) in response to the cleaning start operation, and a third process for managing the transmission of the activation history information of the atomizing unit (73) to a management server (6). The nebulizer control unit (71) changes the content of the above management depending on whether the first process is performed or the second process is performed.

Description

治療用吸入器Therapeutic inhaler
　本発明は、治療用吸入器に関する。 The present invention relates to a therapeutic inhaler.
　特許文献１には、薬液を収容可能な液溜り及びこの液溜りを外側へ開放する噴出口を有する筒状容器と、この筒状容器内に設けられ、薬液を霧化するとともに霧化した薬液を噴出口を通して噴霧する超音波ポンプと、を備えるネブライザが記載されている。このネブライザは、液溜り内の薬液を廃棄し、この液溜り内に洗浄用の蒸留水等を注入し、この蒸留水の噴霧を行うことにより、噴霧機構の洗浄が可能に構成されている。 Patent Document 1 describes a tubular container having a liquid pool capable of accommodating the chemical liquid and an outlet for opening the liquid pool to the outside, and a chemical liquid provided in the tubular container to atomize and atomize the chemical liquid. A nebulizer equipped with an ultrasonic pump that sprays through a spout is described. This nebulizer is configured to be able to clean the spray mechanism by discarding the chemical liquid in the liquid pool, injecting distilled water for cleaning or the like into the liquid pool, and spraying the distilled water.
　特許文献２には、水または化粧水などの液体を微細なミストにして送出するミスト発生装置が記載されている。このミスト発生装置では、洗浄スイッチの操作により、薬剤の噴霧機構を逆転動作させて洗浄水による噴霧機構の洗浄が行われる。 Patent Document 2 describes a mist generator that sends out a liquid such as water or lotion as a fine mist. In this mist generator, the cleaning switch is operated to reverse the operation of the chemical spraying mechanism to clean the spraying mechanism with cleaning water.
　特許文献３には、スタートキーが押下されると、ネブライザ部により薬剤の投与が開始されるとともにコンピュータに開始通知を送信し、ストップキーが押下されると、停止通知をコンピュータに送信するネブライザと、このコンピュータと、を備えるシステムが記載されている。 According to Patent Document 3, when the start key is pressed, the nebulizer unit starts administration of the drug and sends a start notification to the computer, and when the stop key is pressed, the nebulizer sends a stop notification to the computer. , This computer and the system equipped with it are described.
日本国特開２００８－０２３０２６号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-023026 日本国特開２０１４－１８７９４号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-18794 日本国特開２０１８－０００３２２号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-000322
　霧化された薬液を吸入可能に構成されたネブライザ等の治療用吸入器を用いた治療は、医師から指定された頻度で行うことが求められる。ここで、治療用吸入器を用いた１回の治療とは、同一種の薬剤を所定時間（例えば５分間等）吸入する動作が行われることを意味する。特許文献３に記載されているように、治療用吸入器の作動履歴を、例えば医師が後から確認できるようにすれば、適切な頻度での治療が行われているかどうかといった判断が可能になり、治療方針の決定に役立てることができる。 Treatment using a therapeutic inhaler such as a nebulizer configured to be able to inhale the atomized drug solution is required to be performed at the frequency specified by the doctor. Here, one treatment using a therapeutic inhaler means that an operation of inhaling the same type of drug for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes or the like) is performed. As described in Patent Document 3, if the operation history of the therapeutic inhaler can be confirmed later, for example, by a doctor, it becomes possible to judge whether or not the treatment is performed at an appropriate frequency. , Can be useful in determining treatment policy.
　このような治療用吸入器においては、特許文献１に記載されているように、霧化部によって霧化する液体を薬液から洗浄液に変更し、その状態で洗浄液を霧化させることで、霧化部の洗浄を行う構成が想定される。しかし、霧化部の洗浄動作と、霧化部による薬液の霧化動作とが区別できないと、適切な頻度で治療が行われたかどうかを判断することが難しくなる。 In such a therapeutic inhaler, as described in Patent Document 1, the liquid atomized by the atomizing portion is changed from a chemical solution to a cleaning solution, and the cleaning solution is atomized in that state to atomize. A configuration for cleaning the part is assumed. However, if the cleaning operation of the atomized portion and the atomization operation of the chemical solution by the atomized portion cannot be distinguished, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the treatment is performed at an appropriate frequency.
　本発明の目的は、治療の履歴を適切に管理することが可能な治療用吸入器を提供することにある。 An object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic inhaler capable of appropriately managing the history of treatment.
（１）
　霧化部により霧化された薬液を吸入可能に構成された治療用吸入器であって、
　前記薬液とは別の洗浄液を前記霧化部により霧化することで前記霧化部の洗浄が可能に構成されており、
　治療の開始を指示する治療開始操作と、前記霧化部の洗浄開始を指示する洗浄開始操作とを行うことが可能な操作部材と、
　前記治療開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させる第一処理、前記洗浄開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させる第二処理、及び前記霧化部の作動履歴情報の外部装置への送信を管理する第三処理を行うプロセッサと、を備え、
　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理を行う場合と前記第二処理を行う場合とで前記管理の内容を変更する治療用吸入器。 (1)
It is a therapeutic inhaler configured to be able to inhale the drug solution atomized by the atomizing part.
By atomizing a cleaning solution different from the chemical solution by the atomizing portion, the atomizing portion can be cleaned.
An operating member capable of performing a treatment start operation for instructing the start of treatment and a cleaning start operation for instructing the start of cleaning of the atomized portion.
The first process of operating the atomized portion in response to the treatment start operation, the second process of operating the atomized portion in response to the cleaning start operation, and the operation history information of the atomized portion to an external device. It is equipped with a processor that performs a third process that manages transmission.
The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that changes the content of the management depending on whether the first process is performed or the second process is performed.
　（１）によれば、例えば、洗浄開始操作を受けた場合と治療開始操作を受けた場合とで、作動履歴情報に付加する情報を変更してから外部装置に送信したり、治療開始操作を受けた場合にのみ作動履歴情報を外部装置に送信したり、といったことが可能になる。これにより、洗浄のために霧化部が作動した状態と、治療のために霧化部が作動した状態とを区別した管理が可能になる。この結果、治療用吸入器を用いた治療の頻度を正確に把握できるようになり、治療方針の決定に役立てることができる。 According to (1), for example, the information to be added to the operation history information is changed depending on whether the cleaning start operation is received or the treatment start operation is received, and then the information is transmitted to the external device or the treatment start operation is performed. It is possible to send the operation history information to an external device only when it is received. This makes it possible to manage the state in which the atomized portion is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized portion is operated for treatment. As a result, the frequency of treatment using the therapeutic inhaler can be accurately grasped, which can be useful for determining the treatment policy.
（２）
　（１）記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理を行った場合には、前記第一処理により作動した前記霧化部の作動履歴情報を外部装置に送信し、前記第二処理を行った場合には、前記第二処理により作動した前記霧化部の作動履歴情報の前記外部装置への送信を省略する治療用吸入器。 (2)
(1) The therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
When the first process is performed, the processor transmits the operation history information of the atomizing unit operated by the first process to an external device, and when the second process is performed, the first process is performed. (Ii) A therapeutic inhaler that omits transmission of the operation history information of the atomized portion operated by the treatment to the external device.
　（２）によれば、洗浄のための霧化部の作動履歴情報は外部装置に送信されない。このため、外部装置では、治療のために作動した霧化部の作動履歴情報のみが収集されることになる。この収集された情報を用いることで、治療用吸入器を用いた治療の頻度を正確に把握することが可能になる。 According to (2), the operation history information of the atomizing part for cleaning is not transmitted to the external device. Therefore, in the external device, only the operation history information of the atomized portion operated for the treatment is collected. By using this collected information, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the frequency of treatment using the therapeutic inhaler.
（３）
　（１）記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理により作動した前記霧化部の第一作動履歴情報と、前記第二処理により作動した前記霧化部の第二作動履歴情報とを、識別可能な形式にて前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。 (3)
(1) The therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
The processor can distinguish between the first operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the first process and the second operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the second process in an identifiable format. A therapeutic inhaler that sends to an external device.
　（３）によれば、洗浄のために霧化部が作動した状態と、治療のために霧化部が作動した状態とを区別した管理が可能になる。また、第二作動履歴情報を参照することで、適切な頻度で霧化部の洗浄が行われているかどうかの確認ができる。 According to (3), it is possible to manage the state in which the atomized part is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized part is operated for treatment. Further, by referring to the second operation history information, it is possible to confirm whether or not the atomized portion is washed at an appropriate frequency.
（４）
　（３）記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記プロセッサは、前記第二作動履歴情報については、洗浄のための作動であること示す情報を付加して前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。 (4)
(3) The therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the second operation history information is an operation for cleaning and transmits the information to the external device.
　（４）によれば、洗浄のために霧化部が作動した状態と、治療のために霧化部が作動した状態とを区別することが可能になる。 According to (4), it is possible to distinguish between the state in which the atomized part is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized part is operated for treatment.
（５）
　（３）記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記プロセッサは、前記第一作動履歴情報については、治療のための作動であること示す情報を付加して前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。 (5)
(3) The therapeutic inhaler according to the above.
The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the first operation history information is an operation for treatment and transmits the information to the external device.
　（５）によれば、洗浄のために霧化部が作動した状態と、治療のために霧化部が作動した状態とを区別することが可能になる。 According to (5), it is possible to distinguish between the state in which the atomized part is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized part is operated for treatment.
（６）
　（１）から（５）のいずれか１つに記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記プロセッサは、前記洗浄開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させた場合には、既定時間経過後に、前記霧化部を停止させる治療用吸入器。 (6)
The therapeutic inhaler according to any one of (1) to (5).
The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that stops the atomizing portion after a predetermined time elapses when the atomizing portion is operated in response to the cleaning start operation.
　（６）によれば、霧化部の洗浄時において既定時間を超えた霧化部の作動は行われなくなる。これにより、洗浄時に必要以上の霧化部の作動が行われるのを防いで、機器の耐久性向上を図ることができる。 According to (6), when the atomized portion is washed, the atomized portion will not be operated beyond the predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the atomized portion from being operated more than necessary during cleaning, and to improve the durability of the device.
（７）
　（１）から（６）のいずれか１つに記載の治療用吸入器であって、
　前記操作部材は、前記治療開始操作を行うことが可能な第一操作部材と、前記洗浄開始操作を行うことが可能な第二操作部材と、を含む治療用吸入器。 (7)
The therapeutic inhaler according to any one of (1) to (6).
The operation member is a therapeutic inhaler including a first operation member capable of performing the treatment start operation and a second operation member capable of performing the cleaning start operation.
　（７）によれば、洗浄のために霧化部を作動させる状態と、治療のために霧化部を作動させる状態とをユーザが認識しやすくなる。この結果、例えば、洗浄のための作動履歴情報が、治療のための作動履歴情報として誤って送信されてしまうのを防ぐことができる。 According to (7), it becomes easier for the user to recognize the state in which the atomized portion is operated for cleaning and the state in which the atomized portion is operated for treatment. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the operation history information for cleaning from being erroneously transmitted as the operation history information for treatment.
　本発明によれば、治療の履歴を適切に管理することが可能になる。 According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately manage the history of treatment.
治療管理システムの概略構成を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the treatment management system. 図１に示すネブライザの分解斜視図である。It is an exploded perspective view of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 図２に示すネブライザを右側方（図２中に矢印Ａで示す方向）から見た縦断面図である。It is a vertical sectional view of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the right side (direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2). 図２に示すネブライザの使用状態を説明する模式図である。It is a schematic diagram explaining the use state of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 図１に示すネブライザのブロック構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the block structure of the nebulizer shown in FIG. 図５に示すネブライザ制御部の治療制御時の動作を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG. 5 during treatment control. 図５に示すネブライザ制御部の洗浄制御時の動作を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation at the time of cleaning control of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG. 図５に示すネブライザ制御部の治療制御時の動作の変形例を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。6 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit during treatment control shown in FIG. 5. 図５に示すネブライザ制御部の洗浄制御時の動作の変形例を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。It is a timing chart for demonstrating the modification of the operation at the time of cleaning control of the nebulizer control unit shown in FIG.
（概要）
　本発明の一実施形態であるネブライザは、霧化部によって薬液を霧化し、霧化された薬液の吸入により喘息等の呼吸器疾患の治療を行う治療モードと、薬液に代えて洗浄液を霧化部により霧化することで霧化部の洗浄を行う洗浄モードと、を搭載する。ネブライザに設けられた操作部材の操作によってこれらモードが変更される。ネブライザは、更に、外部装置と通信可能に構成されており、霧化部の作動履歴情報の外部装置への送信を管理する機能を持ち、この管理の内容をモードに応じて変更する。 (Overview)
The nebulizer according to the embodiment of the present invention has a treatment mode in which a drug solution is atomized by an atomizing portion and a respiratory disease such as asthma is treated by inhaling the atomized drug solution, and a cleaning solution is atomized instead of the drug solution. It is equipped with a cleaning mode that cleans the atomized part by atomizing it by the part. These modes are changed by operating the operating member provided on the nebulizer. The nebulizer is further configured to be communicable with an external device, has a function of managing the transmission of the operation history information of the atomizing unit to the external device, and changes the content of this management according to the mode.
　例えば、ネブライザは、治療モードにおいて作動した霧化部の作動履歴情報については外部装置に送信し、洗浄モードにおいて作動した霧化部の作動履歴情報については外部装置へ送信しない。これにより、外部装置には、治療のために作動した霧化部の作動履歴情報のみが収集される。したがって、この収集された作動履歴情報を利用することで、ネブライザを用いて行われた治療の頻度等を正確に把握できるようになり、医師による治療方針の決定に役立てることができる。以下、ネブライザを含む治療管理システムの実施形態の詳細について説明する。 For example, the nebulizer transmits the operation history information of the atomized portion operated in the treatment mode to the external device, and does not transmit the operation history information of the atomized portion operated in the cleaning mode to the external device. As a result, only the operation history information of the atomized portion operated for the treatment is collected in the external device. Therefore, by using this collected operation history information, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the frequency and the like of the treatment performed using the nebulizer, which can be useful for the doctor to decide the treatment policy. Hereinafter, the details of the embodiment of the treatment management system including the nebulizer will be described.
（治療管理システムの構成）
　図１は、治療管理システム１００の概略構成を示す模式図である。治療管理システム１００は、噴霧された薬液を吸入することで呼吸器疾患の治療を行う治療用吸入器としてのネブライザ１と、ネブライザ１のユーザ又はその関係者（例えばユーザの親）の所持する電子機器３と、管理サーバ６と、を備える。 (Structure of treatment management system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the treatment management system 100. The treatment management system 100 includes a nebulizer 1 as a therapeutic inhaler for treating a respiratory disease by inhaling a sprayed drug solution, and an electron possessed by a user of the nebulizer 1 or a related person (for example, a parent of the user). It includes a device 3 and a management server 6.
　電子機器３は、パーソナルコンピュータ、スマートフォン、又はタブレット型端末等の通信機能を持つ電子機器である。電子機器３は、インターネット等のネットワーク４を介して管理サーバ６と通信可能に構成されている。電子機器３は、Ｂｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ（登録商標）又はＷｉ－Ｆｉ等の近距離通信規格に基づいて、ネブライザ１と通信可能に構成されている。 The electronic device 3 is an electronic device having a communication function such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The electronic device 3 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 6 via a network 4 such as the Internet. The electronic device 3 is configured to be communicable with the nebulizer 1 based on a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi.
　電子機器３には、治療管理システム１００の運営者から提供される治療管理アプリがインストールされている。この治療管理アプリの機能により、ネブライザ１と電子機器３の間での情報の送受信と、電子機器３から管理サーバ６への情報の送信と、管理サーバ６で生成された表示用データの電子機器３による閲覧等が可能になっている。 The treatment management application provided by the operator of the treatment management system 100 is installed in the electronic device 3. By the function of this treatment management application, information transmission / reception between the nebulizer 1 and the electronic device 3, information transmission from the electronic device 3 to the management server 6, and an electronic device for display data generated by the management server 6 are performed. It is possible to browse by 3.
（管理サーバのブロック構成）
　図１に示すように、管理サーバ６は、ネットワーク４に接続された機器と通信を行うための通信インタフェース（ＩＦ）６１と、サーバ制御部６２と、データベース６３と、を備える。データベース６３は、管理サーバ６に外付けされるストレージであってもよいし、ネットワーク４に接続されたネットワークストレージであってもよい。 (Block configuration of management server)
As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 6 includes a communication interface (IF) 61 for communicating with a device connected to the network 4, a server control unit 62, and a database 63. The database 63 may be a storage externally attached to the management server 6 or a network storage connected to the network 4.
　サーバ制御部６２は、管理サーバ６全体を統括制御するものであり、プログラムを実行して処理を行うＣＰＵ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ　Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ　Ｕｎｉｔ）等のプロセッサと、このプロセッサが実行するプログラム等を記憶するＲＯＭ（Ｒｅａｄ　Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）と、ワークメモリとしてのＲＡＭ（Ｒａｎｄｏｍ　Ａｃｃｅｓｓ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）と、を含む。本明細書で記載するプロセッサの構造は、具体的には、半導体素子等の回路素子を組み合わせた電気回路である。 The server control unit 62 controls the entire management server 6 in an integrated manner, and stores a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program and performs processing, and a ROM (Read) that stores the program or the like executed by this processor. Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory are included. Specifically, the structure of the processor described in the present specification is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.
　サーバ制御部６２は、ネブライザ１から電子機器３に送信されて電子機器３から転送されてくる情報を、通信インタフェース６１を介して取得し、取得した情報をデータベース６３に記録する。サーバ制御部６２は、データベース６３に記録された情報を処理することで、ネブライザ１を用いて行われた治療のタイミング（治療タイミング）とその治療のなされた時間（治療時間）等の治療実績、を表示するための表示用データを生成する。サーバ制御部６２は、電子機器３、又は、ネットワーク４に接続された別の電子機器（例えば、ネブライザ１のユーザの診察を担当する医師の操作する機器）から、この表示用データの閲覧要求を受けると、この表示用データに基づく画像を、要求元の電子機器に表示させる制御を行う。 The server control unit 62 acquires the information transmitted from the nebulizer 1 to the electronic device 3 and transferred from the electronic device 3 via the communication interface 61, and records the acquired information in the database 63. By processing the information recorded in the database 63, the server control unit 62 processes the treatment results such as the timing (treatment timing) of the treatment performed using the nebulizer 1 and the time (treatment time) of the treatment. Generate display data to display. The server control unit 62 requests viewing of this display data from the electronic device 3 or another electronic device connected to the network 4 (for example, a device operated by a doctor in charge of examining the user of the nebulizer 1). Upon receiving the image, the image based on the display data is controlled to be displayed on the requesting electronic device.
（ネブライザの構造）
　図２は、図１に示すネブライザ１の分解斜視図である。図３は、図２に示すネブライザ１を右側方（図２中に矢印Ａで示す方向）から見た縦断面図である。 (Structure of nebulizer)
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nebulizer 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the nebulizer 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the right side (direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 2).
　図２及び図３に示すように、ネブライザ１は、略楕円柱状の外形をもつ本体下部１１と、この本体下部１１に対して上方から着脱可能に嵌め込んで装着された本体上部１２とからなる本体１０と、本体上部１２に装着される装着部材２０と、本体上部１２に対し開閉可能に構成されたキャップ部材３０と、を備えている。本体上部１２の前半部１２Ｆは略円柱状の外形をもち、本体上部１２の後半部１２Ｒは略台形柱状の外形をもっている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the nebulizer 1 includes a main body lower portion 11 having a substantially elliptical columnar outer shape, and a main body upper portion 12 mounted detachably fitted to the main body lower portion 11 from above. It includes a main body 10, a mounting member 20 mounted on the main body upper portion 12, and a cap member 30 configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body upper portion 12. The front half portion 12F of the main body upper portion 12 has a substantially columnar outer shape, and the latter half portion 12R of the main body upper portion 12 has a substantially trapezoidal columnar outer shape.
　図２に示すように、本体下部１１には、第一操作部材を構成する開始／終了ボタン５１、及び、第二操作部材を構成する洗浄ボタン５４を含む操作部材５０が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion 11 of the main body is provided with an operation member 50 including a start / end button 51 constituting the first operation member and a cleaning button 54 constituting the second operation member.
　図３に示すように、本体上部１２の前半部１２Ｆの上面には、装着部材２０を受けるように上方へ向かって開いた略円形の平面形状をもつ凹部１６が設けられている。凹部１６は、本体１０の縦軸方向（鉛直方向）に対して傾斜した底面１６ｂと、この底面１６ｂに連なり、上方へ向かうに連れて次第に開いている側面１６ｃとを有している。凹部１６の周りの縁部１５における特定の方位（この例では前方側、後方側）に、隆起１９ｆ，１９ｒが設けられている。前方側の隆起１９ｆは、凹部１６の中心へ向かって円弧状に突起した平面形状を有している。後方側の隆起１９ｒは、凹部１６の中心から見て円弧状に窪んだ平面形状を有している。隆起１９ｆ，１９ｒは、装着部材２０のフランジ部２４に嵌合することが予定されている。さらに、凹部１６の側面１６ｃには、装着部材２０の側壁部２３を周方向に取り囲んで接するように、環状の弾性体からなるパッキン２９が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 3, on the upper surface of the front half portion 12F of the upper part 12 of the main body, a recess 16 having a substantially circular planar shape opened upward so as to receive the mounting member 20 is provided. The recess 16 has a bottom surface 16b that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the main body 10, and a side surface 16c that is continuous with the bottom surface 16b and gradually opens upward. The ridges 19f and 19r are provided in a specific direction (front side, rear side in this example) at the edge portion 15 around the recess 16. The ridge 19f on the front side has a planar shape protruding in an arc shape toward the center of the recess 16. The ridge 19r on the rear side has a planar shape recessed in an arc shape when viewed from the center of the recess 16. The ridges 19f and 19r are planned to be fitted to the flange portion 24 of the mounting member 20. Further, a packing 29 made of an annular elastic body is provided on the side surface 16c of the recess 16 so as to surround and contact the side wall portion 23 of the mounting member 20 in the circumferential direction.
　図３に示すように、本体上部１２の前半部１２Ｆの内部には、凹部１６に対応する位置に振動部４０が設けられている。振動部４０は、凹部１６から下方に離間した位置に配された超音波振動子４１と、凹部１６の底面１６ｂに相当する位置に水平に配された振動面４３と、超音波振動子４１と振動面４３との間に配され、超音波振動子４１の振動を増幅するとともに振動面４３へ伝達するホーン４２とを含んでいる。超音波振動子４１に対する駆動電圧は、本体上部１２と本体下部１１との間に設けられた接点電極を介して、本体下部１１から供給されるようになっている。 As shown in FIG. 3, a vibrating portion 40 is provided at a position corresponding to the recess 16 inside the front half portion 12F of the main body upper portion 12. The vibrating portion 40 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 41 arranged at a position downwardly separated from the recess 16, a vibrating surface 43 horizontally arranged at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 16b of the recess 16, and an ultrasonic vibrator 41. It includes a horn 42 that is arranged between the vibration surface 43 and amplifies the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 41 and transmits the vibration to the vibration surface 43. The drive voltage for the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is supplied from the lower part 11 of the main body via the contact electrode provided between the upper part 12 of the main body and the lower part 11 of the main body.
　図２に示すように、本体上部１２の後半部１２Ｒには、略半円形の平面形状をもつ貯液部１７が設けられている。この貯液部１７は、図３に示すように、前面側へ向かうに連れて次第に浅くなる底面１７ｂを有している。貯液部１７の前面側部分に連なって、貯液部１７から振動部４０の振動面４３上へ向けて液体（薬液）を供給するための給液路１８が設けられている。図２及び図３の分解状態では、貯液部１７は上方へ向かって開いている。したがって、ユーザは、貯液部１７に上方から薬液等の液体を入れることができる。 As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid storage portion 17 having a substantially semicircular planar shape is provided in the latter half portion 12R of the upper portion 12 of the main body. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid storage unit 17 has a bottom surface 17b that gradually becomes shallower toward the front side. A liquid supply passage 18 for supplying a liquid (chemical solution) from the liquid storage unit 17 toward the vibrating surface 43 of the vibrating unit 40 is provided so as to be connected to the front surface side portion of the liquid storage unit 17. In the disassembled state of FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid storage unit 17 is open upward. Therefore, the user can put a liquid such as a chemical solution into the liquid storage unit 17 from above.
　本体上部１２の後半部１２Ｒの後端側の上縁には、本体上部１２に対して蝶番３８を介して回動可能に、蓋をなすキャップ部材３０が連結されている。キャップ部材３０は、蝶番３８に近い側に配され略台形の平面形状を有する後半部３０Ｒと、この後半部３０Ｒに連なり、環状で略円形の平面形状を有する前半部３０Ｆとを含んでいる。キャップ部材３０の前半部３０Ｆのうち本体上部１２の上面に対向する側であって、凹部１６の周りの縁部１５における左側部分１５ｂ、右側部分１５ｃに対応する位置に、２つの円筒形の突起部３３が突出して設けられている。キャップ部材３０の後半部３０Ｒのうち本体上部１２の上面に対向する側に、貯液部１７の平面形状と対応する略台形の平面形状を有するメサ部３４が設けられている。本体上部１２に対してキャップ部材３０が閉じられ、ネブライザ１が組み立てられた状態では、突起部３３は、装着部材２０を位置決めするために働く。また、メサ部３４は、貯液部１７の上部を塞いで、貯液部１７から薬液が溢れるのを防ぐ。キャップ部材３０の前半部３０Ｆの中央は、マウスピース等が取り付けられるべき開口３０ｏになっている。 A cap member 30 forming a lid is connected to the upper edge of the latter half portion 12R of the main body upper portion 12 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body upper portion 12 via a hinge 38. The cap member 30 includes a latter half portion 30R arranged on the side close to the hinge 38 and having a substantially trapezoidal planar shape, and a front half portion 30F which is connected to the latter half portion 30R and has a substantially circular planar shape. Two cylindrical protrusions on the side of the front half portion 30F of the cap member 30 facing the upper surface of the upper portion 12 of the main body and at positions corresponding to the left side portion 15b and the right side portion 15c in the edge portion 15 around the recess 16. The portion 33 is provided so as to project. A mesa portion 34 having a substantially trapezoidal planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the liquid storage portion 17 is provided on the side of the latter half portion 30R of the cap member 30 facing the upper surface of the upper portion 12 of the main body. In a state where the cap member 30 is closed with respect to the upper portion 12 of the main body and the nebulizer 1 is assembled, the protrusion 33 works to position the mounting member 20. Further, the mesa section 34 closes the upper portion of the liquid storage section 17 to prevent the chemical solution from overflowing from the liquid storage section 17. The center of the front half portion 30F of the cap member 30 is an opening 30o to which a mouthpiece or the like should be attached.
　キャップ部材３０の前半部３０Ｆの前縁３０Ｆｅ（蝶番３８とは反対側）には、内向きに突起した係合突起３１が設けられている。一方、本体上部１２の前半部１２Ｆには、前端から外向き（前方）に突出した係合突起１４が設けられている。本体上部１２に対してキャップ部材３０が閉じられると、キャップ部材３０の係合突起３１は、本体上部１２の係合突起１４と、鉛直方向に係合するようになっている。 The leading edge 30Fe (opposite to the hinge 38) of the front half portion 30F of the cap member 30 is provided with an engaging protrusion 31 protruding inward. On the other hand, the front half portion 12F of the upper portion 12 of the main body is provided with an engaging protrusion 14 projecting outward (forward) from the front end. When the cap member 30 is closed with respect to the upper body 12, the engaging projection 31 of the cap member 30 engages with the engaging projection 14 of the upper body 12 in the vertical direction.
　装着部材２０は、ネブライザ１が使用される際に本体上部１２の凹部１６に装着される。装着部材２０は、振動面４３に対向すべき平坦なフィルム状のシート２１と、このシート２１を支持する底板部２２と、この底板部２２の外縁に連なり、凹部１６の側面１６ｃに対向すべき環状の側壁部２３と、この側壁部２３の上縁に連なり、その上縁の周りに径方向外向きに広がるフランジ部２４と、このフランジ部２４の一部の外縁に連なって下方へ延在する摘まみしろ部２５とを含んでいる。シート２１は、底板部２２の下面に接着または溶着により取り付けられている。シート２１のうち略中央の領域がメッシュ部２１ａを構成している。 The mounting member 20 is mounted in the recess 16 of the upper part 12 of the main body when the nebulizer 1 is used. The mounting member 20 should be connected to the flat film-like sheet 21 that should face the vibration surface 43, the bottom plate portion 22 that supports the sheet 21, and the outer edge of the bottom plate portion 22, and should face the side surface 16c of the recess 16. An annular side wall portion 23, a flange portion 24 that is connected to the upper edge of the side wall portion 23 and extends radially outward around the upper edge, and a flange portion 24 that is connected to a part of the outer edge of the flange portion 24 and extends downward. It includes a picking margin portion 25 to be used. The sheet 21 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 22 by adhesion or welding. The substantially central region of the sheet 21 constitutes the mesh portion 21a.
（ネブライザの組み立て）
　ネブライザ１を使用しようとするユーザは、本体１０に対してキャップ部材３０が開いた状態で、本体１０の上方へ向かって開いた形状の凹部１６に、図３中に矢印Ｄで示すように、メッシュ部２１ａを有する装着部材２０を装着する。装着部材２０を装着した状態で、ユーザが、本体１０（本体上部１２）に対して蝶番３８を介してキャップ部材３０を回転して閉じる。すると、キャップ部材３０の係合突起３１が、本体上部１２の係合突起１４と鉛直方向に係合する。これにより、本体上部１２に対してキャップ部材３０が閉じられた状態で固定される。このようにして、ネブライザ１が簡単に組み立てられる。この状態を組み立て状態という。 (Assembly of nebulizer)
A user who intends to use the nebulizer 1 has a recess 16 having a shape that opens upward of the main body 10 with the cap member 30 open to the main body 10, as shown by an arrow D in FIG. The mounting member 20 having the mesh portion 21a is mounted. With the mounting member 20 mounted, the user rotates and closes the cap member 30 with respect to the main body 10 (main body upper portion 12) via the hinge 38. Then, the engaging projection 31 of the cap member 30 engages with the engaging projection 14 of the upper portion 12 of the main body in the vertical direction. As a result, the cap member 30 is fixed to the upper portion 12 of the main body in a closed state. In this way, the nebulizer 1 is easily assembled. This state is called the assembled state.
（ネブライザの使用）
　ネブライザ１を使用する場合、予め、ユーザは、本体上部１２の貯液部１７に薬液を入れておく。そして、図４に示すように、ユーザは、組み立て状態で、キャップ部材３０の開口３０ｏに、例えばマウスピース８０を装着する。マウスピース８０に代えて、ユーザ９９の顔を覆うような吸入マスクを装着してもよい。 (Use of nebulizer)
When using the nebulizer 1, the user previously puts a chemical solution in the liquid storage unit 17 of the upper part 12 of the main body. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the user attaches, for example, the mouthpiece 80 to the opening 30o of the cap member 30 in the assembled state. Instead of the mouthpiece 80, an inhalation mask that covers the face of the user 99 may be worn.
　図４に示すように、ネブライザ１を少しだけ手前に傾けると、貯液部１７から給液路１８を通して、振動部４０の振動面４３上へ向けて薬液が供給される。つまり、振動面４３とメッシュ部２１ａとの間に薬液が供給される。この状態で、振動部４０の超音波振動子４１に駆動電圧が印加されて振動面４３が振動されると、メッシュ部２１ａ（より正確には、シート２１を貫通する複数の貫通孔）を通して薬液９０が霧化されて噴出する。このように、振動部４０と装着部材２０のメッシュ部２１ａにより、貯液部１７に貯留された薬液等の液体を霧化する霧化部（後述の霧化部７３）が構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, when the nebulizer 1 is tilted slightly toward you, the chemical solution is supplied from the liquid storage section 17 through the liquid supply path 18 toward the vibrating surface 43 of the vibrating section 40. That is, the chemical solution is supplied between the vibrating surface 43 and the mesh portion 21a. In this state, when a driving voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 of the vibrating portion 40 and the vibrating surface 43 is vibrated, the chemical solution is passed through the mesh portion 21a (more accurately, a plurality of through holes penetrating the sheet 21). 90 is atomized and spouts. As described above, the vibrating portion 40 and the mesh portion 21a of the mounting member 20 constitute an atomizing unit (the atomizing unit 73 described later) for atomizing a liquid such as a chemical solution stored in the liquid storage unit 17.
　ネブライザ１は、貯液部１７に水道水等の洗浄液を入れた状態で霧化部７３を作動させて、この洗浄液を霧化することで、霧化部７３（より具体的には振動面４３及びメッシュ部２１ａ）の洗浄を行うことが可能となっている。 The nebulizer 1 operates the atomizing unit 73 with a cleaning liquid such as tap water in the liquid storage unit 17 to atomize the cleaning liquid, thereby atomizing the atomizing unit 73 (more specifically, the vibration surface 43). And the mesh portion 21a) can be cleaned.
（ネブライザのブロック構成）
　図５は、ネブライザ１のブロック構成を示す図である。ネブライザ１は、操作部材５０と、ネブライザ制御部７１と、発振周波数生成部７２と、霧化部７３と、通信インタフェース７４と、通知部７５と、を備えている。 (Nebulizer block configuration)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the nebulizer 1. The nebulizer 1 includes an operation member 50, a nebulizer control unit 71, an oscillation frequency generation unit 72, an atomization unit 73, a communication interface 74, and a notification unit 75.
　操作部材５０に含まれる開始／終了ボタン５１は、治療の開始（換言すると、霧化部７３の作動の開始）をネブライザ制御部７１に指示する治療開始操作と、治療の終了（換言すると、霧化部７３の作動の停止）をネブライザ制御部７１に指示する治療終了操作と、を行うことが可能な部材である。例えば、霧化部７３が作動していない状態における開始／終了ボタン５１の短押し操作が治療開始操作とされ、治療開始操作後の開始／終了ボタン５１の短押し操作が治療終了操作とされる。なお、開始／終了ボタン５１は、治療開始操作を行うためのボタンと、治療終了操作を行うためのボタンとの２つに分けられた構成であってもよい。 The start / end button 51 included in the operation member 50 is a treatment start operation for instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 to start treatment (in other words, start of operation of the atomization unit 73) and an end of treatment (in other words, fog). It is a member capable of performing a treatment end operation instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 (stopping the operation of the chemical unit 73). For example, a short press operation of the start / end button 51 in a state where the atomizing unit 73 is not operating is a treatment start operation, and a short press operation of the start / end button 51 after the treatment start operation is a treatment end operation. .. The start / end button 51 may be divided into two, a button for performing the treatment start operation and a button for performing the treatment end operation.
　操作部材５０に含まれる洗浄ボタン５４は、霧化部７３の洗浄開始をネブライザ制御部７１に指示する洗浄開始操作を行うことが可能な部材である。例えば、霧化部７３が作動していない状態における洗浄ボタン５４の短押し操作が、洗浄開始操作とされる。 The cleaning button 54 included in the operation member 50 is a member capable of performing a cleaning start operation instructing the nebulizer control unit 71 to start cleaning the atomizing unit 73. For example, a short-pressing operation of the washing button 54 in a state where the atomizing unit 73 is not operating is called a washing start operation.
　発振周波数生成部７２は、ネブライザ制御部７１からの制御信号に基づいて、交流の駆動電圧を振動部４０の超音波振動子４１に印加する。本明細書では、超音波振動子４１に駆動電圧が印加されている状態を、霧化部７３が作動している状態といい、超音波振動子４１に駆動電圧が印加されていない状態を、霧化部７３が停止している状態という。 The oscillation frequency generation unit 72 applies an AC drive voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 of the vibration unit 40 based on the control signal from the nebulizer control unit 71. In the present specification, the state in which the driving voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is referred to as the state in which the atomizing unit 73 is operating, and the state in which the driving voltage is not applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is referred to as a state in which the atomizing unit 73 is operating. It is said that the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
　ネブライザ制御部７１は、ＣＰＵ等のプロセッサを含んで構成され、各種の処理をこのプロセッサにて行う。ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３が作動していない状態にて治療開始操作を検出すると霧化部７３を作動させ、霧化部７３が作動している状態にて治療終了操作を検出すると霧化部７３を停止させる治療制御を行う。治療制御を行うモードが上記概要で述べた治療モードである。 The nebulizer control unit 71 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU, and performs various processes on this processor. When the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment start operation when the atomization unit 73 is not operating, the nebulizer control unit 71 activates the atomization unit 73, and when the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation when the atomization unit 73 is operating. Treatment control is performed to stop the atomizing unit 73. The mode for controlling the treatment is the treatment mode described in the above outline.
　この治療制御において、ネブライザ制御部７１は、治療開始操作を検出した第一タイミング（具体的には日時）を、霧化部７３の作動開始タイミングとして取り扱う。また、ネブライザ制御部７１は、治療終了操作を検出した第二タイミング（具体的には日時）を、霧化部７３の作動終了タイミングとして取り扱う。また、ネブライザ制御部７１は、第一タイミングから第二タイミングまでの時間を霧化部７３の作動時間として取り扱う。これらの第一タイミング、第二タイミング、及び作動時間は、それぞれ、この治療制御時の霧化部７３の作動履歴情報を構成する。 In this treatment control, the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the first timing (specifically, the date and time) when the treatment start operation is detected as the operation start timing of the atomization unit 73. Further, the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the second timing (specifically, the date and time) when the treatment end operation is detected as the operation end timing of the atomization unit 73. Further, the nebulizer control unit 71 handles the time from the first timing to the second timing as the operation time of the atomization unit 73. These first timing, second timing, and operation time each constitute operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 at the time of this treatment control.
　ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３が作動していない状態にて洗浄開始操作を検出すると霧化部７３を作動させ、洗浄開始操作を検出してから既定時間（例えば１分間等）が経過すると、霧化部７３を停止させる洗浄制御を行う。洗浄制御を行うモードが上記概要で述べた洗浄モードである。 When the nebulizer control unit 71 detects a cleaning start operation while the atomizing unit 73 is not operating, the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomizing unit 73, and a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute, etc.) has elapsed since the detection of the cleaning start operation. Then, the cleaning control for stopping the atomizing unit 73 is performed. The mode for performing cleaning control is the cleaning mode described in the above outline.
　なお、治療制御時においても、治療開始操作が検出されてから、所定時間にわたって治療終了操作が検出されない状態が継続した場合には、ネブライザ制御部７１が霧化部７３を停止させてもよい。この場合の所定時間は、上記の既定時間よりも長い時間に設定される。 Even during treatment control, the nebulizer control unit 71 may stop the atomization unit 73 if the treatment end operation is not detected for a predetermined time after the treatment start operation is detected. The predetermined time in this case is set to a time longer than the above-mentioned predetermined time.
　ネブライザ１のユーザは、自身の治療を行う場合には、貯液部１７に薬液を投入した状態で治療開始操作を行い、霧化された薬液の吸入を行う。その後、ユーザは、治療終了操作を行い、薬液の吸入を終了する。ユーザは、霧化部７３の洗浄を行う場合には、貯液部１７に水道水等の洗浄液を投入した状態で洗浄開始操作を行い、洗浄液を霧化させることで、霧化部７３の洗浄を行う。 When the user of the nebulizer 1 performs his / her own treatment, he / she performs the treatment start operation with the drug solution charged into the liquid storage unit 17 and inhales the atomized drug solution. After that, the user performs a treatment end operation and ends the inhalation of the drug solution. When cleaning the atomizing unit 73, the user performs a cleaning start operation with a cleaning liquid such as tap water charged into the liquid storage unit 17, and atomizes the cleaning liquid to clean the atomizing unit 73. I do.
　ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３を作動させた場合には、その作動に関する霧化部７３の作動履歴情報の電子機器３への送信の管理を行う。以下、具体的に説明する。 When the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73, the nebulizer control unit 71 manages the transmission of the operation history information of the atomization unit 73 regarding the operation to the electronic device 3. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.
　図６は、ネブライザ制御部７１の治療制御時の動作を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ１にて治療開始操作を検出すると霧化部７３を作動させる。ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ２にて治療終了操作を検出すると、霧化部７３の作動を停止させ、タイミングｔ１にて開始した霧化部７３の作動に関する作動履歴情報Ｊ１を生成する。そして、ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３が停止した後のタイミングｔ３において、作動履歴情報Ｊ１を電子機器３に送信する。 FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during treatment control. The nebulizer control unit 71 activates the atomization unit 73 when the treatment start operation is detected at the timing t1. When the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation at the timing t2, the nebulizer control unit 71 stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 and generates the operation history information J1 regarding the operation of the atomization unit 73 started at the timing t1. Then, the nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J1 to the electronic device 3 at the timing t3 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
　作動履歴情報Ｊ１は、例えば、タイミングｔ１（作動開始タイミング）と、タイミングｔ１とタイミングｔ２の間の時間（霧化部７３の作動時間）の２つから構成される。作動履歴情報Ｊ１は、タイミングｔ１（作動開始タイミング）とタイミングｔ２（作動終了タイミング）の２つから構成されたり、タイミングｔ１とタイミングｔ２の間の時間（作動時間）とタイミングｔ２（作動終了タイミング）の２つから構成されたりしてもよい。作動履歴情報Ｊ１には、更に、霧化部７３によって霧化された薬液の種別の情報が含まれるようにしてもよい。霧化部７３の作動時間は、ユーザによって吸入される薬液量と強い相関を持つ。このため、この作動時間を参照することで、ユーザがどの程度の薬液を吸入したのかをある程度判断可能である。 The operation history information J1 is composed of, for example, a timing t1 (operation start timing) and a time between the timing t1 and the timing t2 (the operation time of the atomizing unit 73). The operation history information J1 is composed of two timings t1 (operation start timing) and timing t2 (operation end timing), or a time (operation time) and timing t2 (operation end timing) between timing t1 and timing t2. It may be composed of two. The operation history information J1 may further include information on the type of the chemical solution atomized by the atomizing unit 73. The operating time of the atomizing unit 73 has a strong correlation with the amount of the drug solution inhaled by the user. Therefore, by referring to this operating time, it is possible to determine to some extent how much drug solution the user has inhaled.
　ネブライザ１から作動履歴情報Ｊ１を受信した電子機器３は、この作動履歴情報Ｊ１を管理サーバ６に転送する。管理サーバ６では、この作動履歴情報Ｊ１がデータベース６３に記録される。 The electronic device 3 that has received the operation history information J1 from the nebulizer 1 transfers the operation history information J1 to the management server 6. In the management server 6, this operation history information J1 is recorded in the database 63.
　図７は、ネブライザ制御部７１の洗浄制御時の動作を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ４にて洗浄開始操作を検出すると霧化部７３を作動させ、タイミングｔ４から上記の既定時間経過後のタイミングｔ５になると、霧化部７３の作動を停止させる。このとき、ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ４で開始された霧化部７３の作動に関する作動履歴情報の電子機器３への送信は行わない。つまり、洗浄のために作動した霧化部７３の作動履歴情報は管理サーバ６に送信されない。このため、管理サーバ６では、治療のために作動した霧化部７３の作動履歴情報（上記の作動履歴情報Ｊ１）のみが収集されることになる。 FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during cleaning control. The nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 when the cleaning start operation is detected at the timing t4, and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 when the timing t5 after the above-mentioned predetermined time elapses from the timing t4. At this time, the nebulizer control unit 71 does not transmit the operation history information regarding the operation of the atomization unit 73 started at the timing t4 to the electronic device 3. That is, the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for cleaning is not transmitted to the management server 6. Therefore, in the management server 6, only the operation history information (the above-mentioned operation history information J1) of the atomizing unit 73 operated for the treatment is collected.
（治療管理システムの効果）
　治療管理システム１００によれば、治療のために作動した霧化部７３の作動履歴情報のみが管理サーバ６に収集される。換言すると、洗浄のために作動した霧化部７３の作動履歴情報は管理サーバ６にて管理されない。このため、データベース６３に記録される作動履歴情報に基づくデータを参照することで、ネブライザ１を用いた治療の治療タイミング及び治療時間等を正確に確認できるようになる。したがって、ユーザの治療方針の決定を支援することができる。 (Effect of treatment management system)
According to the treatment management system 100, only the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for the treatment is collected in the management server 6. In other words, the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for cleaning is not managed by the management server 6. Therefore, by referring to the data based on the operation history information recorded in the database 63, it becomes possible to accurately confirm the treatment timing, treatment time, and the like of the treatment using the nebulizer 1. Therefore, it is possible to assist the user in determining the treatment policy.
　治療管理システム１００のネブライザ１は、霧化部７３の作動が停止した後のタイミングで、作動履歴情報Ｊ１の送信を行っている。このように、霧化部７３の超音波振動子４１が作動していない状態で作動履歴情報Ｊ１の送信が行われることで、霧化部７３の作動ノイズの影響を受けることなく、その送信を安定して行うことができる。したがって、管理サーバ６に作動履歴情報Ｊ１を欠落なく送信することができ、治療の管理を的確に行うことができる。 The nebulizer 1 of the treatment management system 100 transmits the operation history information J1 at the timing after the operation of the atomizing unit 73 is stopped. In this way, the operation history information J1 is transmitted in a state where the ultrasonic transducer 41 of the atomizing unit 73 is not operating, so that the transmission is performed without being affected by the operating noise of the atomizing unit 73. It can be done stably. Therefore, the operation history information J1 can be transmitted to the management server 6 without omission, and the treatment can be managed accurately.
　なお、作動履歴情報Ｊ１には、治療タイミングを特定できる情報（例えば、霧化部７３の作動開始タイミング又は霧化部７３の作動終了タイミング）が少なくとも含まれていればよい。上記のように、作動履歴情報Ｊ１に作動時間が含まれていると、各治療時に適正量の薬液が吸引されているかどうかを医師が確認できるようになる。この結果、治療方針の決定により役立てることができる。 The operation history information J1 may include at least information that can specify the treatment timing (for example, the operation start timing of the atomization unit 73 or the operation end timing of the atomization unit 73). As described above, when the operation history information J1 includes the operation time, the doctor can confirm whether or not an appropriate amount of the drug solution is aspirated at each treatment. As a result, it can be useful for deciding the treatment policy.
（治療管理システムの第一変形例）
　ネブライザ１は、治療制御を行った場合と洗浄制御を行った場合のそれぞれにおいて、霧化部７３の作動履歴情報を電子機器３（管理サーバ６）に送信してもよい。図８は、ネブライザ制御部７１の治療制御時の動作の変形例を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。図９は、ネブライザ制御部７１の洗浄制御時の動作の変形例を説明するためのタイミングチャートである。 (First modification of treatment management system)
The nebulizer 1 may transmit the operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 to the electronic device 3 (management server 6) in each of the case where the treatment control is performed and the case where the cleaning control is performed. FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during treatment control. FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a modified example of the operation of the nebulizer control unit 71 during cleaning control.
　図８に示すように、ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ１にて霧化部７３を作動させ、タイミングｔ２にて霧化部７３の作動を停止させる。また、ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ２にて治療終了操作を検出すると、前述したのと同じ作動履歴情報Ｊ１（第一作動履歴情報）を生成し、作動履歴情報Ｊ１に既定の治療ＩＤを付加する。治療ＩＤは、治療のための作動であることを示す識別情報である。そして、ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３が停止した後のタイミングｔ３において、治療ＩＤが付加された作動履歴情報Ｊ１を電子機器３に送信する。 As shown in FIG. 8, the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 at the timing t1 and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 at the timing t2. Further, when the nebulizer control unit 71 detects the treatment end operation at the timing t2, the nebulizer control unit 71 generates the same operation history information J1 (first operation history information) as described above, and adds a default treatment ID to the operation history information J1. do. The treatment ID is identification information indicating that the operation is for treatment. Then, the nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J1 to which the treatment ID is added to the electronic device 3 at the timing t3 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
　図９に示すように、ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ４にて洗浄開始操作を検出すると、霧化部７３を作動させ、タイミングｔ５になると、霧化部７３の作動を停止させる。また、ネブライザ制御部７１は、タイミングｔ５にて霧化部７３の作動を停止させると、作動履歴情報Ｊ２（第二作動履歴情報）を生成し、作動履歴情報Ｊ２に洗浄ＩＤを付加する。洗浄ＩＤは、洗浄のための作動であることを示す識別情報である。作動履歴情報Ｊ２は、例えば、タイミングｔ４（作動開始タイミング）と、タイミングｔ４から霧化部７３が停止するまでの時間（作動時間）とからなる。ネブライザ制御部７１は、霧化部７３が停止した後のタイミングｔ６において、洗浄ＩＤが付加された作動履歴情報Ｊ２を電子機器３に送信する。 As shown in FIG. 9, the nebulizer control unit 71 operates the atomization unit 73 when the cleaning start operation is detected at the timing t4, and stops the operation of the atomization unit 73 at the timing t5. Further, when the nebulizer control unit 71 stops the operation of the atomizing unit 73 at the timing t5, the operation history information J2 (second operation history information) is generated, and the cleaning ID is added to the operation history information J2. The cleaning ID is identification information indicating that the operation is for cleaning. The operation history information J2 includes, for example, a timing t4 (operation start timing) and a time from the timing t4 until the atomization unit 73 stops (operation time). The nebulizer control unit 71 transmits the operation history information J2 to which the cleaning ID is added to the electronic device 3 at the timing t6 after the atomization unit 73 is stopped.
　ネブライザ１から作動履歴情報Ｊ１、Ｊ２を受信した電子機器３は、この作動履歴情報Ｊ１、Ｊ２を管理サーバ６に転送する。管理サーバ６では、作動履歴情報Ｊ１、Ｊ２がデータベース６３に記録される。 The electronic device 3 that has received the operation history information J1 and J2 from the nebulizer 1 transfers the operation history information J1 and J2 to the management server 6. In the management server 6, the operation history information J1 and J2 are recorded in the database 63.
　この変形例によれば、治療のために作動した霧化部７３の第一作動履歴情報と、洗浄のために作動した霧化部７３の第二作動履歴情報が、それぞれに異なる識別情報が付加された状態で、管理サーバ６に送信される。このため、この識別情報を参照することで、データベース６３に記録される多数の作動履歴情報から、治療のための作動履歴情報のみを抽出することができる。そして、その抽出した作動履歴情報に基づくデータを参照することで、ネブライザ１を用いた治療の治療タイミング及び治療時間等を正確に確認できるようになる。 According to this modification, different identification information is added to the first operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for treatment and the second operation history information of the atomizing unit 73 operated for cleaning. In this state, it is transmitted to the management server 6. Therefore, by referring to this identification information, only the operation history information for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63. Then, by referring to the data based on the extracted operation history information, it becomes possible to accurately confirm the treatment timing, treatment time, etc. of the treatment using the nebulizer 1.
　また、データベース６３に記録された第二作動履歴情報を参照することで、どのような頻度でネブライザ１の洗浄が行われているかが確認できる。ネブライザ１において、装着部材２０のメッシュ部２１ａに目詰まりが生じていると、十分な量の薬液を吸入できない可能性がある。そのため、霧化部７３の洗浄は定期的に行うことが望ましい。第二作動履歴情報がデータベース６３に記録されることで、医師は、定期的な洗浄がなされていないことが原因で症状が改善していない、等の判断も可能になる。 Further, by referring to the second operation history information recorded in the database 63, it is possible to confirm how often the nebulizer 1 is washed. In the nebulizer 1, if the mesh portion 21a of the mounting member 20 is clogged, it may not be possible to inhale a sufficient amount of the chemical solution. Therefore, it is desirable to wash the atomized portion 73 on a regular basis. By recording the second operation history information in the database 63, the doctor can also determine that the symptom has not improved due to the fact that the cleaning is not performed regularly.
　なお、ネブライザ制御部７１は、作動履歴情報Ｊ１には治療ＩＤを付加して管理サーバ６に送信し、作動履歴情報Ｊ２には洗浄ＩＤ等の識別情報を付加することなく管理サーバ６に送信するようにしてもよい。このようにしても、データベース６３に記録される多数の作動履歴情報から、治療のための作動履歴情報Ｊ１のみを抽出することができる。 The nebulizer control unit 71 adds a treatment ID to the operation history information J1 and transmits the operation history information J2 to the management server 6 without adding identification information such as a cleaning ID to the operation history information J2. You may do so. Even in this way, only the operation history information J1 for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63.
　または、ネブライザ制御部７１は、作動履歴情報Ｊ２には洗浄ＩＤを付加して管理サーバ６に送信し、作動履歴情報Ｊ１には治療ＩＤ等の識別情報を付加することなく管理サーバ６に送信するようにしてもよい。このようにしても、データベース６３に記録される多数の作動履歴情報から、治療のための作動履歴情報Ｊ１のみを抽出することができる。 Alternatively, the nebulizer control unit 71 adds a cleaning ID to the operation history information J2 and transmits the operation history information J1 to the management server 6 without adding identification information such as a treatment ID to the operation history information J1. You may do so. Even in this way, only the operation history information J1 for treatment can be extracted from a large number of operation history information recorded in the database 63.
　実施形態とその変形例の治療管理システム１００において、電子機器３を省略し、ネブライザ１と管理サーバ６がネットワーク４を介して通信する構成としてもよい。また、管理サーバ６を省略し、管理サーバ６の機能を電子機器３にインストールされる治療管理アプリで実現してもよい。つまり、電子機器３が作動履歴情報を記録して管理する構成としてもよい。 In the treatment management system 100 of the embodiment and its modified example, the electronic device 3 may be omitted, and the nebulizer 1 and the management server 6 may communicate with each other via the network 4. Further, the management server 6 may be omitted, and the function of the management server 6 may be realized by the treatment management application installed in the electronic device 3. That is, the electronic device 3 may be configured to record and manage the operation history information.
　以上、図面を参照しながら各種の実施の形態について説明したが、本発明はかかる例に限定されないことは言うまでもない。当業者であれば、特許請求の範囲に記載された範疇内において、各種の変更例又は修正例に想到し得ることは明らかであり、それらについても当然に本発明の技術的範囲に属するものと了解される。また、発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において、上記実施の形態における各構成要素を任意に組み合わせてもよい。 Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, which naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Understood. Further, each component in the above-described embodiment may be arbitrarily combined as long as the gist of the invention is not deviated.
　なお、本出願は、２０２０年１２月２３日出願の日本特許出願（特願２０２０－２１３８７４）に基づくものであり、その内容は本出願の中に参照として援用される。 Note that this application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on December 23, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-213874), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
１００　治療管理システム
１　ネブライザ
５０　操作部材
５１　開始／終了ボタン
５４　洗浄ボタン
７１　ネブライザ制御部
７３　霧化部
３　電子機器
４　ネットワーク
６　管理サーバ
  100 Treatment management system 1 Nebulizer 50 Operation member 51 Start / end button 54 Wash button 71 Nebulizer control unit 73 Atomization unit 3 Electronic device 4 Network 6 Management server

Claims (7)

  1. 　霧化部により霧化された薬液を吸入可能に構成された治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記薬液とは別の洗浄液を前記霧化部により霧化することで前記霧化部の洗浄が可能に構成されており、
    　治療の開始を指示する治療開始操作と、前記霧化部の洗浄開始を指示する洗浄開始操作とを行うことが可能な操作部材と、
    　前記治療開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させる第一処理、前記洗浄開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させる第二処理、及び前記霧化部の作動履歴情報の外部装置への送信を管理する第三処理を行うプロセッサと、を備え、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理を行う場合と前記第二処理を行う場合とで前記管理の内容を変更する治療用吸入器。     It is a therapeutic inhaler configured to be able to inhale the drug solution atomized by the atomizing part.
    By atomizing a cleaning solution different from the chemical solution by the atomizing portion, the atomizing portion can be cleaned.
    An operating member capable of performing a treatment start operation for instructing the start of treatment and a cleaning start operation for instructing the start of cleaning of the atomized portion.
    The first process of operating the atomized portion in response to the treatment start operation, the second process of operating the atomized portion in response to the cleaning start operation, and the operation history information of the atomized portion to an external device. It is equipped with a processor that performs a third process that manages transmission.
    The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that changes the content of the management depending on whether the first process is performed or the second process is performed.
  2. 　請求項１記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理を行った場合には、前記第一処理により作動した前記霧化部の作動履歴情報を外部装置に送信し、前記第二処理を行った場合には、前記第二処理により作動した前記霧化部の作動履歴情報の前記外部装置への送信を省略する治療用吸入器。     The therapeutic inhaler according to claim 1.
    When the first process is performed, the processor transmits the operation history information of the atomizing unit operated by the first process to an external device, and when the second process is performed, the first process is performed. (Ii) A therapeutic inhaler that omits transmission of the operation history information of the atomized portion operated by the treatment to the external device.
  3. 　請求項１記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記第一処理により作動した前記霧化部の第一作動履歴情報と、前記第二処理により作動した前記霧化部の第二作動履歴情報とを、識別可能な形式にて前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。     The therapeutic inhaler according to claim 1.
    The processor can distinguish between the first operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the first process and the second operation history information of the atomization unit operated by the second process in an identifiable format. A therapeutic inhaler that sends to an external device.
  4. 　請求項３記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記第二作動履歴情報については、洗浄のための作動であること示す情報を付加して前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。     The therapeutic inhaler according to claim 3.
    The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the second operation history information is an operation for cleaning and transmits the information to the external device.
  5. 　請求項３記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記第一作動履歴情報については、治療のための作動であること示す情報を付加して前記外部装置に送信する治療用吸入器。     The therapeutic inhaler according to claim 3.
    The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that adds information indicating that the first operation history information is an operation for treatment and transmits the information to the external device.
  6. 　請求項１から５のいずれか１項記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記操作部材は、更に、治療の終了を指示する治療終了操作を行うことが可能であり、
    　前記プロセッサは、前記洗浄開始操作を受けて前記霧化部を作動させた場合には、既定時間経過後に、前記霧化部を停止させる治療用吸入器。     The therapeutic inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
    The operating member can further perform a treatment end operation for instructing the end of treatment.
    The processor is a therapeutic inhaler that stops the atomizing portion after a predetermined time elapses when the atomizing portion is operated in response to the cleaning start operation.
  7. 　請求項１から６のいずれか１項記載の治療用吸入器であって、
    　前記操作部材は、前記治療開始操作を行うことが可能な第一操作部材と、前記洗浄開始操作を行うことが可能な第二操作部材と、を含む治療用吸入器。
          The therapeutic inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
    The operation member is a therapeutic inhaler including a first operation member capable of performing the treatment start operation and a second operation member capable of performing the cleaning start operation.
PCT/JP2021/044547 2020-12-23 2021-12-03 Therapeutic inhaler WO2022138083A1 (en)

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JP2020213874A JP2022099844A (en) 2020-12-23 2020-12-23 Therapeutic inhaler
JP2020-213874 2020-12-23

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014018794A (en) * 2012-08-08 2014-02-03 Hitachi Maxell Ltd Mist generator
JP2019504696A (en) * 2016-02-08 2019-02-21 パリ ファーマ ゲーエムベーハー Medical evaluation device
JP2020500639A (en) * 2016-12-09 2020-01-16 トゥルーデル メディカル インターナショナル Smart nebulizer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014018794A (en) * 2012-08-08 2014-02-03 Hitachi Maxell Ltd Mist generator
JP2019504696A (en) * 2016-02-08 2019-02-21 パリ ファーマ ゲーエムベーハー Medical evaluation device
JP2020500639A (en) * 2016-12-09 2020-01-16 トゥルーデル メディカル インターナショナル Smart nebulizer

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