Drug delivery device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drug delivery device, which is suitable for drug delivery from the nose of a human body. The drug delivery device comprises: a body assembly (20), wherein the body assembly is internally provided with a drug delivery channel extending along the front-rear direction, and a drug spraying hole is formed at the front end of the drug delivery channel; a gas supply device (30) connected to the rear portion of the body assembly, wherein the gas supply device is in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel, and is adapted to supply pressurized gas to the drug delivery channel; and a capsule holder (5) arranged within the rear portion of the body assembly, wherein the capsule holder is adapted to accommodate a nasal pharmaceutical agent, and is configured to be in fluid communication with both the rear end of the drug delivery channel and the gas supply device (30).

Description

Drug delivery device

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN 202411029884.3, filed on July 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to a drug delivery device, and more particularly to a drug delivery device suitable for administering drugs through the nose of the human body. Background Technology

[0004] With the diversification of drug types and the continuous updating of delivery methods, nasal administration has emerged as a new and safe method to address the limitations of injection and oral administration, as well as market demands. Currently, most commonly used nasal spray devices are pre-filled powder dispensers or capsule-type medications that require mouth blowing as a power source. The former cannot reuse the dispenser, while the latter is inconvenient to operate and clean. The market needs a nasal delivery device for capsule-type medications that is easy to clean and operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of inconvenience in cleaning and operation in existing technologies, this invention provides a drug delivery device that is easy to clean, operate, and can be reused multiple times.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a drug delivery device, and more particularly to a drug delivery device suitable for administration of drugs through the nose of the human body.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drug delivery device is provided, adapted for administration of drugs through the nose of a human body, the drug delivery device comprising:

[0008] The body assembly has a drug delivery channel extending in the front-rear direction, and the front end of the drug delivery channel forms a spray hole.

[0009] A gas supply device connected to the rear of the body assembly, the gas supply device being in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel and adapted to supply pressurized gas to the drug delivery channel; and

[0010] A capsule holder is disposed within the rear portion of the body assembly, the capsule holder being adapted to contain nasal medication, and the capsule holder being configured to be in fluid communication with the rear end of the administration channel and the air supply device, respectively.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capsule seat includes: a capsule cavity adapted to hold a nasal medication, and an air inlet cavity in fluid communication with the air supply device, wherein the front part of the capsule cavity is in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel, and the rear part of the capsule cavity is in fluid communication with the air inlet cavity.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a puncture needle is provided within the body assembly, the puncture needle being configured to move between an initial position and a puncture position; wherein when in the initial position, the puncture needle is withdrawn from the capsule cavity, and when in the puncture position, the puncture needle is capable of entering the capsule cavity.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capsule cavity is adapted to hold a capsule-type drug, wherein when in the puncture position, the puncture needle is capable of puncturing the capsule-type drug.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the puncture needle is in the initial position, the drug delivery channel is in fluid communication with the capsule cavity.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the capsule seat has a plurality of generally radially extending air intake channels evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, the air intake channels enabling the air intake chamber to be in fluid communication with the air supply device.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the air intake channels extends in a spiral shape around the axis of the air intake chamber and has the same direction of rotation.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body assembly comprises a first body component, a second body component, and a third body component that are detachably connected together and arranged sequentially in a front-rear direction, wherein the puncture needle is configured to pass through the second body component, the capsule seat is detachably connected to the second body component, the gas supply device is connected to the third body component, and wherein the second body component is connected to the first body component via a first connection structure, the second body component is connected to the capsule seat via a second connection structure, and the third body component is connected to the gas supply device via a third connection structure.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the capsule seat is at least partially located within the third body component and is detachably connected to the third body component.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air supply device is a manually operable airbag.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air intake chamber of the capsule seat is at least partially housed within the airbag.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connection structure includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​grooves formed at the rear end of the first body component and a plurality of corresponding snap-fit ​​hooks arranged on the second body component, wherein the snap-fit ​​grooves cooperate with the corresponding snap-fit ​​hooks.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear portion of the second body component has a receiving groove for accommodating at least a portion of the capsule cavity; the second connecting structure includes at least one boss disposed inside the receiving groove and at least one connecting groove formed on the outer surface of the capsule cavity, each connecting groove including a first portion extending axially along the capsule cavity and a second portion extending circumferentially along the capsule cavity, the second portion being connected to one side of the rear end of the first portion, the at least one boss being slidable within the at least one connecting groove, and the capsule cavity being configured to be in a closed state when the at least one boss is located within the second portion, and in an open state when the at least one boss is located within the first portion, wherein in the closed state, the capsule cavity cannot be accessed, and in the open state, access to the capsule cavity is permitted.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second body component is further provided with a guide hole that connects the drug delivery channel and the capsule cavity located in the receiving groove. The guide hole, the capsule cavity, the air inlet cavity and the air inlet channel are sequentially connected to form an airflow passage.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third connection structure includes a threaded connection portion disposed at the front end of the gas supply device and the rear end of the third body component, such that the gas supply device can be screwed into the third body component.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third connection structure further includes a locking structure disposed at the rear of the threaded connection portion of the gas supply device and at the rear of the threaded connection portion of the third body component. The locking structure allows the gas supply device to be screwed into the third body component in the forward direction, and when the gas supply device is screwed out of the third body component in the reverse direction, they abut against each other to prevent the reverse screwing out.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second body component is further provided with a through hole extending in the front-back direction, connecting the guide hole and the capsule cavity, and the puncture needle can pass through the through hole and enter the capsule cavity.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drug delivery device includes a slide key connected to the puncture needle and protruding from the outer surface of the body assembly, the slide key being manually operated to move the puncture needle back and forth.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first body component is further provided with a limiting groove extending in the front-rear direction, the slide key cooperates with the limiting groove to slide back and forth along the limiting groove, and at least part of the slide key protrudes from the limiting groove to the outside of the first body component.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of the body assembly has a shape suitable for entering the nasal cavity.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drug delivery device includes an outer cover that is detachably connected to the body assembly and serves to cover the front portion of the body assembly.

[0031] The drug delivery device according to the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0032] According to the present invention, a drug delivery channel and an airflow passage are formed within the main body assembly of the drug delivery device. The drug in the capsule is introduced into the airflow passage by the sliding of the puncture needle. Under the action of multiple air inlet channels of the capsule seat, a spiral airflow carrying the drug is generated, so that the drug is stably sprayed out from the spray hole through the drug delivery channel. The engagement between the boss of the second main body component and the "L"-shaped connecting groove of the capsule seat facilitates the replacement of the capsule in the capsule cavity. The present invention has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, install, clean and maintain, is convenient to operate and hygienic to use. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the drug delivery device in Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first body component in Figure 2 when viewed from the rear.

[0036] Figure 4 is a rear view of the first body component in Figure 3;

[0037] Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4;

[0038] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second body component in Figure 2 when viewed from the front, wherein the puncture needle is disposed on the second body component;

[0039] Figure 7 is a rear view of the second body component in Figure 6;

[0040] Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 7;

[0041] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the capsule seat in Figure 2;

[0042] Figure 10 is a side view of the capsule seat in Figure 9;

[0043] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 10;

[0044] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 10;

[0045] Figure 13 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third body component in Figure 2 when viewed from the rear.

[0046] Figure 14 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas supply device in Figure 2 when viewed from the front.

[0047] Figure 15 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sliding key of the drug delivery device in Figure 1 located at the first end of the limiting groove, wherein the outer cover has been removed;

[0048] Figure 16 is a side view of the drug delivery device in Figure 15;

[0049] Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 16;

[0050] Figure 18 is a front view of the drug delivery device in Figure 15;

[0051] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Figure 18;

[0052] Figure 20 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the drug delivery device with the sliding key located at the second end of the limiting groove, corresponding to Figure 15.

[0053] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the drug delivery device in Figure 20;

[0054] Figure 22A is a comparison chart of the emptying rate of the drug delivery device of the present invention and the existing drug delivery device when the emptying rate test is performed on a 2mg capsule.

[0055] Figure 22B is a comparison chart of the emptying rate of the drug delivery device of the present invention and a conventional drug delivery device when conducting an emptying rate test on a 3mg capsule; and

[0056] Figure 22C is a comparison chart of the emptying rate of the drug delivery device of the present invention and the existing drug delivery device when the emptying rate test is performed on a 4mg capsule.

[0057] Wherein: 100, drug delivery device; 10, outer cover; 20, main body assembly; 1, first main body component; 11, spray hole; 12, first guide section; 120, first guide groove; 13, limiting groove; 131, first end; 132, second end; 14, snap-fit ​​groove; 2, second main body component; 21, connecting platform; 22, second guide section; 220, second guide groove; 23, circular boss; 24, receiving groove; 25, through hole; 26, guide hole; 27, snap-fit ​​hook; 28, protrusion. 3. Third body component; 31. Connecting hole; 32. Internal thread; 33. Buckle; 4. Puncture needle; 41. Slide key; 5. Capsule seat; 51. Front section; 510. Capsule cavity; 511. Connecting groove; 5111. First part; 5112. Second part; 52. Rear section; 520. Air inlet chamber; 521. Air inlet hole; 522. Air inlet channel; 53. Connecting hole; 6. Sealing ring; 30. Air supply device (airbag); 71. External thread; 72. Hook; 200. Capsule-type medicine. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To illustrate the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives, and effects of the application in detail, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a detailed description of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. However, various exemplary embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details or in one or more equivalent arrangements. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may differ, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the specific shape, structure, and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0059] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0060] The terms "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", and "right" used in this application refer to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right as shown in Figure 1.

[0061] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" shall be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0062] The present invention provides a drug delivery device, which is particularly suitable for drug delivery via the nose. This drug delivery device can be loaded with powdered medication, particularly suitable for loading capsule-type medication 200, and can stably and evenly spray the powdered medication into the user's nasal cavity.

[0063] Figure 1 shows an external perspective view of a drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drug delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention generally includes an outer cover 10, a body assembly 20, and a gas supply device 30. The outer cover 10 is used to at least partially cover the body assembly 20 from the front, so as to shield at least the portion of the body assembly 20 for entry into the nasal cavity from contamination, while providing an aesthetic appearance. The outer cover 10 can be detachably connected to the body assembly 20 by a mechanical connection such as a snap-fit ​​or threaded connection. The body assembly 20 has a drug delivery channel extending in a front-rear direction, and the front end of the drug delivery channel forms a spray hole 11, which will be described in detail later. The gas supply device 30 is used to provide pressurized gas, which is connected to the rear of the body assembly 20 and configured to be in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel of the body assembly 20.

[0064] As shown in more detail in Figure 2, the body assembly 20 includes, from front to back, a first body component 1, a second body component 2, and a third body component 3. The front part of the first body component 1 is used to enter the nasal cavity for drug administration. Therefore, the front part of the first body component 1 is shaped into a generally tubular shape that conforms to the shape of the inside of the nasal cavity. The spray nozzle 11 is formed at the front end of the first body component 1. The first body component 1 and the second body component 2 are detachably connected, and the second body component 2 and the third body component 3 are detachably connected. Preferably, the outer cover 10 can be connected to the front part of the third body component 3 to cover both the first body component 1 and the second body component 2. Preferably, the air supply device 30 is connected to the rear part of the third body component 3.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the body assembly 20 also includes a puncture needle 4. Preferably, the puncture needle 4 is configured to pass through the second body component 2 in the front-back direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the body assembly 20 also includes a capsule holder 5, which is disposed between the second body component 2 and the third body component 3, and connected to the front of the third body component 3. The capsule holder 5 is used to contain a powdered medicine, preferably a capsule-type medicine 200, such as a nasal medicine. In embodiments of the invention, the capsule-type medicine 200 preferably stores drug powder, but other types of special formulations may also be stored. Hereinafter, for clarity, a detailed description will be given using the example of containing a capsule-type medicine 200 in the capsule holder 5. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the invention are applicable even when using powdered medicine directly without using capsule-type medicine.

[0067] The capsule seat 5 is configured to be in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel and the gas supply device 30, respectively. Thus, the pressurized gas provided by the gas supply device 30 passes through the capsule seat 5, supplies the gas flow carrying the drug powder to the drug delivery channel, and enters the nasal cavity of the human body through the spray hole 11.

[0068] Figures 3 to 5 show individual views of the first body component 1. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the front of the first body component 1 is generally tubular as described above and has a spray hole 11. The rear end of the first body component 1 is open, allowing the second body component 2 to be inserted and connected to the first body component 1. The interior of the first body component 1 has a first guide portion 12 extending in the front-rear direction. The first guide portion 12 extends forward to a position adjacent to the spray hole 11. A groove, namely a first guide channel 120, is formed at the top of the first guide portion 12. The first guide channel 120 extends in the front-rear direction, and its front end is in contact with and fluidly communicates with the spray hole 11. The rear end of the first guide channel 120 is formed to open upwards. Furthermore, limiting grooves 13 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the left and right sides of the first body component 1 for engaging with a pair of sliding keys 41 of the second body component 2, which will be further explained below.

[0069] Figures 6 to 8 show various views of the second body component 2, in which the puncture needle 4 is assembled by passing through the second body component 2. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the second body component 2 has a generally vertical connecting platform 21 at its front. The external shape of the connecting platform 21 is adapted to the rear end opening of the first body component 1 so that it can be inserted into and connected to the first body component 1. Extending forward from the front side of the connecting platform 21 are a second guide portion 22 and a circular boss 23 located below the second guide portion 22. The second guide portion 22 has a groove, namely a second guide channel 220, which extends in the front-rear direction and has its front end formed to open downward. The second guide portion 22 can be connected to the first guide portion 12, so that the front end of the second guide channel 220 is in close contact with the rear end of the first guide channel 120 and fluidly communicates with it to define a portion of the drug delivery channel communicating with the spray hole 11. The circular boss 23 has a central recess, and the connecting platform 21 has a central through hole 25 leading to the recess. The puncture needle 4 can pass through the central recess and the through hole 25 and move in the front-back direction. Preferably, the internal dimensions of the through hole 25 are adapted to the external dimensions of the puncture needle 4, so that the puncture needle 4 can be received in the through hole 25 in a mating manner. More preferably, a sealing ring 6 is arranged in the central recess of the circular boss 23 to seal the front side of the through hole 25 when the puncture needle 4 moves back and forth. The rear part of the connecting platform 21 is configured as a receiving groove 24, which opens rearward to receive a portion of the capsule seat 5, and at least one side of the receiving groove 24 is open to place the capsule-type drug 200 into the capsule seat 5. Preferably, the left and right sides of the receiving groove 24 are symmetrically open. The receiving groove 24 is in fluid communication with the through hole 25. The connecting platform 21 is also provided with a guide hole 26 that allows the second guide groove 220 to communicate with the through hole 25.

[0070] As described above, the puncture needle 4 is disposed through the second body component 2, and the puncture needle 4 is configured to move back and forth in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the puncture needle 4 is capable of moving back and forth between an initial position and a puncture position. Figures 6 and 8 show the puncture needle 4 in the initial position. As shown in Figure 8, preferably, in the initial position, the puncture needle 4 is not inserted into the receiving groove 24. Preferably, in the initial position, the puncture needle 4 is not passed through the through hole 25, and the flow guide hole 26 allows the second flow guide groove 220 to be in fluid communication with the through hole 25. Therefore, the first flow guide groove 120, the second flow guide groove 220, the flow guide hole 26, and the through hole 25, arranged sequentially from front to back, form the drug delivery channel of the body component 20. Preferably, in the initial position, the rear end of the puncture needle 4 is received within the sealing ring 6 and is located in front of the connection between the flow guide hole 26 and the through hole 25.

[0071] As will be described below, when the puncture needle 4 moves rearward to the puncture position, the rear end of the puncture needle 4 moves into the receiving groove 24 and can further enter the capsule seat 5 to puncture the capsule-type drug 200 therein. Preferably, the rear end of the puncture needle 4 is a sharp needle shape to facilitate the puncture of the capsule-type drug.

[0072] Further, as shown in Figure 6, preferably, the front end of the puncture needle 4 is provided with a pair of sliding keys 41. The sliding keys 41 extend radially outward from the puncture needle 4 and preferably have textured ends to facilitate the user applying force to these ends to push the puncture needle 4 back and forth relative to the second body component 2. Referring to Figure 3, the sliding keys 41 can pass through the limiting groove 13 and protrude from the outer surface of the first body component 1, allowing the user to manually operate the sliding keys 41 to slide back and forth along the limiting groove 13. Therefore, the limiting groove 13 also provides some support for the puncture needle 4. As shown in Figure 3, the limiting groove 13 has a first end 131 located at the front and a second end 132 located at the rear. The limiting groove 13 is configured such that when the sliding key 41 moves to the first end 131, the puncture needle 4 is in its initial position; when the sliding key 41 moves to the second end 132, the puncture needle 4 is in its puncture position.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3 and 6, the first body component 1 and the second body component 2 are connected by a first connecting structure. The first connecting structure includes a snap-fit ​​groove 14 located at the rear end of the first body component 1 near the opening, and corresponding snap-fit ​​hooks 27 extending forward and arranged on the connecting platform 21. The snap-fit ​​hooks 27 have appropriate elasticity to snap into the corresponding snap-fit ​​groove 14, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the first body component 1 and the second body component 2. Preferably, a plurality of, more preferably, four snap-fit ​​grooves 14 are evenly arranged along the edge of the rear opening of the first body component 1, and a plurality of, more preferably, four snap-fit ​​hooks 27 are correspondingly arranged along the edge of the front end of the connecting platform 21 to achieve a more stable connection.

[0074] Figures 9 to 12 show individual views of the capsule holder 5. The capsule holder 5 includes a front section 51 and a rear section 52. The front section 51 has a central capsule cavity 510 for placing the capsule-type drug 200, and the front end of the capsule cavity 510 is an opening for the capsule-type drug 200 to enter and exit. The rear section 52 has a central air inlet cavity 520 for fluid communication with the air supply device 30. Referring to the description above with reference to Figure 8, preferably, when the puncture needle 4 is in its initial position, the puncture needle 4 has not entered the capsule holder 5, or has completely withdrawn from the capsule cavity 510; when the puncture needle 4 is in its puncture position, the puncture needle 4 can pass through the through hole 25 to enter the capsule cavity 510 and puncture the capsule-type drug 200, or can completely pass through the capsule-type drug 200, or the rear end of the puncture needle 4 is accommodated in the air inlet cavity 520.

[0075] The front section 51 of the capsule seat 5 is adapted to be at least partially received in the receiving groove 24, so that the capsule cavity 510 can be in fluid communication with the flow guide hole 26 through the through hole 25, that is, in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel. Preferably, the external dimensions of the front section 51 of the capsule seat 5 are adapted to the internal dimensions of the receiving groove 24 of the second body component 2, so that the front section 51 of the capsule seat 5 can be received in the receiving groove 24 of the second body component 2 in a mating manner.

[0076] The rear section 52 of the capsule seat 5 has several air inlets 521 on its outer periphery. Preferably, four air inlets 521 are distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the rear section 52. As shown in Figure 11, the rear section 52 of the capsule seat 5 also has multiple air intake channels 522 extending radially. The air intake channels 522 are evenly arranged circumferentially and correspond to the air inlets 521 respectively. Each air inlet 521 is connected to the central air intake chamber 520 through the air intake channel 522. Preferably, the air intake channel 522 is constructed to extend spirally around the axis X1 of the air intake chamber 520, and the spiral directions of each air intake channel 522 are basically the same. In the assembled state, each air inlet 521 is in fluid communication with the air supply device 30, so that the pressurized gas provided by the air supply device 30 enters the air intake chamber 520 in a spiral airflow state from the air inlets 521 and through the spirally extending air intake channels 522, thereby obtaining a more stable airflow.

[0077] Preferably, the capsule cavity 510 and the air inlet cavity 520 each have a substantially constant radial dimension. As shown in Figure 12, a connecting hole 53 is provided between the capsule cavity 510 and the air inlet cavity 520 to allow fluid communication between them. Preferably, the radial dimension of the connecting hole 53 gradually decreases from the capsule cavity 510 to the air inlet cavity 520, thereby buffering and smoothing the airflow entering the capsule cavity 510 from the air inlet cavity 520, and preventing the capsule medication 200 placed in the capsule cavity 510 from slipping into the air inlet cavity 520 when using the capsule medication 200.

[0078] Referring to Figures 6 to 10, the second body component 2 and the capsule seat 5 are connected by a second connecting structure. The second connecting structure includes a boss 28 located at the rear end of the second body component 2 inside the receiving groove 24 and a connecting groove 511 formed on the circumferential surface of the front section 51 of the capsule seat 5. The connecting groove 511 includes a first portion 5111 extending axially and a second portion 5112 extending circumferentially from the rear end of the first portion 5111, making the connecting groove 511 "L"-shaped. The boss 28 is configured to be radially retractable so that when extended radially inward, it can be inserted into the connecting groove 511 and slide along the first portion 5111 and the second portion 5112, respectively. Preferably, a pair of bosses 28 are arranged vertically opposite each other inside the receiving groove 24, and correspondingly, a pair of connecting grooves 511 are arranged vertically opposite each other on the circumferential surface of the front section 51.

[0079] When the boss 28 is located in the connecting groove 511 and at the front end of the first part 5111, the capsule cavity 510 is in the open state. At this time, the capsule cavity 510 can be easily accessed through at least one open side of the receiving groove 24 to insert or remove the capsule medication 200. When the boss 28 slides backward relative to the capsule seat 5 in the first part 5111 to the rear end of the first part 5111 (i.e., the capsule seat 5 moves forward relative to the second body component 2), and then slides circumferentially in the first direction into the second part 5112 (i.e., the capsule seat 5 rotates forward relative to the second body component 2), the capsule cavity 510 is in the closed state. At this time, the capsule cavity 510 cannot be accessed, and the medication to be administered is sealed in the capsule cavity 510. At the same time, the capsule seat 5 and the second body component 2 are locked in the relative axial position, thereby connecting the second body component 2 and the capsule seat 5. The process is reversible. The boss 28 of the second body component 2 first slides circumferentially from the second part 5112 of the corresponding connecting groove 511 along a second direction opposite to the first direction to the rear end of the first part 5111 (i.e., the capsule seat 5 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the second body component 2), and then slides forward relative to the capsule seat 5 to the front end of the first part 5111 (i.e., the capsule seat 5 moves backward relative to the second body component 2). At this time, the capsule cavity 510 is open again, and the capsule seat 5 and the second body component 2 can be disconnected. Thus, the capsule cavity 510 can be repeatedly closed and opened, and the capsule seat 5 and the second body component 2 can be detachably connected.

[0080] Preferably, to better suit the operating habits of most people, the connecting groove 511 is configured to connect the capsule seat 5 to the second body component 2 when the capsule seat 5 rotates to the right relative to the second body component 2, and to disconnect the capsule seat 5 from the second body component 2 when the capsule seat 5 rotates to the left relative to the second body component 2.

[0081] The second connection structure according to the embodiments of the present invention not only facilitates the disassembly and connection of the capsule seat 5 and the second body component 2, but also makes it easy to replace the capsule-type medicine 200 contained in the capsule cavity 510, thereby realizing the reuse of the drug delivery device 100.

[0082] Figure 13 shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third body component 3 as viewed from the rear. As shown in Figure 13, a connecting hole 31 is provided in the center of the third body component 3. The capsule seat 5 can pass through the connecting hole 31 from rear to front to connect with the third body component 3. Preferably, the capsule seat 5 and the connecting hole 31 are provided with corresponding circumferential limiting structures, and when the capsule seat 5 passes through the connecting hole 31 from rear to front, the corresponding limiting structures can cooperate with each other to restrict the capsule seat 5 from rotating relative to the third body component 3.

[0083] As described above, the first body component 1 and the second body component 2 are detachably connected by the first connecting structure, the second body component 2 and the capsule seat 5 are detachably connected by the second connecting structure, and the capsule seat 5 is detachably connected to the third body component 3. This allows for the detachable assembly of the entire body assembly 20 in a simple manner, and thus makes it easy to clean and maintain each component.

[0084] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the gas supply device 30 from the front. The gas supply device 30, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is used to provide pressurized gas and can be configured to provide pressurized gas, for example, manually or electrically. As shown in Figure 14, the gas supply device 30 includes an outlet portion located at the front end and a main body located at the rear end. Referring to Figure 13, the gas supply device 30 is connected to the third body component 3 via a third connecting structure. The third connecting structure includes an external thread 71 disposed on the outer periphery of the outlet portion and an internal thread 32 disposed at the rear end of the third body component 3 for engaging with the external thread 71, thereby enabling the gas supply device 30 to be connected to the rear end of the third body component 3 by forward screwing.

[0085] Preferably, the third connection structure further includes a locking structure disposed between the air supply device 30 and the third body component 3 to prevent the air supply device 30 from rotating out of the third body component 3 in the reverse direction. The locking structure includes a plurality of hooks 72 arranged at the front end of the air supply device 30 and a plurality of corresponding latches 33 arranged within the third body component 3. The hooks 72 are arranged at the rear of the external thread 71 and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the external thread 71. The hooks 72 have a slope that smoothly rises from the outer periphery of the outlet of the air supply device 30 and a snapping surface that is approximately perpendicular to the outer periphery. The latches 33 extend rearward from the rear of the internal thread 32 and have a certain degree of flexibility. The latches 33 have radially inward protrusions and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the internal thread 32. When the air supply device 30 is screwed into the third body component 3 in the forward direction, the latches 33 will not contact the hooks 72, and their radial internal dimensions ensure that they will not interfere with the external thread 71. When the air supply device 30 is almost fully screwed in, the protrusion of each latch 33 contacts the slope of the corresponding hook 72. Due to the flexibility of the latch 33, it can slide on the slope during the screwing motion until it passes over the slope of the hook 72. When the air supply device 30 is fully screwed in, the hook 72 and the latch 33 are in the same radial plane, and the engaging surface of the hook 72 is adjacent to the corresponding latch 33, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 17 below. At this time, if the air supply device 30 is screwed out in the opposite direction without applying external force, the engaging surface of the hook 72 will abut against the latch 33, thereby preventing the air supply device 30 from being screwed out in the third body component 3 in the opposite direction, thus achieving a fixed connection between the air supply device 30 and the third body component 3. The fixed connection between the air supply device 30 and the third body component 3 helps to prevent contamination of the airflow passage, ensures a clean application environment, and avoids unnecessary introduction of dust and other contaminants into the nasal cavity. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, under appropriate circumstances or by appropriate means, the gas supply device 30 may also be disconnected from the third body component 3 for replacement.

[0086] Preferably, the main body of the air supply device 30 is made of a flexible material. More preferably, the air supply device 30 is a manually operable airbag. When an external force is applied to squeeze the main body of the airbag 30, the air inside the airbag 30 is discharged in the form of pressurized gas and supplied to the air inlet 521.

[0087] Preferably, the rear section 52 of the capsule seat 5 passes through the third body component 3 and is at least partially housed within the air supply device 30. More specifically, the rear section 52 of the capsule seat 5 can extend at least partially from the outlet into the air supply device 30, such that the air inlet 521 of the rear section 52 is located within the air supply device 30, so that the air supply device 30 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 521, and further in fluid communication with the air inlet chamber 520 through the air inlet channel 522.

[0088] As previously described, when the puncture needle is in its initial position, the drug delivery channel, capsule cavity 510, connecting hole 53, air inlet cavity 520, air inlet channel 522 and air inlet hole 521 are sequentially fluidly connected, thereby forming an airflow passage connecting the spray hole 11 and the interior of the air supply device 30, so that pressurized gas from the air supply device 30 can be supplied to the drug delivery channel through the capsule cavity 510 and enter the nasal cavity of the human body through the spray hole 11.

[0089] The components of the drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured by processing methods commonly used in the art; preferably, the components can be molded. The working principle of the drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 21. FIGS. 15 to 19 show views of the drug delivery device 100 when the puncture needle 4 is in the initial position, and FIGS. 20 to 21 show views of the drug delivery device 100 when the puncture needle 4 is in the puncture position.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drug delivery device 100 punctures the capsule-type drug 200 already placed in the capsule cavity 510 by moving the puncture needle 4 to the puncture position, thereby releasing the powdered drug in the capsule-type drug 200 into the airflow passage. Then, the puncture needle 4 is moved back to the initial position, so that the airflow passage connecting the spray hole 11 and the air supply device 30 is connected. Finally, pressurized gas is provided by the air supply device 30, so that the pressurized gas travels along the airflow passage and forms an airflow carrying the drug powder. Finally, the airflow carrying the drug powder is sprayed into the nasal cavity from the spray hole 11 to complete the drug delivery.

[0091] The operating steps of the drug delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are as follows:

[0092] 1. Remove the outer cover 10 from the main body assembly 20;

[0093] 2. Rotate the second body component 2 in the second direction and move the second body component 2 forward to open the capsule cavity 510, and load the capsule-type medicine 200 into the capsule cavity 510 through the open side of the receiving groove 24. Then move the second body component 2 backward and rotate the second body component 2 in the first direction to close the capsule cavity 510.

[0094] 3. Slide the slide key 41 from the first end 131 to the second end 132 of the limiting groove 13 so that the puncture needle 4 completely punctures the capsule-type drug 200 to release the drug into the airflow passage;

[0095] 4. Push the slide key 41 from the second end 132 of the limiting groove 13 back to the first end 131, so that the airflow passage from the air supply device 30, the air inlet chamber 520, the capsule chamber 510, the drug delivery channel to the spray hole 11 is connected.

[0096] 5. Insert the front part of the first body component 1 at least partially into the user's nasal cavity;

[0097] 6. Apply external force to the air supply device 30 or squeeze the air bag 30 so that the spiral airflow carries the drug powder in the airflow passage and sprays it into the user's nasal cavity from the spray hole 11;

[0098] 7. After a few seconds of pause, the spraying is complete. Rotate the second body component 2 in the second direction and move the second body component 2 forward to reopen the capsule cavity 510. Take out the used capsule medicine 200 and clean the capsule cavity 510. Then close the capsule cavity 510 again and finally connect the outer cover 10 to the body component 20.

[0099] The drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can load various capsules of different specifications. Experimental comparisons have shown that the drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly superior to existing drug delivery devices for capsules of 2mg, 3mg, and 4mg (powder weight). Specifically, when testing the emptying rate (one of the indicators for measuring drug delivery effectiveness) for capsules of 2mg, 3mg, and 4mg (powder weight), as shown in Figures 22A, 22B, and 22C, the emptying rates of existing products on the market are generally lower than those of the drug delivery device 100 of the present invention. Furthermore, for the above-mentioned capsule specifications, the emptying rates of the drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention are 92.79%, 96.61%, and 94.81%, respectively. Comparatively, the drug delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention has the best delivery effect for capsules of 3mg (powder weight).

[0100] As described above, the drug delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention releases drug powder by puncturing the capsule-type drug 200 with a puncture needle 4. This avoids the user directly touching the capsule-type drug with their hands, thereby preventing drug contamination. This is especially important for nasal medications, as the human nose is usually quite sensitive to very small contaminants such as dust. Moreover, the drug delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate a spiral airflow under the action of multiple air inlet channels 522 of the capsule seat 5. Due to the structure of the capsule seat 5 (connecting hole 53), this spiral airflow carries the drug powder more evenly and stably from the spray hole 11. This avoids generating a rapid airflow that could impact sensitive nasal tissues, resulting in a gentler experience for the user. It also allows for more even drug application, which is beneficial for the drug to exert its therapeutic effect. Secondly, the cooperation between the second body component 2 and the capsule seat 5 of the drug delivery device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention allows for easy replacement of the capsule-type drug 200 within the capsule cavity 510 without requiring the user to possess corresponding skills. Furthermore, due to the inclusion of the puncture needle 4, the drug delivery device 100 can be reused multiple times and is applicable to different drugs. Alternatively, as mentioned above, it can directly load powdered drugs instead of capsule-type drugs, thus exhibiting high versatility and cost-effectiveness. In addition, the air supply device 30 of the drug delivery device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention is operated manually or electrically, and its air source can be directly derived from air, making it more hygienic. Finally, the overall structure of the drug delivery device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention is simple, with detachable connections between components, making it easy to manufacture, install, clean, and maintain, and thus more convenient to operate.

[0101] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims, specification, and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drug delivery device (100) adapted for nasal administration to a human body, the drug delivery device comprising: a body assembly (20) having a drug delivery channel extending in a front-rear direction formed therein, a front end of the drug delivery channel forming a drug delivery orifice; a gas supply device (30) connected to a rear portion of the body assembly, the gas supply device being in fluid communication with a rear end of the drug delivery channel and adapted to supply pressurized gas to the drug delivery channel; and a capsule seat (5) disposed in a rear portion of the body assembly, the capsule seat being adapted to contain a nasal drug agent and being disposed in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel and the gas supply device (30) respectively. The capsule seat comprises a capsule cavity (510) adapted to hold the nasal drug agent, and a gas inlet cavity (520) in fluid communication with the gas supply device, a front portion of the capsule cavity being in fluid communication with the rear end of the drug delivery channel, and a rear portion of the capsule cavity being in fluid communication with the gas inlet cavity.

2. The drug delivery device of claim 1, wherein, The body assembly is provided with a piercing needle (4) configured to be movable between an initial position and a piercing position, wherein the piercing needle is withdrawn from the capsule cavity when in the initial position, and the piercing needle is capable of entering the capsule cavity when in the piercing position.

3. A drug delivery device according to claim 2, wherein, The capsule cavity is adapted to hold a capsule drug agent (200), wherein the piercing needle is capable of piercing the capsule drug agent when in the piercing position.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The drug delivery device according to claim 4, wherein: the drug delivery channel is in fluid communication with the capsule cavity when the piercing needle is in the initial position. The capsule seat has a plurality of gas inlet passages (522) extending generally radially and arranged uniformly in a circumferential direction, the gas inlet passages enabling the gas inlet cavity to be in fluid communication with the gas supply device.

6. A drug delivery device according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the gas inlet passages extends helically about an axis of the gas inlet cavity and has the same sense of rotation.

7. A drug delivery device according to claim 6, wherein The body assembly is composed of a first body part (1), a second body part (2) and a third body part (3) arranged sequentially in the front-rear direction and detachably connected together, wherein the piercing needle is disposed through the second body part, the capsule seat is detachably connected to the second body part (2), the gas supply device is connected to the third body part (3), and wherein the second body part is connected to the first body part by a first connecting structure, the second body part is connected to the capsule seat by a second connecting structure, and the third body part is connected to the gas supply device by a third connecting structure.

8. The drug delivery device of claim 6, wherein, The capsule seat is at least partially located within the third body part and detachably connected to the third body part.

9. A drug delivery device according to claim 8, wherein, The gas supply device is a manually operable gas bladder.

10. A drug delivery device according to claim 9, wherein, The gas inlet cavity of the capsule seat is at least partially accommodated within the gas bladder.

11. A drug delivery device according to claim 10, wherein, The first connecting structure comprises a plurality of clamping grooves formed in a rear end of the first body part and a corresponding plurality of clamping hooks arranged on the second body part, the clamping grooves cooperating with the corresponding clamping hooks.

12. The drug delivery device of claim 8, wherein, ​ 13. The drug delivery device of claim 8, wherein, The rear part of the second body component has a receiving groove accommodating at least part of the capsule cavity; the second connecting structure comprises at least one boss arranged inside the receiving groove and at least one connecting groove opened on the outer surface of the capsule cavity, each of the connecting grooves comprises a first part extending along the axial direction of the capsule cavity and a second part extending along the circumferential direction of the capsule cavity, the second part is connected to one side of the rear end of the first part, the at least one boss is capable of sliding in the at least one connecting groove, and the capsule cavity is configured to be in a closed state when the at least one boss is located in the second part and in an open state when the at least one boss is located in the first part, in the closed state, the capsule cavity cannot be accessed, and in the open state, the capsule cavity is allowed to be accessed.

14. A drug delivery device according to claim 13, wherein, A flow guide hole is further opened in the second body component, which communicates the dosing channel and the capsule cavity located in the receiving groove, the flow guide hole, the capsule cavity, the air inlet cavity and the air inlet channel are sequentially communicated to form an air flow path.

15. The drug delivery device of claim 8, wherein, The third connecting structure comprises a threaded connecting part arranged at the front end of the air supply device and the rear end of the third body component, so that the air supply device can be screwed into the third body component.

16. A drug delivery device according to claim 15, wherein, The third connecting structure further comprises a locking structure arranged at the rear part of the threaded connecting part of the air supply device and the rear part of the threaded connecting part of the third body component, the locking structure allows the air supply device to be screwed forward into the third body component, and when the air supply device is screwed backward out of the third body component, the locking structure will abut against each other to prevent the backward screwing out.

17. The drug delivery device of claim 14, wherein, A through hole (25) extending along the front-rear direction and communicating the flow guide hole and the capsule cavity is further opened in the second body component, the puncture needle can pass through the through hole (25) to enter the capsule cavity.

18. A drug delivery device according to claim 17, wherein, The dosing device comprises a sliding key (41) connected to the puncture needle and protruding from the outer surface of the body assembly, the sliding key is used for manual operation to move the puncture needle forward and backward.

19. A drug delivery device according to claim 18, wherein, The first body component is further provided with a limiting groove extending along the front-rear direction, the sliding key cooperates with the limiting groove to slide back and forth along the limiting groove, at least part of the sliding key protrudes from the limiting groove to the outside of the first body component.

20. The drug delivery device of any one of claims 1-19, wherein, The front part of the body assembly has an outer shape suitable for entering the nasal cavity.

21. A drug delivery device according to any of the claims 1-19, wherein The dosing device comprises an outer cover (10) which is detachably connected to the body assembly and used to cover the front part of the body assembly.

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