KR102706703B1 - Chemical liquid aerosol inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol inhaler, and more particularly, to a pharmaceutical aerosol inhaler which facilitates the transfer of a pharmaceutical liquid into a spray space and prevents leakage of the pharmaceutical liquid.
The liquid cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: an outer case forming the bottom and the outside of a receiving space for receiving liquid medicine; an inner case having a hollow discharge path inside and forming the inside of the receiving space; a sealing member mounted on the upper side of the receiving space and between the outer case and the inner case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine; a transfer passage formed between the outer case and the inner case to transfer the liquid medicine inside the receiving space to a spraying space communicated with the discharge path; a blocking member that moves up and down on the outer surface of the inner case to open and close the transfer passage; a first sealing member mounted between the inner side of the blocking member and the lower outer side of the inner case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine inside the receiving space between the upper side of the blocking member and the inner case; and a second sealing member mounted between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine inside the receiving space between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case.

Description

{CHEMICAL LIQUID AEROSOL INHALER}

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol inhaler, and more particularly, to a pharmaceutical aerosol inhaler which facilitates the transfer of a pharmaceutical liquid into a spray space and prevents leakage of the pharmaceutical liquid.

The respiratory system is divided into the conducting zone, which is the passageway for air, and the respiratory zone, where direct gas exchange occurs. The conducting zone includes the oral cavity (oropharyngeal region), trachea, bronchi, and terminal bronchioles, and the respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli. Inhalers, mainly used by patients with asthma or chronic lung disease, have the advantage of directly delivering drugs to the airways, thereby increasing therapeutic effects and reducing side effects. Inhalers are classified into metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and nebulizers depending on the properties of the drugs.

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

Conventional nebulizers do not provide a control function to prevent leakage of the drug solution while ensuring smooth transfer of the drug solution.

Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0150932 (Published on December 13, 2021)

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical aerosol inhaler that facilitates the transfer of a pharmaceutical liquid into a spray space and prevents leakage of the pharmaceutical liquid.

The liquid cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: an outer case forming the bottom and the outside of a receiving space for receiving liquid medicine; an inner case having a hollow discharge path inside and forming the inside of the receiving space; a sealing member mounted on the upper side of the receiving space and between the outer case and the inner case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine; a transfer passage formed between the outer case and the inner case to transfer the liquid medicine inside the receiving space to a spraying space communicated with the discharge path; a blocking member that moves up and down on the outer surface of the inner case to open and close the transfer passage; a first sealing member mounted between the inner side of the blocking member and the lower outer side of the inner case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine inside the receiving space between the upper side of the blocking member and the inner case; and a second sealing member mounted between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case to prevent leakage of the liquid medicine inside the receiving space between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case.

In addition, it is desirable that the blocking member be moved from downward to upward by an external force so that the conveying passage is opened from a closed state.

Additionally, it is preferable that the overlap dimension of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion be 0.05 mm or more.

The present invention facilitates the transfer of a chemical solution into a spray space and has the effect of preventing leakage of the chemical solution.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid aerosol inhaler of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upper side of the inhaler body of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a control configuration diagram of a liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.

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

In this document, the expressions "have", "can have", "include", or "may include" indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part), but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

In this document, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", or "one or more of A or/and B" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to cases where (1) at least one A is included, (2) at least one B is included, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B are included.

The expressions "first", "second", "first", or "second" used in this document can describe various components, regardless of order and/or priority, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device can represent different user devices, regardless of order or priority. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights set forth in this document, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be renamed as a first component.

When it is stated that a component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component can be directly coupled to the other component, or can be connected via another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when it is stated that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between the component and the other component.

The expression "configured to" as used herein can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean only that which is "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" can mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) to perform those operations, or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

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

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid aerosol inhaler of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper side of the inhaler body of Fig. 1. The vertical cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the mouth piece.

The liquid aerosol inhaler is composed of a liquid cartridge (100) containing a liquid (or liquid medicine) and an inhaler body (200) in which the liquid medicine cartridge (100) can be detachably mounted. In addition, the liquid medicine cartridge (100) may be provided separately from the mouthpiece (300) so that the mouthpiece (300) can be detachably mounted on the liquid medicine cartridge (100), or the liquid medicine cartridge (100) may be formed integrally with the mouthpiece (300).

The medicinal liquid cartridge (100) has an outer case (112) forming the bottom and the outside of a receiving space (130) for receiving a liquid such as a medicinal liquid in the inner space, an internal hollow discharge path (150), an inner case (114) forming the inside of the receiving space (130), a sealing member (116) mounted on the upper side of the receiving space (130) and between the outer case (112) and the inner case (114) to prevent leakage of the medicinal liquid, a transfer passage (140) formed between the outer case (112) and the inner case (114) to transfer the medicinal liquid in the receiving space (130) to the spraying space (145), a spraying space (145) in which the medicinal liquid from the transfer passage (140) is sprayed and aerosolized, and a blocking member (146) that moves up and down on the outer surface of the inner case (114) to open and close the transfer passage (140). It is configured to include a discharge path (150) that connects the spray space (145) and the discharge path (301) of the mask piece (300), and a mesh structure (155) mounted between the spray space (145) and the discharge path (150) or on the discharge path (150).

In this embodiment, the mouth piece (300) and the liquid cartridge (200) are formed as an integral body, and the mouth piece (300) has an outer case (310) forming a discharge path (301), and the inner surface of the outer case (310) is connected to the upper end of the inner case (114) so that the discharge path (150) and the discharge path (301) are connected. The lower inner surface of the outer case (310) is formed facing the outer surface of the outer case (112) and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that a second discharge path (170) is formed between the outer case (310) and the outer case (112). The upper outer portion of the inner case (114) is joined to the inner surface of the outer case (310), so that the inner case (114) and the outer case (310) are formed as an integral body. A through hole (315) is formed between the outer case (310) and the inner case (114), and forced airflow reaches the upper side of the discharge path (150) or the discharge path (301) of the mouth piece (300) through the through hole (315).

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

The accommodation space (130) is formed between the outer case (112) and the inner case (114) in a cylindrical shape with a hollow space formed in the upper and lower directions due to the discharge path (150). A sealing member (116) is formed on the upper side between the outer case (112) and the inner case (114), that is, on the upper side of the accommodation space (130). A transport passage (140) is formed on the lower side between the outer case (112) and the inner case (114), that is, on the lower side of the accommodation space (130), and the transport passage (140) is opened and closed by a blocking member (146). The blocking member (146) closes the transport passage (140) before the drug cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200) are combined.

In order to prevent leakage of the liquid within the receiving space (130) between the upper side of the blocking member (146) and the inner case (114), a ring-shaped first sealing portion (C1) is mounted between the inner side of the blocking member (146) and the lower outer side of the inner case (114). A guide groove having a depth smaller than the diameter of the first sealing portion (C1) is formed on the lower outer side of the inner case (114), so that the first sealing portion (C1) does not move even when the blocking member (146) moves upward and performs the sealing function.

In addition, in order to prevent the liquid inside the receiving space (130) from leaking between the lower outer side of the blocking member (146) and the lower inner side of the outer case (116), a second sealing portion (C2) in the shape of a ring is mounted between the lower outer side of the blocking member (146) and the lower inner side of the outer case (116). A guide groove having a depth smaller than the diameter of the second sealing portion (C2) is formed on the lower outer side of the blocking member (146).

In a state where the blocking member (146) closes the conveying passage (140), the blocking member (146) and the first sealing member (C1) and the blocking member (146) and the second sealing member (C2) are respectively installed so as to overlap each other by a preset ratio to prevent leakage.

As the liquid cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200) are combined, the upper surface of the bracket (205) is moved upward along the outer surface of the inner case (114) by the protrusion (206a), that is, by an external force from downward to upward, thereby opening the transport passage (140) and bringing about a state as shown in FIG. 2.

A discharge path (150) and a discharge path (301) of a mouthpiece (300) that are connected to each other are formed on the upper side of the spray space (145), and the aerosol discharge path in the present invention is configured to include the spray space (145), the discharge path (150), and the discharge path (301) of the mouthpiece (300).

The mesh structure (155) has a hole diameter corresponding to the type of the drug. The hole diameter of the mesh structure (155) is selected in the range of 3 to 12 ㎛. In order to spray an aerosol having a diameter corresponding to the type of drug and/or the treatment area, the hole diameter of the mesh structure (155) is also set to a corresponding size.

In the present invention, the liquid cartridge (200) and the mouth piece (300) are referred to as a liquid cartridge unit.

The inhaler body (200) includes a body case (201) that accommodates a control device, etc., and has an open upper side, an upper case (202) formed on the upper side of the body case (201) to support a vibrating body case (274, 276), a bracket (205) that covers and protects the vibrating body case (274, 276) on the upper side of the upper case (202) and is separated and combined with the liquid cartridge unit, an input unit (210) mounted on the outside of the body case (201), a power supply unit (230) mounted inside the body case (201), an electric contact terminal (242) that electrically connects the power supply unit (230) and the vibrator (270), a forced airflow generation unit (256) mounted inside the body case (201) to generate a forced airflow and discharge it through a forced airflow discharge path, and a vibrating body unit (270, 271), and a vibrating case (274, 276) for fixing the vibrating unit (270, 271) to the receiving groove of the upper case (202), and a discharge path (280) for discharging the forced airflow to the liquid cartridge (100).

The lower surface of the bracket (205) is coupled with the upper surface of the upper case (202), and a vibrating unit (270, 271) is accommodated and mounted therebetween. An installation space in which a liquid cartridge unit is inserted and mounted is provided on the upper surface of the bracket (205), and a coupling structure for coupling with an external case (310) is formed on the upper inner surface of the bracket (205). The bracket (205) is provided with an insertion hole (205a) through which at least a portion of the vibrating unit (270, 271) can be exposed and inserted into the spraying space (145) formed on the upper surface of the bracket (205). The bracket (205) has a plurality of protrusions (206a) spaced apart from each other at a set interval while surrounding the insertion hole (205a), and a plurality of spaced spaces (206b) between the protrusions (206). When the liquid cartridge unit and the bracket (206) are connected, the plurality of protrusions (206a) move the blocking member (146) upward, and the spaced spaces (206b) are connected to the transport passage (140). Accordingly, the spray space is formed above the plurality of protrusions (206a) and the spaced spaces (206b). The upper side of the spray space (145) is connected to the discharge path (150) through the mesh structure (155).

The vibrating unit (270, 271) is configured to include a vibrator (270) that vibrates when power is applied, and a vibration transmitting body (271) that transmits the vibration of the vibrator (270). The vibrator (270) is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator, and the vibration transmitting body (271) may contact the upper side of the vibrator (270) and may have a horn shape, and may be configured of a material such as titanium.

The vibrating case (274, 276) is composed of a lower case (274) that fixes the lower side of the vibrating unit (270, 271) and an upper case (276) that fixes the upper side of the vibrating unit (270, 271). The lower case (274) and the upper case (276) are combined. The vibrating unit (270, 271) is mounted in the space between the upper case (276) and the lower case (274).

An electric contact terminal (242) is mounted on the inside of the lower case (274), and a vibrating unit (270, 271) is placed above the electric contact terminal (242). A through hole (276a) is formed in the center of the upper case (276) to allow at least a portion of the vibrating unit (270, 271) to be exposed to the outside. The upper case (276) is connected to the lower case (274) by screw connection or the like, so that the vibrating unit (270, 271) and the electric contact terminal (242) are physically and electrically connected. As the vibrating unit (270, 271) presses the electric contact terminal (242) downward and is physically connected, a through hole (274a) is formed in the center of the lower case (274) to secure a space in which the battery contact terminal (242) can move downward.

In addition, in order to prevent leakage of the liquid between the lower side of the outer case (112) and the upper side of the bracket (205), a ring-shaped third sealing portion (C3) is mounted between the lower side of the outer case (112) and the upper side of the bracket (205). The third sealing portion (C3) is mounted so as to overlap at a preset ratio between the lower side of the outer case (112) and the upper side of the bracket (205), thereby preventing leakage.

In addition, in order to prevent leakage of the liquid between the lower side of the bracket (205) and the upper side of the vibrating body case (274, 276), a fourth sealing part (C4) in the shape of a ring is installed between the lower side of the bracket (205) and the upper side of the vibrating body case (274, 276). The fourth sealing part (C4) is installed so as to overlap at a preset ratio between the lower side of the outer bracket (205) and the upper side of the vibrating body case (274, 276), thereby preventing leakage.

As shown in Fig. 2, when the liquid cartridge unit and the inhaler body (200) are combined, the liquid is supplied to the spray space (145) through the transport passage (140) and comes into contact with the vibrating unit (270, 271).

The above-described sealing member (116) and the first to fourth sealing portions (C1 to C4) are made of a material such as rubber, silicone, urethane, or elastomer. In addition, it is preferable that the overlap dimension of each of the first to fourth sealing portions (C1 to C4) be 0.05 mm or more.

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

The content of the identification information includes at least information on the type of the drug cartridge (100), the type of the drug, and/or the treatment area, and may additionally include information on the drug inhalation, including a one-time (recommended) inhalation amount (spray amount), a daily (recommended) inhalation amount (spray amount), a standard inhalation (spray) time, a standard spray speed, a standard inhalation interval, a standard number of inhalations, etc. (corresponding to the inhalation information on the drug prescription). In the present embodiment, the recommended amount for each type of drug includes at least one of a one-time inhalation amount or a daily inhalation amount, and this recommended amount may mean an amount set by a prescriber (e.g., a doctor or a pharmacist) or set by the user depending on the disease or condition of the user. In addition, different recommended amounts may be set depending on the type of the drug (or medicine). In addition, the recommended amount is a value for the amount (volume, mass) of the drug to be sprayed (sprayed), and the standard inhalation time is a value for the time required to spray this recommended amount. The standard spray speed is selected within the range of movement speed (discharge speed) described above, depending on the treatment area where the liquid is to reach.

The first embodiment of the identification unit (170) may include a color unit having colors corresponding to or representing identification information (or its contents). The color unit may utilize, for example, the color of the outer surface or bottom of the case of the liquid cartridge (100), and the color of the bottom of the liquid cartridge (100) may be formed by an injection resin color, a separate sticker, and painting.

The second embodiment of the identification part (170) may include an engraved part formed in relief or intaglio corresponding to or representing the identification information to identify the content of the identification information, which is formed at the lower end of the liquid cartridge (100). The engraved content of the engraved part may include numbers, languages, symbols, etc.

The third embodiment of the identification unit (170) may include a code unit that includes a QR code or bar code corresponding to or representing the identification information and is mounted on the outer surface or lower portion of the liquid cartridge (100) to identify the contents of the identification information.

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

The fifth embodiment of the identification unit (170) may include a SMD (Surface Mount Device) resistor chip mounted on the outer surface or lower portion of the liquid cartridge (100) to identify the contents of the identification information and corresponding to or indicating the identification information.

The sixth embodiment of the identification unit (170) may include an RFID tag mounted on the outer surface or lower portion of the liquid cartridge (100) to identify the content of the identification information and corresponding to or indicating the identification information. The RFID tag stores the identification information described above.

The liquid cartridge (100) is configured to include electrical connection terminals (101a), (101b) for electrical connection with the inhaler body (200).

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

Figure 4 is a control configuration diagram of a liquid aerosol inhaler according to the present invention.

The liquid cartridge (100) is configured to include an electrical connection terminal (101a) electrically connected to an electrical connection terminal (203a) connected to a suction sensor (250), an electrical connection terminal (101b) electrically connected to an electrical connection terminal (203b) connected to a residual amount sensor (252), and the identification unit (170) described above.

The respiratory body (200) comprises an input unit (210) that obtains input from a user (e.g., power on/off, operation/stop, discharge speed control input, etc.) and applies it to a processor (290), a display unit (220) that visually and/or audibly displays display information (e.g., identification information, remaining battery capacity, remaining liquid capacity, discharge speed, etc.) applied from the processor (290), a power supply unit (230) that supplies power, a power supply unit (240) that supplies or cuts off power from the power supply unit (230) to a vibrator (270) under the control of the processor (290), an inhalation sensor (250) that detects the user's inhalation through an electrical connection terminal (203a) and applies an inhalation detection value to the processor (290), and a residual amount sensor (250) that detects the remaining amount of the medicine stored in the medicine cartridge (100) through an electrical connection terminal (203b) and applies the remaining amount detection value to the processor (290). It comprises a sensor (252), a reading unit (254) that reads identification information by contacting or non-contacting the identification unit (170) of the liquid cartridge (100) when the liquid cartridge (100) is mounted on the inhaler body (200) and applies the read identification information to the processor (290) or allows the processor (290) to read or detect the identification information, a vibrator (270) that receives power from the power supply unit (240) under the control of the processor (290), and a processor (290) that controls the above-described components to perform an aerosol generating function for the liquid medicine. However, the input unit (210) and the power supply unit (230) correspond to technologies that are naturally recognized by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The display unit (220) is configured to include a display unit that visually displays information, such as an LED or LCD, a speaker that emits sound to express information audibly, and a vibration unit, such as a vibration motor, to express information tactilely.

The power supply unit (240) is configured to include a booster converter that adjusts the voltage (magnitude of the voltage) applied from the power supply unit (230) by a voltage control signal of the processor (290) and applies the voltage to the sine wave generator, and a sine wave generator that receives the voltage from the booster converter, generates a sine wave signal having a frequency corresponding to an output control signal (e.g., a PWM signal) of the processor (290), and applies the sine wave signal to the vibrator (270). The voltage control signal from the processor (290) corresponds to a signal for adjusting the voltage (or peak-to-peak voltage) applied to the sine wave generator from the booster converter and the magnitude of the voltage, and the output control signal from the processor (290) corresponds to a signal for determining the frequency of the sine wave signal generated from the sine wave generator, and the vibrator (270) operates during the time when the output control signal is applied, and the vibrator (270) stops operating during the time when the output control signal is not applied. The processor (290) can also vary the diameter and/or discharge speed of the aerosol particles of the liquid by controlling the frequency of the power applied to the vibrator (270), the magnitude of the power, and the power application and cutoff.

The suction sensor (250) is a sensor that detects the user's suction, and when the processor (290) obtains a suction detection value corresponding to the user's suction action, it controls the power supply unit (240) to control the operation of the vibrator (270) by adjusting the size of the frequency or voltage to generate an aerosol, and if not, it can control the power supply unit (240) so that an aerosol is not generated.

The remaining amount sensor (252) detects the remaining amount of the medicine stored in the medicine cartridge (100) and applies the remaining amount detection value to the processor (290). The processor (290) can continue or stop the aerosol generating operation according to the remaining amount detection value, or inform the user of the remaining amount through the display unit (220) or display an alarm. According to an embodiment, the remaining amount sensor (252) is a pressure sensor and can detect the remaining amount by detecting a change in pressure in the receiving space of the medicine cartridge (100) according to a change in the remaining amount of the medicine stored in the medicine cartridge (100).

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

Corresponding to the first embodiment of the identification unit (170), the first embodiment of the reading unit (254) includes a color sensor for recognizing a color, and the color sensor reads identification information, which is information associated with the recognized color, in a contact- or non-contact-wise manner and applies it to the processor (290).

Corresponding to the second embodiment of the identification unit (170), the second embodiment of the reading unit (254) may include a relief or intaglio character recognition sensor to recognize the imprint. The character recognition sensor reads identification information, which is information associated with the relief or intaglio character, in a contact- or non-contact manner, such as by an optical or infrared method, and applies it to the processor (290).

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

Corresponding to the fourth embodiment of the identification unit (170), the fourth embodiment of the reading unit (254) includes an inductive sensor that electrically contacts the identification unit (170) in a contact manner to recognize the inductance (L value) of the metal. The inductive sensor electrically contacts the metal and reads or detects identification information, which is information related to the inductance of the metal, and applies it to the processor (290).

Corresponding to the fifth embodiment of the identification unit (170), the fifth embodiment of the reading unit (254) includes a plurality of electrode terminals that are electrically connected to the SMD resistor chip in order to detect the resistance value of the SMD resistor chip. The processor (290) reads the resistance value of the SMD resistor chip through the electrode terminals.

Corresponding to the sixth embodiment of the identification unit (170), the sixth embodiment of the reading unit (254) may include an RFID reading unit that reads identification information stored in the identification unit (170) in a contact- or non-contact-wise manner to recognize an RFID. The RFID reading unit reads identification information stored in the identification unit (170) and applies the read identification information to the processor (290).

The processor (290) performs each of the aerosol generating operation and stopping, and stores judgment information for identifying or confirming the contents of the identification information. The judgment information includes the contents of the identification information corresponding to each of the colors, characters, codes, inductances, resistance values, RFID tag information, etc. read by the reading unit (254) as described above. The processor (290) compares the reading value (identification information) from the reading unit (254) with the judgment information to confirm or determine the contents of the identification information in the combined cartridge.

The processor (290) determines and stores, by determining the content of the identification information, the type of the drug cartridge (100) or the type of drug, as well as the one-time (recommended) injection amount (inhalation amount), the daily (recommended) spray amount (inhalation amount), the standard spray (inhalation) time, the standard number of sprays (inhalations), the standard inhalation interval, the standard spray speed, etc., and can display them through the display unit (220). In addition, the processor (290) can control the power supply unit (240) according to the content of the identification information (e.g., the standard spray time, the standard number of sprays, the standard inhalation interval, the standard spray speed, etc.) to perform and stop the aerosol generation operation.

The processor (290) receives an inhalation detection value from the inhalation sensor (250) while power is supplied, and controls the power supply unit (240) to supply power to the vibrator (270) when the user is performing an inhalation motion, thereby performing an aerosol generation motion of the liquid.

The processor (290) controls the power supply and cutoff to the vibrator (270) according to the one-time standard inhalation amount (spray amount), the daily standard inhalation amount (spray amount), the standard inhalation (spray) time, the standard number of inhalations (sprays), the standard inhalation interval, etc. according to the type of drug. The standard inhalation time includes the one-time standard inhalation time corresponding to the one-time standard inhalation amount (the recommended one-time inhalation amount) and the one-day standard inhalation time corresponding to the daily standard inhalation amount (the recommended daily inhalation amount). In addition, the processor (290) stores correlation data on the operation time (inhalation time) and the spray amount (inhalation amount) of the vibrator (270), confirms the one-time standard inhalation amount, and calculates the standard inhalation time, which is the time during which the vibrator (270) corresponding to the one-time standard inhalation amount should be operated, by using the correlation data.

In order to quantitatively spray the recommended amount for one inhalation (one-time standard inhalation amount), the processor (290) checks the one-time standard inhalation amount or one-time standard inhalation time corresponding to the type of the identified drug solution, and controls the operation of the power supply unit (240) for the one-time standard inhalation time accordingly to control the vibrator (270) to perform a spraying operation.

Next, in order to quantitatively spray the recommended amount (daily standard inhalation amount) for daily inhalation, the processor (290) accumulates and stores the operation time (inhalation time) of the vibrator (270). The processor (290) compares the current inhalation amount corresponding to the accumulated operation time with the confirmed daily standard inhalation amount, and if the current inhalation amount exceeds the daily standard inhalation amount, power supply to the vibrator (270) is cut off, thereby preventing excessive inhalation of the drug. In addition, the processor (290) may display, through the display unit (220), that the spraying operation for the daily standard inhalation amount has been completed and therefore additional spraying operation is stopped. The processor (290) may also prevent excessive inhalation of the drug by using the standard operation time of the vibrator (270) corresponding to the daily standard inhalation amount instead of the daily standard inhalation amount. The processor (290) stores the above-described accumulated operation time on a daily basis, stores the accumulated operation time as the current suction amount for one day, and may display it on the display unit (220).

Alternatively, the processor (290) generates an alarm or vibration for the excess use through the display unit (220) when the current suction amount exceeds the daily suction amount or the suction time, which is the operating time of the vibrator (270), exceeds the standard suction time.

In another embodiment, the processor (290) may obtain and store a one-time or one-day standard inhalation amount or standard inhalation time corresponding to the type of the identified drug from the input unit (210). That is, the processor (290) allows the user to set or vary the standard inhalation amount or standard inhalation time for each type of drug. In addition, the processor (290) may store the same or different standard inhalation amount or standard inhalation time for each type of drug.

Additionally, the processor (290) may obtain battery remaining amount information from the power supply (230) and display it on the display unit (220).

At least a portion of a device (e.g., a processor or its functions) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a program module. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a memory.

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

The processor or functions by the processor according to various embodiments may include at least one or more of the above-described components, some of them may be omitted, or additionally include other components. The operations performed by the modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or in a heuristic manner. In addition, some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

100: Liquid cartridge 200: Inhaler body

Claims (9)

An outer case forming the bottom and the outer side of a receiving space for receiving a liquid;
An inner case having a hollow discharge path inside and forming the inner side of the receiving space;
A sealing member installed on the upper side of the receiving space between the outer case and the inner case to prevent leakage of the liquid;
A transfer passage formed between the outer case and the inner case to transfer the liquid within the receiving space to a spraying space connected to the discharge path;
A blocking member that moves up and down on the outer surface of the inner case to open and close the transport passage;
To prevent leakage of the liquid within the receiving space between the upper side of the blocking member and the inner case, a first sealing portion is mounted between the inner side of the blocking member and the lower outer side of the inner case;
A liquid cartridge unit characterized by having a second sealing portion mounted between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case to prevent leakage of the liquid within the receiving space between the outer side of the blocking member and the outer case. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge unit characterized in that the blocking member is moved from downward to upward by an external force so that the conveying passage is opened from a closed state. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge unit, characterized in that the overlap dimension of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion is 0.05 mm or more. A liquid cartridge unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A liquid aerosol inhaler characterized by including an inhaler body that is separated and combined with a liquid cartridge unit and moves a blocking member upward when combined with the liquid cartridge unit. In paragraph 4,
A spray space is formed between the inhaler body and the liquid cartridge unit to receive the liquid from the liquid cartridge unit.
A liquid aerosol inhaler characterized in that the inhaler body is provided with a spraying device that applies energy to the liquid in the spraying space to spray it. In paragraph 5,
The inhaler body is separated and combined with the liquid cartridge unit, and has a bracket having a plurality of spaced protrusions that move the blocking member upward when combined with the liquid cartridge unit.
A spray space is formed between the bracket and the bottom of the liquid cartridge unit.
A liquid aerosol inhaler characterized in that a third sealing portion is provided between the bracket and the bottom surface of the liquid cartridge unit to prevent leakage of the liquid. In paragraph 6,
The spraying device comprises a vibrator and a vibration transmitter at least partly inserted into the spraying space to transmit vibration of the vibrator to the spraying space,
A liquid aerosol inhaler, characterized in that the bracket has an insertion hole through which at least a portion of the vibrating transmitter is inserted into the spray space. In paragraph 7,
The spraying device has a vibrating case that fixes the vibrating car and the vibrating transmission body,
A liquid aerosol inhaler characterized in that a fourth sealing portion is provided between the vibrating body case and the bottom surface of the bracket to prevent leakage of the liquid. In Article 8,
A liquid aerosol inhaler, characterized in that each of the first to fourth sealing parts is made of any one material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, urethane, and elastomer.

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