Improved microfluidic devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid, preferably a medically active liquid, wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2) having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) having a second surface, the first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed with the first member (2), and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the first surface (4) contacts the second surface, thereby defining a contact plane, and the nozzle assembly (1) has a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet (8), A nozzle assembly (1) is provided, comprising a connecting structure (9), wherein the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), and the connecting structure (9) are all in fluid communication, forming a channel for transporting the liquid downstream from the fluid inlet (7) through the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8), the channel being in contact with the contact plane, and at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) physically interacting with the second member (3) thereby preventing displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of nozzle assemblies, specifically in the field of nozzle assemblies for medical devices.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] In a first aspect, the present invention is a nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid, preferably a medically active liquid, the nozzle assembly (1) comprising a first member (2) having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) having a second surface (5), the first member (2) comprising at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed on the first member (2), In the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the first surface (4) contacts the second surface (5), thereby defining a contact plane, the nozzle assembly (1) comprising a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connection structure (9), all of the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), and the connection structure (9) being in fluid communication to form a channel for transporting a liquid in a downstream direction from the fluid inlet (7) through the connection structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8), the channel being in contact with the contact plane, at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) physically interacts with the second member (3), thereby preventing displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3), relating to the nozzle assembly (1).

[0003] In one embodiment of this aspect, the first and / or second member (3) is made of a crystalline material or glass. In a further embodiment, the connection structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, and the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element (10). In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly (1) includes both features.

[0004] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the aforementioned nozzle assembly (1) in a device for spraying liquid.

[0005] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a spraying device comprising the nozzle assembly (1) defined above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1A] This figure shows a simple nozzle assembly (1) using conventional technology. [Figure 1B] This figure shows a simple nozzle assembly (1) using conventional technology. [Figure 2A] This figure shows a nozzle assembly (1) equipped with a positioning element (6) according to the present invention. [Figure 2B] This figure shows a nozzle assembly (1) equipped with a positioning element (6) according to the present invention. [Figure 2C] This figure shows a nozzle assembly (1) equipped with a positioning element (6) according to the present invention. [Figure 2D] This figure shows a nozzle assembly (1) equipped with a positioning element (6) according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] This figure shows a specific embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a specific type of positioning element (6). [Figure 3B] This figure shows a specific embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a specific type of positioning element (6). [Figure 3C] This figure shows a specific embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a specific type of positioning element (6). [Figure 4A] This figure shows different possible variations of the positioning element (6). [Figure 4B] This figure shows different possible variations of the positioning element (6). [Figure 5A] This figure shows an embodiment that utilizes microfluidic elements on both members of the nozzle assembly (1). [Figure 5B]This figure shows an embodiment that utilizes microfluidic elements on both members of the nozzle assembly (1). [Figure 6A] This figure shows an embodiment of a nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention, which includes a filter element (10). [Figure 6B] This figure shows an embodiment of a nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention, which includes a filter element (10). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The present invention relates to a novel nozzle assembly (1) for spraying liquid. The assembly comprises two members, a first and a second member (3), which include microfluidic elements of the nozzle, including a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet (8). In the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the two members are in contact with each other to form a contact plane, thereby forming a nozzle having a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet that are fluidly connected to each other.

[0008] The two members of the nozzle assembly (1) are provided with at least one positioning element (6) that enables precise combination of the two members and prevents displacement of the two members relative to each other. This allows for more precise positioning of the microfluidic elements, and the microfluidic elements on both members can improve the nozzle assembly (1).

[0009] The main advantage of the nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention is that the claimed assembly reduces manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving the overall quality of the nozzle assembly (1) and enabling greater flexibility in the manufacturing of the nozzle assembly (1).

[0010] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid, preferably a medically active liquid, wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2) having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) having a second surface (5), and the first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed with the first member (2). In the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), The first surface (4) contacts the second surface (5), thereby defining a contact plane. The nozzle assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9), all of which are fluid-communicated, forming a channel for transporting liquid downstream from the fluid inlet (7) through the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8). The channel is in contact with the contact plane. The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) in which at least one positioning element (6) formed on a first member (2) physically interacts with a second member (3), thereby preventing displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).

[0011] The advantage of the presence of a positioning element (6) on the first member (2) that interacts with the second member (3) is that it allows for easier positioning with greater precision. This can improve the nozzle assembly, especially when both members include certain structures in which they interact with each other. Such structures are particularly microfluidic structures. In these embodiments, the two members can be joined with greater precision, enabling certain advantages that are not possible when only one member includes the structure.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to two particularly preferred embodiments that can be combined in further embodiments.

[0013] In a first preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the first and / or second member (3) is made of a rigid non-plastic material such as a crystalline material or glass.

[0014] In a second preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1), wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the connection structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, and at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure including at least one filter element (10). The filter structure may be formed by the structures of both the first and second members (3). The advantage of the foregoing embodiment is that the filter structure enables a higher filter resolution than a filter structure on a single member.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the first and / or second member (3) is made of a rigid non-plastic material such as a crystalline material or glass, and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the connection structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, and at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure including at least one filter element (10).

[0016] Different embodiments will be described in more detail below.

[0017] Generally, the nozzle assembly (1) is a nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid. The nozzle assembly (1) may be used with any suitable nebulizer. Thus, the nozzle assembly (1) can comprise one or more fluid outlets (8) depending on the type of nebulizer. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a plurality of fluid outlets (8).

[0018] Each of the first and second members (3) comprises first and second surfaces (5). The aforementioned first and second surfaces (5) are preferably planar, and the aforementioned contact planes essentially correspond to the first and / or second surfaces (5).

[0019] The fluid outlet (8) may be formed on one of the two members of the nozzle assembly (1), or on both members. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet (8) is formed on only one member. In some embodiments, corresponding structures on both members form the fluid outlet (8). In the case of multiple fluid outlets (8), each outlet may be formed on the same member, or by corresponding structures on both members. In some embodiments, when assembled, the nozzle assembly (1) has multiple fluid outlets (8), and for each outlet, the outlet is formed individually on only one member, or by both members.

[0020] The nozzle assembly (1), in its assembled state, comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9), all of which are fluid-communicated, forming a channel for transporting liquid downstream from the fluid inlet (7) through the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8). The aforementioned fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9) may be present in one of the first and second members (3), or they may be distributed across both members.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a connecting structure (9) are provided on the first member (2). In these embodiments, the second member (3) may or may not include an additional microfluidic structure that can interact with the microfluidic structure on the first member (2).

[0022] In other embodiments, the liquid inlet, liquid outlet, and connecting structure (9) are provided on the second member (3). In these embodiments, the first member (2) may or may not include additional microfluidic structures that can interact with the microfluidic structures on the second member (3).

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9) is provided in the first and second members (3), preferably in the form of a channel.

[0024] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) described above, wherein at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9), provided in the form of a channel formed on at least one of the first surface (4) and the second surface (5), has a depth of about 1 μm to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 μm to about 30 μm.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, none of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), or connecting structure (9) are provided on the second surface.

[0026] In further embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9) are arranged on the first surface (4) of the first member (2) and the second surface (5) of the second member (3). In certain embodiments, the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the first and second surfaces (5) in a mirror image configuration.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, a connecting structure (9) provided on at least one of the first and second surfaces (5) comprises a bottom and a side wall connecting the bottom to the first or second surface (5). In certain embodiments, the aforementioned side wall is inclined such that a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and at least one inner diameter of the microfluidic structure widen correspondingly from the bottom toward the first or second surface (5).

[0028] In a further aspect of the present invention, at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9) is provided on the second member (3), and the other structure is located on the first member (2).

[0029] In certain embodiments of the present invention, at least one of a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet is provided on the first member (2), and a connecting structure (9) is provided on the second member (3). In some embodiments, a portion of the connecting structure (9) is provided on the first and second members (3).

[0030] The nozzle assembly (1) utilizes a positioning element (6) integrally formed on one of the two members of the nozzle assembly (1) that interact with the other member. This enables higher precision in positioning the two members and prevents displacement. This can be improved by using multiple positioning elements (6). The aforementioned multiple positioning elements (6) may be integrally formed on one member or both members.

[0031] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second member (3) also includes at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed on the second member (3), and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the at least one positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) physically interacts with the first member (2), thereby preventing displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).

[0032] In further embodiments of the present invention, the first member (2) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6). In some embodiments, the first and second members (3) comprise a plurality of positioning elements (6).

[0033] At least one positioning element (6) or more positioning elements (6) may have any suitable form for preventing displacement. Those skilled in the art will know suitable positioning elements (6). The positioning elements (6) may be positioned at different locations and may have different shapes.

[0034] Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) are positioned on the first surface (4). In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) and positioned on the first surface (4).

[0035] In a further embodiment, the nozzle assembly (1) includes a positioning element (6) formed on a second member (3), the aforementioned positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is positioned on a second surface (5).

[0036] The positioning element (6) may be in the form of a projection or a recess. The positioning element (6) may have any shape. In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly (1) comprises complementary positioning elements (6) on the first and second members (3).

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) is provided in the form of a projection (elevation) protruding from the first surface (4). The aforementioned projection may be in the form of a column, for example, a circular or rectangular column. The projection may also be of an irregular shape, for example, a star shape.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the nozzle assembly (1) is assembled, the projection protrudes from the first surface (4) and extends beyond the contact plane of the nozzle assembly (1). In some embodiments, the second member (3) is smaller than the first member (2), and the projection can hold the second member (3) in place. In some embodiments, the projection of the first member (2) is a peripheral wall around the boundary of the first member (2), holding the second member (3) inward. The aforementioned wall can completely or partially enclose the second member. Thus, the second member (3) may be the same size as the first member (2) or a different size.

[0039] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly (1) includes complementary positioning elements (6), such as protrusions and recesses, at complementary positions on the first and second members (3).

[0040] Therefore, in some embodiments, the positioning element (6) in the nozzle assembly (1) is a recess or indentation. The aforementioned recess may be in a position complementary to a projection on the other member.

[0041] In particular, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) comprising a positioning element (6) on a first member (2), wherein the positioning element (6) formed on a second member (3) is provided in the form of a recess (recess) formed on a second surface (5).

[0042] In the case of multiple positioning elements (6), the first and / or second member (3) may comprise different types of positioning elements (6). For example, one of the members may include protrusions and recesses.

[0043] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) include positioning elements (6) in the form of protrusions that project from the first surface (4) and positioning elements (6) in the form of recesses (recesses) formed on the first surface (4).

[0044] In some embodiments, different positioning elements (6) are found on the second member (3). Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) defined above, comprising a plurality of positioning elements (6) on the second member (3), wherein the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second member (3) comprises a projection protruding from the second surface (5) and a recess (recess) formed in the second surface (5).

[0045] The aforementioned protrusions and recesses can take any suitable shape. In particular, the aforementioned protrusions and recesses can have the shape of a pin and a corresponding hole.

[0046] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) in the form of a projection (ridge) protruding from the first or second surface (5) is provided in the form of a pin.

[0047] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein at least one positioning element (6) formed in the first or second member (3) in the form of a recess (recess) formed in the second surface (5) is provided in the form of a hole.

[0048] In some embodiments, the positioning element (6) has a specific cross-sectional shape, such as star-shaped or rectangular. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the positioning element (6) on one member corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of a complementary positioning element (6) on the other member. The aforementioned corresponding positioning elements are located at the same position on the contact plane.

[0049] In some embodiments, the positioning element (6) is provided in the form of a projection, and the projection is provided in the form of a linear or closed-loop projection. In some embodiments, the projection is a linear projection, and the linear projection is in the form of a linear or curved line or pattern of multiple linear projections.

[0050] In some embodiments, the aforementioned projection is in the form of a closed-loop projection, and the closed-loop projection is provided in the form of a circular, elliptical, polygonal, star-shaped, or irregularly shaped closed-loop projection.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first or second member (3) is in the form of a projection or ridge protruding from the first or second surface (5) and is provided in the form of a pin, or at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first or second member (3) is in the form of a recess or indentation formed on the second surface (5) and is provided in the form of a hole. In a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned positioning elements are located at the same position on the contact plane.

[0052] Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the above-defined nozzle assembly (1), wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least one positioning element (6) provided on the first surface (4) corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of at least one positioning element (6) provided on the second surface (5).

[0053] The positioning elements (6) may be in the form of protrusions and recesses as defined above, having different cross-sectional shapes. The positioning elements may have appropriate height or depth. Preferably, if at least one positioning element (6) is provided in the form of a protrusion, it is preferable that it has a height of about 1 to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 to 30 μm, measured from the corresponding first or second surface (5). Similarly, if at least one positioning element (6) is provided in the form of a recess, it is preferable that it has a depth of about 1 to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 to 30 μm, measured from the corresponding first or second surface (5).

[0054] The positioning element (6) prevents displacement of the two members relative to each other. The displacement to be prevented may be horizontal or vertical. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent horizontal displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) in the contact plane.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent vertical displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) with respect to the contact plane. In some embodiments, at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent horizontal and vertical displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) with respect to the contact plane.

[0056] The positioning element (6) of the first member (2) is physically interacting with the second member (3). Preferably, the aforementioned physical interaction is a connection between the two members in the manner described above. The aforementioned connection may be reversible or irreversible.

[0057] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) in which, when assembled, at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to create a rigid (preferably irreversible) connection between a first member (2) and a second member (3).

[0058] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) in which, when assembled, at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to create a reversible connection between a first member (2) and a second member (3).

[0059] The positioning element (6) can be placed anywhere on each member. In particular, the positioning element (6) may or may not be in contact with the liquid sprayed by the nozzle assembly (1).

[0060] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), at least one positioning element (6) is not in contact with the liquid to be sprayed.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), at least one positioning element (6) is in contact with the liquid to be sprayed.

[0062] As described above in the case of multiple positioning elements (6), the nozzle assembly (1) can include positioning elements (6) on both members that are complementary and in complementary positions. Therefore, in some embodiments, a positioning element (6) or multiple positioning elements (6) formed on the first surface (4) has the same position as the corresponding positioning element (6) or multiple positioning elements (6) formed on the second surface (5) with respect to the contact plane.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, a positioning element (6) on one member engages with a positioning element (6) on the other member. Thus, in one embodiment, a positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first surface (4) engages with a positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second surface (5) when the nozzle assembly (1) is assembled.

[0064] The nozzle assembly (1) may require only one single positioning element (6) on each element to prevent displacement of the two members relative to each other. The number of positioning elements (6) in the nozzle assembly (1) may depend on the type and form of the positioning elements (6). In some embodiments, for example, if the positioning elements (6) are tightly interlocking positioning elements (6), one positioning element (6) on each member is sufficient. In other embodiments, two positioning elements (6) may be required on each member. In certain embodiments, a single positioning element (6) is required.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connection structure (9) includes at least one microfluidic element. Such a microfluidic element may include a microfluidic channel or a microfluidic filter element (10). In these embodiments, it is preferable that at least one microfluidic element is present on each member. The aforementioned microfluidic elements include a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a microfluidic structure realized inside the connection structure (9), as well as a filter structure.

[0066] In the context of the present invention, the term “connection structure” refers to any structure and microfluidic elements within the fluid connection between the fluid inlet (7) and the fluid outlet (8). In the simplest form of the nozzle assembly (1), the connection structure (9) is a channel from the fluid inlet (7) to the fluid outlet (8) or a plurality of outlets. However, the connection structure (9) may include additional microfluidic structures.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the connecting structure (9) includes at least one microfluidic element provided on the second surface (5) of the second member (3). The aforementioned microfluidic elements can be introduced into each member by any suitable technique, which includes, but is not limited to, etching, scratching, embossing, and / or cutting.

[0068] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the above-defined nozzle assembly (1), comprising at least one microfluidic element, wherein at least one microfluidic element, and optionally at least one of a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet (8), is provided by etching, embossing, scratching, and / or cutting elements corresponding to the first and / or second surfaces (5) of the first and / or second member (3).

[0069] According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention is particularly suitable when at least a portion of the nozzle assembly (1) is made from a non-plastic material. Suitable non-plastic materials for the present invention include crystalline materials, metals, glass, and / or inorganic polymer materials. Preferred materials are crystalline materials and glass.

[0070] The nozzle assembly (1) may be made from different materials. In some embodiments, one of the two members may be made from a non-plastic material, and in preferred embodiments, both the first and second members (3) are made from non-plastic materials. Even when the first and / or second members (3) are made from plastic, it is preferable that the first and / or second members (3) are not obtained by injection molding.

[0071] The first and second members (3) may be made from different materials or the same material. Preferably, at least one member is made from a non-plastic material. In some embodiments, the first and second members (3) are made from the same material.

[0072] Those skilled in the art know of suitable non-plastic materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass, metals such as iron, steel, aluminum, germanium, copper, silver, gold, or crystalline materials such as silicon or gallium arsenide.

[0073] In the case of crystalline materials, the material may be a single-crystal material, preferably a single-crystal material that crystallizes in a diamond structure or perovskite structure, such as single-crystal silicon, single-crystal germanium, or single-crystal gallium arsenide. In a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second member (3) is made from single-crystal silicon. The first and / or second member (3) can be obtained from a single-crystal wafer.

[0074] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) defined above, wherein at least one of the first and second members (3) comprises a crystalline material, and in some embodiments, a single-crystal material. In some embodiments, each of the first and second members (3) comprises a crystalline material, preferably a single-crystal material. The crystalline materials of the first and second members (3) may be the same material or different materials.

[0075] In certain embodiments of the present invention, one of the first and second members (3) comprises a crystalline material, preferably a single-crystal material, and the other of the first and second members (3) comprises glass.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the above-defined nozzle assembly (1), wherein at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure including at least one filter element. The aforementioned filter structure may be any suitable filter structure. Suitable structures are known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, pillar structures that can act as filter structures.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) comprising at least one microfluidic element, wherein the microfluidic element comprises a filter structure, the filter structure comprising a first filter element (10) provided on a first surface (4) (of a first member (2)) and a second filter element (10) provided on a second surface (5) (of a second member (3)). It is particularly preferred that the filter elements (10) on the first and second members (3) are interconnected. Such a filter structure can provide improved filter resolution compared to a filter structure on a single member.

[0078] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10) extend beyond the contact plane, thereby forming a number of filter channels located between the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10). The advantage is that the filter resolution of the aforementioned filter is higher than that mechanically possible with a filter on only one member, due to limitations in the generation of filter elements (10) on the first member and / or the second member (3).

[0079] In these embodiments, it is preferable that the sidewall of the first filter element (10) does not contact the sidewall of the second filter element (10). Such an arrangement allows for the formation of a filter channel having a diameter smaller than the filter, where all elements are on a single member. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle assembly (1) is the nozzle assembly defined above, comprising filter elements (10) on first and second members (3), where the cross-sectional diameter of the filter channel is smaller than the distance between adjacent first or second filter elements (10).

[0080] The filter element (10) on one member may or may not be in contact with the other member. It is preferable that the filter elements (10) on both members pass through the contact plane. It is even more preferable that the filter element (10) of the first member (2) is not in contact with the second member (3), in particular that the filter element (10) is not in contact with the surface of the first member (2), and vice versa. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the nozzle assembly (1) defined above, wherein the first filter element (10) is not in contact with the second surface (5), and the second filter element (10) is not in contact with the first surface (4).

[0081] In a further aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to the use of the nozzle assembly (1) defined above in a spraying device.

[0082] In related embodiments, the present invention relates to a spraying device comprising the nozzle assembly (1) defined above.

[0083] The aforementioned spraying device can be any type of spraying device. The nozzle assembly (1) is suitable for various spraying devices. However, the spraying device is preferably a medical spraying device.

[0084] In certain preferred embodiments, the spraying device described above is a medical inhalation device for administering a fluid drug by inhalation into the target lung, and the medical inhalation device comprises a nozzle assembly (1) as defined by any of the embodiments described above.

[0085] The present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0086] Figures 1A and 1B show a simple nozzle assembly (1) according to the prior art. The nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2) shown in Figure 1A having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) shown in Figure 1B having a second surface (5). In this embodiment of the prior art, the nozzle assembly does not include a positioning element (6). The fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connection structure (9) are all realized on the first member (2), and the second member (3) essentially corresponds to a plate or cover placed on the first member (2).

[0087] In this embodiment, it is necessary to use a third structure, such as a nozzle holder, to prevent displacement of the second member (3) relative to the first member (2). However, this may not prevent small displacements that could affect the effectiveness of the nozzle assembly, depending on the design of the nozzle assembly.

[0088] Figures 2A to 2D show two simple embodiments of the present invention based on the simple nozzle assembly (1) shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Figures 2A and 2C show a first member (2) of the nozzle assembly comprising a first surface (4), a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9). The aforementioned first member (2) also comprises one (Figure 2A) or four (Figure 2C) positioning elements (6) on the first surface (4).

[0089] Figures 2B and 2D show corresponding second members (3) having a second surface (5) and one (Figure 2B) or four (Figure 2D) positioning elements (6) corresponding to the positioning elements (6) on each of the first members (2).

[0090] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the circular positioning element (6) allows the rotation of the second member (3), so the shape of the positioning element (6) is important, and therefore the effectiveness of preventing displacement is reduced. As soon as multiple corresponding positioning elements (6) are present on each member, rotational displacement can be prevented.

[0091] Figure 3A shows a different embodiment of the nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the positioning element (6) on the first member (2) is a higher wall that completely accommodates the second member (3).

[0092] Figures 3B and 3C show cross-sections of the aforementioned embodiments in two different variants. In Figure 3B, the second member (3) is positioned inside the “wall” of the positioning element (or more) (6) of the first member (2). In this embodiment, vertical displacement of the second member (3) relative to the first member (2) is potentially possible, while horizontal displacement is prevented. Figure 3C shows an embodiment that includes additional protection to prevent horizontal and vertical displacement. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 3B, the connection between the first member (2) and the second member (3) is preferably irreversible.

[0093] Figure 4A shows different possible embodiments for positioning elements (6) on the first member (2) and the second member (3). These positioning elements (6) together enable reversible connection of the first and second members (3). These types of positioning elements (6) can be implemented on any material for the first or second member (3).

[0094] Figure 4B shows an example of a positioning element (6) for irreversible connection. In this case, one of the positioning elements (6) is deformable to prevent separation of the two members after the connection is complete. In this case, at least one of the first member or the transmitting member must be made of a more flexible material, such as plastic, at least partially.

[0095] Figure 5A shows a nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention, in which the connecting structure (9) is present on both the first and second members (2, 3). In this particular embodiment, the fluid inlet (7) is located on the first member (2), and the fluid outlet (8) is located on the second member (3). The connecting structure (9) is present on both members, allowing the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet when assembled.

[0096] Figure 5B shows different embodiments for realizing two fluid outlets (8). The aforementioned outlets can be realized by one member alone, by both members, or on each member.

[0097] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate further embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6A shows a nozzle assembly (1) comprising a first member (2) and a second member (3), each having a filter element (10). The aforementioned combination of filter elements enables higher filtering resolution, as illustrated in Figure 6B, which shows a cross-section of the assembled nozzle assembly (1). In this embodiment, the filter elements (10) on the first member (2) and the second member (3) interact to produce improved filtering resolution.

[0098] The present invention further relates to the following numbered items. 1. A nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid, preferably a medically active liquid, wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2) having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) having a second surface. The first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed with the first member (2), In the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), The first surface (4) contacts the second surface, thereby defining a contact plane. The nozzle assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9), all of which are fluid-communicated, forming a channel for transporting liquid downstream from the fluid inlet (7) through the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8). The channel is in contact with the contact plane. A nozzle assembly (1) in which at least one positioning element (6) formed on a first member (2) physically interacts with a second member (3) to prevent displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3). 2. The nozzle assembly (1) described in item 1, wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a plurality of fluid outlets (8). 3. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second member (3) (similarly) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed with the second member (3), and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the at least one positioning element (6) formed with the second member (3) physically interacts with the first member (2) to prevent displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3). 4. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 3, wherein the positioning elements (6) on the first and second members (3) are corresponding male and female positioning elements (6). 5. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first member (2) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6). 6. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the second member (3) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6). 7. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein a positioning element (6) formed on a first member (2) is positioned on a first surface (4). 8. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 3 to 7, wherein a positioning element (6) formed on a second member (3) is positioned on the second surface. 9. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein a positioning element (6) formed on a first member (2) is provided in the form of a projection (elevation) protruding from a first surface (4). 10. The nozzle assembly (1) as described in item 9, wherein in the assembled state, the projection protrudes from the first surface (4) and extends beyond the contact plane of the nozzle assembly (1). 11. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 2 to 10, wherein a positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is provided in the form of a recess (recess) formed on the second surface. 12. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 4 to 10, wherein a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on a first member (2) include positioning elements (6) in the form of protrusions projecting from a first surface (4) and positioning elements (6) in the form of recesses (recesses) formed on the first surface (4). 13. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 6 to 12, wherein a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second member (3) include one projection protruding from the second surface and a recess (recess) formed on the second surface. 14. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 2 to 12, wherein a positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first surface (4) has the same position as a corresponding positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second surface with respect to the contact plane. 15. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 14, wherein a positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first surface (4) engages with a positioning element (6) or a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second surface when the nozzle assembly (1) is assembled. 16. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the first and second members (3) comprises a microcrystalline material. 17. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein each of the first and second members (3) comprises a single-crystal material. 18. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein one of the first and second members comprises a single-crystal material and the other of the first and second members comprises glass. 19. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the single-crystal material is selected from silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide, and preferably the single-crystal material is silicon. 20. A nozzle assembly (1) as described in item 19, wherein the single-crystal material includes a silicon wafer. 21. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 9 to 20, wherein at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) in the form of a projection (ridge) protruding from a first or second surface is provided in the form of a pin. 22. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 9 to 21, wherein at least one positioning element (6) formed in the first or second member (3) in the form of a recess (recess) formed on the second surface is provided in the form of a hole. 23. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 9 to 22, wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least one positioning element (6) provided on the first surface (4) corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of at least one positioning element provided on the second surface. 24. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 23, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is provided in the form of a projection, having a height of about 1 to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 to 30 μm, measured from the corresponding first or second surface. 25. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 24, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is provided in the form of a recess, having a depth of about 1 to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 to 30 μm, measured from the corresponding first or second surface. 26. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 2 to 25, wherein at least one projection is provided in the form of a linear or closed-loop projection. 27. The nozzle assembly (1) described in item 26, wherein the linear projections are in the form of a straight or curved line or pattern of multiple linear projections. 28. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 26, wherein the closed-loop projection is provided in the form of a circular, elliptical, polygonal, star-shaped or irregularly shaped closed-loop projection. 29. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 28, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent horizontal displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) in the contact plane. 30. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 29, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent vertical displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) with respect to the contact plane. 31. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 30, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to create a rigid (preferably irreversible) connection between a first member (2) and a second member (3). 32. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 30, wherein at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to create a reversible connection between a first member (2) and a second member (3). 33. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 32, wherein in the assembled state, at least one positioning element (6) is not in contact with the liquid to be sprayed. 34. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 32, wherein in the assembled state, at least one positioning element (6) is in contact with the liquid to be sprayed. 35. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 34, wherein a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a connecting structure (9) are provided on a first member (2). 36. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 35, wherein at least one of a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9), provided in the form of a channel formed on at least one of the first surface (4) and the second surface, has a depth of about 1 μm to about 100 μm, preferably about 3 μm to about 30 μm. 37. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 36, wherein none of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9) are provided on the second surface. 38. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 36, wherein at least one of a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet is provided on a first member (2) and a connecting structure (9) is provided on a second member (3). 39. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 38, wherein the connecting structure (9) includes at least one microfluidic element provided on the second surface of the second member (3). 40. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 39, wherein at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure including at least one filter element. 41. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one microfluidic element, and optionally at least one of a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet (8), are provided by etching, embossing, scratching, or cutting elements corresponding to the first and / or second surfaces (of the first and / or second member (3)). 42. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 41, wherein a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9) are arranged on the first surface (4) of the first member (2) and the second surface of the second member (3). 43. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 42, wherein the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8), and connecting structure (9) are provided on the first and second surfaces in the form of a mirror image structure. 44. A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 43, wherein a connecting structure (9) provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprises a bottom and a side wall connecting the bottom to the first surface or the second surface. 45. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 44, wherein the side wall is inclined such that the inner diameter of the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), and at least one of the microfluidic structures widens correspondingly from the bottom toward a first or second surface. 46. ​​A nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 40 to 45, wherein the filter structure comprises a first filter element (10) provided on a first surface (4) (of a first member (2)) and a second filter element (10) provided on a second surface (of a second member (3)), and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10) extend beyond the contact plane, thereby forming a number of filter channels located between the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10). 47. The nozzle assembly (1) as described in item 46, wherein the side wall of the first filter element (10) is not in contact with the side wall of the second filter element (10). 48. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 46 or 47, wherein the first filter element (10) is not in contact with the second surface, and the second filter element (10) is not in contact with the first surface (4). 49. A medical inhalation device for administering a fluid drug by inhalation into the lungs of a target, wherein the medical inhalation device comprises a nozzle assembly (1) as described in any one of items 1 to 48. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Nozzle Assembly 2. First member 3. Second member 4. First surface 5. Second surface 6 Positioning elements 7 Fluid inlet 8 Fluid outlet 9. Connection Structure 10 filter elements

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly (1) for spraying a liquid, preferably a medically active liquid, wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2) having a first surface (4) and a second member (3) having a second surface, The first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed with the first member (2), In the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), The first surface (4) contacts the second surface, thereby defining a contact plane. The nozzle assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8), and a connecting structure (9), and the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), and the connecting structure (9) are all fluid-communicated, forming a channel for transporting liquid downstream from the fluid inlet (7) through the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8). The channel is in contact with the contact plane, A nozzle assembly (1) in which at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) physically interacts with the second member (3), thereby preventing displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).

2. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second member (3) (similarly) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed thereon, and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the at least one positioning element (6) formed thereon interacts physically with the first member (2) to prevent displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).

3. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second members (2, 3) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6).

4. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) is provided in the form of a projection (raised portion) that protrudes from the first surface (4).

5. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is provided in the form of a recess (recess) formed on the second surface.

6. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) include positioning elements (6) in the form of protrusions projecting from the first surface (4) and positioning elements (6) in the form of recesses (recesses) formed on the first surface (4).

7. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first and second members (3) comprises a single-crystalline material.

8. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connection structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element.

9. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one microfluidic element includes a filter structure comprising at least one filter element.

10. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8), the connecting structure (9), or the microfluidic element is provided on the first surface and the second surface in the form of a mirror image structure.

11. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting structure (9) provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprises a bottom and a side wall connecting the bottom to the first surface or the second surface.

12. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least one microfluidic element is a filter structure, the filter structure comprising a first filter element (10) provided on the first surface (4) of the first member (2) and a second filter element (10) provided on the second surface of the second member (3), and in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10) extend beyond the contact plane, thereby forming a number of filter channels located between the first filter element (10) and the second filter element (10).

13. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the side wall of the first filter element (10) is not in contact with the side wall of the second filter element (10).

14. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first filter element (10) is not in contact with the second surface, and the second filter element (10) is not in contact with the first surface (4).

15. A medical inhalation device for administering a fluid drug by inhalation into the lungs of a target, wherein the medical inhalation device comprises a nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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