Powder inhaler

Abstract

A powder inhaler includes: a cartridge comprising a storage unit in which powder is stored; a mouthpiece through which the powder is discharged; an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow toward the mouthpiece; and a prevention unit disposed between the storage unit and the airflow generating unit to prevent the powder stored in the storage unit from heading toward the airflow generating unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a powder suction device having a structure for easily discharging powder to the outside. Background Technology

[0002] A powder inhaler is a device used to supply powdered medication to a user for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases, or to supply powder containing nicotine to a user.

[0003] In particular, powder inhalers that supply nicotine-containing powder to users are devices that can overcome the disadvantages of conventional heated tobacco products, and demand for them is on the rise.

[0004] During the use of a powder inhaler, powder that is not completely expelled may remain in the airflow passage even after use is finished. Powder remaining in the airflow passage for a certain period of time can become contaminated, and if the user inhales the contaminated powder again, the cleanliness of the powder inhaler during use cannot be ensured.

[0005] Furthermore, powder remaining in the airflow passage may enter the interior of the powder inhaler, which may result in damage or malfunction of the powder inhaler's components.

[0006] Therefore, powder cleaning must be performed periodically to completely discharge powder remaining inside the airflow passage, and for this purpose, a structure that facilitates cleaning of the powder suction device is required. The problem to be solved

[0007] The technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a powder suction device having a structure for easily discharging powder to the outside.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. means of solving the problem

[0009] A powder inhaler according to one embodiment may include: a cartridge comprising a storage unit in which powder is stored; a mouthpiece through which the powder is discharged; an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow toward the mouthpiece; and a prevention unit disposed between the storage unit and the airflow generating unit to prevent the powder stored in the storage unit from heading toward the airflow generating unit. Effects of the invention

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the powder remaining after use can be easily discharged, thereby improving the cleanliness of the powder inhaler during use.

[0011] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, since powder cannot easily enter the interior of the powder inhaler, the possibility of damage or malfunction of the components of the powder inhaler can be reduced.

[0012] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, stable powder supply may be possible regardless of the user's inhalation ability.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment including another example of a prevention part. Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating the powder inhaler of Figure 1 showing the separation of the prevention part. Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a support member that supports the shape of a prevention member. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment including an additional prevention unit. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment including another example of an airflow passage. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment including another example of an airflow passage. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0017] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0019] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium readable by a machine (e.g., powder aspirator (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (210)) of the machine (e.g., powder aspirator (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the direction of the powder inhaler (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the powder inhaler (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the powder inhaler (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the powder inhaler (1).

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating unit (400), a blocking unit (500), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700). However, the components of the powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and at least one component may be added or omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0025] The cartridge (100) may include a storage portion (110) in which powder is stored. The powder stored in the storage portion (110) may include at least one of a drug, nicotine, or flavor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the storage unit (110) may store pharmaceutically active particles containing nicotine.

[0027] For example, a dry powder containing a nicotine salt may be stored in the storage unit (110). The dry powder may additionally contain other ingredients suitable for use in inhalable powder, for example, sugar or sugar alcohol, amino acid, flavoring agent, cough suppressant, or other pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients.

[0028] For example, nicotine powder containing nicotine particles may be stored in the storage unit (110). Here, the nicotine particles include a nicotine salt, a sugar or sugar alcohol, and an amino acid. The nicotine powder particles may be composite particles in which at least selected or each particle includes a nicotine salt, a sugar or sugar alcohol, and an amino acid.

[0029] Nicotine may be pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine, or a nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate. Useful nicotine salts or nicotine salt hydrates include, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine vitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine mono-pyruvate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride. Nicotine particles preferably contain an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid may be leucine, such as L-leucine. Providing particles containing nicotine with an amino acid such as L-leucine can reduce the adhesion of the particles and decrease the attractive forces between nicotine particles, thereby reducing the aggregation of nicotine particles and the adhesion of nicotine particles to surfaces. Similarly, adhesion to particles containing flavor can also be reduced. The powder system can be a free-flowing material and can have a stable relative particle size of each powder component even when nicotine particles and flavor particles are combined.

[0030] For example, nicotine powder may include particle sizes ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers, or from 0.5 to 5 micrometers.

[0031] For example, the drug powder is used for treating respiratory diseases and may include particle sizes ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers, or from 0.5 to 5 micrometers.

[0032] For example, the flavor powder may include particle sizes of 10 micrometers or more, 20 micrometers or more, or 40 micrometers or more. Additionally, the flavor powder may include particle sizes of 200 micrometers or less, 150 micrometers or less, or 120 micrometers or less. Additionally, the flavor powder may include particle sizes of 20 micrometers to 200 micrometers or 40 micrometers to 120 micrometers.

[0033] The cartridge (100) can be detachably coupled to the main body (200) of the inhaler. When the powder stored in the cartridge (100) is depleted, the user can replace the existing cartridge (100) with a new cartridge (100) to inhale the powder. Additionally, if the performance of the internal components (e.g., airflow passages) of the cartridge (100) deteriorates and the powder is not properly transferred, the user can replace the existing cartridge (100) with a new cartridge (100).

[0034] The cartridge (100) may be attached to the upper surface of the inhaler body (200). However, it is not limited thereto, and the cartridge (100) may also be attached to the side of the inhaler body (200).

[0035] The inhaler body (200) functions as the main body of the powder inhaler (1) and can support the cartridge (100). Components for the operation of the powder inhaler (1) may be arranged inside the inhaler body (200). For example, a control unit (210), a power supply (220), and an input unit (230) may be arranged inside the inhaler body (200). However, the control unit (210), the power supply (220), and the input unit (230) are merely examples of components arranged inside the inhaler body (200), and other components (e.g., memory, output unit) may be arranged inside the inhaler body (200) in addition to the components described above.

[0036] The control unit (210) can control the overall operation of the powder aspirator (1). For example, the control unit (210) may include at least one processor. The control unit (210) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the control unit (210) can control the airflow generating unit (400). The control unit (210) can control the operation of the airflow generating unit (400) by controlling the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400). The control unit (210) can control the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) based on a user input signal input to the input unit (230). The control unit (210) may also control the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) based on a profile stored in a memory (not shown).

[0038] The power source (220) can supply power for the operation of the powder aspirator (1). The power source (220) may include one or more batteries. The power source (220) can supply power to enable the operation of the airflow generating unit (400). Additionally, the power source (220) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the powder aspirator (1), such as the control unit (210), input unit (230), pressure sensor (700), output unit, communication unit, memory, etc. The power source (220) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (220) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (220) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the powder inhaler (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0039] The input unit (230) can receive information input from the user. The input unit (230) may be placed on the outer surface of the suction device body (200). For example, the input unit (230) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0040] Although not shown, the powder inhaler (1) may further include an output unit, a communication unit, and a memory.

[0041] The output unit may output information regarding the status of the powder inhaler (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the powder inhaler (1) may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply (220) of the powder inhaler (1), the insertion / removal status of the cartridge (100), or a state in which the use of the powder inhaler (1) is restricted (e.g., no powder remaining). The display may visually provide information regarding the status of the powder inhaler (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touch pad, it may also be used as an input unit (230). The haptic unit may tactilely provide information regarding the status of the powder inhaler (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit may provide information about the powder inhaler (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0043] The memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the powder inhaler (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (210) and data to be processed. For example, the memory may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the powder inhaler (1), the maximum number of inhalations, the current number of inhalations, and the user's inhalation pattern.

[0044] The mouthpiece (300) is intended to supply powder to the user. For example, the mouthpiece (300) can connect the inside of the storage unit (110) of the cartridge (100) with the outside of the powder inhaler (1). Accordingly, the powder stored in the storage unit (110) can be discharged to the outside of the powder inhaler (1) through the mouthpiece (300). At this time, the user can contact the mouthpiece (300) with their mouth and inhale the powder discharged to the outside of the powder inhaler (1).

[0045] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (300) may be included in the powder inhaler (1) as a lower component of the cartridge (100), as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the mouthpiece (300) may also be replaced as the cartridge (100) is replaced. In another embodiment, the mouthpiece (300) may be included in the powder inhaler (1) as a lower component of the inhaler body (200). In this case, even if the cartridge (100) is replaced, the mouthpiece (300) may not be replaced together and may remain attached to the inhaler body (200).

[0046] The airflow generating unit (400) can generate airflow on the airflow passage (600) inside the powder inhaler (1). The airflow generating unit (400) can generate airflow toward the mouthpiece (300) to induce the powder to be discharged through the mouthpiece (300). Accordingly, when the user uses the powder inhaler (1), the airflow generating unit (400) can assist in supplying powder to the user. In addition, after the user finishes using the powder inhaler (1), the airflow generating unit (400) discharges the powder remaining inside the powder inhaler (1) (e.g., the airflow passage (600)), thereby improving cleanliness during use and reducing the possibility of damage or malfunction of the components (e.g., the control unit (210)) as the remaining powder flows into the components of the powder inhaler (1).

[0047] For example, the airflow generating unit (400) may include a blower that generates airflow. The blower may include at least one fan, and can generate airflow as the fan rotates.

[0048] The control unit (210) can control the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) based on the user's input signal. As the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) is controlled, the rotational speed of the fan of the airflow generating unit (400) can be controlled. For example, if the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) increases, the rotational speed of the fan of the airflow generating unit (400) can increase, and as a result, at least one of the speed, intensity, or amount of airflow / powder inside the airflow passage (600) can increase. For another example, if the power supplied to the airflow generating unit (400) decreases, the rotational speed of the fan of the airflow generating unit (400) can decrease, and as a result, at least one of the speed, intensity, or amount of airflow / powder inside the airflow passage (600) can decrease.

[0049] The blocking member (500) can block the passage of powder. In one embodiment, the blocking member (500) may include a mesh material having a net structure. By forming the size of the holes formed in the mesh smaller than the size of the powder, the blocking member (500) can block the passage of powder. The blocking member (500) may be placed in at least one of the inside of the cartridge (100) or the inside of the inhaler body (200).

[0050] In one embodiment, the prevention unit (500) may be positioned between the storage unit (110) and the airflow generating unit (400). The prevention unit (500) can prevent powder stored in the storage unit (110) from heading toward the airflow generating unit (400). Accordingly, during the process of a user using the powder inhaler (1), powder is prevented from entering the airflow generating unit (400), thereby improving cleanliness during use and reducing the likelihood of failure or malfunction of the airflow generating unit (400) caused by the incoming powder.

[0051] In one embodiment, the prevention unit (500) may be positioned between the storage unit (110) and the inhaler body (200). The prevention unit (500) can prevent powder stored in the storage unit (110) from heading toward a component (e.g., control unit (210)) inside the inhaler body (200). Accordingly, during the process of a user using the powder inhaler (1), powder is prevented from entering the component inside the inhaler body (200), thereby improving cleanliness during use and reducing the likelihood of failure or malfunction of the component inside the inhaler body (200) caused by the incoming powder.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the size of the prevention unit (500) may be larger than the size of the storage unit (110). Accordingly, the area preventing powder from entering the airflow generating unit (400) and / or the components of the powder suction unit (1) (e.g., control unit (210)) may be increased. The size of the prevention unit (500) and the size of the storage unit (110) may be based on the size in the direction across the extended direction of the powder suction unit (1).

[0053] The airflow passage (600) may be a passage through which a fluid (e.g., external air) or powder passes inside the powder inhaler (1). The airflow passage (600) may be formed inside the cartridge (100) and / or inside the inhaler body (200). Additionally, the airflow passage (600) may be formed between the cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200).

[0054] The airflow passage (600) may include an inlet and an outlet. External air may be introduced into the interior of the powder inhaler (1) through the inlet, and external air and / or powder may be discharged to the outside of the powder inhaler (1) through the outlet. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the outlet of the airflow passage (600) may be formed in the mouthpiece (300).

[0055] The pressure sensor (700) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the powder inhaler (1), and the control unit (210) can detect the user's inhalation based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the powder inhaler (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow passage (600) through which gas flows. The pressure sensor (700) can be positioned in the powder inhaler (1) in correspondence with the airflow passage (600) through which fluid and / or powder flows.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler according to one embodiment including another example of a prevention part.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating unit (400), a blocking unit (500), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700). Since at least one of the components of the powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 2 is identical or similar to the one described above, redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0058] The prevention unit (500) can be placed inside the cartridge (100). Accordingly, when the cartridge (100) is replaced, the prevention unit (500) can be replaced together with it, so the ease of replacing the prevention unit (500) can be improved.

[0059] The prevention unit (500) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the storage unit (110) inside the cartridge (100), or may be embedded in the storage unit (110) inside the cartridge (100). In the present disclosure, the meaning of being embedded may mean that two components are integrated so that they cannot be separated separately.

[0060] However, the placement location of the prevention unit (500) is not limited thereto, and the prevention unit (500) may be placed in the main body (200) of the inhaler as long as it prevents powder from entering the airflow generating unit (400) and / or the components (e.g., control unit (210)) of the powder inhaler (1).

[0061] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the powder suction device (1) of FIG. 1 with the prevention part (500) separated.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating unit (400), a blocking unit (500), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700). Since at least one of the components of the powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 3 is identical or similar to the one described above, redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the prevention unit (500) may be detachably disposed on the powder suction device (1). Accordingly, after the prevention unit (500) is detached from the powder suction device (1) and the powder accumulated on the prevention unit (500) is shaken off during the repeated use of the powder suction device (1), the prevention unit (500) can be reused, thereby improving the ease of cleaning the powder.

[0064] When the prevention unit (500) is placed in the cartridge (100), an access hole for separating the prevention unit (500) may be formed in the cartridge (100). Additionally, the cartridge (100) may include a door for opening or closing the access hole.

[0065] When the prevention unit (500) is disposed in the suction body (200), an access hole for separating the prevention unit (500) may be formed in the suction body (200). Additionally, the suction body (200) may include a door for opening or closing the access hole.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a support member (530) that supports the shape of a prevention member (500).

[0067] The support member (530) supports the prevention member (500), thereby maintaining the external shape of the prevention member (500). Accordingly, even if the prevention member (500) includes a mesh material which is somewhat difficult to maintain its external shape, the external shape of the prevention member (500) can be maintained by the support member (530). In particular, in an embodiment where the prevention member (500) is detachably coupled to the powder suction device (1) as shown in FIG. 3, the support member (530) can facilitate the replacement of the prevention member (500).

[0068] In one embodiment, the support member (530) may be arranged to surround the prevention member (500). The support member (530) may include an overall circular ring shape, and the prevention member (500) may be arranged inside the support member (530).

[0069] An opening (530a) may be formed at one end and the other end of the support member (530). Through the opening (530a), the one end and the other end of the prevention member (500) may be exposed to the outside of the support member (530), and airflow may pass through the opening (530a). However, since the prevention member (500) is positioned in the opening (530a), powder cannot pass through the opening (530a).

[0070] The support member (530) may include a material having a higher strength than the overall prevention member (500). For example, the support member (530) may include a plastic material or a metal material that is harmless to the human body, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment including an additional prevention part (550).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating part (400), a blocking part (500), an additional blocking part (550), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700).

[0073] The powder inhaler (1) illustrated in FIG. 5 additionally includes only an additional prevention unit (550) configuration compared to the powder inhaler (1) described above, and all embodiments of the powder inhaler (1) described above are equally applicable to the powder inhaler (1) illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0074] An additional prevention unit (550) may be placed between at least one of the components of the storage unit (110) and the powder inhaler (1).

[0075] In one embodiment, an additional prevention unit (550) is positioned between the storage unit (110) and the control unit (210) to double prevent powder stored in the storage unit (110) from flowing into the control unit (210). Accordingly, as powder is prevented from flowing into the control unit (210) while the user is using the powder suction device (1), cleanliness during use can be improved, and the possibility of failure or malfunction of the control unit (210) due to the incoming powder can be reduced.

[0076] In one embodiment, an additional prevention unit (550) is positioned between the storage unit (110) and the power source (220) to double prevent powder stored in the storage unit (110) from flowing into the power source (220). Accordingly, as powder is prevented from flowing into the power source (220) while the user is using the powder inhaler (1), cleanliness during use can be improved, and the possibility of failure or malfunction of the power source (220) due to the incoming powder can be reduced.

[0077] Meanwhile, the additional prevention unit (550) can prevent powder from entering the components inside the suction body (200) (e.g., input unit (230), output unit, communication unit, memory) in addition to the components described above. To this end, the additional prevention unit (550) may be positioned between at least one of the storage unit (110) and the input unit (230), output unit, communication unit, and memory.

[0078] In one embodiment, the additional prevention member (550) may include a mesh material having a net structure. By forming the size of the holes formed in the mesh to be smaller than the size of the powder, the additional prevention member (550) can block the passage of the powder. The additional prevention member (550) may be placed in at least one of the interior of the cartridge (100) or the interior of the inhaler body (200).

[0079] Since the additional prevention unit (550) can be implemented almost identically to the prevention unit (500) described above, all embodiments of the prevention unit (500) described above can be applied to the additional prevention unit (550).

[0080] Below, an example of an airflow passage (600) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment including another example of an airflow passage (600).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating part (400), a blocking part (500), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700).

[0083] The powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 6 differs from the powder inhaler (1) described above only in the structure of the airflow passage (600), so all embodiments of the powder inhaler (1) described above can be equally applied to the powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 6.

[0084] The cartridge (100) is detachably coupled to the inhaler body (200), and may be coupled to a part of the side and a part of the top surface of the inhaler body (200). At this time, a space for coupling the cartridge (100) may be formed in the inhaler body (200), and the cartridge (100) may be coupled to the inhaler body (200) by being seated in the said space.

[0085] An airflow passage (600) may be formed between the cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200). At this time, the airflow passage (600) may be formed between the side of the cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200), and between the bottom of the cartridge (100) and the inhaler body (200). External air introduced through the two paths may pass through the storage unit (110) and be discharged to the outside of the powder inhaler (1) through the mouthpiece (300).

[0086] The pressure sensor (700) can be placed in the airflow passage (600) formed between the cartridge (100) and the suction body (200).

[0087] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment including another example of an airflow passage (600).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, a powder inhaler (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), an inhaler body (200), a mouthpiece (300), an airflow generating part (400), a blocking part (500), an airflow passage (600), and a pressure sensor (700).

[0089] The powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 7 differs from the powder inhaler (1) described above only in the structure of the airflow passage (600), so all embodiments of the powder inhaler (1) described above can be equally applied to the powder inhaler (1) shown in FIG. 7.

[0090] An airflow passage (600) may be formed in the inhaler body (200). In one embodiment, the airflow passage (600) may penetrate the inhaler body (200) from the bottom of the inhaler body (200) and may be connected to the airflow passage (600) of the cartridge (100). At this time, the bottom of the inhaler body (200), which is the inlet of the airflow passage (600), may be implemented as a USB port.

[0091] In order to prevent external air introduced from the inlet of the airflow passage (600) from affecting internal components (e.g., control unit (210)) of the intake body (200) as it passes through the intake body (200), a protective wall may be placed outside the airflow passage (600). Since air cannot pass through the protective wall, the possibility of damage or failure of internal components of the intake body (200) caused by external air may be reduced.

[0092] The pressure sensor (700) can be placed in the airflow passage (600) formed in the suction body (200).

[0093] Below, various operating modes of the airflow generating unit (400) will be explained based on the structure of the powder suction device (1) described above.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the airflow generating unit (400) can operate in two different operating modes to assist / induce the discharge of powder through the mouthpiece (300). The two operating modes may be an inhalation assist mode and a cleaning mode, and the airflow generating unit (400) can operate in either of the two modes based on a user's input signal. That is, the user can select either the inhalation assist mode or the cleaning mode by inputting an input signal to the input unit (230).

[0095] In the present disclosure, the suction assist mode and cleaning mode may be classified based on whether the airflow generating unit (400) operates when there is a change in the internal pressure of the airflow passage (600).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the inhalation assist mode may be a mode in which the airflow generating unit (400) operates when there is a change in internal pressure of the airflow passage (600). That is, when the inhalation assist mode is selected, if the user contacts the mouthpiece (300) and inhales powder, a change in pressure may occur inside the airflow passage (600). In the inhalation assist mode, when the pressure inside the airflow passage (600) changes, the control unit (210) may operate the airflow generating unit (400) to induce the discharge of powder. Accordingly, the airflow generating unit (400) can assist the user in inhaling powder.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the cleaning mode may be a mode in which the airflow generating unit (400) operates when there is no change in internal pressure of the airflow passage (600). That is, after the user has finished inhaling the powder, when the user removes the mouthpiece (300), there is no change in pressure inside the airflow passage (600). When the cleaning mode is selected at this time, the control unit (210) can operate the airflow generating unit (400) to induce the discharge of powder. Accordingly, the airflow generating unit (400) can discharge the powder remaining inside the powder inhaler (1) after use to the outside.

[0098] According to one embodiment, in the suction assist mode, the airflow generating unit (400) can continue to operate for a preset time (e.g., 2 seconds) after the pressure change inside the airflow passage (600) has stopped. That is, from the point when the user removes the mouthpiece (300) after completing powder suction, the airflow generating unit (400) can continue to operate to induce the discharge of powder. Accordingly, even if the user does not separately select a cleaning mode, cleaning is performed automatically after suction is completed, so the convenience of use can be improved.

[0099] The preset time can be pre-entered into memory. In one embodiment, the preset time may be proportional to the time during which the pressure inside the airflow passage (600) changes. That is, the longer the user inhales the powder, the longer the preset time during which the airflow generating unit (400) operates after the powder inhalation is completed may increase. This is because the longer the user inhales the powder, the more powder may accumulate inside the powder inhaler (1). However, this is not limited thereto, and the preset time may be changed according to the user's choice.

[0100] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0101] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0102] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0103] 1: Powder inhaler 100: Cartridge 110: Storage section 200: Suction device body 210: Control unit 220: Power 230: Input section 300: Mouthpiece 400: Airflow generating unit 500: Prevention Department 530: Support 550: Additional prevention unit 600: Airflow passage 700: Pressure sensor

Claims

Claim 1 A powder inhaler comprising: a cartridge including a storage portion in which powder is stored; a mouthpiece through which the powder is discharged; an airflow generating portion that generates an airflow toward the mouthpiece; and a prevention portion disposed between the storage portion and the airflow generating portion to prevent the powder stored in the storage portion from heading toward the airflow generating portion. Claim 2 In paragraph 1, the prevention part is a powder inhaler disposed inside the cartridge. Claim 3 In claim 1, the above prevention part is detachably disposed in the powder inhaler. Claim 4 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the size of the prevention part is greater than or equal to the size of the storage part. Claim 5 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising a support member that supports the outer shape of the prevention member. Claim 6 A powder suction device according to claim 1, comprising: a control unit for controlling the airflow generating unit; and an additional prevention unit disposed between the storage unit and the control unit to prevent the powder stored in the storage unit from flowing into the control unit. Claim 7 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, comprising: a power source that supplies power to the airflow generating unit; and an additional prevention unit disposed between the storage unit and the power source to prevent the powder stored in the storage unit from flowing into the power source. Claim 8 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the airflow generating unit operates in either a suction assist mode or a cleaning mode based on a user input signal to induce the powder to be discharged through the mouthpiece. Claim 9 A powder inhaler according to claim 8, wherein in the suction assist mode, the airflow generating unit operates to induce the discharge of the powder when the pressure inside the airflow passage changes. Claim 10 A powder inhaler according to claim 9, wherein in the above-mentioned inhalation assist mode, the airflow generating unit continues to operate for a preset time after the pressure change inside the airflow passage has stopped. Claim 11 In item 10, the above-mentioned preset time is proportional to the time during which the pressure inside the airflow passage changes, a powder inhaler. Claim 12 In claim 8, the airflow generating unit is a powder suction device that operates in a cleaning mode to induce the discharge of the powder when there is no change in pressure inside the airflow passage. Claim 13 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising: an inhaler body to which the cartridge is detachably coupled; and an airflow passage formed between the inhaler body and the cartridge, through which air passes. Claim 14 A powder inhaler according to claim 13, further comprising a pressure sensor disposed in the airflow passage and detecting a change in pressure inside the airflow passage. Claim 15 A powder inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising: an inhaler body to which the cartridge is detachably coupled; and an airflow passage formed in the inhaler body through which air passes.

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