Nasal breathing measurement device

Abstract

To provide a nasal respiration measurement apparatus wearable on a patient with no hindrance to daily life.SOLUTION: A nasal respiration measurement apparatus 1 includes a measurement part 2 for measuring information on nasal respiration of a patient, and an installation part 5 supporting the measurement part 2 and installed on a nose of the patient. The installation part 5 is provided with a measurement passage 12 that is in fluid communication with a nostril of the patient 100 and has the measurement part 2 to be disposed therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal respiration measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flow measurement device described in the following Patent Document 1. This flow measurement device has a flow conduit and an upstream detection tube, the upstream detection tube being disposed within the flow conduit and having a notch disposed facing the flow, and a downstream detection tube, the downstream detection tube being disposed within the flow conduit and having a notch disposed facing away from the flow, and further has a transducer operatively connected to the upstream and downstream detection tubes for receiving signals from both detection tubes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 8-507379 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned nasal respiration measuring device, as typified by a nasal cannula, inserts a tube into the nasal cavity and measures information about nasal respiration through the tube with a converter (a flow sensor or a differential pressure sensor) (see Fig. 1 of Patent Document 1). However, a patient wearing this nasal respiration measuring device has tubes and sensors strung all over his or her head or even his or her head and torso, and it is not difficult to imagine that this causes some kind of disruption to their daily lives compared to normal.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a nasal respiration measuring device that can be worn by a patient without interfering with daily life. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A nasal breathing measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a measuring unit that measures information regarding a patient's nasal breathing, and an attachment unit that supports the measuring unit and is attached to the patient's nose, and the attachment unit has a measurement flow path formed therein for positioning the measuring unit in fluid communication with the patient's nostrils.

[0007] In the nasal respiration measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the nasal septum, the nasal tip, and the nasal ala of the patient's nose is clamped by the attachment portion.

[0008] In the nasal respiration measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the attachment part includes a pair of protrusions that pinch the nasal septum of the patient's nose.

[0009] In the nasal respiration measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the non-contact portion of the protrusion that does not contact the nasal septum is formed in a streamlined shape.

[0010] In the nasal respiration measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention, an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the attachment part.

[0011] In one embodiment of the nasal respiration measurement device of the present invention, the attachment portion has a connection portion that connects between the pair of protrusions, and an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the connection portion.

[0012] In the nasal respiration measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention, an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the protrusion.

[0013] In one embodiment of the nasal breathing measurement device of the present invention, the attachment portion is provided with a through-flow path forming portion that forms a test volume facing the patient's nostrils, and an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on the inner wall surface of the through-flow path forming portion in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the test volume.

[0014] In one embodiment of the nasal respiration measuring device of the present invention, a tapered portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the through-flow path forming portion at least on one end portion of the through-flow path forming portion facing the nostril and the other end portion opposite the one end portion, the tapered portion having a diameter expanding toward the outside.

[0015] In a nasal respiration measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one end of the through-flow passage forming portion facing the nostril is formed into a tubular shape that can be inserted into the patient's nostril. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a nasal respiration measuring device that can be worn by a patient without interfering with daily life. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which a nasal respiration measuring device according to a first embodiment is attached to a patient's nose. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the nasal respiration measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mounting portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the mounting portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mounting portion according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the mounting portion according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a nasal respiration measuring device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a mounting portion according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the mounting portion according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state in which a nasal respiration measuring device according to a fifth embodiment is attached to a patient's nose. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state in which a nasal respiration measuring device according to a sixth embodiment is attached to a patient's nose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a front view showing a nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment attached to a nose 110 of a patient 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5.

[0020] 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a patient, reference numeral 110 denotes the patient's nose, and reference numeral 120 denotes the patient's mouth. The nose 110 comprises left and right nostrils 111, a nasal septum 112 separating the left and right nostrils 111, a nasal tip 113 which is the tip of the nose 110, and nostrils 114 which bulge out to the left and right of the nose 110. The mouth 120 comprises an upper lip 121 and a lower lip 122.

[0021] The measurement unit 2 measures information related to the nasal breathing of the patient 100. The measurement unit 2 in this embodiment is a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor measures pressure changes caused by the flow of air around the device associated with the nasal breathing of the patient 100. This pressure sensor is preferably an absolute pressure sensor. The measurement unit 2 may be a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor measures temperature changes of the device caused by the flow of air around the device associated with the nasal breathing of the patient 100. The measurement unit 2 may also be other sensors, such as a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a pulse wave sensor, or a flow sensor. The measurement unit 2 may also use multiple types of sensors in combination.

[0022] The power supply unit 3 supplies power to the measurement unit 2 and the communication unit 4. The power supply unit 3 in this embodiment is an air battery. An air battery is a battery that uses oxygen in the air as the positive electrode active material and a metal as the negative electrode active material. Since the active material on the positive electrode side is oxygen, there is no need to fill the battery container with a positive electrode active material, and the battery is small and suitable for long-term use. The power supply unit 3 may be a normal primary battery in which a positive electrode active material is filled in a battery container, or a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0023] The communication unit 4 is a wireless communication module that wirelessly communicates with an external device (not shown). The external device is, for example, a data processing device that receives the measurement results of the measurement unit 2 and calculates the state of nasal breathing (such as flow rate) of the patient 100. The nasal respiration measuring device 1 may include a storage unit that stores the measurement results of the measurement unit 2 instead of or together with the communication unit 4. The storage unit is, for example, a non-volatile memory, and the measurement results stored in the memory may be retrieved when the device is removed from the patient 100.

[0024] The measurement unit 2, the power supply unit 3, and the communication unit 4 are mounted on a substrate 6. The attachment unit 5 supports the measurement unit 2, the power supply unit 3, and the communication unit 4 via the substrate 6, and is attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100. The attachment unit 5 holds a part of the nose 110 of the patient 100. The attachment unit 5 of this embodiment is inserted into the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100, and holds the nasal septum 112 inside the nostrils 111. The attachment unit 5 may hold the nasal tip 113 of the patient 100, or may be configured to hold the nasal ala 114 of the patient 100.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 is sized so that the portion of the device exposed outside the nose 110 when the attachment unit 5 is attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100 fits between the nose 110 and the upper lip 121 of the patient 100. That is, the exposed portion is sized to be equal to or smaller than the length of the philtrum of the patient 100 (e.g., 20 mm). Preferably, the exposed portion is about 10 mm, and the overall height of the device (dimension in the vertical direction) is about 20 mm. This prevents the nasal respiration measuring device 1 attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100 from blocking the mouth 120 of the patient 100 or interfering with eating or speaking.

[0026] In the following explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the configuration and positional relationships of each component are explained with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the left-right direction. The Y-axis direction is the front-back direction. The Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. The + side in the X-axis direction is the left side of the human body, and the - side is the right side. The + side in the Y-axis direction is the back side of the human body, and the - side is the front side. The + side in the Z-axis direction is the upper side of the human body, and the - side is the lower side.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mounting unit 5 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the mounting unit 5 according to the first embodiment. 2, the mounting portion 5 includes a pair of protrusions 10 and a connection portion 11 that connects between the pair of protrusions 10. The mounting portion 5 is formed in a substantially U-shape.

[0028] The mounting part 5 is made of a material having a certain degree of rigidity, such as an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. All or a part of the mounting part 5 (for example, a part that holds the nasal septum 112) may be made of a material having biocompatibility and elasticity, such as a fluororesin (PTFE), a PEEK resin, or a silicone rubber.

[0029] The connection portion 11 extends in the X-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 3, an upper surface 11a and a lower surface 11c of the connection portion 11 are formed parallel to the XY plane. The left and right side surfaces 11b of the connection portion 11 are inclined so that the dimension of the connection portion 11 in the X-axis direction becomes smaller toward the lower side (-Z side).

[0030] The pair of protrusions 10 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction and extend upward (to the +Z side) from the connection portion 11. The pair of protrusions 10 have a tapered shape in which the dimensions in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 3) and the dimensions in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) become smaller toward the upper side.

[0031] 3, opposing surfaces 10a of the pair of protrusions 10 facing each other in the X-axis direction come into contact with the nasal septum 112 of the patient 100. Meanwhile, the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11 comes into contact with the tip surface of the nasal septum 112 outside the nostril 111 of the patient 100. In other words, when the attachment part 5 is attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100, the pair of protrusions 10 are disposed inside the nostril 111, and the connection part 11 is disposed outside the nostril 111.

[0032] The facing surface 10a of the protrusion 10 includes a first surface 10a1 and a second surface 10a2. The first surface 10a1 is a plane parallel to the YZ plane, and is formed at the tip of the facing surface 10a of the protrusion 10. The first surface 10a1 comes into contact with the nasal septum 112. Note that the tip of the facing surface 10a of the protrusion 10 comes into contact with the skin and mucous membrane that form the nasal septum 112, so it may be a rounded curved surface.

[0033] The second surface 10a2 is inclined outward in the X-axis direction at an angle θ1 with respect to the first surface 10a1. The second surface 10a2 extends from the lower end of the first surface 10a1 to the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11. The second surface 10a2 may be in contact with the nasal septum 112, or may be configured to be separated from the nasal septum 112 and increase the contact pressure of the first surface 10a1 against the nasal septum 112.

[0034] At least a part of the non-contact portion of the protrusion 10 that does not contact the nasal septum 112 is formed in a streamlined shape. In other words, all of the surfaces 10a of the protrusion 10 may be streamlined except for the first surface 10a1 and the second surface 10a2. As shown in Fig. 3, the side surfaces 10b of the pair of protrusions 10 facing each other in the X-axis direction include a first surface 10b1 and a second surface 10b2.

[0035] The first surface 10b1 is formed from the tip to the approximately middle part of the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10. The first surface 10b1 has a shape in which the angle θ2 with respect to the YZ plane gradually increases toward the lower side (-Z side). This allows the airflow in the nostril 111 of the patient 100 to flow smoothly from the side surface of the nasal septum 112 to the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10, and separation, stagnation, vortexes, etc. of the airflow are less likely to occur at the tip of the protrusion 10.

[0036] The second surface 10b2 is connected to the lower end of the first surface 10b1 and is formed from the approximate middle of the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 to the base of the protrusion 10 (the portion intersecting with the connection portion 11). The first surface 10b1 has a shape in which the angle θ3 with respect to the YZ plane gradually decreases toward the lower side (-Z side). This prevents the pair of protrusions 10 from spreading out to the left and right, and prevents the nostrils 111 into which the pair of protrusions 10 are inserted from narrowing.

[0037] The attachment part 5 is formed with a measurement flow path 12 that is fluidly connected to the nostril 111 of the patient 100. Note that "fluidly connected to the nostril" means that the measurement flow path 12 is not limited to being inside the nostril 111, but is connected to a position that is affected by the flow of fluid caused by nasal breathing, even if the measurement flow path 12 is disposed outside the nostril 111 as in this embodiment.

[0038] The measurement flow path 12 includes a measurement chamber 13 in which the measurement unit 2 is disposed, and a connection flow path 14 extending from the measurement chamber 13 to a side surface of the mounting unit 5. The measurement chamber 13 is formed on the lower surface 11c of the mounting unit 5. The connection flow path 14 includes a first flow path 14a extending in the Z-axis direction and connected to the measurement chamber 13, and a second flow path 14b extending in the X-axis direction, intersecting the first flow path 14a at a right angle and connected to the side surface of the mounting unit 5 (side surface 11b of the connection unit 11). Note that the second flow path 14b does not necessarily have to intersect the first flow path 14a at a right angle.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the measurement chamber 13 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the bottom. The shape of the measurement chamber 13 is not limited to a circular shape when viewed from the bottom, and may be a rectangle, a polygon, or the like. The connection flow path 14 (first flow path 14a) is connected at an eccentric position relative to the measurement chamber 13. For example, in FIG. 3, the sensitivity of the measurement unit 2 can be increased by making the axis of the first flow path 14a of the connection flow path 14 coincide with the axis of the sensing part of the measurement unit 2. On the other hand, the durability and stability of the measurement unit 2 can be increased by not making the axes of the two coincide with each other. This may be set arbitrarily by the device designer.

[0040] The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the side surface 11b of the connection part 11. The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluid caused by the patient 100 breathing through the nose. This makes it difficult for the fluid caused by the patient 100 breathing through the nose to flow into the second flow path 14b through the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12, making it possible for the measurement unit 2 (pressure sensor) to measure the static pressure. As is well known, static pressure is easily converted into a flow rate. Note that when the fluid caused by the patient 100 breathing through the nose flows into the measurement flow path 12, the measurement unit 2 may be configured to measure the total pressure.

[0041] Opening 15 of measurement flow path 12 is disposed on the rear side (+Y side) of mounting part 5 on side surface 11b of connection part 11. As shown in Fig. 5, although depending on individual differences, nostrils 111 often widen toward the rear side. Therefore, by disposing opening 15 of measurement flow path 12 on the rear side (+Y side), it becomes easier to measure the static pressure and total pressure of the fluid flowing approximately through the center of nostril 111, and the measurement accuracy of nasal breathing can be improved.

[0042] In the mounting part 5, as the above-mentioned measurement flow path 12, a first measurement flow path 12A fluidly connected to the left nostril 111 of the patient 100 and a second measurement flow path 12B independent of the first measurement flow path 12A and fluidly connected to the right nostril 111 of the patient 100 are formed. As shown in Fig. 3, the measurement part 2 includes a first measurement part 2A arranged in the first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement part 2B arranged in the second measurement flow path 12B. The openings 15 of the first measurement flow path 12A and the second measurement flow path 12B are formed back to back on the left and right side surfaces 11b of the mounting part 5.

[0043] The lower surface 11c of the mounting part 5 is joined to the substrate 6 via an adhesive 20. The substrate 6 seals the bottom surface of the measurement chamber 13. A sealant 21 is disposed around the measurement chamber 13. The sealant 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and is compressed when the mounting part 5 and the substrate 6 are joined together to ensure airtightness of the measurement chamber 13.

[0044] According to the nasal respiration measuring device 1 configured as above, when the patient 100 breathes through his / her nose, the fluid flows along the side surface 11b of the attachment part 5. An opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in the side surface 11b of the attachment part 5, and the measurement part 2 can measure the pressure change (e.g., the change in static pressure) around the device accompanying nasal breathing at a position away from the main flow of nasal breathing.

[0045] The attachment part 5 is formed with a first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement flow path 12B that are independent of each other and fluidly communicate with the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100, and the first measurement part 2A and the second measurement part 2B can obtain left and right nasal breathing information independently. Such a small nasal breathing measuring device 1 causes little discomfort to the patient 100 wearing it, and can be used for long periods of time on a daily basis without feeling uncomfortable.

[0046] As described above, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 of the present embodiment includes the measuring unit 2 that measures information about the nasal respiration of the patient 100, and the mounting unit 5 that supports the measuring unit 2 and is mounted on the nose of the patient 100. The mounting unit 5 is formed with a measurement flow path 12 in which the measuring unit 2 is disposed in fluid communication with the nostrils 111 of the patient 100. As shown in FIG. 3, by forming the measurement flow path 12 in the mounting unit 5 itself, a tube is not required, and the device can be made smaller. Therefore, information about the nasal respiration of the patient 100 can be measured without stretching tubes and sensors all over the head or the head and torso of the patient 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, the attachment part 5 includes a pair of protrusions 10 that pinch the nasal septum 112 of the nose 110 of the patient 100. This configuration allows the nasal respiration measuring device 1 to be stably attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100 without interfering with the nasal breathing of the patient 100. In addition, since the pair of protrusions 10 allows the device to be attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100, the device configuration becomes compact.

[0048] In this embodiment, at least a part of the non-contact portion of the protrusion 10 that does not contact the nasal septum 112 is formed in a streamlined shape. With this configuration, the airflow in the nostril 111 of the patient 100 flows smoothly from the side surface of the nasal septum 112 to the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10, and separation, stagnation, vortexes, etc. of the airflow are less likely to occur at the protrusion 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the side surface of the attachment part 5. With this configuration, when the attachment part 5 is clamping the nasal septum 112, the measurement flow path 12 formed on the side surface of the attachment part 5 is easily fluidically connected to the nostril 111 of the patient 100.

[0050] In this embodiment, the attachment unit 5 includes a connection unit 11 that connects between the pair of protrusions 10, and the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on a side surface 11b of the connection unit 11. The connection unit 11 is disposed outside the nostril 111, and the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is also disposed outside the nostril 111, so that the measurement unit 2 can perform measurements while ignoring the influence of individual differences in the shape of the nose 110 or the inside of the nostril 111. Since the side surface 11b of the connection unit 11 in this embodiment is an inclined surface, air is less likely to enter the measurement flow path 12, particularly when air is exhaled from the nostril 111, and the measurement unit 2 can accurately measure the static pressure at that time.

[0051] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the mounting unit 5 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the mounting unit 5 according to the second embodiment. 7, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5. In the second embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 10 and the position of the opening 15 of the measurement flow channel 12 are significantly different from those in the above embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, the mounting part 5 includes a pair of protrusions 10 and a connection part 11 that connects between the pair of protrusions 10. The mounting part 5 is formed in a substantially U-shape. The connection part 11 extends in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions 10 are arranged at a distance from each other in the X-axis direction and extend upward (+Z side) from the connection part 11. The pair of protrusions 10 have a tapered shape in which the dimension in the X-axis direction (see Fig. 7) and the dimension in the Y-axis direction (see Figs. 6 and 8) become smaller toward the upper side.

[0054] 7, the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 of the second embodiment includes a first surface 10b1, a second surface 10b2, and a third plane 10b3. The opposing surface 10a of the protrusion 10 includes a first surface 10a1 and a second surface 10a2, similar to the first embodiment.

[0055] A first surface 10b1 of the side surface 10b is inclined outward in the X-axis direction from the tip of the protrusion 10 downward (-Z side). The first surface 10b1 is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to a first surface 10a1 (YZ plane) of the opposing surface 10a.

[0056] The second surface 10b2 of the side surface 10b is inclined downward (to the -Z side) from the lower end of the first surface 10b1 toward the outside in the X-axis direction. The second surface 10b2 is inclined at an angle θ3 smaller than the angle θ2 with respect to the YZ plane. The second surface 10b2 is formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluid caused by nasal breathing in the nostril 111 of the patient 100.

[0057] The third plane 10b3 of the side surface 10b is inclined downward (to the -Z side) from the lower end of the first surface 10b1 toward the outside in the X-axis direction. The third plane 10b3 is inclined at an angle θ4 smaller than the angle θ3 with respect to the YZ plane. The angle θ4 may be equal to the angle θ1 of the second surface 10a2 of the opposing surface 10a. The lower end of the third plane 10b3 is connected to the side surface 11b of the connecting portion 11.

[0058] In the second embodiment, an opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 of the attachment part 5. Specifically, the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the second surface 10b2 of the side surface 10b. The second surface 10b2 is disposed above (on the +Z side) the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11. That is, the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 in the second embodiment is disposed in the nostril 111 of the patient 100. The measurement flow path 12 includes a measurement chamber 13 in which the measurement unit 2 is disposed, and a connection flow path 14 extending from the measurement chamber 13 to the second surface 10b2 of the protrusion 10.

[0059] The connection flow path 14 includes a first flow path 14a extending in the Z-axis direction and connected to the measurement chamber 13, a second flow path 14b extending in the X-axis direction and intersecting with the first flow path 14a at a right angle, a third flow path 14c extending in the Z-axis direction and intersecting with the second flow path 14b at a right angle, a fourth flow path 14d formed at angles θ1 to θ4 along the protrusion 10 and intersecting with the third flow path 14c, a fifth flow path 14e extending in the Z-axis direction and intersecting with the fourth flow path 14d, and a sixth flow path 14f extending in the X-axis direction and intersecting with the fifth flow path 14e at a right angle and connected to the second surface 10b2. The angles at which the first flow path 14a to the sixth flow path 14f intersect do not necessarily have to be the angles shown in FIG.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, the measurement chamber 13 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the bottom. The shape of the measurement chamber 13 is not limited to a circular shape when viewed from the bottom, and may be a rectangle, a polygon, or the like. The connection flow path 14 (first flow path 14a) is connected to the center position of the measurement chamber 13. The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is disposed at the middle position of the mounting part 5 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 of the second embodiment is not eccentric in the Y-axis direction. The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 of the second embodiment does not necessarily need to be eccentric as shown in FIG. 5 above, and may be set arbitrarily by the designer.

[0061] 7, the pair of protrusions 10 of the mounting part 5 are formed with the measurement flow paths 12, namely, a first measurement flow path 12A fluidly connected to the left nostril 111 of the patient 100, and a second measurement flow path 12B independent of the first measurement flow path 12A and fluidly connected to the right nostril 111 of the patient 100. The measurement part 2 includes a first measurement part 2A disposed in the first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement part 2B disposed in the second measurement flow path 12B. The openings 15 of the first measurement flow path 12A and the second measurement flow path 12B are formed on the left and right side surfaces 10b of the pair of protrusions 10, facing back to back.

[0062] According to the nasal breathing measuring device 1 configured as above, when the patient 100 breathes through his nose, the fluid flows along the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10. An opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10, and the measuring unit 2 can measure the pressure change (e.g., the change in static pressure) around the device accompanying nasal breathing at a position away from the main flow of nasal breathing.

[0063] In addition, the pair of protrusions 10 are formed with a first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement flow path 12B which are independent of each other and are fluidly connected to the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100, and the first measurement section 2A and the second measurement section 2B can acquire left and right nasal breathing information independently, respectively.

[0064] As described above, in the nasal respiration measuring device 1 of the second embodiment, the opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10. The second surface 10b2 of the protrusion 10 is inclined, and contrary to the first embodiment, air does not easily enter the measurement flow path 12, particularly when air is inhaled from the nostril 111, and the measuring unit 2 can accurately measure the static pressure at that time.

[0065] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the mounting unit 5 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the mounting unit 5 according to the third embodiment. 11, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5. The third embodiment is significantly different from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the shape of the protrusion 10 and the through-flow path forming unit 30 that forms the test volume 31 are provided.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 10, the mounting part 5 includes a pair of protrusions 10 and a connection part 11 that connects between the pair of protrusions 10. The mounting part 5 is formed in a substantially U-shape. The connection part 11 extends in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions 10 are arranged at a distance from each other in the X-axis direction and extend upward (+Z side) from the connection part 11. The pair of protrusions 10 have a tapered shape in which the dimension in the X-axis direction (see Fig. 11) and the dimension in the Y-axis direction (see Figs. 10 and 12) become smaller toward the upper side.

[0068] 11, the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 of the third embodiment includes a first surface 10b1 and a second surface 10b2. The opposing surface 10a of the protrusion 10 includes a first surface 10a1 and a second surface 10a2, similar to the first embodiment.

[0069] A first surface 10b1 of the side surface 10b is inclined outward in the X-axis direction from the tip of the protrusion 10 downward (-Z side). The first surface 10b1 is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to a first surface 10a1 (YZ plane) of the opposing surface 10a.

[0070] The second surface 10b2 of the side surface 10b is inclined downward (to the -Z side) from the lower end of the first surface 10b1 toward the outside in the X-axis direction. The second surface 10b2 is inclined at an angle θ3 that is greater than the angle θ2 with respect to the YZ plane.

[0071] 10, the mounting portion 5 of the third embodiment is provided with a through-flow path forming portion 30. The through-flow path forming portion 30 forms an examination volume 31 facing a nostril 111 of a patient 100. In the third embodiment, the left and right ends of the connection portion 11 protrude outward in the X-axis direction beyond the side surfaces 10b of the pair of protrusions 10, and the through-flow path forming portion 30 is formed in this portion.

[0072] 11, the through-flow-path forming portion 30 forms an inspection volume 31 (through-flow path) that penetrates in the Z-axis direction. The inspection volume 31 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and its central axis O extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] A tapered portion 30a1 is formed on the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow passage forming portion 30. The tapered portion 30a1 is formed on one end portion 30A of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 facing the nostril 111 (+Z side) and the other end portion 30B opposite to the one end portion 30A. The tapered portion 30a1 expands in diameter toward the outside. The inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 has a constant inner diameter between the one end portion 30A and the tapered portion 30a1 of the other end portion 30B.

[0074] The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in an inner wall surface 30a having a constant inner diameter of the through-flow path forming portion 30 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O of the test volume 31. The connection flow path 14 includes a first flow path 14a extending in the Z-axis direction and connected to the measurement chamber 13, and a second flow path 14b extending in the X-axis direction, intersecting the first flow path 14a at a right angle and connected to the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow path forming portion 30. Note that the second flow path 14b does not necessarily have to intersect the first flow path 14a at a right angle.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, the measurement chamber 13 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the bottom. The shape of the measurement chamber 13 is not limited to a circular shape when viewed from the bottom, and may be a rectangle, a polygon, or the like. The connection flow path 14 (first flow path 14a) is connected to a position eccentric to the measurement chamber 13. The test volume 31 is disposed on the rear side (+Y side) of the mounting part 5. By disposing the test volume 31 on the rear side (+Y side), it becomes easier to introduce the fluid flowing through the approximate center of the nostril 111 into the test volume 31, and the measurement accuracy of nasal breathing can be improved.

[0076] 11, the mounting part 5 is formed with the measurement flow paths 12, which are a first measurement flow path 12A that is fluidly connected to the left nostril 111 of the patient 100 via the test volume 31, and a second measurement flow path 12B that is independent of the first measurement flow path 12A and is fluidly connected to the right nostril 111 of the patient 100 via another test volume 31. The measurement unit 2 includes a first measurement unit 2A disposed in the first measurement flow path 12A, and a second measurement unit 2B disposed in the second measurement flow path 12B.

[0077] According to the nasal breathing measuring device 1 of the third embodiment configured as above, when the patient 100 breathes through his nose, a fluid is introduced into the test volume 31 facing the nostril 111. An opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in the inner wall surface 30a of the through flow path forming portion 30 which forms the test volume 31, and the measuring unit 2 can measure pressure changes (e.g., changes in static pressure) associated with nasal breathing at a position away from the main flow of nasal breathing.

[0078] The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow path forming portion 30 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the test volume 31. Therefore, whether air is exhaled from the nostril 111 or air is inhaled from the nostril 111, air is less likely to enter the measurement flow path 12, and the measurement unit 2 can measure the static pressure with high accuracy.

[0079] The attachment section 5 is formed with a first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement flow path 12B which are independent of each other and are fluidly connected to the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100 via the test volume 31, and the first measurement section 2A and the second measurement section 2B can acquire left and right nasal breathing information independently, respectively.

[0080] 11, a tapered portion 30a1 expanding in diameter toward the outside is formed on at least one of an end portion 30A facing the nostril 111 of the through-flow-path forming portion 30 and an end portion 30B opposite to the end portion 30A on the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow-path forming portion 30. With this configuration, the pressure of the fluid introduced into the test volume 31 by nasal breathing can be reduced more than usual, and the static pressure can be measured with high accuracy.

[0081] 11, the tapered portion 30a1 is formed on both the end 30A of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 facing the nostril 111 and the other end 30B opposite to the end 30A, so that the same effect can be obtained whether air is exhaled from the nostril 111 or air is inhaled from the nostril 111. Incidentally, when measuring only one of the cases of exhaling air from the nostril 111 and inhaling air from the nostril 111, the tapered portion 30a1 may be formed on only one of the end 30A and the other end 30B of the through-flow passage forming portion 30.

[0082] The angle at which the inclined surface of tapered portion 30a1 intersects with central axis O is preferably, for example, 15° to 45°. When the angle of tapered portion 30a1 is 15° or more, the dimension of test volume 31 in the Z-axis direction is not so long, and a compact device can be realized. When the angle of tapered portion 30a1 is 45° or less, a sudden change in the flow of the fluid can be avoided. Note that the longer the test volume 31 is, the more preferable it is, and the larger the diameter is, which is a trade-off with the size of the device.

[0083] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0084] Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the mounting unit 5 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the mounting unit 5 according to the fourth embodiment. 15, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5. In the fourth embodiment, the shape of the through-flow path forming part 30 is significantly different from that of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 14, the mounting part 5 includes a pair of protrusions 10 and a connection part 11 that connects between the pair of protrusions 10. The mounting part 5 is formed in a substantially U-shape. The connection part 11 extends in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions 10 are arranged at a distance from each other in the X-axis direction and extend upward (+Z side) from the connection part 11. The pair of protrusions 10 have a tapered shape in which the dimension in the X-axis direction (see Fig. 15) and the dimension in the Y-axis direction (see Figs. 14 and 16) become smaller toward the upper side.

[0086] 15, the side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 in the fourth embodiment is inclined downward (-Z side) from the tip of the protrusion 10 toward the outside in the X-axis direction. That is, the entire side surface 10b of the protrusion 10 is inclined at a certain angle. The opposing surface 10a of the protrusion 10 includes a first surface 10a1 and a second surface 10a2, similar to the first embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 14, the through-flow-path forming part 30 of the fourth embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The through-flow-path forming part 30 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the nostril 111 of the patient 100. As shown in Fig. 15, one end 30A of the through-flow-path forming part 30 on the side facing the nostril 111 (+Z side) is disposed above the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11 (+Z side).

[0088] Since the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11 abuts against the end of the nasal septum 112, one end 30A of the through-flow passage forming part 30 arranged above (on the +Z side) the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11 is located inside the nostril 111. Since the nasal septum 112 has an end point on the negative side in the Z-axis direction, even if the connection part 11 abuts against the nasal septum 112, the through-flow passage forming part 30 may not enter the nostril 111. Furthermore, since one end 30A of the through-flow passage forming part 30 is arranged above (on the +Z side) the upper surface 11a of the connection part 11, the dimension of the test volume 31 in the Z-axis direction can be made longer than in the third embodiment described above, and more exhaled air can be detected.

[0089] The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in an orientation perpendicular to the central axis O of the test volume 31 on an inner wall surface 30a, which has a constant inner diameter, of the through-flow path forming part 30. The connection flow path 14 includes a first flow path 14a that extends in the X-axis direction and is connected to the measurement chamber 13 and the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow path forming part 30. In other words, the connection flow path 14 of the fourth embodiment extends in a straight line, is not bent, and has small pressure loss.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 17, the measurement chamber 13 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the bottom. The shape of the measurement chamber 13 is not limited to a rectangular shape when viewed from the bottom, and may be a circle, a polygon, or the like. The connection flow path 14 (first flow path 14a) is connected to the side of the measurement chamber 13. A part of the circumferential surface of the through-flow path forming part 30 (cylinder) protrudes toward the rear side (+Y side) beyond the connection part 11. By making a part of the circumferential surface of the through-flow path forming part 30 protrude toward the rear side (+Y side), the diameter can be made thicker.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 15, the attachment part 5 is formed with a first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement flow path 12B which are independent of each other and are fluidly connected to the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100 via the test volume 31, and the first measurement part 2A and the second measurement part 2B can acquire left and right nasal breathing information independently, respectively.

[0092] According to the nasal breathing measuring device 1 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, when the patient 100 breathes through his nose, a fluid is introduced into the test volume 31 facing the nostril 111. An opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed in the inner wall surface 30a of the through flow path forming portion 30 which forms the test volume 31, and the measuring unit 2 can measure a pressure change (e.g., a change in static pressure) accompanying nasal breathing at a position away from the main flow of nasal breathing.

[0093] The opening 15 of the measurement flow path 12 is formed on the inner wall surface 30a of the through-flow path forming portion 30 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the test volume 31. Therefore, whether air is exhaled from the nostril 111 or air is inhaled from the nostril 111, air is less likely to enter the measurement flow path 12, and the measurement unit 2 can measure the static pressure with high accuracy.

[0094] The attachment section 5 is formed with a first measurement flow path 12A and a second measurement flow path 12B which are independent of each other and are fluidly connected to the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100 via the test volume 31, and the first measurement section 2A and the second measurement section 2B can acquire left and right nasal breathing information independently, respectively.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, at least one end 30A of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 facing the nostril 111 is formed into a tubular shape that can be inserted into the nostril 111 of the patient 100. With this configuration, the examination volume 31 can be made longer by the amount that one end 30A of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 is inserted into the nostril 111. Furthermore, by disposing one end 30A of the through-flow passage forming portion 30 inside the nostril 111 of the patient 100, it becomes easier to introduce fluid into the examination volume 31 by nasal breathing.

[0096] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0097] FIG. 18 is a front view showing a state in which the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the fifth embodiment is attached to the nose 110 of a patient 100. As shown in FIG. 18, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5. In the fifth embodiment, the mounting position of the mounting unit 5 with respect to the nose 110 of the patient 100 is significantly different from the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0098] The attachment portion 5 of the fifth embodiment has three protrusions 10 that pinch the nasal tip 113 of the patient 100. Of the three protrusions 10, two of the protrusions 10 are inserted into the left and right nostrils 111. Of the three protrusions 10, the remaining protrusion 10 extends so as to cover the nasal tip 113.

[0099] According to the nasal respiration measuring device 1 of the fifth embodiment configured as above, the nasal tip 113 of the patient 100 is sandwiched between the three protrusions 10, so that the device can be attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100. In the fifth embodiment, the number of protrusions 10 is greater than in the above-mentioned embodiments, but the attachment stability can be increased accordingly.

[0100] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0101] FIG. 19 is a front view showing a state in which the nasal respiration measuring device 1 according to the sixth embodiment is attached to the nose 110 of a patient 100. As shown in FIG. 19, the nasal respiration measuring device 1 includes a measuring unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 4, and a mounting unit 5. In the sixth embodiment, the mounting position of the mounting unit 5 with respect to the nose 110 of the patient 100 is significantly different from the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0102] The attachment part 5 of the sixth embodiment extends left and right from the left and right through-flow passage forming parts 30 inserted into the left and right nostrils 111 of the patient 100, and extends to both the left and right sides so as to sandwich the left and right nasal wings 114 between the through-flow passage forming parts 30. The nasal respiration measuring device 1 may be configured to be separated into left and right parts and to sandwich the left and right nasal wings 114 separately.

[0103] According to the nasal respiration measuring device 1 of the sixth embodiment configured as described above, it can be attached to the nose 110 of the patient 100 by pinching the nasal wings 114 of the patient 100. The nasal wings 114 are thinner and softer than the nasal septum 112 and the nasal tip 113, but the through-flow path forming portion 30 and the like can be used to increase the stability of the attachment.

[0104] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but rather by the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...nasal respiration measuring device, 2...measuring section, 2A...first measuring section, 2B...second measuring section, 3...power supply section, 4...communication section, 5...mounting section, 6...substrate, 10...projection section, 10a...opposing surface, 10a1...first surface, 10a2...second surface, 10b...side surface, 10b1...first surface, 10b2...second surface, 10b3...third flat surface, 11...connecting section, 11a...upper surface, 11b...side surface, 11c...lower surface, 12...measurement flow path, 12A...first measurement flow path, 12B...second measurement flow path, 13...measurement chamber, 14...connecting flow path, 14a...first flow path, 14 b... second flow path, 14c... third flow path, 14d... fourth flow path, 14e... fifth flow path, 14f... sixth flow path, 15... opening, 20... adhesive, 21... sealant, 30... through-flow path forming portion, 30a... inner wall surface, 30A... one end, 30a1... tapered portion, 30B... other end, 31... examination volume, 100... patient, 110... nose, 111... nostril, 112... nasal septum, 113... nasal tip, 114... nasal ala, 120... mouth, 121... upper lip, 122... lower lip, O... central axis, θ1... angle, θ2... angle, θ3... angle, θ4... angle

Claims

1. A measurement unit for measuring information regarding the patient's nasal breathing; A mounting part that supports the measurement part and is mounted on the patient's nose, The mounting portion is formed with a measurement flow path for positioning the measurement portion in fluid communication with the patient's nostril, The attachment portion includes a pair of protrusions that pinch the nasal septum of the patient's nose, A nasal respiration measurement device, wherein an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the attachment part.

2. The nasal respiration measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of a nasal septum, a nasal tip, and alar of the patient's nose is clamped by the attachment part.

3. The nasal respiration measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the non-contact portion of the protruding portion that does not contact the nasal septum is formed in a streamlined shape.

4. The mounting portion includes a connection portion that connects the pair of protrusions, The nasal respiration measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the connection part.

5. The nasal respiration measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on a side surface of the protrusion.

6. the mounting portion is provided with a through-flow passage forming portion that forms an examination volume facing a nostril of the patient, The nasal respiration measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on an inner wall surface of the through flow path forming portion in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the test volume.

7. A measurement unit for measuring information regarding a patient's nasal breathing; A mounting part that supports the measurement part and is mounted on the patient's nose, The mounting portion is formed with a measurement flow path for positioning the measurement portion in fluid communication with the patient's nostril, the mounting portion is provided with a through-flow passage forming portion that forms an examination volume facing a nostril of the patient, A nasal respiration measurement device, wherein an opening of the measurement flow path is formed on an inner wall surface of the through-flow path forming portion in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the test volume.

8. A nasal respiration measuring device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein a tapered portion expanding in diameter toward the outside is formed on at least one of the inner wall surface of the through flow passage forming portion, the end portion facing the nostril of the through flow passage forming portion, and the other end portion opposite the one end portion.

9. A nasal respiration measuring device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one end of the through flow passage forming portion facing the nostril is formed into a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the patient's nostril.

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