RU2401135C1 - Drug ejector device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: ejector device comprises a flow duct element connected with a suction port and able to form an air flow duct wherein a drug is supplied when inhaled by the user to the suction port, and a component of a internal wall surface designed to form an internal wall of the air flow duct by covering the internal wall of the flow element and enabling a removable fastening in the flow duct element. According to the second version, the ejector device is characterised by the design of a disposal unit for removal of the drug discharged from the discharge unit and adhered onto the internal wall of the air flow duct.

EFFECT: ensured ease of decontamination of the air flow duct.

12 cl, 15 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ejection device for a medicinal product intended for the release of a medicinal product, which should be inhaled by the patient.

BACKGROUND

The ejection devices for drugs described in the international publication No. WO95 / 01137 of the international publication No. WO02 / 04043 implement the methods of treating users that use information databases in combination, including electronic medical records. Such ejection devices for drugs contain a memory unit for storing personal information about users, including information regarding their medical records and appointments. Mentioned ejection devices for drugs are also portable terminals that also serve as inhalers to ensure that patients can inhale drugs. Said devices comprise a nebulization control unit that controls inhalers according to the inhalation profile of each user and sprayes the drug so that the user can inhale the drug in accordance with the prescribing information.

In such an ejection device for a drug, there is usually a passage (hereinafter referred to as the “air flow path”), through which the sprayed drug is transferred from the place where the drug is in the device, before it is introduced into the user’s body from the site, injecting drug into the device. During this process, a portion of the drug produced can presumably adhere to the surface of the inner wall of the air duct. If you leave the adherent drug intact, various pathogenic microorganisms can multiply on the inner wall of the air duct where the drug adheres, which would be undesirable for hygienic reasons. Thus, traditional ejection devices for a medicinal product do not solve the problem, the essence of which is that, since the inner wall of the air duct in the device gets dirty during the patient's inhalation, the element that makes up the air duct must be removed and washed or replaced with a new one an element.

In view of the aforementioned unresolved problem, an object of the present invention is to provide an ejection device for a medicament which allows convenient elimination of contamination of the air flow path in the ejection device for a medicament.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned unsolved problem, an ejection device for a medicament according to the invention is an ejection device for a medicament which releases a medicament to be inhaled by the user through the suction channel, the device comprising:

an element of the flow path connected to the suction channel and capable of forming an air flow path in which the drug is directed by the user when it is inhaled to the suction channel, and

an element constituting the surface of the inner wall, which is designed to form the inner wall of the air flow path and allows removable mounting in the element of the flow path.

In addition, in view of the aforementioned problem, another ejection device for a medicament according to the invention is an ejection device for a medicament which releases a medicament to be inhaled by the user through the suction channel, the device comprising:

an element of the flow path associated with the suction channel and capable of forming an air flow path in which the drug is directed when the user inhales to the suction channel,

a drug release section that releases the drug into the air flow path formed in the flow path element, and

a removal unit for removing a drug released from the drug release site and adhering to the inner wall of the air flow path.

In an ejection device for a medicament in accordance with the invention, since the device is provided with a removable member constituting the surface of the inner wall, which can form a new surface of the inner wall within the air flow path, adherent drug can be easily removed if the user disconnects the element constituting the surface of the inner walls after inhalation. As a result, the air flow path can be kept clean.

In another ejection device for a medicament according to the invention, since this device allows the removal of a drug adhering inside the air flow path after using the ejection device for the medicament, the air flow path inside the device can be maintained in a hygienic condition. In addition, it is possible to reduce labor costs for flushing or replacing each time an element forming an air flow path.

Further features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an external view of an inhaler in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram explaining a circuit of electrical components of the inhaler shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 3 - block diagram of the sequence of operations performed by the inhaler;

4 is a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a cross section of the inhaler shown in figure 4;

6 is a modified version of the inhaler shown in figure 4, with the image of the inhaler in cross section, which shows that the film 12 is located in the region of the suction channel 2;

7 is a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.8 is a cross section of the inhaler shown in Fig.7;

Fig.9 - image of the inhaler shown in Fig.7, when viewed from the side of the supply hole 4 in the state with the folded sheet 15;

Figure 10 is a cross section of the surroundings of the air flow path in the inhaler in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a modified version of the inhaler shown in figure 10;

12 is a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a view of the inhaler shown in Fig. 12, viewed from the side of the suction channel 2;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the storage position of rubbing agent 25 shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a block diagram explaining a circuit of electrical components of the inhaler shown in Fig. 12 with a stepper motor 27.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of an ejection device for a medicament in accordance with the invention is described below with an example of an inhaler made in a portable form for the convenience of the user. 1 shows an inhaler configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 presents a block diagram explaining the circuit of the electrical components of the inhaler shown in figure 1. The inhaler has a configuration in which the element 3 of the flow path and the suction channel (mouthpiece) 2, to be installed in the mouth or nose of the user for inhalation, are mounted on the housing 1 of the device. An opening (air inlet 4) is provided at one end of the flow path element 3 to create an air flow in the flow path element 3 when the user inhales through the suction channel 2. The other end of the flow path element 3 is adjacent to the suction channel 2. When the user inhales, air is created the flow from the inlet 4 to the suction channel 2. Then, the release of the drug into the air flow path in the element 3 of the flow path leads to the transfer of the drug to the suction channel 2 and then into the patient’s mouth.

It should be noted that the term "element of the flow path" in the present description means an element that forms an air flow path, which is the passage for the drug from the place where the drug is released into the ejection device for the drug to the suction channel. Thus, the space created in the flow path element constitutes the “air flow path”.

However, a portion of the drug released into the air duct can remain adhered to the inner wall of the air duct. If the element 3 of the flow path and the suction channel 2 are made with the possibility of removal from the device, the element can be washed every time. However, this inhaler contains a mechanism that removes any drug adhering to the inner wall of the air flow path, and accordingly, the flow path element does not need to be rinsed each time. No specific restrictions are imposed on the material for the manufacture of the element of the flow path 3, and this material can be selected on demand in accordance with the description of the ejection device for the drug. Typical examples include plastic, metal, or rubber elements. Sometimes the element of the flow path and the suction channel can be performed in the form of elements connected to each other, or in the form of a solid housing.

The controller 8, shown in figure 2, located in the housing 1 of the device, is a CPU that controls the operation of the inhaler as a whole, including the excitation of the ejection head 6a. When an inhalation detection signal is issued from the pressure sensor 7, when determining the negative pressure created in the air flow path by the inhalation of the user, the controller 8 transmits a control signal to the ejection head 6a to start supplying the drug in synchronization with the determination signal. In addition to the mentioned components, there may be an indication unit 9 for presenting the user with any necessary visual information about the operation of the inhaler, release mode, etc. Position 10 denotes a power switch, and position 11 denotes a LED-based power indicator that lights when the inhaler is turned on.

According to the invention, the drug release site (ejection head) comprises an element for pressurizing the release pressure of any desired type. Possible examples of the discharge pressure injection element include an electrothermal transducer that supplies thermal energy to the drug, or an electromechanical transducer that provides mechanical energy to it. Typical examples of a drug release method include a method in which a drug is supplied with thermal energy through an electromechanical transducer and discharged from an injection nozzle (thermostatic system), and another method in which a drug is released from an injection nozzle using a vibration pressure of an electromechanical transducer ( for example, a piezoelectric element) that communicates mechanical energy to a drug. The release method can be selected depending on the type of drug and other factors.

When a thermostatic system is used, the injection nozzle bore, the calorific value of the thermal pulse used for the discharge, and the accuracy and reproducibility of the dimensions of the micro heater as an electrothermal converter can be increased for each individual liquid discharge unit. For this reason, a narrow distribution of droplet diameters can be ensured. The manufacturing cost of the head is low, which contributes to its applicability in small blocks that require frequent replacement of the heads. Therefore, in particular, when portability and presence at hand are required from an ejection device for a drug, a thermostatic ejection device can be used.

In accordance with the present invention, the ejection head can be made either in the form of a cartridge for the release of a medicinal product combined with a container for containing a medicinal product, or in the form of an article separate from the reservoir. Although the cartridge for the release of the drug is combined with the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, a detailed description of which is given below with reference to Fig. 1, as a rule, a portion of the nozzle that allows you to install the cartridge in the housing 1 of the device, the ejection head is directed into the air flow path so that the ejection head can inject the drug into the air duct.

The concept of a drug in the framework of the present invention is not limited to drugs, which are pharmaceutical compounds that have pharmacological and physiological effects, but also encompasses, in addition to pharmaceutical compounds, the contents intended to serve as components for aroma and perfume, as dyes and pigments. The drug may be liquid or powder.

A medicament for use in the present invention is a liquid medicament or a liquid substance containing a medicament. The liquid drug may contain any desired supplement. The drug may be in a liquid in a dissolved, dispersed, emulsified, suspended or suspended state, more preferably evenly distributed in the liquid.

When a liquid drug is required to be used as a drug, it would be preferable that the main substance of the liquid be water or an organic substance, and water as the main substance is considered more preferable given the fact that the introduction is supposed to be made into a living organism.

The removal mechanism of a drug adhering to the air flow path is a hallmark of the present invention and may be one or the other of the solutions proposed below. One solution is to form a new surface of the inner wall over the entire surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, on which the drug remains adhering after the release of the drug. Another method is to place a wiper block to clean the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, on which the drug remains adhering after the release of the drug.

The surface of the inner wall of the air flow path must be hygienic, since it comes into contact with the air flow that transfers the drug, and the above structural schemes allow the drug to be released into the air flow path, which is kept clean during the next use. In addition, since the element 3 of the flow path does not need to be replaced or disassembled and cleaned each time, the above-mentioned structural schemes are convenient for the user.

The following is a description of specific embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)

As shown in FIG. 1, the inhaler in accordance with the present embodiment comprises a device body 1, a flow path element 3 and a mouthpiece 2 mounted on the device body 1, and an element 5 forming an inner wall surface that is removably mounted in the flow element 3 tract.

The element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is formed with the possibility of removal from the element 3 of the flow path and the mouthpiece 2, and the mouthpiece 2 is formed with the possibility of removal from the housing 1 of the device. Since at least a part of the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is made of flexible material, this element can be easily connected to and removed from the element 3 of the flow path and the mouthpiece 2.

It should be noted that in the present description, the “element constituting the surface of the inner wall” can be any element that has an effect that prevents sticking of the drug directly to the inner wall of the element of the flow path, and, in particular, when said element is made removable from the element of the flow path path, under the mentioned element refers to the element forming the inner wall of the air flow path when it is installed in the element of the flow path. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 1, although part of the surface of the flow path element 3 forms the “inner wall of the air flow path” when the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is not inserted, when the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is inserted, this element forms the inner wall of the air flow path. In this regard, although it would be advisable that the element constituting the surface of the inner wall overlap the entire surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, overlapping the entire surface is optional, and depending on the extent of the contamination, only part can overlap.

When using this inhaler, the user can inhale the drug, for example, three times a day. And the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is replaced in each case of inhalation. In addition, the element 3 of the flow path and the mouthpiece 2 may be replaced when used, for example, once a day.

In a preferred embodiment, the material of the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is, but is not limited to, a material that can be easily attached to and disconnected from the element 3 of the flow path and does not react chemically with the drug, even if the drug adheres to mentioned material. It is generally understood that said material may be a plastic or rubber material. The hollow cylindrical element of the type shown will not be difficult to produce by molding from a polymer or by another method.

Replacing the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, at every opportunity, will allow each time to release the drug into a clean air flow path.

In a preferred embodiment, the ejection head 6a and the reservoir 6b forming the drug release portion should be integrally formed with the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, as shown in FIG. This requirement is based on the fact that when the ejection head and reservoir are thrown away each time, the ejection head and other replaceable elements can be removed during the same procedure at the same time as the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is removed.

The shape of the air flow path, which should be formed inside the element 3 of the flow path or element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, although shown cylindrical in figure 1, is not limited to such, but may be prismatic or other.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a series of operations of the inhaler.

First, the user connects the element 3 of the flow path and the mouthpiece 2 with the housing 1 of the device. In addition, the user connects the ejection head 6a and the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, containing the built-in reservoir 6b, with the mouthpiece 2.

The user presses the power switch (step S001), and the power-on state is provided (step S002). Powering on causes the power indicator based on LED 11 to light up. Controller 8 performs initial settings of the internal functions of the device (step S003). After that, it is determined by the electric signal whether or not the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is installed (step S004). If the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall cannot be determined, then the value NO is determined, and the process proceeds to step S007 to automatically turn off the power and complete in step S008.

If any element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall is determined, then the value YES (YES) is determined, and the process proceeds to step S005. In step S005, the patient’s inhalation action is determined by the pressure sensor 1. If the inhalation effect of the patient cannot be determined, then the value NO is determined, and the process returns to step S005. If the patient's inhalation effect can be determined, then the YES value is determined, and the process proceeds to step S006. In step S006, an “Ejecting” message is displayed on the indicating unit 9, and the control is performed so that the prescribed dose of the drug contained in the reservoir 6b is injected from the ejection head 6a, and then proceeding to step S007. In step S007, the controller 8 turns off the power of the device, and the process ends in step S008. When the power of the device is turned off, the power indicator on the LED turns off, and any indication on the LCD display also turns off. At the end of inhalation, the user disconnects the ejection head 6a and the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall, containing the built-in reservoir 6b, from the mouthpiece 2 and the housing 1 of the device. In addition, for example, after three sessions of inhalation per day, the user removes the mouthpiece 2 from the housing 1 of the device to complete the work.

(Embodiment 2)

4 is a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a cross section of the inhaler shown in figure 4.

In this embodiment, the element 5 constituting the surface of the inner wall mentioned in Embodiment 1 is replaced with a thin film 12. The film 12, which acts as the element constituting the surface of the inner wall, is in close contact with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, which forms part the surface of the element 3 of the flow path, and therefore weakly affects the shape of the air flow path. Accordingly, regardless of whether the air flow path is provided with a film 12 or not, the air flow generated by inhalation does not change, so that a similar state of inhalation can be realized. At the end of the inhalation, when the user tears off the film 12 onto which the drug is adhered, the adhered drug can be removed from the air flow path, and after the film is torn off, a new surface of the inner wall of the air flow path can be formed.

In this case, it would be preferable to pre-fold the many layers of film 12. When tearing off one layer of the film after each inhalation session, it is possible to reduce the frequency of replacement of the element 3 of the flow path and the mouthpiece 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inhaler in accordance with this embodiment comprises an inhaler body 1, a flow path element 3 mounted on the device body 1, and a film 12 in close contact with the surface of the inner wall of the flow path element 3 and acting as an element forming the surface of the inner wall. The ejection head 6a and the reservoir 6b (together forming a drug release cartridge 6) are mounted on the device body 1, and the ejection head 6a is oriented so that the drug can be injected into the air flow path.

The air flow is created inside the element 3 of the flow path by the inhalation of the user.

The film 12 is twisted, as shown in figure 4, and is in close contact with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, which forms part of the surface of the element 3 of the flow path, in the form of many layers (figure 4 shows two layers). In order for the user to be able to tear off the films in only one layer, each layer of the film 12 is provided with a tongue 14 of the film. The user tears off the length of the film, corresponding to one revolution of the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, by tearing the tab 14 of the film at the end of inhalation. This makes it possible to release the drug into a clean airway during the next inhalation session. It is recommended to make an incision 13 to facilitate tearing the film in a single layer.

When, by inhalation, the last part of the film is dirty, the element 3 of the flow path is replaced. It is sufficient to replace the cartridge 6 for the release of the drug with the ejection head 6a and the reservoir 6b integrated therein once a week if the quantity of the drug is stored in the reservoir 6b for a weekly consumption. For example, if inhalation is supposed to be performed three times a day, a set of 21 film layers would simultaneously replace the element 3 of the flow path and cartridge 6 for the release of the drug.

The circuit of the electrical components of the inhaler and the sequence of operations of the device are not explained below, since they are the same as in embodiment 1.

There are no specific restrictions on refueling a film. The film may be continuous to form a roll with a cut 13, as shown in FIG. 4, or the film layers may be separate from one another. The position of the tab 14 of the film can also be freely selected. Although in the structure shown in FIG. 4, said tongue is located on the side of the suction channel 2, this tongue can also be provided on the side of the air inlet 4. This arrangement is more preferable since the tongue 14 of the film will not interfere with inhalation.

On the other hand, it is also possible to continue the film 12 in close contact with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path to the area of the suction channel 2. The cross section of the inhaler in this embodiment is shown in Fig.6. Since the film 12 is present even in the part in contact with which the mouth of the user comes in and the film comes off after use, the suction channel can be maintained in a clean state. In this case, to facilitate tearing of the film for each layer, several reeds of the film can be provided (reeds 14 and 14 'of the film).

(Embodiment 3)

7 is a perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. On Fig shows a cross section of the inhaler shown in Fig.7.

In this embodiment, the configuration does not provide for tearing off the film 12, as in Embodiment 2, but provides for one wrapping of the sheet 15, which acts as an element forming the surface of the inner wall, inside the air flow path after inhalation. As sheet 15, you can use a plastic sheet with softness, allowing convenient hand-wrap. Sheet 15 is in close contact with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path and weakly affects the shape of the air flow path. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the air flow path is provided with sheet 15, the air flow generated by inhalation does not change, so that a similar state of inhalation can be realized. After the inhalation ends, when the user lifts the tongue 16 of the sheet, the sheet 15 is wrapped along the cut 17, and when blown, the surfaces that make up the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path come into contact. As a result, the adherent drug is removed from the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path, and a new surface of the inner wall of the air flow path is formed. The air flow that transfers the drug during the next inhalation session will be created with a clean surface of the inner wall free of adhering drug.

Figure 9 shows the inhaler in the view from the side of the air inlet 4 in the state in which the sheet 15 is wrapped. Cutouts are made in two opposite positions inside the air flow path so that the sheet 15 can be turned back in a single movement with an effort no weaker than the prescribed value.

Although not shown in the figure, if the tongue 16 of the sheet is not only on the side of the supply hole 4, but also on the side of the suction channel 2, and both tabs are lifted, then the sheet 15 can be wrapped more easily.

On the upper half of the inner wall of the air flow path, above the cut 17, glue 18 can be applied in advance. In this case, the sheets 15 are glued together to prevent the risk of imperceptible unfolding of the sheet 15 during improper operation after inhalation. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the adhesive 18 may not be so viscous as to adhere to a finger that may touch the adhesive, although this particular condition is not necessary. Preliminary application of any material similar to the adhesive on the back of a postage stamp made of polyvinyl alcohol can be recommended. This material, which becomes sticky upon contact with the liquid, is not sticky before inhalation and is convenient because sticking of the released liquid drug onto sheet 15 makes the sheet sticky.

You can provide many layers of sheets 15 and wrap them repeatedly. In this case, each sheet must be provided with a tongue.

(Embodiment 4)

In Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, a method is used in which a tab is used to peel or wrap a film or the like, however, it is also possible to select a configuration that allows the user to automatically peel off the film with a simple action.

The following is a description of a method for reeling a roll film as an example of such an inhaler.

Figure 10 shows a part of the cross section of the inhaler in the view from the side of the air inlet 4 with the housing 1 of the device not shown. The receiving cylinder 19 and the roll chamber 20 are located outside and above the flow path element 3 and are connected to the flow path element 3. The used film is wound onto the cylinder 19 from the inside of the air flow path. The transfer of the film from the inside of the air flow path to the roll chamber 20 is as follows. A support plate 22 is rotated within the air flow path to adjust the transfer film. The cylinder 19 comprises an initial film portion 21, and the initial film portion 21 is kept in contact with the backing plate 22 in advance; rotation of the support plate 22 moves the used film, which is to be connected to the initial portion of the film. When the rod 23 is pressed, the protrusion provided on the rod 23 leads to the release of the used film from the layered state, and the used film is connected via the rod to the initial portion of the film on the base plate. It is advisable to provide the connecting means near the end of the film to facilitate after this connection of the used film with the initial portion of the film. The connecting means may be any glue, or the connection may also be provided by an electrostatic method. In the outer circumferential surface of the flow path element 3, a passage for the rod 23 is preliminarily provided. This enables the rotation of the captured support plate 22 and the additionally captured used film to rotate when the cylinder 19 is rotated to be rewound by the cylinder 19. The structure is designed so that the rod 23 is then retracted from the film insert 24 and returns to its original position as it rotates. When a sequence of repetitive operations takes place, the previously used film serves as the initial portion of the film in the next session.

The user himself can control the cylinder 19, or it is possible to provide a rotary mechanism, for example an electric motor, for automatically controlling said cylinder by a program controller. The cylinder 19 is provided with a lever for controlling rotation when the user is about to actuate the cylinder, and the lever is turned to rotate the cylinder 19, which leads to the execution of the above operation.

The winding system inside the flow path element 3 is shown in FIG. 11 as an example of the winding system. As in the case of FIG. 10, the used film is released by the rod 23 from the folded film, and the used film is transferred by the rod 23 along the outer circumferential surface of the support plate 22. The passage for the rod 23 and a similarly made insert 24 will allow the rod 23 to return to its original position.

The described construction allows the used film to be transferred to the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 22, and the sequence of repetitive operations leads to the layered folding of the used films on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 22. The described procedure can also be performed automatically by a rotary mechanism, such as an electric motor or gear rack, by means of a controller in accordance with the program.

The film winding system inside the flow path element 3 may also have a two-track design in which a guide or leading element for guiding the rod 23 is provided for one and a half revolutions around the outer circumferential surface of the flow path element 3, and half the revolution can be switched in the opposite direction. This solution allows you to transfer the used film one full revolution to replace with a new coating during the passage of the rod 23, moving along the outer peripheral surface of the element 3 of the flow path, only half the revolution.

(Embodiment 5)

A cross-section of an inhaler according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The inhaler in accordance with this embodiment contains rubbing agent 25 in contact with the surface of the inner wall of the flow path as a unit for removing a drug adhering to the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path formed by the flow path element 3. The drug adhering to the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path is removed by rubbing 25. There is no specific limitation on the configuration of rubbing 25, which only requires the ability to wipe the drug. Ruby 25 may contain absorbent material capable of absorbing the drug. Or, the rub may be in the form of a knife, equipped with a separate mechanism for collecting the drug.

In this case, instead of rubbing 25, you can use a suction tube containing a suction pump.

Wipe 25 is installed on the supporting rod 26 of the rub. The support rod 26 of the wipe contains a spring mechanism, which is shown as the inclined part in Fig. 12, and is preloaded so that the wipe 25 is brought into constant contact with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path. In the case shown in Fig. 12, the state in which the wipe 25 and the support rod 26 of the wipe are shown in solid lines is the state of contact with the surface of the inner wall of the flow path, and the state in which the said elements are shown in dashed lines is the state of bringing into position storage described hereinafter with reference to Fig.13. When the user has completed inhalation, and the release of the drug is stopped, the controller 8 transmits a control signal to the stepper motor 21 mounted on the bearing supports 28 of the engine. Wipe 25 drives a stepper motor 27 a full revolution on the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path to erase the adhering drug. (FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electrical component of an inhaler according to the present embodiment, comprising a stepper motor 27.)

Fig.13 shows the inhaler shown in Fig.12, when viewed from the side of the suction channel 2. Part of the element 3 of the flow path and the suction channel 2 is a partially cutaway structure for receiving the wipe 25, and a sliding cover 29 is located at this point. When the user makes inhalation, rub 25 fits into the cavity near the sliding cover 29 (Fig.14).

The controller 8 controls the rotation of the stepper motor 27 so as to force the rub 25 to make a full counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 13 from the position of the rub 25 shown in FIG. 14 (storage position), while wiping off the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path. The described control provides the movement of rubbing 25, leading to the erasure of the drug adhering to the surface of the inner wall of the flow path, and return to the storage position.

The repetition of the operation of turning the wipe 25 each time the feed is completed allows you to keep the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path in a clean state.

After three inhalation sessions, for example, per day, the user grabs the shear head 30 and moves the sliding cover 29 to the suction channel 2. The user wipes the wipe 25 with a tissue or the like through a hole made in the flow path element and further cleans the wipe with alcohol rinsing or something like that. After that, the user returns the sliding cover 29 to its original position. The described procedure allows you to restore the clean state of rubbing 25.

Since the rubbing agent 25 is intended to erase the adhering drug, it is advisable to arrange the rubbing so that it is possible to wipe the zone located further to the suction channel 2 than the ejection head 6a. However, it would be more beneficial to make a wipe long enough so that it can wipe the ejection head 6a, as shown in Fig. 12, since the surface of the injection nozzle of the ejection head could be wiped simultaneously with the surface of the inner wall of the air flow path. Therefore, the rubbing agent 25 should preferably have a length not less than the distance from the position of the ejection head 6a to the suction channel 2 inside the element 3 of the flow path.

The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims of the following claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims an advantage in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-196327, filed July 19, 2006 and No. 2007-150303, filed June 6, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (12)

1. An ejection device for a medicament that releases a medicament to be inhaled by a user through a suction channel, the apparatus comprises:
an element of the flow path connected to the suction channel and capable of forming an air flow path in which the drug is directed by the user when it is inhaled to the suction channel, and
an element constituting the surface of the inner wall, which is designed to form the inner wall of the air flow path by coating the inner wall of the flow element and allows for removable mounting in the element of the flow path. 2. An ejection device for a medicament according to claim 1, further comprising:
a drug release site that releases the drug into the air flow path formed in the flow path element. 3. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 2, in which:
the drug release site is formed integrally with the element forming the surface of the inner wall. 4. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 1, in which:
the element constituting the surface of the inner wall is flexible. 5. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 1, in which:
the element constituting the surface of the inner wall has a film that is configured to come into close contact with the inner surface of the flow path element. 6. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 5, in which:
the film in a state folded in the form of many layers, comes into tight contact with the inner surface of the element of the flow path. 7. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 1, in which:
the element constituting the surface of the inner wall has a sheet that is arranged to turn around inside the air flow path. 8. The ejection device for a drug according to claim 2, characterized in that the drug release section has an electrothermal converter that provides thermal energy to the drug, or an electromechanical converter that provides mechanical energy to the drug. 9. An ejection device for a medicament that releases a medicament to be inhaled by a user through a suction channel, the apparatus comprises:
an element of the flow path connected to the suction channel and capable of forming an air flow path in which the drug is directed by the user inhaling to the suction channel, a drug release portion that releases the drug into the air flow path formed in the flow path element, and
a removal unit for removing a drug released from the drug release site and adhering to the inner wall of the air flow path. 10. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 9, in which:
the removal unit is a wiping unit that cleans the inner wall of the air flow path after the release of the drug. 11. The ejection device for a medicinal product according to claim 10, in which:
the wiping unit also wipes the surface of the injection nozzle of the drug release site while cleaning the inner wall of the air flow path. 12. The ejection device for a drug according to claim 9, in which the air flow path has an inner wall of cylindrical shape, and the removal unit is configured to remove the drug by rotation along the surface of the inner wall having a cylindrical shape.

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