TWI902371B - Atomizing module and drug delivery device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an atomizing module and drug delivery device including the same. The atomization module includes an annular component, a piezoelectric sheet and a porous component. The annular component has a central area and an outer edge area surrounding the central area. The piezoelectric sheet is disposed in the outer edge area of the annular component. The piezoelectric sheet has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively disposed on different sides of the piezoelectric sheet. The porous component is arranged in the central area of the annular component. The first electrode of the piezoelectric sheet faces the annular component, the annular component has an integrally formed first pin, and the second electrode of the piezoelectric sheet is electrically connected to a second pin through a joint element.

Description

Atomization module and drug delivery device including the thereof

The present invention relates to an atomization module and a drug delivery device including the same, and particularly to an atomization module for atomizing liquid drugs and a drug delivery device including the same.

Nebulized drug delivery involves atomizing liquid medication, allowing users to inhale the atomized medication into their lungs for a direct and rapid therapeutic effect. Existing vibration-type nebulizers use high-frequency vibrations of piezoelectric elements to convert liquid medication into tiny aerosol molecules, thereby providing inhaled drug delivery therapy.

To make it easier for users to carry around, the size of the atomizing device needs to be further reduced. Therefore, miniaturizing the atomizing module in the atomizing device has become an important issue.

When it is necessary to conduct the piezoelectric element of the aforementioned atomization module within a limited space, one solution is to place one of the positive and negative electrodes of the piezoelectric element on the same side by extending and guiding it, and then conduct it to the drive module respectively. Therefore, the electrode to be extended to the other side is accomplished by applying silver paste to the piezoelectric element and bending the silver paste along the surface of the piezoelectric element from one side to the other. However, the aforementioned method may result in a lack of conductivity due to uneven silver paste application, which could lead to wire breakage during the extension and bending process.

Therefore, how to simplify the conduction process of the piezoelectric element through structural design improvements to overcome the above-mentioned defects has become one of the important issues that this industry seeks to address.

The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an atomization module and a drug delivery device containing it, in order to address the shortcomings of the existing technology.

To solve the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a misting module, comprising: an annular element, a piezoelectric element, and a porous element. The annular element has a central region and an outer edge region surrounding the central region. The piezoelectric element is disposed in the outer edge region of the annular element, and has a first electrode and a second electrode, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric element. The porous element is disposed in the central region of the annular element. The first electrode of the piezoelectric element faces the annular element, the annular element has an integrally formed first lead, and the second electrode of the piezoelectric element is electrically connected to the second lead via a bonding element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first pin extends from the outer edge region of the annular element in a direction away from the annular element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first lead extends from the outer edge region of the annular element in at least two directions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode is the positive electrode, the second electrode is the negative electrode, the first pin is the positive pin, and the second pin is the negative pin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the annular element and the piezoelectric element are bonded together with an adhesive layer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first electrode of the piezoelectric element is electrically connected to the ring element via a conductive adhesive.

In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive layer is a conductive adhesive.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bonding element is solder.

To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a drug delivery device, which includes: a main unit; a drug cup connected to the main unit and including a nozzle; and an atomizing module as described above, which is disposed in the drug cup.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle includes a first electrode post and a second electrode post. One end of the first lead has a first ring for fitting onto the first electrode post, and one end of the second lead has a second ring for fitting onto the second electrode post.

In one embodiment of the invention, the atomizing module is positioned perpendicular to the nozzle's outlet direction.

In one embodiment of the invention, a spray nozzle of the atomizing module is perpendicular to the outlet direction of the nozzle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the drug delivery device further includes a detection module located within the main unit and used to cooperate with the annular element to detect the amount of residual drug in the drug cup.

One of the advantages of this invention is that the atomizing module and the drug delivery device containing it provided by this invention can simplify the manufacturing process of the atomizing module by means of the technical solution of "an annular element having an integrally formed first lead" and "a piezoelectric element disposed on the annular element and connected to a second lead by a connecting element", and avoid the risk that the piezoelectric element cannot be driven due to the breakage of the silver paste wire in the prior art.

To further understand the features and technical content of this invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of this invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this invention.

The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "atomizing module and drug delivery device including the same" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions based on actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further explain the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" used in this document should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, Figure 1 is a front view of the atomizing module of the present invention, Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the atomizing module of the present invention, Figure 3 is a plan view along direction III-III of Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a rear view of the atomizing module of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention provides an atomizing module M, which includes: an annular element 1, a piezoelectric element 2, and a porous element 3. The annular element 1 is generally circular, having a central region 1a and an outer edge region 1b surrounding the central region 1a, and can be used to support the piezoelectric element 2. In other words, the piezoelectric element 2 is disposed in the outer edge region 1b of the annular element 1 and can be fixed to the annular element 1 by an adhesive layer 4. The piezoelectric element 2 has a first electrode 2a and a second electrode 2b, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric element 2. A porous element 3 is disposed in the central region 1a of the annular element 1. The first electrode 2a of the piezoelectric element 2 faces the annular element 1; the annular element 1 has an integrally formed first lead 11, and the second electrode 2b of the piezoelectric element 2 is electrically connected to a second lead 21 via a connecting element 22.

Since the annular element 1 has an integrally formed first lead 11, the first lead 11 does not need to be soldered to the annular element 1 as in the prior art, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, the first lead 11 can extend from the outer edge region 1b of the annular element 1 in a direction away from the annular element 1, or the first lead 11 can extend outward from the outer edge region 1b of the annular element 1 in at least two directions.

For example, in one configuration, the first lead 11, integrally formed with the annular element 1, can extend from the first electrode 2a side of the piezoelectric element 2 toward the second electrode 2b side of the piezoelectric element 2 in a direction away from the annular element 1.

Alternatively, in another configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first lead 11 can first extend horizontally away from the annular element 1 along the outer edge region 1b of the annular element 1; then, the first lead 11 can be bent vertically at a first angle A1 and continue to extend; finally, the first lead 11 can be bent horizontally at a second angle A2 and continue to extend away from the annular element 1.

Therefore, both of the above-mentioned extension methods for the first lead 11 can achieve the purpose of extending the first lead 11 to the same side as the second lead 21, thereby omitting the bending silver glue step in the prior art and avoiding the risk of wire breakage during the bending silver glue process.

Furthermore, during the electrical connection of the piezoelectric element 2 to the second pin 21 via the bonding element 22, the bonding element 22 is preferably soldered, but this is not a limitation. In addition, the location of the bonding element 22 on the piezoelectric element 2 is the second electrode 2b of the piezoelectric element 2.

Specifically, the annular element 1 and the piezoelectric sheet 2 may have a hollow annular shape to accommodate the porous element 3 within the hollow space. In one embodiment, the porous element 3 can be fixed to the center of the annular element 1 by an annular fastener 5. For example, the porous element 3 may be a screen, with the fastener 5, the porous element 3, and the piezoelectric sheet 2 disposed on the same side of the annular element 1. However, the invention is not limited to the examples described above.

When the liquid medicine is supplied to the atomizing module M, and the driving voltage is supplied to the atomizing module M through the first pin 11 and the second pin 21, the piezoelectric element 2 will generate high-frequency oscillation, thereby actuating the porous element 3, enabling the porous element 3 to atomize the liquid medicine and generate aerosol molecules. In other words, the liquid medicine can be transformed into aerosol form through the multiple through-holes of the porous element 3, achieving the purpose of atomized drug delivery. Specifically, the porous element 3 can be made of palladium-nickel alloy or ceramic. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples mentioned above.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode 2a is the positive electrode, the second electrode 2b is the negative electrode, the first pin 11 can be the positive electrode pin, and the second pin 21 can be the negative electrode pin. However, the above-described example is only one possible embodiment and is not intended to limit the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode 2a can be the negative electrode, the second electrode 2b can be the positive electrode, the first pin 11 can be the negative electrode pin, and the second pin 21 can be the positive electrode pin.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the piezoelectric element 2 is fixed to the annular element 1 via an adhesive layer 4, and the adhesive layer 4 is a non-conductive adhesive, the first electrode 2a of the piezoelectric element 2 is electrically connected to the annular element 1 via a conductive adhesive 4a. The aforementioned conductive adhesive 4a may also be silver paste or other types. Furthermore, the conductive adhesive 4a may further extend along the surface of the first lead 11 in a direction away from the annular element 1, and be electrically connected to the electrode post described below.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer 4 can be in the form of conductive adhesive, so that the first electrode 2a of the piezoelectric piece 2 can directly contact the conductive adhesive layer 4 and thus conduct electricity with the entire annular element 1. In other words, when the first electrode 2a of the piezoelectric piece 2 is the positive electrode, the conduction of the conductive adhesive layer 4 will cause the entire annular element 1 to act as the positive electrode, and the first lead 11 to act as the positive lead.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the drug delivery device of the present invention, and Figure 6 is an exploded schematic diagram of the atomizing module of the present invention installed in the drug delivery device. The present invention also provides a drug delivery device D, which includes: a main unit 10 and a drug cup 20. The drug cup 20 is connected to the main unit 10. For example, the drug cup 20 is connected above the main unit 10. The main unit 10 can be used to provide power to the drug cup 20. The drug cup 20 may have a nozzle 20a, and a first electrode post 201 and a second electrode post 202 are provided at the nozzle 20a corresponding to the atomizing module M.

Furthermore, the atomizing module M provided by this invention can be disposed in the medicine cup 20. Further, the first pin 11 of the atomizing module M can have a first ring 111, and the second pin 21 of the atomizing module M can have a second ring 211. Specifically, the first ring 111 can be disposed at the end of the first pin 11 away from the annular element 1, and the second ring 211 can be disposed at the end of the second pin 21 away from the piezoelectric element 2.

Accordingly, when the atomizing module M is placed in the medicine cup 20, the first ring 111 of the first pin 11 can be sleeved on the first electrode post 201, and the second ring 211 of the second pin 21 can be sleeved on the second electrode post 202, thereby achieving the purpose of electrical connection.

Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, taking direction d1 as parallel to the horizontal plane and direction d2 as perpendicular to the horizontal plane as an example, the atomizing module M can be installed perpendicular to direction d1 in the medicine cup 20. Specifically, the atomizing module M can be positioned perpendicular to the nozzle's outlet direction. Alternatively, one spray nozzle of the atomizing module M can be positioned perpendicular to the outlet direction of the nozzle 20a (i.e., the atomizing module M is positioned perpendicular to direction d2). However, the above description is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the drug delivery device D of the present invention may further include a detection module 6, which is preferably disposed within the main unit 10. The detection module 6 can cooperate with the annular element 1 to detect the amount of residual drug in the drug cup 20. Specifically, in one embodiment, since the atomizing module M provided by the present invention can use the entire annular element 1 as the positive electrode, the electrical signal from the positive electrode post (i.e., the first electrode post 201) can be conducted to the drug in the drug cup 20 through the annular element 1, and the amount of residual drug in the drug cup 20 can be determined by the detection module 6 receiving the voltage change from the drug in a non-contact manner.

[Beneficial effects of the implementation]

One of the advantages of this invention is that the atomizing module and the drug delivery device containing it provided by this invention can simplify the manufacturing process of the atomizing module by means of the technical solution of "an annular element having an integrally formed first lead" and "a piezoelectric piece disposed on the annular element and connected to the second lead by a connecting element", and avoid the risk that the piezoelectric piece cannot be driven due to the breakage of the silver paste wire in the prior art.

Furthermore, since the atomization module provided by this invention can use the entire annular element as the positive electrode, the electrical signal from the positive electrode post can be conducted to the liquid medicine in the medicine cup through the annular element, and the amount of liquid medicine remaining in the medicine cup can be determined by receiving the voltage change from the liquid medicine in a non-contact manner through the detection module, so that the atomization module of this invention can further have the effect of waterless detection.

The above-disclosed content is merely a preferred feasible embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings are included within the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

1: Ring-shaped element 1a: Central area 1b: Outer edge area 10: Main unit 11: First pin 111: First ring 2: Piezoelectric element 2a: First electrode 2b: Second electrode 20: Medicine cup 20a: Nozzle 201: First electrode post 202: Second electrode post 21: Second pin 211: Second ring 22: Connecting element 3: Porous element 4: Adhesive layer 4a: Conductive adhesive 5: Fixing component 6: Detection module D: Drug delivery device M: Atomizing module A1: First angle A2: Second angle d1, d2: Direction

Figure 1 is a front view schematic diagram of the atomization module of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the atomization module of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the III-III direction in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the atomization module of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the drug delivery device of the present invention.

Figure 6 is an exploded schematic diagram of the atomization module of the present invention installed in the drug delivery device.

1: Ring-shaped element

1a: Central Area

1b: Outer edge region

2: Piezoelectric element

11: First introductory step

111: The First Ring

21: Second lead-in

211: Second Ring

22: Connecting elements

3: Porous elements

5: Fasteners

M: Atomization Module

Claims (13)

A fogging module includes: an annular element having a central region and an outer edge region surrounding the central region; a piezoelectric element disposed in the outer edge region of the annular element, the piezoelectric element having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric element; and a porous element disposed in the central region of the annular element; wherein, the first electrode of the piezoelectric element faces the annular element, the annular element has an integrally formed first lead, and the second electrode of the piezoelectric element is electrically connected to a second lead via a bonding element. The atomization module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pin extends from the outer edge region of the annular element in a direction away from the annular element. The atomization module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pin extends from the outer edge region of the annular element in at least two directions. The atomization module as described in claim 1, wherein the first electrode is a positive electrode, the second electrode is a negative electrode, the first pin is a positive pin, and the second pin is a negative pin. The atomizing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the annular element and the piezoelectric element are bonded together with an adhesive layer. The atomization module as described in claim 5, wherein the first electrode of the piezoelectric element is electrically connected to the annular element via a conductive adhesive. The atomization module as described in claim 5, wherein the adhesive layer is a conductive adhesive. The atomization module as described in claim 1, wherein the bonding element is solder. A medication delivery device includes: a main unit; a medication cup connected to the main unit and including a nozzle; an atomizing module as described in claim 1, disposed in the medication cup. The drug delivery device as described in claim 9, wherein the nozzle includes a first electrode post and a second electrode post, one end of the first lead has a first ring for fitting onto the first electrode post, and one end of the second lead has a second ring for fitting onto the second electrode post. The drug delivery device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the atomizing module is disposed perpendicular to the outlet direction of the nozzle. The drug delivery device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a spray nozzle of the atomizing module is perpendicular to the outlet direction of the nozzle. The medication dispensing device as claimed in claim 9 further includes a detection module disposed within the main unit and used to cooperate with the annular element to detect the amount of residual medication in the medication cup.