Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
  • A24F42/60—Constructional details
• • 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
  • A61M13/00—Insufflators for therapeutic or disinfectant purposes, i.e. devices for blowing a gas, powder or vapour into the body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a powder inhalation system.
• Patent Document 1 Inhalers for inhaling powders containing nicotine and the like are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
• the inhaler disclosed in Patent Document 1 can supply the powder in a capsule to a user by forming an opening in the capsule containing the powder with a needle-shaped member.
• one object of the present invention is to make it possible to determine whether a powder inhalation system has been used.
• a powder inhalation system including a container for containing powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder.
• the powder inhaler has a chamber in which the container is disposed.
• the container has a fragile part having a lower breaking strength than other parts of the container.
• the storage section has a fragile portion with a relatively low breaking strength, so that when an opening is formed in the storage section with a piercing element such as a needle, the fragile portion is broken, which can prevent variation in the position or size of the opening.
• the powder inhalation system may have a piercing element configured to form an opening in the container portion disposed in the chamber, the piercing element being configured to form an opening in the fragile portion.
• the piercing element can easily form an opening in the weak part of the storage part arranged in the chamber.
• the shape of the weakened portion may be substantially the same as or larger than the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piercing element.
• the perforation element can form an opening only in the weak portion. In other words, it is possible to prevent an opening from being formed in a portion of the storage part that is not the weak portion.
• the storage section may have an elliptical or rounded rectangular shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the fragile portion may be located on the major axis of the elliptical or rounded rectangular shape.
• the weak portion is located at the end face (vertex) of the storage portion, an opening can be easily formed at the end face of the storage portion.
• the powder contained in the storage portion can be easily discharged from the opening, which prevents powder from remaining in the storage portion.
• the outer diameter of the piercing element in the cross section may be greater than the difference between the inner diameter of the chamber and the outer diameter of the storage part.
• the piercing element can form an opening in the weak portion.
• the powder inhaler may have a sensor that detects the pressure applied to the piercing element, and a control unit that determines whether the piercing element has formed an opening in the fragile portion based on the pressure detected by the sensor.
• control unit can determine whether an opening has been formed in the fragile part of the storage unit, and if an opening has not been formed in the fragile part, the user can be notified of this by, for example, the powder inhaler emitting vibrations, sound, light, etc. If an opening has not been formed in the fragile part, the user can take appropriate measures, such as replacing the storage unit.
• the control unit may determine that the piercing element has formed an opening in the weak portion when the pressure detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.
• the powder inhaler can inform the user that the piercing element has formed an opening in the weak portion, for example by emitting vibrations, sound, light, etc.
• the user can begin inhalation after confirming that an opening has been formed in the weak portion.
• the fragile portion may be formed from a material different from the other portions of the housing portion.
• the breaking strength of the weak parts can be made lower than other parts by using different materials.
• the thickness of the fragile portion may be thinner than the thickness of the other portions of the housing portion.
• the difference in thickness can make the fracture strength of the vulnerable area lower than that of other areas.
• the storage section may include a first portion and a second portion configured to be detachable from the first portion, and the fragile portion may be provided in either the first portion or the second portion.
• the container that holds the powder can be easily manufactured.
• the entirety of either the first portion or the second portion may be the fragile portion.
• the entire material constituting the storage section can be formed as a weak part, rather than just a portion of it, so the first or second section can be manufactured easily.
• the container may be removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• the container can be removed from the chamber after use and discarded or replaced.
• the storage section may be formed integrally with the powder inhaler.
• the entire powder inhaler can be discarded or replaced after the powder has been inhaled.
• the powder inhalation system may have a mouthpiece having an inhalation port, and a transport path that transports the powder in the container toward the inhalation port.
• the user can inhale from the mouthpiece, and the powder in the container can be delivered into the user's mouth via the transport path.
• the powder inhalation system may have a cartridge that holds the storage portion and is detachable from the powder inhaler, and a portion of the cartridge may extend outside the powder inhaler when the storage portion is disposed in the chamber.
• the container can be disposed of or replaced together with the cartridge including the container. Also, the user can grasp the part of the cartridge that extends outside the powder inhaler and remove the cartridge from the powder inhaler, so that the cartridge and container can be easily disposed of or replaced.
• a powder inhalation system includes a container that contains a powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder.
• the powder inhaler has a chamber in which the container is disposed, and the container contains a desiccant different from the powder.
• the powder inside the container it is possible to prevent the powder inside the container from absorbing moisture and hardening.
• the moisture absorption of the desiccant may be greater than the moisture absorption of the powder.
• the desiccant can effectively prevent the powder from absorbing moisture.
• Hygroscopicity can be measured, for example, by the loss on drying method.
• It may have a piercing element configured to form an opening in the receiving portion disposed in the chamber.
• an opening can be easily formed in the container disposed in the chamber by the piercing element.
• the particle size of the desiccant may be larger than the opening formed in the storage section.
• the desiccant is prevented from being discharged from the opening formed by the perforation element, which prevents the user from accidentally inhaling the desiccant.
• the hardness of the desiccant may be greater than the hardness of the powder.
• the desiccant collides with the powder inside the container, loosening the solidified powder.
• the desiccant itself is prevented from being broken down into fine particles, which can prevent the fine particles from passing through the opening and being supplied to the user.
• the desiccant may be packed in a breathable material and stored in the storage section.
• the desiccant is packaged, so that it can be prevented from being mixed with the powder and from being inhaled by the user.
• the breathable member for example, nonwoven fabric or paper such as plain paper can be used.
• the desiccant may include at least one selected from the group consisting of silica gel, sepiolite, calcium oxide, diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, activated clay, zeolite, white carbon, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, and water-absorbent polymers.
• a highly hygroscopic material is used as the desiccant, which further prevents the powder inside the container from absorbing moisture and hardening.
• the container may be removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• the container can be removed from the chamber after use and discarded or replaced.
• the storage section may be formed integrally with the powder inhaler.
• the entire powder inhaler can be discarded or replaced after the powder has been inhaled.
• the powder inhalation system may have a mouthpiece having an inhalation port, and a transport path that transports the powder in the container toward the inhalation port.
• the user can inhale from the mouthpiece, and the powder in the container can be delivered into the user's mouth via the transport path.
• the powder inhalation system may have a cartridge that holds the storage portion and is detachable from the powder inhaler, and a portion of the cartridge may extend outside the powder inhaler when the storage portion is disposed in the chamber.
• the container can be disposed of or replaced together with the cartridge including the container. Also, the user can grasp the part of the cartridge that extends outside the powder inhaler and remove the cartridge from the powder inhaler, so that the cartridge and container can be easily disposed of or replaced.
• a powder inhalation system including a container for containing powder to be inhaled, a mouthpiece having an inhalation port, a transport path for transporting the powder in the container from the container to the inhalation port, a wall defining the transport path, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder.
• the powder inhaler has a chamber in which the container is disposed, and a piercing element disposed in the chamber and configured to form an opening in the container.
• the wall defining the transport path is formed of a transparent or translucent material that allows the inside of the transport path to be viewed from the outside.
• the powder passing through the transport path can be visually observed from the outside, making it easy to check whether or not there is powder remaining inside the storage section or chamber. This makes it easy to determine whether or not the powder suction system has been used.
• the powder inhalation system may have a cartridge that extends partially outside the powder inhaler and holds the storage portion, the cartridge being detachable from the powder inhaler, and having the mouthpiece, the transport path, and the wall portion.
• the storage section can be disposed of or replaced together with the cartridge including the storage section. Also, since the user can grasp the part of the cartridge that extends outside the powder inhaler and remove the cartridge from the powder inhaler, the cartridge and storage section can be easily disposed of or replaced.
• the wall of the cartridge may be formed from at least one selected from the group consisting of glassine paper, parchment paper, wax paper, cellophane, polypropylene film, polyvinyl chloride film, and cellulose acetate film.
• the cartridge walls can be formed easily and at low cost.
• the walls of the cartridge may be formed from or coated with an antistatic material.
• an anionic antistatic agent for example, an anionic antistatic agent, a cationic antistatic agent, an amphoteric antistatic agent, or a nonionic antistatic agent can be used.
• the storage section may be formed integrally with the powder inhaler.
• the entire powder inhaler can be discarded or replaced after the powder has been inhaled.
• the container may be removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• the container can be removed from the chamber after use and discarded or replaced.
• the powder inhaler may have the transport path and the wall portion.
• the powder passing through the transport path of the powder inhaler can be seen from the outside, so it is easy to check whether or not there is powder remaining inside the storage section or chamber. This makes it easy to determine whether or not the powder inhalation system has been used.
• the entire wall of the powder inhaler may be formed from the transparent or translucent material.
• the powder passing through the transport path can be seen from the outside throughout the entire transport path, making it easier to check whether or not powder remains inside the storage section or chamber.
• the wall of the powder inhaler may be made of at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
• the walls of the powder inhaler can be formed easily and at low cost.
• the storage section may be formed from a transparent or translucent material that allows the inside of the storage section to be seen from the outside.
• the inside of the container can be seen from the outside, making it easy to check whether any powder remains in the container.
• the portion of the storage section where the opening is formed may be formed from the transparent or translucent material.
• a powder inhalation system including a container that contains a powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder.
• the powder inhalation system includes a mouthpiece having an inhalation port, and a transport path that transports the powder in the container toward the inhalation port.
• the powder inhaler includes a chamber in which the container is disposed, and a piercing element disposed in the chamber and configured to form an opening in the container.
• the flavor inhaler system includes an obstruction portion disposed in the transport path that obstructs the flow of a portion of the powder when the user inhales.
• the obstruction section can prevent such lumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• the obstruction portion may include a columnar body having a plurality of grooves on its outer circumferential surface, the plurality of grooves extending toward the suction port, and at least one of the plurality of grooves may have a dam portion provided inside the groove.
• the obstruction section may include a mesh filter.
• the powder passes through the mesh filter and reaches the suction port, but the mesh filter can prevent clumps of powder from reaching the suction port. This makes it possible to prevent clumps of powder from reaching the user's mouth.
• the obstruction section may include an impact plate provided on the inner surface of a wall section that defines the transport path, opening the center of the transport path.
• the powder passes through the open central part of the transport path and reaches the suction port, but the impact plate can prevent the powder clumps from reaching the suction port. This makes it possible to prevent the powder clumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• the impact plate may be curved or inclined toward the storage section.
• the curved or inclined collision plate can effectively prevent powder clumps from reaching the suction port.
• the obstruction portion may be formed of an antistatic material or coated with an antistatic material.
• an anionic antistatic agent for example, an anionic antistatic agent, a cationic antistatic agent, an amphoteric antistatic agent, or a nonionic antistatic agent can be used.
• the obstruction portion may be formed from or coated with a non-hygroscopic material.
• the container may be removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• the container can be removed from the chamber after use and discarded or replaced.
• the storage section may be formed integrally with the powder inhaler.
• the entire powder inhaler can be discarded or replaced after the powder has been inhaled.
• the device may have a cartridge that holds the storage section and includes the transport path, and the obstruction section may be provided on the cartridge.
• the container can be discarded or replaced together with the cartridge including the container after use. Also, since the obstruction part is provided in a cartridge that is replaced as needed, there is no need to clean the obstruction part even if powder adheres to it.
• the cartridge may have a portion extending outside the powder inhaler when the storage portion is disposed in the chamber.
• the user can grasp the part of the cartridge that extends outside the powder inhaler and remove the cartridge from the powder inhaler, making it easy to dispose of or replace the cartridge and the housing.
• the powder inhaler may include the transport path, and the obstruction portion may be provided in the powder inhaler.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a powder suction system according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. A schematic side cross-sectional view showing a powder inhalation system according to another example of the first embodiment.
• FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a storage section according to a second embodiment.
• 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a storage section according to another example of the second embodiment.
• FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a powder inhalation system according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a storage section in the third embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a powder suction system according to a fourth embodiment.
• FIG. A schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the powder suction system according to the fourth embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.
• the "longitudinal direction” refers to the insertion direction when the storage section 10 described below is stored in the chamber 102, the extension direction of the perforation member 132, or the extension direction of the tubular member 22 of the cartridge 20.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a powder inhalation system 1000 according to a first embodiment.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 includes a container 10 containing a powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler 100 for inhaling the powder.
• the powder inhaler 100 has a chamber 102 in which the container 10 is disposed.
• the powder inhaler 100 also has, for example, a housing 110 that defines the chamber 102.
• the container 10 may be removably received in the chamber 102. In this case, the container 10 after use can be removed from the chamber 102 and discarded or replaced.
• the container 10 may be formed integrally with the powder inhaler 100. In this case, the entire powder inhaler 100 can be discarded or replaced after the powder is inhaled.
• the powder is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that can be inhaled by the user.
• the powder can be a flavored powder having a flavor or a drug such as a medicine.
• the type is not particularly limited as long as it has a flavor and can be inhaled.
• the powder can contain nicotine, various flavorings such as menthol, sugars, and amino acids.
• the powder may be produced by spray drying. Sugar alcohols and amino acids can be used as excipients for the powder.
• the powder inhaler 100 is configured as a flavor inhaler for inhaling the flavor
• the container 10 is configured as a flavor generating article. This allows the powder inhaler 100 to provide an opportunity for the user to enjoy the flavor.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 preferably has a mouthpiece 150 having an inlet 150a, and a transport path 120 that transports the powder in the storage unit 10 toward the inlet 150a.
• the powder inhaler 100 has a mouthpiece 150 and a transport path 120.
• the housing 110 of the powder inhaler 100 has a wall portion 112 that defines the transport path 120.
• the mouthpiece 150 has a passage 152 that communicates with the transport path 120 inside the housing 110.
• the passage 152 constitutes a part of the transport path 120.
• the mouthpiece 150 may be configured to be detachable from the housing 110.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 preferably has a perforation element 130 configured to form an opening in the storage unit 10 disposed in the chamber 102.
• the perforation element 130 is provided in the powder inhaler 100, but this is not limited thereto, and the user may use a perforation element 130 that is not provided in the powder inhaler 100 to form an opening in the storage unit 10.
• powder is discharged from the opening of the storage unit 10 into the chamber 102, and the powder is supplied to the user's mouth through the transport path 120 by the user inhaling the mouthpiece 150.
• the powder discharged into the chamber 102 may move to the mouthpiece 150 by passing between the outer circumferential surface of the storage unit 10 and the wall portion 112 that defines the transport path 120.
• the piercing element 130 may have a piercing member 132 extending in a first direction (longitudinal direction) in which the storage section 10 and the piercing element 130 are adjacent, and a biasing member 134 that biases the piercing member 132 in a direction away from the storage section 10 in the first direction.
• the piercing member 132 may be any member capable of forming an opening in the storage section 10, such as a needle or pin.
• the user pushes and moves the piercing member 132 toward the storage section 10 disposed in the chamber 102. This breaks a part of the storage section 10 and forms an opening.
• the piercing member 132 that has moved toward the storage section 10 is biased by the biasing member 134 and returns to its original position.
• the powder inhaler 100 preferably has a sensor 142 that detects the pressure applied to the piercing element 130, and a control unit 140 that determines whether the piercing element 130 has formed an opening in the storage section 10 based on the pressure detected by the sensor 142.
• the control unit 140 can determine whether an opening has been formed in the storage section 10, so that if an opening has been formed in the storage section 10, the powder inhaler can notify the user of this by emitting vibrations, sound, light, etc., for example. The user can then decide whether to start inhalation upon receiving this notification.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a powder inhalation system 1000 according to another example of the first embodiment.
• the example shown in FIG. 2 is different from the example shown in FIG. 1 in that the storage unit 10 is held by the cartridge 20 and the powder inhaler 100 does not have a mouthpiece 150.
• the cartridge 20 that holds the storage unit 10 is detachable from the powder inhaler 100, and as shown in FIG. 2, when the storage unit 10 is placed in the chamber 102, a part of it extends outside the powder inhaler 100.
• the storage unit 10 after use can be discarded or replaced together with the cartridge 20 including the storage unit 10.
• the user can grab the part of the cartridge 20 that extends outside the powder inhaler 100 and remove the cartridge 20 from the powder inhaler 100, so that the cartridge 20 and the storage unit 10 can be easily discarded or replaced.
• the cartridge 20 has a tubular member 22 that holds the storage section 10 therein.
• the tubular member 22 may be formed of, for example, paper or resin.
• the storage section 10 is preferably held near one end of the tubular member 22. This allows the storage section 10 to be positioned so that the piercing member 132 can form an opening in the storage section 10 when the cartridge 20 is inserted into the chamber 102 of the powder inhaler 100.
• the cartridge 20 has a mouthpiece 22a having an inlet 22c, a transport path 24 that transports the powder in the storage section 10 toward the inlet 22c, and a wall portion 22b.
• the tubular member 22 functions as a wall portion 22b that defines the transport path 24.
• the wall portion 22b is preferably formed of an antistatic material or coated with an antistatic material.
• the wall portion 22b of the cartridge 20 is charged, thereby preventing the powder passing through the transport path 24 from adhering to the wall portion 22b. This allows the powder to be supplied to the user without waste.
• an antistatic material for example, an anionic antistatic agent, a cationic antistatic agent, an amphoteric antistatic agent, or a nonionic antistatic agent may be used.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the storage section 10.
• FIG. 3(a) is a schematic side view of the storage section 10 in a state where it is stored in the chamber 102.
• FIG. 3(b) is an end view of the storage section 10.
• the storage section 10 may be, for example, a capsule-shaped container configured to store powder. Without being limited thereto, the storage section 10 may be a container of any shape, for example, a spherical, box-shaped, or bag-shaped container. In this embodiment, in order to suppress variation in the position or size of the opening when an opening is formed in the storage section 10, the storage section 10 has a fragile portion 12 having a lower breaking strength than other parts of the storage section 10.
• the piercing element 130 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is preferably configured to form an opening in the weak portion 12. In this case, the piercing element 130 can easily form an opening in the weak portion 12 of the storage portion 10 placed in the chamber 102.
• the storage section 10 may be formed from a material such as paper or synthetic resin, for example.
• the fragile section 12 may be formed from a material different from that of the other sections of the storage section 10. In this case, the difference in material allows the fragile section 12 to have a lower breaking strength than the other sections.
• the fragile section 12 may also be thinner than the other sections of the storage section 10. In this case, the difference in thickness allows the fragile section 12 to have a lower breaking strength than the other sections.
• the storage unit 10 includes a first portion 10a and a second portion 10b that is configured to be detachable from the first portion 10a.
• the storage unit 10 that stores the powder can be easily manufactured.
• the fragile portion 12 may be provided in either the first portion 10a or the second portion 10b. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the fragile portion 12 is provided in the first portion 10a.
• either the first portion 10a or the second portion 10b may be the entire fragile portion 12.
• the entire material constituting the storage unit 10 can be formed as the fragile portion 12, not just a portion of it, so that the first portion 10a or the second portion 10b can be easily manufactured.
• the shape of the fragile portion 12 approximately matches the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piercing element 130 or is larger than the cross-sectional shape.
• the shape of the fragile portion 12 viewed from the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 3(b) approximately matches the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piercing member 132 or is larger than the cross-sectional shape.
• the piercing element 130 can form an opening only in the fragile portion 12. In other words, it is possible to prevent openings from being formed in parts of the storage portion 10 that are not the fragile portion 12.
• the storage section 10 has an outer shape of an ellipse or a rounded rectangle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.
• the fragile portion 12 is provided on the major axis MA of the ellipse or rounded rectangle.
• the fragile portion 12 is located at the end face (vertex) of the storage section 10, an opening can be easily formed in the end face portion of the storage section 10. As a result, the powder contained in the storage section 10 can be easily discharged from the opening, thereby preventing powder from remaining in the storage section 10.
• the outer diameter of the perforation element 130 in the cross section is greater than the difference between the inner diameter of the chamber 102 and the outer diameter of the storage unit 10.
• the difference corresponds to the sum of the width W1 and width W2 of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the storage unit 10 and the inner surface of the housing 110 that defines the chamber 102, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).
• the outer diameter of the perforation element 130 in the cross section corresponds to the diameter of the perforation member 132 in the cross section.
• the perforation element 130 can form an opening in the fragile portion 12. Note that, as shown in Figure 2, when the storage unit 10 is held in the cartridge 20, the difference can be the difference between the inner diameter of the chamber 102 and the outer shape of the cartridge 20.
• the powder inhaler 100 preferably has a sensor 142 and a control unit 140 electrically connected to the sensor 142.
• the sensor 142 is configured to detect the pressure applied to the perforation element 130.
• the control unit 140 is configured to determine whether the perforation element 130 has formed an opening in the fragile portion 12 shown in FIG. 3 based on the pressure detected by the sensor 142. In this case, since the control unit 140 can determine whether an opening has been formed in the fragile portion 12 of the storage unit 10, if an opening has not been formed in the fragile portion 12, the powder inhaler 100 can notify the user of this by, for example, emitting vibrations, sounds, lights, etc. If an opening has not been formed in the fragile portion 12, the user can take appropriate measures, such as replacing the storage unit 10.
• the control portion 140 may determine that the perforation element 130 has formed an opening in the fragile portion 12 when the pressure detected by the sensor 142 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.
• the powder inhaler 100 can notify the user that the perforation element 130 has formed an opening in the fragile portion 12, for example, by emitting vibrations, sound, light, etc. The user can begin inhalation after confirming that an opening has been formed in the fragile portion 12.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the second embodiment is different from the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the first embodiment in the contents of the storage unit 10. That is, the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the second embodiment includes a storage unit 10 for storing powder to be inhaled and a powder inhaler 100 for inhaling the powder, and the powder inhaler 100 has a chamber 102 in which the storage unit 10 is disposed.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the storage unit 10 according to the second embodiment. It is considered that the powder in the storage unit 10 absorbs moisture and unintentionally hardens.
• the storage unit 10 according to the second embodiment contains the powder 11 and a desiccant 13 different from the powder 11, as shown in FIG. 4. This makes it possible to suppress the powder 11 inside the storage unit 10 from absorbing moisture and hardening.
• the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 4 has an opening 14 formed by a piercing element 130 or the like.
• the storage unit 10 according to the second embodiment may or may not have the fragile portion 12 described in the first embodiment.
• the hygroscopicity of the desiccant 13 is preferably higher than that of the powder 11.
• the desiccant 13 can efficiently prevent the powder 11 from absorbing moisture.
• the hygroscopicity can be measured, for example, by a loss on drying method.
• the desiccant 13 preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of silica gel, sepiolite, calcium oxide, diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, activated clay, zeolite, white carbon, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, and water-absorbing polymers.
• a highly hygroscopic material is used as the desiccant 13, the powder 11 inside the storage section 10 can be further prevented from absorbing moisture and solidifying.
• the particle size of the desiccant 13 is preferably larger than that of the powder 11. More specifically, the particle size of the desiccant 13 is preferably larger than that of the opening 14 formed in the storage section 10. In this case, the desiccant 13 is prevented from being discharged from the opening 14 formed by the perforation element 130, so that the user can be prevented from accidentally inhaling the desiccant 13.
• the hardness of the desiccant 13 is preferably higher than that of the powder 11. In this case, the desiccant 13 collides with the powder 11 inside the storage section 10, so that the solidified powder 11 can be loosened.
• the desiccant 13 itself is prevented from being broken down into fine particles, so that the fine desiccant 13 can be prevented from passing through the opening 14 and being supplied to the user.
• the "hardness” here may be, for example, micro-Vickers hardness or Knoop hardness.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the storage unit 10 according to another example of the second embodiment.
• the desiccant 13 may be packed in a breathable member 13a and stored in the storage unit 10.
• the desiccant 13 since the desiccant 13 is packed, it is possible to prevent the desiccant 13 from being mixed with the powder 11 and to prevent the user from inhaling the desiccant 13.
• nonwoven fabric or paper such as ordinary paper may be used as the breathable member 13a.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the third embodiment.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the third embodiment is different from the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the first embodiment in that the wall portion defining the transport path is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material. That is, the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the third embodiment includes a storage unit 10 and a powder inhaler 100. Furthermore, the powder inhalation system 1000 includes a mouthpiece 150 having an inhalation port 150a, a transport path 120 that transports the powder to the inhalation port 150a, and a wall portion 112 that defines the transport path 120. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the mouthpiece 150, the transport path 120, and the wall portion 112 are provided in the powder inhaler 100.
• the storage unit 10 according to the third embodiment may or may not have the fragile portion 12 described in the first embodiment.
• the wall 112 defining the transport path 120 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows the inside of the transport path 120 to be seen from the outside.
• a transparent or semi-transparent portion 112a is provided in a part of the wall 112 of the housing 110. This allows the powder passing through the transport path 120 to be seen from the outside, making it easy to check whether powder remains in the storage unit 10 or the chamber 102. For this reason, it is easy to determine whether the powder inhalation system 1000 has been used.
• the wall 112 is preferably formed of an antistatic material or coated with an antistatic material.
• the wall 112 is charged, thereby preventing the powder passing through the transport path 120 from adhering to the wall 112. This allows the powder to be supplied to the user without waste.
• the powder passing through the transport path 120 can be prevented from adhering to the wall 112, which makes it difficult to see the powder passing through the transport path 120 from the transparent or translucent portion 112a.
• the antistatic material for example, an anionic antistatic agent, a cationic antistatic agent, an amphoteric antistatic agent, or a nonionic antistatic agent can be used.
• the transparent or translucent portion 112a is preferably provided in a portion of the wall 112 that surrounds the opening 14 of the storage unit 10. In this case, it is easy to check whether powder has been discharged from the opening 14 of the storage unit 10, i.e., whether powder remains inside the storage unit 10.
• a portion of the wall 112 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent portion 112a.
• the entire wall 112 of the housing 110 may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
• the powder passing through the transport path 120 can be seen from the outside throughout the entire transport path 120, making it easier to check whether or not powder remains inside the storage section 10 or the chamber 102.
• the passage 152 of the mouthpiece 150 constitutes a part of the transport path 120, and a portion or all of the wall defining the passage 152 of the mouthpiece 150 (corresponding to an example of a transport path) may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
• the wall 112 (transparent or semi-transparent portion 112a) of the housing 110 is preferably made of at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
• the wall 112 and transparent or semi-transparent portion 112a of the housing 110 can be formed easily and at low cost.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a powder inhalation system 1000 according to another example of the third embodiment.
• the example shown in FIG. 7 is different from the example shown in FIG. 6 in that the storage unit 10 is held by the cartridge 20 and the powder inhaler 100 does not have a mouthpiece 150.
• the cartridge 20 that holds the storage unit 10 is detachable from the powder inhaler 100, and as shown in FIG. 7, when the storage unit 10 is placed in the chamber 102, a part of it extends outside the powder inhaler 100.
• the storage unit 10 after use can be discarded or replaced together with the cartridge 20 including the storage unit 10.
• the user can grab the part of the cartridge 20 that extends outside the powder inhaler 100 and remove the cartridge 20 from the powder inhaler 100, so that the cartridge 20 and the storage unit 10 can be easily discarded or replaced.
• the cartridge 20 has a wall 22b formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows the inside of the transport path 24 to be seen from the outside. This allows the powder passing through the transport path 24 of the cartridge 20 to be seen from the outside, making it easy to check whether or not powder remains inside the storage section 10 or the chamber 102. This makes it easy to determine whether or not the powder suction system 1000 has been used.
• the entire wall 22b is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material. This is not limited to this, and a part of the wall 22b may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
• a part of the wall 22b that overlaps with the transparent or semi-transparent part 112a of the housing 110 in the longitudinal direction may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
• the wall 22b of the cartridge 20 is preferably formed from at least one selected from the group consisting of glassine paper, parchment paper, wax paper, cellophane, polypropylene film, polyvinyl chloride film, and cellulose acetate film. In this case, the wall 22b of the cartridge 20 can be formed easily and at low cost.
• the wall 22b of the cartridge 20 is preferably formed of an antistatic material or coated with an antistatic material.
• the wall 22b is charged, thereby preventing the powder passing through the transport path 24 from adhering to the wall 22b. This allows the powder to be supplied to the user without waste.
• the powder passing through the transport path 24 can be prevented from adhering to the wall 22b, which prevents the powder passing through the transport path 24 from becoming difficult to see from the wall 22b.
• the antistatic material for example, an anionic antistatic agent, a cationic antistatic agent, an amphoteric antistatic agent, or a nonionic antistatic agent can be used.
• the storage section 10 is preferably formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows the inside of the storage section 10 to be seen from the outside. In this case, since the inside of the storage section 10 can be seen from the outside, it is easy to check whether or not powder remains in the storage section 10.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing an example of the storage section 10 in the third embodiment. It is preferable that the part where the opening 14 of the storage section 10 is formed is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the storage section 10 has a transparent or semi-transparent part 10c in a part thereof, and the opening 14 can be formed in this transparent or semi-transparent part 10c.
• the entire storage section 10 may be formed of the transparent or semi-transparent part 10c.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the first embodiment in that it has an obstructing part that obstructs the flow of a part of the powder when the user inhales. That is, the powder inhalation system 1000 of the fourth embodiment includes a storage part 10 and a powder inhaler 100. Furthermore, the powder inhalation system 1000 has a mouthpiece 150 and a transport path 120.
• the powder inhaler 100 has a chamber 102 and a piercing element 130. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the mouthpiece 150 and the transport path 120 are provided in the powder inhaler 100.
• the storage part 10 according to the fourth embodiment may or may not have the fragile part 12 described in the first embodiment.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 may absorb moisture and harden, and the hardened powder may be inhaled by the user.
• the powder inhalation system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment has an obstruction section that obstructs the flow of part of the powder when the user inhales.
• the obstruction section can prevent such lumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• a filter 40 which is an example of an obstruction section, may be disposed in the transport path 120 of the housing 110.
• the filter 40 may be disposed in a passage 152 (corresponding to an example of a transport path) in the mouthpiece 150.
• the filter 40 has a columnar body 41 having a plurality of grooves 41a on its outer circumferential surface.
• the plurality of grooves 41a extend toward the suction port 150a of the mouthpiece 150, and at least one of the plurality of grooves 41a may have a dam portion 41b provided inside the groove.
• the powder passes through the plurality of grooves 41a on the outer circumferential surface to reach the suction port 150a, but the dam portion 41b can prevent the powder clumps from reaching the suction port 150a. This can prevent the powder clumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• the filter 40 can be formed of, for example, paper, nonwoven fabric, or cellulose acetate.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the powder suction system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment.
• a mesh filter 44 which is an example of an obstruction part, can be placed in the transport path 120 of the housing 110.
• the powder passes through the mesh filter 44 and reaches the suction port 150a, but the mesh filter 44 can prevent the powder clumps from reaching the suction port 150a. This can prevent the powder clumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• the mesh filter 44 may be provided in the passage 152 (corresponding to an example of the transport path) in the mouthpiece 150.
• the mesh filter 44 can be, for example, a metal mesh filter, a fiber layer filter, or a particle-packed layer filter.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of the powder suction system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment.
• an impact plate 46 which is an example of an obstruction part, can be arranged in the transport path 120 of the housing 110.
• the impact plate 46 is provided on the inner surface of the wall portion 112 that defines the transport path 120, and opens the center of the transport path 120.
• the powder passes through the open central part of the transport path 120 and reaches the suction port 150a, but the powder clump can be prevented from reaching the suction port 150a by the impact plate 46. This makes it possible to prevent the powder clump from reaching the user's mouth.
• the impact plate 46 may be provided in the passage 152 (corresponding to an example of a transport path) in the mouthpiece 150. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the impact plate 46 is inclined toward the storage section 10. In this case, the inclined impact plate 46 can efficiently prevent the powder clump from reaching the suction port 22c.
• the impact plate 46 may not be inclined and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
• the collision plate 46 may be provided on a portion of the inner surface of the wall 112, but is preferably provided around the entire inner surface of the wall 112.
• the obstruction part is provided in the powder inhaler 100.
• the obstruction part since there is no need to provide an obstruction part in the cartridge 20, the obstruction part can be used repeatedly.
• the obstruction part may be provided in the cartridge 20.
• FIGS. 13 to 15 are schematic cross-sectional side views of an example of a cartridge 20 according to the fourth embodiment.
• the cartridge 20 shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 can be used in the powder inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 2.
• the cartridge 20 that holds the storage section 10 has a filter 40 that is placed in the transport path 24.
• the filter 40 which is an obstruction section, is provided in the cartridge 20 that is replaced as appropriate, so that there is no need to clean the filter 40 even if powder adheres to it.
• the filter 40 can be the same as the filter 40 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.
• the cartridge 20 that holds the storage section 10 has a mesh filter 44 that is placed in the transport path 24.
• the mesh filter 44 which is an obstruction section, is provided in the cartridge 20 that is replaced as appropriate, so that there is no need to clean the mesh filter 44 even if powder adheres to it.
• the mesh filter 44 can be the same as the mesh filter 44 shown in FIG. 11.
• the cartridge 20 that holds the storage section 10 has an impact plate 46 arranged in the transport path 24.
• the impact plate 46 which is an obstruction part, is provided on the cartridge 20 that is replaced as needed, so there is no need to clean the impact plate 46 even if powder adheres to it.
• the impact plate 46 is curved toward the storage section 10. In this case, the curved impact plate 46 can efficiently prevent the powder clumps from reaching the suction port 22c.
• the impact plate 46 may not be curved, but may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
• the impact plate 46 may be provided on a part of the inner surface of the wall section 22b of the tubular member 22, but is preferably provided around the entire inner surface of the wall section 22b.
• the obstructing portions shown in Figures 9 to 15 are preferably formed of an antistatic material or coated with an antistatic material. In this case, the obstructing portions are charged, which can prevent powder passing through the transport path 24 or the transport path 120 from adhering to the obstructing portions. This allows the powder to be supplied to the user without waste.
• the antistatic material that can be used include anionic antistatic agents, cationic antistatic agents, amphoteric antistatic agents, and nonionic antistatic agents.
• the obstructing portions shown in Figures 9 to 15 are preferably formed from or coated with a non-hygroscopic material.
• a non-hygroscopic material it is possible to prevent the powder from absorbing moisture and clumping when it collides with the obstructing portion. It is also possible to prevent the powder from adhering to the obstructing portion when it collides with the obstructing portion. This makes it possible to supply powder to the user efficiently while preventing powder lumps from reaching the user's mouth.
• polyethylene or polypropylene may be used as the non-hygroscopic material.
• a powder inhalation system including a container for containing a powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder,
• the powder inhaler has a chamber in which the container is disposed,
• a piercing element configured to form an opening in the receiving portion disposed in the chamber;
• the piercing element is configured to form an opening in the weakened portion.
• a powder suction system wherein the shape of the weakened portion is approximately the same as or larger than a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the piercing element.
• the storage section has an outer shape of an ellipse or a rounded rectangle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof, A powder inhalation system, wherein the weakened portion is located on the major axis of the oval or rounded rectangle.
• a powder suction system wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction of the container into the chamber, the outer diameter of the piercing element in the cross section is greater than the difference between the inner diameter of the chamber and the outer diameter of the container.
• the powder inhaler comprises: a sensor for detecting pressure applied to the piercing element; A control unit that determines whether the piercing element has formed an opening in the weakened portion based on the pressure detected by the sensor.
• the storage section includes a first portion and a second portion configured to be detachable from the first portion, A powder inhalation system, wherein the weakened portion is provided in either the first portion or the second portion.
• a powder inhalation system wherein the entirety of either the first part or the second part is the weakened part.
• a powder inhalation system wherein the container is removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• a powder inhalation system including a container for containing a powder to be inhaled, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder, The powder inhaler has a chamber in which the container is disposed, A powder inhalation system, wherein the container contains a desiccant different from the powder.
• a powder inhalation system In the powder inhalation system described in (2-1), A powder inhalation system, wherein the desiccant has a higher hygroscopicity than the powder.
• (2-3) In the powder inhalation system according to (2-1) or (2-2), A powder inhalation system having a piercing element configured to form an opening in the reservoir disposed in the chamber.
• the powder inhalation system wherein the desiccant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of silica gel, sepiolite, calcium oxide, diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, activated clay, zeolite, white carbon, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, and a water-absorbing polymer.
• the container is removably received in the chamber of the powder inhaler.
• a powder inhalation system including a container for containing a powder to be inhaled, a mouthpiece having an inhalation port, a transport path for transporting the powder in the container from the container to the inhalation port, a wall defining the transport path, and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder, the powder inhaler including a chamber in which the container is disposed, a piercing element configured to form an opening in the receiving portion disposed in the chamber;
• a powder inhalation system wherein the walls defining the transport path are formed of a transparent or translucent material that allows the inside of the transport path to be seen from the outside.
• a powder inhalation system wherein the wall of the powder inhaler is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
• a powder inhalation system wherein the container is formed from a transparent or translucent material that allows the inside of the container to be seen from the outside.
• a powder inhalation system wherein the portion of the container where the opening is formed is formed from the transparent or translucent material.
• a powder inhalation system comprising: a container for containing a powder to be inhaled; and a powder inhaler for inhaling the powder, A mouthpiece having an inhalation port; a transport path that transports the powder in the container toward the suction port,
• the powder inhaler comprises: a chamber in which the container is disposed; a piercing element configured to form an opening in the receiving portion disposed in the chamber;
• the flavor inhaler system has an obstruction disposed in the transport path that obstructs the flow of a portion of the powder when a user inhales.
• the obstruction portion includes a columnar body having a plurality of grooves on an outer circumferential surface thereof, The plurality of grooves extend toward the suction port, A powder inhalation system, wherein at least one of the plurality of grooves has a dam portion disposed within the groove. (4-3) In the powder inhalation system described in (4-1), A powder inhalation system, wherein the obstruction portion includes a mesh filter. (4-4) In the powder inhalation system described in (4-1), A powder suction system, wherein the obstruction portion includes an impact plate provided on an inner surface of a wall portion defining the transport path and opening the center of the transport path.

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• 2023
  • 2023-05-26 JP JP2025524857A patent/JPWO2024246971A1/ja active Pending
  • 2023-05-26 EP EP23939456.2A patent/EP4721791A1/en active Pending
  • 2023-05-26 WO PCT/JP2023/019629 patent/WO2024246971A1/ja not_active Ceased

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