Inhalation device

Abstract

In an inhalation device, a simple configuration is provided to allow confirmation that all medication remaining on the blister strip has been removed. [Solution] The inhalation device 10 includes a housing 16, a housing section 11 provided in the housing 16 for housing a strip-shaped blister strip 20 containing a powdered drug, a drive section 12 provided in the housing 16 for pulling out the blister strip 20 from the housing section 11, an opening section 13 provided in the housing 16 for opening the pulled-out blister strip 20 to allow inhalation of the drug, a passage 30 provided between the side portion 16B of the housing 16 and an inner wall 36 spaced apart from the side portion 16B, through which the blister strip 20 passes between the housing section 11 and the opening section 13, a window 31 provided in the side portion 16B of the housing 16 for visualizing the passage 30, and a display section 32 provided in the inner wall 36 opposite the window 31, which displays a symbol after the blister strip 20 has passed through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhalation device.

Background Art

[0002] An inhaler for gradually peeling off a mount from a blister strip by blister opening means and sequentially supplying a single-dose amount of a powdery drug to a space where it can be inhaled through an inhalation port, and having a counter mechanism for presenting the remaining number of the individually packaged drugs by the blister strip is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The counter mechanism includes a spiral rack gear formed on the back side, a counter dial on the front side on which information indicating the remaining number of drugs is spirally arranged along the rack gear, and a pinion gear fitted to the rack gear and rotating in a certain direction in conjunction with the operation of the blister opening means.

[0004] An inhalation device for displaying the remaining number of drugs printed on a blister strip through a window hole is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the above-described conventional examples, since they have a counter mechanism, the structure is complex, the number of parts is large, and it is considered difficult to reduce costs.

[0007] Furthermore, in the conventional example described in Patent Document 2 mentioned above, the remaining medication count is displayed on the blister strip until it reaches zero. In this case, even when the medication runs out, the blister strip continues to be fed by opening and closing the cover of the inhaler, so the display showing the remaining medication count as zero becomes invisible through the window.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an inhalation device that allows for confirmation that all remaining medication on the blister strip has been expelled, using a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An inhalation device according to the first embodiment includes a housing; a housing section provided in the housing for coiling a strip-shaped blister strip in which a powdered drug is sealed between a sheet and a plurality of blister pockets; a drive section provided in the housing for pulling out the blister strip from the housing section; an opening section provided in the housing for opening the pulled-out blister strip to allow the drug to be inhaled; a passage provided between the side of the housing and an inner wall spaced apart from the side, through which the blister strip passes between the housing section and the opening section; a window provided in the side of the housing for visualizing the passage; and a display section provided on the inner wall opposite the window, which displays a symbol after the blister strip has passed.

[0010] This inhaler uses a blister strip with the remaining drug count displayed in descending order from maximum to minimum, allowing the user to check the remaining drug count through a window on the casing. While drug remains, the display on the inner wall is obscured by the blister strip and therefore not visible through the window. Once the entire blister strip has passed the window, the display on the inner wall of the casing becomes visible through the window as there is no longer an obstruction. This display then shows a symbol only after the entire blister strip has passed the window, allowing the user to visually confirm that there is no more drug remaining on the blister strip, even when the remaining count displayed on the sheet is no longer visible. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a complex counter mechanism like those used in conventional devices, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0011] In the second embodiment, the inhalation device according to the first embodiment is configured such that the display unit indicates that there is no more of the drug remaining.

[0012] This inhalation device allows users to directly confirm on the display when the remaining amount of medication has run out.

[0013] The third embodiment is an inhalation device according to the first embodiment, wherein the display unit displays the number 0.

[0014] This inhalation device allows users to directly confirm on the display when the remaining amount of medication has reached zero.

[0015] A fourth embodiment is an inhalation device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein a blister strip is provided on which a number indicating the remaining amount of drug is displayed in descending order from the leading edge of the sheet that is first pulled out to the last end that is pulled out, from the maximum value to the minimum value of 1, and the minimum value is displayed on the end of the sheet.

[0016] This inhaler uses a blister strip on which numbers indicating the remaining amount of medication are displayed in descending order from the maximum value to the minimum value of 1. As long as there is medication remaining, the number on the sheet is displayed in the window as the remaining amount. When the part of the blister strip with the number 1 displayed at the end passes the window, the display on the inner wall is displayed in the window. The display indicates that the remaining amount of medication is 0, so you can confirm that the remaining amount of medication is 0. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, in an inhalation device, it is possible to confirm that no drug remains on the blister strip with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the inhalation device according to this embodiment as seen from the front. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the state of the inhaler according to this embodiment as seen from the back side. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the state where the digit 0 of the marking part is displayed on the window. [Figure 5] (A) is a rear view showing a blister strip on which the remaining number of drugs is displayed on the sheet. (B) is a side view showing the blister strip. [Figure 6] (A) is a view showing the state where the digit 2, which is the remaining number of drugs, is displayed on the window. (B) is a view showing the state where the digit 1 is displayed on the window. (C) is a view showing the state where the digit 0 is displayed on the window.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, redundant descriptions and reference numerals may be omitted. Also, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships of each element shown in the drawings, the ratios of each element, etc. do not necessarily match the actual ones. Also, the dimensional relationships of each element and the ratios of each element do not necessarily match among multiple drawings.

[0020] In FIGS. 1 to 4, the inhalation device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 16, a storage unit 11, a drive unit 12, an opening unit 13, a passage 30, a window 31, and a display unit 32. In the present embodiment, a blister collection unit 14 for collecting the opened blister packet 21 in a coil shape is provided. With the inhalation part facing upward, the blister collection unit 14 is provided, for example, between a reel described later and the storage unit 11. These respective parts are mainly provided inside the housing 16. The housing 16 is provided with an inhalation part (not shown). The inhalation part is the part where the user puts the mouth during drug inhalation. With the inhalation part facing upward, the storage unit 11 and the blister collection unit 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left and right. The housing 16 is provided with a cover 19 for opening and closing the inhalation part. The cover 19 is provided with a strap hole 35 to which, for example, a strap 34 can be attached (FIG. 2).

[0021] The storage section 11 is provided in the housing 16 and is a part that houses the strip-shaped blister strip 20 in a coil shape. In Figure 5, the blister strip 20 is a drug carrier in which powdered drug (not shown) is sealed in a plurality of blister pockets 21. The blister pockets 21 are provided in series at predetermined intervals on a sheet-like base 23. The number of blister pockets 21 corresponds to the number of inhalations set for one inhalation device 10. For example, if the number of inhalations is 30, at least 31 blister pockets 21 are provided. If the number of inhalations is 14, at least 15 blister pockets 21 are provided. A sheet 24, which serves as a lid for the blister pockets 21, is attached to the back surface of the base 23. The drug is sealed inside the blister pockets 21 by the sheet 24. The sheet 24 can be peeled off from the blister pockets 21 at the opening section 13. The sheet 24 has a number F indicating the remaining amount of drug. The number F indicating the remaining amount of medication is displayed in descending order from the first end of the sheet 24 to the last end, from its maximum value to its minimum value of 1. If the number of inhalations is 30, the maximum value is 30, and in this case, the numbers F from 30 to 1 are displayed in descending order. The minimum value, 1, is displayed, for example, at the end of the sheet 24. Because the minimum value is at the end of the sheet 24, the number 0 on the display unit 32 becomes visible during the final operation (described later). The blister strip 20 may also be provided with an empty pocket for one empty dose and peeling off the sheet 24 in order to check the operation after assembly of the inhalation device 10. The empty pocket is a blister pocket that does not contain the medication 22.

[0022] The drive unit 12 is provided in the housing 16 and is a mechanism for pulling out the blister strip 20 from the storage section 11. The drive unit 12 has a reel (not shown) for winding up the sheet 24 peeled off from the blister pocket 21. The reel rotates in one direction in the direction of winding up the sheet 24 by gear drive accompanying the opening and closing operation of the cover 19. Since the end 24A of the sheet 24 (Figure 5(B)) is fastened to the reel, when the reel rotates, the sheet 24 is wound up and the blister strip 20 is pulled out from the storage section 11. By a ratchet mechanism (not shown), the reel rotates when the cover 19 is opened and does not rotate when the cover 19 is closed. If a strap 34 is attached to the strap hole 35, the cover 19 can also be opened by pulling the strap 34.

[0023] The opening section 13 is provided on the housing 16 and is a part that opens the pulled-out blister strip 20, allowing the drug to be inhaled from the inhalation section. The opening section 13 is located between the reel and the blister recovery section 14. The blister pocket 21 from which the sheet 24 has been peeled off faces a manifold (not shown) provided between the left and right reels. The manifold is connected to the blister pocket 21 side as well as to the inhalation section side.

[0024] The passage 30 is provided between the side portion 16B of the housing 16 and the inner wall 36 spaced apart from the side portion 16B, and is the space through which the blister strip 20 passes between the storage portion 11 and the opening portion 13. The blister strip 20 passes through the passage 30 with the blister pocket 21 facing the inner wall 36 and the sheet 24 facing the inner surface of the side portion 16B.

[0025] The window 31 is provided on the side 16B of the housing 16 and is a part that allows visibility into the passage 30. The size of the window 31 is set so that one of the numbers F on the blister strip 20 is visible when the side 16B of the housing 16 is viewed from the front. The shape of the window 31 may be rectangular or round. The window 31 may be provided on only one side 16B or on both sides 16B.

[0026] The display portion 32 is provided at a position facing the window 31 of the inner wall 36, and is a portion indicating that the drug remaining in the blister strip 20 has disappeared. As an example, the number 0 is displayed on the display portion 32. This indicates that the remaining number of blister pockets 21 in which the drug is enclosed is 0. Note that the display portion 32 is not limited to the number 0, and may be indicated by any character, color, pattern, etc. that indicates that the drug remaining in the blister strip 20 has disappeared (the remaining number is 0). Specifically, symbols such as ×, -, □, ◇, ○, or characters such as zero, ZERO, etc. can be used.

[0027] (Function) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its function will be described below. In FIGS. 1 to 4, in the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment, when the cover 19 is opened and closed, the drive portion 12 operates, and the blister strip 20 in the storage portion 11 is pulled out by one pitch of the blister pocket 21. This blister strip 20 is opened at the opening portion 13. Specifically, the sheet 24 of the blister strip 20 is peeled off from the blister pocket 21 at the opening portion 13 and wound around the reel, so that the blister strip 20 is pulled out from the storage portion 11. The blister pocket 21 from which the sheet 24 has been peeled off is positioned so as to face the manifold. Thereby, when the user puts his / her mouth on the inhalation portion and sucks, the drug in the blister pocket 21 is sucked into the manifold. At this time, the drug passes through the manifold and is inhaled into the user's body through the inhalation portion. In this way, one type or several types of drugs can be inhaled from the inhalation portion.

[0028] Furthermore, by using a blister strip 20 on sheet 24 in descending order from the maximum value of 30 to the minimum value of 1, the remaining amount of drug can be checked through the window 31 of the housing 16. As long as there is drug remaining, the display section 32 on the inner wall 36 is obscured by the blister strip 20 and therefore not visible from the window 31, and the value on sheet 24 is displayed in the window 31 as the remaining amount (Figures 6(A), (B)). When the entire blister strip 20 has passed the window 31, specifically when the last digit of the blister strip 20 has passed the window 31, as shown in Figures 4 and 6(C), there is no longer anything obstructing the view, and the display section 32 on the inner wall 36 of the housing 16 is displayed in the window 31. The digit 0 on this display section 32 indicates that the remaining amount of drug is 0. Since the digit 0 is displayed on the display section 32, it is possible to directly confirm that the remaining amount of drug has become 0. Therefore, even when the blister strip 20 has passed the window 31 and the remaining quantity displayed on the sheet 24 is no longer visible, it is still possible to visually confirm that the remaining quantity of the drug has reached zero. In this embodiment, a complex counter mechanism like those in the past is unnecessary, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0029] Thus, in this embodiment, the inhalation device 10 can easily confirm that there is no more remaining drug on the blister strip 20, in other words, that the remaining drug count has reached zero. Furthermore, if the remaining drug count is indicated on the sheet 24, the remaining drug count can be confirmed until it reaches zero.

[0030] [Other embodiments] Although an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 10 Inhaler 11. Storage Unit 12 Drive unit 13 Opening part 16 cabinets 16B Side 19 Cover 20 blister strips 21 Blister Pockets 24 seats 24A end 30 aisles 31 windows 32 Display section 36 Inner wall

Claims

1. The casing and The housing includes a storage section that houses a strip-shaped blister strip in which powdered drug is sealed between a sheet and multiple blister pockets in a coiled manner, A drive unit provided in the housing for pulling out the blister strip from the housing, The housing is provided with an opening section that opens the pulled-out blister strip, allowing the drug to be inhaled, A passage is provided between the side of the housing and the inner wall spaced apart from the side, through which the blister strip passes between the housing and the opening, A window provided on the side of the housing allows for viewing inside the passage, A display unit is provided on the inner wall at a position opposite to the window, which displays a symbol after the blister strip has passed through, An inhalation device having a

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit indicates that the remaining drug has been used up.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the number 0.

4. The inhalation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a blister strip is provided on the sheet, with a number indicating the remaining amount of drug displayed in descending order from the leading edge that is first pulled out to the last end that is last pulled out, from the maximum value to the minimum value of 1, and the minimum value is displayed on the end of the sheet.

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