Powder applicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a powder applicator comprising: a first body part including mixing chambers communicating with each other, an air reservoir filled with air, and an air supply passage disposed between the mixing chambers and the air reservoir; a second body part disposed on a side surface of the first body part and supplying powder to the mixing chambers; a pneumatic pressure generation part positioned at the other end portion of the first body part to generate air pressure in the air filled in the air reservoir and supply the air to the mixing chambers; a filter disposed inside the air reservoir and completely covering the air supply passage to block the movement of the powder between the mixing chambers and the air reservoir while allowing the movement of the air; and a discharge port disposed at one end portion of the mixing chamber to discharge the powder, wherein the powder disposed in the mixing chamber is transported by the flow of air by the air pressure generated by the pneumatic pressure generation part and discharged through the discharge port.

Description

powder applicator

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder applicator.

[0002] During surgical operations, various bleeding situations occur. For large amounts of bleeding, sutures, clips, staplers, etc. are used first. For additional small amounts of bleeding, sheets, gauze, powder, and gel-type hemostatic agents are used for the purpose of supplementary hemostasis.

[0003] Unlike other types of hemostatic agents, powder-based hemostatic agents are contained in an applicator, allowing them to be used even in deep, narrow, and difficult-to-reach areas. Furthermore, because they are not restricted by shape, they can be used in a variety of areas, regardless of the site or area of ​​bleeding. However, due to the lack of shape restrictions, powder-based hemostatic agents must be filled into a powder-dispensing applicator to ensure accurate application to the affected area.

[0004] For these powder spray applicators, the amount to be used must be adjusted according to the amount of bleeding and the area of ​​bleeding, so they must be capable of spraying multiple times, and the amount to be sprayed must be consistent so that the user can predict how much powder to use.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a powder applicator that is capable of spraying multiple times and has improved uniformity of powder spray amount and accuracy of spray timing.

[0006] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a powder applicator comprises a first body part including a mixing chamber communicated with each other, an air reservoir filled with air, and an air supply passage disposed between the mixing chamber and the air reservoir, a second body part disposed on a side of the first body part and supplying powder to the mixing chamber, an air pressure generating unit disposed at the other end of the first body part and generating air pressure in the air filled in the air reservoir to supply air to the mixing chamber, a filter disposed inside the air reservoir and completely covering the air supply passage, thereby blocking movement of powder between the mixing chamber and the air reservoir but allowing movement of the air, and an outlet disposed at one end of the mixing chamber and through which the powder is discharged, wherein the powder disposed in the mixing chamber is transported by a flow of air due to the air pressure generated by the air pressure generating unit and discharged through the outlet.

[0008] The first body part may include a first main body including the mixing chamber, the air reservoir, and the air supply passage, a coupling part disposed at one end of the first main body and having a structure for coupling with the discharge port, and a handle part disposed adjacent to the coupling part and having a shape protruding from a side surface of the first main body.

[0009] The second body part may include a second main body including a powder reservoir, a closing member for closing the other end of the second main body, a plunger disposed inside the second main body and sealing a space between the powder reservoir and the other end of the second main body, and a first spring having one end coupled to the plunger and the other end coupled to the closing member.

[0010] The second main body further includes a powder supply chamber that is mutually connected to the powder reservoir, wherein the powder supply chamber is disposed inside the mixing chamber, and the powder filled in the powder reservoir is supplied to the mixing chamber through the powder supply chamber, and a planar area of ​​an opening through which the powder is supplied from the powder supply chamber to the mixing chamber may be smaller than a planar area of ​​the powder reservoir.

[0011] The above plunger can be pressurized by the first spring to pressurize the powder filled in the powder reservoir.

[0012] The above-mentioned pneumatic generating unit may include a pump having a structure that folds and wrinkles when an external force is applied, and a first support member that is fixedly connected to the other end of the first body portion together with the pump.

[0013] The above-mentioned pneumatic generating unit may further include a second spring disposed between the first support member and the other end of the pump, and a second support member disposed between the second spring and the pump to prevent bending of the second spring when an external force is applied to the pump.

[0014] The above pneumatic generating unit may be detachable from the first body unit.

[0015] The above discharge port may further include a blocking member that blocks contact between the powder and the external environment.

[0016] The above discharge port may include a powder trap disposed adjacent to the mixing chamber to prevent the powder from being unintentionally discharged.

[0017] The powder trap may include an arrow-shaped passage facing in the opposite direction to the direction in which the powder is discharged, but the passage adjacent to the powder reservoir may have a passage facing in the direction in which the powder is discharged. The first body portion and the second body portion may be manufactured separately and may be combined.

[0018] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0019] In the case of a powder applicator according to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to spray the filled powder multiple times, and at the same time, there is an effect of improving the uniformity of the powder spray amount and the accuracy of the spray timing.

[0020] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a plan view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and are cross-sectional views for explaining an operating method of the powder applicator.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a blocking member is coupled to a discharge port before a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which an external force is applied to a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a state after all powder filled in a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention has been discharged.

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0030] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals designate the same elements. The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc., disclosed in the drawings for illustrating the embodiments are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it should be understood that a "first" component referred to below may also be a "second" component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0032] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and various technical connections are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or implemented together in a related relationship.

[0033] Specific embodiments are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] First, in order to more clearly explain the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a coordinate system set in a first direction (X), a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the same plane as the first direction (X), and a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the planes of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) is described. The first direction (X), the second direction (Y), and the third direction (Z) are for explaining directions related to the structure and operating method of the powder applicator (10), and should be understood to mean relative directions, and the embodiments are not limited to the mentioned directions.

[0036] For example, when viewed from the front, the first direction (X) may mean the horizontal direction of the powder applicator (10), the second direction (Y) may mean the vertical direction of the powder applicator (10), and the third direction (Z) may mean the height direction of the powder applicator (10).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment includes a first body part (100), a second body part (200), a pneumatic generating part (300), a filter (400), and a discharge port (500), and may optionally further include a spraying member (600) and / or a blocking member (700). In addition, the powder applicator (10) may further include a plurality of sealing members (PM1, PM2) to provide airtightness between the respective components.

[0038] For example, the powder applicator (10) may include a first body part (100) and a second body part (200) that are mutually coupled to form a main outer shape, an air pressure generating part (300) that is arranged at the other end of the first body part (100) in the third direction (Z) and generates air pressure in the air filled in the first body part (100), a filter (400) that is arranged inside the first body part (100) and allows the flow of air but blocks the flow of powder, a discharge port (500) that is arranged at one end of the first body part (100) in the third direction (Z) and discharges powder placed in the first body part (100) by the air pressure, a spraying member (600) that is mounted on the discharge port (500) and sprays powder discharged from the discharge port (500), and a blocking member (700) that is mounted on the discharge port (500) instead of the spraying member (600) and blocks powder from being discharged. there is.

[0039] The first body (100) may include a first main body (110), a coupling portion (120), and a handle portion (130). The first main body (110), the coupling portion (120), and the handle portion (130) may be formed integrally. The first main body (110) may have a cylindrical shape with a side extending in the third direction (Z). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first main body (110) may also have a polygonal shape such as an oval, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, etc. on the XY plane.

[0040] In the third direction (Z), an outlet (500) may be arranged at one end of the first main body (110), and an air pressure generating unit (300) may be arranged at the other end. For example, a coupling unit (120) may be arranged at one end of the first main body (110) to be coupled with the outlet (500), and a structure for coupling with an opening and an air pressure generating unit (300) may be formed at the other end to be coupled with the air pressure generating unit (300).

[0041] Additionally, an opening and a coupling structure for coupling a second main body (210) may be formed on the side surface of the first main body (110). The size and shape of the opening and coupling structure formed on the side surface of the first main body (110) may be set in various ways depending on the size and shape of the second main body (210).

[0042] The first main body (110) may include an air reservoir (111), a mixing chamber (112), and an air supply passage (113) arranged between the air reservoir (111) and the mixing chamber (112), as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7. The air reservoir (111), the air supply passage (113), and the mixing chamber (112) may be sequentially arranged in the third direction (Z). The air reservoir (111) and the mixing chamber (112) may be communicated with each other through the air supply passage (113).

[0043] An air supply passage (113) may be positioned on one side of the air reservoir (111) in the third direction (Z), and an air pressure generating unit (300) may be positioned on the other side. The air reservoir (111) is formed as an empty space and may be filled with air. A filter (400) may be positioned in the internal space of the air reservoir (111) on the side adjacent to the air supply passage (113).

[0044] In the third direction (Z), an outlet (500) may be arranged on one side of the mixing chamber (112), and an air supply passage (113) may be positioned on the other side. In addition, as will be described later, the mixing chamber (112) may be connected to the powder reservoir (211) of the second main body (210), or the powder reservoir (211) and the powder supply chamber (212). The mixing chamber (112) may be a space in which the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) and the air filled in the air reservoir (111) are respectively supplied and mixed.

[0045] The connecting portion (120) has a structure for connecting a discharge port (500) to the outer surface, and can be formed on one end side of the first main body (110) in the third direction (Z). The structure of the connecting portion (120) can be designed in various ways depending on the structure of the discharge port (500).

[0046] For example, the coupling portion (120) may include a first sub-coupling portion (121) and a second sub-coupling portion (122). The first sub-coupling portion (121) may have a shape protruding in the third direction (Z) from the first main body (110) and may have a structure for fixedly coupling with the discharge port (500). As a non-limiting example, the first sub-coupling portion (121) may have screw threads formed on the outer circumferential surface.

[0047] The second sub-joint (122) may have a shape that protrudes in the third direction (Z) from the first sub-joint (120), but may have a cylindrical shape with a smaller area on the XY plane than the first sub-joint (120). As will be described later, the internal structure of the discharge port (500) may be fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the second sub-joint (122).

[0048] The handle portion (130) may have a structure that supports the powder applicator (10) when an external force is applied in the third direction (Z) when the user uses the powder applicator (10). The handle portion (130) may have a structure that protrudes from the side of the first main body (110).

[0049] For example, the handle portion (130) may have a shape that protrudes in the second direction (Y) from the side surface of the first main body (110) adjacent to the coupling portion (120). In addition, the handle portion (130) may have a structure that extends in the opposite direction to the second main body (210) in the second direction (Y). However, the shape of the handle portion (114) is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes for a user to support the powder applicator (10) in the third direction (Z).

[0050] The second body part (200) may include a second main body (210), a plunger (220), a first spring (230), and a closing member (240). The plunger (220) and the first spring (230) are arranged in an internal space of the second main body (210), and the closing member (240) may close the other end of the second main body (210) in the second direction (Y).

[0051] The second main body (210) may have a cylindrical external shape with a side extending in the second direction (Y), but is not limited thereto. As another example, the second main body (210) may have a polygonal shape such as an oval, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, etc. on the XZ plane. The second main body (210) may be coupled to a side surface of the first main body (110).

[0052] In the second direction (Y), one end of the second main body (210) may have a structure for being fixedly coupled to the first main body (110), and the other end may have a structure for being coupled to the closing member (240). In this specification, it is exemplified that the portion where the second main body (210) is inserted into the side of the first main body (110) (i.e., the outer shape of the powder supply chamber (212)) has a conical shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the second main body (210) may include a powder reservoir (211). The powder reservoir (211) may be an internal space of the second main body (210), and may be a space defined by one end of the second main body (210) and the plunger (220) in the second direction (Y). The powder reservoir (211) may be filled with powder, and the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) may be supplied to the mixing chamber (112) by the elastic force of the first spring (230) applied in the second direction (Y) through the plunger (220).

[0054] In addition, an inflow prevention structure (not shown) may be formed at one end of the second direction (Y) of the second main body (210) to prevent the plunger (220) from flowing into the mixing chamber (112). The size, shape, and arrangement of the inflow prevention structure may be designed in various ways according to the understanding of a person skilled in the art.

[0055] In another embodiment, the second main body (210) may further include a powder supply chamber (212) that is mutually connected with the powder reservoir (211). In this case, the powder reservoir (211) and the powder supply chamber (212) may be sequentially arranged in the second direction (Y).

[0056] The powder reservoir (211) and the powder supply chamber (212) may be a single space located inside the second main body (210), and may be distinguished based on the first main body (110). For example, the powder supply chamber (212) may be defined as a space in the internal space of the second main body (210) where the second main body (210) is inserted into the mixing chamber (112) of the first main body (110), and the powder reservoir (211) may be defined as the remaining space.

[0057] The powder supply chamber (212) according to the present embodiment can be implemented in a conical shape including an opening at an end in the second direction (Y), as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, to supply powder to the mixing chamber (112). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the powder supply chamber (212) can be implemented in various shapes as understood by those skilled in the art, as described below.

[0058] The powder applicator (10) according to the present embodiment includes a powder supply chamber (212) between the mixing chamber (112) and the powder reservoir (211), so that the powder supply location is located inside the mixing chamber (112) and the planar area of ​​the opening through which the powder is supplied can be smaller than the planar area of ​​the powder reservoir (211) compared to a case where the powder reservoir (211) is directly connected to the mixing chamber (112). Therefore, it can be advantageous to improve the sprayability of the powder applicator (10) by reducing the resistance between the air supplied to the mixing chamber (112) for discharging the powder and the powder supplied to the mixing chamber (112).

[0059] The plunger (220) is arranged inside the second main body (210) and can move in the second direction (Y) inside the second main body (210) by the second direction (Y) elastic force of the first spring (230). The plunger (220) can pressurize the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) and the powder supply chamber (212) in the second direction (Y). The plunger (220) may include a packing member (221) and a connecting member (222).

[0060] The packing member (221) can seal between the space on the other end side of the second direction (Y) of the second main body (210) (i.e., the space where the plunger (220) and the first spring (230) are arranged) and the powder reservoir (211). The packing member (221) can have a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second main body (210). The size and shape of the packing member (221) can be variously set to seal the inner space of the second main body (210). For example, when the second main body (210) has a polygonal shape on the XZ plane, the packing member (221) can also have a corresponding polygonal shape.

[0061] The packing member (221) can have a sealing performance to the extent that the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) does not allow foreign substances such as air or dust to enter from the opposite direction of the second direction (Y) and the powder does not leak out.

[0062] In addition, the packing member (221) can pressurize the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) by the elastic force transmitted from the first spring (230), but can have a rigidity that does not deform its shape. For example, the packing member (221) can be formed by including silicon.

[0063] The connecting member (222) may have a structure for connecting the packing member (221) to the first spring (230). For example, if the packing member (221) is implemented as a circular ring having a circular shape and including an opening in the center when viewed in the second direction (Y), the connecting member (222) may have a structure in which one end is fitted into the opening of the packing member (221) in the second direction (Y), and the other end is combined with the first spring (230). The connecting member (222) may have substantially the same size and shape as the packing member (221) in the second direction (Y).

[0064] The connecting member (222) may have a function of sealing the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211), similar to the packing member (221). The connecting member (222) may be composed of substantially the same material as the packing member (221), but is not limited thereto.

[0065] In this specification, the packing member (321) and the connecting member (322) are exemplified as being formed as separate components and then combined, but this is not limited thereto, and the packing member (221) and the connecting member (222) may be formed as one piece.

[0066] The first spring (230) is arranged to be elastic in the second direction (Y), and one end may be fixedly connected to the plunger (220) in the second direction (Y), and the other end may be fixed to the closing member (240). The elastic coefficient of the first spring (230) may be set so that the plunger (220) pressurizes the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) so that no empty space is created inside the powder reservoir (211), as understood by those skilled in the art according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0067] Furthermore, the elastic coefficient of the first spring (230) can be set according to the amount of powder discharged by the powder applicator (10). In addition, the diameter, length, and thickness of the first spring (230) can be determined according to the elastic coefficient of the first spring (230) and design details of other components (e.g., the width in the second direction (Y) of the second main body (210), the area on the XZ plane, etc.).

[0068] The closing member (240) can close the other end of the second main body (210) in the second direction (Y). In addition, the closing member (240) can fix the other end of the first spring (230). For example, if a screw thread is formed on the inner surface of the other end of the second main body (210), the closing member (240) can include a corresponding screw thread to be fixedly coupled to the other end of the second main body (210), and can include a structure in which the other end of the first spring (230) is interlocked and fixed therein. However, the shape and size of the closing member (240) can be designed in various ways depending on the shapes and sizes of the second main body (210) and the first spring (230).

[0069] In this way, the powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment is implemented in such a way that the second body part (200) filled with powder, the air reservoir (111) for supplying air for transporting the powder, and the air pressure generating part (300) are implemented separately, so that the resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the air must pass through the entire powder corresponding to the total spray amount of the powder applicator (10), and thus, it can be advantageous in improving the powder sprayability.

[0070] In addition, the powder applicator (10) may advantageously provide uniform spraying even when spraying multiple times by including a first spring (230) that pressurizes a powder reservoir (211) of a second main body (210) filled with powder.

[0071] Meanwhile, although the present specification exemplifies that the second body part (200) is implemented as an integral part with the first body part (100), the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a powder applicator may be implemented such that the second body part (200) is manufactured separately from the first body part (100) and then coupled to each other for use. In this case, by variously modifying the size of the second body part (200) to be coupled to the first body part (100) (e.g., the width in the second direction (Y) of the second main body (210)) and the elastic coefficient of the first spring (230) included in the second body part (200), the total amount of powder sprayed can be adjusted without having to change the overall size of the powder applicator.

[0072] The pneumatic generating unit (300) may be arranged at the other end of the first body portion (100) in the third direction (Z). The pneumatic generating unit (300) may generate pneumatic pressure by receiving an external force applied in the third direction (Z). In the following, for the purpose of simplifying the cost aspect and manufacturing and driving of the powder applicator (10), the pneumatic generating unit (300) according to one embodiment is described as including a bellows-shaped pump (310) and being manually operated by a user, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the pneumatic generating unit (300) may be implemented as an automatic pump electrically driven by a battery as well as various types of manual pumps.

[0073] The pneumatic generating unit (300) may include a pump (310), a second spring (320), a first support member (330), and a second support member (340). The pump (310) may be implemented as a bellows pump having a structure that is wrinkled and folded when an external force is applied in a third direction (Z). The pump (310) may have one end fixedly coupled to the other end of the first main body (110) together with the first support member (330) in the third direction (Z). One end of the pump (310) may have a structure for being fixedly coupled to the other end of the first main body (110), and the structure may be implemented according to the shape of the other end of the first main body (110).

[0074] The first support member (330) is fixed to the other end of the first main body (110) in the third direction (Z) and can fix one end of the second spring (320). For example, the first support member (330) is fixedly connected to an opening and a coupling structure formed in the other end of the first main body (110), as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, and has a structure protruding in the opposite direction of the third direction (Z), thereby fixing one end of the second spring (320).

[0075] The second spring (320) and the second support member (340) may be arranged inside the pump (310). The second spring (320) is arranged to be elastic in the third direction (Z), and one end may be fixed to the first support member (330) and the other end may be fixed to the second support member (340) in the third direction (Z). The second spring (320) may be compressed when an external force in the third direction (Z) is applied to the pump (310), and may be restored to its previous state when the external force is released.

[0076] The elastic coefficient of the second spring (320) may be set to be sufficient so that the volume of the pump (310) returns to the state before the external force is applied after the external force applied to the pump (310) is released. Accordingly, the elastic coefficient of the second spring (320) may be set according to the size of the pump (310). In addition, the diameter, length, and thickness of the second spring (320) may be determined according to the elastic coefficient of the second spring (320) and design specifications of other components (e.g., the width of the pump (310) in the third direction (Z), etc.).

[0077] The second support member (340) is disposed inside the pump (310) and can fix the other end of the second spring (320) in the third direction (Z). For example, the second support member (340) can be fixedly disposed inside the other end of the pump (310), protrude from the inside of the other end of the pump (310) in the third direction (Z), and have an O-shape for the second spring (320) to be disposed inside. The inner diameter of the second support member (340) can be set so that the second spring (320) is disposed inside it. However, the second support member (340) can have various structures and sizes for fixing and connecting the other end of the second spring (320) to the inside of the other end of the pump (310), as will be understood by those skilled in the art according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0078] The second spring (320) is configured to increase the pumping efficiency of the pump (310), and the second support member (340) may be configured to prevent damage to the pump (310) due to the second spring (320) and to prevent the second spring from bending during pumping. Accordingly, the pneumatic generating unit (300) according to some embodiments may be designed by omitting the second spring (320) and the second support member (340).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the air pressure generating unit (300) generates air pressure as the volume of the space inside the pump (310) decreases when an external force is applied to the pump (310), and the air filled in the air reservoir (111) and the space inside the pump (310) by the generated air pressure can be injected into the mixing chamber (112). The size of the air pressure generated by the air pressure generating unit (300) can be determined according to the volume of the space inside the pump (310) and the elastic coefficient of the second spring (320).

[0080] Meanwhile, the pneumatic generator (300) according to one embodiment may be implemented to be detachable from the first main body (110). In other words, the pump (310) and the first support member (330) may have a structure for being easily coupled to and released from the other end of the first main body (110).

[0081] Accordingly, the powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment can be used by combining a pump (310) and a second spring (320) that are appropriately designed according to the required powder spraying amount. In this case, a powder applicator (10) with improved usability and cost can be provided by applying an appropriate air pressure generating unit (300) among a plurality of air pressure generating units (300) designed to provide air pressure of various sizes without having to re-manufacture the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) according to the desired powder spraying amount.

[0082] The filter (400) may be placed inside the air reservoir (111). For example, the filter (400) may be placed in contact with the inside of one end of the air reservoir (111) so as to cover the air supply passage (113). The filter (400) may have a shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the air reservoir (111) on the XY plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the filter (400) may be implemented with a planar area sufficient to completely cover the air supply passage (113) on the XY plane and fixedly placed on one end surface of the air reservoir (111).

[0083] When air pressure is generated by the air pressure generating unit (300), the filter (400) can supply air filled in the air reservoir (111) to the mixing chamber (112) through the air supply passage (113), but can block powder filled in the mixing chamber (112) or the powder reservoir (211) from flowing into the air reservoir (111). As a non-limiting example, the filter (400) can be implemented as a porous filter.

[0084] The discharge port (500) may include a powder discharge passage through which powder placed in the mixing chamber (112) is discharged by compressed air supplied by the pneumatic generator (300). The discharge port (500) may be placed between the spraying member (600) or the blocking member (700) and the mixing chamber (112).

[0085] The discharge port (500) may have one end connected to the injection member (600) or the blocking member (700) in the third direction (Z), and the other end connected to the first body part (100). Specifically, the other end of the discharge port (500) may be fixedly connected to the coupling member (120). With respect to the structure of the discharge port, any known structure may be employed, and for example, reference may be made to the powder delivery device disclosed in FIGS. 12 to 14 of U.S. Patent No. 10,507,293, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The discharge port (500) may include an internal structure and an external structure. The internal structure may have a cylindrical structure in which the outer surface is fitted to the inner surface of the second sub-joint (122) and a powder discharge passage is formed therein. The external structure may be formed on the outside of the internal structure and include an inner surface for coupling with the first sub-joint (121) and an outer surface for coupling with the injection member (600) or the blocking member (700). The internal structure and the external structure of the discharge port (500) may vary depending on the structure of the coupling member (120).

[0087] The discharge port (500) may optionally include a powder trap (PT). The powder trap (PT) may be formed at the other end of the internal structure in the third direction (Z). In FIG. 4, a separate powder trap member (PTM) is exemplified by being joined to the other end of the internal structure to form the powder trap (PT), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the powder trap (PT) may be formed integrally with the discharge port (500) through a technology such as 3D printing.

[0088] When the powder discharge passage of the discharge port (500) is directly connected to the internal space of the first main body (110) of the first body part (100), the powder placed in the mixing chamber (112) can be discharged as one end of the discharge port (500) faces the direction of gravity. Accordingly, the powder trap (PT) may have a structure for preventing discharge of powder other than powder placed in the mixing chamber (112) that is intentionally discharged according to the air pressure generated by the air pressure generating unit (300).

[0089] For example, the powder trap (PT) may include a passage in the shape of an arrow facing in the opposite direction to the direction in which the powder is discharged (the third direction (Z)), as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, but having a blunt cross-sectional shape at the end of the arrow. That is, the passage of the powder trap (PT) may have a path in which the mixing chamber (112) and the discharge port (500) are connected, but a portion adjacent to the mixing chamber (112) faces in the opposite direction to the direction in which the powder is discharged by the discharge port (500) (i.e., in the opposite direction to the third direction (Z)).

[0090] Accordingly, even if the discharge port (500) is arranged along the direction in which gravity acts, the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) cannot flow into the passage of the powder trap (PT) facing in the direction opposite to gravity, and thus, in addition to the intentional powder discharge due to the operation of the pneumatic generating unit (300), the powder can be prevented from being unintentionally discharged.

[0091] In this specification, it is exemplified that there are two passages through which the powder trap (PT) and the mixing chamber (112) communicate, but this is not limiting. In another example, there may be three or more passages through which the powder trap (PT) and the mixing chamber (112) communicate, or there may be only one.

[0092] Additionally, a first sealing member (PM1) may be arranged on at least a portion of the outer surface of the internal structure. The first sealing member (PM1) may provide airtightness between the internal structure of the discharge port (500) and the second sub-joint (122).

[0093] The spray member (600) is configured to be coupled to the discharge port (500) to spray powder onto the affected area, and may include a needle (610) and a needle tube (620). The needle (610) is coupled to the discharge port (500), and the needle tube (620) may be connected to the powder discharge passage of the discharge port (500) through the needle (610).

[0094] The shape of the spray member (600) may be applied to various types of spray members as understood by those skilled in the relevant technical field. For example, the spray member (600) may have various structures depending on the type and size of the affected area to which the powder is sprayed, such as a structure suitable for insertion into a patient's body through an endoscope during surgery.

[0095] The blocking member (700) can be combined with the discharge port (500) instead of the spraying member (600) before the powder applicator (10) is used. The blocking member (700) can prevent the powder filled in the mixing chamber (112) from being exposed to the outside air or foreign matter such as dust from entering the mixing chamber (112) through the discharge port (500).

[0096] The blocking member (700) may include a cylindrical structure for blocking the powder discharge passage of the discharge port (500). In addition, the blocking member (700) may include a structure that is connected to the cylindrical structure and is advantageous for the blocking member (700) to be separated from the discharge port (500). For example, the blocking member (700) may have a structure in which a cylindrical structure and a ring-shaped structure are connected in the third direction (Z), but is not limited thereto. As another example, the blocking member (700) may have various structures, such as a cylindrical structure and a hook-shaped structure connected in the third direction (Z) or a cylindrical structure and a 'T'-shaped structure connected.

[0097] A second sealing member (PM2) in the shape of an O-ring for airtightness between the two components may be placed between the injection member (600) or the blocking member (700) and the discharge port (500).

[0098] FIGS. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views of a powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which a blocking member is coupled to a discharge port before the powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is used, FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which an external force is applied to the powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a state after all powder filled in the powder applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is discharged.

[0099] Hereinafter, a method of operating a powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. In FIGS. 5 to 7, for convenience of explanation, the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211), the powder supply chamber (212), and the mixing chamber (112) is omitted, but the components may be filled with powder.

[0100] First, referring to FIG. 5, a powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment may have a blocking member (700) coupled to the discharge port (500) to ensure the airtightness of powder placed inside the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) before being used by a user. The user may separate the blocking member (700) from the discharge port (500) for use and couple a spraying member (700) suitable for the affected area to which the powder is to be applied to the discharge port (500).

[0101] In this case, even if one end of the discharge port (500) is opened to the outside as the injection member (700) is coupled to the discharge port (500), the powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment can prevent powder from being discharged from the powder applicator (10) unintentionally in a situation where the discharge port (500) is oriented in the direction of gravity or an external action such as vibration is applied to the powder applicator (10), because the discharge port (500) includes a powder trap (PT).

[0102] Meanwhile, the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) of the second body part (200) is pressurized in the second direction (Y) by the first spring (230) and supplied to the mixing chamber (112) through the powder supply chamber (212), and the mixing chamber (112) may be filled with the supplied powder.

[0103] Additionally, in some embodiments, if the second body part (200) is manufactured separately from the first body part (100) and implemented to be combined for use, the user can combine the second body part (200) to the first body part (100) to use the powder applicator (10), and the mixing chamber (112) can receive powder from the powder reservoir (211) after the second body part (200) is combined to the first body part (100).

[0104] Next, the user can use the handle portion (130) to support the powder applicator (10) from moving in the third direction (Z) and apply an external force to the other end of the air pressure generating portion (300) to spray the powder filled in the mixing chamber (112).

[0105] For example, when an external force is applied to the other end of the pump (310), the volume inside the air reservoir (111) and the pump (310) is reduced, and thus air pressure is generated so that air can be supplied to the mixing chamber (112). The air supplied to the mixing chamber (112) creates a flow inside the mixing chamber (112), and the powder filled in the mixing chamber (112) is carried by the flow of air and can be applied to the patient's affected area through the powder trap (PT) and the discharge port (500) and the spray member (600).

[0106] In this case, the powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment includes a first spring (230) that presses the powder filled inside the second body part (200) in the second direction (Y), and since the part where the powder is filled and the part where air is supplied are implemented to be separated, the resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the air must pass through the entire powder corresponding to the total spray amount of the powder applicator (10), and thus, it can be advantageous in improving the powder sprayability.

[0107] When the external force applied to the other end of the air pressure generating unit (300) is released, the pump (310) can return to its original shape before the external force was applied by the second spring (320). In this case, the air flow inside the powder applicator (10) can be generated in the direction from the mixing chamber (112) to the air reservoir (111), but since the filter (400) is arranged between the mixing chamber (112) and the air reservoir (111), the powder filled in the mixing chamber (112) can be prevented from flowing into the air reservoir (111).

[0108] In addition, after at least a portion of the powder filled in the mixing chamber (112) is sprayed by air pressure, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) is pressurized by the plunger (220) and the first spring (230), and the mixing chamber (112) can be supplied with an amount of powder corresponding to the sprayed powder.

[0109] That is, when the powder applicator (10) is designed to spray a plurality of times, the mixing chamber (112) can be maintained in a state filled with powder by the plunger (220) and the first spring (230) before all of the powder filled in the powder reservoir (211) is sprayed. Therefore, in the case of the powder applicator (10) according to one embodiment, it can be advantageous to uniformly maintain the amount of powder sprayed according to the plurality of times and to improve the accuracy of the timing at which the powder is sprayed.

[0110] Thereafter, the powder applicator (10) can repeat the above-described powder discharging process a preset number of times by repeatedly applying and releasing external force to the other end of the pneumatic generating unit (300) a preset number of times.

[0111] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention but are merely illustrative, and should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. Although specific terminology has been used in this specification, it has been used only for the purpose of explaining the concept of the present invention and has not been used to limit the meaning or the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A first body part including a mutually connected mixing chamber, an air reservoir filled with air, and an air supply passage arranged between the mixing chamber and the air reservoir; A second body part arranged on the side of the first body part and supplying powder to the mixing chamber; An air pressure generating unit disposed at the other end of the first body part to generate air pressure in the air filled in the air reservoir and supply air to the mixing chamber; A filter disposed inside the air reservoir and completely covering the air supply passage, thereby blocking movement of powder between the mixing chamber and the air reservoir but allowing movement of air; and A discharge port is disposed at one end of the mixing chamber and through which the powder is discharged; A powder applicator in which powder placed in the mixing chamber is transported by the air flow generated by the pneumatic pressure generating unit and discharged through the discharge port.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first body part, A first main body including the mixing chamber, the air reservoir and the air supply passage; A coupling part arranged at one end of the first main body and having a structure for coupling with the discharge port, and A powder applicator comprising a handle portion positioned adjacent to the above-described joint portion and having a shape protruding from a side surface of the first main body.

3. In paragraph 1, The above second body part, Second main body including powder reservoir, A closing member for closing the other end of the second main body, A plunger arranged inside the second main body and sealing the space between the powder reservoir and the other end of the second main body; A powder applicator comprising a first spring having one end coupled with the plunger and the other end coupled with the closing member.

4. In paragraph 3, The above second main body further includes a powder supply chamber mutually connected with the powder reservoir, The above powder supply chamber is placed inside the above mixing chamber, The powder filled in the above powder reservoir is supplied to the mixing chamber through the above powder supply chamber, A powder applicator, wherein a planar area of ​​an opening through which the powder is supplied from the powder supply chamber to the mixing chamber is smaller than a planar area of ​​the powder reservoir.

5. In paragraph 3, A powder applicator, wherein the plunger is pressurized by the first spring to pressurize powder filled in the powder reservoir.

6. In paragraph 1, The above pneumatic generating unit, A pump having a structure that folds and wrinkles when an external force is applied, and A powder applicator comprising a first support member fixedly connected to the other end of the first body portion together with the pump.

7. In paragraph 6, The above pneumatic generating unit, a second spring arranged between the first support member and the other end of the pump, and A powder applicator further comprising a second support member disposed between the second spring and the pump to prevent bending of the second spring when an external force is applied to the pump.

8. In paragraph 6, The above pneumatic generating unit is a powder applicator detachable from the first body unit.

9. In paragraph 1, A powder applicator further comprising a blocking member coupled to the discharge port to block contact between the powder and the external environment.

10. In paragraph 1, A powder applicator wherein the first body part and the second body part are manufactured separately and are capable of being combined.

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