Nasal spray nozzle

Abstract

A nasal spray / injection nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of sub-nozzles. Each of the sub-nozzles has an ejection hole formed at the leading end. The sub-nozzles are coupled to each other through a joining section. The separation distance between the axis of one of the sub-nozzles and the axis of the other sub-nozzle increases from the joining section toward the respective leading ends.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal spray / spray nozzle and a nasal spray / spray device for administering a medicine into the nasal cavity. [Background technology]

[0002] As a means of administering medicines, a method of filling a liquid medicine into a spray / spray device and administering it by spraying or spraying it onto the mucous membranes and skin on the internal cavity and body surface has been widely used, especially for intranasal administration of medicines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3371222 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3052028 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5959269 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-105365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In nasal spray / spray devices, for example, nasal spray / spray devices that can spray / spray medicine into both nasal cavities simultaneously are sometimes used, from the viewpoint that administration of medicine to both nasal cavities can be completed simultaneously with a single operation (Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0005] The inventors have found that there is room for further improvement in nasal spray / spray devices in terms of drug delivery to the intended area. More specifically, they have found that when a nasal spray / spray device is used to spray / spray a drug simultaneously into both nasal cavities, it is possible to further improve the drug delivery characteristics to the target area in the nasal cavities.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the main object of the present invention is to provide a nasal spray / injection nozzle that can further improve the ability of a drug to reach a target site in the nasal cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors of the present application attempted to solve the above problems by taking a new approach rather than simply extending the conventional technology, and as a result, they came up with the invention of a nasal spray / injection nozzle that achieves the above-mentioned main object.

[0008] In the present invention, A nasal spray nozzle having a pair of sub-nozzles, an ejection hole is provided at the tip of each of the sub-nozzles, and the sub-nozzles are connected to each other via a connecting portion; A nasal spray / injection nozzle is provided in which the separation distance between the axis of one of the sub-nozzles and the axis of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion toward the tip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The nasal spray nozzle according to the present invention can further improve the delivery of the drug to the target site in the nasal cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figures 1(A) to 1(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 1(A): perspective view, Figure 1(B): side view, Figure 1(C): top view). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / ejection nozzle according to the present invention, showing the separation distances of the outer side surfaces of the sub-nozzles. [Figure 3]Figures 3(A) to 3(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 3(A): perspective view, Figure 3(B): side view, Figure 3(C): top view). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the angle θ formed between the axis of the sub-nozzle and the axis of symmetry of the nasal spray / spray nozzle in one embodiment of the nasal spray / spray nozzle according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figures 5(A) to 5(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 5(A): perspective view, Figure 5(B): side view, Figure 5(C): top view). [Figure 6] Figures 6(A) to 6(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 6(A): perspective view, Figure 6(B): side view, Figure 6(C): top view). [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 7(A): oblique view, Figure 7(B): side view, Figure 7(C): ​​top view). [Figure 8] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 8(A): oblique view, Figure 8(B): side view, Figure 8(C): top view). [Figure 9] Figures 9(A) to 9(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 9(A): oblique view, Figure 9(B): side view, Figure 9(C): top view). [Figure 10] Figures 10(A) to 10(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / injection nozzle according to the present invention (Figure 10(A): oblique view, Figure 10(B): side view, Figure 10(C): top view). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing how the axes of the sub-nozzles of the nasal spray / ejection nozzle according to the present invention expand outward. [Figure 12] Figures 12(A) to 12(C) are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a nasal spray / ejection device according to the present invention (Figure 12(A): oblique view, Figure 12(B): side view, Figure 12(C): top view). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the nasal spray / ejection device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are intended to embody the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and unless otherwise specified, the present invention is not limited to the following description. In each drawing, components having the same function may be assigned the same symbol. For convenience, the embodiments may be shown separately to facilitate explanation or understanding of the main points, but partial substitution or combination of configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, descriptions of matters common to the above will be omitted, and only differences will be described. In particular, similar effects due to similar configurations will not be mentioned sequentially in each embodiment. The size and positional relationship of components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation.

[0012] In the description of the embodiments, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up-down direction," "horizontal direction (left-right direction)," "depth direction," "proximal side," and "distal side") are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding, but these terms are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, in each of the accompanying drawings, like components are illustrated using like reference numerals.

[0013] The terms "up-down direction," "horizontal direction (left-right direction)," and "depth direction" used in this specification correspond to the up-down direction, horizontal direction, and depth direction in the drawings, respectively. For example, the "up-down direction" may be understood as meaning that the downward vertical direction (i.e., the direction in which gravity acts) corresponds to the "downward direction," and the opposite direction corresponds to the "upward direction."

[0014] In this specification, the term "side view" refers to the shape of the sub-nozzle as viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the shape shown in FIG. 1(B)). For example, it refers to the shape of the nozzle as viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the sub-nozzle, which is substantially the same as the horizontal direction.

[0015] The term "view from above" as used herein refers to the shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle as viewed from the nozzle outlet side (e.g., the shape shown in Figure 1(C)). Specifically, it refers to the shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle as viewed from the outside along the axial direction of the nasal spray / spray nozzle (i.e., axial symmetry axis 17 in Figure 4).

[0016] As used herein, "substantially" refers to a state that is close to, but not entirely or completely. For example, a "substantially elliptical shape" is not necessarily limited to shapes that a person skilled in the art would recognize as ellipses in the strict sense, but also includes shapes that can be recognized as ellipses, even if they are not strictly elliptical. For example, even if a part of the elliptical outline is the outline of another shape, it also includes shapes that a person skilled in the art would recognize as an ellipse.

[0017] [Features of the nasal spray nozzle of the present invention] Hereinafter, the characteristic features of the nasal spray / ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] A nasal spray / spray nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention is a nasal spray / spray nozzle comprising a pair of sub-nozzles, each of which has an ejection hole at its tip and which are connected to each other via a connector, characterized in that the distance between the axis of one sub-nozzle and the axis of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connector toward the tip.

[0019] Before describing the characteristics of the present invention, some definitions of terms are provided. As used herein, a "nozzle" is a device for determining the direction of a liquid, preferably a flow direction of a medicine (e.g., a liquid or gel), and for ejecting (spraying, discharging, or spraying) a liquid, such as a medicine, from an orifice at its tip. To achieve this function, the nozzle preferably has a hollow portion therein that communicates with the orifice (this hollow portion may also communicate with the open end of a nasal spray / spray nozzle). Furthermore, in a configuration formed by combining two or more nozzles, the entire configuration consisting of the multiple nozzles may be considered as a single nozzle and simply referred to as a "nozzle." A nozzle may also be referred to as a "spout," a "member for spraying / spraying medicine," or a "member for spraying / spraying supply," among other names.

[0020] In this specification, "sub-nozzle" refers, in a broad sense, to each nozzle that makes up a nozzle cluster, and in a narrow sense, to each nozzle that is formed by combining two or more nozzles. The use and function of a "sub-nozzle" are essentially the same as those described in the definition of a "nozzle," so details are omitted here.

[0021] In this specification, the term "tip portion" refers in a broad sense to the tip portion of each sub-nozzle, and in a narrow sense to the tip portion of the sub-nozzle that can be inserted into the nasal cavity first when inserting the sub-nozzle into the nasal cavity. The "tip portion" is generally the portion that can be inserted into the nasal cavity, and therefore can have a diameter that is at least smaller than the external nares.

[0022] As used herein, "connection" refers to joining two objects together to form a continuous line, or the state of being connected together. "Connected to each other" refers to a state in which two objects are connected to each other to form a continuous line, but the two objects do not necessarily have to be directly connected. For example, two connected objects can be said to be "connected to each other" if they are connected to each other as a continuous line when viewed as a whole. Specifically, as described below, even if two objects are "connected" through a "connecting part" between them, as long as they are connected to each other as a continuous line as a whole, each object can be said to be "connected to each other." Furthermore, as used herein, a "connecting part" refers to a part that is present between two objects and contributes to the connection. Specifically, it refers to a part that indirectly connects two objects to each other.

[0023] In this specification, the "axis of a sub-nozzle" refers to an imaginary line that runs from the center of the tip of each sub-nozzle through the center of each sub-nozzle in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(B) below, the "axis of a sub-nozzle" is the dashed line that runs from the center of the tip of each sub-nozzle through the center of each sub-nozzle in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The nasal spray / spray nozzle of the present invention is a nozzle device comprising a pair of sub-nozzles capable of ejecting a fluid to the outside. In particular, the nasal spray / spray nozzle of the present invention is a nozzle device capable of spraying / spraying a fluid, such as a medicine, preferably in the form of a spray and / or a spray. When using the nasal spray / spray nozzle of the present invention, each sub-nozzle is inserted into both nasal cavities starting from the tip thereof, and the medicine is sprayed / sprayed from the nozzle at the tip toward the target site in the nasal cavity. The target site here refers to the site that is sprayed / sprayed by the nasal spray / spray nozzle.

[0025] The characteristic features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 1(C). FIGS. 1(A) to 1(C) exemplarily show a nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. The nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 comprises a pair of sub-nozzles 11, each of which is connected to the other via a connecting portion 15. The surface portion of the connecting portion 15 between one sub-nozzle and the other is referred to as the crotch portion a. The tip portion 11A of each sub-nozzle 11 is provided with an ejection hole 12. The end axially opposite the tip portion 11A having the ejection hole 12 is an open end 13. The axis here refers to an imaginary line that passes through the center of the sub-nozzle 11 in the longitudinal direction; in FIG. 1(B), the axis is indicated by a dashed line. The contour of the open end 13 is formed by the contours of each sub-nozzle 11 and the connecting portion 15.

[0026] Each sub-nozzle 11 and the connecting portion 15 may be connected to one another and integrated so that the boundary between each sub-nozzle 11 and the connecting portion 15 is not visible. Regarding the boundary, as shown in FIG. 1(B), for example, an extension of the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle (i.e., the side surface proximal to the crotch portion a) in a side view may be a boundary line 14 indicating the boundary between each sub-nozzle 11 and the connecting portion 15. Alternatively, the boundary line 14 may be a line that outlines the shapes of each pair of sub-nozzles 11 so that they are congruent as a whole in a side view.

[0027] Each of the sub-nozzles 11 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may have a hollow portion therein. It is preferable that such a hollow portion communicates with the nozzle orifice 12. Furthermore, the hollow portion inside the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may communicate with the outside on the side opposite the nozzle orifice 12. In other words, the end of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 that faces the nozzle orifice 12 in the axial direction may have the form of an open end 13.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1(A) to 1(C), the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 has a structure in which the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A of each sub-nozzle. In other words, the sub-nozzles 11 are connected such that the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A of each sub-nozzle. Note that "the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A of each sub-nozzle" refers to at least the state during use. Here, "during use" refers at least to the state immediately before the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention is inserted into the nasal cavity and sprays or injects the medicine.

[0029] The nasal spray / ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned technical features, and thus can allow the medicine to reach the target site more preferably.

[0030] The nasal cavity, which is the interior of the nose, has a tunnel-like structure with irregularities, stretching from the external nares, which serve as the entrance to the nasal cavity, to the pharynx (nasopharynx or nasopharynx), which forms part of the throat. Specifically, the nasal cavity is divided into left and right halves by a partition called the nasal septum, located in the center of the nasal cavity. Opposite the nasal septum are a series of fold-like structures called nasal turbinates. The nasal turbinates are further divided into the superior turbinate, middle turbinate, and inferior turbinate. The nasal cavity generally forms a complex and narrow passageway due to the nasal septum and these three fold-like turbinates.

[0031] When using a nasal spray / spray device to spray or deliver medication to areas near the nasopharynx or nasopharynx, which are located deep within the nasal cavity, the medication must pass through the complex and narrow passages within the nasal cavity to reach the target area. If the medication is sprayed or delivered near the center of the nasal cavity, there is a risk that the medication will be trapped in the nasal septum, while if it is sprayed or delivered near the outside of the nasal cavity, there is a risk that the medication will be trapped in the inner wall, such as the nasal turbinates. In other words, spraying or delivering the medication in a way that avoids nasal structures such as the nasal turbinates and nasal septum, as well as the inner wall of the nasal cavity, will allow the medication to reach the target area more efficiently.

[0032] In the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 shown in FIG. 1, the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle of each sub-nozzle 11 increases from the connecting portion 15 toward each tip portion 11A. As a result, the medicine sprayed from the nozzle hole 12 of the tip portion 11A can more easily reach the target site while avoiding structures within the nasal cavity. Specifically, the medicine can more easily be prevented from being trapped in inner wall portions such as the nasal septum and nasal turbinates. As a result, the delivery of the medicine to the target site within the nasal cavity can be more easily improved. In other words, the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention can more easily improve the rate at which the medicine reaches the target site.

[0033] This improvement in drug delivery characteristics is due to the fact that the drug can be sprayed or ejected away from near the center of the nasal cavity and near the outside of the nasal cavity by increasing the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle 11 and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle 11. This enables the drug to pass through the complex and narrow passages in the nasal cavity from the ejection holes 12 efficiently and reach the target site.

[0034] When manufacturing the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 shown in Figure 1, the sub-nozzles 11 may be manufactured separately and then connected to each other via connecting parts in a separate process. Alternatively, the sub-nozzles 11 may be manufactured and connected simultaneously using a mold or the like having the shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, resulting in a molded product in which the sub-nozzles 11 are connected to each other as a finished product. For example, the sub-nozzles may be manufactured as a one-piece molded product using injection molding, or as a one-piece molded product with a three-dimensional shape manufactured using a light beam or the like.

[0035] The nasal spray nozzle 10 according to the present invention may be formed from a rigid or flexible material. The nasal spray nozzle 10 may be formed from, for example, a resin, glass, metal, or ceramic material, without any particular limitation. In a preferred example, the nasal spray nozzle 10 may comprise a resin product (e.g., a resin molded product). Alternatively, the nasal spray nozzle 10 may comprise an elastomer or rubber.

[0036] The sub-nozzles 11 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 according to the present invention may have any shape as long as the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A. For example, the shape may be such that the distance between the inner side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the inner side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A in a side view. Alternatively, the shape may be such that the distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 increases or decreases. Alternatively, the distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 may be substantially parallel.

[0037] For example, the outer side of one sub-nozzle 11 may be approximately parallel to the outer side of the other sub-nozzle 11, but the distance between the inner side of one sub-nozzle 11 and the inner side of the other sub-nozzle 11 may increase from the connecting portion 15 toward each tip portion 11A.

[0038] To facilitate insertion of the sub-nozzle into the nasal cavity, the shape of the sub-nozzle 11 may be tapered, substantially conical, cylindrical, frustum, or truncated cone in a side view, or may be a combination of the above shapes. The above shapes may be applied to the entire shape of the sub-nozzle 11, or may be applied to part of the shape of the sub-nozzle 11.

[0039] The sub-nozzle may have a symmetrical shape and / or an asymmetrical shape. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(B), the sub-nozzle 11 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle in a side view. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(B), the sub-nozzle 11 may have a symmetrical shape or an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle in a side view. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the tip 11A of the sub-nozzle has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle in a side view, while the portion of the sub-nozzle proximal to the crotch region a has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle. Having a symmetrical and / or asymmetrical shape of the sub-nozzle makes it easier to insert the sub-nozzle into the nasal cavity and to adjust the depth of insertion of the sub-nozzle into the nasal cavity.

[0040] Possible forms of the nasal spray / ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1(A) to 1(C), the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may have a gradual increase in the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle 11 and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle 11 from the connecting portion 15 toward each tip 11A. Alternatively, the increase may occur in steps. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1(B), when the distance Lx between the axes 16 of any two sub-nozzles is taken, and the distance Ly that is closer to the tip 11A than the distance Lx is taken, the distance between the axes 16 of the sub-nozzles may continuously increase from the distance Lx to the distance Ly.

[0042] With the above characteristics, it can be said that the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 has a portion where each sub-nozzle 11 is positioned to form a roughly V-shape when viewed from the side. Specifically, the overall shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may be roughly V-shaped rather than roughly U-shaped. In other words, "the separation distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle 11 and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle 11 gradually increases" means that the sub-nozzles 11 extend away from each other.

[0043] The nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may have at least a portion where the distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 widens from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A in a side view. Preferably, the distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 may have a portion where part of the outer side surface widens from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A.

[0044] With the above configuration, when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the side surface extending outward of the sub-nozzle 11 can be positioned so that it fits along the inner wall of the nasal cavity. In other words, the outside of the sub-nozzle 11 can be positioned so that it can touch the inner wall of the nasal cavity. As a result, when the user inserts the sub-nozzle into the nasal cavity, the position of the sub-nozzle 11 within the nasal cavity can be easily determined by the feel of the inner wall of the nasal cavity. This also makes it easier to determine the position of the ejection hole 12, making it easier to adjust the spray / ejection position of the medicine, which can contribute to improving the delivery of the medicine to the target site within the nasal cavity.

[0045] In this specification, "outer side surface of a sub-nozzle" refers to, for example, in Figure 3(B), the side surface of the sub-nozzle 11 that is distal to the center (or crotch portion a) of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. In other words, "outer side surface of a sub-nozzle" refers to the side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 that is not directly facing the other sub-nozzle 11 when viewed from the side.

[0046] In the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, the ratio of the longest distance to the shortest distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 may be greater than 1, and the longest distance corresponds to the distance at the tip. In other words, of the distance between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11, the distance at the tip of the sub-nozzle 11 may be longer than the distance at other parts of the sub-nozzle 11 excluding the tips.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the longest distance L between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 is b is the distance between the tip of one sub-nozzle 11 and the tip of the other sub-nozzle 11. The shortest distance L between the outer side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 is a L for b The ratio is set to 1 or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of ease of insertion of the sub-nozzle 11 into the nasal cavity, the shortest distance L a The longest distance L bThe ratio of the longest distance to the shortest distance may be 1.5 or less, or may be 1.3 or less, 1.2 or less, or 1.1 or less. If the ratio of the longest distance to the shortest distance is within the above numerical range, when the user inserts the sub-nozzle 11 into the nasal cavity, the position of the sub-nozzle inserted into the nasal cavity can be easily determined by touching the inner wall of the nasal cavity. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the sub-nozzle so that it points toward the target site in the nasal cavity, which may contribute to improving the drug delivery characteristics.

[0048] The distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle may gradually increase from near the crotch portion a towards near the tip 11A, as shown in Figure 1(B). In other words, the portion where the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle gradually increases may be, for example, the entire portion from near the crotch portion a to near the tip 11A, as shown in Figure 1(B).

[0049] The above structure allows the medicine ejected or sprayed from the nozzle 12 at the tip 11A to reach the target site in an optimal manner while avoiding structures within the nasal cavity, making it easier to further improve the medicine's ability to reach the target site within the nasal cavity.

[0050] The contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention may be line-symmetric when viewed from above. Specifically, the contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may be line-symmetric in a direction perpendicular to the paired directions. The contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 refers to the shape of a line that forms the periphery of the target object.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1(C), the contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle in a top view surrounds each of the sub-nozzles 11. Furthermore, the contour shape is line-symmetric. A line-symmetric contour shape is a contour shape such that, when a straight line is drawn as an axis on the contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle in a top view, the contour shape, when inverted around that axis, substantially overlaps with the contour shape before inversion. Alternatively, when the axis is taken as a fold, a contour can be said to be line-symmetric even if one contour shape portion and the other contour shape portion on either side of the fold have substantially the same shape.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention is characterized in that the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle 11 increases from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A of each sub-nozzle. If the contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is line-symmetrical, as shown in Figure 4, the distance between the sub-nozzles 11 can become uniform. In other words, the increase in the distance between the sub-nozzles 11 from the connecting portion 15 toward the tip 11A of each sub-nozzle can occur not only due to one sub-nozzle 11, but due to both sub-nozzles 11.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, from the connecting portion 15 toward each tip portion 11A, the distance from the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle to the axis of symmetry 17 can be substantially equal to the distance from the axis 16 of the other corresponding sub-nozzle to the axis of symmetry 17. With this structure, the direction of the medicine sprayed / squirted from the sub-nozzles can be equal on both the left and right sides. Therefore, the medicine sprayed / squirted from both sub-nozzles can more easily reach the target site in the nasal cavity, further improving the medicine delivery characteristics.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, the angle formed by the axis of symmetry 17 of nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 and the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle may be an acute angle. The "axis of symmetry of the nasal spray / spray nozzle" here refers to an axis that, when a longitudinal line passing through nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 in a side view in Figure 4 is drawn as an axis, approximately overlaps with the nozzle 10 before inversion when nozzle 10 is inverted around that axis. Alternatively, when the axis is a fold, even if one portion of nozzle 10 on either side of the fold and the other portion of nozzle 10 on either side of the fold can have approximately the same shape, the axis can still be called the "axis of symmetry of the nasal spray / spray nozzle." The axis of symmetry 17 may be a line that is generally positioned between each sub-nozzle 11 and passes from the crotch portion a to the open end 13.

[0055] Assuming that the vertical direction in Figure 4 (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the nasal spray / spray nozzle) is the direction in which gravity acts, the angle formed by the vertical axis and axis 16 of the sub-nozzle may be an acute angle. Alternatively, in Figure 4, axis 16 of the sub-nozzle may be tilted so that it forms an acute angle with the vertical axis (the longitudinal axis at the center of the nozzle).

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the axis 16 of each sub-nozzle forms an angle θ with the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle. In other words, assuming that the up and down direction is the direction in which gravity acts, the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle is inclined so that it forms an angle θ with the vertical axis. As shown in Figure 4, the angle θ is an acute angle.

[0057] When the angle formed by the axis of symmetry 17 of nasal spray / injection nozzle 10 and the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle is an acute angle, the medicine ejected / sprayed from the nozzle hole 12 of sub-nozzle 11 inserted into the nasal cavity is more likely to reach the target area. Also, sub-nozzle 11 is easier to insert into the nasal cavity, and is less likely to come into contact with the inner wall of the nasal cavity, reducing discomfort felt by the user.

[0058] Here, the angle θ formed by the axis 16 of the sub-nozzle and the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / ejection nozzle 10 may be adjusted appropriately depending on the target area to which the sprayed / sprayed medicine is to be delivered, as long as it is an acute angle. For example, from the viewpoint of positioning the nozzle hole 12 of the sub-nozzle 11 distal to the nasal septum when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the angle θ may be 1° or greater. Alternatively, the angle may be 2° or greater, 3° or greater, 4° or greater, or 5° or greater. From the viewpoint of positioning the nozzle hole 12 distal to the nasal turbinates, etc., the angle θ may be 15° or less, and may be 12° or less, 10° or less, 8° or less, 7° or less, or 6° or less. For example, the angle θ may be 2° to 15°.

[0059] If the angle θ is within the above range, it becomes easier to avoid the ejected or sprayed medicine being trapped on the inner wall of the nasal cavity, which makes it easier to improve the delivery of the medicine to the target site in the nasal cavity.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion 15 may be located on the inner side surface of each of the sub-nozzles 11. In other words, the connecting portion 15 may be located between the side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 and the side surface of the other sub-nozzle. Here, the "inner side surface of the sub-nozzle" refers to the side surface of the sub-nozzle 11 that is proximal to the center of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 in Figure 3(B). In other words, it refers to the side surface of the sub-nozzle 11 that is proximal to the crotch portion a.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion 15 may be provided on the inner side surface of the sub-nozzle 11, on the inner side surface proximal to the open end 13. In other words, the connecting portion 15 may be provided on the inner side surface of the sub-nozzle distal to the ejection port 12. The connecting portion 15 may be integrated with each sub-nozzle 11 at the open end 13 to form the open end 13. By adopting the above configuration, when the pair of sub-nozzles 11 are inserted into the nasal cavity, the connecting portion 15 is provided in a position where it can abut against the bridge of the nose.

[0062] The above structure makes it easier to abut the connecting portion 15 against the bridge of the nose when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity. In other words, when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity and the connecting portion 15 comes into contact with the bridge of the nose, the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 can be positioned at the point of contact. This makes it easier to maintain a constant insertion depth of the sub-nozzle 11. In other words, by abutting at least a portion of the connecting portion 15 against the bridge of the nose, it becomes easier to more appropriately determine the insertion position of the nozzle outlet 12 within the nasal cavity. In other words, it becomes easier to fix the length of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 inserted into the nasal cavity in a position that allows the medicine to more efficiently pass through the complex and narrow passages within the nasal cavity. As a result, it becomes easier to improve the medicine delivery characteristics. Furthermore, by abutting the connecting portion 15 against the bridge of the nose, it becomes easier to more appropriately determine the insertion position of the sub-nozzle 11, thereby further improving the effect that can be achieved by the increased distance between the axes 16 of the sub-nozzles, which is a feature of the present invention.

[0063] The term "abutment" as used herein means contact in a pressing manner. The term "abutment" as used herein encompasses at least one aspect selected from the group consisting of, for example, "holding," "sliding," "hooking," and "locking."

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion 15 and a portion of each sub-nozzle 11 may form a pressing surface 18 for pressing against the bridge of the nose. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C), the crotch portion a of the connecting portion 15 of the nasal spray / injection nozzle 10, the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11, and the surface connecting the crotch portion a to the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11 may be integrated to form the "pressing surface for pressing against the bridge of the nose."

[0065] In other words, the pressing surface 18 may be a surface that extends from the crotch portion a of the connecting portion 15 to the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11. For example, the pressing surface 18 may be a surface that extends from the crotch portion a to part of the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11 until the distance between the inner side surfaces of each sub-nozzle 11 is equal to width w. Width w refers to the distance from the inner side surface of one sub-nozzle 11 to the inner side surface of the other sub-nozzle 11 on an axis perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, as shown in FIG. 5(B). Width w refers to the width of the pressing surface 18 that extends from the crotch portion a to part of the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11.

[0066] The width w of the pressing surface 18 is not particularly limited as long as the pressing surface 18 can press against the bridge of the nose. For example, the width w may be approximately the same as the width W of the bridge of the nose. Approximately the same as the width W of the bridge of the nose means, for example, that the width w of the pressing surface 18 is 0.9W to 1.1W relative to the width W of the bridge of the nose. In another embodiment, the width w of the pressing surface 18 may be larger or smaller than the width W of the bridge of the nose.

[0067] In order to bring the pressing surface 18 into closer contact with the bridge of the nose when the pressing surface 18 presses against the bridge of the nose, the width w of the pressing surface 18 may be 100% or less of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less, and even more preferably 85% or less.

[0068] From the viewpoint of increasing the area over which the pressing surface 18 can press against the bridge of the nose, the width w of the pressing surface 18 may be 40% or more of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. The bridge of the nose is generally flexible and can be easily deformed by external forces. Therefore, when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, even if the width w of the pressing surface 18 is smaller than the width W of the bridge of the nose, the bridge of the nose is deformed to become approximately equal to the width w. In other words, the width W of the bridge of the nose is compressed to become approximately equal to the width w of the pressing surface 18.

[0069] The pressing surface 18 may be a surface that extends from the crotch portion a to a height h from the crotch portion a to a portion of the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11. The height h refers to the distance from the crotch portion a to a point b that is a predetermined distance away from the crotch portion a in a direction proximal to the nozzle hole 12 on the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / injection nozzle 10, as shown in Figure 5(B). The distance between the heights h and ab indicates the height of the pressing surface 18 that extends from the crotch portion a to a portion of the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11. There are no particular limitations on the height h of the pressing surface 18, as long as the pressing surface 18 can press against the bridge of the nose.

[0070] "For pressing against the bridge of the nose" means that the user intentionally or purposefully presses against the bridge of the nose, and does not mean that the user unconsciously or accidentally presses against the bridge of the nose. Specifically, the "pressing surface for pressing against the bridge of the nose" is a surface that the user uses to intentionally press against the bridge of the nose in order to achieve the effect described below when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity.

[0071] With the above structure, when sub-nozzle 11 of nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity, it becomes easier to insert sub-nozzle 11 into the nasal cavity until pressing surface 18 presses against the nasal bridge. When pressing surface 18 presses against the nasal bridge with enough force to deform the nasal bridge, nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is supported by the nasal bridge, making it easier to fix the insertion position and insertion depth of sub-nozzle 11 inserted into the nasal cavity. Fixing the insertion position and insertion depth makes it easier to control the direction of the medicine ejected / sprayed from tip 11A of sub-nozzle 11, making it easier for the medicine to reach the target site.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing surfaces 18 may be surfaces that can pinch the bridge of the nose and press on both sides. With this configuration, when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the bridge of the nose is pinched by the pressing surfaces 18, and both sides of the bridge of the nose are pressed. In other words, the pressing surfaces 18 can press on the bridge of the nose in a pinched manner. Alternatively, the pressing surfaces 18 may be tightly contacting surfaces that clamp the bridge of the nose from the left and right.

[0073] The phrase "pressing surface 18 can press on both sides of the bridge of the nose" refers to a state in which crotch portion a of nasal spray / injection nozzle 10 presses on the bridge of the nose, and each of the inner side surfaces of sub-nozzle 11 presses on the bridge of the nose or on both sides of the bridge of the nose and nasal septum. In other words, the entire area around the bridge of the nose is pressed by pressing surface 18.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the width w of the pressing surface 18, which sandwiches and presses the bridge of the nose from both sides, may be approximately the same as the width W of the bridge of the nose. From the viewpoint of enabling the pressing surface 18 to sandwich and press the bridge of the nose from both sides more effectively, the width w may be at least approximately the same as the width W of the bridge of the nose, or may be smaller than the width W of the bridge of the nose. Specifically, the width w may be 100% or less of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less, and even more preferably 85% or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the area over which the pressing surface 18 can press the bridge of the nose, the width w may be 40% or more of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more.

[0075] 5(B), the width w of the pressing surface 18 may be smaller than the sub-nozzle diameter c in the extension direction of the axis that indicates the width w among axes that are perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 17. Specifically, when the width w of the pressing surface 18 and the sub-nozzle diameter c are compared at the same height level, the width w of the pressing surface 18 may be less than five-sixths or less than half of the sub-nozzle diameter c.

[0076] From the viewpoint of achieving closer contact between the pressing surface 18 and the bridge of the nose when the pressing surface 18 presses against the bridge of the nose, the width w may be less than 100% of the sub-nozzle diameter c, and may be preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less, even more preferably 85% or less, and particularly preferably 80% or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the area over which the pressing surface 18 can press against the bridge of the nose, the width w may be more than 5% of the sub-nozzle diameter c, and may be preferably 10% or more, more preferably 15% or more, even more preferably 20% or more, and particularly preferably 40% or more.

[0077] The height h of the pressing surface 18, which pinches the nasal bridge and presses it from both sides, may be any height that allows the pressing surface 18 to pinch at least the nasal bridge and press it from both sides. For example, the height h may be a height that allows the pressing surface 18 to pinch only the nasal bridge and press it from both sides. Alternatively, the height h may be a height that allows the pressing surface 18 to pinch not only the nasal bridge but also the nasal septum and / or the area connecting the nasal bridge and nasal septum and press it from both sides.

[0078] From the viewpoint of enabling the pressing surface 18 to sandwich at least the bridge of the nose and press from both sides thereof, the height h may be 10% or more of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, and particularly preferably 70% or more. From the viewpoint of reducing discomfort when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the height h may be 200% or less of the width W of the bridge of the nose, preferably 175% or less, more preferably 150% or less, even more preferably 125%, and particularly preferably 100% or less.

[0079] In another embodiment, the height h of the pressing surface 18 may be smaller than the vertical height H from the crotch portion a to the nozzle hole 12 on the axis of symmetry 17, as shown in Figure 5(B). Specifically, the height h of the pressing surface 18 may be equal to or less than half or equal to or less than one-fourth of the vertical height H.

[0080] From the viewpoint of enabling the pressing surface 18 to sandwich at least the bridge of the nose and press from both sides thereof, for example, the height h of the pressing surface 18 may be at least 1% or more of the vertical height H from the crotch portion a to the nozzle hole 12, preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and even more preferably 15% or more. From the viewpoint of reducing discomfort when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, for example, the height h of the pressing surface 18 may be at least 50% or less of the vertical height H, preferably 40% or less, more preferably 30% or less, and even more preferably 25% or less.

[0081] This configuration allows the sub-nozzle 11 to fit more closely to the area around the nasal bridge or to the nasal bridge and nasal septum, and provides further support, making it easier to more stably fix the insertion position and insertion depth of the sub-nozzle 11 inserted into the nasal cavity. In particular, it makes it easier to stably fix the positional relationship in the left-right direction (for example, toward the ala of the nose) during insertion into the nasal cavity, making it easier for the medicine to reach the target site.

[0082] The force with which the pressing surfaces 18 pinch the bridge of the nose and "press from both sides" can be adjusted by changing the distance between the inner sides of the sub-nozzles 11 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle. For example, by increasing the distance between the inner sides of the sub-nozzles 11, the force with which the pressing surfaces 18 "press from both sides" when inserted into the nasal cavity becomes relatively smaller, and by decreasing the distance, the force with which the pressing surfaces 18 "press from both sides" when inserted into the nasal cavity becomes relatively larger.

[0083] The force with which the pressing surface 18 pinches and "presses from both sides" the nasal bridge is not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately depending on the size of the nasal bridge and / or the size of the nasal cavity of the user of the nasal spray / injection nozzle. If the pressing surface 18 can "press from both sides" the nasal bridge and / or nasal septum when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the pressing surface 18 can function like a clip, making it easier to fix the direction of spray and to stably determine the insertion position and depth of the sub-nozzle. In this regard, the pressing surface 18 in one embodiment can be considered a clamping portion capable of pinching at least the nasal bridge. In a more preferred embodiment, the pressing surface 18 can be considered a clamping portion capable of pinching the nasal bridge and nasal septum. For example, the pressing surface 18 can also be called a clip portion or a clip-like clamping portion.

[0084] When the pressing surface 18 presses the bridge of the nose, the pressing surface may press other parts of the nose at the same time as the bridge of the nose. Alternatively, the pressing surface 18 may be used as the pressing surface 18 for pressing parts of the nose other than the bridge of the nose. Specifically, the pressing surface 18 may press the nasal cavity, which is the inside of the nose, the external nostril, which is the outside of the nose, parts located around the nose, and parts of the nose that connect parts of the nose to other parts of the nose.

[0085] Specifically, the pressing surface 18 may press the area of ​​the nose around the external nostrils. More specifically, the pressing surface 18 may press the tip of the nose, the ala of the nose, the nasal vestibule, the nasal passages, or the philtrum. The pressing surface 18 may also press the nasal septum, the area of ​​the ala on the nasal cavity side, or the area of ​​the tip of the nose on the nasal cavity side. By pressing the pressing surface 18 against the above-mentioned areas of the nose together with the columella, it becomes easier to fix the ejection / spray direction of the medicine, and the delivery of the medicine to the target area in the nasal cavity can be further improved.

[0086] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of pressing surface 18, as long as it has the function of pressing against the bridge of the nose or pressing against both sides of the bridge of the nose so as to sandwich it. Specifically, there are no particular restrictions on the shape of pressing surface 18, as long as it is shaped so that when sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity and crotch portion a abuts against the bridge of the nose, connecting portion 15 and a portion of sub-nozzle 11 each come into close contact with the bridge of the nose in a continuous manner.

[0087] For example, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the pressing surface 18 may be formed in a generally U-shape or rounded shape around the crotch portion a by a portion of each of the connecting portion 15 and the sub-nozzle 11. The pressing surface 18 may have a curved and / or flat surface, or may have a bent portion. In FIG. 10(B), the pressing surface 18 is relatively narrower than that in FIG. 3(B), and is generally V-shaped. In either form, the pressing surface 18 can achieve the above-described effect.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the pressing surface 18 may be curved in side view. The radius of curvature of the pressing surface 18, when the center of curvature is positioned on the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / injection nozzle, may be, for example, a radius of curvature (unit: mm) of 0.1R to 10.0R, 0.5R to 8R, 1R to 5R, 1.5R to 4R, or 2.0R to 3R. If the radius of curvature of the pressing surface 18 is within the above range, the pressing surface 18 and the nasal bridge can be more easily brought into close contact with each other. This makes it easier to more stably fix the positional relationship in the left-right direction during insertion into the nasal cavity, and the medication can more easily reach the target site.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from above in FIG. 5(C), the nozzle bottom dimension in a direction perpendicular to the pairing direction may be smaller at the connecting portion 15 than at the sub-nozzle 11. The pairing direction may be, for example, the extension direction of an imaginary line connecting the tips 11A or the nozzle holes 12 of each of the paired sub-nozzles. The nozzle bottom is the portion of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 on the side of the opening end 13, which is located opposite the tip 11A of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. Specifically, the nozzle bottom is the portion consisting of each sub-nozzle 11 located near the opening end 13 and the connecting portion 15; in other words, when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is viewed as a whole, it can also be said to be the base of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 from which each sub-nozzle 11 protrudes.

[0090] Furthermore, it can be said that the nozzle bottom contour shape of the nasal spray / ejection nozzle 10 shown in Figure 5(C) is narrowed at the connecting portion 15. The nozzle bottom contour shape means the "contour shape" of the "nozzle bottom" defined above. When viewed from above, the nozzle bottom contour shape is narrowed at the connecting portion 15, for example, meaning that the nozzle contour shape at the connecting portion 15 is narrowed so as to be constricted. In other words, when viewed from above, the nozzle bottom contour shape at one connecting portion 15 and the nozzle bottom contour shape at the other connecting portion 15 are narrowed so as to approach each other.

[0091] The nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of one embodiment of the present invention is used by inserting each of the sub-nozzles 11 into the nasal cavity and spraying / spraying the medicine toward the target site. In this case, the direction in which the medicine is sprayed / sprayed can be adjusted appropriately depending on the target site. For example, when spraying / spraying the medicine toward parts of the nasal cavity distal to the external nares, such as the nasopharynx or nasopharynx, the direction and angle in which the medicine is sprayed / sprayed is adjusted by lifting each of the sub-nozzles 11 inserted into the nasal cavity upward (toward the tip of the nose).

[0092] When the sub-nozzle 11 is lifted while inserted into the nasal cavity, a portion of the connecting portion 15, such as the side surface of the connecting portion 15, contacts the periphery of the external nostril, such as the bridge of the nose or the tip of the nose. In this regard, if the nozzle bottom contour is narrowed at the connecting portion 15, the periphery of the external nostril can fit snugly against the narrowed portion. In other words, the narrowed portion of the nozzle bottom and the periphery of the external nostril can engage with each other. In this regard, the narrowed portion of the nozzle bottom can be considered an engaging portion that can engage with the area around the external nostril. Furthermore, if the nozzle bottom contour is narrowed at the connecting portion 15, the contact area between at least a portion of the side surface of the connecting portion 15 and the periphery of the external nostril can be increased during use. Therefore, the nasal spray / ejection nozzle can be pressed against the periphery of the external nostril for stable alignment. This ultimately makes it easier to determine the position of the ejection port 12 in the nasal cavity, contributing to improved drug delivery characteristics. In this respect, the nozzle bottom can be said to have a second pressing surface for pressing the area around the external nose.

[0093] 5(A) and (C), the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting portion is smaller than the nozzle bottom dimension at the sub-nozzle 11. There are no particular limitations on the form in which the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting portion is smaller.

[0094] For example, in Figure 5(C), the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting portion is a curved surface. More specifically, the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting portion forms a recess so as to have a smoothly curved surface. In other words, it forms a rounded recess.

[0095] If the nozzle bottom dimensions have a curved surface, when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is lifted with the sub-nozzle 11 inserted into the nasal cavity and the connecting portion 15 abuts the periphery of the external nostril, the connecting portion 15 can be more closely fitted to the periphery of the external nostril. This is because the curved surface of the nozzle bottom dimensions at the connecting portion functions like a recess, fitting closely to the periphery of the external nostril, such as the tip of the nose, the bridge of the nose, and / or the ala of the nose, as if it were a convex portion. This allows the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 to be pressed more stably against the periphery of the external nostril. This in turn allows the position of the ejection hole 12 in the nasal cavity to be more appropriately determined, contributing to improved drug delivery characteristics.

[0096] The nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting part 15 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle according to one embodiment may be recessed to form a corner, as shown in Figures 6(A) and (C). In other words, the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting part 15 may be reduced to form a substantially V-shape. The nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting part 15 in the embodiment of Figures 5(A) and (C) is a curved recess, while the nozzle bottom dimension at the connecting part 15 in the embodiment of Figures 6(A) and (C) is not a curved recess.

[0097] With this configuration, when nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is lifted with sub-nozzle 11 inserted into the nasal cavity and connecting portion 15, which forms a recessed portion in a roughly V-shape, abuts the periphery of the external nostril, nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 can be more stably fixed to the periphery of the external nostril. Specifically, the two roughly V-shaped surfaces come into contact so as to press against both sides of the periphery of the external nostril, so nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 can be fixed more stably. The above-mentioned feature contributes to improving the medicine delivery characteristics of the nozzle of the present invention.

[0098] The distance between the sub-nozzles 11 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the size, shape, etc. of the user's nasal cavity and / or the target area. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(B) and 7(C), the separation distance L1 between the axes of the nozzle holes 12 of one sub-nozzle 11 and the nozzle holes 12 of the other sub-nozzle 11 may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the size, shape, etc. of the user's nostrils.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 8(C), the separation distance L1 may be shorter than that shown in Figure 7, or may be even shorter as shown in Figure 10. Such a configuration may be suitable for use by infants and children, whose nasal cavities are relatively smaller than those of adults. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the separation distance L1 may be longer than that shown in Figure 7. Such a configuration may be suitable for use by patients with relatively larger nasal cavities. Furthermore, the separation distance L2 between the axes of both sub-nozzles at the point where the axis of symmetry 17 of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 intersects with the crotch portion a may also be adjusted for the same reasons as the separation distance L1.

[0100] As shown in Figures 7(B) and (C), the ratio L1 / L2 of the separation distance L1 to the separation distance L2 may be greater than 1.0. Furthermore, L1 / L2 may be 1.5 or less, 1.3 or less, or 1.1 or less. When L1 / L2 is greater than 1.0, it becomes easier to position the axes of both sub-nozzles in directions away from each other. Therefore, when the sub-nozzle 11 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the nozzle hole 12 is more likely to be positioned distal to the nasal septum, making it less likely that the drug will be trapped in the nasal septum. Furthermore, when L1 / L2 is 1.5 or less, it becomes easier to position the nozzle hole 12 distal to the nasal turbinate, making it less likely that the drug will be trapped in the nasal turbinate, etc. As a result, the drug's ability to reach the target site is more likely to be improved.

[0101] To achieve an embodiment having L1 / L2 within the above range, the separation distance L1 may be 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, or 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The separation distance L2 may be 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, or 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0102] The diameter of each sub-nozzle 11 may be gradually tapered from the connecting portion 15 towards the tip portion 11A. "The diameter of each sub-nozzle 11 is gradually tapered" means that the body dimensions of the sub-nozzle are gradually reduced. The diameter of the sub-nozzle 11 may be gradually tapered towards the ejection hole 12, or may be tapered in steps. The shape of the sub-nozzle 11 that is gradually tapered may be, for example, a conical, frustum, or truncated conical shape.

[0103] With the above configuration, when nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the reduced-diameter portion can more easily fit to the wall of the inner nostril. In other words, the reduced-diameter portion of sub-nozzle 11 allows nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 to be pressed more stably against the wall of the inner nostril, making it particularly easy to determine the insertion position and direction of nozzle outlet 12. Furthermore, the impact on the wall of the inner nostril when nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity can be reduced, making it easier to reduce pain and other discomfort experienced by the user, such as a patient.

[0104] Nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention may be rigid and may maintain a constant shape before and after use. Alternatively, nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may be flexible and may change shape during use to become nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention. In other words, flexible nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 may bend and change shape as it is inserted into the nasal cavity.

[0105] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the sub-nozzles 11 may spread apart. When the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted into the nasal cavity, the pressing surface 18 presses against the bridge of the nose. The crotch portion a constituting the pressing surface 18 and the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11 receive a reaction force from the pressing bridge. The reaction force from the bridge of the nose acts in a direction that spreads the inner side surface of each sub-nozzle 11 to the left and right. Therefore, if the sub-nozzles are flexible, the axes of the sub-nozzles may be displaced so that they spread outward (in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 11 ). This may achieve a shape characteristic of the present invention, in which the distance between the axes of one sub-nozzle and the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion toward the tip. By allowing the shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 to change during use as described above, the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 can be more easily inserted into the nasal cavity. From the above characteristics, it can be said that the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 in one embodiment has a flexible sub-nozzle. In other words, it can be said that the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 in one embodiment has a sub-nozzle whose shape can be changed during use.

[0106] When the nasal spray nozzle 10 is flexible, the nasal spray nozzle 10 may be made of, for example, a flexible material, specifically, for example, an elastomer or a rubber-like substance. For example, the nasal spray nozzle 10 may be made of silicone rubber, fluororubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, and / or nitrile rubber.

[0107] (Spray / Injection Devices) As a nasal spray / spray device using the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, for example, in addition to a conventional spray / spray, there is one in which the nasal spray / spray nozzle is incorporated into an upward pressure airless spray / spray device or a syringe type spray / spray device. Here, the syringe type spray / spray device will be described in detail.

[0108] Fig. 12 illustrates a syringe-type spray / spray device 100 equipped with a nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. Fig. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the syringe-type spray / spray device 100 equipped with a nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. The syringe-type spray / spray device 100 comprises the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, a syringe body 130 equipped with a syringe barrel 120, a plunger rod 140 inserted into the syringe barrel 120 of the syringe body 130, a piston 160 provided at the end of the plunger rod 140 proximal to the nozzle 10, and a finger rest 170 disposed around the end of the syringe body 130 distal to the nozzle 10.

[0109] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, syringe-type spray / ejection device 100 has syringe body 130 made of synthetic resin or glass having syringe barrel 120 that can be filled with a medicine, plunger rod 140 that is inserted into syringe barrel 120 of syringe body 130, piston 160 that slides inside syringe barrel 120 to deliver the medicine in syringe barrel 120 from syringe body 130 to outlet 12 at tip 11A of nozzle 10, finger rest 170 that is arranged around the end distal to syringe body 130 to transmit force applied from the fingers of a practitioner such as a doctor to plunger rod 140, and plunger 180.

[0110] In this specification, the term "finger rest" refers, in a broad sense, to the part on which the fingers are placed when using nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, and in a narrow sense, to the part on which the fingers are placed when inserting nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 into the nasal cavity. From this perspective, finger rest 170 may also be referred to as a "finger rest portion" or a "finger grip."

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is connected to the syringe body 130 via an adapter 150, and the adapter 150 and the syringe body 130 are fixed together with a screw tip 110. The adapter 150 can be inserted into the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 from the open end 13 side. Therefore, the shape of the adapter 150 is similar to that of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10, but its size is smaller than that of the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10. The adapter 150 is provided with rods 20 in each of the portions of the adapter 150 that correspond to the sub-nozzles 11 when the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 is inserted.

[0112] (How to use the spray / injection device) A user uses the spray / injection device 100, for example, in the following manner. (1) Two fingers (for example, the index finger and the middle finger) are placed on the finger rest 170 on the syringe body 130 side, and the thumb is placed on the very end of the plunger 180. (2) Position the nasal spray / injection nozzle 10 so that the direction in which the two placed fingers are parallel to each other is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (or width direction) of the bridge of the nose. (3) Insert the tip 11A of the sub-nozzle 11 of the nasal spray / ejection nozzle 10 into the nasal cavity. Insert tip 11A until the crotch a presses against the area around the external nostril (for example, the bridge of the nose). (4) The plunger 180 is pushed proximally relative to the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 to spray / spray the medicine into the nasal cavity.

[0113] A nasal spray / spray device 100 using the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention can further improve the delivery of a medication to a target area in the nasal cavity due to the effects achieved by the nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention. Furthermore, the nasal spray / spray device 100 of the present invention delivers medication from the syringe barrel 120 to the orifice 12 by sliding the plunger 180 against the syringe barrel 120 filled with medication. The nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 of the present invention includes a pair of sub-nozzles 11, and therefore also has a pair of orifices. In this regard, compared to a conventional nasal spray / spray nozzle having only a single orifice 12, the amount of medication sprayed / sprayed is greater, and therefore the force required to slide the plunger 180 can be reduced. Furthermore, because there are two orifices 12, the force required to slide the plunger 180 to spray / spray a medication can be relatively reduced compared to a conventional nozzle having only a single orifice.

[0114] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely typical examples. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to these, and those skilled in the art will easily understand that various embodiments are possible. For example, the internal structure of the nasal spray nozzle may be the same as the internal structure of a conventional nozzle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] The nasal spray / spray nozzle 10 according to the present invention can deliver medicine to a more suitable target site in a complex nasal cavity structure. Specifically, the distance between the axis 16 of one sub-nozzle and the axis 16 of the other sub-nozzle increases from the connecting portion toward the tip. This allows for the delivery of medicine to a wider range of target sites, resulting in a nasal spray / spray type medical device with higher medicinal efficacy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 Nasal spray nozzles 11 Sub-nozzle 11A tip 12 Spout hole 13 Open end 14 Borderline 15 Connecting part 16 Sub-nozzle axis 17 Axis of symmetry of nasal spray nozzle 18 Pressing surface H Vertical height from crotch a to nozzle hole 12 c Sub-nozzle diameter in the width direction of the pressing surface w Width of the pressing surface h Height of pressing surface a Crotch 20 rods 100 Syringe-type spray / injection devices 110 Screw Tip 120 syringe barrels 130 Syringe body 140 plunger rod 150 Adapter 160 piston 170 Finger Rest 180 Plunger

Claims

1. A nasal spray nozzle having a pair of sub-nozzles, an ejection hole is provided at the tip of each of the sub-nozzles, and the sub-nozzles are connected to each other via a connecting portion; a separation distance between the axis of one of the sub-nozzles and the axis of the other of the sub-nozzles increases from the connecting portion toward the tip, A nasal spray / injection nozzle, in which the connecting portion and a portion of each of the sub-nozzles form a pressing surface for pressing against the bridge of the nose.

2. 2. The nasal spray nozzle of claim 1, wherein the separation distance increases gradually.

3. 2. The nasal spray / spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, in a side view, the angle formed between the axis of line symmetry of the nasal spray / spray nozzle and the axis of the sub-nozzle is an acute angle.

4. 4. The nasal spray / injection nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the acute angle is from 2° to 15°.

5. 2. The nasal spray / spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the contour shape of the nasal spray / spray nozzle is line-symmetrical when viewed from above.

6. The nasal spray / injector nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is positioned on an inner side surface of each of the sub-nozzles.

7. 2. The nasal spray / injection nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the pressing surface is a surface that can be pressed from both sides across the bridge of the nose.

8. A nasal spray / injection nozzle as described in claim 1, wherein the nozzle bottom dimension in a direction perpendicular to the paired direction when viewed from above is smaller at the connecting portion than at the sub-nozzle.

9. 2. The nasal spray / injection nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle bottom contour shape is narrowed at the connecting portion when viewed from above.

10. The nasal spray / injection nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein each of the sub-nozzles has a diameter that gradually decreases from the connecting portion toward the tip.

11. 2. The nasal spray / injection nozzle of claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the side, the distance between the outer side surface of one of the sub-nozzles and the outer side surface of the other sub-nozzle has at least a portion where it widens from the connecting portion toward the tip.

12. A nasal spray / injection nozzle as described in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the longest distance to the shortest distance between the outer side of one of the sub-nozzles and the outer side of the other sub-nozzle is greater than 1, and the longest distance corresponds to the distance at the tip.

13. A nasal spray / spray device comprising the nasal spray / spray nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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